It appears Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is headed to Australia to support Taylor Swift.

 

Kelce is reportedly traveling to Australia to support Swift during the latest leg of her Eras Tour in Sydney, which runs from Feb. 23 to Feb. 26, according to Elle’s Naomi May.

“Swift has sent her private jet to Hawaii from Sydney, where she is based for her next string of shows, amid reports she is flying Kelce to Australia to join her on her tour,” May wrote.

The three-time Super Bowl champion hinted that he would be traveling to Australia during the latest episode of his New Heights podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, saying, “I’m about to go venture to an island real soon.”

When Jason asked where he’s going, Travis replied, “I think the best ones are south.”

Swift traveled from Tokyo, Japan, to Las Vegas—flying through 17 time zones—to support Travis in Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers, so it’s no surprise he intends to go to the Eras Tour.

Kelce previously saw the Eras Tour at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium and he also flew to Argentina for the concert in November.

 

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie, have been married since 2018. The couple have three children together

Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie Kelce (neé McDevitt), are a beloved NFL couple.

“They are great partners,” a source told PEOPLE, adding that Kylie is a “great” addition to the Kelce family. “She’s very sweet and level-headed, very cool. Everybody loves her, like everybody.”

Jason and Kylie originally met on Tinder. After two years of dating, they wed in Philadelphia in April 2018.

The couple now shares three daughters: Wyatt Elizabeth, Elliotte Ray and Bennett Llewellyn — who was born just a few weeks after the 2023 Super Bowl, otherwise known as the “Kelce Bowl.”

So, who is Jason Kelce’s wife? Here’s everything to know about Kylie Kelce and her relationship with the NFL player.

She is a Philly Girl

Jason may not be a born and bred Philadelphian — the NFL star was raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio — but he is firmly rooted in the City of Brotherly Love. The Super Bowl champ was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and has played 12 seasons with the team. He is affectionally known city-wide (and beyond!) as the “King of Philly.”

Kylie, however, was raised in Eagles country. Born in 1992, she grew up in Narberth, a Main Line suburb of Philadelphia. She stayed nearby for college, attending Cabrini University in Wayne, Pennsylvania. She majored in communications, and Jason was right by her side when she graduated in 2017.

“She’s from the area. Both of her parents are here, my parents came in, and she has a lot of friends, family members. She’s not alone by any stretch of the imagination,” the pro athlete told reporters the day after his firstborn’s birth in October 2019, noting that his teammates and coaches had been very supportive. “There’s not much I can do. Obviously, I can be supportive and whatnot, but, you know, you can’t milk me.”

She and Jason met on Tinder

In Kelce, a documentary by Amazon Prime Video, Kylie spoke about meeting her husband on Tinder, admitting that she didn’t initially know that the person she matched with was an athlete. “None of his pictures showed Eagles football,” she said.

During a September 2023 podcast episode of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, she talked about spotting him on the app. “His profile at the time was something along the lines of, ‘I want to have deep meaningful conversations and talk about getting married and having kids,’ ” she recalled.

Kylie said that for their first date, she went to meet Jason and his friends at a bar. However, the date didn’t last long. “Forty-five minutes later, he fell asleep at the bar, like just, out, like asleep, asleep,” she said in the documentary.

She also recounted on the podcast how fellow Eagles player Bo Allen then “accomplished the most accomplished physical feat of his life when he fireman carried back to his apartment.”

Jason then said he was “sober enough to know” Kylie was “the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life” before noting that their second date “went much better.”

“The next day, he called and was like, can we try that again?” Kylie said, adding that he “did much better” impressing her the next time they went out.

The pair made their relationship Instagram official on Nov. 11, 2015, when Kylie shared a black-and-white picture with her beau along with the caption, “Thank goodness you swiped right too.”

She and Jason got married in Philadelphia

The couple tied the knot at the Logan Hotel in Philadelphia on April 14, 2018. Their wedding planner, Sarah Alderman, said there were about 170 guests at the wedding. The Kelce’s 20-pound Irish wolfhound, Winnie, whom they adopted in May 2017 and are reportedly “obsessed with” according to Philadelphia Magazine, was among the attendees.

The wedding came two months after Jason and his Eagles won Super Bowl LII. Their engagement appeared to be short, as Philadelphia photographer Hugh E Dillon claimed he received a tip “six weeks” earlier from a customer who said they saw Jason buying an engagement ring and wedding bands.

Kylie shared a lovely message on Instagram on the pair’s one-year wedding anniversary, writing, “One year ago today we stood in front of our closest friends and family and vowed our love and commitment to each other. I am so beyond grateful that I get to share my life with this man.”

She is a girl mom

Jason and Kylie are proud parents to three daughters.

Two months before they welcomed their firstborn, Kylie rocked a green Eagles shirt that said “62 did this” in all caps, with an arrow pointing to her belly.

“Just giving credit where credit is due… And to all the people who told me I was glowing… that was sweat,” the mom-to-be joked on Instagram in August 2019.

Their eldest daughter, Wyatt Elizabeth Kelce, was born on Oct. 2, 2019. Jason told reporters that originally they were thinking Wyatt for a boy and Charlotte for a girl, but friends took the latter name first and they liked how Wyatt sounded “regardless” of sex.

Wyatt’s little sisters, Elliotte Ray Kelce and Bennett Llewellyn joined the family on March 4, 2021, and Feb. 23, 2023, respectively.

In November 2023, Jason and Kylie shared their first holiday card as a family of five.

She supported her husband at the Super Bowl — while very pregnant

Kylie was in the stands to cheer Jason on during the 2023 Super Bowl — and she was fully prepared in case she went into labor during the game.

While Kylie brought her two OBs to the stadium in case she went into labor at the Super Bowl, she didn’t end up giving birth that day.

“It was an epic game, an epic Super Bowl, an epic one for our family. We did miss out on one thing that could have made it more epic though. That baby is still inside Kylie’s belly,” Jason said during a February 2023 podcast episode of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.

He added, “I was actually rooting for Kylie to go into labor and have the baby at the stadium. I feel like that’s very selfish of me, but that’s what I wanted to happen. I don’t know why I wanted that to happen.”

She joked that her brother-in-law Travis was “not family” during the 2023 Super Bowl

On Feb. 10, 2023, Kylie talked to PEOPLE about her competitive spirit as Jason and her brother-in-law, Travis, prepared to face off at the Super Bowl.

“Being part of the Kelce family right now is very exciting,” she said.

“I, of course, am like, ‘Sorry Travis, we’re not family this week,’ ” she joked. “But, you know, next week, it’ll be all love again.”

She is a philanthropist

The Kelces both give back to their community. Jason established his own foundation, (Be)Philly, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of Philadelphia’s youth, in October 2022.

“Whether my family, my friends, or my fellow Philadelphians, I have always felt an overwhelming love and support that has helped reach my dreams and potential on and off the field. Now it’s my turn,” Jason wrote on the nonprofit’s website.

And Kylie has regularly helped raise money for the Eagles Autism Foundation. She throws an annual event at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, which raised $150,000 — of which the Kelces donated $50,000 — in its second year in 2022.

Kylie has been volunteering from an early age — as a high schooler, she worked with the Special Olympics of New Jersey and helped pack boxes to send to troops.

She played field hockey at the collegiate level

As a student, Kylie played field hockey at Lower Marion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, as well as during college.

According to her Cabrini Athletics page, during her senior year in 2016, she was named to the All-CSAC First Team and ECAC South All-Stars First Team and scored 15 total points on five goals and five assists. In 2019, she called becoming a part of the Cabrini Field Hockey family “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” She has also been the head coach at her former high school.

She’s friends with Taylor Swift

Kylie first appeared to cross paths with her brother-in-law’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, when they shared a suite in January 2023, when the Kansas City Chiefs played against the Buffalo Bills. Kylie and Swift posed for photos together during the game, including one that Amanda Santa, the wife of Travis’ manager, Aaron Eanes, shared on Instagram.

The new friends were reunited at the 2024 Super Bowl as they cheered Travis on. In a video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Kylie and Swift can be seen chatting in the suite, along with the singer’s dad, Scott.

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Kelce and Wife Share Excitement Over Pregnancy News: “We Couldn’t Keep It Hidden”

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles’ star Jason Kelce and his beloved wife, Kylie, have confirmed the joyous news of their pregnancy, expressing their excitement over the impending arrival of their new addition to the family. The couple, known for their enduring love and bond, shared their delight with fans and followers, revealing that they simply couldn’t contain their joy any longer.

In a heartwarming statement shared on social media, Jason and Kylie Kelce expressed their gratitude and happiness as they prepare to welcome their bundle of joy into the world. “We were just too excited to keep the news hidden any longer,” they wrote, accompanied by a photo of the couple smiling radiantly together.

Kylie Kelce, visibly glowing with anticipation, shared her thoughts on the upcoming arrival, expressing her hopes and dreams for their growing family. “I want our boy to grow up to be like his dad,” she said, “and I don’t mind him being a footballer.” Her sentiments reflect the deep admiration and respect she holds for her husband, who is not only a celebrated athlete but also a beloved figure both on and off the field.

Jason Kelce, known for his dedication and passion for the game of football, echoed his wife’s excitement and enthusiasm for their expanding family. “We can’t wait to embark on this new journey together,” he remarked, his eyes shining with pride and happiness. The announcement comes as a source of joy and celebration for the Kelce family and their legion of fans, who have eagerly awaited news of the couple’s next chapter.

As they prepare to welcome their new addition, Jason and Kylie Kelce are overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and fans. Their pregnancy announcement has been met with an outpouring of well-wishes and congratulations from across the globe, underscoring the deep affection and admiration that surrounds the Kelce family.

In the midst of their busy lives and demanding careers, Jason and Kylie Kelce have found solace and joy in the prospect of starting a family together. Their shared excitement and anticipation serve as a testament to the strength of their bond and the love that continues to grow between them.

As they eagerly await the arrival of their little one, Jason and Kylie Kelce are embracing this new chapter with open hearts and open arms. With their unwavering love and support for each other, they are poised to embark on the journey of parenthood with boundless enthusiasm and joy.

 

Kylie Kelce is a Swiftie just like the rest of us. She just posted a sweet video of her 4-year-old daughter Wyatt, who she shares with husband Jason Kelce, and it’s set to the perfect Taylor Swift song.

 

The TikTok starts with the preschooler sitting on the couch reading. She’s dressed in a gray Eagles t-shirt to support the football team her dad plays for as she flips through the pages. Then, the video cuts to a baby Wyatt — still in an Eagles shirt — sitting in a playpen reading a book about farm animals. Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” plays, and we are feeling so emotional with the lyrics and the flashback.

 

“Don’t you ever grow up. Just stay this little,” Swift croons, and it’s impossible not to tear up a little. Why do babies have to grow up so fast?

 

“I think I’ll have an answer in the next couple weeks,” the beloved Philadelphia Eagles center said.

“I think if I still want to play, I’m going to play,” Kelce said. “I think right now we’re not far enough away from the last game. It’s emotional, it’s a long season, the end of the season quite frankly, awful. So I’m just going to take some time, rest, recoup and then figure it out.”

Kelce played his last game of the season on January 15 when the Eagles were eliminated from the NFL playoffs in a 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the clock ticked down at the end of the game, television cameras caught Kelce holding back tears and sharing an emotional embrace with his longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

The 13-year veteran then jogged towards the stands to look for his family, sharing another emotional hug with his wife Kylie and a handshake with his father Ed Kelce, who traveled to Florida to be there for the game.

Kelce declined to speak with the media after the game, meanwhile players, pundits and the league itself posted tributes to him on social media with the assumption he had just played his final NFL game.

Both the NFL and ESPN reported that Kelce told his Eagles teammates after the game that he planned to retire.

However, nearly a month since then, Kelce has repeatedly indicated he might not be ready to hang it up after all.

Last week on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, Kelce said the idea of retirement is “exciting” but also “daunting.”

“It is exciting to think about possibilities — it is exciting to be able to lose weight, feel good, and not physically fight for my life every day,” he said. “I think it is also daunting. It is anxiety and at the end of the day, it is the unknown.”

Kelce has been open about his thoughts towards retirement in recent years, most prominently during a wrenching scene in his Kelce documentary on Prime Video last fall.

“It’s getting harder and harder to play,” Jason said in one poignant scene. “There have been little things that are not big things yet but are going to turn into big things the longer I play.”

He and Kylie, 31, welcomed their third daughter Bennett Llewellyn Kelce shortly after Super Bowl LVII last year, which the Eagles lost to his brother’s Kansas City Chiefs team.

Kelce has spent the last month in the stands with his family and Travis’ girlfriend Taylor Swift, cheering on his brother as the Chiefs went on to win back-to-back Super Bowl championships on Sunday.

On an episode of the brothers’ New Heights podcast, Kelce said that when it comes to his retirement, he’s doing his best not to factor in the chance to win another Super Bowl with the Eagles.

“I want the decision of whether I am going to play to be based on whether I want to do it,” he told his brother Travis. “Selfishly, I need to decide, can I commit? Can I mentally be there? Do I want to endure that again? Winning helps that, but you try to not factor that into the decision.”

“As a mom, all of the other moms know that we’re in this together.”

Forget her Philly Special husband, her Super Bowl-bound brother-in-law and his singing girlfriend. What moms across America want to know is this:

What’s Kylie Kelce like?

This Pennsylvania-raised mom of three has collected a solid fan club of women who appreciate her no-nonsense banter with her husband, her sense of humor about the chaos of raising kids and her pro-leggings approach to fashion.

And while we know the things that have put her in the spotlight today — her Philadelphia Eagles husband Jason Kelce; his brother, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, and his romance with Taylor Swift — Kylie is ultimately a reflection of the mom we all want to be.

Whether she’s rolling her eyes when Jason brings a portable fan to her hospital delivery room or checking her watch to see how much longer she has to keep the kids quiet while her husband records his podcast, Kylie shows us the parts of family life that we intimately know from our own households, and it’s powerful (and hilarious) to see those moments onscreen.

In a conversation with TODAY.com, Kylie chatted about her supermom status, and we were delighted when she said the most mom-tastic, mom-approved, Sisterhood of the Traveling Moms thing possible:

“I really appreciate the support,” she says, humbly. “As a mom, all of the other moms know that we’re in this together. We’re all in the grind, so to see that other people see that and appreciate that … it kind of gives you a little boost to keep you going.”

Kylie and Jason are raising three adorable young girls: Wyatt (4), Elliotte (2) and Bennett (11 months). She takes her role very seriously.

“My first priority in anything that I do is to make sure that my kids are squared away and taken care of,” Kylie says. “I just appreciate that people connect with that, and that they’re supportive of that, and they understand my thinking and belief in that because they’re living their lives the same way.”

In addition to modeling the caring and concerned aspects of motherhood, Kylie also wants to banish misconceptions that mothers are “always going to have it together.”

As the wife of an NFL player, Kylie has been forced to parent in public, whether it’s at last year’s Super Bowl or their recent trip to Orlando for the Pro Bowl and Disney World. We asked her how she keeps her cool and her sense of humor on such occasions.

“I don’t always,” she answers bluntly, but with a smile. “And that is the secret.”

Kylie wants to dispel the notion that “parents know what they’re doing.” She says that she and her husband quickly came to the realization that “no parent knows what they’re doing and we’re all just figuring it out as we go. Knowing that, it gives you a little sense of relief because you don’t feel as lost as you originally did.”

Even so, Kylie isn’t just winging it completely. She is thoughtful about her interactions with her children, and makes sure that she uses her “serious voice” sparingly.

“Ultimately, I am always trying to come in with a calm, levelheaded demeanor. But, you know, sometimes the day gets the best of you. Sometimes you’ve been pulled on or yelled at or whined at too much,” she tells TODAY.com. And when that happens, or when someone is being unsafe, Kylie brings out her “serious voice” and asks the girls if they can hear how serious her voice is.

But she takes those moments in stride. “It can’t always be right here, right?” she says, indicating a level playing field. “And if it is, power to you, but that’s not our household.”

She also works to repair her relationship with her kids if she happens to mistakenly venture into “serious voice” territory.

“I will make sure I apologize if I raise my voice and it wasn’t warranted,” she says. “I give myself grace that if I do freak out, I can’t be the only one who freaked out today.”

Chatting with TODAY.com about her partnership with Lindt chocolate and their “Life is a Ball” Super Bowl commercial, Kylie, an admitted childhood chocoholic, and says it’s a “constant battle” between her and her middle daughter, Elliotte, for the biggest sweet tooth in the family.

“She will wake up and say, ‘I’ll have sugar?’” Kylie jokes, correcting Elliotte that sugar is not on on the family breakfast menu. “Last night she asked me, ‘Is pasta sugar?’ I think that if the answer was yes, she would have eaten the pasta.”

Kelce, party of 5

Just last year, Kylie was a mom of two, attending the Super Bowl (38 weeks pregnant) with her obstetrician. This year, she has two toddlers plus an almost 1-year-old, who recently learned to walk.

Calling the transition from two kids to three “innnteresting,” she says, “With two, you have one for each hand. At any point, you can grab and catch both of them.” Even though she’s a new walker, Bennett is already “off to the races” and “almost at a full sprint.” And now, when her kids scatter in three directions, she has to do the mom math of, “Who do I grab first?”

Luckily, 4-year-old Wyatt is now able to “corral” Bennett if requested to do so. She puts her little arms out to the side to try to keep her sister in one spot until her mom reaches them.

“Jason’s parents have confirmed that Wyatt is very similar to him when he was growing up,” she says. “She feels her feelings very strongly.”

Elliotte, on the other hand, seems to be more in line with Kylie’s personality. “My dad has this look on his face when my second will talk to him, like he’s talking to me as if I was still little, so I think we’re more aligned there.”

And how about their third daughter? “Bennett is a toss-up. We’ll see where she ends up. But right now, she seems very even keeled and sweet, very sweet.”

Other than slightly challenging logistics, Kylie says that Bennett has been what she assumes is “the stereotypical third child.” She sleeps well, she only fusses for specific reasons and she’s “an outstanding addition and her sisters are obsessed with her,” Kylie says.

With her brother-in-law — who her daughters sweetly refer to as “Uncle Trav” — playing for a back-to-back Super Bowl championship, Kylie is hoping to be in Las Vegas watching the game live.

“But you never know,” she says. “There’s kids to factor in and poor flight times, so I don’t want to say a full commit, but the plan right now is to hopefully be there cheering Trav on in person.”

Kylie knows her kids are only one virus away from changing her plans.

As the supermom she is, she will take it all as it comes.

In a touching display of familial joy, Patrick Mahomes recently shared a heartwarming moment from his daughter’s third birthday celebration. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback captured the priceless sight of his little girl beaming next to her birthday cake, radiating happiness and innocence that instantly captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Mahomes’ heartfelt post not only showcased his daughter’s milestone but also offered a glimpse into the tender bond shared between father and daughter. As he basked in the joy of her special day, Mahomes’ genuine affection and pride shone through, resonating deeply with admirers who were moved by the authentic display of love and happiness.

The image of Mahomes’ daughter, surrounded by balloons and surrounded by loved ones, served as a poignant reminder of the simple joys in life and the beauty of family moments. As fans gushed over the adorable snapshot, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and connection to the Mahomes family.

Mahomes’ decision to share such a personal moment with his fans speaks volumes about his authenticity and humility. Despite his status as a superstar athlete, he remains grounded in his role as a loving father, cherishing the precious moments spent with his daughter and inviting fans to share in their happiness.

As the Mahomes family continues to captivate hearts both on and off the field, their genuine displays of love and joy serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans around the world. Through moments like these, Patrick Mahomes and his daughter remind us all of the power of love, family, and the simple pleasures that bring us together.

The Paris Olympics: LeBron James’ Dedication Remains Steadfast, Emphasizing the Importance of Health.

LeBron James still wants to participate in the Paris Olympics this summer, sure sounds like extending his NBA career for at least a couple more seasons is an option and said he would like to see his playing days end as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Of course, not even he knows if any or all of that is possible.

James played in his 20th All-Star Game on Sunday, extending his record for appearances in the NBA’s midseason showcase, but arrived with a plan to not be on the court in Indianapolis for very long because of an ongoing treatment plan for his problematic left ankle. He had eight points in 14 minutes during the first half and didn’t start the second half, giving up his spot to Golden State’s Stephen Curry.

 

“The most important thing for me is definitely my health,” James said.

And that will be the deciding factor in just about all of James’ basketball decisions for the rest of his career – short-term, long-term, however long he has left on his unprecedented resume. The first priority right now is the playoffs, with the Lakers currently 30-26 and ninth in the Western Conference even after winning six of their last seven games.

“We’re trending in the right direction,” James said.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before the start of the NBA All-Star basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

He is 39, having played more minutes than anyone in NBA history. If he comes back this fall for a 22nd season – and he intends to – he’ll tie Vince Carter for the NBA record in that department. He insists that he doesn’t know how long he wants to play, either.

For now, it’s all about the Lakers and their postseason push. After that, he’ll decide whether to play for USA Basketball this summer. At this point, Paris is in his plans.

“I told myself before the season, when I committed to being part of the Olympic team, obviously it was all predicated on my health,” James said. “As it stands right now, I am healthy enough to be on the team and perform at a level that I know I can perform at.”

The Olympic question is a bit tricky.

The Lakers’ season could end in April, May or June. If it ends early, James will have tons of time to heal up and get ready for a U.S. training camp that starts in early July, then will have a number of exhibition games, followed by the Olympics that will end in mid-August. But if the Lakers make a deep postseason run, it might prompt James to say he’ll value time off and getting ready for the 2024-25 NBA season over jamming another five or six weeks of basketball into his summer schedule.

“It´s more miles put on these tires,” said James, a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist. “But if I´m committed – which I am – to Team USA, then I´m going to commit my mind, body and soul to being out there for Team USA, being out there representing our country with the utmost respect and go out there and play.”

He’s 132 points away from reaching 40,000 for his regular-season career, which means he’s likely somewhere around five games from hitting that milestone. There aren’t a lot of records left to chase; James is already the scoring king and his place in history was secured long, long ago. He’s long said he wants to play in an NBA that has one of his sons in it and USC freshman Bronny James would be eligible to enter the draft this spring.

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left,” James said. “I know it´s not that many.”

He hasn’t even figured out if he wants a retirement tour for a final season where he’ll be saying goodbye in every NBA city or if choosing to “Tim Duncan it” – meaning going out very quietly, like the San Antonio star who never wanted any attention – will be the plan.

“I’ve never been that great with accepting praise,” James said. “It’s a weird feeling for me.”

James could also be a free agent this summer if he chooses to go that route. He has a player option for more than $51 million for next season and most players wouldn’t pass up making that kind of money. But James’ net worth has been estimated to exceed $1 billion already, his off-court investments are varied, and it’s probably a safe bet that the size of the paycheck no longer is a top priority.

“I am a Laker, and I am happy, very happy, being a Laker the last six years and I hope it stays that way,” James said. “But I don´t have the answer to how long it is, or which uniform I´ll be in. Hopefully, it is with the Lakers. It´s a great organization, with so many greats with it. I don´t know how it´s going to end, but it´s coming. It´s coming for sure.”

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before the start of the NBA All-Star basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James speaks during a news conference before the NBA basketball All-Star game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James speaks during a news conference before the NBA basketball All-Star game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Lakers News: Bill Simmons Theorizes Why LeBron-To-Warriors Trade Rumor Was Leaked

When the stunning news broke that the Golden State Warriors reached out the team that knocked them out of the Western Conference semifinals, your Los Angeles Lakers, about potentially trading to add 20-time All-Star combo forward LeBron James to their roster of veteran future Hall of Famers, the NBA world at large was stunned.

 

Apparently, negotiations got as far as an owner-to-owner conversation between Dubs head honcho Joe Lacob and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. The offer was ultimately floated to James himself, who supposedly demurred — although James at All-Star Weekend feigned surprise, claiming he never was approached.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons postulated recently about why the news leaked at all, by trying to gauge who would benefit from the intel getting out there.

His surprising conclusion: the Lakers themselves. We’ll let him explain.

“So why does this come out?” Simmons asks.”There are two reasons, and both benefits the Lakers. One, they gave LeBron an out: ‘All right man, you want out, here’s an option.’ And [James says], ‘No, no, actually I’ll stay here.’ So now he can’t say s*** about the trade deadline [LA made no moves] because they gave him an out.”

“More sinister, funnier and more diabolical is this though: so the Warriors are playing really well now… The Lakers just f***ed with their chemistry… Diabolical move by the Lakers [to leak the news]. I kind of love it.”

NBA: Oddsmakers target date LeBron James hits 40k points

LeBron James is on the precipice of yet another historic milestone coming out of the NBA’s All-Star Break.

 

The 39-year-old is only 132 points shy of 40,000 for his career. Averaging 24.8 points per game this season, James could reach the mark by the end of February, with the Los Angeles Lakers still having five games remaining this month.

LAKERS NEXT 5 GAMES

Feb. 22: Lakers at Warriors (10 p.m. ET)

Feb. 23: Spurs at Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET)

Feb. 25: Lakers at Suns (3:30 p.m. ET)

Feb. 28: Lakers at Clippers (10 p.m. ET)

Feb. 29: Wizards at Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET)

James scored 25 points against Detroit last Tuesday before sitting out the second half of the Lakers’ back-to-back due to a left ankle injury.

Oddsmakers have targeted the Lakers’ first game in March as the most likely date for James to reach the milestone, with BetMGM offering +200 odds on him reaching 40,000 points against Denver on March 2. That is closely followed by +225 odds that he reaches the mark against Oklahoma City two days later.

The most popular choice among the public has been this Sunday against Phoenix, with that game backed by 18.3 percent of the total bets and 16.6 percent of the money at +10000 longshot odds. Three days later, the Lakers will play at the rival Clippers, with the public backing that game with 13.9 and 17.8 percent of the action, respectively, at +1400.

The book also is offering odds on how James scores his 40,000th career point.

–Layup (+250)

–3-Point Field Goal (+300)

–Other (+325)

–Free Throw (+500)

–Dunk (+550)

An emphatic dunk to reach the milestone has been by far the preferred choice, drawing 38.4 percent of the total bets and 38.8 percent of the money wagered on the prop.

The ankle injury throws a significant wrinkle in the equation for bettors, as the amount of minutes James logs during the upcoming stretch remains a question.

“The most important thing for me is definitely my health, where I’m at right now, where our team is leaning,” James said during All-Star Weekend. “We’re trending in the right direction.

“Obviously, with our Laker team, it’s been about health all year. Trying to do what’s best for me for the betterment of the team.”

James has averaged 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 49 games this season, his 21st in the league. — Field Level Media/Reuters