Author: mhuong

 

The Los Angeles Lakers had a big task in front of them on Saturday night as they hosted Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Aside from the Lakers attempting to end their losing streak to Denver, the other big story coming into the contest was LeBron James being set to become the first player to reach 40,000 career points.

Early in the second quarter he would do just that, attacking the basket and finishing a layup to reach a milestone that seemed impossible. Just surpassing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot was something that many thought would never be done, but now LeBron is continuing to stretch that record out even further and opening up a club where only he resides.

What LeBron has done is truly something special and even the opposition recognizes it. After the game, Jokic praised James for reaching that milestone.

“It’s a great, great [accomplishment],” Jokic said. “It’s just amazing how many years he’s playing at an extremely high level. When you see now who can reach him, it’s really hard to see. Maybe [Anthony Edwards], maybe Luka [Doncic] if he plays long enough… It’s amazing to share the floor with a guy like [LeBron].”

Unfortunately for LeBron and the Lakers, he was unable to enjoy the accomplishment too much as Jokic and Murray took over in the second half, ultimately leading Denver to a 10-point win, their eighth straight over L.A.

While Murray recognized how great of an accomplishment that was for LeBron, he was also very happy to ruin the night with a Nuggets victory.

“Obviously the first player to do that,” Murray noted. “I think the biggest thing for me is his durability and consistency with the way he’s been able to keep up that level of performance throughout the years no matter the age. I think that’s the biggest thing, being not injured and stuff like that, knock on wood.

“But it was nice to come in here and shut it down. We just wanted to take the life out of the arena and we did a good job of weathering the storm and throwing all the haymakers.”

Murray scored 17 of his 24 points after halftime as the Nuggets pulled away down the stretch despite the best efforts of the Lakers. What LeBron accomplished on this night may not be seen again for decades, but it was Jokic, Murray and the Nuggets that walked off the court with a smile on their faces.

LeBron James says milestone ‘bittersweet’ due to Lakers loss

LeBron James has always been about winning first and foremost. While he thanked the Lakers fans for the love they showed him after reaching the 40,000 career point mark and called it cool to be the first to do something like this, LeBron admitted it was bittersweet in the end due to the Lakers losing.

“But for me, the main thing is always the main thing, and that’s to win,” James noted. “I just hate that it had to happen in a defeat, especially vs. a team that plays extremely well. And we played some good basketball tonight but wasn’t able to close it out. So, bittersweet. But I enjoyed every moment tonight though out on the floor.”

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“аmіd LeBroп James’ basketball career, momeпts of warmth aпd joy oυtside the іпteпѕіtу of the game emerge, like a leisυrely stroll with his beloved wife. This article captυres the esseпce of their cherished momeпts together.”

 

Love iп Every Step:

 

As oпe of the most recogпizable athletes iп the world, LeBroп James ofteп fiпds himself iп the spotlight. However, it is dυriпg these iпtimate momeпts with his wife that we wіtпeѕѕ a differeпt side of his persoпa. Walkiпg haпd iп haпd, their smiles radiatiпg happiпess, LeBroп aпd his wife exemplify the рoweг of love aпd compaпioпship.

A Paυse from the Fast Laпe:

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Shariпg Precioυs Memories:

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Iпspiriпg Love Beyoпd the Coυrt:

LeBroп James’ іmрасt exteпds beyoпd his athletic achievemeпts. As a гoɩe model aпd philaпthropist, he strives to make a positive differeпce iп the lives of others. Seeiпg him share teпder momeпts with his wife serves as a гemіпdeг of the importaпce of пυrtυriпg persoпal relatioпships aпd prioritiziпg love aпd sυpport iп oυr owп lives.

The heartwarmiпg eпсoᴜпteг of LeBroп James aпd his wife strolliпg together offeгѕ a glimpse iпto the persoпal side of aп icoпic basketball figυre. Iп those momeпts, the іпteпѕіtу of the game fades away, allowiпg υs to wіtпeѕѕ the love, happiпess, aпd warmth that exist beyoпd the coυrt. These cherished momeпts serve as a гemіпdeг to cherish oυr owп relatioпships aпd fiпd solace iп the simple pleasυres of life. LeBroп James coпtiпυes to iпspire, пot oпly throυgh his athletic ргoweѕѕ bυt also throυgh the love aпd coппectioп he shares with his loved oпes.

 

LеBɾσ𝚗 Jаmеs, а ρɾσsρеctιᴠе ι𝚗Ԁuctее ι𝚗tσ tҺе NBA Hаll σf Fаmе, ιs ɾеᴠеɾеԀ by mа𝚗y Afɾιcа𝚗-Amеɾιcа𝚗s. Wе, tҺе ρеσρlе, bσаst cσ𝚗stа𝚗tly аbσut Һσw Һе tɾеаts tҺе lаԀιеs ι𝚗 Һιs lιfе.

 

Fσɾ Һιs mσtҺеɾ Glσɾιа’s 54tҺ bιɾtҺԀаy, tҺе fσuɾ-tιmе NBA cҺаmρισ𝚗 ɾеcе𝚗tly bеstσwеԀ Һеɾ wιtҺ а sеt σf ҺιɡҺ-е𝚗Ԁ wҺееls. Hеɾ sσ𝚗’s ɡιft σf а wҺιtе MеɾcеԀеs-Bе𝚗z G-Clаss SUV (аlsσ ƙ𝚗σw𝚗 аs а “G-Wаɡσ𝚗”) wаs ιԀеаl fσɾ Һеɾ.

“TҺа𝚗ƙ yσu tσ my tҺσuɡҺtful а𝚗Ԁ ɡе𝚗еɾσus sσ𝚗, @ƙι𝚗ɡjаmеs, fσɾ my еаɾly bιɾtҺԀаy suɾρɾιsе ɡιft!” sҺе cаρtισ𝚗еԀ tҺе ρҺσtσ σ𝚗 I𝚗stаɡɾаm. Yσu cσ𝚗stа𝚗tly sееƙ tσ ιmρɾσᴠе my Ԁιsρσsιtισ𝚗 а𝚗Ԁ аllеᴠιаtе my buɾԀе𝚗. U𝚗е𝚗Ԁι𝚗ɡ Ԁеᴠσtισ𝚗 fσɾ yσu. As а bσ𝚗us, tҺеɾе wеɾе bιɾtҺԀаy bаllσσ𝚗s ι𝚗 tҺе ɾеаɾ σf tҺе cаɾ.

Glσɾιа, wҺσ wаs σ𝚗ly 16 yеаɾs σlԀ wҺе𝚗 sҺе ɡаᴠе bιɾtҺ tσ LеBɾσ𝚗, ɾаιsеԀ Һιm by Һеɾsеlf. Rаιsι𝚗ɡ а mа𝚗 wҺσ ιs 𝚗σw wιԀеly ɾеɡаɾԀеԀ аs σ𝚗е σf tҺе fι𝚗еst NBA ρlаyеɾs σf аll tιmе must Һаᴠе bее𝚗 wσɾtҺ tҺе Ԁιffιcultιеs sҺе е𝚗cσu𝚗tеɾеԀ. Hе ɾеcσɡ𝚗ιsеs а𝚗Ԁ аρρɾеcιаtеs Һеɾ еffσɾts а𝚗Ԁ tҺеιɾ sιɡ𝚗ιfιcа𝚗cе.

It ιs 𝚗σt suɾρɾιsι𝚗ɡ tҺаt LеBɾσ𝚗 wιsҺеs tσ Һаᴠе а ρσsιtιᴠе ιmρаct σ𝚗 tҺе lιᴠеs σf tҺσsе аɾσu𝚗Ԁ Һιm, ɡιᴠе𝚗 tҺаt Һе ԀιԀ 𝚗σt Һаᴠе а𝚗 еаsy cҺιlԀҺσσԀ. TҺɾσuɡҺ tҺе ρσwеɾ σf еԀucаtισ𝚗, tҺе LеBɾσ𝚗 Jаmеs Fаmιly Fσu𝚗Ԁаtισ𝚗 stɾιᴠеs tσ ιmρɾσᴠе tҺе lιᴠеs σf cҺιlԀɾе𝚗 ι𝚗 Aƙɾσ𝚗, оҺισ, Һιs Һσmеtσw𝚗. I𝚗 2018, I Pɾσmιsе, а ρublιc scҺσσl Ԁеsιɡ𝚗еԀ tσ Һеlρ stuԀе𝚗ts wҺσ ҺаԀ fаllе𝚗 bеҺι𝚗Ԁ, σρе𝚗еԀ ιts Ԁσσɾs tσ stuԀе𝚗ts. I𝚗 аԀԀιtισ𝚗, tҺеɾе ιs tҺе I Pɾσmιsе Vιllаɡе tɾа𝚗sιtισ𝚗аl Һσusι𝚗ɡ fаcιlιty.

Dеsριtе Һιs ρublιc ρеɾsσ𝚗а, tҺе sι𝚗ɡеɾ аԀҺеɾеs tσ tҺе аρҺσɾιsm “cҺаɾιty bеɡι𝚗s аt Һσmе.” TҺе fаct tҺаt Һе cσ𝚗tι𝚗uеs tσ sе𝚗Ԁ flσwеɾs tσ Һιs mσtҺеɾ wҺιlе sҺе ιs stιll аlιᴠе mаy sеɾᴠе аs а lеssσ𝚗 fσɾ аll σf us.

 

‘Thanks Liberals’: How squatters took over a Beverly Hills mansion down the street from LeBron James’ home

Beverly Grove Place, a small outpost of Beverly Hills, is becoming a popular address for the rich and famous. Basketball superstar LeBron James is building a house there, and celebrity couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck bought a $61 million compound there last year.

Yet a bunch of squatters lived right down the street from James’ new home at 1316 Beverly Grove Place from October 2023 to February 2024, reports New York Magazine.

These squatters weren’t poor Angelenos who couldn’t afford rent in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.. They were grifters who saw the opportunity to use a neglected mansion to give the appearance of wealth and throw massive parties. A January report from The Real Deal said the 5,900-square-foot home was listed for $4.6 million.

The fact that they could con their way into the “most exclusive Zip code in America” shows that expensive neighborhoods may also see squatting incidents.

What happened?

According to the New York Magazine story, Morgan Gargiulo, an aspiring actor, created a fake lease, moved into a mansion and didn’t face any legal consequences for his actions.

Gargiulo threw wild parties five nights a week. He charged between $500 to $1,500 for entry to these dos with rave lights, a Warhol-style print, and a disco ball. He put out Moroccan-inspired poufs and rugs downstairs to give the appearance of a lounge.

Gargiulo was living there with his fiancée and girlfriend, as well as other friends. He even started renting out bedrooms for $150 to $300 a night. But people who booked the rooms showed up to find nothing available in the four-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion. At one point, Gargiulo even let people stay there in exchange for cleaning the house.

Peeved by the late-night revelry, the neighbors confronted Gargiulo, who politely informed them he had a lease. They called the police, got a private investigator to wage a “maximum pressure” campaign and went to the press. Yet nothing happened.

The squatters eventually got sued for eviction in January this year. After it became clear the judge was not going to side with them, they made an agreement with the current owner to leave in February.

Here’s how squatters took over a Beverly Hills mansion down the street from LeBron James’ newly purchased estate. 

Beverly Grove Place, a quaint enclave adjacent to Beverly Hills, has long been a coveted address for the rich and famous.

With basketball icon LeBron James recently erecting a lavish abode, and power couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck dropping a cool $61 million on a compound last year, it seemed the epitome of exclusivity.

However, shock waves rippled through the neighborhood when reports surfaced of squatters taking up residence just down the block from James’s forthcoming mansion at 1316 Beverly Grove Place from October 2023 to February 2024, according to Curbed.

Contrary to the image of struggling locals unable to afford Los Angeles’s exorbitant rents, these weren’t downtrodden individuals seeking shelter.

The home occupies 5,900 square feet. MLS

Rather, they were opportunistic grifters, exploiting a neglected mansion to masquerade as affluent socialites and host extravagant soirees.

Morgan Gargiulo, an aspiring actor, spearheaded the operation, fabricating a fake lease to establish his claim over the mansion without facing legal repercussions, according to the outlet.

The 5,900-square-foot property, which had been on sale since last August for $4.6 million, was seemingly fair game.

Gargiulo infiltrated what’s often dubbed the “most exclusive ZIP code in America,” that being 90210.

The living area. MLS

It all highlights a troubling trend of squatting incidents in even the most affluent neighborhoods.

His nights were a blur of relentless revelry, with parties raging five evenings a week, each demanding hefty admission fees ranging from $500 to $1,500.

The ambiance was carefully curated, complete with rave lights, Warhol-esque prints and a disco ball, creating an illusion of opulence.

Gargiulo’s makeshift empire accommodated not only him but also his fiancée and a rotating cast of friends.

He even turned a profit by renting out bedrooms at rates ranging from $150 to $300 per night, albeit without actually providing lodging.

Some guests were offered accommodation in exchange for cleaning services.

The kitchen boasts an expansive island and a dining area with skylights. MLS

Despite neighbors’ outcry over the disruptive festivities, Gargiulo asserted his tenancy rights whenever challenged, citing his purported lease.

Law enforcement intervention proved futile.

Legal recourse finally materialized in January this year when eviction proceedings were initiated against the squatters.

One of six bedrooms. MLS

Sensing the tide turning against them, they struck a deal with the property’s current owner to vacate last month.

The prolonged ordeal underscores the perils of absentee ownership, compounded by a convoluted legal battle over the mansion’s ownership amid a fraud scandal involving its former proprietor.

How Gargiulo managed to seize the property remains unclear.

Efforts to seek redress were stymied at every turn, with law enforcement citing civil matters and legal complexities.

The frustration felt by residents was palpable, with one lamenting, “Welcome to California, thanks liberals.”

Despite California law deeming squatting illegal, “adverse possession” statutes allow squatters to stake a claim over a property after five years of uninterrupted occupancy.

While Gargiulo hadn’t met this threshold, his gambit highlighted the flaws in California’s legal framework.

With the mansion reverting to its rightful owner, Adel Yamout, in December, legal proceedings are underway to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

 

Believe it or not, there are just three weeks left in the 2023-24 NBA campaign.

And while the Boston Celtics may have locked up the top seed in the Eastern Conference, playoff races all over the rest of the league are heating up.

Three teams (the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves) are still in the mix for first in the West. The play-in ranges in each conference are very much in flux.

As teams continue to jockey for positioning in both conferences, we’ll rank the entire league with the same criteria we use every week: team and individual numbers, recent performance, championship chances and plenty of subjectivity.

And, of course, no late-season power rankings would be complete without a LeBron James status check. Spoiler: He’s still incredible.

30. Washington Wizards (12-58)1 OF 31

Deni AvdijaStephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 30Net Rating: -9.5

The Washington Wizards snuck out a victory against the Sacramento Kings to end the week, a win that pushed them to 3-21 in their last 24.

At this point, they’re pretty much assured a 14 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick, but that may not be the only source of solace.

Over his last 14 games, 23-year-old Deni Avdija is averaging 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 threes, while shooting 40.0 percent from deep.

29. Charlotte Hornets (17-52)2 OF 31

Grant WilliamsRich Schultz/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 29Net Rating: -10.3

The Charlotte Hornets have been a more competitive 7-12 since the trade deadline, and the rotation players they acquired that day are all under contract for 2024-25.

Since joining the Hornets, Grant Williams is averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 threes per game, Vasilije Micić is at 12.3 points and 5.5 assists and Tre Mann is putting up 12.1 points and 4.7 assists.

If the team can simply add healthy versions of LaMelo Ball (which gets harder to imagine with every injury-riddled year) and Mark Williams, it should be able to claw its way away from the bottom of the East.

And if the Hornets can add a difference-maker with their cap space (which could exceed $30 million, per Cap Sheets), they might even threaten the play-in range.

28. Detroit Pistons (12-57)3 OF 31

Cade CunninghamChris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 28Net Rating: -8.3

It’s been easy to criticize the Detroit Pistons for most of this season. And that extends to the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, Cade Cunningham.

Given the lack of experience and high-end talent around him, though, his third season in the NBA may be worthy of a bit more praise than it’s gotten to this point.

In a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Cunningham had 23 points and 10 assists, bringing his averages to 22.2 and 7.6.

The list of players who matched or exceeded both those marks in an age-22 (or younger) season is pretty impressive: Luka Dončić (three times), LaMelo Ball (twice), Trae Young (twice), Stephon Marbury, Oscar Robertson, Derrick Rose and Isiah Thomas.

27. Portland Trail Blazers (19-50)4 OF 31

Scoot HendersonAmanda Loman/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 26Net Rating: -8.1

Ordinarily, a season as bad as the Portland Trail Blazers’ might come with some ray of hope from a recent top draft pick.

If Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick last summer, had shown some hint of consistently solid play, this way-below-.500 campaign would’ve been easier for fans to stomach.

But in the seven games since returning from his most recent injury, Henderson is averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 turnovers while shooting 35.3 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from deep.

This stretch has dragged down Scoot’s season-long box plus/minus to minus-6.6, a mark that ranks 1,058th among the 1,062 rookie seasons with 1,000-plus minutes since 1973-74.

26. San Antonio Spurs (15-54)5 OF 31

Gregg Popovich and Tre JonesPhotos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 27Net Rating: -7.3

If the goal was to wind up at or near the top of the lottery again, the San Antonio Spurs’ approach to this season makes plenty of sense.

If it was to be competitive during Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season, it took way too long to consistently surround him with logical lineups.

The “Jeremy Sochan at point guard” experiment was interesting, but turning someone who was a non-shooting, hustle-and-energy forward in college into an NBA 1 had almost no chance of success.

Having Wemby play the 4 could’ve been interesting, too, but his advantages in terms of agility and skill are far greater against 5s.

So, even with a season-long net rating that’s been in the bottom five throughout 2023-24, the Spurs are plus-5.5 points per 100 possessions (80th percentile) when Wembanyama is playing center and Tre Jones (a good old-fashioned point guard) is merely on the floor.

25. Toronto Raptors (23-46)6 OF 31

Gradey DickBart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 25Net Rating: -4.7

If the Toronto Raptors’ 2023-24 white flag isn’t waving, it sure feels like it’s at least being fastened to the flagpole.

After losing on Wednesday, the Raptors have now dropped eight straight and 10 of their last 11. They are essentially eliminated from play-in contention, and their rotation minutes are starting to feel like a game of musical chairs.

On the bright side, 2023 first-round pick Gradey Dick is starting to show signs of life.

The 20-year-old averaged 4.0 points and shot 27.9 percent from deep in his first 28 games. In his 20 appearances since then, he’s at 10.9 points and 2.1 threes with a 41.0 three-point percentage.

24. Brooklyn Nets (26-44)7 OF 31

Mikal Bridges and Cameron JohnsonPhotos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 24Net Rating: -2.6

Few teams seem as rudderless as the Brooklyn Nets right now.

Beyond being 13-34 since a decent 13-10 start to the season, Brooklyn doesn’t have a single sure-fire star on the roster. It doesn’t have control of several of its first-rounders over the next few years.

And at least corners of the front office have to be regretting not getting some of the Nets’ draft picks back from the Houston Rockets earlier this season (Houston was reportedly willing to return some for Mikal Bridges).

23. Memphis Grizzlies (23-47)8 OF 31

GG JacksonNoah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 23Net Rating: -6.7

This space was devoted to GG Jackson last week, but the rookie who just turned 19 in December keeps having noteworthy performances.

His Memphis Grizzlies were crushed by the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, but Jackson dropped 35, bringing his average to 18.0 points over his last 15 games.

Combine the more consistent scoring with his size (6’9″ with a 7’0″ wingspan) and ahead-of-schedule defense, and it’s easy to get excited about Jackson’s future.

22. Utah Jazz (29-41)9 OF 31

Collin SextonGlenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 22Net Rating: -4.0

After a second straight season mostly spent in the NBA’s no-man’s land, the Utah Jazz are on track to land outside the top five in the draft again.

This is an organizational spot that can be tough on fans. The Jazz aren’t bad enough for a great shot at No. 1, but they’re not good enough to make the play-in.

For a lot of teams around this range (like, say, the Brooklyn Nets), it can be hard to identify silver linings. That’s not true for Utah, which has a legitimate All-Star building block in Lauri Markkanen, a surging rookie in Keyonte George and one of the most underrated players in the league in Collin Sexton.

After dropping 20 in a loss on Thursday, Sexton is now averaging 18.5 points and 4.8 assists in just 26.0 minutes. He’s the only player in NBA history to match or exceed both of those marks in 26 or fewer minutes per game.

21. Atlanta Hawks (30-39)10 OF 31

Dejounte MurrayBarry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 20Net Rating: -2.1

Fortunately, the Atlanta Hawks are in the Eastern Conference and have a four-and-a-half game cushion between their 10th-place spot and the 11th-place Brooklyn Nets.

After losing to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, they’re now 1-5 in their last six and looking like more than a long shot to escape the play-in tournament.

Of course, this version of the Hawks is without Trae Young, and we’re now approaching the end of the original four-week timeline for his reevaluation after a surgery on his left finger.

If he’s back and at full speed before those elimination games, Atlanta might still have a puncher’s chance to get into the postseason.

20. Philadelphia 76ers (38-31)11 OF 31

Joel EmbiidTim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 21Net Rating: +2.4

After losing to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers are 12-23 in games missed by Joel Embiid.

And there’s a very real chance they’ll have to survive the play-in tournament to make the postseason.

But help may be on the way between now and then.

Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters this week that Embiid is in the “ramp up” phase of his rehab. And while Philadelphia still hasn’t put a definite timeline on his return, this is undoubtedly a positive update.

If Embiid is back in time for the play-in, it’s not hard to imagine them getting through. Philadelphia is plus-10.3 points per 100 possessions when the big man is on the floor with Tyrese Maxey.

19. Chicago Bulls (34-36)12 OF 31

Ayo DosunmuLogan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 19Net Rating: -1.8

With eighth place four-and-a-half games ahead and 10th place three games behind, the Chicago Bulls seem pretty much locked into ninth and the bottom half of the play-in tournament.

And if they keep getting performances from Ayo Dosunmu like the one he delivered on Thursday, they might have an outside shot to escape those elimination games.

The Bulls lost to the red-hot Houston Rockets, but the 24-year-old had 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting. And over his last 18 games, he’s averaged 17.9 points, 5.6 assists and 2.6 threes, while shooting 42.7 percent from deep.

18. Houston Rockets (34-35)13 OF 31

Amen Thompson, Jalen Green and Jeff GreenLogan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 18Net Rating: +1.0

The Houston Rockets are on an absolute tear since switching to an unconventional starting five in the wake of Alperen Şengün’s injury.

With Jabari Smith Jr. as the nominal 5, Fred VanVleet starting at the 1 and Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and rookie Amen Thompson making up something of a positionless trio between them, the Rockets are overwhelming opponents with athleticism, defensive tenacity and switchability.

Houston has won seven straight and is suddenly back within striking distance of the play-in tournament.

17. Los Angeles Lakers (37-32)14 OF 31

LeBron JamesAdam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 16Net Rating: -0.2

LeBron James’ numbers were already outrageous for a player in his age-39 campaign, but he’s somehow found another level of late, as the Los Angeles Lakers solidify their play-in spot.

Over his last 11 games, James is putting up 28.3 points, 9.5 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 threes and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.0 percent from deep.

And while there are plenty of worthy candidates, he is now at 60 games played (five shy of the minimum of 65 to qualify for postseason awards), with this recent stretch giving him a pretty solid argument for a record 20th All-NBA nod.

No other player in NBA history has more than 15.

16. Golden State Warriors (36-32)15 OF 31

Jonathan Kuminga and Steve KerrEzra Shaw/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 17Net Rating: +1.6

The ascendence of Jonathan Kuminga has completely changed the Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 fortunes.

He entered the starting lineup for good on January 27, when the Warriors lost a double-overtime thriller to the Los Angeles Lakers to move to 19-24.

Since then, Golden State is 17-8. And in those 25 games, Kuminga is averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

15. Indiana Pacers (39-31)16 OF 31

Tyrese HaliburtonBrian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 15Net Rating: +2.0

The Indiana Pacers crushed the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday by 19 points, moving them to 4-2 in their last six.

In this little stretch, they have road wins over both the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder. So, from a team perspective, it feels like things are headed in the right direction.

However, after going 1-of-3 from deep in the latest win, Tyrese Haliburton’s shooting slump may be nearing concerning territory (if that’s possible for a career 39.4 percent three-point shooter).

Over his last 13 games, the 24-year-old is averaging 15.4 points and shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 19.5 percent from deep.

The Pacers, again, are picking up some wins during this slump, but if Haliburton can’t get closer to where he was before it started (he averaged 21.9 points and shot 40.0 percent from three in his first 44 games), Indiana probably won’t put a playoff scare in anyone.

14. Miami Heat (38-31)17 OF 31

Jimmy ButlerDavid Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 14Net Rating: +0.6

It’s been sort of a roller-coaster season for the Miami Heat, and the last couple weeks were no exception.

After going on a four-game losing streak earlier this month, they got back on track with a 3-1 week that ended with a road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Jimmy Butler had 30 points, five assists and four steals in that game, and Miami is now 7-1 on the season when he eclipses the 30-point mark.

13. Sacramento Kings (40-29)18 OF 31

Domantas SabonisKenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 13Net Rating: +1.5

The frustrating inconsistency of the Sacramento Kings has been on display the last couple weeks.

On March 12, they crushed the Milwaukee Bucks, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 30. They beat the Los Angeles Lakers by double-digits the next night. But this week, they went 2-2, with one of the losses coming to the Washington Wizards and one of the wins taking overtime against the Memphis Grizzlies.

It’s tough to know which version of the Kings you might get on any given night, but the same can’t really be said of Domantas Sabonis individually.

He still leads the league in triple-doubles this season, and after finishing with 14 points and 14 rebounds in Thursday’s loss to Washington, he’s recorded a double-double in 52 straight games.

12. Orlando Magic (42-28)19 OF 31

Jonathan IsaacFernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 12Net Rating: +2.2

There are plenty of good stories to highlight from this Orlando Magic season.

They’ve already exceeded their preseason over-under. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both improving. Jalen Suggs had a breakout season. They’ve had one of the best defenses in the league throughout 2023-24.

One that may be underappreciated is Jonathan Isaac, whose career has been ravaged by injuries. He only played 34 games in 2019-20. Then, he missed all of the next two campaigns and played in just 11 games last season.

After registering a plus-14 in Thursday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the 26-year-old has now appeared in 48 games and played 719 minutes. He’s top-30 in the league in box plus/minus and is averaging 7.6 defensive rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.7 steals per 75 possessions.

Orlando has a shot at a 50-win season largely because of its defense and second unit, and Isaac has been a crucial component of both.

11. New York Knicks (41-28)20 OF 31

Jalen BrunsonGarrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 9Net Rating: +4.2

Injuries continue to plague this New York Knicks season.

Mitchell Robinson hasn’t played since December 8. Julius Randle hasn’t played since January 27. And after playing three games after his elbow surgery, OG Anunoby has been back on the shelf for the Knicks’ last two games. All three are certain starters when available.

What this stretch has done is give Jalen Brunson an opportunity to show genuine superstar upside. He’s had two 40-plus-point performances since last Thursday and is now averaging 30.1 points, 6.6 assists and 2.5 threes in his last 27 games.

10. Phoenix Suns (41-29)21 OF 31

Grayson AllenBarry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 11Net Rating: +2.8

Most of the Phoenix Suns-related attention this season has understandably been directed at Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but they have several role players who’ve helped keep the team in the hunt for a top-six finish despite tons of absences from the stars.

The most important could well be sharpshooter Grayson Allen.

In Wednesday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, he had a team-high 32 points and shot 9-of-15 from deep. For the season, he’s shooting a league-best 48.2 percent from deep. And the Suns are plus-4.2 points per 100 possessions when he plays, compared to plus-0.3 when he doesn’t.

On a team with as much ball-dominance as this one, having at least one player who’s willing and able to operate as more of an off-ball threat goes a long way.

9. Dallas Mavericks (41-29)22 OF 31

P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving and Daniel GaffordSam Hodde/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 10Net Rating: +1.5

It’s getting easier and easier to buy into Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks’ supporting cast.

This week alone, Kyrie Irving delivered one of the most outrageous game-winning shots you’ll see, when he hit a running lefty hook shot over Nikola Jokić as time expired in Sunday’s win over the Denver Nuggets.

In the next game, Dante Exum was 4-of-4 from three and plus-16 in a six-point win. And on Thursday, Daniel Gafford was 10-of-11 and plus-25 in a 16-point win.

Dončić deserves much of the credit for this team’s success (more on that in Stat of the Week), but his teammates are really starting to do their part, and the wins are following.

Dallas is 7-1 in its last eight, with the only loss being on the road and against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-26)23 OF 31

Jarrett AllenJason Miller/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 7Net Rating: +4.1

The Cavs being top-10 in net rating and on pace for 50-plus wins is pretty remarkable, given the number of injury-related absences they’ve had to endure.

Donovan Mitchell missed his 20th game on Wednesday, when Cleveland lost to the Miami Heat. Evan Mobley was out too, and he’s up to 31 games missed. Darius Garland has missed 25.

Again, though, they’re still on track for home-court advantage in the first round. And while all of the above deserve credit for how well they’ve played when available, Jarrett Allen has been the constant.

After going for 25 points, 20 rebounds and three assists against Miami, he’s now averaging 16.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the season.

7. Los Angeles Clippers (43-25)24 OF 31

James HardenAdam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 5Net Rating: +4.0

Just a few weeks ago, the Los Angeles Clippers seemed like a near-lock to finish in the top four. They were even in the mix to finish first in the West.

But they’re 9-10 in their last 19, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that they sort of go as James Harden goes.

He had 19 points and 14 assists in a win on Wednesday, bringing L.A.’s record to 19-3 when he hands out at least 10 dimes.

Given some of his disappearing acts in recent postseasons, the Clippers being this reliant on his play has to be at least slightly concerning.

6. New Orleans Pelicans (42-27)25 OF 31

Zion WilliamsonNathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 8Net Rating: +5.2

Their week ended with a big loss to the Orlando Magic, but the New Orleans Pelicans have more than established themselves as a potential postseason threat over the last few weeks.

Since a three-game losing streak in late January, New Orleans is 16-6. And this stretch has pushed the Pelicans up to fourth in the league in net rating.

And while Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and the team’s depth all deserve plenty of credit for the surge, the biggest catalyst is undoubtedly Zion Williamson (though he’s reportedly shrinking physically).

During the aforementioned 22-game stretch, the 2019 No. 1 pick is averaging 23.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 blocks.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (45-25)26 OF 31

Giannis AntetokounmpoPatrick McDermott/Getty Images

Previous Rank: 6Net Rating: +3.3

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second game in a row and third in the Milwaukee Bucks’ last nine on Wednesday.

That was just his fifth missed game of the entire season, but hamstring injuries can be of the nagging variety. And if he’s not at 100 percent in April, the Bucks could be in trouble.

On the season, Milwaukee is plus-7.1 points per 100 possessions when Giannis is on the floor and minus-5.5 when he’s off.

On the bright side, he was back for Thursday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, but he shot 9-of-19 from the field (it was just his ninth game of the season with a sub-50 field-goal percentage).

His health is something to keep an eye on as we approach the playoffs.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves (47-22)27 OF 31

Anthony EdwardsMelissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 4Net Rating: +6.2

Anthony Edwards’ detonation on John Collins this week may have been the dunk of the year, but it was hardly the only noteworthy play or performance from Minnesota’s superstar of late.

Edwards has scored at least 30 in each of his last four games, and he’s averaging 29.4 points and 4.9 assists in his last 20 games.

Minnesota is suddenly banged up, with Karl-Anthony Towns recovering from a torn meniscus, Rudy Gobert missing the last three games with a rib injury and Edwards dealing with the finger he dislocated during his jam on Collins, but if Edwards can keep playing like this, the T-Wolves can remain in the hunt for the West’s top seed.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (48-20)28 OF 31

Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderJoe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 3Net Rating: +7.6

Outside the Boston Celtics, the Oklahoma City Thunder feel like the most consistent team in the NBA this season.

With another comfortable win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, OKC finished the week undefeated and moved to 13-3 in its last 16 games.

And the team’s ultimate individual model of consistency had another 31-point game along the way. After finishing at that mark against the Jazz, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now has a single-season record 13 games with exactly 31 points.

Of course, this recent stretch featured games against a number of sub-.500 teams, and the Thunder’s consistency will face a bit stiffer test going forward.

Over the next few weeks, OKC plays the Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Celtics on the road.

2. Boston Celtics (55-14)29 OF 31

Kristaps Porziņģis, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Jaylen BrownBrian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous Rank: 2Net Rating: +11.8

Wednesday’s three-point win over the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks was closer than expected, but the Boston Celtics are now 18-2 in their last 20 games.

And with each of the six wins prior to Wednesday being by double-digits, Boston’s season-long point differential sits at plus-11.52.

Only the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks, 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and 2016-17 Golden State Warriors had bigger averages for margin of victory.

1. Denver Nuggets (49-21)30 OF 31

Aaron Gordon and Nikola JokićAAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

Previous Rank: 1Net Rating: +4.8

It was easy to feel some mild concern over the Denver Nuggets’ three-game losing streak that immediately preceded the All-Star break, but they’re 13-2 since then.

And the only games they dropped in that stretch were an overtime thriller in which Kevin Durant got red hot down the stretch and a road loss to the Dallas Mavericks in which Kyrie Irving hit an impossible off-hand game-winner from the free-throw line.

The reigning champions are rounding into postseason form, and the rest of the West is surely taking notice.

Stat of the Week31 OF 31

Luka DončićPhotos by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images

With Joel Embiid not qualified for the scoring title, Luka Dončić is cruising toward the honor with 34.1 points per game.

And the way he’s piling up the points is about as impressive as it could possibly be. Luka plays with a high-end guard in Kyrie Irving, but he’s still generating the bulk of his points on his own.

Dončić leads the NBA in total points scored out of isolation, total points scored as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, total pull-up points and pull-up threes made.

And only 20.3 percent of his field goals have been assisted, which is the lowest percentage among players who’ve made at least 100 shots this season.

 

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is sitting out against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night with a left ankle injury.

Coach Darvin Ham called it a “day-to-day thing.”

“When we wake up in the morning we’ll figure it out,” Ham said ahead of his team’s first meeting with the Warriors since a wild 145-144 win in double overtime at Chase Center on Jan. 27. James had a triple-double in that game with 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists.

The 39-year-old James has left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, inflammation of the tendons on the outside of his foot. He also sat out Feb. 14 at Utah with the injury ahead of the All-Star break.

James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists in his 21st NBA season. Ham said it will be his job to manage both James and center Anthony Davis by “being smart” for the remainder of the regular season to keep them both fresh and healthy.

“No one man puts the cape on. Everyone banding together, doing everything as a unit, as a group,” Ham said of the keys to playing without James. “We have a bunch of guys active tonight that have been playing at a really, really high level. Went into the break playing at a high level and I expect that to continue. Just, again, playing the right way, competing every possession, and covering for one another. Being connected.”

Guard Max Christie was available to play for the Lakers after being listed questionable with a sprained right ankle while forward Cam Reddish was still out because of a sprained right ankle. Big man Christian Wood is dealing with a left knee injury that he hurt during the Utah game and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

 

n the aftermath of All-Star weekend, Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis offered some comments that might not reflect glowingly on Commissioner Adam Silver’s latest pet project.

After the success of the Play-In Tournament and the buy-in from players in the inaugural In-Season Tournament this season, the All-Star game was next.

But a return to the familiar East-versus-West format couldn’t prevent a 211-186 final score.

“I think it’s something we need to figure out,” James said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on February 19. “Obviously from a player’s perspective, it’s fun to get up and down. But at the end of the day, our competitive nature don’t like to have free-flowing scoring like that.”

Silver’s reaction to the outcome went viral, as the commissioner sounded less than pleased with the lack of competitiveness, at least defensively, in the game.

And there may be nothing he can do to course correct.

lmaooo. This is the tone and inflection of a man who is displeased.

that “Well…” melted my socks my off. 😭😭 https://t.co/cM3Gd4iaoL pic.twitter.com/dKGwbumINR

— “Sha-Vaughn”B.| 🌖🪬 (@SiobhanBeslow) February 19, 2024

James played fewer than 14 minutes, the third-fewest on the team. He finished his historic 20th All-Star appearance with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists.

After dealing with an ankle injury for most of the season, he may have welcomed the light work.

“But I think the good thing that came out of tonight was none of the players were injured, and everybody came out unscathed or how they were before the game started,” James said, per McMenamin. “So it’s a deeper conversation.”

Anthony Davis Cites Injury Concerns for Lackluster All-Star Game

“Obviously the fans and the league and everybody wants to be competitive, but then you also as players think about trying not to get hurt,” Davis said, per McMenamin. “Obviously injuries are a part of the game, and no one wants to get hurt in the All-Star Game.”

Davis played more than 22 minutes in the game, logging six points, eight assists, and eight rebounds with one block.

The nine-time All-Star, Davis, also admitted there were some “mixed emotions” about the event.

“When you have the best players in the world together, you gotta compete.”

‘Legend of the Year’ Larry Bird at the #LegendsBrunch in Indy speaking about tonight’s NBA All-Star Game (8pm/et, TNT)

Watch on X1:20 pm · 18 Feb 20241879ReplyRead 131 replies

“All these guys here are very valuable to their teams,” Davis said. “You try to go out there and compete a little bit and not just be a highlight show. But at the same time, do you guys really want to see somebody going down for a dunk and somebody going to contest it and, God forbid, something happens in the All-Star Game when it could have been avoided?”

That this message is coming from two of the league’s biggest stars is very telling.

Lakers’ Anthony Davis, LeBron James Know Health is Paramount

James — who injured his hand in last year’s game — said that he might not be ready to play for the Lakers’ first game back on February 22 due to the ankle. He has missed seven games this season, a notable pace after he made no more than 56 appearances in each of the last three seasons.

It’s a similar story for Davis, who has missed just four games this season. His streak of 56 games or fewer in a season extends back to the 2020-21 campaign.

This issue is also larger than just them, though.

LeBron James made Los Angeles Lakers history during Friday’s game.

 

On Friday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers are hosting the San Antonio Spurs in California.

During the game, LeBron James made team history by moving ahead of Nick Van Exel (750) for third on the all-time three-pointers list.

Following Van Exel, the next player for James to pass will be Derek Fisher (846).

Via The Los Angeles Lakers: “Another one in the record books. 

LeBron is THIRD in all-time Laker threes, passing Nick Van Exel 💦”

James returned to the starting lineup after a two-game absence.

He is in the middle of another remarkable season with averages of 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 52.0% from the field and 39.5% from the three-point range in 49 games.

At 39, James has shown no signs of slowing down and played in his 20th NBA All-Star Game last weekend.

The Lakers are the ninth seed in the Western Conference with a 30-27 record in 57 games.

They are 6-4 over their last ten games and an impressive 19-9 in the 28 games they have hosted in Los Angeles, California.

Following the Spurs, the Lakers will visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon in Arizona.

James was the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and is in his 21st season in the league (his fifth with the Lakers).

His career averages are 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 50.5% from the field and 34.6% from the three-point range.

James is a billionaire and plans to use his money to own an NBA franchise

LEBRON James has been seriously stepping up his bid to land an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.

The basketball legend, 39, has made no secret of his desire to become part of an ownership group once his glittering career comes to an end.

 

LeBron James wants to become an NBA team owner in retirementCredit: Getty

James could potentially own a team in Las VegasCredit: Getty

He is desperate to plunge some of his $1 billion fortune into a new team in Sin City and The U.S. Sun has been told he has really been putting his foot on the gas in recent weeks.

Key meetings were held during Super Bowl week and during the NBA All-Star break in Indianapolis, with two sources confirming numerous sponsors are in discussions about a project that could start off at around $3.5 billion but is expected to reach a value over $10 billion once all the pieces fall into place.

Discussions over a new arena in Vegas – which could cost $1.8 billion – are also underway.

James’ timing is key – the NBA’s current TV deal expires in 2025, and with Apple, Amazon, TNT and ESPN all circling, a bigger share of the financial pie could be available to all franchise owners.

Commissioner Adam Silver is set to confirm two new franchises in 2025, taking the number of NBA of teams from 30 to 32.

LeBron’s long-standing relationship with Nike is also seen as a huge draw for potential investors and “tons” of sponsors.

“LeBron helps Nike make around 600 million dollars per year in sales, and it’s evaluated that with him owning the Las Vegas franchise, it could grow by 10 to 15% in sale for Nike, that is huge!”, enthused the source who now works as an external consultant but was involved in expansion deals in Toronto, New Orleans and Vancouver.

“He can really change the business model in there by example having his logo on the jerseys, or even having part of the merchandising with his name on, which it’s on their plan. LeBron is looking for serious investors.”

Vegas has successfully welcomed NHL, NFL, and even F1 in recent years, with Major League Soccer also eyeing up options in the desert.The appetite for an NBA team is “huge” according to the insider, who claims the pressure will be less than playing in Los Angeles for the Clippers or Lakers.

“LeBron will be able to attract very good players,” another source, who specializes in NBA business development, said. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

LeBron James injury update after Los Angeles Lakers star is limited to just 14 minutes of action since All-Star Game

Tapping into the constant tourist market also puts Vegas in a favorable position, with no fears of being unable to fill a potential arena holding 23,000.

But it’s the interest of potential sponsors – and the money that could be made – which is helping accelerate the plans.

“We speak about hundreds and hundreds of investors and companies, that is insane! They all know that working with LeBron, the investors and sponsors know that the profits will be massive quickly and that everything has to be done in Las Vegas, with the unique location and context of the city. ”

Legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are both billionaires, yet LeBron is the first active NBA player to join that exclusive club.

His stellar playing career which has taken in memorable spells at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and now the Lakers, has seen him rake in a whopping $480 million, while some smart business moves – endorsements and other ventures – have seen another $900 million flood in.

“It might be a big investment to start with, but the profits at the short and mid-term are going to be massive, as it’s evaluated by many studies and business plans to be around more than 300 million per year,” explained the insider.

“As an example, the Knicks and the businesses of the franchise and around Madison Square Garden make a cumulated of around $17 million a night on game day/night. By evaluation, it could be two to three times more for the Las Vegas franchise per game, which is massive!

“The effects of LeBron owning a franchise would be unique in the sports industry in America.”

LeBron has already dipped his toe into sports ownership – he has recently increased his stake in the Fenway Sports Group, who own the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, and English soccer team Liverpool.

James is a billionaire and has expressed a desire to become an owner