Lakers head coach JJ Redick announced the plan on Monday before the team’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. Redick initially said James was “literally practicing with South Bay today,” but the franchise later clarified that the session would occur later in the week, as the G League squad had Monday off.

Rehabilitation and Uncertain Return Timeline

James has yet to practice or play for the Lakers this season, with the organization avoiding a specific timeline for his return. The four-time NBA champion has maintained a low media profile since speaking briefly on media day in late September, focusing instead on his physical recovery.

Sciatica, a condition involving nerve pain along the lower back and leg, has limited James’ mobility in the early stages of the season. The Lakers’ medical staff has emphasized a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over an early-season comeback.

Lakers’ Early Season Performance

Despite missing their veteran leader, Los Angeles has opened the season strongly with a 7–2 record, showing resilience amid injuries to key players including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. The team, however, suffered a setback last weekend with a heavy defeat to the undermanned Atlanta Hawks.

The Lakers are currently on the second game of a five-game road trip, facing the Charlotte Hornets. James is not expected to travel with the team during this stretch, though Reaves has returned to the lineup after recovering from a hamstring strain that sidelined him for three games.

Milestone Season on the Horizon

When James eventually steps onto the court, he will make NBA history by becoming the first player to compete in 23 seasons. The all-time leading scorer began his professional career in October 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers — nearly a year before the birth of his eldest son, Bronny James, who now shares the Lakers roster with him.

The Lakers’ next home game is scheduled for November 18 against the Utah Jazz, potentially marking a symbolic date for James’ much-anticipated return. Team officials have declined to comment on whether that matchup could serve as his comeback game.

Legacy and Leadership

As James continues rehabilitation, his presence remains influential both on and off the court. Analysts note that his willingness to train with the South Bay Lakers underscores a team-oriented mindset and sets an example for younger players across the franchise.

Throughout his career, James has been known for meticulous conditioning and strategic recovery routines. Entering his 23rd season, his longevity is regarded as one of the defining achievements in modern sports — reflecting a blend of discipline, adaptability, and leadership rarely sustained at the professional level.

While uncertainty remains around the exact date of his return, both fans and the organization see his progression as an encouraging sign that the NBA’s oldest active player is nearing yet another chapter in his storied career.

Source: AP News – LeBron James to practice with Lakers’ G League affiliate, showing more progress in his return

The post LeBron James to Practice with Lakers’ G League Affiliate as Recovery Progresses appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Published: October 8, 2025, 22:10 EDT

LeBron James’ Anticipated Announcement Becomes a Brand Collaboration Reveal

Basketball fans around the world were braced for a major life or career update from LeBron James after the Los Angeles Lakers star teased what he called “the decision of all decisions.” Instead, the suspense ended Tuesday when the announcement turned out to be part of a new advertising campaign for Hennessy, the luxury cognac brand.

A Playful Echo of His 2010 “Decision”

James’ social media tease on X (formerly Twitter) had sparked intense speculation on Monday, with fans and analysts guessing whether he might be announcing a retirement, a team change, or even a post-NBA career move.

The phrase “the decision” immediately recalled his 2010 televised announcement, when he declared he was “taking [his] talents to South Beach” to join the Miami Heat—a moment that became one of the most talked-about events in sports media history.

In Tuesday’s short promotional video, James echoed that moment almost word-for-word, saying:

“This fall, I’m going to be taking my talents to Hennessy V.S.O.P.”

The clip shows James walking toward a chair and sitting opposite another man, a visual callback to the original interview setup from 15 years ago.

Hennessy Launches Limited Edition “King James” Bottle

According to Hennessy’s official press release, the campaign features a limited edition orange bottle emblazoned with James’ name and his signature “crowning” gesture—an homage to his “King James” nickname.

The company described the collaboration as a continuation of its cultural and creative partnership with James, stating:

“Where the first moment marked a pivotal career move, this second decision celebrates a creative reunion and shared cultural legacy.”

The cognac producer also revealed that the release schedule was moved forward by about 90 minutes due to adjustments in James’ training commitments. Originally planned for noon Eastern, the announcement went live earlier to accommodate his schedule.

Fans React With Speculation and Humor

Social media lit up with theories as soon as James’ teaser appeared. Many users guessed correctly that it was linked to an advertising campaign, while others humorously predicted everything from a retirement announcement to a new team signing.

James, who turns 41 in December, remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and is poised to begin his 23rd season, the longest active tenure in league history. His current contract with the Lakers expires after this season, which added fuel to the speculation that he might use the moment to reveal his future plans.

Ticket prices for the Lakers’ final regular-season home game in April surged on resale platforms Monday, as fans scrambled to secure seats in case the event marked James’ final appearance.

A Strategic Brand Move, Not a Farewell

While some fans expressed disappointment that the announcement wasn’t basketball-related, marketing analysts said the move reflects James’ growing influence as both an athlete and entrepreneur.

LeBron has long been a strategic investor and brand collaborator, with partnerships spanning Nike, Beats by Dre, and his SpringHill Company media venture. The Hennessy campaign reinforces his status as one of the most marketable figures in global sports.

“James understands the value of cultural symbolism,” said one sports marketing expert. “By referencing his 2010 announcement, he’s turned nostalgia into brand power—something very few athletes can pull off.”

Maintaining Cultural Relevance Beyond the Court

Even as he enters the final stretch of his playing career, James continues to bridge sports, business, and entertainment. His ability to generate viral moments demonstrates his enduring cultural resonance and the ongoing evolution of athlete-led branding.

The partnership also signals a broader trend of premium spirits brands collaborating with athletes and entertainers to expand their global appeal, particularly among younger demographics.

At the end of the ad, James smiles at the camera and says simply:

“I like my decision.”

Legacy of a Modern Sports Icon

While the “decision of all decisions” turned out to be a marketing campaign rather than a major career shift, it highlighted the continued fascination with LeBron’s every move—both on and off the court.

As he prepares for what could be his final NBA season, James remains not just an athlete but a global brand—balancing legacy, entrepreneurship, and cultural impact with remarkable consistency.

For fans and brands alike, the message was clear: LeBron James knows how to keep the world watching.

Source: AP News – LeBron James teased ‘the decision of all decisions’ announcement. It was an ad

The post LeBron James’ “Decision of All Decisions” Turns Out to Be a Hennessy Ad Campaign appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

ESPN’s panel of over 150 experts evaluated players based on their anticipated quality and quantity of impact during the playoffs Here’s a snapshot of the top 10

1. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
   The reigning MVP and triple-double machine, Jokić continues to redefine the center position with his unparalleled playmaking and scoring abilities.
2. Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
   After a midseason trade to the Lakers, Dončić’s dynamic offensive skills and clutch performances make him a central figure in L.A.’s championship aspirations.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
   Leading the top-seeded Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander’s smooth scoring and leadership have been pivotal in OKC’s breakout season.
4. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
   Tatum’s all-around game and previous playoff experience position him as a key player in Boston’s quest for another title.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
   The “Greek Freak” remains a dominant force on both ends, with his relentless drive and defensive prowess.
6. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
   In his 18th postseason, LeBron’s experience and basketball IQ continue to be invaluable assets for the Lakers.
7. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
   Curry’s shooting range and offensive gravity keep defenses on their heels, making him a perpetual threat.
8. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
   When healthy, Embiid’s dominance in the paint and mid-range make him nearly unstoppable.
9. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
   Edwards’ explosive athleticism and scoring ability have propelled him into the upper echelon of NBA talent.
10. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
    Booker’s scoring versatility and playoff experience make him a linchpin in the Suns’ offensive schemes.

The list also highlights emerging talents and seasoned contributors expected to make significant impact:

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
  The rookie sensation’s unique combination of size and skill has already turned heads, earning him a spot among the league’s elite.
• Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
  Returning from injury, Brown’s two-way play will be crucial for Boston’s deep playoff run.
• Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
  Brunson’s leadership and clutch performances have been instrumental in the Knicks’ resurgence.
• Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
  Banchero’s development into a primary scoring option makes him a focal point in Orlando’s playoff push.

A notable trend in this year’s rankings is the prominence of international players, with Jokić (Serbia), Dončić (Slovenia), and Antetokounmpo (Greece) occupying three of the top five spots. This underscores the global talent shaping today’s NBA landscape.

ESPN’s NBA Rank panel assessed players based on their projected impact during the 2025 playoffs, considering both the quality (performance level) and quantity (expected playing time and games) of their contributing. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each player’s potential influence on their team’s success.

Source: ESPN – NBA playoffs 2025: Ranking the 50 most impactful players

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Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas as a Los Angeles Laker was nothing short of a spectacle, blending heartfelt tributes, fan expressions, and on-court intensity.

Upon his arrival at the American Airlines Center, Doncic was met with a touching tribute from the Mavericks. Fans were greeted with T-shirts emblazoned with “Hvala za vse”—Slovenian for “Thank you for everything”—a nod to Doncic’s significant contributions during his tenure in Dallas. However, due to NBA regulations, the Mavericks couldn’t feature Doncic’s name or number on the merchandise. This gesture aimed to honor his legacy, despite underlying tensions from the mid-season trade that sent him to Los Angeles.

The trade that exchanged Doncic for Anthony Davis left many Mavericks fans in disbelief and frustration. Some expressed their discontent through social media and public protests, highlighting the emotional impact of losing a beloved star. Yet, amidst the backlash, instances of creativity emerged. One fan humorously transformed a Mavericks jersey into a Lakers one using duct tape and a marker, symbolizing the complex feelings surrounding Doncic’s departure and return.

Despite the emotional backdrop, Doncic delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his adaptability and commitment. Recording a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, he played a pivotal role in leading the Lakers to a 107-99 victory over the Mavericks. This display not only underscored his individual talent but also highlighted his seamless integration into the Lakers’ roster alongside LeBron James.

As the season progresses, both the Mavericks and Lakers continue to adjust to their new realities post-trade. Doncic’s return to Dallas served as a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the NBA and the deep connections players forge with their teams and fans. While the trade’s ramifications are still unfolding, one thing remains clear: Luka Doncic’s impact on Dallas is indelible, and his journey forward will be watched with great interest.

Source: ESPN – Sights and sounds from Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas

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Last Saturday night in Dallas, Luka Dončić was nearly asleep when his phone buzzed. The news was shocking—he had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A Trade That Shook the NBA

“I had to check if it was April 1,” Dončić admitted. “I didn’t really believe it.”

The move stunned the basketball world. A superstar at just 25 years old, Dončić had just led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and won his first scoring title. Yet, Dallas made the stunning decision to part ways with their franchise cornerstone, sending him to LA in a blockbuster deal that included Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

For the Lakers, it was a rare opportunity to acquire a generational talent. For Dončić, it was a mix of emotions.

Processing the Trade

“It was a big shock,” he said. “Dallas was home, so it was really hard for me. But now, I get to play for the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.”

The Lakers wasted no time introducing their new superstar. On Tuesday, less than three days after the trade, Dončić was officially welcomed to the franchise.

Even Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka could hardly contain his excitement.
“We have one of the game’s biggest superstars joining the Lakers,” Pelinka said. “It’s going to be something incredibly special that the NBA has never seen before.”

Teaming Up with LeBron James

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the trade for Dončić is joining forces with his idol, LeBron James.

“It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “I always looked up to him. There are so many things I can learn from him. It’s an amazing feeling.”

James, blindsided by the deal just like the rest of the league, quickly called Dončić to welcome him to LA. The two will form one of the most exciting duos in basketball history, with James—at 40 years old—passing the torch to the young superstar.

A League in Shock

The trade sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, with players and fans struggling to understand Dallas’ decision.

Golden State’s Stephen Curry summed up the league-wide disbelief:
“With Dallas just coming off the Finals, it’s a reminder that very few players can sleep easy knowing they won’t be traded.”

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was even more blunt:
“They traded probably the best scorer in the NBA at 25. And he didn’t know about it. There’s a lot more digging somebody’s got to do to find out why. I feel bad for Luka, man.”

Even Dončić’s father, Sasa, expressed frustration, saying his son “absolutely did not deserve this.”

A Fresh Start in Los Angeles

Despite the emotional whirlwind, Dončić is ready to move forward. After recovering from a calf strain that has kept him sidelined since Christmas, he’s set to return soon. He will participate in full practice on Wednesday, with the Lakers planning his debut afterward.

The timing couldn’t be better. LA has four games in the next seven days, including a road matchup against the Clippers on Tuesday, followed by three straight home games.

More Than Just Dončić

The Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the trade. While Kleber recovers from foot surgery, Morris is eager to reunite with the team he won a championship with in 2020.

Both dismissed concerns about Dončić’s work ethic.
“I hear the stuff about him not being in shape,” Morris said. “But if you can drop 30, 15, and 10 like it’s nothing, I don’t really know what ‘out of shape’ means.”

Looking Ahead

Dončić’s time in Dallas may have ended unexpectedly, but his story is far from over. In LA, he has the chance to cement his legacy with one of the most storied franchises in sports history.

The NBA world is watching. And Dončić is ready.

Source

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In a stunning midseason trade that will reshape the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz have finalized a three-team deal, headlined by the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić in exchange for Anthony Davis, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania late Saturday night.

Trade Breakdown

Here’s how the deal shakes out for each team:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive

• Luka Dončić (Mavericks)
• Maxi Kleber (Mavericks)
• Markieff Morris (Mavericks)

Dallas Mavericks Receive

• Anthony Davis (Lakers)
• Max Christie (Lakers)
• Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick

Utah Jazz Receive

• Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers)
• Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick
• Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick

Mavericks Prioritize Defense Over Star Power

Dallas initiated the trade talks, sources say, with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison emphasizing the importance of defense.

“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”

Dallas’ Motivation to Move Dončić
Dončić’s conditioning and injury concerns played a significant role in the Mavericks’ decision to trade him, sources revealed. The organization had grown frustrated with his lack of discipline regarding diet and fitness, which they believed contributed to his injury issues.

• Dončić’s weight ballooned to the high 260s early this season.
• He missed five games in November with a reported wrist injury, though sources say the absence was largely to improve his conditioning.
• Similar concerns were raised last season when he sat out games early due to fitness struggles.

Lakers Land Their Next Superstar

The Lakers’ front office, coaching staff, and ownership were all in alignment on the deal, viewing Dončić as a generational talent to lead the franchise into the future.

While LeBron James was unaware of the trade beforehand, sources close to him say he was “surprised” when he found out over dinner following the Lakers’ win against the New York Knicks. Similarly, Dončić and Davis were also not informed ahead of time.

The Historic Impact of This Trade

This marks the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Contract Implications: Dončić was set to sign a five-year, $345 million supermax contract this summer, but due to the trade, he is now ineligible for the deal, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Upcoming Matchups: The Lakers and Mavericks will face each other twice more this season:

February 25 in Los Angeles

April 9 in Dallas

With both Dončić and Davis currently sidelined due to injuries, their debuts for their new teams remain uncertain. However, sources say Dončić is targeting a return before the All-Star break, while Davis is set for reevaluation next week.

This earth-shattering trade signals a new era for both franchises—the Lakers betting on a young superstar in Dončić, while the Mavericks go all-in on defense with Davis.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Source

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San Antonio’s star rookie Victor Wembanyama has been named an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career, joining a prestigious list of first-time selections for the February 16 event in San Francisco.

Wembanyama’s All-Star Achievement

Wembanyama’s selection as an All-Star is a significant milestone in his young career. He becomes only the fourth player in Spurs history to make the All-Star Game in his first or second season, following Alvin Robertson (1986), David Robinson (1990-91), and Tim Duncan (1998).

“It’s a testament to his hard work and his dedication to getting better,” said acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, acknowledging Wembanyama’s early success. “He’s trusted the process, and his unique skill set has really shined.”

Reserves Announced: Who Made the Cut

The NBA All-Star reserve players were chosen by coaches, with the announcement taking place Thursday night. In total, 14 players were named reserves—7 from the Eastern Conference and 7 from the Western Conference.

Eastern Conference Reserves:

• Jaylen Brown (Boston)
• Pascal Siakam (Indiana)
• Darius Garland & Evan Mobley (Cleveland)
• Cade Cunningham (Detroit)
• Damian Lillard (Milwaukee)
• Tyler Herro (Miami)

Western Conference Reserves:

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)
• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
• Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
• James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers)
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis)
• Alperen Sengun (Houston)
• Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City)

Notably, Wembanyama, Cunningham, Mobley, Herro, Sengun, and Williams are all making their All-Star debut.

Starters Pool

Last week, the starter pool was revealed, based on fan voting (50%), media voting (25%), and player voting (25%). The 10 players selected include:

• Stephen Curry (Golden State)
• Kevin Durant (Phoenix)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)
• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) — 21st All-Star nod
• Nikola Jokic (Denver)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)
• Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns (New York)
• Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
• Jayson Tatum (Boston)

Team Selections & All-Star Format

This year, the All-Star Game will feature three teams, each with 8 players, drafted by NBA greats Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith on February 6. The teams will compete in a four-team tournament, with NBA rookies and second-year players from the Rising Stars event completing the bracket. The games will be fast-paced, with the first team to reach 40 points winning each matchup.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared the league’s goal of making the game more competitive and exciting after last year’s high-scoring, 211-186 contest.

Coaches for the All-Star Teams

• Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City) will coach two of the teams.
• Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland) will coach the other two teams.

Notable Snubs and Possible Injury Replacements

Several star players were left out of the All-Star roster, including:

• LaMelo Ball (Charlotte)
• Trae Young (Atlanta)
• Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento)
• Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
• Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana)
• Devin Booker (Phoenix)
• De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento)
• Kyrie Irving (Dallas)
• Luka Dončić (Dallas) — Not enough games played for eligibility

Ball and Dončić are particularly noteworthy, as both have posted impressive stats but did not secure enough votes from coaches to make the reserve pool. Ball is currently averaging 28.2 PPG, and Dončić would be among the top 5 in scoring if he had played enough games to qualify.

It’s possible that Ball or Dončić could still be named as injury replacements in the coming weeks, as determined by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Key Takeaways:

• Victor Wembanyama is officially an NBA All-Star in his rookie season, joining a select group of Spurs players to achieve this milestone.
• A total of 6 first-time selections were named to the All-Star reserve pool.
• The new All-Star Game format includes a three-team tournament, aiming for faster, more competitive games.

Notable snubs such as LaMelo Ball and Luka Dončić may still make the All-Star roster as injury replacements.

Source

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PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns delivered a resounding 127-100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, marking the triumphant return of stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Key Performances

• Devin Booker led the charge with 26 points and 10 assists, ending the Suns’ five-game losing streak.
• Bradley Beal, back after missing five games with a strained left calf, contributed 23 points, shooting an efficient 10 of 15 from the field, including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc.
• Kevin Durant, also returning after seven games sidelined with the same injury, added 23 points, showcasing his usual dominance.

Lakers’ Highlights

• Anthony Davis recorded 25 points and 15 rebounds in a solid performance.
• LeBron James contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists but couldn’t spark a comeback.

The Lakers suffered their third straight loss, hindered by poor shooting, particularly from three-point range, where they managed only 23.5% (8 of 34).

Game Breakdown

The game remained close through the first half, but the Suns exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers 36-18.

• Third-Quarter Surge: Booker led the charge with 11 points, while Jusuf Nurkic added 10, helping the Suns build a commanding 98-78 lead. This marked the second consecutive game where the Lakers struggled significantly in the third quarter. Against Denver, they were outscored 37-15 in the same frame.
• Key Moment: Midway through the third quarter, Booker hit three consecutive shots as part of a decisive 14-2 run, pushing the Suns’ lead to 86-72.

Supporting Cast

• Jusuf Nurkic: Rebounded from a rough start to finish with a double-double—12 points and 12 rebounds.
• Grayson Allen: Contributed 10 points off the bench.
• Royce O’Neale: Drained three three-pointers during the Suns’ second-half surge, adding nine points.

Takeaways

For the Lakers:

• Despite a competitive first half, their second-half struggles, particularly in the third quarter, continued to hurt them.
• D’Angelo Russell scored 16 points, and Austin Reaves chipped in with 15, but inconsistent shooting plagued the team.

For the Suns:

• With Durant and Beal back, Phoenix looked revitalized, showing flashes of their full potential.
• The Suns now boast a 9-1 record when Durant plays, compared to 1-6 without him.

What’s Next

• Suns: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
• Lakers: Travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.

The Suns’ performance highlighted their dominance with a full-strength roster, offering fans hope for a strong push in the weeks ahead.

Source

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LeBron James continued his stellar start to his 21st NBA season, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. With another masterful performance, James posted his third consecutive triple-double, scoring 35 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 14 assists.

Initially, James eased into the season, allowing teammates Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves to share the scoring load. However, as the season progressed, James showed his enduring skill, mastering the game with patience and precision. “He’s mastered the game,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said, emphasizing James’ ability to control the flow of play and adapt to changing moments within games.

In Wednesday’s game, James carried the Lakers during critical stretches, especially as Davis faced foul trouble and Memphis erased a 15-point Lakers lead. The Grizzlies, missing their starting backcourt of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, nevertheless surged with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the charge. Memphis outscored the Lakers 70-53 over the second and third quarters, exposing defensive lapses that had been largely absent in the Lakers’ recent games.

Despite Memphis’s rally, the Lakers remained competitive thanks to strong performances from Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht, who delivered a career-high 19 points, hitting all five of his three-point attempts. Together, Knecht and Hachimura combined for 38 points on 13-of-15 shooting, helping to keep the Lakers in the game. “I trust my shot and work on it every single day. My teammates know that and always look for me,” Knecht said, acknowledging Redick’s confidence in him.

Davis returned to the floor in the fourth quarter with five fouls and made two crucial three-pointers, helping to seal the Lakers’ victory. With the win, the Lakers extended their undefeated home record to 6-0, their best home start since 2010. Their longest home win streak at the start of a season dates back to 1988-89, when they opened with 17 straight wins at home.

The Lakers’ next challenge will be in San Antonio as they begin group play in the NBA Cup on Friday. With James in prime form and a strong supporting cast, the Lakers will look to maintain their momentum in what’s shaping up to be a promising season.

Source

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Three minutes of history, of a father and son ripping off their warmups to camera phones and flash bulbs popping.

Three minutes of the show getting in the way of the game, the moment getting in the way of winning.

Seminal moment or clown show? It all depends on the eyes of the beholder, watching LeBron James and Bronny James take the floor at the same time, late in the second quarter of the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I talked about it, years and years ago and for this moment to come, it was pretty cool,” LeBron James said. “In the moment, we still had a job to do when we checked in. We wasn’t trying to make it a circus, we wasn’t trying to make it about us. We wanted to make it about the game.”

“We kept the main thing the main thing.”

The circus does always seem to follow LeBron James, and it doesn’t seem like it’ll stop soon. This just happens to be the first time, as noted by Anthony Davis, that a milestone moment occurred in a Lakers win. So many celebrations have taken place within the backdrop of a loss, and before the night began, it certainly felt like Tuesday would follow a similar trek.

But the Timberwolves seemed bored and disengaged for most of the night, only showing glimpses of the team that made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals a few months ago.

It aided in the Lakers’ 110-103 win, and the win was soothing considering the criticism that would’ve come their way had those three minutes been costly.

“I was wondering during a dead ball why everybody started cheering so loud and then I realized what was happening,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I was like, ‘that’s cool.’ It presented an opportunity for Bronny. He’s played well, competed through preseason just to give him a chance to get it going in a regular season game.”

The hype leading up to the game obscured other prevalent storylines that will take center stage for the next several months. Redick’s slicked hair was doused with water after his first win as head coach, and Davis was the one who led the way, dominating Rudy Gobert with 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 37 minutes.

If Davis is truly going to be the focal point, a statement we’ve heard more than a few times before, this is the start. He motioned to the crowd more than once, seemingly pointing out Gobert was no match for him, and Davis stopped all air traffic near the rim with his presence.

“Just carryover from the Olympics,” Davis said, referencing his time winning a gold medal with the U.S. men’s national basketball team in Paris. “I mean, I’ve had a summer where I got to play basketball. Playing high intensity with some great competition, alongside some great players who made me better. Coming into camp ready to go … it translated into regular-season games.”

That helped make the moment inconsequential in the big picture, but it’s a moment the elder James won’t be able to forget. A moment, the younger James probably couldn’t envision a year ago when he suffered a cardiac arrest playing at USC, not far away from Crypto.com Arena.

On the floor, not much happened. Bronny got scored on by Julius Randle, and missed a 3-pointer off a pass from his dad. For those hoping for a Ken Griffey father-son moment, back-to-back home runs delivered in Disney-like fashion in 1990, it was a dream that wouldn’t come true.

“I try not to focus on everything that’s going on around me,” Bronny James said. “Going in as a rookie and trying not to mess up. I totally did feel the energy and appreciate the Laker nation for showing me support.”

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