LeBron James, Anthony Davis Combine for Kobe-Shaq Era Stat Line in Win

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It’s more than fair to say the Los Angeles Lakers would be struggling this season if it wasn’t for their superstar duo; a reality the NBA was emphatically reminded of on Friday night.

 

In the Lakers’ 123-120 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Friday, LeBron James and Anthony Davis once again put the team on their backs. The pair became the first Lakers duo since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to each score over 35 points and dish five assists in a single game.

LeBron James & Anthony Davis – Stats vs Grizzlies

 

Category
LeBron James

Anthony Davis 

PTS
37
36

AST

5
5 

REB
9
14

FG%
65.0
50.0

 

3PT%
42.9
16.7

None of their Lakers teammates managed to reach the 15-point mark on the night. Meanwhile, the lowly Grizzlies put up a fight on their home floor, with four of their five starters scoring over 23 points. Rookie GG Jackson managed a team-high 31 points — sinking seven threes — while Jordan Goodwin gave Davis a battle down-low with 23 points and 17 rebounds.

Lakers Ending Season On High Note

LeBron: “I’ll be ready for Sunday.”

Los Angeles is playing some its best basketball of the season as the 2023-24 campaign winds to a close. With a 7-3 record over their last 10, LeBron and Co. have fought hard in ensuring as high a seed as possible for the inevitable Play-In Tournament.

The Lakers have gone 16-9 since the All-Star break, resurrecting a season that looked doomed to end in an early playoff – or Play-In – exit. While the win over the Grizzlies was less than convincing, every win matters at this point of the season.

“There’s some things we definitely got to clean up but we needed to win this game and we won it.” – Darvin Ham

As it stands, Los Angeles is set to face the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament. The Lakers are 3-2 against the Suns this season.

With the Lakers winning tonight and the Kings + Warriors losing… LAKERS ARE OFFICIALLY THE 8TH SEED.

The Lakers’ win on Friday wasn’t pretty, but it was mandatory. While they made it as annoyingly difficult as seemingly possible, the purple and gold walked out of Memphis with a narrow victory after back-to-back losses.

 

All of the discussions of where the Lakers could land in the play-in standings leading up to Friday included the assumption of a win by the Lakers. After they took care of business, they could then look elsewhere around the league, where every result went their way.

Most importantly, the Pelicans offered a big helping hand to the Lakers by beating the Warriors. In doing so, the Lakers now have some control of their own destiny. The other important game was the Kings and Suns, which came down to the wire. Ultimately, the Suns made a big late comeback and got a huge stop in the final seconds to secure a one-point win.

Because of all of that, the Lakers exited Friday night as the eighth seed. Here’s a look at the standings:

6. Pelicans 49-32

7. Suns 48-33
8. Lakers 46-35
9. Kings 45-36
10. Warriors 45-36 

Now, the Lakers simply are a win away from finishing in the eighth spot and having two chances to win one game. We’ll have a more detailed look at all the scenarios at a later point, but the math is very simple now:

 

Win and seal a spot in the 7-8 game.

Perhaps this was the basketball Gods offering some offerings for losing Anthony Davis in multiple games due to being smacked in the face. For those who were super optimistic, the Suns’ win did eliminate the possibility of the Lakers finishing in the No. 7 seed in the play-in race.

The top of the Western Conference is a bit of a mess, too. All three of the Thunder, Wolves and Nuggets are tied at 56-25. With the tiebreakers, OKC is the No. 1 seed, Minnesota is the No. 2 seed and Denver is the No. 3 seed.

This does mean the Lakers can’t play the Nuggets in the first round. It also means that, if they do finish eighth and make it out of the first round, they will likely meet Denver.

That, though, is way, way too far down the line to worry about. For now, the Lakers will be thankful for having the breaks go their way on Sunday and gaining back control of their destiny.

Former Michael Jordan teammate drops LeBron James truth bomb: “No NBA player actually thinks LeBron is the GOAT”

The GOAT has always included two players at the top, LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Over the years, debates about who the best player in the history of the NBA have been the biggest topic among fans, analysts and players. Recently, a former teammate of Jordan was asked about the GOAT debate and made a surprising statement about it.

 

The GOAT debate centers around the accomplishments of both players. Fans of the former Chicago Bulls star argue that Jordan has more championships and MVPs, some even mention his Finals record of 6-0.

The fans of the LA Lakers star have argued that his all-around accomplishments should be taken into consideration. James is the all- team leader in scoring and is the only player with 40,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.

 

Through all this, fans have been curious as to what NBA players think about the GOAT debate. Recently, Kwame Brown was interviewed on the YouTube channel, Dreamers Pro, about the GOAT debate.

 

“People say LeBron is the GOAT because he controls the media… no NBA player actually thinks LeBron is the GOAT,” Brown said.

The former top pick talked about it at the 5:17 mark of the video.

 Bulls Owner Won’t Make Trades With Lakers Because He Doesn’t Want LeBron James Infringing Upon Michael Jordan’s Legacy

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf won’t make trades with the Los Angeles Lakers because he doesn’t want LeBron James infringing upon Michael Jordan‘s legacy.

 

Reinsdorf doesn’t want to help LeBron and the Lakers get better.

 

Jordan and LeBron are universally recognized as the two best players in NBA history. Reinsdorf and Jordan butted heads many times while Jordan played for the Bulls, but Reinsdorf is apparently doing everything he can to protect Jordan’s “GOAT” title.

Jordan has career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists with the Bulls and Washington Wizards. He won five MVPs, six championships, six Finals MVPs and 10 scoring titles.

Meanwhile, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.

Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game, fourth in steals, fifth in field goals and second in player efficiency rating. He holds the NBA record for most points (63) scored in a playoff game.

 

Behind Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls went 6-0 in the NBA Finals and three-peated twice in the ’90s. Jordan is one of three players to win MVP and DPOY in the same season. Hakeem Olajuwon and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the other two.

LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game, third in player efficiency rating and second in field goals.

LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.

With the Cavaliers and Heat, LeBron never lost to the Bulls in the playoffs.

Lakers Must Draft Bronny James to Ensure LeBron Finishes Legendary NBA Career in LA

LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is at a pivotal juncture, heavily dependent on the team’s maneuvers during this offseason, with perhaps none as significant as the potential drafting of his son, Bronny James.

 

According to insights from The Athletic’s Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show, LeBron is eyeing two more seasons in the NBA, and the Lakers are keen on retaining him while also considering integrating his son into the organization through the upcoming NBA Draft.

 

LeBron has been vocal about his desire to share the court with his son, Bronny, but after the Lakers’ disappointing exit from the NBA Playoffs, he acknowledged that ultimately, Bronny will decide his own path in basketball. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted a shift in LeBron’s priorities, indicating that playing alongside his son may not be at the forefront of his mind anymore.

Nevertheless, the Lakers should explore the option of selecting Bronny with their second-round pick to bolster the chances of keeping LeBron for the remainder of his career. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers are open to any terms LeBron desires, whether financial or strategic in team-building.

 

 

While LeBron’s return is paramount, the Lakers could also pursue other avenues to strengthen their roster, such as targeting players like Trae Young or Klay Thompson in the offseason. However, bringing Bronny into the fold could serve as a compelling factor in LeBron’s decision-making process. 

 

Although LeBron may have eased his stance on playing alongside his son, his initial mention of the possibility underscores its significance to him. Bronny’s collegiate journey has faced obstacles, including a cardiac arrest attributed to a congenital heart defect, but drafting him would signify the Lakers’ commitment to supporting LeBron and his family while striving for further success on the court.

On-court contributions aside, securing LeBron’s presence would undoubtedly boost the Lakers’ prospects, given his impressive statistics and leadership qualities. With LeBron’s scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and efficiency, the Lakers would be poised to contend for another championship in the City of Angels.

In essence, the Lakers’ decision regarding Bronny could shape not only LeBron’s future with the team but also their trajectory in the NBA landscape.

Reggie Miller Gets Criticized For Disrespecting LeBron James As Coward That Doesn’t Take Responsibility

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.”

George Karl Goes Nuclear on LeBron James: Says Bubble Ring Doesn’t Count, Calls It Fraudulent; Claims He Has Only 3 Rings

In a fiery statement that has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, former NBA coach George Karl has declared that LeBron James’ 2020 NBA championship, often referred to as the “bubble ring,” is fraudulent and should not count. Karl’s comments have reignited the debate over the legitimacy of the championship won during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Karl, LeBron should be recognized as having only three championship rings instead of four. This controversial opinion has sparked intense discussion among fans, analysts, and players.

 

The 2020 NBA season was unprecedented, with the league suspending operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To safely complete the season, the NBA created a “bubble” environment at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This isolation zone allowed teams to play games without fans in attendance, with strict health protocols in place.

 

LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory in the 2020 NBA Finals, defeating the Miami Heat to secure his fourth NBA championship. Despite the unique circumstances, the Lakers’ triumph was celebrated as a significant achievement. LeBron’s performance was widely praised, and he was awarded the Finals MVP

George Karl, a veteran coach with a storied career in the NBA, recently made headlines with his strong stance against the legitimacy of the bubble championship. In an interview, Karl stated, “The bubble ring doesn’t count. It’s fraudulent. LeBron has three rings, not four.” His comments have added fuel to an ongoing debate about the conditions under which the 2020 championship was won.

 

Karl’s main argument is that the bubble environment lacked the typical challenges and pressures of a regular NBA season and playoffs. He believes that the absence of travel, home-court advantage, and fans significantly altered the competitive dynamics, making the championship less valid. According to Karl, these factors create an asterisk next to the Lakers’ 2020 title.

 

Some fans and analysts agree with Karl, arguing that the unique conditions of the bubble made the championship easier to win. They contend that the lack of travel and fan pressure removed critical elements that typically test a team’s resilience and performance.

 

Conversely, many defend the legitimacy of the bubble championship. They argue that the mental and physical challenges of playing in isolation, coupled with the global pandemic’s impact, created a unique but equally demanding environment. Supporters of LeBron and the Lakers maintain that overcoming these unprecedented conditions required exceptional focus and determination, validating the championship as legitimate. 

Karl’s assertion that LeBron’s bubble ring is fraudulent directly impacts the ongoing discourse about LeBron’s legacy. Detractors have seized upon Karl’s comments to question the validity of LeBron’s accomplishments. However, supporters argue that such critiques are an attempt to undermine LeBron’s undeniable impact on the game and his stellar career achievements.

 

LeBron James has yet to publicly respond to Karl’s comments. Historically, LeBron has addressed criticism with a focus on his on-court performance and leadership. His silence on this issue suggests that he may prefer to let his future performances speak for themselves.

The concept of an asterisk in sports is not new. Various championships in different sports have faced scrutiny due to unique circumstances, such as strikes, shortened seasons, or controversial officiating. The debate over the bubble championship fits into this broader context of how external factors can influence the perception of a title’s legitimacy.

 

Regardless of the bubble championship controversy, LeBron James’ overall career remains extraordinary. With numerous records, four NBA championships, and multiple MVP awards, his contributions to the game are unparalleled. This debate, while significant, is just one part of the broader narrative of LeBron’s illustrious career.

George Karl’s explosive comments about LeBron James’ 2020 bubble championship have reignited debates over the legitimacy of titles won under unique circumstances. While Karl’s assertion that the bubble ring is fraudulent has found some support, many within the basketball community defend the legitimacy of the Lakers’ 2020 victory. This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in assessing sports achievements and the factors that contribute to a championship’s perceived value. As the debate continues, LeBron James’ legacy, built on a foundation of excellence and resilience, remains a focal point of discussion in the world of sports.

LeBron James rips into the Pacers over controversial decision in Game 1 defeat to the Celtics

LeBron James criticized the Indiana Pacers on social media Tuesday night after the team lost a late lead against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

James expressed on X that the Pacers should have fouled when they were up by three, preventing Jaylen Brown from making the game-tying three-pointer with less than six seconds remaining. 

Indiana maintained the lead on the road for almost the entire last five minutes of regulation. After a turnover under the Boston basket gave the Celtics possession, the play they needed was clear.

The Pacers had a timeout left, which they could have used to observe Boston’s offensive setup. Boston was already in the bonus, meaning any Indiana foul would result in two free throws for the Celtics.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown hit the game-tying three-pointer against the Pacers at TD Garden.

 

A likely change of possession would have given the Pacers the ball back with the lead, despite limited time coming off the clock. James has previously supported the strategy of fouling when up by three points.

James also shared a clip from his interview with JJ Redick on their ‘Mind the Game’ podcast earlier this month, right after the New York Knicks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of their first-round series.

The foul-up-three strategy could have prevented Tyrese Maxey’s game-tying shot and ended that series one game earlier.

“I personally, I would’ve fouled — I would have,” James told Redick. “I would have fouled before Tyrese even touched half-court.”

“It has to be on the downward dribble; if you’re going to foul, you have to foul on the downward dribble,” James continued. “Sometimes, a lot of guys are afraid to do it. A lot of coaches are afraid to tell their team to foul when up three because either, number one, they haven’t practiced it, or number two, with our rules, it gets tricky, and you might send a guy to the free-throw line. But I am fouling, I am fouling, I am fouling. Guys are too great,” James added.

 

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle accepted full responsibility for the team’s loss after the game.

“I love the way our guys fought in this game; this loss is totally on me,” Carlisle said. “With 10 seconds in regulation, we should have just taken the timeout, advanced the ball, and found a way to get it in, make a free throw or two, and end the game. But it didn’t happen.”

Lebron James Mental Breakdown Bronny James Admits He Really Don’t Want To Play With His Dad In NBA!

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the basketball community, Bronny James has admitted that he does not want to play in the NBA alongside his legendary father, LeBron James. This unexpected admission has reportedly caused a mental breakdown for LeBron, adding a layer of complexity to his storied career and his aspirations of sharing the court with his son.

LeBron James has often spoken about his dream of playing in the NBA with his son, Bronny. The prospect of a father-son duo on the court is a rare and cherished dream, one that LeBron has pursued with unwavering determination. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron’s vision extended beyond his personal achievements to creating a historic moment with Bronny. 

Bronny, a rising star in his own right, has shown immense promise and skill on the basketball court. However, his recent confession sheds light on his personal feelings about the prospect of playing alongside his father. Sources close to the family revealed that Bronny feels immense pressure and prefers to carve out his own path rather than live in the shadow of his father’s legacy.

In a candid conversation, Bronny expressed his concerns about the expectations and comparisons that would inevitably come with playing on the same team as his father. He emphasized his desire to be seen as an individual player, capable of achieving his own success without the constant comparison to LeBron.

LeBron James, known for his resilience and mental fortitude on the court, is reportedly struggling with Bronny’s admission. The revelation has led to what insiders describe as a mental breakdown, as LeBron grapples with the emotional weight of his unfulfilled dream. The emotional toll is compounded by the public nature of their careers and the media scrutiny that accompanies any news about the James family.

 

For LeBron, the news is not just about basketball; it’s about a father’s desire to share an extraordinary experience with his son. His reaction has been one of deep emotional pain, as he confronts the reality that his dream may not align with Bronny’s aspirations. The heartache is palpable, as LeBron is known to be a devoted father who has always supported his children’s endeavors.

The public and media reactions to Bronny’s admission and LeBron’s subsequent breakdown have been mixed. Some fans and analysts empathize with Bronny’s perspective, recognizing the immense pressure of living up to a legendary parent. Others express sympathy for LeBron, who has always been vocal about his dreams and family values.

Supporters of Bronny argue that his desire to forge his own path should be respected. They highlight the importance of allowing young athletes to pursue their careers without undue pressure from familial expectations. Bronny’s decision is seen as a courageous step towards establishing his own identity in the sports world.

 

On the other hand, many express deep sympathy for LeBron, who has poured his heart into his career and his family. His dream of playing with Bronny is viewed as a natural extension of his love for the game and his family. Fans hope that LeBron finds solace and support during this challenging time.

The revelation about Bronny’s feelings and LeBron’s emotional struggles will undoubtedly have implications for their future. Both father and son will need to navigate this new reality, balancing their personal aspirations with their familial bonds.

 

For Bronny, the focus will be on continuing to develop his skills and making his mark in the basketball world. His admission may lead to a reevaluation of his career trajectory, ensuring that he follows a path that aligns with his personal goals and happiness.

LeBron, meanwhile, will need to adapt to this new development, finding ways to support Bronny while also managing his own emotional well-being. As a seasoned veteran of the sport, LeBron’s resilience will be crucial as he navigates this personal challenge.

The revelation that Bronny James does not want to play in the NBA alongside his father, LeBron James, has brought to light the complex dynamics of family, expectations, and personal aspirations. As the James family navigates this emotional terrain, the basketball community watches with empathy and interest, hopeful for the best outcomes for both father and son.

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

 

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

 

 

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

 

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

 

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game

Throwback to 2003 when LeBron James’s mom, Gloria, showed up all decked out in her jersey to support LeBron at his high school game