Tag: #NBA2024

LeBron James Misses Shootaround Ahead of Suns Preseason Game: Rest or Concern?

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Lakers’ star skips morning session as the team faces a critical preseason back-to-back

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a preseason showdown with the Phoenix Suns, one notable absence at the morning shootaround has raised questions. LeBron James, the team’s cornerstone player, did not participate, sparking speculation about whether this is a move for rest or a sign of deeper concerns.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin was quick to report the development, stating, “LeBron James did not participate in shootaround this morning, per the Lakers,” in a tweet shared on X (formerly Twitter). With no official word of an injury, many believe this absence is precautionary, especially considering the Lakers have another preseason game lined up against the Golden State Warriors the following day.

Rest or Monitoring? LeBron’s Minutes Under Scrutiny

For a player entering his 22nd season, it’s not uncommon for teams to manage minutes and workloads, especially in back-to-back games. LeBron, now 39 years old, may be under even tighter monitoring to ensure he’s in top shape for the long grind of the regular season.

The Lakers have yet to confirm the exact reasoning behind James missing the shootaround. However, based on last season’s experience, we know LeBron isn’t always keen on resting or being put under minutes restrictions. In fact, during Netflix’s Starting 5, an open mic caught LeBron expressing his frustration with such restrictions during their season opener against the Denver Nuggets.

“I know y’all got me on f—–g old man time percentages and s–t…two shots in eight minutes is just getting cardio. I hate this s–t already. This s–t’s garbage,” LeBron vented. His sentiments made it clear that despite his age, he still feels capable of playing big minutes and contributing at a high level.

Pushing for Success in Season 22

As LeBron embarks on his 22nd NBA season, one might expect him to slow down. However, the four-time MVP shows no signs of relenting. Last season, James averaged 35.3 minutes per game, ranking him 17th in the league, a staggering figure for a player in his late thirties. The high workload speaks to the level at which LeBron continues to perform—challenging the boundaries of what’s physically expected of an aging star.

One of the unique motivations fueling him this season could be his son, Bronny James. Playing with his son is a dream that LeBron has long held, and he expressed the emotional significance of this potential milestone after the Lakers’ second preseason game.

“For a father, it means everything. For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have that influence on your son, be able to have moments with your son — and the ultimate, to be able to work with your son — that’s one of the greatest things that a father could ever hope for or wish for,” LeBron said.

Eyes on the Championship

Beyond personal milestones, the overarching goal for LeBron and the Lakers remains the same: win. After falling short of a title since their 2020 Championship run, the team is eager to return to glory, and LeBron will undoubtedly be the driving

 

Lakers’ Head Coach JJ Redick on How LeBron James Will be Utilized in 2024-25

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has outlined his strategy for using LeBron James in the upcoming season, addressing a topic that has generated significant discussion among fans and analysts alike. While many believe the Lakers’ success will depend on how Redick empowers James, the reality is more complex. Nonetheless, positioning the veteran star to excel will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep playoff run.

Redefining LeBron’s Role

As LeBron enters his 40th year, there has been much speculation about how he will fit into the Lakers’ system. In a recent interview on *The Lowe Post*, Redick shed light on his plans, particularly regarding LeBron’s role in the offense. Contrary to popular belief, Redick clarified that playing James off the ball does not mean reducing his influence on the game.

“When people hear that, in regards to LeBron playing off the ball, it doesn’t mean he’s not going to have the ball,” Redick explained. “LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and a scorer, that’s what I mean by being off the ball.”

This approach is designed to maximize LeBron’s effectiveness without subjecting him to the constant physical toll of handling the ball on every possession. By using him in varied roles, Redick aims to extend James’s career while still capitalizing on his unique skills and basketball IQ.

Balancing Offense and Longevity

Despite nearing 40, James continues to defy expectations, coming off another All-NBA season and leading Team USA to an Olympic gold medal. His impressive stats from the 2023-24 season—25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game—demonstrate his ongoing impact. LeBron even posted a career-best 41.0 percent shooting from three-point range, largely due to his efficiency on catch-and-shoot opportunities.

However, as Redick pointed out, the challenge lies in managing James’s workload to preserve his health and effectiveness. “It’s not about making LeBron walk the ball up and get pressured at 94 feet,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a smarter, more balanced approach to utilizing James’s talents.

Creating a Winning Formula

Redick’s plan is not solely focused on limiting LeBron’s minutes or reducing his role but rather on adapting it to maximize his impact. This strategy will likely include off-ball movements that allow LeBron to take advantage of mismatches and open opportunities for scoring and playmaking.

As the Lakers continue to build around Anthony Davis as the central figure of their offense, James will still play a pivotal role. His ability to read the game and make critical decisions will be essential, even if he’s not the primary ball-handler in every possession.

Eyes on the Championship

Ultimately, how the Lakers fare in the 2024-25 season will hinge on their ability to balance LeBron’s contributions with those of his teammates. By crafting a role that highlights his strengths and mitigates potential weaknesses, Redick aims to help James lead the Lakers to another title run.

If Redick’s vision for an adaptable, nuanced approach to using LeBron succeeds, it could set a new precedent for how aging superstars are integrated into high-level competition. For now, the Lakers’ fans and the basketball world wait eagerly to see how this strategy unfolds on the court.

Embiid Commits to Philly, Vows Championship in $193M Extension

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Joel Embiid’s commitment to the Philadelphia 76ers is stronger than ever, as he has signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension. This major deal solidifies Embiid’s future with the Sixers and caps off what has been an exciting offseason for the team.

A Busy Offseason for the 76ers

The 76ers have made significant moves this summer to bolster their roster. Alongside Embiid’s extension, the team added key players like Paul George, Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond. They also secured a long-term deal with Tyrese Maxey, ensuring their core remains intact. Now, the Sixers look poised to make a strong run for the NBA Championship in the upcoming season.

Embiid’s Bold Promise to Philadelphia

Embiid will be at the center of this push, as he is widely regarded as one of the best players in the league when fully healthy. In a bold promise to fans after signing his extension, Embiid reaffirmed his commitment to Philadelphia and expressed his desire to bring a championship to the city. On Instagram, he shared: “Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career. I love this community and everything you’ve given me and my family. You guys deserve a championship, and I think we’re just getting started! #TrustTheProcess”

**Addressing Embiid’s Injury Concerns

Despite his dominance, Embiid’s biggest challenge has been staying healthy, especially when the postseason arrives. The former MVP has often been hampered by injuries, which has limited his effectiveness during critical playoff moments. Nevertheless, he has consistently pushed through and contributed to the team, even when not at full strength.

Reinforcements to Lighten Embiid’s Load**

This offseason, the 76ers have made moves aimed at keeping Embiid in top condition. The addition of Andre Drummond, a strong presence in the paint, will help reduce the burden on Embiid. The team also drafted Adem Bona, an exciting young prospect who could further strengthen their rotation and provide additional support.

With these reinforcements and Embiid’s renewed commitment, the 76ers are setting the stage for a serious championship run. The city of Philadelphia, already brimming with excitement, is ready to rally behind their star center as the team prepares for the season ahead.

Lakers Expand PRIME Hydration Partnership with Exclusive Bottle

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Earlier this year, in March 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers officially partnered with PRIME Hydration, a sports drink brand co-founded by YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI in 2022. The collaboration marked PRIME as the Lakers’ official sports drink, strengthening the bond between one of the fastest-growing hydration brands and one of the most iconic franchises in sports.

Over the past seven months, the partnership has thrived without major changes, providing both entities a valuable opportunity. PRIME secured a deal with a premier sports team, while the Lakers aligned themselves with a rapidly rising sports drink. Now, this partnership is expanding, taking a significant leap with the introduction of a collaborative product: the exclusive Lakers-themed PRIME Hydration bottle.

Exclusive Lakers-Themed PRIME Bottle Unveiled

On Friday, the Lakers and PRIME unveiled the special edition bottle, which sports a distinctive purple and gold design. Featuring purple lettering against a golden-yellow background, the bottle pays homage to the Lakers’ iconic color scheme, making it a must-have for fans. This type of collaboration is rare for the Lakers, but it makes sense given PRIME’s status as a mainstay in the sports hydration market.

PRIME has also made waves across other sports platforms. Earlier in 2024, it became the first-ever ring canvas sponsor for WWE at WrestleMania XL. Additionally, PRIME has partnered with major organizations such as the UFC, the L.A. Dodgers, and European soccer powerhouses like FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Not to mention, the brand is endorsed by NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes.

Lakers’ Emirates NBA Cup Journey and Court Design Leak

While the Lakers fell short of the NBA Championship last season, they claimed victory in the league’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. This year, the tournament returns under a new name, the Emirates NBA Cup, with similar rules and format. As they prepare to defend their title, the Lakers’ home court for the NBA Cup games will feature a fresh design, having drawn criticism for its vibrant colors last year. The newly leaked court design suggests a toned-down, yet still distinctive look for the upcoming games.

As the Lakers strive for continued success on the court, their partnership with PRIME Hydration offers another exciting development for fans to enjoy, reinforcing the Lakers’ legacy both in the sports world and beyond.