Month: May 2024

(NBAE via Getty Images)

Monday is all about measurements for the future of the NBA. 

The NBA Draft Combine is underway, with prospects calculating their height, weight, hand size, wingspan and more ahead of June’s official selection show. The statistics are an important part of the draft process, giving NBA scouts and teams an insight into what the build is of each individual player.

For the 2024 draft class, no name is as popular as Bronny James Jr. The son of LeBron James entered into this year’s draft after his freshman season at USC and could be turning pro.

Part of what helped his dad become a four-time NBA champion is his size and athleticism, however, Bronny isn’t built nearly as much as his dad is. The point guard is on the smaller size when it comes to hoopers, paling in comparison to his forward father.

How did James measure up at the NBA Draft Combine, and how do his numbers compare to his father and other NBA pros? The Sporting has everything to know about Bronny’s height, wingspan, hand size and more.

Bronny James NBA Draft Combine measurements

Bronny James height

At the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, James was measured to have a height of 6-foot, 1.5 inches without shoes on.

When looking at some NBA comparables, only one is listed at that exact height: Grizzlies guard Derrick Rose. However, others that are a quarter of an inch taller or shorter include Bucks guard Damian Lillard, Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr.

LeBron measured in at 6-foot, 7.25 inches in 2003 at his combine.

Bronny James weight

James weighed 210.4 pounds at the combine, the same weight he was listed at USC.

Bronny James wingspan

Wingspan may not mean much in other sports, but it’s a vital part of playing basketball. James’ wingspan was measured at 6 feet, 7.25 inches.

Players currently in the NBA that have the same wingspan include Jazz guard Collin Sexton, Suns guard Grayson Allen and 76ers guard Cameron Payne.

Bronny’s dad has a wingspan of 7 feet, 0.25 inches as a prospect.

Bronny James hand size

You need to have a good-sized hand in order to handle the rock. For James, he measured in at the NBA Draft Combine with a hand length of 8.5 inches and a hand width of 9.5 inches.

Bronny James standing reach

The son of the NBA great measured in with a standing reach of 8 feet, 2.5 inches at the NBA Draft Combine.

His father has a standing reach of 8 feet, 10.25 inches in his draft year.

Bronny James stats

Here are James’ full stats from his freshman season at USC:

Bronny James stats at USC

2023-24

GP
25 (6 GS)

MP
19.4

FG%
36.6

3P%
26.7

FT%
67.6

PPG
4.8

RPG
2.8

APG
2.1

SPG
0.8

BPG
0.2

The prospect of LeBron James teaming up with his son Bronny in the NBA has been an exciting one for basketball fans ever since LeBron expressed his desire to do so a few years ago.

Since then, the basketball world has closely followed Bronny’s rise through the sport. While it’s still unclear where the 19-year-old will be selected in June’s NBA draft, Bronny recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of joining forces with his father in the league.

“I don’t think when I get there—I don’t think it would just be me and my dad,” Bronny said. “I would be happy about getting to the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad. That’s not my mindset right now, at all. I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes me.”

Although the idea of playing alongside his father, one of the greatest NBA stars in history, is enticing, Bronny emphasized that his main priority is finding an environment where he can thrive and contribute.

This sentiment mirrors what was reported after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski indicated that LeBron’s decision on his future wasn’t dependent on where his son ended up being drafted, and that the family just wanted what was best for Bronny.

Despite the inevitable spotlight due to his family ties, Bronny is determined to let his game speak for itself. He is focused on putting in the work like the rest of his peers to earn his spot in the NBA.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Bronny James Candidly Addresses Possibility of Playing With LeBron in NBA.

The Lakers’ top goal next season is to bring back LeBron James
The Lakers want LeBron James to return on any terms he desires, as ESPN’s Dave McMenamin explained on the Rich Eisen show this week. (Los Angeles can offer LeBron a contract of up to three years and $164 million; no team can offer more than three years due to the over-38 rule.)

“The Lakers intend to let LeBron James return on any terms he wants, whether it’s a one-year, two-year or three-year contract. They look forward to continuing to have LeBron James wear the purple and gold until he decides to retire.”

This was a basketball decision — he was the Lakers’ best player, a primary shot creator and still playing at an All-NBA level at age 39. Furthermore, he was a barometer of his ability. team volume — when LeBron speeds up part or all of a game, the level of play of everyone else on the team increases as well.

This was also a business decision — LeBron helps fill seats at Crypto.com Arena, sells sponsorship deals, attracts TV audiences and remains the biggest player brand in the sport. Regardless of how much the Lakers pay LeBron, he is worth the money he brings to the club.

If one of the conditions for LeBron to return is to select his son, Bronny James, the Lakers are also willing to do that as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Lakers won’t use the No. 17 pick in the first round to select Bronny, as that’s too high for a player who scouts told NBC Sports has potential but isn’t ready for the NBA and needs years of development development (Lakers want to trade that pick for a player who can help now). The Lakers also have pick No. 55 and could trade up for an additional second-round pick.

Is this best for Bronny and what does he want? These are the questions that you and your family/representative need to answer. He could spend time developing with an NBA team (i.e. play in the G-League), or he could use the transfer portal to go to another college and develop his game there with more opportunities, and possibly in his traditional role as lead coordinator, which he didn’t get a chance to play at USC last year.

The takeaway from this is that if LeBron really wants it to happen, the Lakers will do everything they can to make it happen and keep him on the team. That’s why Tyronn Lue’s name kept coming up in the Lakers’ coaching search discussions while he was still under contract with the Clippers — that’s LeBron’s guy. (If you think Steve Ballmer and the Clippers would let Lue out of his contract to coach their crosstown rival, maybe you think birds aren’t real.) LeBron won’t be directly involved in this coaching search, but you can be sure the Lakers wouldn’t hire anyone he doesn’t agree with.

LeBron has historically used the leverage in this free agency to make the changes he wants to see in the organization, and although he may be less meddling now than he was before, the Lakers are very conscious of trying please him.

Reggie Miller faced criticism for his remarks regarding LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, following the iconic player’s apparent suggestion that he avoids taking accountability during the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets game.

 

Miller’s comments came after LeBron highlighted Anthony Edwards as a standout performer and consummate professional, particularly in light of the Timberwolves’ loss in Game Three against Nikola Jokic’s team, which put them at a 2-1 disadvantage before ultimately losing control of the series on May 13th.

“I’m an even bigger fan of Anthony Edwards after seeing that clip,” Miller commented on TNT after observing the game. “There are certain players that have veteran status that are quick to deflect and blame.”

 

This prompted Nick Wright, a Fox Sports analyst, to seize the opportunity to respond to Miller’s remarks.

 

“‘Active players on a lot of people’s Mount Rushmore [that like to deflect]’”, paraphrased Wright on Fox Sports 1, referring to Miller’s comments. He then retorted, “We know it’s Bron he’s talking about.

 

“I think this is wildly unfair to LeBron. I also think it is incredibly cowardly by Reggie.”

The Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight game on Tuesday night, defeating the Toronto Raptors 128-111 behind 23 points from LeBron James and 21 points and 12 rebounds from Anthony Davis.

Lakers defeat struggling Raptors 128-111 behind 23 points from LeBron James as they win for the seventh time in eight games.

Rui Hachimura scored 14, Max Christie scored 12, and D’Angelo Russell scored 25 points on 7 of 14 3-point attempts as the Lakers defeated Toronto for the 14th time in a row.

Leading scorer in the NBA history, James finished with nine assists and a 10 for 12 average.

James entered the game having made nine 3-pointers in Sunday’s victory against Brooklyn, matching his career high. Against the Raptors, the 20-time All-Star attempted just one long shot, which he made with 5:22 remaining in the third quarter.

When Los Angeles increased their lead to 27, 109-82, with 9:22 left in the game, James left the game, and Davis sat the whole fourth quarter. On Wednesday night, the Lakers play the Washington Wizards.

For the Raptors, RJ Barrett scored 28 points, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in with 20. In 1997–98, Toronto suffered a franchise-worst 17 straight losses.

While Barrett and Quickley returned after missing time for personal reasons and reconditioning, Gary Trent Jr. of Toronto sat to rest. After scoring 17 points in total in the first quarter, the Lakers went on an 18-4 run to take a 34-25 lead at the half.

The San Diego Union-Tribune: LeBron James scores 23 points as the Lakers defeat the struggling Raptors 128-111 to win for the seventh time in eight games.

At the half, Los Angeles was ahead 64–58. The Lakers increased their lead to 100-79 at the half thanks to nine points apiece from James and Davis in the third quarter.

The Raptors still had five injured players, including Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes, their starting guards. Toronto native Jontay Porter, a two-way player, missed his fifth consecutive game because of outstanding accusations linked to gambling.

Raptors guard Bruce Brown departed the game in the fourth quarter due to a right knee issue.

Lakers forward Cam Reddish was unavailable for personal reasons, and guard Gabe Vincent missed the first night of the back-to-back series due to his left knee surgery.

At the NBA selection Combine in Chicago, former USC basketball standout Bronny James showed beautifully, despite critics questioning his selection status.

His performance at WinTrust Arena shooting drills stood out among many others.

The son of NBA great LeBron James finished Monday’s 3-point star shooting exercise in second place with a performance of 19 for 25.

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A full-court dribbling and finishing exercise and shooting drills including movement were all areas in which he excelled.

The son of a legendary basketball player is having his draft hopes cast question by some experts.

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He should “go back to school to develop at his own pace or he risks getting lost in the shuffle, whether or not he’s playing with his dad,” an anonymous NBA general manager said in a story published in The Ringer, adding that “Bronny is nowhere near ready” to turn pro.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Bronny would probably skip returning to college and instead go through the draft process if he was medically approved to play in the league.

When it comes to possible portal stops, very little groundwork has been done for him. Wojnarowski clarified that he left the door open to that possibility when he departed USC.

However, Bronny James has been on several NBA clubs’ radars. Back a year, at the Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, he performed well in front of an audience that included NBA executives. They saw him train and participated in a game, and they were impressed. Within his draft class, he appeared to be a genuine possibility.

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The five months he lost following the cardiac issue definitely affected his season, though. However, this is his opportunity to demonstrate his effect to the teams.

“The opportunity for him to play in the NBA is there,” Wojnarowski said, adding that James will probably start his career in the G-League.

The Los Blancos winger’s “child’s fantasy” came true on Christmas Day in the US, when he spent time with NBA great Lebron James and watched a Los Angeles Lakers game from courtside. The two people swapped jerseys, posed for photos, and signed inscriptions together.

James is well-known for his passion for soccer and is also a minority stakeholder in the English team Liverpool. Celebrities, fans, and stars go to the NBA’s annual Christmas Day multi-game extravaganza to root for their favorite team. While on vacation, US national team player Gio Reyna was seen sitting courtside at a Brooklyn Nets game on Friday night, the 23rd.

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The Madrid superstar has been out since November after hurting himself while playing for Brazil. Still, he plans to go back on the field as soon as possible, aiming for the end of January as his target date. He is now recuperating from a ten-week injury that sidelined him.

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NBA expert Shams Charania predicts that LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will play one or two more NBA seasons before he retires.

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NBA expert Shams Charania predicts that LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will play one or two more NBA seasons before he retires.

As far as LeBron James is concerned, most individuals Charania communicates with about the player believe he will play for a year or two more, including Pat [McAfee]. However, it’s evident from his comments that he’s come to the conclusion of his journey. Athletes of LeBron James’ caliber may also find it tough to embrace retirement.

LeBron James: All of the US basketball star’s career statistics, records, honors, and medals

“And today, Rich Paul and I spoke about LeBron James’s future and his openness about retiring and calling it a day on his career. Rich Paul told me that it felt like landing a plane. You take some time to land. When you are about to drop after 45 minutes, there is a warning. Here is a brief announcement. And Rich Paul, I think, kind of hinted at it.

Despite being the oldest player in the NBA at the moment—39 years old—James has been one of the top players this season. He is averaging 25.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game while shooting 53.3 percent from the field and a career-high 41.6 percent from three-point range.

In the Lakers’ most recent game, which took place on March 31 against the Brooklyn Nets, James was all but certain to start. He nailed all but one of his 10 3-pointers and finished with 40 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a game that Los Angeles won by a score of twelve points. Los Angeles improved to 42-33 on the season with the victory.

Los Angeles overcame the Nets to break Brooklyn’s three-game winning streak. In addition, it was the Lakers’ eighth victory in their previous ten games.

Despite being older, at least by NBA standards, James has been the Lakers’ offensive spark plug in his 21st NBA season.

In terms of assists per game and points per game, he leads the team; Anthony Davis is only 24.7 points per game behind him. D’Angelo Russell is the only other Lakers player who has averaged more over six assists per game during the 2023–24 regular season.

Among all players in the league, James is averaging the 13th-most points and the sixth-highest assists per game.

Kevin Love of the Cavs scored a slam during LeBron James’ Cleveland comeback.

James and the Lakers will have a fantastic opportunity to win their second consecutive game when they meet the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The 23-51 Raptors are among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference and are currently experiencing the longest losing streak in NBA history at 13 games.

Their most recent triumph came against the Charlotte Hornets on March 3, which was around a month ago.

The TV series, “They Call Me Magic” dropped in 2022. It narrates the early days of the Lakers legend, Magic Johnson’s NBA journey, from high school to college and the big leagues. Interestingly, Magic was inspired by Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance” in 2020 to come up with his series, ‘They Call Me Magic.’

In the first episode of ‘They Call Me Magic’ called ‘JuneBug,’ Michael Jordan hailed Magic Johnson for transforming NBA. Although NBA fans credit Jordan for changing the game, MJ pointed to Magic’s contribution to the league as the real game-changer.

“Everybody gives credit to Michael Jordan for changing the NBA, but when Magic Johnson came in, that’s where the game changed,” said MJ.

Magic Johnson was surprised and touched that it came from the GOAT himself.

His reaction? Johnson was laughing and almost tearing up, especially when Jordan acknowledged that Magic played a huge role in turning the league around. Magic even recalled Jordan being the toughest guy on and off the court – smoking, drinking, and gambling like a champ. Magic admitted if he tried that, he’d be scoring zero, with no assists, just dragging.

Jordan had a 15-season run in the NBA, including 1996-97, 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2002-03. On the other hand, Magic rocked the league for 13 seasons, from 1979 to 1991, and then a little comeback in 1996

“The Last Dance” – Docuseries Chronicling the Ascent Of Michael Jordan

“The Last Dance” released in 2020 is all about Michael Jordan’s career. It zoomed in on his last season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98. It’s got exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with NBA legends like Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, and Phil Jackson.

ALSO READ: When Michael Jordan Shared How Muhammad Ali Inspired Him To Take a Step ‘Towards Curing Racism in This World’

Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson’s Statistics

1. Magic Johnson

1995-96

Team: Lakers
GP (Games Played): 32
Min (Minutes per Game): 29.9
Pts (Points per Game): 14.6
FG% (Field Goal Percentage): 46.6%
3pt% (3-Point Percentage): 37.9%
Reb (Rebounds per Game): 5.7
Ast (Assists per Game): 6.9
Stl (Steals per Game): 0.8

1990-91

Team: Lakers
GP: 79
Min: 37.1
Pts: 19.4
FG%: 47.7%
3pt%: 32.0%
Reb: 7.0
Ast: 12.5
Stl: 1.3

1989-90

Team: Lakers
GP: 79
Min: 37.2
Pts: 22.3
FG%: 48.0%
3pt%: 38.4%
Reb: 6.6
Ast: 11.5
Stl: 1.7

1988-89

Team: Lakers
GP: 77
Min: 37.5
Pts: 22.5
FG%: 50.9%
3pt%: 31.4%
Reb: 7.9
Ast: 12.8
Stl: 1.8

1987-88

Team: Lakers
GP: 72
Min: 36.6
Pts: 19.6
FG%: 49.2%
3pt%: 19.6%
Reb: 6.2
Ast: 11.9
Stl: 1.6

1986-87

Team: Lakers
GP: 80
Min: 36.3
Pts: 23.9
FG%: 52.2%
3pt%: 20.5%
Reb: 6.3
Ast: 12.2
Stl: 1.7

1985-86

Team: Lakers
GP: 72
Min: 35.8
Pts: 18.8
FG%: 52.6%
3pt%: 23.3%
Reb: 5.9
Ast: 12.6
Stl: 1.6

1984-85

Team: Lakers
GP: 77
Min: 36.1
Pts: 18.3
FG%: 56.1%
3pt%: 18.9%
Reb: 6.2
Ast: 12.6
Stl: 1.5

1983-84

Team: Lakers
GP: 67
Min: 38.3
Pts: 17.6
FG%: 56.5%
3pt%: 20.7%
Reb: 7.3
Ast: 13.1
Stl: 2.2

1982-83

Team: Lakers
GP: 79
Min: 36.8
Pts: 16.8
FG%: 54.8%
3pt%: 0.0%
Reb: 8.6
Ast: 10.5
Stl: 2.2

1981-82

Team: Lakers
GP: 78
Min: 38.3
Pts: 18.6
FG%: 53.7%
3pt%: 20.7%
Reb: 9.6
Ast: 9.5
Stl: 2.7

1980-81

Team: Lakers
GP: 37
Min: 37.1
Pts: 21.6
FG%: 53.2%
3pt%: 17.6%
Reb: 8.6
Ast: 8.6
Stl: 3.4

1979-80

Team: Lakers
GP: 77
Min: 36.3
Pts: 18.0
FG%: 53.0%
3pt%: N/A
Reb: 7.7
Ast: 7.3
Stl: 2.4

2. Michael Jordan:

2002-03 Season (Wizards):

Games Played (GP): 82
Minutes per Game (Min): 37.0
Points per Game (Pts): 20.0
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 44.5%
3-Point Percentage (3pt%): 29.1%
Rebounds per Game (Reb): 6.1
Assists per Game (Ast): 3.8
Steals per Game (Stl): 1.5

2001-02 Season (Wizards):

GP: 60
Min: 34.9
Pts: 22.9
FG%: 41.6%
3pt%: 18.9%
Reb: 5.7
Ast: 5.2
Stl: 1.4

1997-98 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 38.8
Pts: 28.7
FG%: 46.5%
3pt%: 23.8%
Reb: 5.8
Ast: 3.5
Stl: 1.7

1996-97 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 37.9
Pts: 29.6
FG%: 48.6%
3pt%: 37.4%
Reb: 5.9
Ast: 4.3
Stl: 1.7

1995-96 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 37.7
Pts: 30.4
FG%: 49.5%
3pt%: 42.7%
Reb: 6.6
Ast: 4.3
Stl: 2.2

1994-95 Season (Bulls):

GP: 17
Min: 39.3
Pts: 26.9
FG%: 41.1%
3pt%: 50.0%
Reb: 6.9
Ast: 5.3
Stl: 1.8

1992-93 Season (Bulls):

GP: 78
Min: 39.3
Pts: 32.6
FG%: 49.5%
3pt%: 35.2%
Reb: 6.7
Ast: 5.5
Stl: 2.8

1991-92 Season (Bulls):

GP: 80
Min: 38.8
Pts: 30.0
FG%: 51.9%
3pt%: 27.0%
Reb: 6.4
Ast: 6.1
Stl: 2.3

1990-91 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 37.0
Pts: 31.5
FG%: 53.9%
3pt%: 31.2%
Reb: 6.0
Ast: 5.5
Stl: 2.7

1989-90 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 39.0
Pts: 33.6
FG%: 52.6%
3pt%: 37.6%
Reb: 6.9
Ast: 6.3
Stl: 2.8

1988-89 Season (Bulls):

GP: 81
Min: 40.2
Pts: 32.5
FG%: 53.8%
3pt%: 27.6%
Reb: 8.0
Ast: 8.0
Stl: 2.9

1987-88 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 40.4
Pts: 35.0
FG%: 53.5%
3pt%: 13.2%
Reb: 5.5
Ast: 5.9
Stl: 3.2

1986-87 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 40.0
Pts: 37.1
FG%: 48.2%
3pt%: 18.2%
Reb: 5.2
Ast: 4.6
Stl: 2.9

1985-86 Season (Bulls):

GP: 18
Min: 25.1
Pts: 22.7
FG%: 45.7%
3pt%: 16.7%
Reb: 3.6
Ast: 2.9
Stl: 2.1

1984-85 Season (Bulls):

GP: 82
Min: 38.3
Pts: 28.2
FG%: 51.5%
3pt%: Not provided
Reb: 6.5
Ast: 5.9
Stl: 2.4

On this date, Michael Jordan started his NBA journey. However, his performance against the Washington Bullets was in no way a sign of things to come.

MJ’s NBA debut

Coming off the 1984 Olympics — Jordan averaged team-high 17.1 points to lead Team USA to gold — the stage was set for a rookie from North Carolina to take over the NBA.

Drafted No.3 by Rod Thorn and the Bulls, Michael had made a strong impression on the city of Chicago even before he suited up for his new team. That, in and of itself, added to the hype leading up to his first regular season game.

What followed was a solid all-around performance that would in no way signal the level of greatness No.23 would reach later on.

Jordan put up 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 109-93 win over the Bullets. He also had 4 blocks and 2 steals, shooting 5-for-16 from the floor and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line in 40 minutes of action.

Orlando Wooldridge led all scorers with 28 points, and Quintin Dailey added 25 off the bench. Frank Johnson and Gus Williams led the Bullets’ balanced offense with 15 points.

Rookie of The Year Campaign

Two games later, MJ dropped 37 points in a 116-110 win against the Milwaukee Bucks. Two weeks later, he exploded for 45 against the San Antonio Spurs — he also added 10 rebounds and 4 assists on 18-for-27 from the field.

Jordan ended up winning the Rookie of The Year, averaging 28.2 points, 5.9 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals on 51.5% from the field. He led all rookies in points and assists and even got the Chicago Bulls into the Playoffs with a 38-44 record.

So even if he did get off to an average start, everything that followed MJ’s debut against the Bullets was in no way average.