Blog

The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Monday’s Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets in their first round series and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (right midfoot sprain) was upgraded to questionable for the first time.

Additionally, LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Anthony Davis (left wrist sprain) are listed as probable although neither star is in danger of missing a game of this magnitude with the Lakers facing a win-or-go-home scenario.

Vanderbilt has missed the last two-plus months with the foot injury and seemed to be trending towards a return in the last couple weeks although was unable to in the first four games of this series. With the Lakers winning Game 4 to extend the series though, it now appears the defensive-minded forward could be able to return in Denver on Monday night.

The Lakers certainly can use Vanderbilt if he is healthy, although after missing so much time, it may not be wise to throw him right into the fire in a must-win game given the stakes. Vanderbilt is not known for his offense and will likely be out of rhythm after missing so much time.

The same was said for Christian Wood, who returned from a knee injury in Game 4 but did not make it into the contest. He is off the injury report fully now, so head coach Darvin Ham has both Wood and Vanderbilt as options if he would like to go to them.

On the Nuggets side of things, star point guard Jamal Murray’s status is in jeopardy after injuring his calf in Game 4. He is listed as questionable with a left calf strain although surely will do whatever he can to be on the floor at home in a closeout game opportunity.

LeBron James: Jarred Vanderbilt’s return would bring energy to Lakers

LeBron James is known to be one of Jarred Vanderbilt’s biggest fans since he joined the Lakers, and he recently discussed what he would bring to the team if the forward is able to return during the Nuggets series or sometime during the postseason.

“Energy,” James said. “Super high energetic, defensively, some of the things he brings to our team, you don’t even teach. You just allow him to go out there and just be Vando. We don’t know for sure that we’re getting him back, we don’t know, we’ve only seen a couple reports. But he knows his body better than anybody.”

After finally snapping their losing streak to the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 to stave off elimination, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to build off that in Game 5 back at Ball Arena.

The Lakers’ season was of course still on the line with them facing a 3-1 series deficit, and it came to an unfortunate end on another Jamal Murray buzzer-beater to secure a 108-106 victory for the Nuggets.

Murray was a game-time decision due to a left calf strain but was able to give it a go and got the scoring started with the first six points for his team to give the Nuggets a 6-3 lead.

After Darvin Ham won an early challenge on an Austin Reaves foul call on a Murray 3-point attempt, the Lakers responded with eight straight points to take their first lead and force a Denver timeout.

Unfortunately though, Rui Hachimura missed some wide open looks while Jamal Murray stayed hot to put the Nuggets up 16-13.

From there though, the Nuggets started committing some silly turnovers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking advantage in the paint. Denver ended the first quarter on a 10-0 run, however, taking a 28-24 lead.

After a rough first quarter, D’Angelo Russell got on the scoreboard with a layup to begin the second before connecting from deep. James and Davis continued to do work inside from there with the Lakers locking in defensively to take a 41-34 advantage with a 12-0 run of their own.

The rest of the second quarter was a lot of back-and-forth scoring as well as bad turnovers by each team. For the fifth straight time though, the Lakers went into the halftime locker room with a lead at 53-50.

Hachimura missed a number of wide open shots in the first half but began the third quarter by hitting one from deep. Davis was then hit on the shoulder by Michael Porter Jr. and went down in a lot of pain although ultimately was able to stay in there for his team despite clearly not being at 100%.

With Davis hobbled, other guys needed to step up and James sense that, scoring five straight to increase the lead to nine. Naturally though, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets responded with five quick points of their own to keep it close. After a four-point play by Porter, the game was tied and the Denver crowd was rocking.

Davis was forced back to the locker room from there, and the Nuggets kept that momentum rolling. Sensing things slipping away though, James and the Lakers had a nice response to close the third, getting within two at 81-79.

Given how poorly both teams played in the first three quarters, it made sense that things were close going into the final stretch, tied at 95 with four minutes to play.

Of course it was Jokic that put the Nuggets up two in the final couple minutes, although the Lakers quickly answered back with a Reaves 3.

Inability to get a rebound hurt the Lakers though and Murray made them pay with a three to go up two. James as then fouled and went to the line to tie it with 26 seconds to play and did exactly that.

Again though, Murray hit the game-winner and the Lakers season came to an end.

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally ended their losing streak against the Denver Nuggets, winning Game 4 at home in L.A. behind heroic efforts from LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers followed the usual script of this first round series by holding a lead at halftime, but Denver was unable to make their third quarter run thanks to a dominant effort from Davis.

Where he really made his impact was on the glass. Davis finished with 23 rebounds — 20 on the defensive end — helping to end many Nuggets’ possessions that have normally wound up in second chance points during the series. For the first time this series, the Lakers won the rebounding battle. They won 46-40, with Davis accounting for exactly half of L.A.’s rebounds.

When discussing what allowed the Lakers to finally end the 11-game losing streak, James focused largely on Davis’ rebounding and what it gave to L.A. throughout the night. With the series he is having, James believes that Davis has nothing left to prove to anyone.

“I think what AD did on the glass for us tonight, when we’re able to get them to miss, they’re very good at their offensive rebounding game. And for AD to clean glass – 20 of them on the defensive end – it’s just key for our offense. It’s just key for a lot of things that we want to do and I think AD doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody. He’s one of the best bigs we have in the game, one of the best bigs in the world. And he’s showing that again through the first four games.”

Offensive rebounding and second-chance points had been a major point of conversation for the Lakers through the first three games, as the Nuggets were getting whatever they wanted in that department. Davis had said his focus was to win Game 4, and he certainly showed that he was not going to go away quietly.

Repeating the effort in Monday’s Game 5 presents a challenge as the series shifts back to Denver, but if anyone is up for the task, it’s Davis.

Anthony Davis wanted to avoid second consecutive sweep

Anthony Davis spoke about what motivated him in Game 4 despite already being down 3-0 with very little hope for a comeback. And for Davis and the Lakers, it was about wanting to avoid a second consecutive sweep by the same opponent in back-to-back postseasons.

L.A. was able to get the job done, giving themselves a lifeline in the series if they can manage a win in Denver on Monday night.

LeBroп James was appareпtly iп пo mood to coпgratυlate the Deпver Nυggets.

Oп Moпday пight, the LA Lakers were elimiпated from the playoffs after Jamal Mυrray hit a clυtch shot iп the game’s fiпal secoпds to secυre the Nυggets wiп.

Following the recent playoff elimination of the Los Angeles Lakers, basketball superstar LeBron James has come under fire for his actions post-game. Critics have labeled James as a “sore loser” due to his decision to forego shaking hands with Denver Nuggets players after their defeat.

The incident occurred immediately following the Lakers’ loss to the Nuggets in the playoffs, where they were eliminated from further contention. Despite the longstanding tradition of sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed through post-game handshakes, James notably opted out of this customary gesture.

This departure from convention has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike, with many expressing disappointment in James’ behavior. Some argue that as a prominent figure in the NBA, James should uphold the values of sportsmanship and respect for his opponents, regardless of the outcome of the game.

Critics contend that James’ actions reflect poorly on both himself and the Lakers organization, suggesting that his behavior sets a negative example for younger players and fans who look up to him as a role model. Additionally, some have pointed out that this is not the first time James has faced criticism for similar conduct, citing previous instances where he has been accused of displaying poor sportsmanship.

In response to the backlash, supporters of James have defended his actions, citing the intense emotions and disappointment that come with a playoff elimination. They argue that James, like any competitor, may have been too overwhelmed by the loss to engage in post-game pleasantries.

Despite differing opinions on the matter, one thing is clear: LeBron James’ decision to skip handshakes with Nuggets players has ignited a conversation about sportsmanship, professionalism, and the responsibilities of athletes in the public eye. As one of the most recognizable and influential figures in basketball, James’ actions will continue to be scrutinized and debated by fans and analysts alike.

Coυld father aпd soп sooп be playiпg together iп Los Aпgeles? If the Lakers have it their way, the aпswer is ‘Yes’

For the secoпd coпsecυtive year, the Los Aпgeles Lakers’ seasoп eпds at the haпds of the Deпver Nυggets iп a two-poiпt loss iп the NBA Playoffs, aпd for the secoпd coпsecυtive year, the Lakers eпter the offseasoп υпsυre of LeBroп James’ fυtυre with the team. Last year, it was postgame commeпt related to retiremeпt that cast doυbt oп whether LeBroп woυld be back for his 21st NBA seasoп, aпd this time aroυпd, it’s a loomiпg opt oυt aпd a poteпtial team υp with his soп, USC reserve gυard Broппy James, that is poteпtially pυttiпg LeBroп’s fυtυre with the Lakers iп doυbt. 

LeBroп James is oп the record sayiпg that he plaпs to play with his soп, telliпg Jasoп Lloyd of The Athletic back iп 2022, “My last year will be played with my soп. Wherever Broппy is at, that’s where I’ll be. I woυld do whatever it takes to play with my soп for oпe year. It’s пot aboυt the moпey at that poiпt.” Giveп the fact that the 2024-25 seasoп woυld be LeBroп’s 22пd iп the NBA, which woυld tie Viпce Carter’s record of the most iп NBA history, it seems very possible that the time for LeBroп aпd Broппy to team υp may be пow.

Bυt the Los Aпgeles Lakers coυld have a say iп all of this. Becaυse the NBA Draft is set for the week before the begiппiпg of free ageпcy, the Lakers coυld easily boost their chaпces of retaiпiпg the leagυe’s leadiпg scorer by selectiпg his soп iп the NBA Draft, a sceпario that accordiпg to Shams Charaпia, Jovaп Bυha aпd Sam Amick of The Athletic, is very mυch iп play.

“Team soυrces say the Lakers are very opeп to the prospect of helpiпg LeBroп fυlfill his dream of playiпg with his soп Broппy by poteпtially draftiпg him.”

Of coυrse, there are a lot of variables iп play here. First, Broппy James пeeds to decide to remaiп iп the NBA Draft rather thaп retυrпiпg to college. Broппy’s freshmaп seasoп at USC that didп’t do mυch to help his draft stock, so it’s possible that while he’s iп the feeliпg oυt phase of the traпsfer portal, he coυld decide to go back for his sophomore seasoп, with Dυqυesпe aпd Ohio State beiпg coпsidered the favorites to laпd him if he were to go that roυte. However, there is some belief aroυпd the leagυe that Broппy’s game may be better sυited for the NBA thaп it is college.

The Lakers woυld theп пeed to be the team that actυally selects Broппy iп the 2024 NBA Draft. Giveп his statυs as a prospect, it’s υпlikely that the Lakers will face too mυch competitioп iп gettiпg to the podiυm first to call his пame. However, imagiпe there were a team that has beeп rυmored to have iпterest iп LeBroп James, or a team that woυld LeBroп woυld theoretically have some iпterest iп playiпg for — let’s jυst say the Clevelaпd Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Saп Aпtoпio Spυrs or Goldeп State Warriors. If oпe of those teams were to beat the Lakers to the pυпch oп draft пight aпd select Broппy James, what happeпs theп?

The Lakers are very eager to keep LeBroп James, aпd per Charaпia, Bυha aпd Amick, “woυld be opeп to discυssiпg aпy deal that iпvolves James comiпg back — iпclυdiпg eveп the maximυm three-year, $164 millioп exteпsioп they caп offer.” Add iп a пo trade claυse aпd it woυld be hard for LeBroп James to tυrп that deal dowп… υпless playiпg with his soп is his oпe aпd oпly priority at this poiпt iп his career, which is comiпg closer aпd closer to eпdiпg by the day.

The Los Angeles Lakers have several major decisions on their hand after the 2023-24 season ended abruptly with a first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets in five games. Anthony Davis, coming off of arguably one of his best seasons as a pro, has three years remaining on his contract, while superstar LeBron James has a player option worth $51.4 million for next season.

The decision surrounding James is one of the biggest facing the Lakers, however they have little control and must leave most of the leg work up to James and his agent, Rich Paul. The biggest decision L.A. has complete control over, though, is what to do with their head coach. Darvin Ham has yet to impress through two seasons, and all signs are pointing to him being fired from the position.

And while firing a coach after two seasons may be a bit hasty, it’s actually the performances of James and Davis in 2023-24 that could trigger L.A. to find a new leader, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN:

But James’ continued ability to stave off Father Time and Anthony Davis coming off perhaps his most complete season as a Laker, team sources said, has left L.A. believing that the championship window for this core has not closed, and if a different voice is needed to lead the group, the franchise will make the financial commitment to do so.

If James and Davis had another injury-riddled season or did not play up to par, perhaps the question would have been whether or not to keep Ham and reset the roster. But given that the Lakers had several great seasons from James, Davis, D’Angelo Russell and more, coaching seems to be the scapegoat for the early exit.

And that is not without good reason. The Lakers led for nearly 70% of their first-round series against the Nuggets, but managed only one win in five games. That type of inability to hang on to leads in crunch time can almost directly be reflected on coaching.

It’s unclear what options are going to be available for the Lakers this offseason in the head coaching department, but if James and Davis play the way they did this season, a quality coach should help fix a lot of their issues, especially if they are indeed willing to pay top dollar to get one.

Anthony Davis limited by shoulder injury in Game 5

L.A. got some bad luck with Davis being bumped in the shoulder by Michael Porter Jr. and immediately falling to the ground in obvious pain. Davis was dominating for the first two-plus quarters.

While he was able to stay in the game at first, Davis was not able to move his left arm much, clearly playing compromised. He eventually went back to the locker room to get the shoulder worked on and although he returned, it was more of the same due to his limited mobility.

After the loss, Davis detailed what happened and just how limited he was on the floor.

“I guess it was like a little stinger. I just lost function, lost feeling from like my neck all the way to my hand,” Davis said. Then I got back in the game and I get hit again by KCP, just made it a little worse. But obviously knowing the importance of the game, I just tried to get some feeling and stuff back in my hand in the back with my trainer and then just tried to come back out there and just help the team get the win.”

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago stands Michael Jordan’s opulent mansion, a testament to the basketball legend’s unparalleled success and taste for extravagance. This sprawling residence, encompassing a generous 1,000 square meters, unfolds as a majestic masterpiece of architectural brilliance and refined luxury.

Upon crossing the threshold of this grand estate, guests are welcomed into a foyer adorned with tasteful artwork and memorabilia, each piece chronicling the illustrious career of the basketball icon. The living room, with its soaring ceilings and panoramic views, emanates an air of sophistication, setting the tone for the lavish experience that awaits within.

This mansion is not just a home; it is a retreat fit for royalty, boasting a remarkable twelve bedrooms, each a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. Lavish furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities define these private spaces, creating an oasis of tranquility amid the grandeur. From the regal master suite to the inviting guest rooms, every detail reflects Jordan’s commitment to the highest standards of luxury.

What sets this residence apart is its extraordinary capacity to host a staggering 100 people. The dining room, a vision of grandeur, features an expansive table beneath opulent chandeliers, creating the perfect setting for lavish gatherings. The kitchen, a chef’s dream, is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, ensuring that culinary desires are met with precision and flair.

Entertainment is a paramount consideration within these walls. A private theater, a cinematic haven adorned with plush seating and cutting-edge audio-visual technology, offers an immersive escape. Meanwhile, an indoor basketball court pays homage to Jordan’s roots and provides a space for friendly competitions and athletic pursuits.

The outdoor expanse is a verdant paradise, a meticulously landscaped garden enveloping a pool and lounge area. Outdoor dining spaces, complete with a barbecue pit, beckon guests to bask in the serenity of al fresco gatherings, creating an idyllic setting for both intimate family moments and grand celebrations.

While this description is a creative endeavor and not an accurate representation of Michael Jordan’s actual residence, it captures the essence of the luxurious lifestyle associated with the basketball legend. In reality, the intricate details of celebrity homes remain closely guarded, offering only glimpses to those fortunate enough to be welcomed into their private sanctuaries.

Michael Jordan’s journey to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time began during his time at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, Jordan initially focused on baseball and basketball during his high school years. However, it was at UNC that he truly made a name for himself in the basketball world.

Jordan played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984 under the coaching of the legendary Dean Smith. In his freshman year, he made an immediate impact, hitting the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown. This iconic moment foreshadowed Jordan’s future knack for performing under pressure and his ability to deliver in clutch situations.

Over his three seasons at UNC, Michael Jordan’s skills and athleticism stood out, earning him numerous accolades. He was a two-time consensus NCAA All-American and won the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards in 1984. His scoring ability, combined with his defensive prowess and leadership, made him a standout player.

One significant aspect of Jordan’s time at UNC was the development of his competitive spirit. His work ethic and determination became evident, setting the stage for the relentless drive he would display throughout his professional career. His performances at UNC also showcased his versatility, as he played both shooting guard and small forward positions.

After his junior season, Michael Jordan decided to forgo his senior year at UNC and declared for the 1984 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick, marking the beginning of his extraordinary NBA career.

Jordan’s impact at UNC was profound, not only for his on-court contributions but also for the indelible mark he left on the program’s history. His No. 23 jersey was later retired by the University of North Carolina in honor of his exceptional contributions to Tar Heels basketball.

The University of North Carolina served as the launching pad for Michael Jordan’s illustrious career, laying the foundation for his success in the NBA and his eventual status as a global basketball icon.

A Twitter account posted a video of meeting Giannis with the status line: ‘My son and I got to see Giannis Antetokounmpo outside our hotel in Charlotte yesterday! ️’

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Patrick Mahomes is in the house for the WWE Draft after rocking up to the event in Kansas City with Logan Paul and other villain superstars.

Mahomes, who won his third Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs back in February, was seen donning his own custom-made wrestling belt alongside Paul after making it to the T-Mobile Center on Monday night.

The pair were seen arriving at the arena with the likes of Dom Mysterio and Damien Priest, who – like Paul – currently enjoy heel roles in the WWE.

As well as Mahomes, Paul also brought controversial YouTube star IShowSpeed with him to the event in Kansas City.

IShowSpeed – real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr – also made an appearance at WrestleMania 40 earlier this month, when he was RKO’d by WWE icon Randy Orton through a table.

Patrick Mahomes is in the house for WWE Draft after rocking up to the event with Logan Paul

Mahomes arrived alongside Paul and other WWE villains, including Dom Mysterio (left)

He was introduced to the crowd in Kansas City as ‘the best quarterback in the league’

The YouTuber joined Paul at Monday night’s draft to introduce Mahomes as a special guest in the crowd, describing him as ‘the best quarterback in the league’ to raise the roof at the T-Mobile Center.

Mahomes, sat with teammates Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith at ringside, stood up and waves his arms in the air as the crowd showed their appreciation for him.

As the latest edition of Monday Night Raw went on, Paul took part in a segment which saw him temporarily borrow the Kansas City legend’s three Super Bowl rings.

After taking the rings from Mahomes, the YouTuber-turned-wrestler tried to punch rival Jey Uso as part of an ongoing storyline, only to accidentally hit accomplice JD McDonagh.

Mahomes himself also became involved when 6ft 8in sensation Braun Strowman made a shock return to WWE, before wiping out a member of Paul’s entourage and forcing the US champion to flee.

Strowman then turned his attention to the NFL superstar and his teammates at ringside, with the two parties exchanging unpleasantries before Uso pulled the former away.

Mahomes made a shock appearance at the WWE Draft after staging a charity gala in Las Vegas over the weekend, where the likes of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were in attendance.

Paul borrowed Mahomes’ Super Bowl rings to attack a rival during a segment on Raw

Mahomes also came face to face with 6ft 8in monster Braun Strowman while at ringside

The 28-year-old put on his fourth annual gala through the ’15 and the Mahomies Foundation’ – the charity he established five years ago to help improve the lives of children.

Given he is one of the most famous athletes on the planet, Mahomes was able to invite a plethora of high-profile figures to his latest event, which included a glitzy auction on Saturday night followed by a golf competition on Sunday.

His Chiefs teammate Kelce attended both fixtures, rocking up to the auction with his pop-megastar girlfriend Swift before taking to the course 24 hours later.

Mahomes’ wife Brittany was also in attendance, sitting alongside Swift as the auction took place.