Tag: LA Lakers

Draymond Green believes LeBron James should win the 2020 NBA MVP award

After the finalists for the 2019-2020 NBA Most Valuable Player award were announced, Draymond Green cast his vote for LeBron James.

On Saturday, the league announced a trio of finalists for the NBA’s 2020 Most Valuable Player award.

Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo joined Houston’s James Harden and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers on the list of finalists for the 2020 edition of the award.

With no members of the Golden State Warriors having a chance to take home hardware in 2020, Draymond Green revealed his pick for who should win the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. In an appearance on NBA on TNT, Green cast his vote for James.

Via @TurnerSportsPR on Twitter:

I’m going with LeBron [James]. I think the year LeBron has had — resurrecting that Lakers franchise, I think that has to stand for something. So I’m going with LeBron.

On his way to leading the Lakers to the top-seed in the Western Conference, James is averaging 25.3 points on 49.4% shooting from the field with 10.3 assists and 8.0 boards in 64 games. James’ 10.3 assists per contest is a career-high mark for the 16-year veteran.

In two games against Green and the Warriors in 2019-20, James has recorded a pair of double-doubles in each contest. In November against Golden State, James tallied 23 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Later in February, the four-time MVP notched 22 points and 11 assists in the Lakers 125-120 victory.

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Before the Lakers enter the postseason for the first time since 2013, James will have three games left in the seeding round of the Orlando Bubble to add to his potential MVP campaign.

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Orlando Bubble: Former Warrior JaVale McGee plays 11 minutes in Lakers win vs. Clippers

On the opening day of games in the Orlando Bubble, former Warrior JaVale McGee added six points in the Lakers win against the Clippers.

Although hoops are officially back for game action, the Golden State Warriors season is officially over. With the league’s worst record at 15-50, the Warriors are one of eight teams on the outside of the NBA’s restart.

With no Golden State basketball on the calendar, Warriors Wire is highlighting former Dubs in the Orlando Bubble.

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On the first day of games in Orlando, a pair of former Warriors suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. JaVale McGee started the game for the Lakers, tallying seven boards, six rebounds and two steals.

After the Lakers and Clippers traded shots throughout the opening day contest, the game went down to the wire. With 12 seconds remaining, James was able to register a putback to give the Lakers a two-point lead in the final seconds. Paul George missed the last shot of the game, giving the Lakers the first win inside the Orlando Bubble, 103-101.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with game-high 34 points. The Kentucky product added eight rebounds and four assists. James capped off his first game in months with 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. The All-Star duo of Leonard and George combined for 58 of the Clippers’ 101 points.

Former Golden State Wing Quinn Cook didn’t enter the game, receiving a DNP coach’s decision from Frank Vogel.

Watch highlights from the battle between two Western Conference
postseason favorites via YouTube:

Other former members of the Golden State Warriors will kickoff play in the Orlando Bubble over the weekend. Miami’s Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia’s Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks, Brooklyn’s Jamal Crawford and others are slated to be on the floor in Orlando.

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Former Warriors’ guard Quinn Cook announces his first children’s book

Quinn Cook is revealing his “10 recipes to success” in his new children’s book, “The Cook Book.”

While the NBA season is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, a bevy of players across the league are finding new ways to fill their free time. Players have been getting creative on social media while playing video games and watching old highlights during the league’s hiatus.

However, former Warriors‘ guard Quinn Cook is taking a unique route while there are no games on the calendar until further notice. On Tuesday, Cook announced his first-ever children’s book. The Lakers’ guard’s text is cleverly titled “The Cook Book.”

Via @QCook323 on Twitter:

According to Cook, the book will reveal his “10 recipes to success.” After winning championships at the college and pro levels, it’s safe to say Cook has some experience in the field of success.

In 2015, Cook hung an NCAA Tournament championship banner in Cameron Indoor as a second-team All-American for the Duke Blue Devils. The G League All-Star later won a Larry O’Brien Trophy coming off the bench for the Warriors in 2018.

In his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cook is averaging 4.8 points and 1.1 assists in 10.8 minutes per game.

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LeBron James shares support of Steph Curry during his return from injury

The basketball world missed Stephen Curry.

The basketball world missed Stephen Curry.

The two-time Most Valuable Player made his long-awaited return to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night against the Toronto Raptors after missing the previous four months due to a broken left hand.

In Curry’s return to the court, fellow stars around the league were watching. While LeBron James has had his battles with the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers’ MVP candidate reached out in support of Curry Thursday night.

James posted on social media he was happy to see Curry back in his “sanctuary.”

Via @KingJames on Twitter:

In Golden State’s 121-113 loss to the Raptors, Curry dropped 23 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the field and 3-of-12 from long distance. The Golden State point guard added seven assists and seven rebounds in 27 minutes in his first game since injuring his hand.

James and Curry will reunite across from each other for the first time this season when the Warriors travel to the Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 7.

76ers vs. Lakers: NBA Live Stream, Starting Lineups, TV Channel, Start Time, How to Watch

The 76ers will be without their two best players tonight as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.

The 76ers will be without their two best players tonight as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons will both be inactive in tonight’s matchup. This should be an interesting game being that the 76ers played very well against the Clippers without Embiid.

In their first meeting on January 25th, Simmons scored 28 points in a 108-91 victory. This will be tough to replicate against a stacked Lakers team that has been playing very well with only one loss in their last nine games.

76ers vs. Lakers (-12)

  • When: Tuesday, March 3
  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: TNT
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

In their first meeting on January 25th, Simmons scored 28 points in a 108-91 victory. This will be tough to replicate against a stacked Lakers team that has been playing very well with only one loss in their last nine games. They continue to extend their Western Conference lead over the Nuggets by 5.5 games.

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG Avery Bradley
SG Danny Green
SF LeBron James
PF Anthony Davis GTD
C JaVale McGee

Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup

PG Shake Milton
SG Alec Burks
SF G. Robinson
PF Tobias Harris
C Al Horford

Prediction: With Simmons and Embiid out of this game it is going to be tough for the Sixers to come out with a road victory. They played well against the Clippers the other night covering their number and can see that happening tonight as well. 12 points is a lot to lay out to any team in the NBA especially with how they kept the Clippers game close. 76ers (+12)

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Watch: Steph Curry fired up after Giannis Antetokounmpo’s All-Star block on LeBron James

Stephen Curry was fired up watching the 2020 NBA All-Star Game at home.

The 2020 edition of the NBA All-Star game had a different feel to it. In Chicago, the NBA switched up how the star-studded exhibition was decided. Each quarter was split up into stand-alone periods, with the winner getting $100,000 donated to charity.

The most exciting change came in the final period. The fourth quarter was played with no time; instead, the game was decided by a point total — similar to pick-up basketball.

The new format provided fireworks. A game known for showing off turned into a legitimate competition. All-Stars were passing the ball to get an efficient shot, taking charges and playing defense.

One of the key defensive moments came from the reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” met LeBron James at the rim to send him away with an emphatic block. The swat was initially called goaltending, but after review, it was ruled a clean block. However, James had the last laugh when his team edged out Team Giannis, 157-156.

Although the game was exciting, it was still missing the presence of six-time All-Star, Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors’ guard has only played four games this season due to his hand injury, yet still finished in the top-10 of Western Conference voting.

Curry’s absence from All-Star festivities didn’t stop him from tuning in. Ayesha Curry posted a story on her Instagram with her husband cheering after Antetokounmpo’s block on James.

Reports have targeted March for Curry’s return to the court from injury. The injured guard will have around 20 games with Golden State to knock off the rust before getting back to an All-Star campaign next season. Curry will have the chance to make his debut in the new All-Star Game format next year in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (13-20) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (26-7) Wednesday at Staples Center for a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Suns-Lakers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Suns are 1-2 on a current four-game road trip, winning their last two: 122-116 at the Portland Trail Blazers Monday and 112-110 at the Sacramento Kings Saturday. Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 33 and 29 points, respectively, as the Suns overcame a 19-point deficit after the first quarter in Portland.

The Lakers are also on a two-game win streak, most recently defeating the Dallas Mavericks 108-95 at home Sunday. Anthony Davis led the charge with 23 points, while LeBron James finished with 13 points and 13 assists on his 35th birthday. LeBron also became the ninth player in NBA history to reach 9,000 career assists in the win.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Suns at Lakers: Key injuries

Suns

  • PF Frank Kaminsky (knee) questionable

Lakers

  • PF Anthony Davis (shoulder) probable

Suns at Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 118, Suns 112

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers are going to win if Anthony Davis plays or not. They’re such big ML favorites (-625), it’s not worth the risk vs. the payoff. Every $6.25 wagered on the Lakers will only profit $1 if they win. If you’re willing to take a shot that the Suns (+450) somehow pull of an upset, they offer a 4.5-to-1 payoff, but I’m going to PASS.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The SUNS (+11.5, -115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. It’s just too many points. They’re 3-1 ATS as an underdog between 10-12 points, while the Lakers are 3-4 ATS as a 10- to 12-point favorite. The Suns are also 7-4 ATS as a road dog.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Suns here will profit $1 if they win outright or stay within 12 points in a loss. (Ex: Bet $11.50 to profit $10 or bet $115 to profit $100).

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 224.5 (-129). If Davis doesn’t play, I like it even more as the Lakers defense – ranked fourth in points allowed (105.3 PPG) – will take a hit. L.A. can replace A.D.’s scoring, but it can’t replace his team-leading blocks (2.5 BPG) and steals (1.5 SPG). Meanwhile, Phoenix, which is 20-13 O/U on the season and on a little bit of a roll, gives up 115.1 PPG and both offenses rank in the top-9 in scoring.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 22-10-1. Strongest plays: 11-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Christmas Day’s Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (24-6) visit the Los Angeles Clippers (22-10) Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. ET at Staples Center (on ABC) as part of the NBA’s Christmas Day extravaganza. We analyze Lakers-Clippers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Lakers enter on a three-game skid, recently falling at home to the Denver Nuggets 128-104 Sunday, but LeBron James didn’t play due to a thoracic muscle strain. The Clippers lost at the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-112 Sunday

The Clippers beat the Lakers 112-102 on opening night in their only head-to-head meeting of the season so far. Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points in the win, while James finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Anthony Davis tallied 25 points and nine boards for the Lakers – Danny Green actually led the Lakers with 28 points in the loss.

Special New Jersey Christmas NBA prop bet

A can’t miss NBA prop bet is available for Christmas day games. BET $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) IF ANY NBA team playing December 25th, 2019 hits a 3-pointer. Bet now!

Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

Clippers at Lakers: Key injuries

Lakers

  • PG LeBron James (ribs) probable, expected to play
  • PF Anthony Davis (knee) probable, expected to play
  • PF Kyle Kuzma (ankle) probable

Clippers at Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 113, Clippers 107

Moneyline (ML)

The LAKERS (-129) are worth a wager if you don’t want to play the spread and take the chance of the LeBron and Co. not covering the small number. Every $1.29 wagered on the Lakers would profit $1 if they win. I don’t put too much emphasis on home and away records in this one since both teams call Staples Center home. However, the Clippers (+105) are 8-8 on the road and the Lakers are 10-3 at home

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LAKERS (-1.5, -115) are the STRONGEST PLAY as long as reports about LeBron and Davis playing are true. The Lakers are 16-14 ATS, including 0-5 in their last five games. The Clippers are 18-14 ATS and 2-3 ATS in their last five. When it comes down to it, I’ll put my money on LeBron any day.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 223.5 (-115) is the play. Both teams usually play to the Under – the Clippers are 15-17 O/U on the season, while the Lakers are 13-17 O/U. The Clippers average 115.7 points per game to the Lakers’ 112.3 PPG. But on the defensive side, the Clippers allow 108.6 PPG and the Lakers allow a 104.9 PPG

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 15-6-1. Strongest plays: 8-1.

Johnny’s NBA plays: 14-6-1. Strongest plays: 7-2.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Clippers at Lakers odds: LA Clippers spotted 2 points on Christmas

The NBA Christmas schedule has the LA Lakers hosting the LA Clippers in a big Western Conference matchup.

The Los Angeles Lakers (24-6) host the Los Angeles Clippers (22-10) Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, the fourth game during the NBA’s Christmas day slate.

The Lakers are first in the Western Conference, holding a 2.5-game lead over the Denver Nuggets, who also play Christmas day (vs. New Orleans at 10:30 p.m. ET). The Clippers are just 3 games behind the Lakers, coming in fourth overall in the Western Conference.

The game is expected to be a close one, as the Lakers are favored by just 2 points over the Clippers, with -110 odds on both sides of the NBA matchup. The Lakers (-129) have a 56.33% chance of winning, per the oddsmakers at BetMGM, while the Clippers (+105) enter as the underdog.

Special New Jersey Christmas NBA prop bet

A can’t miss NBA prop bet is available for Christmas day games. BET $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) IF ANY NBA team playing December 25th, 2019 hits a 3-pointer. Bet now!

Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Lake Show returns a $7.75 profit with an outright victory, while that same wager on the Clippers profits $10.50 with a Christmas day upset.

The Lakers are 7-3 over their last 10 games, while the Clippers are 6-4. The Lakers, however, have lost three straight, so they’ll be looking to turn their fortunes in front of a national crowd during the Christmas NBA action.

BetMGM has the over/under set at 223.5 points, which is the highest on the Christmas NBA schedule.

Want some action on any of these games? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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How to Watch Lakers vs. Bucks, NBA Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Lakers vs. Bucks Live Online.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the hottest teams in the NBA, led by MVP candidates in Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. When they meet in Milwaukee, it will be a look at what we could expect in the NBA Finals later this season.

Lakers vs. Bucks

When: Thursday, December 19

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

TV: TNT

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

The Lakers had a 14-game road winning streak snapped in their last game, dropping a 105-102 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Anthony Davis missed the game for the Lakers, and his scoring was missed by a Lakers team that went just 8-for-31 from three-point range. LeBron led the Lakers with 20 points in the loss, and the Lakers will hope to have Davis back in time for this matchup to help guard Giannis. 

Milwaukee also had a notable win streak snapped in its last game. Despite Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic missing the game due to injury, the Mavs were able to pull off a shocking 120-116 win over Milwaukee. Giannis scored 48 points in a losing effort, as the Bucks showed plenty of heart during a furious fourth-quarter comeback that fell short in the final seconds. The loss ended an 18-game winning streak. The Bucks will look to start a new streak against the Lakers in this highly anticipated tilt.

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