Saturday, August 31, 2024

LeBron James Reacts to Death of Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau


The sudden loss of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew is leaving an obvious mark in the NHL, but the waves have spread beyond hockey. Multiple athletes from other sports have made statements regarding the passing of the Gaudreau brothers, including one of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.

Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA icon LeBron James tweeted out his reaction and sent condolences to the Gaudreau family.

James was replying to an update regarding the incident that took the lives of Johnny and Matthew. Regardless of rivalry, sport, or walk of life, everyone is affected by this tragedy and feels a sense of loss.

There may not be much crossover between James and Gaudreau aside from their both professional athletes, but there is a connection. James is a native of Akron, Ohio and the only NHL team in that state is the Blue Jackets.

James is also a minority partner with Fenway Sports Group, the ownership group of the Pittsburgh Penguins who share the Metropolitan Division with the Blue Jackets.

Johnny turned 31 years old just over two weeks ago, while Matthew was only 29. The two were killed in a biking accident involving a drunk driver in their home state of New Jersey.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway OnSI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more! 

LeBron James on 'The Shop' tells son Bronny James to not call him Dad with Lakers


LeBron James is keeping it all business with his son, Bronny.

On the latest episode of "The Shop" on the Uninterrupted YouTube channel, the basketball legend is laying down boundaries for when he and his older son are at work with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th overall draft pick of this year's NBA Draft. They could be the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.

That doesn't, however, mean that Bronny can be all familiar and everything.

While at work, Bronny can call LeBron any number of things, except "Dad."

Lakers forward LeBron James shakes hands with his son Bronny James during the second half against the Houston Rockets, Nov. 19, 2023, in Los Angeles.

"He got to call me like '2-3' or 'Bron' or, you know, 'GOAT' if he want to. It's up to him," James said. "We cannot be running down the court, and he'd be like, 'Dad, push the ball up! Dad, I'm open! Dad, come on!'"

When do the boundary lines change for the duo?

"Once we leave out the private facility and the gates close, I could be 'Dad' again, in the car if we ride together, at home I could be 'Dad,'" LeBron said.

LeBron James, who recently came off an MVP appearance in the Summer Olympics in Paris, is entering his 21st NBA season and seventh with the Lakers. Bronny signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with a team option in the final season.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James sets on-court boundary with Lakers' Bronny James

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Friday, August 30, 2024

Johnny Gaudreau dead at 31: NHL, LeBron James among those mourning the passing of the Gaudreau brothers


The sudden deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have left the sports world in mourning on Friday morning. The brothers were killed on Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles in New Jersey.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was a fourth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft, and he quickly became a star. Throughout his 11 seasons with the Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, Gaudreau tallied 243 goals and 500 assists in 763 games.

Both of the Gaudreau brothers played college hockey at Boston College, and Matthew, 29, spent time at the AHL and ECHL levels following his hockey career.

The Gaudreaus left a big impact on the sports community, and that was evident by the outpouring of emotion from people and teams from across North America. Everyone ranging from former teammates to NHL teams to LeBron James offered up heartfelt words for Johnny and Matthew in the wake of their deaths.

Below is a collection of just some of the tributes for the Gaudreau brothers that have been posted on social media.

Columbus Blue Jackets

In the summer of 2022, Gaudreau signed a massive seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets, becoming the biggest free agent to do so since the team made its NHL debut in 2000. Gaudreau bought in to the vision Columbus was selling, and he was supposed to be a cornerstone rebuild as the franchise built toward being a Stanley Cup contender for the first time in history.

Calgary Flames

It's probably fair to say that fourth-round picks don't get much better than the one the Flames used on Gaudreau in 2011. Gaudreau spent nine seasons in Calgary, and his 210 goals rank ninth all-time in team history. He also ranks fifth in assists (399) and points (609). Gaudreau was a bona fide star for Calgary, and he will be remembered as one of the team's most electrifying players in the modern era.

LeBron James

The tragic news of the Gaudreau brothers reached far beyond the NHL, with LeBron James sharing heartfelt words and support for the entire Gaudreau family.

New York Islanders organization

Matthew Gaudreau went undrafted out of Boston College, but he wound up joining the Islanders organization as a free agent. He spent two seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and he tallied five points in 17 games. He also played 89 games with the Isles' ECHL affiliate, the Railers, and he ended his career with 24 goals and 60 points.

Boston College

Johnny and Matthew both played hockey at Boston College, and they played together in the 2013-14 season. Johnny was part of the Eagles' NCAA championship team in 2012, and he was a two-time finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

Current NHL players Former NHL players Former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen Major League Baseball NHL teams

The perfect LeBron James NFL position, per Marshawn Lynch


Sports fans have been fantasizing about Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James' NFL potential for years. Former All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch thinks that "The King" would've excelled as a tight end but with one caveat.

Lynch doesn't think that James would've been an effective blocker.

"Not in the trenches," Lynch said during a recent episode of the Get Get Pod. "He would've been a good tight end. Just wouldn't have been blocking for s**t."

The interviewer compared James' potential to a Jimmy Graham-type, who is a five-time Pro Bowler. The former New Orleans Saint was known for essentially acting as an oversized wide receiver, foregoing blocking for route-running and catching passes.

While Graham is one of the better tight ends to ever lace the cleats, James probably made the right decision by going the NBA route. However, there's an alternate universe where he became a football player during the 2011 NBA lockout.

LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) guards© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

James revealed to Peyton and Eli Manning during the "ManningCast" on Monday in 2021 that both the Dallas Cowboys and Seahawks wanted him during the lockout, via ESPN.

"Jerry Jones offered me a contract, and actually Pete Carroll in Seattle did as well during our lockout time," James said. "Definitely got my blood flowing again, got my mind racing again about the game of football, being out there on Sundays. We was able to get a deal done in the NBA and I was back on the court in no time, but I definitely thought about it. I still got the jerseys, too, that Jerry and Pete Carroll sent me from 2011."

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James' high school quarterbacks Matt McDonald and Chris Wooley both raved about his skill on the gridiron as well, via Baksetball Network.

"You look around the field, and it doesn't matter if he's double-covered," McDonald said. "It doesn't matter if he's triple-covered. That's where the ball is going."

"He's not the guy that's going to get hurt. It's the guys he's going against," McDonald added. "It's at a point where he was so much better than everyone else that not even the big guys could hurt him."

"It was like watching him with subpar NBA players now," Wooley said. "He makes everybody on the field believe in themselves more."

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

LeBron James’ high school jersey from SI ‘Chosen One’ cover to go to auction next month


On Feb. 3, 2002, Michael LeBrecht, an assistant photographer for Sports Illustrated, showed up to the gym at St. Vincent-St. Mary High and set up for an 8 a.m. photoshoot. 

The subject was a high school basketball player from Akron, Ohio. To LeBrecht, the assignment was simple enough: "Just another prodigy story of a young kid that was going to be good," he recalled thinking. 

LeBrecht had maybe 90 minutes to shoot photos before a morning practice, and he worried that the teen might be late. But at just before 8 a.m., there he was — LeBron James — walking into the gym alone. 

The resulting shoot produced an iconic photo that wound up on the cover of Sports Illustrated, complete with an audacious caption: "The Chosen One." More than 22 years later, the high school jersey James was wearing that morning will be up for sale next month at a Julien's Auctions event in Hong Kong. The jersey — which was also worn by James in a game that night, and for much of his junior season — is estimated to sell for somewhere between $1-2 million, which would set the record for a game-worn high school jersey. 

Days after a Babe Ruth jersey sold for $24.12 million, breaking the record for a piece of sports memorabilia, officials at Julien's a re trying to cast the "Chosen One" jersey as a piece that could one day be in the same category. 

"This storied jersey represents the pivotal moment of LeBron's ascension to basketball royalty," David Goodman, CEO of Julien's Auction, said in a statement. 

The auction — both live and online — is set to be held at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 27. It includes a selection of limited-edition photo prints of James from his Sports Illustrated photo shoot. 

The Prayer (Michael LeBrecht) The Chosen One (Michael LeBrecht) St. Vincent St Mary (Michael LeBrecht) Silhouette (Michael LeBrecht) The Dunk (Michael LeBrecht)

The jersey was last up for auction in 2021, when it sold for $512,200 at Julien's. It was first sold in 2019, when it went for $187,500 at Goldin Auctions. According to Goldin, the jersey was consigned by a former student at St. Vincent-St. Mary, who was given the jersey by James.

The day of the SI photoshoot, James was his usual dominant self in a victory over Archbishop Hoban. It was just weeks before a cover story by Sports Illustrated writer Grant Wahl introduced James — and his immense potential — to a national audience. LeBrecht was working just his fifth or sixth assignment for the magazine. He had first photographed James the previous summer at the ABCD Camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University. It was at that camp that James first burst onto the nati onal scene, besting top recruit Lenny Cooke. 

As LeBrecht recalls, the shoot lasted more than an hour and then resumed after practice. It included a series of action shots in which LeBrecht asked James to dunk "30 or 40 times," LeBrecht said. When it was over, James cleaned up and scored 32 points.

"I don't care who I photograph, or if I get another 100 covers or what," LeBrecht said. "I'm never going to photograph anything more iconic than that."   

The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.

(Top photo courtesy of Julien's)

Shawn Kemp: LeBron James shouldn't be compared to Michael Jordan


It seems the debate of who the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) in NBA history boils down to Michael Jordan and Lebron James. More and more people feel James is the G.O.A.T., but many people still give the nod to Jordan, the Chicago Bulls legend from the 1980s and 1990s.

One thing that doesn't get brought up that often in this debate is the fact that James is a vastly different player than Jordan. While the latter was arguably the greatest and most capable scorer in basketball history (he won 10 scoring titles and has the hi ghest career scoring average of all time), the former is a more well-rounded player while lacking the latter's refined offensive skill set as a scorer.

Shawn Kemp, a star big man who played in Jordan's era, said recently he doesn't think James is the greatest ever. Furthermore, he said James shouldn't be compared to Jordan, and that Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson would be a more apt comparison.

"I think LeBron is right up there," said Kemp. "I don't think he's the best and I don't think he has to be the best. And I don't think LeBron James should be compared with Michael Jordan either. I think LeBron should be compared with Magic Johnson. Whoever started that [expletive] up got it totally wrong. LeBron is not no Michael Jordan, Kobe [Bryant] is more Michael Jordan.

"It's like they wanted to make a story for the news or something I guess so they just throw a name out there. But I don't see how you can really compare those two. He's such a bigger, stronger person than Michael Jordan was, and a more forceful person."

Johnson is someone James has also been compared to over the years because of James' court vision, passing ability and open-court skills. However, there was an element of flow and overall beauty, not to mention a killer instinct, in Johnson's game that isn't quite there fo r James.

Kemp also added this nugget about how James' game would've translated to the NBA of the 1990s.

"With LeBron, I don't think he could have done that back when we played with all those big bodies. I'm not saying he would've been a very good player, but I think his game would have had to change. He would have planned to play more like he did in his younger years."

It's very possible that James wouldn't have been allowed to run amok in transition and force the pace two or three decades ago, as just about every NBA team chose to walk the ball upcourt, milk the shot clock and keep scores under 100 back then. He likely still would've been a big star back then, but his numbers may have taken a hit because of the ultra-slow pace and the added physicality of that era.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Shawn Kemp: LeBron James shouldn't be compared to Michael Jordan

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Kyle Kuzma on what he learned from LeBron James and Anthony Davis while with the Lakers


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Lakers' LeBron James left in awe by A'ja Wilson's eruption despite Aces loss


Amid all the social media hullabaloo surrounding the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the undisputed best player in the WNBA, A'ja Wilson, continues to cement her place at the top of the totem pole. On Tuesday night, despite the Las Vegas Aces' 93-90 loss to the Dallas Wings, Wilson had her way with the opposition, scoring 42 points on 16-22 shooting from the field. And in the process of doing so, she caught the eye of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

Posting on his official X account, the Lakers star expressed his awe over how Wilson dominated proceedings on Tuesday night.

"Lil sis going crazy right now!!!! @_ajawilson22 😤😤💪🏾," James wrote.

LeBron James has long been a fan of A'ja Wilson; as the old adage goes, game recognizes game, and the Lakers star definitely knows that Wilson has a case for being named as the most talented woman to ever hold a basketball in the history of the sport. James also reacted with awe after Wilson, in the Aces' previous game against the Chicago Sky, nailed a game-winning layup at the buzzer.

What makes A'ja Wilson such a marvel to watch is that she's not just a layup merchant. There is nothing wrong with dominating in the paint, make no mistake about it, but her offensive versatility makes her the most unstoppable player in the WNBA. Her ballhandling has improved a lot to the point that she is initiating screening actions as the ballhandler, and she makes a killing in the midrange as well to get the Aces two points before the defense could even collapse on her.

In addition to her offensive versatility, she is also the best rim protector in the league — making her the cream of the crop among her peers on both ends of the court. Perhaps LeBron James has a greater soft spot for her game since Wilson's playstyle is eerily similar to that of his Lakers running mate Anthony Davis.

However, Wilson's efforts on Tuesday were in vain as they were unable to hold off the Wings who came back with a spirited effort in the final frame. The Aces' first opportunity to bounce back from this defeat will come on Friday when they take on the Atlanta Dream.

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In 2022 and 2023, the Aces had the best record in the WNBA. (Two years ago, they were tied with the Sky.) They were hungry; after all, they lost the 2020 WNBA Finals in a convincing sweep by the Seattle Storm, and then in 2021, they lost a heartbreaking Game 5 to the Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals.

Thus, those Las Vegas teams were on a mission — to get over the hump. And get over the hump, they did. They won both the 2022 and 2023 WNBA championships, with A'ja Wilson playing a starring role. Heading into 2024, the Aces looked like the favorite to win it all again since they were bringing back the core that brought them two championships.

However, following their loss to the now 8-22 Wings on Tuesday night, the Aces have fallen to fifth place in the WNBA standings with their 18-12 record. It has been a rough go for the team with four Olympians. But perhaps they could flip the switch soon and become just the first team in WNBA history since the Houston Comets to win at least three championships in a row.

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Tuesday, August 27, 2024

NFL Star Makes Controversial Michael Jordan vs LeBron James Statement


Michael Jordan has not played in the NBA for over 20 years, but that doesn't stop his name from getting thrown out at least once a week in debates. The most recent is from known other than Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.

During an interview on The OGs podcast, Crosby stated that he'd rather take both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant on his GOAT list, instead of LeBron James.

"On my GOAT list, I'm taking Kobe over LeBron," Crosby said. "I think LeBron, like, I respect his greatness. He's top three, no question, but if it really comes down to it, in my opinion, you got Game 7 on the line. I'm taking MJ, and I'm taking Kobe if I want to win the title."

For what it's worth, this isn't the first time that Crosby has made a controversial statement about LeBron James. Back in July on the Jim Rome Show, Crosby stated that LeBron took the easy road traveled.

"The guys who inspire me are the Kobes (Bryant) and the (Michael) Jordans; the guys that stayed at the same place and won in the same place," Crosby said. "No offense to the guys like LeBron and those dudes -- I won't give them some heat, but they took the easier road traveled and that's not the way I look at it."

In 2011 when LeBron James joined the Miami Heat, this wasn't even a controversial statement. It was widely accepted by everyone that LeBron took the easy road traveled, but through a mix of revisionist history and LeBron winning a title in Cleveland, it's somehow been forgotten. While younger fans may have forgotten, Maxx Crosby hasn't.

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LeBron James and Victoria Justice's tequila ad photos spark humorous reactions from fans


Fans are finding LeBron James and Victoria Justice's latest collab for the tequila brand Lobos 1707 rather amusing.

Courtesy: @fearedbuck on X

NBA star LeBron James and actress Victoria Justice have once again captured the internet's attention with their latest project, a promotional campaign for the tequila brand Lobos 1707. 

The duo's recent collaboration has sparked a wave of humorous reactions across social media, thanks to a series of eye-catching images from the campaign.

Fear Buck recently shared a post that featured a striking photo of LeBron James and Victoria Justice. 

The post, captioned, "LeBron James linked up with Victoria Justice," showed the pair dressed in sleek black outfits, a sight that quickly became the talk of the town.

This isn't the first time LeBron and Victoria have crossed paths. Their first encounter dates back to 2011 when Justice was 18, and LeBron was 27. At that time, Justice posted a picture with LeBron and his son, Bronny, who was just seven years old. 

Fast forward to the present, and both LeBron, now 39, and Victoria, 31, continue to make waves with their stylish and charismatic appearances.

The recent Lobos 1707 ad has James and Justice recreating a scene from the iconic James Bond movie Casino Royale. In the commercial, Victoria Justice asks LeBron for his name, to which he responds, in true Bond fashion, "James. LeBron James."

Fans didn't take long to react with humor. Comments like "Savannah not gonna be happy with this one," referencing LeBron's wife, and "Bron sleeping on the couch tonight" added a light-hearted twist to the campaign's reception. 

Another fan humorously admitted, "I am unfamiliar with Victoria Justice game," poking fun at the unexpected pairing.

Monday, August 26, 2024

Video: Lakers' LeBron, Bronny Defended by 4x NBA Champion John Salley amid Criticism


Candice Ward/Getty Images

Former NBA forward John Salley believes a level of jealousy is at play with the criticism of the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to select Bronny James in the 2024 NBA draft and pair him with his father, LeBron James.

"I love that Bronny got drafted to the Lakers," said Salley, a four-time champion across his pro career, to TMZ Sports. "And everybody talking all that smack, hey listen, if my dad had the power, if my dad was the leading scorer, if my dad was able to take a pay cut so I could get a check — it's like no other business."

He added that the Jameses' detractors are "just mad they didn't think they could do it."

Multiple things can be true.

Rich Paul, who represents LeBron and Bronny, told Chris Haynes for Bleacher Report in May that the United States is "built on the nepotism," citing multiple examples at the executive level across sports. In almost any other business, people wouldn't think twice about a son going to work for the same employer as his dad.

But sports aren't like most other businesses.

Using a second-round pick on a player who averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds as a freshman and then giving him nearly $8 million would've been questioned regardless. James' familial connections only amplified the dialogue.

The pressure on Bronny to perform will be even higher as well. Attention would've followed him wherever he went, but him teaming up with LeBron in L.A. is different than if he would've landed on a rebuilding team in a smaller market.

The 19-year-old is reportedly expected to spend a lot of his rookie season with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. That should help lessen the spotlight somewhat, but few rookies from the 2024 class will face more scrutiny in the upcoming season.

LeBron James Is Pissed Off At EA Sports, Unleashes Rant On Social Media After Experiencing Issues With ‘Madden 25’


LeBron James Is Pissed Off At EA Sports, Unleashes Rant On Social Media After Experiencing Issues With 'Madden 25' Home » NBA » LeBron James Is Pissed Off At EA Sports, Unleashes Rant On Social Media After Experiencing Issues With 'Madden 25'

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Jeanie Buss claims LeBron James' new Lakers contract is a 'bargain'


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Lakers Rumors: Luka Dončić Eyed as Future of Franchise After LeBron James Retires


Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly already have a contingency plan in place for the eventual retirement of LeBron James, and it's a major swing for the fences.

"I've reported on this podcast and on The Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka [Dončić] in the future," The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor said Friday during The Mismatch (0:50 mark). "We'll see if that works out. Dallas just made a Finals, Dallas is looking better than ever with their supporting cast. That may not work out, but the Lakers by not trading their future picks clearly are still thinking long-term at this point. They're not going all in like you might expect many teams to do with James."

It's unknown how much longer James will play, though he's shown little sign of dramatically slowing down—he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds in 71 games for the Lakers this past season. Not too shabby for a 39-year-old.

One of his late-career goals was playing with son Bronny James. He'll have a chance to do so after the Lakers selected him in the second round of this year's NBA draft. It's certainly possible that after living out that particular dream, James could decide that he's accomplished basically everything he wanted to in his career and call it quits.

When he does, it will be one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. Four titles. Four league MVPs. Twenty All-Star Game appearances. The most points in NBA history. Fourth all-time currently in assists, though he could probably get to No. 2 depending on how many years he decides to remain in the game.

His legacy is assured. What is far less assured is how the Lakers will pivot once he's done with the game.

Anthony Davis doesn't appear to be going anywhere, but he never proved to be the sort of superstar who could be the true No. 1 for a championship contender. He will need a high-profile superstar to join him.

It doesn't get much better than Dončić, who was the NBA's scoring champion this past season at 33.9 points per game, to go along with 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per contest. He led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals alongside Kyrie Irving, a duo that should only improve with more time together.

The Mavs will do everything in their power to keep Dončić in Dallas for the entirety of his career, a la Dirk Nowitzki. But don't be surprised if the Lakers try to foil those plans.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic and many other players brought together for a new basketball project


Nikola Jokic, left, of Serbia, and LeBron James, of the United States, reach for a rebound at the 2024 Summer Olympics,AP

The "Dream Team 2.0" successfully achieved their mission of securing the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Led by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, this team faced off against 61 NBA players during the Olympics-far more than the original Dream Team, which played against just nine. Among the formidable international stars were three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, last season's MVP Runner-Up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the French towers, including the current four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

Netflix Chronicles Olympic Glory

These NBA superstars will feature prominently in an upcoming Netflix documentary that captures the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments of the Olympics. The documentary series is rumored to consist of six 45-minute episodes and doesn't yet have an official title but is expected to debut in early 2025. It will be produced by the same team behind the critically acclaimed documentary "The Last Dance," which chronicled the Chicago Bulls' championship runs with Michael Jordan. The production is a collaboration between Words & Pictures, Higher Ground Productions, and the Olympic Channel, aiming to deliver another thrilling sports documentary series, a trend that has gained immense popularity in recent years.

Although the United States was a heavy favorite to win, the team faced significant challenges, especially in the semifinals against Serbia, led by MVP Nikola Jokic. The U.S. team trailed for much of the game, falling behind by as many as 17 points. However, in the final minutes, they staged a remarkable comeback, with Curry leading the charge with 36 points, and LeBron James recording his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.

More Basketball News

It's been two months since the Boston Celtics lifted the championship trophy against the Dallas Mavericks, and the basketball world has been buzzing with news ever since. The NBA Draft saw Bronny James joining his father on the Lakers, players have been switching teams, new contracts are being signed, WNBA action has been dominated by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, and, of course, Team USA triumphed in Olympic gold in both men's and women's basketball. The upcoming NBA season will kick off with the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics , facing the Villanova New York Knicks, followed by a Western Conference showdown between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Friday, August 23, 2024

Netflix Teases Olympic Basketball Doc with Photo of LeBron, Wemby, Jokić Jerseys


Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages

The Olympic Men's Basketball tournament may be over but that doesn't mean fans don't have more content coming their way.

Netflix posted a teaser photo on X about an upcoming documentary about the 2024 Olympic Tournament. This was originally revealed to be happening prior to the opening of the games, and fans were promised a behind the scenes look at tournament life.

"(The documentary will) give all access to the sport's promising hopefuls and medal contenders from across the world as they first battle to qualify for Paris 2024 before setting their sights on the Olympic podium," per Scott Bregman of the Olympic Channel.

The teaser photo features jerseys from LeBron James of the U.S, Victor Wembanyama of France, Nikola Jokić of Serbia, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada and Franz Wagner of Germany.

The U.S. claimed gold for the fifth consecutive tournament, while France earned the silver and Australia won the bronze medal. James won the Olympics MVP for his efforts.

The documentary will show how those events unfolded and how the best in the world were preparing for the biggest tournament on the international stage.

The documentary is set to debut in 2025.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

LeBron James Taps WNBA's Nneka Ogwumike To Lead His Voting Nonprofit


The two pro ballers are teaming up as Ogwumi will be leading More Than a Vote, a nonprofit organization James launched in 2020.

LeBron James is doing his part to get out the vote, and WNBA star Nneka Ogwumi is leading the mission.

The two pro ballers are teaming up as Ogwumi will be leading More Than a Vote, a nonprofit organization James launched in 2020. Per the New York Times, the revived effort will be focusing on women's issues and reproductive rights.

"It's more than just abortion," a nine-time W.N.B.A. All-Star Ogwumi says of the organization per the outlet. A long-time activist, while playing for the Seattle Storm, she acted as the president of the players union and will be working with a team of women to further More Than A Vote's cause. "It's all about educating people about all the different roles that exist in society that support and protect the freedoms of women when it comes to family planning, I.V.F., birth control, everything. There's just a lot that's at stake."

More Than a Vote was created following the social justice uprising in 2020 propelled by the incessant murders of Black people at the hands of police including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. James along with other Black athletes galvanized to use their platforms to raise awareness for social justice causes and police reform. Now, the organization is expanding its reach to other areas that specifically affect women.

"Women's sports have experienced incredible growth over the course of my 13-year career in the WNBA. But over that very same span, I've watched legislators chip away at my rights and the rights of every athlete who make these teams and leagues shine," said Ogwumike in a statement per the Hollywood Reporter. "We cannot stand idly by as women's freedoms slip away, and that's why I'm taking a lead through More Than A Vote to educate and prompt action around this issue. 'We Decide Our Future' sends a very clear message: no one else should have the power to make decisions over our bodies and our healthcare."

Kevin Garnett Once Compared LeBron James Joining the Warriors to Shaq Joining the Celtics


The basketball world went into a frenzy when rumors swirled about LeBron James potentially joining the Warriors during February's trade deadline. However, the excitement of fans dreaming of a LeBron-Stephen Curry duo was quickly dashed.

Months later, as more details about the rumored trade emerged, Kevin Garnett weighed in, drawing a comparison to the 2010-2011 season when Shaquille O'Neal was acquired by the Boston Celtics.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were discussing the move that potentially brought LeBron James to San Francisco, pairing him up with long-time rival Steph Curry. Garnett revealed a few details of the potential move.

"The Lakers had a trade on the table to send LeBron to Golden State. They wanted Kuminga from Bron."

The Big Ticket further compared the now-shot-down move to the Celtics' acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal in 2010. Shaq was sharing the lineup with Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Garnett, and Pierce to make it a star-studded roster.

"We played with Shaq. I don't give a f**k what's going on. Shaq was older, but he was still at as Shaq. If he don't get hurt, we win. He did enough for us, his presence.

Similar to the impact Shaq had on the Cs, LeBron's presence alone will benefit the Golden State Warriors.

"It don't even matter, it's the effect of Bron… If he can still lay the ball up, if he can still be in the layup line, if he can still put the jersey on… It's always active."

Had this trade gone down, the NBA world would've witnessed two of the best players of the current generation team up. With both players expressing their admiration for each other on numerous occasions and with their on-court chemistry at full display during the 2024 Olympics, they would've loved to share the locker room had it not been for Rich Paul.

All teams in the association long for LeBron James to be part of their roster. Apart from the simple fact that he's still one of the best players in the league at age 39, the addition of James to any roster would benefit the team in terms of popularity as well.

The Golden State Warriors would've loved to acquire James at the cost of Jonathan Kuminga, a few other role players, and draft picks. However, Rich Paul was the reason behind the move never gaining any real traction.

According to sources, Paul didn't want his star client to swap the glamorous life of LA for Northern California.

"Rich Paul was adamantly opposed to the idea of LeBron James swapping Southern California for Northern California…"

Additionally, Paul also was on the lookout for his client's best interest, preventing naysayers from criticizing him for playing for a fourth team in his career.

"Sources say Rich Paul implored both teams to scrap the concept — despite some owner-to-owner dialogue between the Warriors' Joe Lacob and the Lakers' Jeanie Buss and Green's determination to lobby James to push for relocation to the Bay Area — largely because he wanted to insulate James from potential backlash over switching teams for the fourth time in his career," Marc Stein wrote.

Paul might've shattered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch both these players share the locker room. However, it does seem as though he did the right thing. Had James won a title with the Warriors, naysayers would've attacked his legacy for requiring Curry to win championship #5.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Olympic champion with Team USA reveals special moment with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant


Several days have passed since Team USA's triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, anecdotes and special moments continue to emerge, such as the one experienced by stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant along with one of their teammates after their victory over France in the final.

An event of such magnitude, featuring three of the best basketball players of recent times on the same court, will undoubtedly be hard to replicate. Moreover, many of their teammates were privileged witnesses to this extraordinary occasion.

Looking back at the events of the past few days, Steve Kerr's team embraced their role as frontrunners and contenders, securing the gold medal at the Olympics with distinction. With LeBron James named MVP, the United States clinched the top spot for the fifth consecutive time.

Not only did experience play a crucial role throughout the competition, but a new generation of players also emerged, promising to carry on the legacy established by these incredible athletes.

James Curry Durant

Lebron James #6, Kevin Durant #7, and Stephen Curry #4 of Team United States celebrate after their team's win against Team Serbia during a Men's basketball semifinals match between Team United States and Team Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France.

The importance of continuing the project will fall to Steve Kerr's successor, who has decided to step down following the Paris Olympic Games. With the goal set for Los Angeles 2028, it remains to be seen who will ultimately take charge of the team.

LeBron James reacts to being named Paris 2024 Olympics MVP ahead of Stephen Curry

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A special moment for one of the rising stars

One of the most promising talents on Team USA is undoubtedly the Minnesota Timberwolves player, Anthony Edwards. He was the one who, during an interview, mentioned a particularly special moment shared with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.

Regarding Team USA's coronation after winning the final, Edwards admitted: "Steph [Curry] was number 4. I was number 5. [LeBron James] was 6 and [Kevin Durant] was 7. When Steph's name get called, they go crazy. My name get called, they like [meh]," Edwards recalled in the Fanatics Fest event with Jalen Rose, via Boardroom. "Bron name get called crazy, [KD]'s name get called, they go crazy. So me just being in the middle of them, I think that was the greatest time in my life."

The future coach of Team USA

With Steve Kerr stepping down as Team USA head coach, two names are emerging as potential replacements. The top contenders to succeed Kerr in this successful cycle are none other than his two assistants from the Paris 2024 Olympics.

First among them is none other than Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra, while also emerging as a potential candidate is Tyronn Lue, head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The decision remains uncertain, but all signs point to one of these two names being the eventual successor to Steve Kerr, taking the helm as the team heads toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

‘Courtside Karen’ Juliana Zambetti Speaks Out About Cyberbullying After LeBron James Scolds Young Fan


Just a day after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, LeBron James made headlines for sternly rebuffing a young fan outside a restaurant in France, and the woman who became known as "Courtside Karen" after her own interaction with the basketball star is speaking out.

A TikTok video shared on August 11 showed the Team USA star arriving at a restaurant in France to much fanfare. A boy can be seen approaching with his phone in the hope of getting a photo, but James points his finger in the young fan's face and says, "Stop," before a member of his entourage pushes the boy away.

Juliana Zambetti, popularly known as "Courtside Karen," gained worldwide media attention after she was kicked out of a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on February 1, 2021. Zambetti's husband, a longtime Hawks fan, had heckled James from their courtside seats. As seen in the game's broadcast, James responded, and Zambetti stood up and removed her face mask to fire back at James.

Zambetti and her husband were kicked out of State Farm Arena, along with two other spectators.

Although James told reporters after the game, which the Lakers won 107–99, that he didn't believe their removal "was warranted," he posted to his more than 50 million followers on Twitter, now X, "Courtside Karen was MAD MAD!!" alongside several laughing emojis.

The nickname stuck, and Zambetti became the target of a wave of online harassment. Her experience has since propelled her to become a passionate advocate against cyberbullying.

"In the middle of a global pandemic, I found myself faced with a decision to make – stand up for something I believed in, or potentially risk it all. I chose to stand up for what I believed in. Fortunately for me, I am happy I made that decision," Zambetti said.

Even though the incident occurred more than three years ago, just last month another TikTok video used a clip of Zambetti speaking about it alongside a supercut of James sinking baskets. The video has racked up more than 12 million views, prompting a fresh deluge of harassment.

"I learned how to turn a difficult life lesson into a positive one before it destroyed me forever," Zambetti said. "Cyberbullying is a devastating epidemic that ruins lives, and in moments when it feels like your world is spiraling out of control, it's important to remember you are not alone. You may think that you have Courtside Karen all figured out, but one night on the court doesn't define me."

TMX contributed to this story.

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Monday, August 19, 2024

LeBron James Rumors: Rich Paul's Influence on Lakers-Warriors Trade Talks Revealed


Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Rich Paul reportedly had a significant impact in LeBron James not heading to the Golden State Warriors at the 2024 NBA trade deadline.

NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that Paul, James' agent, was "adamantly opposed" to James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for Golden State and did not want James to switch teams for a fourth time.

"Yet league sources say that the reported talks between the teams at the time never got that far in large part because James' agent Rich Paul was adamantly opposed to the idea of James swapping Southern California for Northern California," Stein wrote. "Sources say Paul implored both teams to scrap the concept — despite some owner-to-owner dialogue between the Warriors' Joe Lacob and the Lakers' Jeanie Buss and Green's determination to lobby James to push for relocation to the Bay Area — largely because he wanted to insulate James from potential backlash over switching teams for the fourth time in his career."

James in a Warriors uniform would be a strange sight.

He faced the Warriors four times in the NBA Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning one title behind a historic comeback. He has since played within the Warriors division as a member of the Lakers and faced the team in the postseason in 2022-23.

His play alongside Warriors guard Steph Curry on the U.S. Olympic team at the 2024 Summer Olympics showed how fun the duo could have been to root for, but Paul's concern about changing teams does have some logic. He began his career with the Cavaliers, left for the Miami Heat, returned to Cleveland and then finally departed for the Lakers.

Another team change, especially at 39 years old, would rehash some old narratives about it hurting his legacy.

James ultimately chose to re-sign with the Lakers in the offseason and is now set to play alongside his son, Bronny, in 2024-25. Without Paul's push, this all could have gone down a different path.

A young NFL quarterback says he could beat LeBron James in a dunk contest


Apr 12, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James isn't just one of the greatest players in NBA history — he's also an outstanding all-around athlete and one of the greatest physical specimens in basketball history.

He did well as a wide receiver while in high school in his native Akron, Ohio, and of course, he continues to play basketball at a very high level, even at age 39. He just helped lead Team USA men's basketball to an Olympic gold medal and was named the MVP of the tournament in Paris.

But Anthony Richardson, the incoming second-year quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, took a minor shot at James. While on "Up & Adams," he said he could beat the Los Angeles Lakers superstar in a dunk contest.

Richardson, a dual-threat QB out of the University of Florida, was perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie year ended after just four games because of a shoulder injury, and the Colts are hoping he will be their franchise signal-caller moving forward.

He previously played some AAU basketball, and his vertical leap was recorded at an excellent 40.5 inches.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: A young NFL quarterback says he could beat LeBron James in a dunk contest

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Sunday, August 18, 2024

NFL’s Anthony Richardson Claims He Could Beat LeBron James in NBA Dunk Contest


Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson made headlines off the football field recently with a bold claim that has the sports world buzzing. The 22-year-old rookie, known for his incredible athleticism, confidently stated that he could defeat 39-year-old NBA legend LeBron James in an NBA Dunk Contest.

Richardson, who has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the NFL, is no stranger to high flying athletic feats. Standing at 6'4" and 240 pounds, the former Florida Gator boasts a vertical leap that rivals some of the best basketball players. During an interview Tuesday's Up & Adams show, Richardson was asked about how good he would do in the NBA. One thing is for sure, this man ain't missing self confidence.

"I feel like I would average a good 12-13 points in the NBA" replied the NFL quarterback. Richardson made it clear LeBron James is his favorite NBA player and after being asked if he thought he could beat James at a Dunk contest he responded with a short "right now yeah, he is about to be 40"

LeBron James, despite never participating in the NBA's annual Slam Dunk Contest, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and creative in game dunkers in the history of the league. At 6'9" and 250 pounds, LeBron's combination of size, strength, and finesse has resulted in countless highlight level dunks throughout his great career.

Richardson's comments are particularly audacious given LeBron's status as one of the greatest athletes of all time. The idea of an NFL quarterback challenging a future NBA Hall of Famer in his own sport is both surprising and entertaining.

Fans Reaction On Social Media

Richardson's claim quickly went viral, with social media erupting in debates over who would win such a contest. Some fans praised the young quarterback for his confidence, while others were skeptical, pointing to LeBron's decades of dominance on the court.

Some fans tweet: "I love the confidence," "But LeBron in a dunk contest? That's a different level," "This man needs a cold plunge of reality" as many more gathered in social media to comment about Richardson's statement.

Will this face-off ever become a reality? Chances are slim but maybe in the All-Star Weekend or a charity-focused event

While the opportunity of Richardson and LeBron facing off in an NBA Dunk Contest are small, the quarterback's bold statement has added an intriguing chapter to the ongoing dialogue between football and basketball athletes. Whether or not this challenge ever materializes, it's clear that Richardson isn't afraid to aim high both on and off the field.

As the NFL season progresses, fans will be watching to see if Richardson's confidence translates into on field success, and perhaps dreaming of a day when this cross sport showdown could become a reality.

Some have even speculated whether this could lead to a friendly, charity-focused event, pitting NFL and NBA stars against each other in various athletic challenges. The idea of Richardson and LeBron going head-to-head in a dunk contest could bring a fresh and exciting twist to sports entertainment.

This version adds more context and speculation around the possibility of a cross sport event.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Lakers' LeBron James, Warriors' Draymond Green Vacation Together in New Video, Photos


After Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James helped Team USA win a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris this month, he celebrated with a well-earned vacation along with Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green.

TMZ Sports reported that James and Green were seen Friday living it up at La Guerite beach club in Cannes, France, and the publication shared video of the NBA stars dancing and enjoying themselves:

Paul Rivera, who is the creator of the YouTube talk show The Shop starring LeBron and Maverick Carter, posted a photo of himself with James and Green:

Per TMZ, James attended Adele's concert in Munich on Wednesday night before returning to France to enjoy his time off.

James was named MVP of the Olympic men's basketball tournament by FIBA, as he averaged 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

Team USA went undefeated and won its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, but it faced plenty of adversity, including having to overcome a 17-point deficit to beat three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Serbia in the semifinals.

Green's Warriors teammate, Stephen Curry, was the hero in that one, as he finished with a game-high 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including going 9-for-14 from three-point range.

After winning his third career Olympic gold medal, James will soon begin preparations for the the 2024-25 NBA regular season.

LeBron is in search of his fifth career NBA title, but he and the Lakers could have an uphill climb after falling to the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs last season.

James will also have a chance to fulfill a dream next season, as he and Bronny James will become the first father-son duo in NBA history, assuming Bronny sees some game action as a rookie.

LeBron James’ Wife Savannah Speaks Out About Side Chicks And Sneaky Links


Getty Image

Savannah James, the childhood sweetheart and now wife of NBA superstar LeBron James, had plenty to say on a recent podcast episode when it comes to "side chicks" and "sneaky links" as well as being LeBron's "wifey."

James, throughout a miraculous career that spans over two decades, has managed to keep his reputation, as well as his marriage, squeaky clean.

But while he's seemingly been able to avoid drama with side chicks and sneaky links, Savannah still has some strong feelings on the matter.

On a recent episode of her Everybody's Crazy podcast, Savannah James discussed the differences between a sneaky link and a side chick, why she hates both, and why she despises the term "wifey."

She began by stating that both side chicks and sneaky links were "too much" and that if you want to mess around, you should just stay single.

James then dove further into the term "wifey" and why she holds so much contempt for the word.

"When I tell you I hate, LOATH, 'wifey' with my whole entire soul," she said. "Because (redacted) don't call me your wifey. I'm not. I'm not. I had to politely tell my husband back in the day."

James said that she didn't want to be introduced as LeBron's wife until they were officially married.

LeBron and Savannah officially wed in September of 2023 and now have three children together – Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri.

While LeBron and Savannah publicly maintain the image of a perfect couple, that doesn't mean they've avoided rumors.

In late 2022, podcast host Sofia Franklyn alleged that LeBron routinely cheats on his wife and even described how.

"LeBron James has various parties, constantly where NDAs need to be signed and women are at. You didn't know that? You didn't know LeBron's a cheetah," Franklyn stated.

Nothing more came from the allegations. But it appears Savannah has made her feelings abundantly clear about where she stands on the matter.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Watch LeBron James sing along to Adele during concert in rain


Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, fresh off winning his third Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and clinching a FIBA Summer Olympics MVP title, took a delightful detour to enjoy an Adele concert in Munich, Germany. Captured in a lively video by @janlucasander on X, James was seen fully immersed in the experience, singing and dancing to "Set Fire to the Rain" while playfully twirling his umbrella in sync with the rain-soaked ambiance at the Meese München arena.

Adele, engaged to James' close friend and agent, Rich Paul, delivered a compelling performance that was about more than just music for James. The concert symbolized the close-knit connections that transcend James' professional life into personal realms. Rich Paul, a key figure in managing James' stellar basketball career, has been instrumental in navigating his high-profile life, linking him to global stars like Adele, further blending the worlds of sports and entertainment.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere at the concert highlighted James' capacity to blend his high-energy sports persona with genuine moments of leisure and support for his friends in the music industry.

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This offseason, LeBron James is actively preparing for his seventh season with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant phase in his career. The 2024-25 NBA season promises excitement as it becomes a family affair with his son, Bronny James, joining the team after a second-round draft pick this past June.

As the new NBA season approaches, now just over a month away, the Lakers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting run. Fans are eager to see LeBron James return in the purple and gold, particularly as the team strives to claim another championship after last year's disappointing first-round playoff exit. There is considerable interest in how LeBron's offseason, marked by Olympic successes and engaging social outings like this concert, will influence his performance in the upcoming season.

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Thursday, August 15, 2024

Lakers' LeBron James Changes Social Media Profile Photos to Celebrate USA Gold Medal


Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages

LeBron James changed his profile picture on multiple social media platforms to celebrate USA Basketball's gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar changed his profile picture on X to an image of the entire U.S. men's basketball team displaying their gold medals.

James also changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of himself alongside Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant after winning gold.

After the U.S. defeated France to stand on top of the podium, the 39-year-old was named MVP of the Olympics men's basketball tournament.

James was humbled by the nod after winning the third Olympic gold medal of his career.

"It's an honor. I don't know who the voting committee, or whatever the case may be, but super-humbled that they even voted for me," James told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. "But it came with us winning gold and that's what's more important for me. It's pretty cool."

The four-time NBA MVP helped the U.S. finish with an undefeated record in Olympic play. James averaged 14.2 points, 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 66 percent from the field in six contests.

He became the first player in Olympic history to record multiple triple-doubles during a semifinal matchup with Serbia. He later posted 14 points and 10 assists in the gold-medal game against France.

James is making sure to revel in his latest accomplishment, as he likely won't be making any future appearances at the Olympics. The NBA's all-time leading scorer told reporters that he "can't see" himself participating in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

With James' Team USA experience coming to an end, he'll look forward to helping the Lakers attempt to bounce back from a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets alongside U.S. teammate Anthony Davis.

Lakers newsletter: Have the Lakers wasted LeBron James’ final years?


Welcome to this week's Lakers newsletter, I'm Dan Woike, beat writer for the L.A. Times and this is my weekly chance to speak directly to the readers in the same way the J. Crew Factory Store speaks to me every five hours or so.

I've been on a little bit of a summer hiatus, enjoying some time with my family, while the Lakers basically have stayed in neutral.

Newsletter

All things Lakers, all the time.

Get all the Lakers news you need in Dan Woike's weekly newsletter.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

There was some international competition that I monitored from afar, but otherwise, mostly same as it ever was.

But with the NBA schedule set for release on Thursday, I figure it's time to shake off the summer rust and ease myself back into the things.

So with that…

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Have they wasted LeBron's final years?

As LeBron James earned an unlikely MVP — the plan wasn't necessarily for him to be Team USA's best player at the Olympics when Grant Hill first began recruiting him for the roster — each bit of praise also felt like an indictment of the Lakers.

Some of it was a bit disingenuous. Sure, when surrounded with the some of the best talent ever assembled, James' all-around game really popped in a way no 39-year-old should be able to put together. Assists come easier, of course, when Stephen Curry and Devin Booker are the targets behind the three-point line.

But the way James performed in France reinforced the things people saw from him a year ago in the NBA Cup and down the stretch of the Lakers' season. He's still really, really, really good.

But the Lakers and Rob Pelinka's summer of roster inaction, a stagnation that's been broken by only a new coaching staff and two draft picks, makes the opening question a real topic of conversation.

A rival Western conference general manager once told me that having James on your roster means you are "all in" all the time. And the Lakers have been all in at various times during James' time with the team.

They were all in when they shipped out everything minus Kyle Kuzma for Anthony Davis (who also played great in France). They were aggressive after the 2020 NBA title by trading for Dennis Schroder and remaking the bench. When injuries undid that season, they were aggressive again, trading for former MVP Russell Westbrook.

But when those trades are reexamined, "aggressive" looks a lot like "reckless."

Did Pelinka need to reimagine the 2020 title roster, adding offense-minded players such as Montrezl Harrell and Schroder while rebuilding the frontcourt around Davis? At the time, the argument was that with the shortest offseason in NBA history on the way, getting more offense around James would ease the burden placed on him and Davis and give the team mor e runway.

It didn't work for a bunch of reasons, bad luck and injuries included.

The Westbrook trade remains indefensible, the Lakers taking back the big contract and giving up key players and a pick for a hole they had to use future draft capital to escape.

There's no real point in getting too deep into the weeds on either of those decisions other than to understand that their failures left the Lakers and Pelinka maybe a little scarred and cautious when it comes to moves.

It makes a lot of sense. In any world, it's important to "win" the trade, but especially if you're Pelinka and your résumé could start getting a more thorough examination if the Lakers can't carve a path back to the top of the West (or at least close to it).

So overpaying, especially at this stage of the summer, doesn't seem like a real option.

There's also the flip side of the James-Davis coin. Eventually, James will slow down (maybe before the 2036 Olympic s on Saturn) and Davis, despite being only 31, has played nearly 28,000 NBA minutes while dealing with a long list of injuries.

But all of us who watched the Olympics saw it — James and Davis competing at title level around the greatest players in the world. And fans probably are right to crack jokes about them leaving that roster for the one that picked off just one game from Denver earlier this year.

So Pelinka is forced to reckon with all of this, pressure from team stakeholders to improve, fans desperate for change and a Boston Celtics title still in the rearview all contributing variables to a very tough situation.

Pelinka probably would say that the team has only one really big shot available at the time being. And two future firsts, Dalton Knecht and pick swaps probably will get them into only so many conversations, and not the ones that are obvious needle-moving deals.

Also everyone in the NBA knows what situation the Lakers are in and because of that, teams have no real incentive to help or even deal with them fairly. If you're talking trades with the Lakers, you almost certainly have all of the leverage.

They're not rich enough in young talent to go deal for Alex Caruso in the same way Oklahoma City is. They weren't cap-flexible enough to sign a top two-way wing like the one they dealt for Westbrook, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, in the way Orlando did. They didn't have the draft capital to pry Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn.

Some of this is the reality of James and Davis and their salaries. But a lot of this is limitations the Lakers were forced to deal with after bad deals in the two years following the title.

Even last summer's work, when the Lakers brought back most of the Western Conference finals team, is now open to criticism from rivals who point to Jared Vanderbilt's extension, Rui Hachimura's beefy contract and the slew of player options that all got picked up as misses that have made it harder to improve around James.

Add in a second CBA apron that makes moves even tougher, and boom, you've got all the ingredients for "I have no idea what these guys should do" pie.

The Lakers haven't wasted James' final years in the NBA for any lack of effort. They're just jammed up because of what hasn't worked. And while it's bad process to be afraid of trying similar strategies, it's also bad process to ignore lessons from the past.

It's a problem that looks unsolvable for now. Maybe things loosen up closer to training camp with prices going down. Maybe the changes on the Lakers bench make a real difference. And maybe internal improvement from players like Hachimura and Austin Reaves pushes the Lakers ahead.

But in a conference where teams surrounding the Lakers are loaded, it's going to be tough.

And if the Olympics showed us anything, it's that it would be an absolute waste not to get to see James play basketball for the hi ghest stakes.

Clip of the Week

For the first time in history, this isn't a song. It's the movie clip I ALWAYS think about when I try to explain where the Lakers are right now. Watch it here.

In case you missed it

Former Laker Frank Selvy, who scored 100 points in a college game, dies at 91

LeBron James, Stephen Curry and fellow stars lead U.S. to gold-medal win over France

Kobe Bryant and Gianna are sitting near Crypto.com Arena entrance named after Lakers icon

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

LeBron James takes spot as the best basketball player ever over Michael Jordan


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Why LeBron James and Steph Curry should have been Co-MVPs of Olympics basketball l What's Wright?


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