Tag: LeBron James Jr

LeBron James on the meaning of playing with Bronny was so heartwarming

“It’s family. It’s always been family over everything.”

LeBron James explained why playing with Bronny James is so special, and you might need your tissues for this one.

On Tuesday, LeBron and his son checked into a Timberwolves-Lakers matchup, making history as a father-son duo. Many people who have watched LeBron’s entire career might have found it mind-blowing to see him share the court with his oldest child. However, if that scene didn’t pull on everyone’s heartstrings, hearing LeBron talk about it might do it.

During a postgame interview, he was asked why playing with Bronny meant so much, especially for someone who has made history numerous times. LeBron didn’t hesitate to pour his heart out. Here’s what he shared with TNT’s Taylor Rooks:

“It’s family. It’s always been family over everything. You know, for me, I lost a lot of time because of this league…being on the road at times, missing a lot of of his things…”

“So, to be able to have this moment where I’m working still, and I can work alongside my son — It’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got from the man above, and I’m [going] take full advantage of it.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393248]

For several days at Peach Jam, Nike’s …

For several days at Peach Jam, Nike’s annual summer recruiting showcase, LeBron James was just another basketball dad (albeit one with a security detail). He was there watching his eldest son, LeBron James Jr., who goes by Bronny and is figuring out where his basketball future lies, just like any other high school player entering his senior season (even ones with 6.3 million Instagram followers and a world-famous basketball superstar father). Bronny, a 6-foot-2 guard, is largely characterized as having a keen basketball I.Q. but lacking elite athleticism and a polished shot — an asset to almost any team but most likely a role player.

More than two dozen college and …

More than two dozen college and travel-ball coaches, N.B.A. scouts, television-network officials and teenagers who have played with and against Bronny expect his recruitment — if not quite The Decision Jr. — to be far from the norm. “I don’t think I’ll be on the phone all the time with the mom and the dad like I usually am,” said one head coach at a school with an interest in Bronny. This person, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because coaches are prohibited by N.C.A.A. rules from commenting publicly on recruitable athletes. Ed Estevan, the Strive for Greatness coach and an assistant at Sierra Canyon, expects Bronny to take recruiting visits this fall.

A few things seem certain: If Bronny …

A few things seem certain: If Bronny attends college, it will be at a school sponsored by Nike, which has invested heavily in his father since James entered the N.B.A. as a generational phenom in 2003. And ESPN, which has been a frequent collaborator with James, will be an eager partner. James’s longtime advisers, Rich Paul and Maverick Carter, will be conduits for anyone interested in recruiting Bronny. “I’ve got to listen to dad, Rich or Maverick,” said an assistant at a school that has expressed interest in recruiting him.

LeBron James Jr. wouldn’t be a one-and-done player if not for his dad?

There is one aspect of the recent LeBron James/Lakers saga in zero dispute: He continues to openly dream of playing alongside son Bronny in the NBA… He won’t be eligible for the NBA until the 2024 draft and, based on my own checking with various …

There is one aspect of the recent LeBron James/Lakers saga in zero dispute: He continues to openly dream of playing alongside son Bronny in the NBA… He won’t be eligible for the NBA until the 2024 draft and, based on my own checking with various teams, Bronny wouldn’t be a draft candidate that quickly — based on where he is as a player today — without the nudge he’s getting from Dad, who will turn 40 during the 2024-25 season. As one Eastern Conference personnel voice tried to gently put it: “I don’t think he’d be a one-and-done player if he wasn’t LeBron’s son.”

Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
LeBron James should take a page out of Damian Lillard’s playbook.
#Lakers #LakeShow #NBA
sportscasting.com/lebron-james-n… – 4:42 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The latest on LeBron and the Lakers, Michael Jordan on the All-Star stage, buyout market updates, coaching news and more … ALL here via my latest This Week In Basketball column: marcstein.substack.com/p/bottom-line-… – 1:10 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
ICYMI, LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, discusses the two-hour meeting he had with Lakers brass last week and insists there’s no division here, at @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/3150986/2022/0… – 12:05 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2008, the @Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James scored 26 points in a loss to the Celtics, surpassing 10,000 career points in the process.
James is the youngest player in NBA history to reach that mark (age in years-days):
23-059 James
24-033 Kevin Durant
24-194 Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/wRXGU5lT2o – 12:01 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Over his last 5 games,
RJ Barrett is averaging:
29.2 points,
6.0 rebs,
3.2 made 3PTs
He is just the seventh player in NBA history age 21 or younger to avg at least 29/6/3 over a five-game span
The other six:
LeBron, KD, Tatum, D Book, Trae Young and Luka
tommybeer.substack.com/p/rj-scores-ca… – 8:41 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
The NBA world has witnessed a lot of passive-aggressive LeBron James this past week.
If CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram pick up from where they left off against the Suns, there’s a good chance that the Pelicans add to The King’s frustration. https://t.co/56xyj2KGFS pic.twitter.com/6LjHqHTX6v – 8:03 AM

Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Trae Young had his 22nd 40+ point game in his career. Only Jordan and LeBron had more at 23 or younger, per @ESPNStatsInfo.
There were many who thought scoring might be a challenge for him. I asked Trae why he feels like scoring has been something he’s excelled at since Day 1. pic.twitter.com/n6FcVRfwJI – 10:33 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Trae Young tonight:
41 PTS
11 AST
17-24 FG
He joins LeBron James, James Harden and Steph Curry (2x) as the only players with a 40p/10a game on 70% shooting since 2010. pic.twitter.com/dZtKvxBo8L – 9:46 PM

Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
#Pelicans injury list remains unchanged from previous games; Lakers have listed LeBron James (knee) as questionable for Sunday’s game in Los Angeles. Saturday’s official injury report via @MorrisBartLLC: https://t.co/zSoeCmOIBs pic.twitter.com/jgauvikyx8 – 8:08 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Here’s what the Last 2 Minute report says about what was deemed a correct call – LeBron stepping out of bounds. pic.twitter.com/GMzSL5WvuA – 3:15 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
In addition to this Last Two Minute report explanation for Clippers successful challenge of LeBron James being out of bounds before Robert Covington, there were two incorrect calls:
– Mann fouled James before Coffey go-ahead FTs
– Westbrook fouled Morris on final go-ahead FG pic.twitter.com/3ABrRqmBRX – 3:11 PM

Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
And now Marcus Smart wants smoke with Isaiah Stewart, who remembers the LeBron suspension, and walks away from any altercation. #Celtics #Pistons – 12:56 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Bonus @LockedOnLakers mini-episode for Saturday! We discuss a brutal (if seemingly inevitable) loss to the Clippers, and LeBron pushing back against rumors of discontent between him and the Lakers. @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 12:16 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
RJ Barrett has appeared in 20 games in 2022 and is averaging:
23.7 points,
6.0 rebs,
3.2 assists,
2.6 made 3PTs (shooting 41% from downtown).
Only players to match or exceed those averages in 2022:
Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James
tommybeer.substack.com/p/rj-scores-ca… – 12:07 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Less than a week after his own words sparked uncertainty about his long-term commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James delivered new comments that conveyed a different message: “I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play.” https://t.co/zyEYRm9twx pic.twitter.com/gpxYMNgK5r – 11:49 AM

Diamond Leung @diamond83
Anytime @Bill Oram says anything about the Lakers, it’s a bad pun and if I’m LeBron, I’m scared because the memories of those can’t be confiscated and erased. – 11:45 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
From last night: LeBron James made a few things clear last night – He wants to be a Laker; he wants to play with his son in the NBA; and roster decisions are the front office’s responsibility, not his es.pn/3skVpwO – 11:44 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James went into damage control mode on Friday night, saying his words were twisted and tension between him and the Lakers front office was misrepresented.
But perhaps the most important thing he said (and showed) is he’s committed to the franchise: ocregister.com/2022/02/26/ana… – 11:35 AM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
The @latimessports has @dylanohernandez with this: Column: For better or worse, Lakers need to keep LeBron James latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 11:25 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LeBron James, Frank Vogel grumble about challenge ruling late in loss to Clippers: ‘I think it’s total BS’
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 11:24 AM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
My dude @Dan Woike has this in @latimes on: LeBron James: ‘I see myself being in the purple and gold as long as I can play’ latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 11:04 AM
Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard
Is Harden’s legacy on the line in Philadelphia? Should we take Isiah Thomas at face value in the Jordan v LeBron debate? Rob’s Confession & more! Guests: @Keith Pompey @RandyMueller_
Catch us live weeknights 7-10p ET on @FoxSportsRadio & @iHeartRadio podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 10:52 AM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
This week ⁦@David Thorpe⁩ watched a hell of a lot of LeBron James Jr., and says he is a lock to be an NBA draft pick. truehoop.com/p/can-bronny-p… – 10:45 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
Lakers’ Star LeBron James: ‘I See Myself Being With The Purple And Gold As Long As I Can Play’ via @forbes forbes.com/sites/adamzago… – 10:42 AM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
watching lakers/clippers now. lebron and tht screwed up several switches in the 4th that led to wide open made 3s. for all the issues that team has, for this to still be one is not ideal! – 10:36 AM
Bill Oram @billoram
A lot is going wrong for the Lakers this season. On Friday, LeBron James blamed the refs, the front office and, uh, me. I wrote about that. theathletic.com/3151179/2022/0… – 10:15 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
LeBron clears air, says he wants to stay with Lakers “as long as I can play” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/26/leb… – 10:01 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Does LeBron James want to stay with the Lakers for rest of his career: “I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play. But I also have a goal that if it’s possible — I don’t if it’s possible — But if I can play with my son, I would love to do that.” – 2:01 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron James said some of his comments during All-Star weekend were twisted pic.twitter.com/OTO7rmnIOH – 1:51 AM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron: “I do wish we were playing better basketball.”
He said his biggest (related) issue with the season has been how few games that he, AD and Westbrook have played together. – 1:47 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James expresses confidence in the Lakers’ front office and disputes the speculation about him wanting to leave the Lakers pic.twitter.com/wFgGZcTJGP – 1:43 AM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron on decision-making in the front office: “I don’t push the buttons. They ask for my opinion. … I don’t press no buttons.” – 1:43 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron says he thinks that some NBA’s actors are jealous of the relationship that he and his agent Rich Paul have built with the Lakers franchise over the last four years. – 1:42 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron James on whether he could see himself retiring as a Laker pic.twitter.com/73Bxjx2De6 – 1:42 AM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron tonight:
“I see myself being with the purple can gold as long as I play.”
But also says he wants to play with his son if there’s an opportunity, because “How cool is that?” – 1:41 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron James on the challenge: He said he’s never seen that rule — and he knows every rule. pic.twitter.com/d8dzr9G0nN – 1:40 AM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron asked about his level of confidence that the Lakers can put a championship roster around him moving forward: “Very confident … They’ve done that.”
He added later:
“I see myself being with the Purple and Gold as long as I can play.” – 1:40 AM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron on future with the Lakers: “I see myself being with the Purple and Gold as long as I can play.” – 1:39 AM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron James on Les Snead t-shirt comment: “I loved his fucking t-shirt. I thought it was dope.” – 1:38 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James is asked by @Bill Oram if he thinks the Lakers front office can surround him with a championship-level roster: “Very confident. They’ve done it.” – 1:37 AM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron on confidence level on Lakers front office can build a contender: “Very confident. They’ve done it.” – 1:36 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on the lengthy challenge call pic.twitter.com/kAk485Yvbh – 1:35 AM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron on controversial challenge: “That rule has never been explained to me and I know every rule in this game.” – 1:34 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Terance Mann wasn’t sure what they were reviewing: Was it whether RoCo was out, or whether LeBron was out — “Which he was, clearly.” – 1:30 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
F. Vogel opens up his postgame comments with a pointed rebuff of the referees’ ruling on the late challenge that found that LeBron James stepped out of bounds. He said that the whistle was on Robert Covington going out: “I disagree strongly with the ruling. I think it’s total BS” – 1:06 AM
Bill Oram @billoram
Frank Vogel as fired up as I’ve ever seen him over the review that ruled LeBron out of bounds. “I disagree strongly with the ruling, I think it’s total BS.” Doesn’t believe LeBron stepping out of bounds was part of same play as Covington stepping out. – 1:06 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers had a chance to come out of the break on a high note, storming back from down 16 early to take a 4th Q lead, but the Clippers win 105-102 to extend their win streak to six straight vs LAL. LeBron 21p on 6-of-18 11r; Russ 18p on 9-of-21; Melo 18p; THT 16p; Dwight 14p 16r – 12:52 AM
J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
In that situation the Lakers needed to hit quick. LBJ waited for the delay double and gave it to Melo way outside of his 3p range. Just terrible execution. This should’ve been declared a draw #LakersClippers – 12:51 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Final: Clippers 105, Lakers 102
The Lakers lose a heartbreaker to the Clippers and drop to 27-32. They’re now 2.5 games behind LAC. LeBron James had 21 points, 11 rebounds and 6 turnovers. Russell Westbrook had 18 points. Carmelo Anthony had 18.
Up next: vs. New Orleans on Sun. – 12:51 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
LeBron had a lot to say to Jeremy Castleberry and the Clippers before the ruling, which the crowd here didn’t much like. pic.twitter.com/0CrwcmpAfG – 12:42 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers challenge is successful.
LeBron James was out.
Covington AGAIN.
Lakers turnover gives Clippers ball with 25.6 seconds left.
Lue uses last timeout anyway with Clippers up 103-102. It’s going to come down to FTs and turnovers… – 12:40 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
The referees determined that LeBron James’ right foot was out of bounds. Clippers ball. Clippers 103, Lakers 102 with 25.6 seconds left. – 12:40 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
The Clippers’ challenge is successful. LeBron’s right foot was out of bounds. Clippers ball and timeout. – 12:40 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron’s foot was down, officials determine. Clippers get the ball. – 12:39 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
After review (FINALLY): LeBron’s foot was out of bounds. – 12:39 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Review been so long that David Fizdale and Dan Craig have been able to discuss all of the Finals LeBron made with the Heat. – 12:37 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Close call. Replays made it appear LeBron James was out of bounds by the time he threw the ball off of Robert Covington. But officials ruled otherwise. Clippers challenging the call – 12:33 AM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
LeBron looks like he was out but the call was on Covington being out. – 12:32 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James frustrated for an entire play after the fact that the officials did not call a foul after he drove to the basket. LeBron kept pointing that his right elbow got hit. – 12:27 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
LeBron checks back in. The Lakers were able to outscore the Clippers by 4 in the 2:24 he was on the bench getting a breather. Obviously a critical couple minutes in this game. – 12:21 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL’s running in the 2nd half (9 fast break points, after 4 in the 1st half) has given the Clippers problems, most recently a transition 3 from Melo in the corner, off a steal and push from THT.
Lakers lead 95-90 with 5 minutes to play, as LeBron returns. – 12:19 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Worth noting that LeBron is 7 for 8 from the line tonight. Lakers are 14 for 19, which is an improvement on recent trends. – 12:08 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Lakers in the bonus for the final 9:52 here, with the 4th Clipper foul putting LeBron at the line.
LAL lead 81-75 after 2 makes, which have LeBron up to 21 points (7 of 8 FT’s) with 10 boards and 2 assists. – 12:07 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
It’s a 57-47 halftime lead for the Clippers at Los Angeles.
Once again, Clippers are controlling a game against the Lakers, though this one is going to get close when shooting evens out. Non-LeBron Lakers missed 11 of 12 3s.
Kennard matched James and Howard with game-high 14. – 11:15 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Halftime: Clippers 57, Lakers 47
A rough first half for the Lakers on both ends. Dwight Howard leads them w/ 14 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. LeBron James has 14 points and 5 rebounds. LA is shooting just 3 of 16 (18.8%) on 3s. They have more turnovers (7) than assists (6). – 11:14 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers have now outplayed lineups with solo Bron and solo Russ. Dwight Howard eating very well, but non-Dwight Lakers have 19 points on 8/28 FGs.
It’s a 46-33 lead for Clippers with 5:15 left in first half. – 11:00 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Inside the meeting between Rich Paul and Lakers brass to clear the air about LeBron James, at @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/3150986/2022/0… – 10:51 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron showed some discomfort with his groin as he was getting back on defense. But appears to be fine just walking it off. – 10:48 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Not sure what to make of it exactly but LeBron James was wincing a little and grabbing at his groin after chasing down a long outlet pass that flew out of bounds. – 10:48 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Looks like LeBron James may have tweaked his groin on last Lakers turnover – 10:48 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Robert Covington goes off the dribble to get around LeBron and feed Hartenstein for a floater. RoCo’s off-the-dribble creation has been a pleasant surprise, Ty Lue has said. – 10:47 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron makes the Lakers’ first 3 of the night after the team missed its first 11. – 10:47 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
First quarter: Clippers 24, Lakers 22
Dwight Howard leads the Lakers with 8 points and 9 rebounds (5 offensive). LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are a combined 4 of 11. The Lakers are 0 of 10 on 3-pointers. The new starting group was clunky offensively. – 10:42 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
LeBron James-Carmelo Anthony-Stanley Johnson frontcourt.
Let’s see if Hartenstein gets to pick-and-roll them repeatedly like he did in December… – 10:41 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Boy bander Chris Kirkpatrick is sitting in the Jeanie Buss courtside club tonight, fitting on a night we are hearing that the Lakers, LeBron and Klutch are completely N*SYNC – 10:25 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Evenly matched start here at the arena that these teams play in.
Marcus Morris Sr. has all 6 points for Clippers, while Los Angeles has field goals by LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard.
Tie game with 7:49 left in opening quarter of play. – 10:23 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron’s first bucket back from the All-Star break looks a lot like the game-winning fadeaway he hit in the All-Star Game … – 10:17 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron opens the Lakers’ game the same way he ended things in the All-Star game: sinks a fadeaway – 10:16 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Welcome back, LA basketball:
LAC
Marcus Morris Sr.
Nicolas Batum
Ivica Zubac
Terance Mann
Reggie Jackson
LAL
LeBron James
Trevor Ariza
Dwight Howard
Austin Reaves
Russell Westbrook – 9:33 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters vs. the Clippers:
Dwight Howard
LeBron James
Trevor Ariza
Austin Reaves
Russell Westbrook – 9:33 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Austin Reaves getting his first career start tonight along with Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, LeBron and Russ – 9:31 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Another new starting lineup for LAL, featuring Austin Reaves in his first career start:
Westbrook, Reaves, LeBron, Ariza and Howard – 9:31 PM
Jimmy Spencer @JimmySpencer
And for the 30th time now, the boys have requested ‘Space Jam 2’ for pizza and movie night 🍕 🍿
@LeBron James @TheSpringHillCo @uninterrupted pic.twitter.com/89foXsVvJ0 – 9:28 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Regarding LeBron’s defensive responsibilities when playing mostly as a center (in AD’s absence), Frank Vogel said they aren’t necessarily harder, but just different. LeBron is able to function in either role, which isn’t something many players can do. – 8:22 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
rich paul having to meet with the lakers in february to assure them lebron won’t look to leave or get pelinka fired for doing what lebron and ad wanted is a perfect encapsulation of this lakers season – 7:25 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
I’ve (unfairly) been resistant to DeMar DeRozan being an MVP candidate but it’s getting impossible to ignore. In my opinion, if Steph or LeBron were unleashing offensively like this and in first they would be the clear favourite. Factor in key Bulls injuries. Just a nuts season. – 7:15 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: @Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met with Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka on Tuesday, insisting there’s no movement to seek changes in management and LeBron James’ primary objective is remaining a Laker and restoring team to championship contention. es.pn/36wuW6T – 7:08 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
All-NBA on Feb 25
1st Team
G: Curry
G: DeRozan
F: Giannis
F: Jokic
C: Embiid
2nd Team
G: Morant
G: Booker
F: LeBron
F: Butler
C: Gobert
3rd Team
G: Luka
G: Trae
F: Tatum
F: Siakam
C: Allen – 6:44 PM
Ric Bucher @RicBucher
LeBron’s leverage: Include Bronny guarantee in Lakers extension foxsports.com/stories/nba/le… – 4:01 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For the sickos who like to watch, Friday’s @LockedOnLakers pod, YouTube version. We talk LeBron, Rich Paul, Rob Pelinka, heroes the Lakers need in the second half, and more. @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
Subscribe to the channel, folks!
youtube.com/watch?v=KocM1O… – 3:44 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Simulation has Nets, Hawks or Raptors as most likely Heat first-round opponent. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Also: LeBron James reflects on Trayvon Martin and a Heat moment; Gregg Popovich arriving near wins milestone; and a whirlwind for Weston’s Mark Jones. Plus more. – 2:45 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
The LeBron James conundrum: The options ahead 👀
hoopshype.com/lists/lebron-j… – 2:13 PM
Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard
Should the Lakers consider trading LeBron? Would Tom Brady be ‘ring chasing’ if he came back to play for SF? Do broadcasters matter to fans? & more! Guests: @Bill Oram @Kerry_Kittles30
Catch us live weeknights 7-10p ET on @FoxSportsRadio & @iHeartRadio podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 2:03 PM
Shandel Richardson @ShandelRich
LeBron on the Trayvon Martin photo from 10 years ago #miamiheat si.com/nba/heat/miami… – 1:12 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
🗣 Zion’s future with the Pelicans
🗣 The Knicks’ intriguing young core
🗣 The state of the NBA
🗣 LeBron and Bronny
‘The Void’ with @Kevin O’Connor and @netw3rk: open.spotify.com/episode/4AZdvx… – 11:49 AM
Bill Oram @billoram
Enjoyed talking LeBron, Lakers, Bronny and classic Sega Genesis games w/@GottliebShow and @howaboutafresca on @dpshow this morning. Here’s my latest on all those topics (minus the Sega). theathletic.com/3144921/2022/0… – 11:19 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor:
1. Nikola Jokic: 17.61
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 16.18
3. Joel Embiid: 15.94
4. DeMar DeRozan: 14.87
5. LeBron James: 14.46
6. Luka Doncic: 14.11
7. Trae Young: 13.9
8. Stephen Curry: 13.82
9. Ja Morant: 13.45
10. Chris Paul: 13.17
https://t.co/onGqrEd9sz pic.twitter.com/rmu71sYQ6z – 11:05 AM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! Rich Paul lowers the heat on the LeBron-Lakers tension. What lies ahead post-ASB? Which Lakers not named “LeBron” or “Russ” are most important moving forward? #FirstListen @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ric… – 10:54 AM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Who are the NBA’s most marketable players? @ActionNetworkHQ analyzed 20 metrics to come up with an overall “Influence Score” for each player. The leaders:
1. LeBron James, 14.18
2. Steph Curry, 10.67
3. Derrick Rose, 9.29 😳
Check out the top-20 players: basketballnews.com/stories/new-st… – 10:37 AM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
This week’s Starting Five, for @FOX Sports News / @FOXSports, on post-All-Star storylines:
🏀 Beasts in the East
🏀 Draymond’s Status
🏀 MVP Race
🏀 What’s Going on With Zion?
🏀 Return of Passive Aggressive LeBron
youtu.be/u-fSv3HxSWY – 10:29 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: 10 years after Trayvon Martin’s senseless death, LeBron James spoke to ESPN about his response at the time and his activism since: “Now I understand that my calling is to inspire others and also to give voices to people that don’t have voices” es.pn/3Ioth1h – 10:13 AM
Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
New pod! Reacting to last night’s W over the Grizzlies & hopping into the LeBron talk from All-Star weekend: open.spotify.com/episode/4lPHhU… – 10:03 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
DeMar DeRozan is just the seventh player in NBA history to score at least 35+ points in eight straight games.
Here are the other six players in this club:
Wilt Chamberlain
Elgin Baylor
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
James Harden – 9:26 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
The Hoop Collective with @Brian Windhorst and @Tim Bontemps: Should the Lakers look to trade LeBron this summer? Also: Why it’s so silly for KAT to claim to be the greatest shooting big man ever. m.youtube.com/watch?v=WUAka3… – 9:05 AM
Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Tribute to King James: LeBron James museum to open in hometown Akron in 2023 @LeBron James @LJFamFoundation beaconjournal.com/story/news/202… via @beaconjournal – 8:57 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
One thing about the #NBA: You never know who comes back from All-Star break ready to play and who does not. Will be interesting to see what the #Lakers look like tonight after making no trades and signing no buyout guys. LeBron questionable again (knee soreness). – 4:51 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LeBron James had a major problem with Kobe Bryant’s shot selection during 2008 Olympics, per ‘Coach K’ book …
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 11:47 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
A fact that dawned on me while recording Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast? The only Laker still on the roster when the Lakers acquired LeBron 3.5 seasons ago is… LeBron. AK – 10:06 PM

More on this storyline

In the aftermath of LeBron James’ public comments on a possible return to Cleveland and media reports describing his agency’s displeasure with the organization, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday, insisting that there’s no movement underway to seek management changes and that he believes there’s a shared accountability for the franchise’s disappointing season, sources told ESPN. -via ESPN / February 25, 2022
After Pelinka resisted making any deals at the trade deadline, James’ own public comments — raising the possibility of a return to Cleveland and praising Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti — started to fuel speculation that he could leave in free agency in 2023. Paul has privately downplayed that possibility, and told the Lakers that James is committed to playing his part in helping the Lakers to become championship contenders again, sources said. -via ESPN / February 25, 2022

LeBron James Jr. wouldn’t be a one-and-done player if not for his dad?

There is one aspect of the recent LeBron James/Lakers saga in zero dispute: He continues to openly dream of playing alongside son Bronny in the NBA… He won’t be eligible for the NBA until the 2024 draft and, based on my own checking with various teams, Bronny wouldn’t be a draft candidate that quickly — based on where he is as a player today — without the nudge he’s getting from Dad, who will turn 40 during the 2024-25 season. As one Eastern Conference personnel voice tried to gently put it: “I don’t think he’d be a one-and-done player if he wasn’t LeBron’s son.”

LeBron James: My last year will be played with Bronny

LeBron James’ message to all 30 teams Saturday was clear: If you want me, draft Bronny. “My last year will be played with my son,” James said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
LeBron said who ever drafts/signs my son gets me too – 5:00 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
What is a one year of a 40-year-old LeBron for the mid-level or minimum worth in draft terms?
For the right team, I think the answer is probably a mid-lottery pick. LeBron should still be a plus-starter at that point. – 4:54 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Darius Garland and LeBron James have planned for a Sunday night highlight, and the All-Star Cavaliers guard states his desire for Cleveland to retain Collin Sexton this summer. Full Q+A at @BR_NBA: bleacherreport.com/articles/29536… – 4:50 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
🤯 Just occurred to me that LeBron is gonna play 22 SEASONS, so that he can play with son, Bronny. That would tie him with Vince Carter for the most NBA seasons in league history. Longest career plus all he’s done. What a ride.🤯 – 4:43 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron James officially confirms that he will play the final season of his career on his son’s team, via The Athletic: pic.twitter.com/YpHm7s4J5t – 4:43 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Would be such a bummer if the Cavs finally got a cool/fun/good team that doesn’t involve LeBron and then ditched it to be his farewell tour ad campaign for Nike. – 4:37 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
Well, @Jason Lloyd got something interesting from LeBron today – in Cleveland, of course, during All-Star Weekend – and only in @TheAthletic:
Would he consider a third go-round with the Cavs?
“The door’s not closed on that,” James said.
Read on: bit.ly/3LHz8kB – 4:34 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LeBron James on Cleveland hosting NBA All-Star Game: ‘They got another guy in the All-Star, and that’s me’
https://t.co/3x79LffU5w pic.twitter.com/hQ8cSnezcP – 4:31 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Sam Presti is just minding his own business collecting draft picks and he became the proxy for LeBron soft launching his exit from the Lakers in 2023. – 4:23 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
LeBron James: Cleveland has *three* All-Stars this weekend
cleveland.com/cavs/2022/02/l… – 4:22 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: Les Snead is his kind of guy. Sam Presti is the MVP. LeBron James is heaping praise on sports executives in the short time that’s followed since LA’s quiet trade deadline es.pn/35abnAy – 4:13 PM
Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
‘Even more special’: LeBron James reconnects with St. V teammates during NBA All-Star week ⁦@stvmirish⁩ #NBAAllStar beaconjournal.com/story/sports/p… via @beaconjournal – 3:56 PM
Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
LeBron James today said he will find a mix of playing and resting this year for the All-Star Game. He also had a nice line about his minutes.
“It’s the only time and only game throughout the season where I’m OK talking about my minutes.” – 2:13 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Who could LeBron praise this weekend that would cause the biggest uproar?
Dan Gilbert feels like the nuclear option. – 2:02 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
LeBron James was asked about Josh Giddey: “The MVP over there is Sam Presti. He the MVP. I mean Josh Giddey is great. But I don’t understand this guy’s eye for talent. This guy’s pretty damn good.”
LeBron buying all stocks in the Thunder rebuild. – 1:51 PM
Shandel Richardson @ShandelRich
Pat Riley reflects on LeBron James’ decision to leave Miami in 2014 #miamiheat si.com/nba/heat/miami… – 1:46 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Team LeBron coach Monty Williams ran his squad through some sets before Giannis Antetokounmpo et al had some fun. #NBAAllStar #Bucks pic.twitter.com/MT1knSIUFu – 1:14 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Over the next two months until they lose in the play-in, LeBron is going to go out of his way to praise every other GM in the league. – 1:06 PM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
LJ came through in the Nike LeBron VIII @DJClarkKent 112 Pack! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/7weimHCMrB – 1:05 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo corner 3 💦 with Stephen Curry & LeBron James watching on. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/6NFFNi5e6P – 1:04 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James on Mavericks’ Luka Doncic: “The way he plays the game reminds me of the way I play the game. We’re triple threats. We rebound, we pass, which is the number one thing on our mind. … and we’ll put 40 on you too if you disrespect us.” pic.twitter.com/9vrxm4Zrvq – 1:00 PM

Dave McMenamin @mcten
A couple days after LeBron credited Rams GM Les Snead’s “F*** Them Picks” method of building a champion, LeBron used a question about Josh Giddey to speak about how impressed he is by Thunder GM Sam Presti’s work in OKC. The backdrop: Rob Pelinka made no moves at the deadline – 1:00 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James said All-Star game is the only game he won’t complain about his minutes pic.twitter.com/rdCbOdzmAY – 12:58 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James on Thunder GM Sam Presti: “The MVP over there is Sam Presti… I don’t understand this guy’s eye for talent. He drafted KD, Russ, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson, Josh Giddey. … This guy is pretty damn good.” pic.twitter.com/mNb35Ggi6P – 12:56 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James: “I’m pushing P. capital P, you know. That’s what I’m doing.” pic.twitter.com/64NenxtQXa – 12:51 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James asked about OKC rookie Josh Giddey: “The MVP there is Sam Presti.” – 12:48 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James on the All-Star Game: “It’s the only time and the only game throughout the season where I’m okay talking about my minutes.” pic.twitter.com/kTFGU2KsEe – 12:44 PM

Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron James on what it means to him to have the All-Star game in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/3lNeFTvb1e – 12:42 PM

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
LeBron debuts the upcoming LeBron 19 Low at #NBAAllStar practice.
📷: @NBA Kicks pic.twitter.com/kDI2JT4ZCq – 12:41 PM

NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
LeBron laces up for #NBAAllStarPractice presented by @att! #NBAKicks #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/xOmvn9wN9H – 12:38 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams with LeBron James #Suns #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/U6rD109zy4 – 12:27 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Chris Paul and LeBron James talking. Paul (hand) hasn’t been doing anything. #Suns pic.twitter.com/VK2m8vbtwW – 12:27 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Erik Spoelstra puts LeBron James’ latest All-Star season in context and why he wishes he played LeBron some at center when he was with the Heat pic.twitter.com/Pw7fP7RLjg – 12:23 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Hellooooo from Wolstein Center in Cleveland, where Team Durant is practicing now and holding media day soon.
Luka Doncic and Team LeBron will do the same after.
My goal today: collect Luka-centric perspectives from as many other All-Stars as possible.
Who ya want to hear from? pic.twitter.com/XHzpHuCkXW – 11:59 AM

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
My dude @Dan Woike has this very nice piece in @latimessports on @LeBron James on: NBA All-Star weekend PSA: LeBron James is the Kid from AKRON, not Cleveland latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 11:30 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Been thinking about how if LeBron didn’t take take as much care of his body as he has, age 37 in Cleveland for the All-Star Game would’ve had serious farewell vibes. Instead, he’s still chugging along as one of the best in the game with more to come.
Beyond special. – 10:57 AM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Three players from each team get assigned to a bigger interview room here at All-Star Game media day.
They are LeBron, Giannis, Curry, Booker Embiid and … Ja Morant. – 10:08 AM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
I can’t tell whether these are boos or “Stews” from the crowd.
I mean, it is Cleveland, and Stewart did have a little encounter with LeBron, so… – 9:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Look who I found on my walk to the arena here in Cleveland O-H-I-O.
LeBron James and Devin Booker.
#Suns #NBA75 #NBAALLSTAR pic.twitter.com/rNGa0pQ5Vx – 9:02 PM

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Matt James from The Bachelor pulled up to the Celeb Game in the @LeBron James Draft suit 🤣 pic.twitter.com/3l7wzjFN7H – 7:07 PM

Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Episode 53 – @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants discuss comments made by LeBron James that he’d be willing to leave the Lakers to play with his son Bronny.
Listen to it here 👇
https://t.co/u0OwdyWBh0
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #Basketball #LeBronJames pic.twitter.com/vVXNIkMmM8 – 5:49 PM

More on this storyline

“I think Koby and those guys have done an unbelievable job drafting and making trades,” James said. “I think big fella (Allen), that acquisition was amazing for them to make that trade. Obviously Darius Garland is a big-time player. And I think the role that Kevin (Love) is playing right now has kind of uplifted those young guys, seeing a veteran that could sacrifice, a champion that’s won a championship, all the things that he’s done, to come off the bench and play this role. I am not surprised by anything that they’re doing right now.” -via The Athletic / February 19, 2022