Author: Ms Linh

LeBron James, who is an expert on the basketball court, is honing his coaching skills during the NBA summer.

A game on the Nike EYBL circuit starring his 16-year-old son Bryce, who plays for a team named Strive For Greatness and is coached by James and former teammate Rajon Rondo, saw the four-time NBA champion seen on camera providing instructions from the sidelines.

They were playing at Peach Jam, the Nike EYBL spring and summer league championship competition, which was hosted in Augusta, Georgia, against New Heights Lightning. One of the best high school basketball competitions in the United States, it features teams led by players like Bradley Beal, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul.

When his team overcame a 10-point deficit to force OT, a fervent James was seen fist-pumping from the sidelines, happy for his squad. James led Strive for Greatness to victory, and Brayden Burries finished with 27 points. As of right now, the team’s record in the competition is two victories and one loss.

They defeated the Expressions 78-69 in the first game, and then on Wednesday, they fell short against the Florida Rebels 72-67 before defeating the Lightning in overtime.

The 16-year-old Bryce, who is the latest James to focus on a basketball career, is reportedly planning to move from Sierra Canyon to play at Campbell Hall after earning his first Division I offer from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. One of the top prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft is Bronny James, who will play for USC in the upcoming season.

Alongside Bryce will be several other well-known athlete kids, like comedian Bill Bellamy’s son Baron and former NBA player Richard Hamilton II’s son Richard Hamilton. David Grace, the head coach at Campbell Hall, is thrilled about the chance to assist Bryce in honing his basketball abilities.

“If I get the chance to coach him, I want Bryce to be Bryce,” Grace stated to ESPN. “Because that’s unique, and I want him to develop and make the most of his time at Campbell Hall. I’ll try to help, but there’s going to be a lot more than just me for him. To some extent, I can see where he’s coming from. I am not him.

Strive for Greatness defeated New Heights Lightning in the Peach Jam tournament

“My family wasn’t in that spotlight, but I’ve been around the spotlight and I can share my experiences, or I can just understand his experiences. That’s where I’ll grow as a coach.”

Byrce’s elder brother Bronny James, opted to play for the University of Southern California (USC) and has decided to wear No.6, the same number as his father.

James will be hoping the No. 6 serves him well, and he may declare for next year’s NBA Draft. After four years at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, James committed to stay near his family and play for USC.

“One of the best days of my life,” LeBron said after his son confirmed his place at USC for the upcoming campaign. “He’s the first one to go to college in my family. No matter the outcome of this game, I couldn’t lose today.”

Amid a midseason makeover that took place during the trade deadline, National Basketball Association leader Patrick Beverley has revealed that he is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

I signed a contract with the Chicago Bulls in February, making him a member of the NBA All-Defense Team three times through. Following this move, Beverley has just posted his apartment in Los Angeles, California, which is his primary residence, for rent.

With its eye-watering monthly return of $23,000, this stylish apartment, which is comprised of five bedrooms and occupies a wide space of 5,264 square feet, has been attracting potential tenants.

The maοsioп, which was constructed in the year 2020, features a floor plan that is both bright and open, with certain design characteristics that include high vaulted ceilings, custom tilework, and wood and marble floors across the entire space. In addition to that, the upscale residence is furnished with speakers that are both loud and soft, as well as a comprehensive security monitoring system.

Sleek stainless steel appliances, bespoke cabinets, a pantry, and a sizable countertop island with a prep sink and breakfast bar are all part of the chef’s kitchen’s elegant minimalist design. Enjoy a really pleasant terrace through the glass doors in the breakfast area that swing open.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the family room boasts a gorgeous stone fireplace, built-in bookcases, and sliding glass walls that lead to a covered swimming area.The apartment comprises two floors with bedrooms on each level, and an above level with three more bedrooms. A large retreat with white wood beamed ceilings, a tiled wall fireplace, two walk-in closets with built-in cabinetry, and a sliding glass door that leads to a private balcony can be found in the main area. The site comes with a refrigerator and an espresso machine, so you can use the refrigerator to make a quick cup of coffee in the morning and enjoy it on the balcony. The main bathroom boasts custom tilework, two vanities, a custom cabinet, accent lighting, a double walk-in shower, and a separate tub for soaking—all of which are equally beautiful as the secondary bathroom.

The property also has a guesthouse by the pool with a three-quarter bathroom, a spa, a family theater, and a swimming pool. Although Beverley was still a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, she paid $3.78 million for the house in April of 2021.

Beverley has made the decision to go freelance when the 2023 season with the B-balls is over, having turned 34 years old. Enjoying an 11-season stint in the league as a teacher and fierce opponent, Beverley is looking into the idea of playing catch this summer with a few teams. He might consider going for a career as a moderately enthusiastic sports talk show host if he decides to quit the organization.

Gilbert Arenas expects the Lakers to acquire Zach LaVine in exchange for three players

Following the Los Angeles Lakers-Chicago Bulls matchup, Zach LaVine was seen exchanging pleasantries with LeBron James. Of course, the incident added fuel to the fire and stirred trade rumors. LaVine has often even given fans multiple reasons to speculate that playing for the Purple & Gold was something that was on his radar.

Apart from his connection with UCLA, LaVine has often spoken about his desire to represent the California franchise. Earlier in this campaign, the 28-year-old was seen , something that left Laker Nation dreaming.

Gilbert Arenas very recently made claims that the Los Angeles Lakers would acquire Zach LaVine by parting ways with three players – Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Taurean Prince. Further, Arenas also believed that the two-time All-Star wouldn’t mind being the third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis if it resulted in him winning a title.

The Lakers will certainly try playing all their cards to win a championship until LeBron James is still active. Hence, exchanging several assets to gain a third All-Star is a possible move that Rob Pelinka could pull off.

In a recent article titled “When Rookies Trash-Talked Michael Jordan and it went TERRIBLY Wrong,” the author presents a captivating account of instances when young basketball players dared to challenge the legendary Michael Jordan and ultimately faced consequences for their actions.

The article begins by highlighting the awe-inspiring reputation that Jordan had earned throughout his career, which led him to being widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His unrivaled skills and competitive nature struck fear into the hearts of many opponents, rendering trash-talk against him a risky move.

 

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the unbeatable legacy of Michael Jordan and the dangers of underestimating his abilities. Each attempt made by rookies to trash-talk and challenge Jordan resulted in their own downfall. Jordan’s unrivaled skills, combined with his fierce competitiveness, made him a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. The article serves as a reminder that challenging the greatness of Michael Jordan was a risky proposition that rarely ended well for those daring enough to try.

 

Stephen Curry has been enjoying a turbulent offseason. Whether it is preparing for his golf match or navigating the front-office upheaval in the Bay, the star has enjoyed an eventful few weeks. This time, last year, Curry was on top of the world. Winning his 4th championship in 7 years, the Warriors dynasty began anew. However, in one season, the entire script has flipped. The chemistry has gone awry, the trio might lose one of its wheels, and the GM has resigned. But, if you ask Steph, as long as he is there, the championship window is open. While turmoil plagues the team and its front office, Curry’s trademark celebration has gone viral.

Amidst the uncertainty, who is Steph Curry celebrating with? And what did the fans have to say about it?

Stephen Curry and his daughter, Riley, have the fans’ attention

Steph’s bond with his family is well-documented. Whether it be his pops, Dell Curry, mom, Sonya, or his wife, Ayesha, Curry is a family man. But the essence of his bond could not be more prevalent than with his children.

Whether it be incorporating them into his pre-game warmup, his sizzling chemistry on Family Feud, or trademark handshakes, their bond is inseparable. The bond was visible, all the way back in 2015. During the Conference Finals, Curry was among the first to bring their children to the press conference podium. The move earned him severe backlash from sports pundits, like Nick Wright. Back then, 3-year-old Riley was just a cute figure sitting on her dad’s lap.

Now, she, along with younger sister Ryan, is evolving into an active cheerleader during Steph’s games. Any time in attendance, Steph has made it a habit to share a handshake with the two. The Warriors’ social media handle posted the handshake and fans went gaga over the adorable bond between the two.

While the scenes in the Warriors camp may be uneasy, Curry has his family, and his children to fall back on. Looking at the reactions on the post, it’s safe to say that fans loved watching Steph with his daughters.

Fans praise the Curry clan
One fan went gaga over Riley’s cuteness, citing it as the reason alone for Steph to have another one. “Had to double it!” as he captioned it. Another fan was quick to point out Cannon, his son, doing the iconic celebration from last year’s championship run. “Canon with the Night night.” One user pointed out the fact that they all look so familiar. “Twins,” wrote a fan with multiple heart emojis.

Fans were quick to remember Riley’s memorable interview appearance. “She has gotten so big! Where did the days of interview bombing go? ” Another fan echoed the same sentiments of Riley seemingly overnight growing up. “Aw Riley’s so grown now.” Fans were, of course, going gaga over the relationship the trio share with their father. “I love the way he bonds with each of them so special!!!! “

While the season and the off-season might take a toll on our star athletes, it is heartwarming to see the connection between them and their loved ones.

Chandler Parsons hints at LeBron James’ strategic NBA future plans.

Credit: Fadeaway World

Chandler Parsons’ recent comments about LeBron James and his son Bronny James have sparked speculation about the NBA superstar’s future team. Parsons suggested that LeBron might already have a “backdoor deal” with a team for when Bronny declares for the NBA draft.

“First of all, I think this man knows everything. I think he already knows that Bronny is declaring for the draft, he probably already has a back-door deal with a team – where he’s going to squad up with him.”

“The minute you see Bronny James declare for the draft, they know who’s taking him and you know where LeBron James is going.”

This theory implies that LeBron could use his influence to ensure that Bronny gets drafted by a specific team, which would then determine LeBron’s next destination in the league.

Parsons’ assertion raises questions about tampering, with Lou Williams jokingly calling it as such during the discussion. However, Parsons remained firm in his belief that LeBron is strategically planning his next move, leveraging his business acumen and influence within the league.

The potential destinations for LeBron and Bronny are intriguing. While Bronny’s draft prospects are uncertain given his current performance at USC, there are speculations about potential landing spots. Considering LeBron’s ties to Cleveland and Miami, both teams emerge as logical choices for Bronny.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hold sentimental value for LeBron, as it’s where he started his NBA career and achieved his first championship. Returning to Cleveland could provide a full-circle moment for LeBron and allow Bronny to follow in his father’s footsteps, playing for the same franchise where LeBron made his mark.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat offers a competitive environment and a strong organizational culture. LeBron experienced success with the Heat, winning two championships, and a reunion in Miami could provide an opportunity for LeBron and Bronny to contend together while playing in a city they both have connections to.

The Los Angeles Lakers, which is LeBron’s current team could also be an option but they are known to be in a ‘win-now’ mode and they wouldn’t be keen on developing young talent.

Ultimately, LeBron’s next move in the NBA could indeed be influenced by Bronny’s draft status. Whether it’s Cleveland, Miami, or another team altogether, the prospect of playing alongside his son could shape LeBron’s decision-making process as he navigates the latter stages of his legendary career.

---

Could Bronny James End Up On The Knicks?

The idea of Bronny James ending up at the New York Knicks is indeed an intriguing possibility, especially given the recent rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Knicks. While LeBron’s immediate move to the Knicks this season appears unlikely, the potential for Bronny to join the team adds another layer of interest to the speculation.

The Knicks could emerge as a landing spot for Bronny due to their draft capital. With the potential to have up to four first-round picks and two second-round picks in the upcoming draft, the Knicks have ample assets to facilitate a move for Bronny. This abundance of draft picks could also make them an attractive destination for LeBron, who has yet to make a decision on his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron’s subtle hints about New York further fuel the speculation. From wearing a Knicks towel during a post-game interview to posting cryptic tweets and expressing a desire for changes within the Lakers organization, LeBron has kept the possibility of playing in New York alive in the minds of fans and analysts alike.

While LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, has stated that LeBron won’t be traded, the dynamics of the NBA can change rapidly, and the allure of playing alongside his son in a city like New York may be too enticing for LeBron to pass up.

Ultimately, the potential for Bronny James to end up at the New York Knicks and for LeBron James to follow suit remains a captivating storyline in the NBA landscape. With the Knicks positioned to acquire talent through the draft and potentially lure LeBron in the process, the possibility of a father-son duo donning the blue and orange jerseys in Madison Square Garden is an exciting prospect for basketball fans everywhere.

Ahead of Kobe Bryant’s statue being unveiled, LeBron James spoke about the Lakers icon.

Credit: Fadeaway World

LeBron James had many epic battles on the court with Kobe Bryant during their iconic careers. With the Los Angeles Lakers set to unveil a statue of Bryant on February 8, LeBron was asked what element of his game was the hardest to stop.

“He didn’t have any flaws,” James said. “You just had to be on your toes throughout the course of however many minutes he was playing, which is probably going to be 40 plus. And you couldn’t take a possession off, because he was relentless on the floor every single night.

(starts at 3:03 mark):

That’s a pretty accurate description of what going up against Bryant would have been like. You were up against a man who had a complete game on the offensive end. Kobe was adept at scoring from everywhere on the court, and there was really no way to stop him.

He was also giving it his all at every moment of the game, and you had no chance of beating him unless you did the same. Kobe’s talent and his relentlessness helped him win five championships, two Finals MVPs, and an MVP, in what was a remarkable career.

He has gone down as arguably the greatest player in Lakers franchise history, and it is going to be a special moment when his statue gets unveiled. The unveiling will begin at 3:00 pm PT on Thursday, and the statue will be open to be public the following day.

Lakers are increasingly unlikely to make a major deadline trade.

Credit: Fadeaway World

Despite heavy rumblings about a potential shake-up for the Lakers this season, they may only end up making marginal changes, at most. In a recent update on the Lakers’ front office plans, NBA insider Jovan Buha confirmed that the fans shouldn’t hold their breath on the franchise making a major roster move within the next few days.

“Though James has made it clear where he stands and that he’d like for the organization to approach this deadline with the all-in approach he prefers, the likelihood that the Lakers stand pat or make a marginal move has somewhat increased in recent days, according to team and league sources,” wrote Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Trades have always been the go-to move for the Purple and Gold, and even more so in the LeBron James era. It was a series of trades that helped turn around last season and now, they are hoping for a similar recovery in 2024 with just four days to go until the deadline. At 27-25 through the first half of action, it’s been an up-and-down campaign for the Lakers but if they can find the right pieces this season, it could set them back on the right path and ensure they keep building on the progress they’ve shown through this campaign.

Monday night’s win over the Charlotte Hornets is the latest example of their awakening and it continues a stretch of encouraging play that may impact the trade market. As winners of 8-4 in their last 12 games, and just three games back from the 6th seed in the West, they are still within reach of a guaranteed playoff spot and you can bet they still believe in their potential. Thanks to recent scoring outbursts from D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, the team found a spark to push them back over .500 on the season and it’s looking somewhat plausible that they can repeat the miracle run that saved their season in 2023.

---

The Los Angeles Lakers Will Be Buyers At The NBA Trade Deadline

With LeBron James still playing at an All-NBA level, and has maintained loyalty to his teammates, the urgency is higher than ever for the Lakers to be competitive and fans have been begging the front office to take action and make a move. Sadly, while a major trade is looking increasingly unlikely for the Lakers, it doesn’t mean they’ll let the deadline pass without some serious negotiations. With a particular need for perimeter shooters and backcourt ball-handlers, the Lakers already have a framework of the kind of player they want, and early targets include names like Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, and even former fan-favorite Laker Alex Caruso. There’s no question that the Lakers would love to have any of those, but it remains to be seen if they are willing to pay the steep price for their acquisition.

According to the testimony of Rich Paul himself, LeBron James is untouchable and the same goes for his co-star teammate, Anthony Davis. Everyone else, however, could be had for the right price and the Lakers will due their due diligence this deadline by considering all their options to improve. But if no trade materializes, or none that the Lakers feel makes them significantly better, don’t expect Rob Pelinka to rush to judgment and a panic move. Regardless of what happens this week, things are sure to get interesting in the summer when LeBron has the option to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

Los Angeles will pay further tribute to Bryant with their uniforms on Thursday night.

On Thursday Feb. 8, the Los Angeles Lakers host the Denver Nuggets. It won’t just be a high-profile game between two popular Western Conference teams, however. The Lakers are unveiling their statue of Kobe Bryant that day as well.

The Lakers will also wear their ‘Black Mamba’ uniforms for their game against Denver in an additional tribute to Bryant, per the team:

“The Lakers have announced that they will wear their “Black Mamba” jerseys for Thursday’s game against the Nuggets, the day the Kobe Bryant statue will be unveiled ”

The date of the unveiling, 2/8/24, represents the jersey number (#2) worn by Kobe’s daughter, Gianna, at the Mamba Academy, and Kobe’s two numbers with the Lakers, which were retired by the franchise in 2017.

The 18-time All-Star and five-time champion — and the Lakers’ all-time leader in points, steals, 3-pointers made, games played, and playoff points — will join a handful of Los Angeles icons in Star Plaza, including six other Lakers.

Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn have bronze busts outside Crypto, as do boxer Oscar De La Hoya and hockey greats Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille.

The statue was created by Jolie Rotblatt Amrany of the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt Amrany. The studio has created the Magic and Kareem statues that sit outside Crypto, along with statues honoring Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Lombardi, Pat Tillman, David Beckham, among other sports legends.

According to the Lakers’ press release announcing the statue last summer, Bryant “participated in the initial planning” of his statue after his retirement in 2016.

On Monday, LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell reminisced about Bryant’s legacy.

Anthony Davis defends his 2020 championship victory with the Lakers.

Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking on ‘The Backyard Podcast,’ NBA superstar Anthony Davis explained why nobody can discredit the Lakers 2020 championship. In a response directly to the critics of that run, Davis argued that the Lakers would have won the title regardless of the circumstances, bubble or no bubble.

“People talk about ‘aw the Lakers championship. Oh, it wasn’t real, the bubble’ But people tend to forget, we were the number one team in the league that year,” said Davis. “We had already won 12 straight. We weren’t losing games, we were 21-3 or something like that. We were running through the league. We were gonna win anyway.”

The start of the 2019-2020 campaign was like any other and the Lakers stormed out of the gate to start 21-3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and finished the season at 52-19. It was their first season together, and Davis’ healthiest stretch yet in the Purple and Gold (he played 62 games that season). Meanwhile, LeBron James was a few years younger back then and he was still considered among the top five players in the game with averages of 25.3 points, 10.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game on 49% shooting. But when the Lakers were seemingly at their peak, the pandemic hit in full and the season was forced to stop. The Lakers came back a few months later to continue their season, but the circumstances were unlike anything they had experienced before and fans still are unsure sure how to weigh that championship compared to every other. Depending on who you ask, it was the easiest title ever and doesn’t count in the same way as all the rest. But according to LeBron and other players, that title counts as the most challenging and the Lakers deserve a lot of credit for not folding when the chaos broke loose.

---

LeBron James Says The Bubble Championship Was The Hardest In NBA History

The 2020 NBA championship is a highly controversial topic in the NBA community. That season brought many unique changes and challenges to the season and it involved playing through conditions that would impede any person’s ability to play and/or focus on the game. From players who experienced the bubble, we know that it wasn’t an experience that they enjoyed and some teams (like the Los Angeles Clippers) gave up their title hopes entirely just so they could get out and return home. Besides being in quarantine, players took issue with the strict visiting limitations and the conditions of their lodging not meeting the standards they were used to at home.

But even through a quarantine, with chaos happening at every corner, the Lakers never lost focus and kept their eyes on the prize until the very end. Part of the motivation came from Kobe Bryant’s death, which took place just months before the season’s hiatus. Obviously, LeBron James himself had a lot to do with it and we already know how he feels about his run that year. Looking back, however, you wanna slice it, there is no denying that the Lakers earned that championship — and given how dominant they were back when the season started, there’s no reason to think that the Lakers wouldn’t have won it all anyway had the pandemic never happened.