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Tag: Los Angeles Lakers

  • LeBron James left a Los Angeles Lakers huddle to confront Stephen A. Smith in front of a packed arena

    LeBron James left a Los Angeles Lakers huddle to confront Stephen A. Smith in front of a packed arena

    LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith created a buzz on TV and social media after the Los Angeles Lakers superstar publicly confronted the ESPN personality during a game against the New York Knicks Thursday night.

    Smith addressed the issue Friday during the hit show “First Take” and on his podcast, calling James “fiery” after the NBA All-Star told the analyst to “stop f-ing with my son. That’s my f-ing son. Stop f-ing with my son.

    Wasted no time! LeBron James left a Los Angeles Lakers huddle to confront Stephen A. Smith

    Stephen A. said that he responded by saying, “what?” but LeBron continued: “Nah, nah, nah, nah. Straight up. Man to man. Real talk. Stop f-ing with my son.” Smith offered to continue the conversation later, but James wanted no part of it and he walked away from the man.

    New footage shows how desperate LeBron was

    A new video online shows just how eager LeBron James was to confront Stephen A. Smith on public -specifically in Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, a team Smith roots for -, with the Lakers superstar willing to leave a team huddle to talk to the TV personality.

    On the video we can see LeBron leaving the huddle before the end of the fourth quarter and walking towards Smith, who was sitting courtside. As soon as James is close to the TV personality, he starts confronting him, as Stephen A. reacts with a surprised face. “I don’t care bro… keep my son out of this sh*t.” the Lakers superstar stated.

    “That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me. That was a parent. That was a father. And I can’t sit here and be angry, or feel slighted by LeBron James and any way in that regard. By all accounts, he’s obviously a wonderful family man and a wonderful father who cares very, very deeply about his son.” said Stephen A. on “First Take.”

    LeBron James confronts Stephen A. Smith like he has never done before

    The words that sparked the confrontation

    NBA fans and analysts believe that some of the words Stephen A. Smith used during a January show of “First Take” could be the reason why LeBron James confronted him Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Early this year, Smith urged James to “stop this,” referring to Bronny James‘ need for more development time in the G League.

    “We love what we’re seeing from [Bronny] in the G League, because that’s where you belong, as you hone your skills and you get better and you legitimately earn, which I believe he has the potential to do,” Smith said. “I am rooting for Bronny James … he’s a wonderful kid, I wish him nothing but the best.”

    LeBron James‘ oldest son made his NBA debut in the Lakers season opener back on October 2024 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, after signing a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles team. He averages 1.4 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. He’s viewed as a gritty player that could become a great sixth-man in the league.



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  • Stephen A. Smith gives his final take on NBA GOAT debate and gives clear reason why

    Stephen A. Smith gives his final take on NBA GOAT debate and gives clear reason why

    There was a time where it didn’t seem like anyone would ever catch Michael Jordan in terms of being the best basketball player to ever grace the sport. Jordan’s on-court performance spoke for itself, but he revolutionized the sport and made it a global phenonemon. His partnership with Nike ended up being one of the great case studies in the world of business, and his Jordan brand continues to pave the way in the lifestyle and sneakers industry.

    Only a select few can say they won as much as Jordan. Nine players won more than his six championships, but none had his numbers and impact on the court. Then came along LeBron James, a once-in-a-lifetime player whos playstyle is unique. At 40 years old, James hasn’t been able to match Jordan in the rings department, but he has surpassed him in others. On Tuesday, he became the first NBA player ever to reach 50,000 points in the regular season and playoffs.

    A brutal hit! LeBron James goes down after Kawhi Leonard hits his face in front of the refs

    Stephen A. Smith “retires” Michael Jordan debate after LeBron James reaches 50,000 points

    This accomplishment has caused the debate between Jordan and James to resurface. Stephen A. Smith appeared on First Take the morning after James’ accomplishment and left it clear who the GOAT is.

    In the end, the greatness that he has put on display for as long as he has put on display… Knowing how I feel about Jordan, I think it’s time to not even have the debate anymore. Because that’s how great LeBron James has been for as long as he has been that great. I can stand down and acknowledge that.

    It’s a stunning admission from a journalist who has covered both players and sang the praises of Jordan for so many years. Smith is not one to be pleased easily, so his words about James shouldn’t be taken lightly.

    James has done more than enough to have a legit claim to the basketball throne once all is said and done, regardless of championships won.



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  • Doncic's $5 million car on the night of his purple revenge: “Parking reserved for the Lakers' 77”

    Doncic's $5 million car on the night of his purple revenge: “Parking reserved for the Lakers' 77”

    A car belonging to Luka Doncic parked outside the Crypto.com Arena set Los Angeles Lakers fans roaring in the build-up to the game that the Los Angeles Lakers ended up winning against the Mavericks in Doncic’s reunion with Dallas.

    The luxurious vehicle, valued at five million dollars and tinted gold and purple for the occasion, was the center of attention for the thousands of attendees who did not want to miss the long-awaited face-to-face meeting of Doncic with his former teammates until just over a month ago.

    Luka Doncic’s 5 million car: “Take a picture with Doncic’s car”.

    ‘Parking reserved for Lakers 77’ reads a post that simulates a parking lot, with its white lines painted around it, placed right next to a replica of the new Lakers player’s vehicle, as part of an advertisement to promote Tuesday’s game.

    Luka Doncic changes Texas license plate to California’s to the tune of ‘All My Exes Live in Texas’

    A tracksuit-clad Doncic appears in an ad posted on social media changing the car’s Texas license plate to a California one. “Tank’s full, no mercy,” the ad states, which included the song ‘All my Ex’s Live In Texas’.

    It was a statement of intent for his rivals, although all the facilities were put in place for this, as the Lakers player also offered a complete parking lot free of charge so that those attending the match would not have difficulties parking their cars in the vicinity of the stadium.

    “Take a picture with Doncic’s car,” encouraged the staff guarding the vehicle, located right in front of the main entrance to the Lakers’ stadium, where the statue of the team’s star, the eternal Kobe Bryant, is located.

    For many, it was the perfect opportunity to show off the number 77 next to a replica of Doncic’s car, whose jersey is already more frequently among the fans’ favorites to cheer on their team.

    Whether he wore the shield of his previous team or the current Lakers’ gold, the jersey with the Slovenian’s inscription predominated without distinction among the long lines that formed minutes before the meeting in Los Angeles.

    Once inside, a packed stadium waits eagerly for the moment when Doncic scores his first points of the game. The entire crowd screams with excitement, rises to its feet and vibrates to the rhythm of its new star when the ball goes into the opponent’s basket.



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  • Luka Doncic set to lead Lakers against shorthanded Mavericks

    Luka Doncic set to lead Lakers against shorthanded Mavericks

    The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a must-watch showdown against the Dallas Mavericks, their first meeting since the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas. The highly anticipated game will take place at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, marking a major test for both teams.

    With Davis sidelined due to an abdominal injury, all eyes will be on Doncic as he faces his former team. The Slovenian superstar delivered a stellar performance in his Lakers debut, recording 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and a block in a dominant win over the Denver Nuggets. His ability to elevate his teammates has already drawn praise from Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

    Under pressure! Luka Doncic didn’t say that he wanted to be a Laker raising the alarm in Los Angeles

    Redick praises Doncic’s impact on the Lakers

    Speaking ahead of the game, Redick highlighted what makes Doncic such a special player.

    “Part of what makes him brilliant is he makes the game easy for everybody else,” Redick said. This playmaking ability is something he shares with LeBron James, giving the Lakers two elite floor generals who can create scoring opportunities for their teammates.

    The Mavericks, meanwhile, are dealing with serious injury concerns. Davis remains out after aggravating his abdominal issue during his Dallas debut, while the team is also missing key frontcourt players Daniel Gafford (MCL sprain) and Dereck Lively II (ankle stress fracture). This leaves the Mavericks shorthanded against a Lakers squad that appears to be finding its rhythm.

    Reaves and Hachimura stepping up for Los Angeles

    While the spotlight is on Doncic and James, the Lakers‘ supporting cast has also been crucial to their recent success. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have stepped up as key contributors, complementing the team’s star duo. Reaves is averaging an impressive 19.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, while Hachimura has added 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Their consistent production will be vital in maintaining the Lakers‘ momentum.

    With Doncic eager to make a statement against his former team and the Mavericks struggling with injuries, the Lakers have a prime opportunity to climb the Western Conference standings. Tuesday’s game promises to be a thrilling battle, with Doncic at the center of it all.



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  • LeBron James better watch out as someone is on their way to MVP status just by mocking him

    LeBron James better watch out as someone is on their way to MVP status just by mocking him

    Taking on LeBron James is no small challenge, not just because he’s one of the most respected players in the NBA, but because stepping up to the Lakers legend demands serious guts and solid arguments.

    It’s rare for the King to ever back down, but this time, even his own fans on social media turned on him, backing the viral jokes and claiming the playful antics were worthy of an MVP, even surpassing James himself.

    LeBron’s fans have turned against him

    To imitate LeBron, you need serious skills and a keen eye for every one of his moves. It takes raw talent to match, and even outdo his way of thinking, plus incredible charisma to get fans on your side and have them trolling James on social media.

    It’s pretty obvious LeBron James has a soft spot for the youngest in the family, letting her imitate him like this and even letting the fans cheer her on. But Zhuri James knows her dad so well that only her bubbly personality could pull off such an imitation. LeBron even admitted that what really got him was the beard his daughter rocked, which made the whole thing unforgettable. He couldn’t help but notice how sharp Zhuri is, paying attention to every little detail.

    Zhuri’s spot-on imitation is winning hearts

    Lately, Zhuri has been stealing the spotlight in LeBron James’ life, especially after going viral for keeping up with her dad during an intense home workout. The youngest of the James family has won over fans, not just for playfully teasing her dad, but also for showing impressive skills that could make her a top athlete when she grows up.

    Sadly, LeBron’s kids are often compared to each other, and not all the comparisons have been kind. Bronny has faced the most criticism in his NBA journey, while Bryce has been praised for his incredible potential as he heads toward college basketball. But Zhuri, without even trying, has been turning heads by showcasing some seriously impressive talent. It’s clear she has what it takes to follow in her family’s athletic footsteps, and based on what fans see, her potential is limitless.



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  • LeBron's secret to eternal youth: “He defies everything that is normal”

    LeBron's secret to eternal youth: “He defies everything that is normal”

    The Lakers arrived in Portland at 3 a.m. on Thursday after losing in Los Angeles to Charlotte (97-100) and the mood of the team was very touched by that painful defeat and the physical problems of its two stars. Without Luka Doncic, who relapsed from his left calf injury, and with the doubt of LeBron James, who was dragging a foot injury and had a sore left ankle.

    The outlook could not have been more daunting. What no one expected, not even the Los Angeles coach, JJ Redick, was that LeBron would almost miraculously overcome his physical problems to lead them to victory over the Blazers (102-110) with 40 points (10/16 t2, 4/8 t3 and 8/8 tl), 8 rebounds and 4 assists in 36 minutes.

    Lebron James doesn ‘ t pass the ball to Luka Doncic

    Second 40-point game since turning 40

    In this way, the Lakers star became the first player in NBA history to score more than 40 points in a game after turning 40 (he did so on December 30). The first was on February 7 in the win against the Warriors (120-112) with another stellar game: 42 points, 17 rebounds and 8 assists.

    Against the Blazers, in the 1,542nd regular season game of his career, he surpassed Vince Carter and moved up to third place on the all-time games played list. The passage of time does not seem to affect him, it is as if he had made a pact with the devil. In fact, in the eight games he has played since he turned 40 years old 22 days ago, James is averaging almost a triple-double: 26 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

    He’s a billionaire and he’s playing back-to-back nights at 40 years old after 22 seasons in the league with all the records and all the accolades… he sets the standard for how this craft should be approached

    JJ Redick (Entrenador de los Lakers)

    And against the Blazers, he left everyone speechless, including his coach JJ Redick, who couldn’t believe what he had just seen: “Really LeBron defies everything that is normal,” Redick said. “And not just the physical feats and the plays. It’s his mentality… He’s a billionaire and he’s playing two nights in a row at 40 years old after 22 seasons in the league with all the records and all the accolades. It’s amazing to coach him, he sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft.”

    I still love the game, and I still have a lot to give to the game, to my teammates and to this league while I’m here… I don’t have much time left

    LeBron James (Jugador de los Lakers)

    The media asked LeBron himself about his motivation for his body to withstand the demanding NBA schedule when he has already achieved everything imaginable in his career. And he did not hesitate to respond: “I still love the game, and I still have a lot to give to the game, to my teammates and to this league while I’m here,” he said. “I don’t have much time left. So, while I’m here, I’ll try to give what I have when I’m on the court.”

    Teaching his son Bronny

    And he added another reason no less important to stay motivated at 40 years old, to pass on that teaching and his values to his son Bronny James, with whom he shares a locker room this year: “So why? It’s the love of the game and because now I have the opportunity to show my son how to be a professional in this league. And being with him every day is a pleasure.”

    Even so, it was not a perfect night for James, who somewhat blurred his fantastic statistics with 11 turnovers. It is paradoxical that since 2020 only two NBA players have recorded a game with 35 or more points and 10 or more turnovers. One was LeBron, after this game, and the other… his current teammate Luka Doncic.

    This negative statistic also highlights the Lakers star’s spirit of self-improvement, as he said: “The best way to compete in this league is to play hard. You can win a lot of games if you’re able to play hard. You can make up for a lot of mistakes. We had 24 turnovers that cost us 31 points. And I had half of them, but it definitely makes up for it when you’re able to counteract a turnover and play hard. That’s going to help us win a lot of games.”



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  • LeBron James shows he is already mentally retired during a Lakers timeout

    LeBron James shows he is already mentally retired during a Lakers timeout

    Much has been speculated about LeBron James‘ potential retirement. The exit of a basketball legend is inevitable, but the lingering question remains-when will it happen? At the moment, there’s no real reason for LeBron to walk away. He’s still playing at an elite level, showing no obvious signs of decline. But lately, fans and analysts alike have started to notice something shifting.

    It has nothing to do with his skill or his pace slowing down. Instead, it’s his mindset that seems different. LeBron James has sparked discussions among experts about whether retirement might be on the horizon, and the reasons behind it are understandable.

    A shift in mindset sparks retirement talk

    Think about when you’re on vacation-zero responsibilities, no stress, just complete relaxation. That state of mind tends to show physically, and that’s exactly how LeBron has looked recently. He’s in a peaceful zone, which has set off alarm bells for Lakers fans. The idea of his retirement is unsettling for those who aren’t ready to see him go just yet.

    The speculation really started gaining traction when LeBron sat out the All-Star Game due to foot discomfort. But it wasn’t just the injury itself. When news broke that he had been selected for his 21st All-Star appearance, his facial expressions and body language were anything but typical for the Lakers superstar. His demeanor suggested something was off, and in hindsight, it’s possible he already knew he wouldn’t be playing that weekend.

    After that, he was seen spending a lot of time with his family, especially his youngest daughter, Zhuri. Skipping the All-Star Game and later sharing clips of himself training at home sparked criticism from fans who had expected to see him suit up.

    Did LeBron already see this coming?

    But what has truly caught everyone’s attention is how LeBron is carrying himself during games. He looks like a guy on vacation, dancing before tip-off, moving freely during timeouts, almost as if he’s playing a casual pickup game with friends rather than competing at the highest level. It’s as if the NBA doesn’t feel as urgent to him anymore. He’s in full zen mode.

    Maybe the arrival of Luka Doncic in Los Angeles has changed things. With more shared responsibility on the court, perhaps LeBron finally feels like he can take a breath. And for the first time in his career, that breath might be leading him toward something beyond basketball, even when fans are not ready to see this happen anytime soon.



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  • Luka Doncic shrugs off Lakers' trade fail: “It's all good”

    Luka Doncic shrugs off Lakers' trade fail: “It's all good”

    The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold statement when they landed Luka Doncic ahead of the trade deadline.

    With the Slovenian superstar now leading the team, their front office wasted no time in trying to build a roster that maximizes his talents.

    Putting in the work! Zhuri James trains with his dad LeBron James as she strives for greatness

    Lakers adjusting after a rescinded trade

    One of their first moves was to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, a player reportedly “handpicked” by Doncic as an ideal frontcourt partner.

    However, that deal fell apart when Williams failed his physical due to multiple health concerns.

    As a result, Dalton Knecht-who had been sent to Charlotte in the trade-was unexpectedly forced to return to the Lakers.

    Despite the setback, Doncic has remained unphased.

    According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there has been “no tangible dismay” from Doncic or his camp regarding the rescinded deal.

    In fact, Stein reports that Doncic was more focused on the Lakers’ willingness to act quickly rather than dwelling on the trade’s collapse.

    “Sources told The Stein Line that Doncic, in his first discussion about roster construction with Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, told Pelinka that he understood it might take until the summer to make that addition … and came away impressed by how swiftly the Lakers initially moved to try to address that void,” Stein reported.

    With Williams no longer an option, the Lakers quickly pivoted and signed veteran big man Alex Len.

    While not as high-profile of an addition, Len provides some depth in the wake of the team trading Anthony Davis to Dallas as part of the Doncic deal.

    Now, the Lakers face the challenge of integrating their new superstar while keeping him healthy.

    Doncic has been on a minutes restriction since returning to action against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 10, and he did not participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend to prioritize recovery.

    As the team returns from the break, the Lakers have a back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers.

    According to Stein, Doncic is expected to play in only one of those matchups before a marquee showdown against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

    With the postseason in sight, the Lakers’ focus remains on building a sustainable squad around Doncic.

    While the Williams deal didn’t pan out, it’s clear the front office is committed to surrounding their new face of the franchise with the right pieces-if not now, then certainly in the offseason.



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  • LeBron James gets called out by Draymond Green and other NBA players for NBA All-Star Game decision

    LeBron James gets called out by Draymond Green and other NBA players for NBA All-Star Game decision

    LeBron James has millions of fans, but he also has millions of haters. That’s the nature of the business when you are a globally recognized athlete. Given his high-profile nature and willingness to be outspoken on certain things, each and every one of James’ moves is analyzed by fans and the media.

    So when the Los Angeles Lakers star revealed just hours before the 2025 NBA All-Star Game that he would not be participating, a frenzy began forming. Many saw it coming, but his decision is not sitting well with a lot of his fellow basketball compatriots.

    LeBron defies time 21st All-Star Game proves he’s far from done

    LeBron James faces backlash for sitting out All-Star Game

    Appearing on the TNT pregame show, noted rival Draymond Green mentioned that he wasn’t surprised by James sitting out. But he didn’t like the way James went about it. Former NBA player Jalen Rose felt similarly, calling out James for taking a spot away from another player who could have filled in and actually played. As did Vince Carter.

    Although their opinions are certainly warranted and have logic, the NBA also doesn’t want to set a bad precedent by allowing players to just take the All-Star Game off ahead of time and naming a replacement.

    The NFL does that for the Pro Bowl, with a litany of players choosing to sit out with “injuries”. It has led to a severe deterioration of the Pro Bowl, something that the NBA doesn’t want to happen.



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  • LeBron James warns that this could be his last All-Star Game: “It's coming to an end soon”

    LeBron James warns that this could be his last All-Star Game: “It's coming to an end soon”

    LeBron James has been a staple of the NBA All-Star Game for the last 21 years. However, with each passing year, the chances increase that next year we will no longer see the “King” leading the cream of the crop of the NBA, and LeBron himself knows it.

    The Los Angeles Lakers forward received his first call to the All-Star Game in 2005, and since then, his name has not been missing a single time from the list of those called up. He has even been named the All-Star Game MVP in 2006, 2008, and 2018.

    This year, with the new All-Star Weekend format, LeBron will be part of Shaq’s OGS along with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. However, now 40 years old, the King admitted that his chances of returning are diminishing with each passing year.

    Is the end near for LeBron?

    Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James was the first to admit that he doesn’t have much time left to enjoy the All-Star Game as a player. “There ain’t going to be many times left. So you take it all and you don’t take it for granted. It’s coming to an end soon.”

    There has been a lot of talk in recent years about James’ retirement. The King himself has said he can play at a high level for five to seven more years, but he has also said he doesn’t plan to. He explained that he will retire when he no longer wants to put in the effort required to play at the highest level.

    He wants to retire as a Laker

    With no exact date for his retirement, James has said he wants to retire as a Los Angeles Lakers player; however, he signed his most recent extension in 2024, for just two years and $101.4 million. Thus, James will become a free agent at the end of next season.

    While pundits wonder when James will hang up his sneakers, fans are thrilled to see him play once again in the NBA All-Star Game this Sunday.



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