Author: mhuong

LeBron agreed to give up a significant sum of money in order to join the Suns, building a legendary superteam.
LeBron James and Bronny are reportedly targets for the Phoenix Suns this offseason.

Phoenix — For the Phoenix Suns, who are anticipated to pursue even more star power this offseason, a wild scenario now seems plausible.

From Evan Sidery, an NBA insider:

“Bronny James is a very serious draft option at No. 22 overall to potentially lure LeBron James in, as the Suns hope to pursue him this offseason,” he posted on Twitter/X.

Phoenix seems to think they can get LeBron to team up with Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker to form a legendary superteam.

 

“LeBron would be sacrificing almost $50 million next season, if he were to legitimately consider joining the Suns on a veteran’s minimum contract.

“Could the Suns really be plotting LeBron and Bronny as their big plan? It certainly seems that’s on the table.”

 

As Sidery hinted earlier, the Suns’ options in free agency are restricted because of their status in the second tier of the luxury tax. Only veteran minimum contracts may be signed by outside players by Phoenix.

Many conversations have taken place over the Suns’ final decision on draft night, when they can trade both their future 2031 selection and the No. 22 overall pick. Many predict that Phoenix will look into trade possibilities with those choices and a player, possibly Jusuf Nurkic, to add another “win-now” piece to their jigsaw.

LeBron’s son Bronny will be practicing with the Suns before to the June 26 NBA Draft in 2024. The USC guard has a player-option that he can reject with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, but some in the NBA feel a team selecting him in the first round would do so in an attempt to acquire his father.

Drama and compelling tales are always present in the NBA offseason, even if it’s obvious the Suns have the potential to be very successful this summer.

NBA icons LeBron James and Charles Barkley are under fire for their recent comments supporting WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

The men face criticism for stating that WNBA players and fans should be grateful for what the rookie is doing for the league instead of complaining about how things are getting done. However, many seem to agree with their take.

Lebron James, Charles Barkley

To give a little context to what’s been going on, #1 WNBA draft pick Caitlin Clark has received both praise and criticism for the positive effect she’s had on the league since entering earlier this year. Critics have expressed frustration that the 22-year-old’s presence has seemingly caused the WNBA to make notable changes, specifically their decision to finally invest $25 million so players can travel via charter planes.

Caitlin Clark

However, veteran athletes such as LeBron James and Charles Barkley disapprove of Clark’s criticism. Speaking about the situation during a recent podcast appearance, LeBron James stated about the Indiana Fever player:

“The one thing that I love that she’s bringing to her sport, more people want to watch…don’t get it f**ked up, Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things is going to happen for the WNBA.”

LEBRON: “Don’t get it twisted. Don’t get it f****d up. Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things is going to happen for the WNBA.”

The Lakers star also advised Clark not to “get involved” in the internet chatter and to just play the game and have fun. He also shared his hope that she and other players continue to excel and bring even more attention to the WNBA.

Charles Barkley subsequently echoed similar sentiments. Supporting James‘ comments during a TV appearance, the sports analyst stated:

“You women out there, y’all petty man. Lebron you 100% right. These women hating on Caitlin Clark…y’all should be thanking that girl for getting y’all a** private charters, all the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA. Don’t be petty like dudes…give her her flowers. Stop being petty all you women out there.”

Reacting to both of their defense of Clark, social users seemed majorly split on how they felt about the remarks. Some commenters strongly agreed with James and Barkley, and further condemned all those who have been critical of the attention Clark has been getting.

Others took issue with the fact that the basketball greats addressed the hate surrounding Clark, but seemingly had nothing to say about the unwarranted criticism WNBA star Angel Reese has received.

See reactions below:

On Wednesday evening, the All-NBA teams were announced by the league.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

He finished the regular season with averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from the three-point range in 71 games.

Via Underdog NBA: “2023-24 All-NBA Third Team:
Tyrese Haliburton
Stephen Curry
LeBron James
Devin Booker
Domantas Sabonis”

By being named to the All-NBA Team, James made history.

Via ESPN’s SportsCenter: “LeBron James becomes the oldest player to make an All-NBA team in league history 👑”

James will turn 40 during the middle of next season, but he is still among the top 15 players in the league.

This past season, the Lakers finished as the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 46-36 record.

After beating the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament, they lost to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the first round (in five games).

Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

James has been with the Lakers for six seasons and they have made the NBA playoffs four times.

They won the 2020 NBA Championship and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023.

This summer, James will have to decide on a $51.4 million player-option.

If he declines, he will become a free agent.

James has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 50.6% from the field and 34.8% from the three-point range 1,492 regular season games.

Although LeBron James can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer, there doesn’t seem to be the same type of anticipation or angst regarding his potential free agency as there was in the past when he was in the same situation.

He is widely expected to turn down his player option for next season and become a free agent. Many expect him to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers one way or another, and one report even indicated that he may do so by actually opting in instead.

During the alternate broadcast of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Rich Paul, James’ agent, may have revealed the superstar’s plan.

 

It has been reported that part of James’ plan is to play two more seasons, at least for now. He just completed his 21st year in the NBA, and despite turning 39 years of age, he maintained the type of production he has always had throughout his career.

That production resulted in him being named to the All-NBA Third Team this season. It was the 20th time he had been selected to one of the All-NBA squads.

Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers may have failed to make it to the NBA playoffs, but that wasn’t going to stop him from having fun in the sun. The baller, his wife Savannah, their family, and friends jetted off to the island of Maldives, and James made sure to pack some short shorts that showed off his athletic physique. Check out some photos from their trip below.

The vacation crew jetted on a private jet to the Four Seasons Private Island Maldives, a luxury resort in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The basketball icon set the highlight reel of the luxury vacation to the tune of TO THE MOON by Jnr Choi and Sam Tompkins.

James was accompanied on the luxury vacation by his wife of eight years, Savannah, 35; confidante Ernie Ramos and his wife; DJ Bamboozle; and Fara Leff, COO of Klutch Sports, among others.

They all seemed to have a blast drinking wine inside a pool just feet away from the ocean. Since James probably has the longest arms, he was the perfect person to take the selfies

Bronny James, the highly touted basketball prospect and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has made a significant decision regarding his future. Bronny has opted to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, choosing not to return to college. This decision marks a pivotal moment in his budding career, as he prepares to take the next step towards joining the professional ranks.

Bronny James has been in the spotlight for much of his young life, with expectations high given his father’s legendary status in the NBA. His performances in high school and his time in college showcased his potential, leading to speculation about his next move. By staying in the NBA Draft, Bronny is signaling his readiness to compete at the highest level of basketball.

The decision to remain in the draft and not return to college comes after careful consideration. Rich Paul, Bronny’s agent from Klutch Sports, confirmed the decision, emphasizing Bronny’s focus on his development and the opportunities that lie ahead in the NBA.

Paul stated, “Bronny’s [draft] range is wide. He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth. It only takes one team. I don’t care where that team is – it can be No. 1 or 58 – [but] I do care about the plan, the development. The team’s strategy, the opportunity, and the financial commitment. That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that.”

Bronny James has seen his stock rise due to a strong pre-draft process, including impressive performances at the NBA Draft Combine. His ability to make 12 three-pointers in a row during the combine highlighted his shooting prowess and potential as a valuable asset for any team.

While the Los Angeles Lakers have been mentioned as a potential destination, especially given the possibility of a father-son pairing with LeBron James, Bronny’s future remains open. Several NBA teams have shown interest, with at least 10 pre-draft workout invites, including the Phoenix Suns.

LeBron James has been vocal about his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA before retiring. However, Rich Paul made it clear that while this is a desirable outcome, it is not the primary focus. “The Lakers need to look at Bronny like everyone else,” Paul told ESPN. “If they value him enough and he’s there, that’s great. If it’s not the Lakers, that’s great. I won’t be mad if it’s not.”

By entering the NBA Draft, Bronny James is prioritizing his professional development. The NBA environment will provide him with the resources, coaching, and competition necessary to hone his skills and grow as a player. While the transition from college to the NBA is significant, Bronny’s decision reflects his confidence in his abilities and readiness to embrace the challenges ahead.

Bronny James’ decision to remain in the NBA Draft and forgo a return to college marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. As he prepares to join the ranks of professional basketball, the sports world eagerly anticipates his impact on the court. With his talent, determination, and the support of his family, Bronny is poised to make his mark in the NBA.

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.

LeBron James spent the weekend in KC, met former Chiefs star Mecole Hardman

Screengrab of United Life 4 ever YouTube video

One of the greatest players in NBA history met the man who had the first walkoff touchdown reception in Super Bowl history.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was in Kansas City from Friday to Monday and spent a good deal of time at Hy-Vee Arena. That’s where James’ son Bryce and the Strive For Greatness AAU team took part in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Session 4.

Receiver Mecole Hardman, whose touchdown reception in February won Super Bowl LVIII, shared a photo on Instagram after meeting James.

A fan named Jim McClintock shared these photos of James and another former NBA star. Carmelo Anthony also was in KC for the tournament.

I’m in the same room as Lebron, neat.

— Jimm (@jimcclin

Carmelo in the building

— Jimm (@jimcclintock

James wasn’t simply a spectator. He did some coaching and even took a few shots during a break in action at Hy-Vee Arena, which was once known as Kemper Arena.

One of the biggest decisions facing the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason revolves around their star player, LeBron James. As James becomes eligible to opt out of the final year of his contract, the basketball world is abuzz with speculation. Many believe that James will indeed opt out, only to re-sign with the Lakers on a new deal. However, the possibility of James departing raises critical questions about the Lakers’ future and their potential contingency plans.

If LeBron James decides to leave the Lakers as a free agent, it would mark a significant turning point for the franchise. The loss of such a pivotal player would necessitate immediate action to maintain the team’s competitiveness and championship aspirations.

ESPN’s Chris Herring has suggested that if James leaves, the Lakers might turn to a familiar name: Paul George. George, who has spent the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, could be a viable option to fill the void left by James. Despite being 34, George remains one of the NBA’s best two-way players, noted for his defensive prowess and exceptional three-point shooting. In the past season, George ranked among the league’s top 10 in deflections per game and posted a career-best 41.3% from beyond the arc on nearly eight attempts per game.

However, acquiring George would come with significant challenges. The Lakers would likely need to execute a sign-and-trade deal, as they wouldn’t have the cap space to sign George outright, even if James were to leave. This scenario would require negotiation and cooperation from the Clippers, who may be reluctant to facilitate such a move, especially to their crosstown rivals.

While George could help mitigate the loss of James, he wouldn’t completely fill the superstar’s shoes. Additionally, George has been injury-prone, similar to Anthony Davis, which raises concerns about the team’s overall durability and consistency. The Lakers would need to carefully assess whether investing in George would be the best move for their long-term strategy.

If pursuing Paul George proves too complicated or impractical, the Lakers would need to explore other options. This might include focusing on developing their younger talent, making strategic trades, or signing other high-impact free agents. The goal would be to remain competitive while building a roster capable of deep playoff runs.

The Lakers’ offseason hinges significantly on LeBron James’ decision. While the hope is that he will re-sign with the team, preparing for his potential departure is crucial. Paul George presents an intriguing option but comes with challenges and risks. Ultimately, the Lakers must be ready to act swiftly and strategically to maintain their status as a top-tier NBA team, regardless of James’ choice.

Bronny James has decided to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility. This decision, confirmed by Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul, has set the stage for a highly anticipated entry into the professional basketball world. Speculation continues to swirl around a potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he could potentially team up with his father, LeBron James.

Reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony indicate that Bronny James will stay in the NBA Draft. Rich Paul confirmed the decision ahead of Wednesday’s NCAA deadline to withdraw from the draft. This announcement comes after extensive consideration and evaluation of Bronny’s prospects and future development.

The idea of a father-son pairing on the Lakers has been a topic of much discussion. LeBron James, now 39, has expressed his desire to play alongside his son before retiring. However, Rich Paul emphasized that while the possibility exists, it is not the primary focus.

“The Lakers need to look at Bronny like everyone else,” Paul told ESPN. “If they value him enough and he’s there, that’s great. If it’s not the Lakers, that’s great. I won’t be mad if it’s not.”

Paul added, “It’s obvious that people hear the conversation around the dad and son playing together, but that’s not our focus. If it happens organically, great. I’m not building on that. I’m not putting unrealistic expectations on Bronny. He’s far from a finished product. But he has a hell of a start. He’s positioned well. … I don’t see him not getting drafted, but if it got to a point where the situations didn’t make sense and we needed to go undrafted, that’s fine.”

Bronny, 19, has seen his stock rise due to a strong pre-draft process. He has impressed during the NBA Draft Combine, notably making 12 three-pointers in a row, showcasing his shooting skills and potential. His performance has caught the attention of several NBA teams, enhancing his draft prospects.

Paul spoke about Bronny’s future, emphasizing that the young guard’s development is a top priority. He stated that Bronny would not be signing a two-way contract, as the focus is on his growth and the team’s strategy for his development.

“Bronny’s [draft] range is wide. He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth,” Paul told ESPN. “It only takes one team. I don’t care where that team is – it can be No. 1 or 58 – [but] I do care about the plan, the development. The team’s strategy, the opportunity and the financial commitment. That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that.”

Earlier reports indicated that Bronny James had secured at least 10 invites for pre-draft workouts. While he is likely to visit only a few teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are among those he will consider. These visits are crucial as they will provide Bronny with an opportunity to showcase his skills and fit within potential team strategies.

Bronny James’ decision to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft marks the beginning of an exciting journey into professional basketball. While the possibility of joining his father on the Los Angeles Lakers remains a tantalizing prospect, the focus is firmly on his development and finding the right team to nurture his talents. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Bronny and the steps he takes towards carving out his own legacy in the NBA.