INSIDER
Mike Budenholzer is hired as coach of the Phoenix Suns, replacing Frank Vogel
Read full article: Mike Budenholzer is hired as coach of the Phoenix Suns, replacing Frank VogelMike Budenholzer is the newest head coach of the Phoenix Suns after the franchise turned to the man who beat them in the 2021 NBA Finals.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia says franchise is doing 'excellent.' He's quiet on coach Frank Vogel's future
Read full article: Suns owner Mat Ishbia says franchise is doing 'excellent.' He's quiet on coach Frank Vogel's futureMat Ishbia knows the offseason chatter around the Phoenix Suns is it’s a team with a top-heavy roster, salary cap issues and precious little room to maneuver after a disappointing season.
The Suns built a superteam with Durant, Booker and Beal. It produced zero playoff wins
Read full article: The Suns built a superteam with Durant, Booker and Beal. It produced zero playoff winsThe Phoenix Suns thought they had built a formidable superteam during the offseason by adding three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to form a star-studded trio with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Suns guard Grayson Allen aggravates ankle injury vs. Timberwolves. Phoenix falls into 0-2 hole
Read full article: Suns guard Grayson Allen aggravates ankle injury vs. Timberwolves. Phoenix falls into 0-2 holePhoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen appeared to aggravate the sprained right ankle he suffered in the playoff opener.
Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111
Read full article: Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111Devin Booker scored 52 points, the fifth-highest scoring game of his career, to power the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, bringing them within a game of the Pelicans for the No. 6 playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Bradley Beal enters his 30s with the Suns, says he's ready to 'chase this ring'
Read full article: Bradley Beal enters his 30s with the Suns, says he's ready to 'chase this ring'Bradley Beal was drafted on his 19th birthday and spent his entire 20s with the Washington Wizards, where he scored a lot of points, enjoyed a little team success, but also suffered through plenty of painful losses.
Suns hire veteran coach Frank Vogel to lead franchise, AP source says
Read full article: Suns hire veteran coach Frank Vogel to lead franchise, AP source saysA person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the Phoenix Suns have hired veteran coach Frank Vogel to replace Monty Williams.
These 3 NBA coaches are in the mix for the open Houston Rockets head coaching job
Read full article: These 3 NBA coaches are in the mix for the open Houston Rockets head coaching jobThe NBA playoffs are underway and so is the Houston Rockets coaching search. Rafael Stone and the rest of the front office have already completed their first round of interviews and are starting to key in on some proven and respected names.
James, Davis watch debacle in Dallas as Lakers await return
Read full article: James, Davis watch debacle in Dallas as Lakers await returnThe Los Angeles Lakers are waiting on the return of LeBron James and Anthony Davis as they flirt with missing the play-in tournament for the Western Conference playoffs.
LeBron scores 38 in Ohio return, Lakers crush Cavs 131-120
Read full article: LeBron scores 38 in Ohio return, Lakers crush Cavs 131-120LeBron James scored 38 points, notched another triple-double and sparked memories of his time in Cleveland, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-120 win over the Cavaliers.
Thompson has season-high 33, Warriors edge Lakers 117-115
Read full article: Thompson has season-high 33, Warriors edge Lakers 117-115Klay Thompson scored 16 of his season-high 33 points in the fourth quarter, Stephen Curry made a clutch layup with 46 seconds remaining, and the Golden State Warriors held off the Los Angeles Lakers 117-115, spoiling another scoring milestone by LeBron James.
LeBron returns with triple-double, Lakers beat Knicks in OT
Read full article: LeBron returns with triple-double, Lakers beat Knicks in OTLeBron James returned from a five-game absence due to injury and had a triple-double of 29 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 21-point, second-quarter deficit, beating the New York Knicks 122-115 in overtime Saturday night.
Bridges, Hornets hold off short-handed Lakers, 117-114
Read full article: Bridges, Hornets hold off short-handed Lakers, 117-114Miles Bridges had 26 points, Ish Smith provided a huge boost off the bench with 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets held off the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 117-114 on Friday night.
James has 33, Lakers beat Nets 106-96 in Davis' return
Read full article: James has 33, Lakers beat Nets 106-96 in Davis' returnLeBron James welcomed Anthony Davis back with a lob pass for the game’s first basket, then turned to this own offense to score 33 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
James scores season-high 43, Lakers beat Trail Blazers
Read full article: James scores season-high 43, Lakers beat Trail BlazersLeBron James scored a season-high 43 points and extended his streak of 30-point games to seven in the Los Angeles Lakers' 139-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Nuggets-Warriors off; Rivers, Malone enter NBA protocols
Read full article: Nuggets-Warriors off; Rivers, Malone enter NBA protocolsThe NBA postponed Golden State's game with Denver on Thursday, the same day that Philadelphia’s Doc Rivers and Denver’s Michael Malone entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
James, Westbrook have triple-doubles, Lakers defeat Rockets
Read full article: James, Westbrook have triple-doubles, Lakers defeat RocketsLeBron James and Russell Westbrook both had triple-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a season-high,five-game skid with a 132-123 win over the Houston Rockets.
Spurs rout depleted Lakers 138-110 in last Staples game
Read full article: Spurs rout depleted Lakers 138-110 in last Staples gameKeita Bates-Diop scored a career-high 30 points and the San Antonio Spurs routed the slumping Los Angeles Lakers 138-110 in the final event at Staples Center under the 22-year-old arena’s original name.
Booker, Ayton push Suns past Lakers 108-90
Read full article: Booker, Ayton push Suns past Lakers 108-90Devin Booker continued to distance himself from a hamstring injury that cost him seven games, scoring 24 points with nine rebounds and seven assists as the Phoenix Suns earned a 108-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA has ‘no plans’ to pause season, Silver tells ESPN
Read full article: NBA has ‘no plans’ to pause season, Silver tells ESPNNBA Commissioner Adam Silver says there are no plans to pause the season, even as numbers of players entering the league’s health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus continues to rise.
DeRozan leads Bulls over Lakers 115-110 in team's return
Read full article: DeRozan leads Bulls over Lakers 115-110 in team's returnDeMar DeRozan scored 38 points after missing two weeks in the NBA’s health and safety protocols to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 115-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Knicks recover to beat Lakers team missing suspended James
Read full article: Knicks recover to beat Lakers team missing suspended JamesEvan Fournier scored 26 points, Immanuel Quickley had 12 of his 14 in the fourth quarter after New York had blown a 25-point lead, and the Knicks beat a Los Angeles Lakers team missing suspended star LeBron James 106-100.
Antetokounmpo, Middleton help Bucks defeat Lakers 109-102
Read full article: Antetokounmpo, Middleton help Bucks defeat Lakers 109-102Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 47 points and Khris Middleton tied Milwaukee’s franchise record for career 3-pointers in the Bucks’ 109-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
Curry, Warriors stun James, Lakers 121-114 in opener
Read full article: Curry, Warriors stun James, Lakers 121-114 in openerStephen Curry had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Golden State Warriors, who rallied from 10 points down to stun Lebron James, Anthony Davis and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers 121-114 in a season opener.
Anthony Davis returns for Game 6, but exits in 1st quarter
Read full article: Anthony Davis returns for Game 6, but exits in 1st quarterAnthony Davis managed less than 5 1/2 minutes in his return to the Lakers’ starting lineup Thursday night before leaving with an apparent aggravation of his groin injury as Los Angeles faced playoff elimination against the Phoenix Suns.
Suns win in return to playoffs, beating Lakers 99-90
Read full article: Suns win in return to playoffs, beating Lakers 99-90Devin Booker scored 34 points, Deandre Ayton had 21 points and 16 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns won their first playoff game in 11 years, beating the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers 99-90 in Game 1 on Sunday.
James returns as he and Davis send Lakers by Pacers 122-115
Read full article: James returns as he and Davis send Lakers by Pacers 122-115Anthony Davis scored 28 points and LeBron James returned after a six-game absence to score 24 Saturday to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Doncic, Mavs beat Lakers 115-110 as LA star Davis returns
Read full article: Doncic, Mavs beat Lakers 115-110 as LA star Davis returnsLuka Doncic scored 30 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 115-110 victory over the Lakers in the return of Los Angeles star Anthony Davis from a 30-game injury absence.
Lakers pull away after ejections, rout Nets 126-101
Read full article: Lakers pull away after ejections, rout Nets 126-101Andre Drummond had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Dennis Schroder scored 19 points before he and Kyrie Irving were ejected in the third quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets 126-101.
Suns roll past LeBron-less Lakers for 111-94 win
Read full article: Suns roll past LeBron-less Lakers for 111-94 winLos Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris, left, drives on Phoenix Suns forward Abdel Nader (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 21, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)PHOENIX – Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton both had 26 points, Chris Paul had a triple-double with 11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns beat the LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers 111-94 on Sunday night. Montrezl Harrell led the Lakers with 23 points off the bench on 10-of-13 shooting. The Lakers won the NBA championship last season in a COVID-19 delayed season that ended on Oct. 11. TIP-INSLakers: Without James, Los Angeles went with a starting lineup of Wesley Matthews, Kyle Kuzma, Markieff Morris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Schroder.
LeBron James sprains right ankle in loss, out indefinitely
Read full article: LeBron James sprains right ankle in loss, out indefinitelyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James holds his ankle after going down with an injury during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES – LeBron James left in the second quarter with a high right ankle sprain that the Lakers said will sideline him indefinitely, and Los Angeles went on to fall 99-94 to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Two hours after the game, the Lakers announced that James is out indefinitely. AdHarrell suggested Hill's actions during James' injury were “not a basketball play,” and said the officials should have considered giving him more than a personal foul. UP NEXTHawks: At Los Angeles Clippers on Monday nightLakers: At Phoenix on Sunday night.
LeBron, short-handed Lakers beat up on Warriors 128-97
Read full article: LeBron, short-handed Lakers beat up on Warriors 128-97Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks in front of Golden State Warriors forward Eric Paschall (7) and center James Wiseman during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, March 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)SAN FRANCISCO – LeBron James had a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, leading the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers past the Golden State Warriors 128-97 on Monday night. Stephen Curry scored 27 points with four 3-pointers and became the Warriors' franchise assists leader a day after his 33rd birthday and in his 12th NBA season. Warriors: Golden State hasn't beaten the Lakers at home since a 115-101 victory on Feb. 2, 2019 — so never at the second-year Chase Center. The Warriors wrapped up their eighth back-to-back this season and third of five playing consecutive days at home.
Suns overcome Booker's ejection, hold off Lakers 114-104
Read full article: Suns overcome Booker's ejection, hold off Lakers 114-104Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric, right, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES – Dario Šarić scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, Mikal Bridges added 19 and the Phoenix Suns overcame Devin Booker's ejection for a 114-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. I feel it was a great road trip.”LeBron James scored 38 points for Los Angeles, which has lost five of seven with mounting injury problems. Dennis Schröder added 17 points, but the Lakers couldn't keep up without regulars Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma and Marc Gasol. “Our guys are giving great effort and great hustle and great fight.
Take note: At 26-6, Utah Jazz are the NBA's best team so far
Read full article: Take note: At 26-6, Utah Jazz are the NBA's best team so far(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)Looking at individual stats reveals nothing about the Utah Jazz. “Nobody’s playing as well as the Utah Jazz in the NBA right now.”AdAt 26-6, the Jazz sit atop the NBA. The Jazz have made 544 3s, the most in NBA history by any team in its first 32 games. But with the way they're playing now, even Vogel concedes that the Jazz are doing a whole lot right. They’re playing like the best team in the league right now.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Heat hold off depleted Lakers 96-94 in NBA Finals rematch
Read full article: Heat hold off depleted Lakers 96-94 in NBA Finals rematchLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, tries to pass as Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Heat even kept it together to pull out a win over the defending NBA champions despite a fourth quarter that nearly went wrong. Nunn scored 27 points, Jimmy Butler had 24 points and eight rebounds, and Miami held off the Los Angeles Lakers 96-94 Saturday night in an NBA Finals rematch. Kyle Kuzma scored 23 points while hitting four 3-pointers, and Montrezl Harrell had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. ... Goran Dragić missed his eighth straight game with a sprained left ankle.
Jokic powers Nuggets by Lakers, Davis re-aggravates Achilles
Read full article: Jokic powers Nuggets by Lakers, Davis re-aggravates AchillesDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, looks to pass the ball as Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol, left, and forward LeBron James defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – Nikola Jokic recorded his sixth triple-double of the season and the Denver Nuggets beat Los Angeles 122-105 on Sunday night in a game where Lakers forward Anthony Davis hobbled from the court after re-aggravating his sore right Achilles. James had 22 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, but the Lakers' seven-game win streak ended. He was banged up when he tried to drive around Jokic with 2:39 left before halftime. AdEntering the game, Davis was questionable with what was described as right Achilles tendinosis.
Lakers F Anthony Davis set for MRI on strained Achilles
Read full article: Lakers F Anthony Davis set for MRI on strained AchillesLos Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guards Jamal Murray, center, and Monte Morris defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis will undergo an MRI on Monday after re-aggravating a sore right Achilles late in the first half of a 122-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Davis hobbled to the free-throw line, made both shots and then was subbed out with 2:39 remaining. AdEntering Sunday's game, Davis was questionable with what was described as right Achilles tendinosis. Everyone, individually, has to pick up their play for the collective of the team in A.D.’s absence.”AdThe Lakers play in Minnesota on Tuesday.
LeBron takes charge in 2nd OT, Lakers edge Pistons 135-129
Read full article: LeBron takes charge in 2nd OT, Lakers edge Pistons 135-129Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey (41) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers committed a season-high 23 turnovers, blew a 17-point lead and wasted several chances to win in regulation. He tied it on a driving layup with 3.1 seconds left, and James missed a driving layup at the buzzer. “There’s so many learning situations for young players and our guys to play against a great team like the Lakers. Lakers: Vogel got a technical foul in the second quarter for arguing about a blocking call on Marc Gasol.
Harris shot in final seconds leads 76ers past Lakers 107-106
Read full article: Harris shot in final seconds leads 76ers past Lakers 107-106James’ push of the 76ers big man got him hit with a flagrant 1 and Embiid cried foul. Harris swished a jumper with 3 seconds left, ending the Lakers’ 13-0 run and sending Philadelphia to a 107-106 victory over Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The 76ers lead the East at 13-6 and the Lakers are 14-5 in the West. James hit Anthony Davis for the go-ahead basket with 11.2 seconds to go for a 106-105 lead and cap that run. YOU AGAINGreen and backup center Dwight Howard played key roles in the Lakers’ championship last season.
LeBron scores 46, Lakers beat Cavs to stay perfect on road
Read full article: LeBron scores 46, Lakers beat Cavs to stay perfect on roadLos Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (23) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers' Dylan Windler (9) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND – Back home, LeBron James kept the Lakers perfect on the road. When James was short with a 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter, the unidentified Cavs executive celebrated. It was only James' second trip back to Cleveland since he left the Cavs for the second time as a free agent after the 2018 season. “It's more of a somber-tone-type-of-day.”The Lakers are spending the night in Cleveland before flying to Philadelphia — Bryant's hometown — on Tuesday.
Davis scores season-high 37 as Lakers beat Bulls 101-90
Read full article: Davis scores season-high 37 as Lakers beat Bulls 101-90Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, shoots against Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. Davis dominated with a season-high 37 points against his hometown team, LeBron James added 17 points and 11 rebounds and the Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 101-90 on Saturday. Davis scored 26 points in the highest scoring half by a Laker this season as Los Angeles grabbed a 63-33 lead. Bulls: Chicago shot 39 about percent from the field and made 8 of 25 3-pointers. Bulls: Chicago hosts Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics.
LeBron James scores 26 as Lakers roll over Rockets 117-100
Read full article: LeBron James scores 26 as Lakers roll over Rockets 117-100HOUSTON – LeBron James scored 26 points in just more than three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in a 117-100 rout of the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Anthony Davis added 19 points and 10 rebounds in three quarters to help the Lakers to their second straight blowout over the Rockets after a 120-102 victory Sunday night. Los Angeles led by 20 or more for most of the game on a night James Harden made just 5 of 16 shots and the Rockets were outrebounded 55-42. “We’ve got a common goal to compete every night, to play championship basketball and be accountable," James said. UP NEXTLakers: Visit Oklahoma City on Wednesday night before returning home for two games beginning on Saturday night against New Orleans.
Hammon first woman to direct NBA team; Lakers beat Spurs
Read full article: Hammon first woman to direct NBA team; Lakers beat SpursHammon became the first woman to direct an NBA team, taking over the Spurs after coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in a 121-107 loss to the Lakers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – Becky Hammon would have preferred a victory over history after becoming the first woman to direct an NBA team. The Lakers took their first double-digit lead at 35-25 on Kyle Kuzma’s 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the first quarter. Lakers coach Frank Vogel did not elaborate on Caruso’s status. Spurs: Popovich said the Spurs will monitor Aldridge’s knee soreness on a day-to-day basis.
Still The King: James wins AP Male Athlete of Year award
Read full article: Still The King: James wins AP Male Athlete of Year awardThe AP award was first given out in 1931. James’ fourth win matched Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods for the most by men. Three women have won the AP award at least four times; Babe Didrikson was a six-time winner, Serena Williams has won five and Chris Evert four. James — also the AP’s male athlete of this past decade — also won the yearly AP award in 2013, 2016 and 2018. Michael Jordan, a three-time winner, is the only other basketball player to win the AP award more than once.
George's 33 send Clippers past Lakers 116-109 on ring night
Read full article: George's 33 send Clippers past Lakers 116-109 on ring nightLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, is defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES – After the Los Angeles Lakers got their championship rings, the Los Angeles Clippers gave a performance that showed this retooled team is determined to contend for its own jewelry several months from now. Paul George scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half, Kawhi Leonard added 26 points and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied past the Los Angeles Lakers on the NBA champions’ ring ceremony night for a 116-109 victory Tuesday. The Clippers beat the Lakers in the season opener for the second straight year while winning coach Tyronn Lue’s debut. Schröder also was impressive in his Lakers debut, with 14 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
The NBA preseason begins, with empty arenas as the stages
Read full article: The NBA preseason begins, with empty arenas as the stagesOrlando Magic coach Steve Clifford talks to players during a timeout in the first half of the team's NBA preseason basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. The NBA preseason — a truncated 49-game, nine-day sprint — opened Friday with a five-game slate, action returning to NBA arenas for the first time in exactly nine months. Friday’s games:KNICKS 90, PISTONS 84At Detroit, R.J. Barrett scored 15 points and Toppin finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in his debut as the Knicks won their preseason opener. Julius Randle scored 11, while Elfrid Payton and Nerlens Noel each scored 10 for New York. Svi Mykhailiuk and Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 14 points apiece.
LeBron considers load management, maps future with Lakers
Read full article: LeBron considers load management, maps future with LakersJames chose that year deliberately: His oldest son, LeBron James Jr., will graduate from high school in 2023. The uniqueness of 2020 has forced James and the Lakers to consider whether they should practice load management this season. James and the Lakers haven't decided on their plans for the regular season, with James saying there's “a fine line” between strategic rest and unnecessary inactivity. We think he’s going to be very effective and provide extraordinary value for every year he decides to play as a Laker. I’m sure he’ll hang many jerseys someday, but we hope one of those will be a Lakers jersey.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Vogel: Lakers 'have to be even better' to repeat as champs
Read full article: Vogel: Lakers 'have to be even better' to repeat as champsFILE - Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, rear, and Anthony Davis (3) celebrate after the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in this Oct. 11, 2020, file photo. Anthony Davis is finalizing a five-year contract worth up to $190 million to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. One day after LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Lakers through 2022-23, Davis committed to the Lakers through the 2024-25 season. A distinct lack of vacation time aside, Los Angeles begins the new season in an apparently stellar position. "The first thing you have to understand about going into a repeat situation is it’s going to be harder than the year before.
Coaching can wait: Rondo plots future, but stays in present
Read full article: Coaching can wait: Rondo plots future, but stays in presentFor the first time in his long career, Rondo is the oldest guy on the team. “To be honest, I’ve been doing that for the last five or six years of my career,” Rondo said. I've been working to understand young talent, understand the (collective bargaining agreement). This is a young team with so much upside and versatility. ... We're on the the upswing for great things here in the city of Atlanta.”His future career can wait.
Butler loses last game in the bubble after memorable run
Read full article: Butler loses last game in the bubble after memorable runThere will be no more coffee customers with the bubble closing down, though he kept it open far longer than expected with some of the most inspired NBA Finals play seen in years. Butler carried the Miami Heat all the way to Game 6 against the favored Los Angeles Lakers but the weight of his efforts seemed to leave him with little energy Sunday. “I didn’t win so none of the stats matter,” Butler said. But Butler made no excuses, not only saying the Heat could win, but that they should win. Denying Butler the salesman was easier for Vogel than clamping down on Butler the basketball player.
Rondo, a champ in Boston, on brink of getting a Lakers ring
Read full article: Rondo, a champ in Boston, on brink of getting a Lakers ringThese days, however, the words James uses when speaking of the Los Angeles Lakers’ backup point guard include cerebral and determined. Rondo helped the Boston Celtics win their 17th NBA championship. So, Rondo could be the first player to win a title for both Boston and Los Angeles. James still remembers playoff matchups in 2008 and 2010, when he was in Cleveland and Rondo was with Boston. When the Lakers had a chance to get Rondo, they didn’t hesitate — so clearly, James was more than fine with the move.
Lakers will look to close Heat out in Game 5 of NBA Finals
Read full article: Lakers will look to close Heat out in Game 5 of NBA FinalsBoxes are being shipped out of the NBA bubble in advance of the looming shutdown. The NBA Finals — and the longest season in league history, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and 4-1/2 month shutdown that followed — could end on Friday night, with James and the Lakers going into Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat. “I think we all know that tomorrow night is also a must-win for us, just as much as it is a must-win for the Heat,” Lakers forward Anthony Davis said. The Lakers will aim to head into Friday night with the same desperation that Miami will have while facing elimination. Jimmy Butler, Miami’s leading scorer and best player by far in the series, said he’ll set the Heat example for Game 5 by demanding more of everything from himself.
James' turnovers, Davis' fouls doom Lakers in Game 3 loss
Read full article: James' turnovers, Davis' fouls doom Lakers in Game 3 lossJames was whistled for traveling, ending a possession that could have given the Los Angeles Lakers a fourth-quarter lead. In the time of the game when he usually turns it up, James turned it over Sunday night, part of a sloppy performance by the Lakers in a 115-104 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Los Angeles committed 20 turnovers that led to 21 Miami points, with James committing a game-high eight of them. James and Davis had been putting up numbers like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant through the first two games of the series. With Miami short-handed, the only intrigue seemed to be which of the two Lakers superstars would win the NBA Finals MVP award.
Heat are ailing, but insist NBA Finals vs Lakers aren’t over
Read full article: Heat are ailing, but insist NBA Finals vs Lakers aren’t overHis team’s starting point guard and center are both doubtful to play in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. And his Miami Heat are coming off a one-sided loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. That, combined with Miami’s injury problems, sure seems to indicate that the Lakers have full control of this matchup. Lakers coach Frank Vogel said he’ll plan for Dragic and Adebayo to play. All three of Miami’s NBA titles came after Game 1 losses in the finals.
James, Herro see popularity rise in the NBA playoffs
Read full article: James, Herro see popularity rise in the NBA playoffs(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – LeBron James’ popularity, even in his 17th season, cannot be argued. Herro, according to the NBA, saw the biggest increase in followers added — 41% — among all players during the conference finals. Herro became the first player born in the 2000s to play in the NBA Finals when he checked in during the first quarter of Game 1. FAMOUS FANSFormer President Barack Obama was among those in the “virtual” crowd of fans for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. A slew of players with NBA championships also were on the big screens, including Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade.
Lakers, Heat start their preparations for NBA Finals
Read full article: Lakers, Heat start their preparations for NBA FinalsWhat was once a 22-team bubble at Walt Disney World is down to the final two, with Adebayo and the Miami Heat set to take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals that start on Wednesday night. It’s the first finals matchup between the clubs, with the Lakers looking for a record-tying 17th title and the Heat seeking their fourth in the last 15 seasons. “But we know that the job isn’t done yet.”The Heat were spending much of Monday resting up before an evening team meeting would officially start their finals preparation process. Much like the Heat, the Lakers took a moment to enjoy winning the conference title. By Game 4 or so of this series, the Lakers and Heat will have been at Disney for three months.
Davis, Lakers beat Nuggets to take 3-1 lead in West finals
Read full article: Davis, Lakers beat Nuggets to take 3-1 lead in West finalsAnthony Davis scored 34 points, LeBron James had 26 and the Lakers beat the Nuggets 114-108 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. James added nine rebounds and eight assists, and the Lakers had 12 offensive rebounds for a whopping 25-6 advantage in second-chance points. We had too many empty possessions tonight.”Game 5 is Saturday night, when the Lakers can reach the NBA Finals for the first time in a decade. With an array of short jumpers, Davis made his first six shots before anyone else on the Lakers made a basket. The Nuggets shot 59% in the first half but the Lakers had an 18-2 advantage in second-chance points.
Lakers try to regain control vs confident Nuggets in Game 4
Read full article: Lakers try to regain control vs confident Nuggets in Game 4Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (27) looks on as Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis (3) grabs his wrist after falling to the floor during play in the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference final Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)