LeBron James (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
LeBron James has been linked to several free-agency teams. Yet, the Los Angeles Lakers star has revealed his intention to stay with the Lakers by expressing his willingness to take a pay cut. Nevertheless, reports indicate that LeBron has not taken a pay cut. Rather, he signs a 2-year, $104 million max contract with the Lakers.

This deal includes a no-trade clause and a player option, ensuring James remains with the Los Angeles Lakers until he is 41. The 39-year-old star is about $20 million shy of becoming the first player in league history to surpass $500 million in on-court earnings.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers and James’ agent, Rich Paul, are still discussing James taking approximately $1 million below the maximum to allow for more flexibility in roster building.

There’s still a conversation with agent Rich Paul and Lakers on James taking $1 million or so below max to keep team below second-apron and able to keep a little more roster-building flexibility, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/6OjREPfe17

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024

“There’s still a conversation with agent Rich Paul and the Lakers on James taking $1 million or so below max to keep the team below second-apron and able to keep a little more roster-building flexibility,” Wojnarowski reported.

Due to a quirk in the NBA salary cap rules, the Lakers cannot offer James a contract longer than three years. Nonetheless, his new deal is enough for the Lakers to build a championship-caliber team.

LeBron James’ Son Intends to Sign a Multi-Year Guaranteed Rookie Contract

LeBron James’ new deal follows the news of his son, Bronny James, being drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers legend has often expressed his desire to play alongside Bronny, which is why this draft has become a meaningful moment for both father and son. Reportedly, Bronny plans to sign a multiyear guaranteed rookie contract with the Lakers.

BREAKING: Bronny James plans to sign a multi-year guaranteed rookie contract with the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/ojSHlWaRK3

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 2, 2024

LeBron has faced considerable backlash regarding Bronny’s draft. Critics have accused him of nepotism, suggesting that Bronny’s selection was influenced more by his father’s name than his abilities.

It will be interesting to see if the Lakers offer Bronny, a second-round draft pick, an unprecedented, fully guaranteed contract.

Bronny James (Image source: Lakers Press)
LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny James, was selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers at last week’s NBA Draft after initial rumors. While many predicted this move, Bronny recently shared that it wasn’t something he had considered.

During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, ahead of his first practice with the team, Bronny exuded confidence and made it clear that his primary focus was on his own development, not on teaming up with his father.

“I’m trying to get my name out for myself. I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part in, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine,” Bronny said.

“I never really had a thought about me going to play with my dad”

Bronny James has mastered the art of lying much like his father

pic.twitter.com/zfeZk2Aw6r

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 2, 2024

Despite knowing that his performance will attract a lot of scrutiny, Bronny is prepared for the criticism, something he has faced throughout his college career.

“For sure, there’s an amplified amount of pressure. I’ve already seen it on social media and the Internet, talking about how I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life, so it’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure, but I’ll get through it,” Bronny added.

Fans Slam Bronny James’ for His Lying on Teaming Up With His Father

Bronny James before that draft urged the NBA teams not to draft him for his father’s name. But behind the curtain, his agent Rich Paul reportedly reached out to all the teams to not draft him as the Los Angeles Lakers saved their draft pick for Bronny.

Paul even claimed that if any team would draft Bronny, he would go to Australia. Hence, after Bronny’s recent take, the NBA fans again pointed their guns at Bronny for lying.

But Rich Paul telling other teams that if they draft him he'll play overseas. Hahaha bunch of liars. "Reaping what you sow."

— Aaronn (@aaronnmamba27) July 2, 2024

That liar said he would play overseas if he didn’t play with his dad. 😂😂😂

— TheHero (@RobertGC2001) July 3, 2024

This is a terrible take by barstool. Just listen to the video folks.

— Colin (@Imalawyer07) July 2, 2024

Apart from Paul, LeBron James himself shared his intention to share the court with his son. Nevertheless, Bronny now can’t deny his father’s words. So, it’s safe to receive backlashes.

Imagine saying you never planned for this when Lebron has talked about it for years

— Winners Only Club (@WOCmain) July 3, 2024

He’s already capping like his dad

— shatter the script (@STS_P0D) July 3, 2024

Fans did not hesitate to remind Bronny of his USC career, which LeBron’s son didn’t end on a good note.

Dude couldn't play bench on UConn if he tried.

— $SHIB Whale (@DawsinKay) July 2, 2024

Left college early and got drafted into the NBA purely on his own merits. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

— James The Cryptonian 🇺🇸 (@KAOS_the_legend) July 2, 2024

What’s your take on Bronny’s words? Share with us in the comment box.

Ally D and Anthony Edwards (Photos via @iamallyd/Instagram & Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is facing some wild accusations online.

A woman claiming to be the “secret baby mama” of Edwards has shaken the sports world to its core as she exposed him in a series of posts on her Instagram Story.

The woman, whose name is allegedly Ally D, shared purported screenshots of messages exchanged with someone she addresses as “Ant.” To further her claims, she also shared a picture of Edwards wearing earrings to prove her claims that she was talking to him in those messages.

The most damning piece of evidence came in the form of a picture of the child that shares an uncanny resemblance to the Timberwolves superstar.

Anthony Edwards apparently has a secret baby mama, who just exposed him 😭 pic.twitter.com/c7FgnVBDdK

— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) July 2, 2024

After social media was turned upside down by her accusations, Anthony Edwards finally decided to break his silence online by sharing a post amid this young lady accusing him of having a secret child.

Anthony Edwards appeared not to have a worry in the world as he promoted a fan meetup at a “secret location” in order to support his Don’t Follow The Wave Foundation, which aids student-athletes attending HBCUs.

Having an alleged ‘secret baby mama’ and promoting a ‘secret location’ for a fan in the same week is downright wild.

Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Anthony Edwards’ Had Major Superstar Turn In Postseason

Anthony Edwards reached a new level this past season.

It got even bigger during the playoffs. One of his bigger moments was scoring 43 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Game 1 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, per ESPN.

The Minnesota Timberwolves guard has one of the most charming personalities and the game that matches it.

In a league where LeBron James remains a top draw, the NBA may have found an answer to who they can market when he eventually retires.

Klay Thompson ( Image Credit: Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
The Former Golden State Warriors guard, after a long journey of speculations, finally made the decision for his next landing spot. Klay Thompson rejected a two-year, $48 million contract in lieu of a more significant income when he accepted a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. However, Klay’s father, Mychal Thompson, had a different plan for his son. According to the recent reports by NBA Insider Mark Medina, Mychal Thompson, on his sales pitch, made some bold statements about his son and his dream team. He mentioned that the Los Angeles Lakers was the perfect team for Klay as he grew up watching his favorite players, Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers.

Mychal Thompson on his sales pitch to Klay to the Lakers:

“I thought that would be a fitting end for Klay to play in Kobe’s uniform and for the franchise that Kobe represented. That would’ve been a nice bookend to his career. But it wasn’t meant to be, so be it.”

(via… pic.twitter.com/6RRcUHjGlT

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 3, 2024

“I thought that would be a fitting end for Klay to play in Kobe’s uniform and for the franchise that Kobe represented. That would’ve been a nice bookend to his career. But it wasn’t meant to be, so be it.” Mychal Thompson said.

According to StatMuse, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 77 games in 2023-24.

Klay Thompson’s Decision Leaves His Dad Disappointed

The Lakers attempted to add Thompson to their roster, but he had other plans. Mychal expressed disappointment that Klay rejected the Lakers’ offer and accepted the Mavericks’ offer. He also mentioned that it’s Klay’s choice as he is a grown man, and a father can only advise his son; the decision will be best made by the son himself.

“I mean, obviously, it’s Klay’s decision, it’s his life, he’s a grown man, 34 years of age. Just like we were 34 one time and our fathers used to give us advice and, you know, we would choose our own path. And that’s fine, that’s what life is supposed to be about.” Klay Thomspn’s father said.

However, After Klay’s exit from the Warriors, Thompson’s former teammates paid tribute to him. The Warriors’ star player, Stephen Curry, honored the 34-year-old guard by uploading several images on his Instagram story with a heartfelt message. On the other hand, Draymond Green also opened up during the latest episode of ‘The Draymond Green Show‘ and spoke candidly about Klay’s departure from the team.

“By the way, he should run the Lakers.”

Screen grab: ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’

When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s often difficult to separate LeBron James’ desires from the team’s front offices.

While the 4-time MVP obviously isn’t the Lakers’ general manager, he clearly wields a massive amount of influence. And according to one of basketball’s most prominent voices, it’s time to stop acting otherwise.

“So LeBron’s going to take less money — this came out today — he’s going to take less money if they get a free agent that he wants. But he’s not running the Lakers,” Bill Simmons said sarcastically on the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast. “The Lakers are running themselves. They hired the coach themselves, they’re doing all the draft picks themselves.

“My point is, why do we have to pretend he’s not running the Lakers?  Like how long do we have to do this? How long? Give us a date. By the way, he should run the Lakers. I thought they should have hired Maverick Carter as the coach and then LeBron could have just told him what to do.”

While one could dispute whether James’ willingness to take a discount is an indication of his clout within the Lakers’ organization, it would be impossible to argue that he doesn’t possess such pull. In this offseason alone, Los Angeles hired JJ Redick — who has no previous NBA coaching experience, but hosted the Mind the Game podcast with James — and used a second-round pick on the 4-time NBA champion’s oldest son in what marked the worst-kept-secret of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Obviously, the idea of a superstar player pulling the strings within his organization is nothing new and is a notion that has followed James throughout most of his 21-year NBA career. But Simmons’ comments appear to be more directed toward the coverage of the Akron, Ohio, native than James himself.

Despite the Lakers being heavily linked to both Redick and Bronny James, reports persisted that James wasn’t involved in either Los Angeles’ coaching search or its draft plans. If that was the case, then it sure is a heckuva coincidence that the Lakers wound up hiring his podcast co-host and drafting his oldest son in the same offseason in which he has the ability to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

While some of the narrative that James isn’t involved in the Lakers’ decision-making has been driven by Rich Paul, Simmons also noted that the NBA super agent also seemingly said the quiet part out loud when he told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that if LeBron wanted Bronny on the Lakers, he’d “force” the team to take him in the first round. Ultimately, how much influence James has over the Lakers is a matter of semantics. But to Simmons’ larger point, it’s silly to act like his say isn’t sizable.

Bronny James has revealed his reason for choosing to wear No. 9 on the Los Angeles Lakers, as he is still overwhelmed by his second-round selection in the NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old eldest son of now new teammate LeBron, 39, explained the way in which the last single digit serves as a tribute to close friend and former rapper, Juice WRLD, who died of an accidental overdose at just age 21 in December 2019.

He said: ‘Juice has been a big part of me, keeping calm in some situations that I’ve been through. So yeah, just paying homage to him especially because he passed. It’s a really important thing for me.’

Bronny shares a common ‘999’ tattoo with Juice, although the guard has it behind his ear while the ‘Lucid Dreams’ hitmaker had it on his body. The angel number 999 signifies the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.

When someone sees this number, it’s usually a sign that a chapter in their life is soon to come to a close, and that new opportunities and possibilities are on the horizon.

Bronny James chose to wear the No. 9 jersey for the Purple & Gold, as announced on Tuesday

The guard, 19, chose the single digit to ‘pay homage’ to his close pal and rapper Juice WRLD

"Juice has been a big part of me keeping calm in some situations I've been through."

Bronny James pays homage to the late Juice WRLD by wearing the #9 for LAL 🪽 pic.twitter.com/DxMzMThEPi

— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024

Bronny joins the NBA only 11 months after suffering cardiac arrest and 25 games for USC. He addressed his six-month rise from competitively playing again on a college basketball to being projected to not making the cut at the NBA Draft Combine.

‘Everything’s just been surreal,’ the 6-ft-2 guard told reporters while sitting alongside another new guard on the team, Dalton Knecht – the Lakers’ 17th overall pick of this year’s draft.

‘Just trying to take it all in by the days. I’m extremely grateful for everything that [Lakers head coach] JJ [Redick] and [general manager] Rob [Pelinka] have given to me. I’ve been extremely excited to get work.’

When asked about the criticism and hype that comes with playing with his four-time NBA champion father, Bronny said: ‘For sure [playing with him] amplifies the amount of pressure.

‘I’ve already seen it on social media and on the internet and stuff, talking about how I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with this stuff for my whole life. It’s nothing different. [The pressure] is more amplified for sure, but I can get through it.’

James also revealed that he’s eager to write his own story while playing with his father, LeBron

"Everything's just been surreal… I've just been extremely excited to get to work."

Bronny James expresses his excitement to start his NBA career 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GpZw0dalWj

— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024

Bronny went on to describe himself as eager to write his own story as he wants to prove that he is more than just the eldest son of one of the greatest players ever.

‘I’m just living by the days and trying not to care about what other people think about me because there are a lot of people who have something to say,’ he said.

‘I’m just taking it by the day and staying sane while doing it.’

Bronny thanked the Lakers’ front office for ‘everything they have given to me,’ but his new head coach pushed back on that remark.

‘Rob and I did not give Bronny anything. Bronny has earned this through hard work,’ Redick said as LeBron looked on attentively.

Bronn’s dad and four-time NBA champion LeBron James was at his son’s first Lakers presser

Lakers coach JJ Redick described Bronny as deserving of the opportunity to play in the NBA

He also described Bronny as a player with huge potential for growth.

‘His base level of feel, athleticism, point of attack, defending, shooting, passing – there’s a lot to like about his game,’ Redick said.

‘As we build out our player development program holistically, he’s going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.’

Fans could get their first look at Bronny in action for the Lakers when California Classic Summer League action kicks off on Saturday with a game against the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco.

Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Despite trade speculations surrounding Klay Thompson, an NBA insider revealed Thompson’s last request to Golden State Warriors star player Stephen Curry before joining the Dallas Mavericks. According to recent reports by NBA Insider Anthony Slater for The Athletic, Thompson told Curry not to demand that the front office pay him. He mentioned that the 34-year-old shooting guard requested Curry not to exert influence on the franchise.

Klay Thompson told Steph Curry not to demand that the front office pay him, per @anthonyVslater

"I was told that Klay requested of Steph, 'Don't exert your influence. Don't demand that they do right by me financially. I want them to, want to [do that on their own]'"

(Via… pic.twitter.com/LoTtnQb8ct

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2024

“I was told that Klay requested of Steph, ‘Don’t exert your influence. Don’t demand that they do right by me financially. I want them to, want to [do that on their own]’” Slater Wrote.

Thompson, along with Curry and Draymond Green, played crucial roles in the Warriors’ recent success. However, after winning the championship in the 2021-22 season, the team entered a declining phase and was eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, the Warriors did not make the playoffs in the 2023-24 season and were eliminated during the Play-in tournament. Thompson’s performance declined during this time, leading to disagreements between him and the Warriors. According to StatMuse, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 77 games in the 2023-24 season.

Curry’s Calm Voice Can’t Mask Front Office’s Genuine Desire for Thompson Comeback

“It’s been a layered five-year path to this divorce, splintering last season, sprouting earlier, and finalizing in the last couple weeks, where —among the conversations Thompson had, league sources said — was a request of Stephen Curry not to exert his significant organizational influence and up the temperature with management to ensure Thompson’s return. Curry’s measured voice, even if it altered the outcome, wouldn’t change the genuineness of Joe Lacob and the front office’s true desire to have Thompson back.” Slater added.

During a recent episode of the show “First Take,” host Shannon Sharpe made bold statements about Thompson and praised the Warriors for their support during Thompson’s Achilles and ACL injuries.

DeMar DeRozan (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
During Tuesday’s episode of SportsCenter, NBA Insider for ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski reported that teams like the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in signing DeMar DeRozan. However, due to limited available funds, DeRozan may be better off signing a one-year contract for the 2024-2025 season. By choosing a one-year contract at a lower amount, DeRozan may become a free agent again next season, when more teams are expected to have cap space.

DeMar DeRozan May Sign One-Year Deal, Reenter Free Agency In 2025 When More Teams Have Cap Space https://t.co/5oIVzC2HdJ

— RealGM (@RealGM) July 2, 2024

“Well, I think there’s interest in DeMar DeRozan, but the kind of contract that he might want just is not going to be available. The Lakers have an interest. How do they acquire DeMar DeRozan? That becomes a much different scenario. LeBron James has talked about a willingness to take significantly less money to open up their mid-level exception. I think in DeMar DeRrozan’s case, and it may not be as appealing to him, but it may look like a one-year deal somewhere.” Wojnarowski said.

Lakers Reportedly Eyeing Sign-and-Trade Deal with DeRozan for Three-Year Contract

The Lakers would need a sound strategy to add DeRozan to the franchise. According to Wojnarowski, a sign-and-trade deal would involve DeRozan signing a three-year contract. This would prevent him from exploring other options in the upcoming summer when the salary cap is expected to increase.

“Let the market reset next year because if you do a sign-and-trade, it’s got to be at least three years. And now you’re locked into a three-year deal at a number you may not like. The Lakers are interested, but is there a mechanism that would allow them to create a slot to acquire him. That’s going to be the harder part. It’s tough when you give out the big money; there’s not always money left for a guy like DeMar DeRozan, who was an All-Star recently, but we’ll see what happens with him.” Wojnarowski added

Another ESPN insider also gave an opinion on the DeRozan trade. Brian Windhorst mentioned that DeRozan is on the list of players LeBron James would feel good about taking less money to bring to the Los Angeles Lakers. He also mentioned that free agent Klay Thompson is on the list.

Bronny James (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, is reportedly on the verge of signing a guaranteed multi-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. It is expected that he will begin his NBA career with the Lakers after being picked as the No. 55 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.

“Bronny James plans to sign a multiyear guaranteed rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft starts his NBA career on the Lakers roster.” Shams Charania wrote.

Bronny James plans to sign a multiyear guaranteed rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft starts his NBA career on the Lakers roster. pic.twitter.com/dRTgWxbGuO

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2024

After much speculation, Bronny was finally chosen by the Lakers as the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. This decision drew increased attention from NBA analysts and fans, with some praising and others criticizing the choice. During a recent episode of ESPN Draft Order, Adrian Wojnarowski voiced his support for Bronny, expressing his opposition to NBA fans, who referred to his selection by the Lakers as ‘nepotism.’ Despite this, some fans labeled Bronny as a result of nepotism, claiming he was only chosen by the Lakers because of his father, King James.

Bronny James Speaks Out: Shutting Down Nepotism Accusations

After facing criticism from fans and analysts, Bronny James finally addressed the nepotism accusations during a recent interview on Tuesday before his first training session. He explained that he is no stranger to such claims and has been dealing with them his whole life.

“For sure there’s an amplified amount of pressure. I’ve already seen it on social media and the internet, talk about how I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life so it’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure, but I’ll get through it.” James said.

James Harden and Kendrick Perkins (Image Source: Getty Images)
The LA Clippers have big plans for the upcoming season. Along with new jerseys and logos, they would be seen in their brand-new home arena. But what about the championship race? The franchise has suffered back-to-back defeats in the post-season tournament. Instead of focusing on the ultimate goal, the Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer has been fulfilling his team members’ demands. The claim was made by Kendrick Perkins on “NBA Today” after James Harden’s new contract with the franchise.

Following Harden’s signing, the furious ESPN analyst lashed out at Ballmer, saying, “Seriously, what are they doing? Ever since Steve Ballmer took over as far as buying this team, all he’s been doing is paying salaries, paying doctor bills and paying salaries, paying doctor bills and paying construction workers. That’s it. This team has underachieved damn near every single season and they’re never reliable when it comes down to when it matters the most.” He further added the team is not going on the right path.

“… all [Steve Ballmer] been doing is paying salaries, paying doctor bills, and paying construction workers…”

-Kendrick Perkins on the Clippers last 5 years😭 pic.twitter.com/CjjDBiqppa

— Mari (@ohhhthatsMari) June 30, 2024

The franchise reportedly agreed to continue their journey with Harden for another two years worth $70 million, which frustrated Perkins as the 34-year-old couldn’t display his potential in the Clippers’ jersey.

The LA side brought in James Harden last year in the hopes of forming their Big 3 with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. However, their dreams were soon crushed when the guard failed to live up to their expectations.

Looking Back at James Harden’s Season

The Clippers signed James Harden after the 10-time All-Star publicly expressed his desire to move out of the Sixers. But the plan didn’t work well for the team.

The veteran was expected to showcase his brilliance consistently throughout the season. However, his numbers had dropped massively compared to the previous season to 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game.

After grabbing fourth place on the Western table, the team couldn’t keep their pace in the playoffs. Following Kawhi’s injury in the early stage of the tournament, the Clippers gave in to the Mavericks in the opening round. However, Harden tried his best by putting up 21.2 points, 8.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds in the 6 games, but it wasn’t enough.

Now with Paul George leaving, Harden has to step up in the upcoming season and lead the team with Kawhi to prove his doubters wrong.