Tag: GOAT debate

Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Pitting the GOATs from age 19 to age 39

HoopsHype does a complete year by year comparison of Michael Jordan and LeBron James from ages 19 through 39, head-to-head style.

As if the GOAT debate hasn’t been beaten into the ground already, we’re going to put a new spin on the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James discourse today by comparing them head to head for each year of their careers, from age 19 through age 39.

Everybody feel free to cherry-pick the outcome you like the most for use in your GOAT debates, which can be found on the final slide.

Ready to dive into the legendary careers of Jordan and LeBron, year by year? Let’s get started.

The players who are on the record saying Michael Jordan is the GOAT

Just as fans argue about who the GOAT of the NBA is, so do the league’s current or former players. The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. Prior to the James era, the …

Just as fans argue about who the GOAT of the NBA is, so do the league’s current or former players.

The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. Prior to the James era, the consensus pretty much was that Jordan was the NBA’s GOAT, but now there is very much a debate.

And this debate is not one that is going away anytime soon unless James pulls a Tom Brady and unequivocally ends the matter by winning another championship or two before retiring.

Either way, it’s a fun argument, with multiple players making a strong case.

Jordan has 39 endorsements from players since we began keeping track, compared to James’ 31 endorsements.

Below, check out all the players who have gone on record as saying Michael Jordan is the NBA’s greatest player of all time – or GOAT.

[afflinkbutton text=”Michael Jordan 1997-98 Bulls jersey” link=”https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/9WbAAe”]

The players who are on the record saying LeBron James is the GOAT

The NBA GOAT debate is one that is ever-raging with no sign of slowing down anytime soon, barring LeBron James maybe shutting it down by winning another championship or two before calling it quits. Just like fans have the players they back in the …

The NBA GOAT debate is one that is ever-raging with no sign of slowing down anytime soon, barring LeBron James maybe shutting it down by winning another championship or two before calling it quits.

Just like fans have the players they back in the debate, be it James, Michael Jordan or even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who quietly has a solid case in his own right, so do current or former NBA players.

Below, check out all of the players who are on the record as saying LeBron James is the NBA’s greatest player of all time or GOAT. The list is led off by the obviously extremely unbiased Isiah Thomas.

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Kevin Durant on LeBron James: ‘Top 3 player to ever play the game’

Mark Medina: Kevin Durant calls LeBron James a “top three player to ever play the game.” Durant on not facing LeBron since Dec. 2018: “It’s cool we’re still relevant at an old age that people still want to watch us play.” Source: Twitter …

Mark Medina: Kevin Durant calls LeBron James a “top three player to ever play the game.” Durant on not facing LeBron since Dec. 2018: “It’s cool we’re still relevant at an old age that people still want to watch us play.”

Source: Twitter @MarkG_Medina

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Jayson Tatum enters tonight’s game with OKC needing 9 points to regain the NBA scoring lead from Kevin Durant.
The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 37 Sunday at MSG to move into 5th. pic.twitter.com/zIBPLWiKoR – 2:10 AM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
“Knowing that we had to get this win, knowing that a lot of guys – especially with Bron out – a lot of guys lean on me to try to get the job done.”
The Lakers won: ocregister.com/2022/11/13/ant… – 2:01 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Durant on Westbrook: “He’s just going to hack me the whole time. He was doing that s– since we were 18 … The role Russ is playing right now, he’s affecting the game in many different ways. 12 assists, 4 turnovers, 14 points – he came in here and put his imprint on the game.” – 12:55 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kevin Durant on Lakers players on the sideline yelling “Get up” anytime he had the ball: “It’s funny when the whole team is coaching up my possessions. I think it’s cute. They show they got a lot of respect for my game.” – 12:49 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kevin Durant calls LeBron James a “top three player to ever play the game.” Durant on not facing LeBron since Dec. 2018: “It’s cool we’re still relevant at an old age that people still want to watch us play.” – 12:45 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Ham said a key part of the plan was to have AD carry the starters, esp. w/LeBron out. He wanted a lot of interior touches. “I told him, ‘Don’t settle.’ He’s been a monster, and he carried us tonight.”
They spoke at length after the loss on Friday, and AD said he had Ham’s back. – 12:32 AM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Nets’ Kevin Durant on being defended by Lakers’ Russell Westbrook: “He’s just going to hack me the whole time. He’s been doing that s—- since we were 18 or 19.” pic.twitter.com/gQftOpeb90 – 12:29 AM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kevin Durant on Pat Bev’s trash talk and Russell Westbrook defending him pic.twitter.com/2BNxHjJIvX – 12:17 AM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kevin Durant on not playing against LeBron James since Dec. 2018 pic.twitter.com/neIDrb0PfV – 12:13 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Jacque Vaughn said the delay of game, the second one, came from the team being up off the bench when Kevin Durant brought up the ball up. The Theo Pinson rule struck the team. – 12:03 AM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Perfect way to go into this mini break for the Lakers: Win at home, solid all-around performance from AD, and some much-needed time for LeBron, T. Bryant and Schroder to get closer to returning.
AD: 37 pts (15-25 FGs), 18 rebs (10 offensive) – 11:59 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nets lose to a Lakers team that was 2-10 coming into the night — playing without LeBron. Now they’ve got a matchup with a Kings team playing much better on Tuesday and the Blazers on Thursday. Nets need to get healthy in a hurry. – 11:56 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets fall to the Lakers 116-103 in a game they never led. Kevin Durant finished with 31 in a game where he did not have Kyrie, Simmons, Curry and lost Nic Claxton essentially after halftime. Anthony Davis dominated. Team heads to Sacramento next. – 11:55 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Lakers don’t play again until Friday (vs. Pistons). Nice chance for everyone to rest up and LeBron to get healthy. – 11:51 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Austin Reaves has really impressed these past two games without LeBron.
19 against Sac. 15 tonight. Great passing along with his standard strong defense. He’s becoming a valuable secondary ball-handler, and a Russ trade would give him more of an opportunity in that role. – 11:47 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant being in the game right now is a very, very strange decision. – 11:45 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Should be no excuses for Nets tonight. Back to back should not enter the conversation against a 2-10 team without LeBron.
Brooklyn did not bring the effort needed tonight. – 11:43 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
The Nets look completely out of gas — and have throughout the night on the second night of a back to back. Lakers outscoring Nets 54-40 in the paint. KD just hasn’t gotten it rolling here in the 4th — and Brooklyn doesn’t have another answer. – 11:41 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
The Nets cannot buy a basket in this fourth quarter.
KD or anyone else. – 11:40 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
From @BKN_NETSPR: Players to score 25+ points in each of their team’s first 14+ games of a season in NBA history:
Wilt Chamberlain – 1961-62 and 1962-63
Elgin Baylor – 1961-62
Rick Barry – 1966-67
Michael Jordan – 1988-89
Kevin Durant – this season – 11:34 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Markieff Morris has five assists tonight, second to KD’s six. – 11:24 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Russ is outwardly geeked for any scenario matched against Durant. AK – 11:20 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nice surge led by KD to end the 3rd quarter for Brooklyn.
They trail by three heading into the 4th. Need to find an answer for Anthony Davis. – 11:19 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
The rarely seen delay of game on the Nets — when the Nets had possession of the ball. KD and Vaughn were incredulous at that call. Nets showed signs of life in the 3rd — KD is up to 21 points. Russ started the game well — now he’s 3-for-14 from the field. – 11:19 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Nets trail the Lakers 80-77. KD is heating up. He’s up to 21 points. Big 3 by Royce O’Neale at the end of the quarter. Can they close this one out? – 11:19 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
woooo KD and AD going shot-for-shot right now like it’s all-star weekend. – 11:17 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Kevin Durant just made a three over Nunn, and had something to say to Pat Bev on the bench. Pat nearly ran onto the court at the provocation. – 11:16 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant hits another 3 and then motions to the Lakers bench. Seemed to point upward at them. – 11:15 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Russ tried to cross Kevin Durant over. This time Durant wound up with the rejection. KD then goes down the court, hits a 3, gets the foul and complete the four-point play. Nets trail by eight. – 11:14 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
KD returns the favor on Westbrook with a strong block of his own – 11:14 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Lakers strategy is literally “we will live with anyone besides KD shooting on the perimeter.”
It has worked.
And the Nets are back to the defense of old on the other end. – 11:11 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Lakers lead the Nets 55-46. Markieff Morris swishes the full court shot well after the buzzer. The crowd liked it at least. Nets offense was ugly. Just 2-for-16 from 3. Ed Sumner with nine, KD with eight. Energy is lacking. Can that change for the second half? – 10:39 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
HALF: Lakers 55, Nets 46.
Lakers have led the whole time, the biggest factor is Brooklyn’s 2 for 16 mark on 3-pointers and KD’s 8 points on just six attempts. Anthony Davis has 16 points, Lonnie Walker with 11, Russ with 8 points and 5 assists. – 10:38 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Westbrook blocking Durant is making me emotional pic.twitter.com/GFBTb2Bafv – 10:15 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Russ with the STUFF on KD 👀
pic.twitter.com/hOGiHQYDJz – 10:14 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
First quarter: Lakers 26, Nets 22
Lonnie Walker leads the Lakers with 11 points. AD has 8 points and 8 rebounds. The highlight of the frame was KD sizing up Russ, spinning away from him and Russ blocking his shot from behind. LA is winning the rebounding and FT battles early. – 10:11 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets trail the Lakers 26-22. Cam Thomas with seven points, KD with four on 1-for-4 shooting. Nets just 1-for-6 from 3, 8-for-22 from the field. Lakers shooting just 35 percent from the field. Lonnie Walker has 11 points on three shots. – 10:10 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Crowd goes crazy as Westbrook blocks KD. Lakers lead Nets, 26-22 at the end of first quarter. – 10:09 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Russell Westbrook with a dramatic block on Kevin Durant that I’m sure won’t be replayed endlessly. – 10:08 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Russ blocks KD from behind(!!!). – 10:08 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Russ just blocked KD. – 10:08 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets second unit right now is KD, DDJ, Kieff, Yuta and Cam. – 10:06 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
KD with his first made FG more than six minutes in. Pat Beverley has had ups and down but clearly relishes the assignment. – 9:55 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Most points by a Cleveland Cavalier
– LeBron James: 57
– Kyrie Irving: 57
– LeBron James: 56
– LeBron James: 55
– Kyrie Irving: 55
– LeBron James: 52
– LeBron James: 52
– LeBron James: 51
– LeBron James: 51
– LeBron James: 51
– DARIUS GARLAND: 51 vs. Timberwolves – 9:32 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from the Crypt again (trying to embrace the new name as best I can). Nets-Lakers tips shortly. Nets looking to make it five wins in six games. No LeBron, no Ben Simmons. Anthony Davis and Yuta Watanabe are back. Updates to come. – 9:30 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Give the NBA schedule makers credit. After getting burned by putting Nets-Lakers on Christmas last year, they buried this no LeBron, no Kyrie, no Simmons game on a Sunday night during NFL season. – 9:06 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons is out tonight. Nets starters in LA: Sumner, Harris, Durant, O’Neale and Claxton – 9:02 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Same starters for Brooklyn: Sumner, O’Neale, Harris, Durant, Claxton – 9:01 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Darius Garland career night:
51 PTS
6 AST
10-15 3P
Only LeBron and Kyrie had more points in Cavs history. pic.twitter.com/pxuoxKxqwm – 8:43 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
51-point games for the Cavs:
LeBron James, 9
Kyrie Irving, 2
Darius Garland, 1 (tonight) – 8:41 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kevin Durant work with Nets assistant coach Brian Keefe pic.twitter.com/ssXnZ7IcIj – 8:31 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
James Worthy and Kevin Durant catching up pregame pic.twitter.com/02V6F0B0Xh – 8:29 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kevin Durant with some resistance band exercises before Nets-Lakers pic.twitter.com/l9CMlnwycf – 8:16 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Darvin Ham said there’s some precautionary thinking involved with LeBron being out tonight, but if all goes well this week, it’s possible he could return next game (Friday vs. Detroit). Lakers could also get Dennis Schröder and Thomas Bryant back if their evaluations go well. – 7:59 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers coach Darvin Ham expressed optimism that LeBron James will be back for Friday’s game vs Detroit pic.twitter.com/ar6i9a0W0Z – 7:57 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Lakers rule out LeBron James tonight against the Nets. – 7:56 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) is now OUT for tonight’s home game against Brooklyn.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 7:52 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game vs. Brooklyn – 7:52 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game vs. Brooklyn. – 7:51 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers officially rule out LeBron James for tonight’s game vs the Nets – 7:51 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James will miss his second straight game with a left groin strain, per the Lakers. Anthony Davis is probable to play tonight vs. Brooklyn. – 7:50 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Lakers say LeBron James is officially OUT tonight against Brooklyn. – 7:50 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James is out tonight, per the Lakers. – 7:50 PM
LeBron James @KingJames
By FAR the game of the YEAR that was!! WOW WOW WOW – 4:50 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“If you give (LeBron) a chance, he will take you to the Finals”
Channing Frye isn’t giving up on the Lakers yet
@TermineRadio | @Eddie Johnson | @Channing Frye | @NBA pic.twitter.com/fVQsv5TVFi – 4:19 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
The last time the Dolphins were 7-3 was 2001.
– 24 starting QBs ago
– 8 head coaches ago
– 7 stadium names ago
– Heat had zero titles
– LeBron was in HS
– iPod came out
– iPhone was 6 years away
– Tua was 3
– Mike McDaniel was a Yale freshman
– Tom Brady was a first-year starter – 3:38 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Josh Giddey today:
24 PTS
10 REB
12 AST
10-14 FG
His 5th career triple-double, only KD (7) and Russ (138) have more in OKC history. pic.twitter.com/EvI1Hz3Y9R – 2:27 PM

Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the only Thunder players to score 40+ at the Garden.
SGA has 35 with one quarter to play. – 1:57 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Kevin Durant is averaging BY FAR the most of anyone ever ranked 7th in scoring.
Here is the 7th-ranked scorer in every season in NBA & ABA history from @Basketball-Reference.
As evidenced by @Kevin Durant’s awesome season — and so many others — the NBA’s scoring talent is at an all-time high. pic.twitter.com/6KGSkRovgv – 12:33 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Kevin Durant is averaging 30.5 PPG.
He ranks 7th in the NBA in scoring.
That would have won the scoring title in 44 different seasons. – 11:55 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 13 RPR MVP standings (10+ games)
1. Luka Doncic: 17.9
2. Jayson Tatum: 17.0
3. Kevin Durant: 16.6
4. Donovan Mitchell: 14.0
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 13.5
6. Stephen Curry: 13.5
7. Devin Booker: 12.7
8. Nikola Jokic: 12.6
9. Lauri Markkanen: 12.6
10. Dejounte Murray: 12.3 pic.twitter.com/ATL2StCUGU – 11:05 AM

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
We somehow have 7 guys averaging 30+ PPG this season.
It’s only happened 79 times in NBA history.
30 PPG Club since the merger: MJ, Harden, Gervin, T-Mac, Kobe, Iverson, Luka, Curry, King, KD, Russ, LeBron, Beal, Maravich, Moses, Mailman, Dantley, ‘Nique, Embiid, Wade, Free. pic.twitter.com/ybxrsy5E1S – 10:49 AM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
LeBron making the Finals with this team remains one of the all-time flexes. pic.twitter.com/okGan3Cft9 – 10:35 AM

John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Highest TS% w/ 30+ PPG, 50+ GP
1. Curry 15-16: 30.1, 66.9%
2. Curry 20-21: 32.0, 65.5%
3. Dantley 83-84: 30.6, 65.2%
4. Durant 13-14: 32.0, 63.5%
5. Dantley 81-82: 30.3, 63.1%
22-23
Curry: 33.3, 69.5%
Tatum: 32.3, 65.3%
Mitchell: 31.6, 64.9%
Durant: 30.5, 64.6%
SGA: 30.5, 62.8% – 10:05 AM

More on this storyline

Ben Golliver: Nets’ Kevin Durant on Lakers’ LeBron James: “It’s just cool that we’re still relevant at an older age.” pic.twitter.com/SXRsjEFpxx -via Twitter @BenGolliver / November 14, 2022
According to Heavy Sports insider Sean Deveney, the Sixers will almost certainly inquire about Durant at a time when the Nets are once again under a mountain of internal and external scrutiny. “There is no doubt the Sixers have asked on Durant, they did in the summer, and will keep asking about him,” an Eastern Conference executive told Deveney. “But the Nets are going to be a little put off by them already because of the Ben Simmons thing because they feel like they were set up to give away James Harden all along. So the Sixers burned them once, do the Nets want to go back and say, OK, sure, we’ll do a KD deal, too.” -via Heavy.com / November 14, 2022
Mike Trudell: LeBron won’t play tonight, as expected, due to the left adductor strain. Anthony Davis remains probable. -via Twitter @LakersReporter / November 13, 2022

Goran Dragic on Luka Doncic: ‘By the end of his career he could be the best ever’

“He is only 23 years old and he is playing like a veteran. He could score even 40 points in every game,” added Dragic. “He plays the game at his rhythm, he is very big, he can shoot, he can pass, he can rebound. I don’t know what else we can say …

“He is only 23 years old and he is playing like a veteran. He could score even 40 points in every game,” added Dragic. “He plays the game at his rhythm, he is very big, he can shoot, he can pass, he can rebound. I don’t know what else we can say about Luka, he is like… an astronaut,” Dragic described Doncic’s game. “I think he could be [the best player in history]. He is still very young, but if he stays healthy and plays a long more time I think that by the end of his career he could be the best ever,” added Dragic.

Source: BasketNews

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Chicago Bulls free-agent addition Goran Dragic defended Giannis Antetokounmpo from Gilbert Arenas’ recent criticism. bullswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/11/bul… – 4:00 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Goran Dragic believes Luka Doncic can become the best player ever 🤔
The Slovenian guard talked about his decision to rejoin the national team, his superstar teammate, and more:
basketnews.com/news-177876-go… – 3:58 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic sat out practice ahead of the quarter-final game against Poland 👀
The Slovenian superstar was spotted with an ice wrap around his ankle:
basketnews.com/news-177880-wo… – 2:56 PM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Are you ready to watch Luka Doncic do his thing again? Doncic and Slovenia will play Poland on Wednesday at 1:20 p.m. CT in the EuroBasket quarterfinals. By the way, the @Dallas Mavericks open training camp on Sept. 27. It’s right around the corner, so finish up your vacation. – 2:18 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Slovenia’s Zoran Dragic to miss remainder of Eurobasket with injury sportando.basketball/en/slovenias-z… – 9:45 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The EVOLUTION of Luka Doncic 🇸🇮🌟
2015 ➡️ 2018 ➡️ 2022 pic.twitter.com/00GE2G0s6r – 8:45 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
If you could choose one #EuroBasket player’s signed jersey, who would you pick? 👀
🇫🇷 Rudy Gobert
🇩🇪 Franz Wagner
🇹🇷 Cedi Osman
🇩🇪 Dennis Schröder
🇸🇮 Luka Doncic
🇫🇮 Lauri Markkanen
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo
❓ OTHER pic.twitter.com/U7ROq5Lplq – 5:32 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Forget Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and the others…
🇮🇹 Nicolo Melli is the best player in the world for Gianmarco Pozzecco 😅💪
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/08RSl32T6Y – 5:02 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic & 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic catching up during their free-time in the #EuroBasket 🤝
📸 @KoszKadra pic.twitter.com/WdUArLpRwn – 4:37 AM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Look at the bright side. 38 days until Luka and Mavs open @NBA season in Phoenix – 11:18 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
It’s a very well-shot and well-acted show, and I appreciate a good slow burn as much as anyone…but I’m gonna need House of the Dragon to start picking up some steam here soon – 10:21 PM
Zach Kram @zachkram
House of the Dragon episode 4!
Send me your questions for this week’s mailbag: What should we make sure to answer at
@ringer? – 10:07 PM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Chicago Bulls free-agent addition Goran Dragic defended Giannis Antetokounmpo from Gilbert Arenas’ recent criticism. bullswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/11/bul… – 7:40 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
The first stunner of the knockout round At Euobasker. Italy beats Serbia 94-86 coming from 14 down. Niccolo Melli (Remember him?) 21 pts 6 ribs 4 assts 2 stls 2 blks including one of Jokic (32 pts 13 rebs). Italy-France in qtrs. Winner likely gets Luka and Slovenia in semis – 2:02 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Pelicans draft-and-stash second-round pick Karlo Matkovic (@KarloMatkovic15) talks about #EuroBasket with Croatia, his NBA plans & his experience of playing for Bosnia.
He also ranks Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic & Giannis Antetokounmpo from 1-3 👀
basketnews.com/news-177676-ka… – 4:20 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
After scoring 35 points today to lead Slovenia to an 88-72 victory over Belgium, Luka Doncic now has pumped in 118 points in his last three games at the EuroBasket tournament. @Dallas Mavericks @NBA
mavs.com/doncicgoesfor3… – 11:29 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Gobert sparks France, Doncic leads Slovenia into EuroBasket final eight nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/10/gob… – 8:25 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
From earlier today: Goran Dragic defends Giannis Antetokounmpo and speaks his mind on Gilbert Arenas comments 👇
https://t.co/7ggBRAwqsg pic.twitter.com/HHKMMfNZG6 – 6:44 PM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
#Eurobasket Day 9
MVP: Luka Doncic
Best non-NBAer: Lorenzo Brown pic.twitter.com/FcrlGjiiKG – 5:22 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Luka Doncic: 35 points, 5 assists in Slovenia’s win over Belgium in Eurobasket round of 16 sportando.basketball/en/luka-doncic… – 1:38 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Goran Dragic defends Giannis Antetokounmpo after Gilbert Arenas’ comments:
“Gilbert Arenas, was he ever MVP? I don’t know, I don’t think so. He can not talk about Giannis!”
(Via Ioannis Rammas, @Eurohoops) pic.twitter.com/y9e4OYTAa7 – 12:52 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇧🇪 Belgium head coach Dario Gjergja says that 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic gets a different treatment from the referees 🗣️ #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/raxE5YfHSN – 12:35 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Belgium’s Retin Obasohan reacts to Goran Dragic saying he’s the “strongest” player he’s ever faced
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 12:26 PM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Belgium C Kevin Tumba on Luka Doncic getting different treatment: “Refs need to be fair with everybody. It’s not because he is Luka & can talk to refs like he wants”
Coach Dario Gjergja: “I’ve been listening about 50/50 for the last 2 months. But let’s stop lying to each other.” – 12:11 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Everyone can have an opinion BUT Luka Doncic doesn’t care about the comments on his weight 👇
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 12:10 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Goran Dragic defended Giannis Antetokounmpo from the comments about his lack of improvement
“Giannis is the MVP. Gilbert Arenas is not. Was he ever the MVP?” 👇
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 11:35 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Since 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic broke a few 🇬🇷 Nikos Galis’ records, here is one he won’t be able to achieve just yet:
In 1987, Galis scored 3️⃣0️⃣+ points in ALL his games (8).
Greece won the EuroBasket, of course. pic.twitter.com/yj8byzX3cn – 11:19 AM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Luka Doncic so far at EuroBasket: 197 minutes, 168 points, 39 assists. – 11:16 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Luka last 3 games:
39.3 pts
7.5 rebs
5.5 assists
54.8% FG (40-73)
41.4% 3pt (12-29)
83.9% FT (26-31) inc 20-22 in last 2 – 10:56 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kids absolutely adore 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic 🤩 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/qlRarxTxmR – 10:54 AM

Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Luka Doncic is a Top 5 player in the world.
It’s crazy to think he’s still only 23. His potential is unmatched.
But, he has to stop complaining to the referees. And it’s constant whining, talking, and laughing ironically.
It’s such a bad look for a player of his caliber. – 10:53 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic leads Slovenia over Belgium with a 35-point performance 🔥
Belgium stayed in the game for 3 quarters but eventually, Doncic and company were too much for the Lions:
basketnews.com/news-177765-in… – 10:46 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇸🇮 Luka Doncic is the first player in the last 31 years to score 3️⃣0️⃣+ points in three consecutive #EuroBasket games since 🇬🇷 Nikos Galis in 1991. pic.twitter.com/JLH5yqDIUP – 10:45 AM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Slovenia advances 88-72, a 19-1 run over nearly 6 minutes of 4th qtr finally puts the game away. Doncic 35-5-5-4 steals. inc 9-10 FT (Slovenia 23-25 FT to offset 42% shooting). Not their best game by a long shot, but now off until Wed to play either Poland or Ukraine – 10:43 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic’s scoring in the last three games: 36, 47, 35. The previous EuroBasket record for a Slovenian: Goran Dragic’s 35 in the 2017 final. – 10:41 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
It took 3️⃣5️⃣ points and 3️⃣6️⃣ minutes from Luka Doncic for Slovenia to beat 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇸🇮😳 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/910jadIwoM – 10:40 AM

Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Slovenia defeated Belgium 88-72 in the knockout round of the EuroBasket tournament today in Berlin. Luka finished with a game-high 35 points. – 10:39 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
“Luka Magic” in Berlin. 💎
Luka Doncic was unstoppable in Slovenia’s win vs Belgium in the Round of 16 in #EuroBasket: 35 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. #BringTheNoise pic.twitter.com/qW9mKL981A – 10:37 AM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Luka Doncic refused to lose and put Slovenia on his back against Belgium.
35 points
7-15 2P
4-10 3P
9-10 FT
4 rebounds
5 assists
4 steals
32 efficiency
Slovenia advanced to the #EuroBasket 2022 quarter-finals.
#MojTim #SLOBEL #BringTheNoise #MFFL pic.twitter.com/9qRi35vjze – 10:36 AM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Luka and Goran combined to score or set up 42 consecutive points. My goodness. – 10:36 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇧🇪 Kevin Tumba threw an elbow at 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic TWICE 😳 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/nNlclQ9T1e – 10:32 AM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Slovenia 63-60 after 3. Playing a lot like they played vs Germany in WC qualifier and vs Bosnia in Groipplay. Lazy defense. Poor rebounding. Poor shooting (39%). Doncic 28-2-2 – 10:14 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Doncic has 28 points but Slovenia enters the last period leading just by three (63-60) over Belgium 👏 pic.twitter.com/0D8ASuuWV9 – 10:11 AM

Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Slovenia leads 63-60 after the third quarter. Luka has 28 pts. – 10:10 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka doing Luka things. He scores, then takes a charge. He has 26 pts. – 10:02 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Lot of messing around by Slovenia late in 2nd qtr allowing Belgium to close to 44-41 at half. Slovenia had 11 pt lead in 1st. 10 pt lead in 2nd then relaxed. Doncic 16-2-2 w/3 steals. Just 1-6 on 2ptrs (He’s getting hammered) Former Baylor Bear Manu Lecomte leads Belgium w/9 – 9:35 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Luka Doncic vs Belgium (1st half)
16 points
5-13 FG
4-7 3P
2-2 FT
2 rebounds
2 assists
3 steals
Slovenia leads 44-41 at half time. #MojTim #EuroBasket #MFFL #SLOBEL – 9:32 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Slovenia is up on Belgium, 44-41, at the half. Luka has 16 pts. – 9:32 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇸🇮 Zoran Dragic gets injured and has to leave the court 😕 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/2zbm9GiUJ1 – 9:29 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens is in Berlin watching 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic’s Slovenia battle 🇧🇪 Belgium 👌 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/JplcW1CqQU – 9:16 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
With the French national team bracing for a possible quarterfinal battle with Serbia, Andrew Albicy picks Jokic over Giannis and Luka 📽️
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 9:12 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka with his 4th 3-pointer. He has 16 pts. – 9:12 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Like vs France, Coach Sekulic not taking out Doncic at start of 2nd qtr. – 9:08 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Slovenia 24-19 after one. Began on a 16-5 run to start, and looked like a blowout (in may still be before its done). Belgium responded with a 14-4 run to make it 20-19. Luka 11-2-2 including those three bombs to start the game. – 9:06 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Slovenia leads Belgium 24-19 after the first quarter. Luka has 11 pts and two assists. – 9:04 AM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Sunday notes on a Saturday: Have Heat made a comparative case for winning from within? sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Also: Tim Hardaway on fair play; Markieff Morris’ deal; Goran Dragic’s opportunity; 76ers’ bulk packaging; Jimmy Butler’s rating; more. – 9:01 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka scores inside. He already has 11 pts. – 8:53 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Three minutes into the game and 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic already has 3️⃣ three-pointers. Not a good sign for 🇧🇪 👀 – 8:50 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Oh Luka!! 3 straight 3s to start the game – 8:49 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka is 3 for 3 from 3. GET UP and watch this. – 8:49 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka drains another 3. – 8:48 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka for 3. – 8:47 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Luka Doncic in legal battle with his own mother over controlling trademark “LUKA DONCIC 7” sportando.basketball/en/luka-doncic… – 8:36 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Luka Doncic in legal battle with his own mother over controlling trademark “LUKA DONCIC 7” sportando.basketball/en/luka-doncic… – 8:36 AM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
I know it’s Saturday morning, but it’s time to GET UP! Luka Doncic and Slovenia plays Belgium at 7:45 a.m. in the EuroBasket tournament on ESPN+. Luka scored 83 points in his last two games. What will he do today? Something amazing again, so GET UP! @Dallas Mavericks @NBA – 8:31 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Even Luka Doncic is stressed watching 🇹🇷 vs 🇫🇷 😁 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/hzxgSBcSVc – 7:21 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
You can say this 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic guy is popular in Berlin 👀 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/02Ri25Kxe5 – 5:47 AM

More on this storyline

After beating Belgium 88-72 on Saturday to advance to the quarter-finals, Dragic has talked about the physical and mental toll it takes on him to still play, but does not regret his decision. “When you are winning, it feels like the best decision [to join the national team],” said Dragic and laughed. “But when you go back to your room and everything hurts, your whole body hurts, sometimes I am thinking ‘oh my god, why do I have to go through this again’,” Dragic added. -via BasketNews / September 13, 2022
While talking to Eurohoops after qualifying for the Eurobasket quarterfinals, Dragic didn’t hold any punches on the issue: “Giannis is the MVP. Gilbert Arenas is not. Was he ever the MVP? I don’t think so. So he can’t talk about Giannis. Giannis won the championship, won the MVP award. He has been the defensive player of the year”. -via EuroHoops.net / September 10, 2022
So how he explained this take by Arenas? “Sometimes when they retire they just want to be relevant and sometimes you come out in the media. It is what it is. Gilbert Arenas was an unbelievable player and an unbelievable scorer, but in the end, I feel like this generation has a lot of good European players in the NBA who are MVPs, or win the championship”. -via EuroHoops.net / September 10, 2022
The Slovenian national team is preparing for their EuroBasket 2022 quarter-finals match against Poland, which will be played on September 14 at 20:30 CET. However, the Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic sat out the practice on September 12 and could have been seen with an ice wrap around his ankle. A worrisome sight for Slovenia and its fans. -via BasketNews / September 12, 2022
During an interview with USA Today’s Sports Seriously, Brunson revealed that opinion and talked about what it was like to play with Doncic over the last few years. “It wasn’t really difficult (to play alongside him) because you knew what it was. Luka is such a great talent. He can do anything on the court,” said Brunson. “I think, for me, I kind of figured out how to play with him because he’s so dominant. He knows how to play the game, he knows how to help his team win. I truly loved playing with him because we were in a position to win every night, because of him. “I’ve said this numerous times and I’ll continue to say it until I speak it into existence; That dude is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.” -via Sports Illustrated / September 12, 2022

Gilbert Arenas: ‘Stephen Curry is a top 10 player of all-time’

Now Agent Zero made another interesting remark about the four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry. When talking about the Warriors superstar and his place in the GOAT debate, Arenas said that he will always be slighted due to his small size. Arenas did …

Now Agent Zero made another interesting remark about the four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry. When talking about the Warriors superstar and his place in the GOAT debate, Arenas said that he will always be slighted due to his small size. Arenas did say that Curry is in his Top 10 players of All-Time. “Without even just diving into my list [of All-Time greats], I’m gonna just go and say he’s gonna be Top 10,” he said on VladTV when talking about Curry.

Source: TalkBasket

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
#Guardians recall LHP Konnor Pilkington from Triple A-Columbus and option RHP Xzavion Curry to Columbus. – 1:26 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“Give him Tim Duncan’s knowledge, a whole different player isn’t he?”
Longtime NBA guard Gilbert Arenas joined @Rick Kamla & @adaniels33 to clarify his comments about Giannis.
#FearTheDear pic.twitter.com/kDiyVUw9jm – 12:32 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
New @RoseGardenReprt post is up covering some recent offseason business, including waiving Didi Louzada, signing Olivier Sarr to a camp invite and the recent parting of ways with assistant coach Edniesha Curry. rosegardenreport.beehiiv.com/p/blazers-offs…..
Subscribe: rosegardenreport.beehiiv.com/upgrade – 12:06 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Steph Curry or Tyler Dorsey? 🇬🇷😅 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/YiQH8PmkSv – 4:19 PM

Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
In a special graduation ceremony at Davidson, Steph Curry saw his No. 30 jersey lifted to the rafters. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/31/war… – 4:04 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Stephen Curry says if he would play for team other than Warriors it would be Hornets nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/03/ste… – 3:24 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
The Portland Trail Blazers have parted ways with assistant coach Edniesha Curry, a source told @andscape. – 7:00 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
In a special graduation ceremony at Davidson, Steph Curry saw his No. 30 jersey lifted to the rafters. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/31/war… – 1:00 PM
Stephen Curry @StephenCurry30
Some things are worth the wait! #30 up in the rafters looks right! Humbled and blessed to be up there with the @DavidsonWildcat legends. #TCC forever. ALWAYS a great day to be a Wildcat! pic.twitter.com/9eJe6tVheu – 8:35 AM

More on this storyline

Gilbert Arenas: “Somehow I’m gonna put him in a Top 10 knowing what I know, knowing his work ethic, knowing his height, knowing what he does, the excitement being a guard, being a guard in Golden State where I was a guard too. I’m gonna put him in a Top 10, just off of rip. It’s one of those things. I’ma put him and then I’ll try to figure it out from there.” -via TalkBasket / September 5, 2022
But when it comes to GOAT conversations, the former point guard thinks that Curry’s size is what will always keep him away from those. “He’s gonna always be slighted because he’s little,” Arenas said. “It’s like we have this idea of what a GOAT is supposed to be – 6’6″ and above. When it comes to smaller guys, you have to do so much more to get the same credit. You gotta remember, he’s not a highlight reel when it comes to jumping and dunking and all this aerial stuff. He’s a floor general.” -via TalkBasket / September 5, 2022
Richard Jefferson is jumping to the collective majority of NBA fans expressing their criticism against Gilbert Arenas’ take about Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking recently about the said incident in his Road Trippin’ podcast, the retired NBA star delivered NSFW words against his former Arizona teammate in Arenas,  further nothing that Giannis is “the best two-way player on the planet and it ain’t even close.” -via TalkBasket / September 3, 2022
If there is one team that Stephen Curry will consider to play besides the Warriors, it’s definitely the Hornets. And the reigning Finals MVP made it known after claiming the keys of the Charlotte City recently. At 4:02 mark: “I’ve always said I wanted to finish my career at Golden State because of how much it means and the experiences and teammates and the journey we’ve been. “Everybody asks me, ‘You wanna play one year for the Hornets and come back?’ … I am not breaking any news right now, I’m not making any promises. All I would say is if there was a team that I did want to play for that was not named the Warriors, that would be it.” -via TalkBasket / September 3, 2022

Jalen Rose on GOAT debate: Michael Jordan has 10 scoring titles, LeBron James has one

Jalen Rose: When you talk about the best players of all time, you ultimately start talking about who’s the G.O.A.T. And when you talk about G.O.A.T., the first word is ‘greatest.’ That means achieved more than somebody else. And if we’re comparing …

Jalen Rose: When you talk about the best players of all time, you ultimately start talking about who’s the G.O.A.T. And when you talk about G.O.A.T., the first word is ‘greatest.’ That means achieved more than somebody else. And if we’re comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron, for example, Michael Jordan got 10 scoring titles. LeBron James has one. Michael Jordan has been Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA. LeBron hasn’t.
Source: YouTube

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
New @RealGM Radio podcast! @Ben Golliver, @SethPartnow and I go in-depth on the Pacific division. LeBron’s extension, who got better/worse, how many teams make the playoffs and much more: basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268424… – 10:33 AM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Added a new stat to our @The_BBall_Index applications that I’ve been calculating all season. It’s very similar to the structure of LEBRON but instead of using box LEBRON as the prior, it uses @DSMok1 BPM from bball-ref. pic.twitter.com/ruu4ra7D2e – 9:14 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Most points by season:
2013 — Durant
2014 — Durant
2015 — Harden
2016 — Harden
2017 — Westbrook
2018 — LeBron
2019 — Harden
2020 — Harden
2021 — Steph
2022 — Trae pic.twitter.com/ex63bfElat – 7:15 PM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
🗣NEW @HardwoodKnocks
🔘 Playoffs (3:04)
🔘 Pelicans (12:25)
🔘 Rivalry wishlist (19:37)
🔘 Bronny (24:11)
🔘 Storylines (29:03)
🔘 LBJ vs Bears (43:20)
🎧 https://t.co/ngCc7fmTvi
🍎 https://t.co/Ex9Dly5ZTb
✳️ https://t.co/VbfUI88mPG
📺 https://t.co/egPPmzumwt
FULL BREAKDOWN⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LQMS7Fppop – 6:04 PM

LeBron James @KingJames
Happy Gday Cocamo!! Heem Heem!! Love my brother!! @D19J 🙏🏾✊🏾👑 pic.twitter.com/5Ld1ZaEtaf – 3:57 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Lakers potential lineup:
Patrick Beverley
Buddy Hield
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Myles Turner
____ seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/BXV8PJMQq1 – 9:41 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron did all of this in one playoffs:
51 PTS | 8 REB | 8 AST
46 PTS | 11 REB | 9 AST
46 PTS | 12 REB | 5 AST
45 PTS | 8 REB | 7 AST
44 PTS 5 REB | 3 AST
44 PTS | 10 REB | 8 AST
43 PTS | 8 REB | 14 AST
42 PTS | 10 REB | 12 AST
The most 40-point games in a playoff run pic.twitter.com/EzGrzZ8kaT – 8:35 AM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Emergency Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
– Pat Bev traded to Lakers for THT
– What’s next for Westbrook?
– There is no way these two are playing together, right? RIGHT?
– LeBron’s extension
– Wait a second did the Jazz just steal THT?
Join us!
youtube.com/watch?v=hBkXnO… – 12:16 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think the Lakers desperately needed another defensive culture setter after last season’s tire fire.
LeBron, at his age, shouldn’t be expending the energy on defense he did in the 2020 title run. Beverley is the perfect vet to hold everyone else accountable. – 11:45 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The 2022/23 Lakers:
LeBron
Russ
AD
Pat Bev
Reaves
Nunn
Walker IV
Bryant
Toscano-Anderson
A top ___ seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/QMXQqx9gAC – 11:36 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Patrick Beverley was EXACTLY what the Lakers needed to add. A consistent, energetic defender who can make it difficult for every opponent. His experience is valuable for a team like Lakers. His teaming up with LeBron, AD, Russ will be fun to watch. #LakeShow – 11:35 PM
Justin Verrier @JustinVerrier
Really hard to believe LeBron signed the long-term extension without assurances of getting more help now. Doubt PatBev is the last Lakers move before the season. – 11:35 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Patrick Beverley is returning to LA — this time, with LeBron James and the Lakers pic.twitter.com/SHY6XGLIAa – 11:32 PM

Dalton Johnson @DaltonJ_Johnson
“Can you describe the challenge defensively it is to guard LeBron?
Pat Bev: “No challenge.” 🫠 pic.twitter.com/xVlSVsOABx – 11:24 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fun Fact: Kobe has more 60-point games than MJ, KD, LeBron, and Kareem combined. pic.twitter.com/kW4YO6gBTs – 9:55 AM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
My mom doesn’t text, but I asked her which NBA players she could name. For current guys she knew:
Jayson Tatum (“but partly because of your dog”)
LeBron James
Stephen Curry (she said it like Steven)
and… Marcus Smart “because you say he’s underappreciated on the radio a lot.” – 9:51 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Lakers are considering Dennis Schröder again and LeBron James would clearly be up for it 😆
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/eu1n3HOtG7 – 3:52 AM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’m pretty sure my mom could name five NBA players if only because she reads what I write so the names “Russell Westbrook,” “Myles Turner,” “Kyrie Irving,” “Buddy Hield” and “LeBron James” must be seared into her head by now. – 8:58 PM
Tom Petrini @RealTomPetrini
Tim Duncan telling LeBron, “it’ll be your league in a little while, but thanks for giving us this year,” but it came out in 2007 pic.twitter.com/2G6aG0UGCx – 8:01 PM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
🕹️ LeBron James in video games through the years 🎮
hoopshype.com/gallery/lebron… – 5:40 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Five lineups we want to see from the Lakers next season based on the current roster:
— The Closers
— The best small-ball grouping
— LeBron with the bench
— Russ plus shooting
— And more:
theathletic.com/3528814/?sourc… – 5:16 PM
Mike Curtis @MikeACurtis2
NIL is always a popular topic in college sports and the “What if?” game usually sparks conversation. But what if the Fab Five were able to monetize their likeness?
“Just the term ‘Fab Five’ in itself. Boom. Cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching,” — Jalen Rose detroitnews.com/story/sports/c… – 2:29 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
Jalen Rose laments that #Michigan‘s Fab Five missed out on NIL earnings potential: bit.ly/3ciOAqn – 2:28 PM
Rosalyn Gold-Onwude @ROSGO21
My report on @WashMystics Natasha Cloud @T_Cloud4 working out & talking hoops w/ @LeBron James & @Dejounte Murray after @Jamal Crawford @thecrawsover star studded game in Seattle. Natasha put to use the advice LeBron gave her. Overall, incredible season for Cloud #GameRecognizeGame #wnba pic.twitter.com/v2oliD7pxX – 1:59 PM

More on this storyline

 

“Can we retire using ‘Mount Rushmore’? That should be offensive to all of us, especially Native Americans, the Indigenous people who were the first people here before Christopher Columbus,” Rose said. “That land was stolen from them when it was discovered that it contained gold. And 25 years later, to add insult to injury, four American presidents were put on what we call Mount Rushmore on the top of the dead bodies that is buried right underneath. “So, I call for you and for myself — I’m owning this, too — let’s stop using the term ‘Mount Rushmore’ when we’re talking about our favorite rappers, talking about our favorite movies, talking about our favorite players.” -via FOXnews.com / August 20, 2022
Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota introduced a bill Friday to protect the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in response to calls by former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose to retire the use of “Mount Rushmore” when listing all-time greats over claims it is “offensive.” The Mount Rushmore Protection Act prohibits the use of federal funds “to alter, change, destroy or remove the likeness, the name of or any of the faces on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial,” according to a press release from Johnson’s office. -via FOXnews.com / August 20, 2022
Right now, LeBron has just one more year on his current deal. This means that unless he signs an extension, The King is going to be a free agent again next summer. If you ask former NBA player turned ESPN analyst Jalen Rose, however, he is adamant that LeBron isn’t going anywhere. According to Rose, the Lakers know that they’re going to be able to keep LeBron in Hollywood beyond this season because of his family (h/t Michael Macasero of sportskeeda): “They know he ain’t leaving now,” Rose said. “So it don’t even matter what happens with the contract. They know they got the house out here, the wife out here, they know the kids out here. -via Clutch Points / August 4, 2022
Eddie House: It’s different when you’re a coach. If you cannot get the superstar guy to buy into what you are doing, it is almost a failed cause. On every single team I’ve played on, even the team I played on with LeBron James, they were this close, they wanted Spo (Erik Spoelstra) out, but Pat Riley was like, ‘Hell, no! That’s my guy, and we gonna win with him.’ It took another leader to say, ‘No, this is how it goes.’ That’s Pat Riley I’m talking about. -via Spotify / August 26, 2022
ClutchPoints caught up with the Lakers head coach at the Gala, which honored Oscar De La Hoya, Ozzie Smith, Ray Lewis, Steve Madison, and Ken Goldin for their support over the years. Ham said he’s beyond ecstatic the franchise will be keeping a player of LeBron James’ caliber for the foreseeable future. “It’s huge, man,” Darvin Ham told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “It’s huge. LeBron is once-in-a-lifetime player. You only get so many players. Not even so many. You have Bill Russell, you have Wilt Chamberlain, you have Dr. J, you have Moses Malone, you had Larry Bird, Magic [Johnson], you had [Michael] Jordan, you had Allen Iverson, Shaq [O’Neal], Kobe [Bryant], and now it’s LeBron’s time.” -via Clutch Points / August 26, 2022
“It’s once-in-a-lifetime type player that’s gonna be mentioned with the greats and mentioned as THE greatest,” Ham continued. “The things that he was facing coming out of high school and things he had to endure and conquer. He’s passed all tests with flying colors.” -via Clutch Points / August 26, 2022
StatMuse: Fun Fact: Kobe has more 60-point games than MJ, KD, LeBron, and Kareem combined. pic.twitter.com/kW4YO6gBTs -via Twitter @statmuse / August 24, 2022
Tiger Woods will be the face of the PGA 2K23 cover this year. But, he won’t be the only GOAT in the game. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls legend and Hall of Famer, will be included in the popular simulation golf game. 2K is offering the “Michael Jordan Bonus Pack” as part of the pre-order process, allowing golf fans and gamers to use the basketball legend as a golf character. -via NBC Sports / August 22, 2022

 

Jeanie Buss: Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time

Foot Basket: Lakers owner Jeanie Buss calls Michael Jordan the GOAT Source: Twitter More on this storyline Dwyane Wade recently made a guest appearance on JJ Redick’s The Old Man & The Three podcast, and it was an opportunity for the Heat icon to …

More on this storyline

 

Dwyane Wade recently made a guest appearance on JJ Redick’s The Old Man & The Three podcast, and it was an opportunity for the Heat icon to get brutally honest with his thoughts on why their Big 3 garnered so much hate. Wade was quick to point out that the way they teamed up to win a title wasn’t much different from how other iconic teams did it in the past (h/t ClutchPoints on Twitter): “If you think about it, no one gives backlash to any championships that Larry Bird won, that Magic Johnson won, that Michael Jordan won,” Wade said. “… You don’t win championships without playing with other guys that are great, first of all.” -via Clutch Points / August 13, 2022
Speaking on a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, the former Defensive Player of the Year made sure that Warriors teammate Stephen Curry was on his list. So was Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Shaq, Tim Duncan, and of course, the one and only Michael Jordan rounded out Dray’s list (h/t Arjun Julka of The Sportsrush): “Shaq at the 5, Steph at the 1,” Green started. “I got LeBron James at 3, Timmy D at the 4, and if you think I was gonna have anyone other than MJ as the 2, you gotta be out of your mind. Although I must say Kobe was a very close 2nd from being on my starting 5.” -via Clutch Points / August 12, 2022
Former Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who himself is an all-time great, recently spoke out about how Kobe was motivated by none other than the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan. According to Shaq, Bryant just had to do everything in his power to try and one-up his idol: “Kobe emulated his game after Mike,” Shaq said. “And every time Mike scored he knew he had to score. That’s what you do when you go against a great player, aka your idol.” -via Clutch Points / August 12, 2022

 

Damian Lillard: ‘My NBA GOAT is Michael Jordan’

The Blazers stud explained his reason behind picking Jordan as his own personal GOAT: “My NBA GOAT is Michael Jordan,” Lillard said, via Dame Nation on Twitter. “It’s just different when you talk about MJ. On the floor, it’s just never been nobody …

The Blazers stud explained his reason behind picking Jordan as his own personal GOAT: “My NBA GOAT is Michael Jordan,” Lillard said, via Dame Nation on Twitter. “It’s just different when you talk about MJ. On the floor, it’s just never been nobody like him. Nobody electrified the crowd like him. The Air Jordan shoe, rocking the cradle, walking in the air, you know, it’s Jordan. … I don’t think it’s too much of a debate as far as who’s the GOAT, and I would say it’s Jordan.”
Source: Paolo Songco @ Clutch Points

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Damian Lillard knows there’s a chance he could play his entire career in Portland and never win a title — but he is “proud” of the fact he is sticking with one team and hopeful that he is setting an example for a generation of players coming behind him. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 12:43 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Lillard reiterates he wants to win in Portland as he officially signs $120 million extension nba.nbcsports.com/2022/07/09/lil… – 12:16 AM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Damian Lillard said he’s already mulling over playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Makes sense — he won gold at the Tokyo Olympics last summer, but was hurt and there were no fans in the stands.
Playing in Paris — with fans and if he’s healthy — appeals to Dame. A good sign. – 9:44 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Dame signed his $120 million extension wearing a pair of Gucci sneakers I already own, so who is really winning? pic.twitter.com/3it3HHbh2v – 9:39 PM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Kevin Garnett holds the record for most years in a franchise without making the Finals (14).
Damian Lillard and Bradley would break that mark if they finish their contracts with their teams without reaching the Finals.
Just an FYI. – 9:17 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Non-Dame extension news: the Blazers will stretch the remainder of Eric Bledsoe’s contract – 9:04 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Damian Lillard believes “1,000 percent” that having this break and recovering from the ab injury will make him a better player. – 8:58 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
I asked Damian Lillard if there was ever a point in the last 10 years where his desire to stay in Portland wavered. He said he never got to that point but if it ever got close, it was last summer. – 8:53 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Damian Lillard: “Something that’s missing in our league, the passion, the pride, not just for the name on the back but the name on the front.” – 8:48 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Damian Lillard: “I don’t think you earn something like this just by going out there and scoring a bunch of points. Something that’s missing in our league is the character and the passion. And I’m someone that’s embraced that. Not pretending to embrace that, that’s just who I am.” – 8:48 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Chauncey Billups contrasts Damian Lillard with other stars around the NBA who have asked out.
“There’s a lot of superstars if they don’t want to be somewhere and they find a way to get where they want to go,” he said. “And Dame has been very clear about his intentions.” pic.twitter.com/MDU7pLqUav – 8:46 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Damian Lillard: “Getting Jerami was huge. You’ve got to be deep on the wing. Jerami is a guy that was on winning teams in Denver and Oklahoma City. … Filling a role that we needed and being able to do that job better than what we had.” – 8:44 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Damian Lillard: “I’m as anxious as I’ve ever been to get out there and make something happen. I’m in a great space mentally and physically. I’m gonna come into this season comfortable and ready to do me, and do me at the highest level.” – 8:43 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Damian Lillard: “My belief is there in Joe and in Chauncey. I believe that we want for the same things for this city and this organization.” – 8:43 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Damian Lillard: “I get a lot of people telling me what I should do, everything that goes against what I believe in and what I stand on.” – 8:42 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
The Blazers announced they signed Damian Lillard to an extension. They even disclosed some terms. Maybe they read the story https://t.co/n1HAXtGP4T pic.twitter.com/azj4l5FEBL – 8:41 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Joe Cronin, Damian Lillard, Chauncey Billups announcing new money pic.twitter.com/ilIJCG6S4z – 8:40 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Chauncey Billups: “This is such an amazing day for our organization. … You know we’re trying to build our team up so we can give Dame and our great fans a fair shake and a fair chance to accomplish what we all want, which is a championship.” – 8:40 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Damian Lillard, Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups have arrived. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/G1Lj9PYHDc – 8:38 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Damian Lillard has signed his extension. – 8:35 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
The Blazers have officially signed Damian Lillard to his extension. “Damian Lillard is the greatest player in franchise history and an all-time NBA talent,” GM Joe Cronin said. pic.twitter.com/oX0IfZZ6qn – 8:32 PM

Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Waiting for Damian Lillard, Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/1qpbOkma5q – 8:18 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
FYI: Damian Lillard is going to speak to media in Vegas along with Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups this afternoon at 5:30. No reason given, probably just a random media availability. No news has been made official yet. – 12:14 PM

More on this storyline

 

“When I get between those four lines, I don’t have an injury, I don’t think about it,” Wall said of past injuries that include knee, Achilles’ and heel issues. “I go out there and compete. I work hard every day to try to get back to this position to be back in the league. “My last three years, I was in the darkest place I have ever been. I don’t think a lot of people could have gotten through what I went through — losing my mom, losing my grandma, tearing my Achilles’, going through all that adversity and just trying to find myself and then getting some of that love more than anything taken away from me.” -via ESPN / July 10, 2022
Danny Marang: “I think last summer there was a time, and not that I wanted to go somewhere else… but after losing to a beat up Denver and we were a full team…I was frustrated…I go into a shell and I can’t handle my jealously and frustration.” – Lillard -via Twitter @DannyMarang / July 10, 2022
After heaping praise on MJ, Lillard did acknowledge LeBron James and how the Los Angeles Lakers star is also in contention for the GOAT title: “Bron, that’s definitely a conversation to be had, but I think most people will look at Jordan as the GOAT,” Lillard concluded. -via Clutch Points / July 10, 2022
Jason Anderson: Malik Monk on Michael Jordan/LeBron James: “Lifechanging experiences from both aspects. With Jordan being the owner, I’ve seen things from that side, and with LeBron being a player, I’ve seen things from his side, so I had a lot of lifechanging experiences with those guys.” -via Twitter @JandersonSacBee / July 8, 2022
Isiah Thomas: Stop lying this story is not factual or accurate, tell the truth man. Dr.J, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Sidney Moncrief and I did not freeze you out. If memory serves me correct I was injured most of the second half and Bird had a broken nose. Magic and Sampson dominated the game. -via Twitter / July 8, 2022

 

Bennedict Mathurin on LeBron James: I think he’s the best player ever but I won’t say anybody is better than me

James Boyd: I asked Bennedict Mathurin about his viral LeBron James quote in @Ben Golliver’s story (https://t.co/6H5NP11nGy): “I think he’s the best player to ever play the game. … But me just coming into the league, I won’t say anybody’s better than me. That’s me being confident.” #Pacers pic.twitter.com/v1i8cQa2ke