LeBron James on D'Angelo Russell: 'We never gave up on him'
“It takes a strong individual, especially when you’re hearing everything that goes around,” James said of Russell. “You’re hearing the trade talks, you’re hearing this and that and whatever the case may be and ‘Is D-Lo the right fit?’ or whatever. One thing is, he just don’t waver. “We never gave up on him either. Even when he went to the bench, we just still wanted to instill confidence in him because we knew we were going to need him. We need his ability — his uncanny ability — to rack up points in a bundle very fast.”
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings vs. Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis injury news; playoff race; scouting reports
sacbee.com/sports/nba/sac… – 8:25 AM
Kings vs. Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis injury news; playoff race; scouting reports
sacbee.com/sports/nba/sac… – 8:25 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is tied for 9th in the NBA in total steals this season (he’s 14th in steals/game, min. 50 games played), which leads all centers. He’s averaging more steals per game than Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. – 9:13 PM
Nikola Jokic is tied for 9th in the NBA in total steals this season (he’s 14th in steals/game, min. 50 games played), which leads all centers. He’s averaging more steals per game than Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. – 9:13 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers status report for Wednesday in SAC: Anthony Davis probable, LeBron James questionable, Cam Reddish out. – 7:41 PM
Lakers status report for Wednesday in SAC: Anthony Davis probable, LeBron James questionable, Cam Reddish out. – 7:41 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
The Lakers are listing Anthony Davis (Achilles) as probable and LeBron James (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Kings. – 7:33 PM
The Lakers are listing Anthony Davis (Achilles) as probable and LeBron James (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Kings. – 7:33 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
All-NBA is going to be crazy this year w/o positions…
Who are the locks?
Jokić, Giannis, Shai, Dončić, Tatum, Durant, Brunson, Kawhi, Edwards, LeBron, Davis, Fox, Lillard good bets…Brown in a mix that includes Zion, Sabonis, Maxey, George, Siakam & some others.
Is he in? – 3:43 PM
All-NBA is going to be crazy this year w/o positions…
Who are the locks?
Jokić, Giannis, Shai, Dončić, Tatum, Durant, Brunson, Kawhi, Edwards, LeBron, Davis, Fox, Lillard good bets…Brown in a mix that includes Zion, Sabonis, Maxey, George, Siakam & some others.
Is he in? – 3:43 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“The Lakers are not a team you want to be rewarded with first round when you’re going against a LeBron James and Anthony Davis fully healthy.”
@AustinRivers25 on facing Los Angeles in playoffs. pic.twitter.com/MSzCgeS2fu – 3:21 PM
“The Lakers are not a team you want to be rewarded with first round when you’re going against a LeBron James and Anthony Davis fully healthy.”
@AustinRivers25 on facing Los Angeles in playoffs. pic.twitter.com/MSzCgeS2fu – 3:21 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Who wins in a 7-game series?
Team 1990s:
G — John Stockton
G — Michael Jordan
F — Scottie Pippen
F — Karl Malone
C — Hakeem Olajuwon
Team 2020s:
G — Steph Curry
G — Luka Doncic
F — LeBron James
F — Giannis Antetokounmpo
C — Nikola Jokic pic.twitter.com/7WZAV63xE5 – 11:08 AM
Who wins in a 7-game series?
Team 1990s:
G — John Stockton
G — Michael Jordan
F — Scottie Pippen
F — Karl Malone
C — Hakeem Olajuwon
Team 2020s:
G — Steph Curry
G — Luka Doncic
F — LeBron James
F — Giannis Antetokounmpo
C — Nikola Jokic pic.twitter.com/7WZAV63xE5 – 11:08 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
New material for your GOAT debates 👇
Michael Jordan pitted against LeBron James every year from age 19 to age 39.
Enjoy.
hoopshype.com/lists/michael-… – 4:25 PM
New material for your GOAT debates 👇
Michael Jordan pitted against LeBron James every year from age 19 to age 39.
Enjoy.
hoopshype.com/lists/michael-… – 4:25 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
New for @theathleticnba: The Week That Was. On DLo, Bronny, and what’s next for the Lakers:
theathletic.com/5332698/2024/0… – 1:51 PM
New for @theathleticnba: The Week That Was. On DLo, Bronny, and what’s next for the Lakers:
theathletic.com/5332698/2024/0… – 1:51 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Story: Comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron James each year from age 19-39 amid the NBA GOAT debate by colleague @FrankUrbina_ on @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/lists/michael-… – 12:44 PM
Story: Comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron James each year from age 19-39 amid the NBA GOAT debate by colleague @FrankUrbina_ on @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/lists/michael-… – 12:44 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast w/ @ryenarussillo
—Why the NBA changed the rules midseason (and they did)
—The Denver Distance
—KD vs Tatum
—2004 vs 2024: a breakdown
—The Wemby Timeline
—Tankapalooza 2024
—Will LAL max LeBron again? Should they?
—So long Mac Jones
open.spotify.com/episode/6hDBVn… – 12:04 AM
New BS Podcast w/ @ryenarussillo
—Why the NBA changed the rules midseason (and they did)
—The Denver Distance
—KD vs Tatum
—2004 vs 2024: a breakdown
—The Wemby Timeline
—Tankapalooza 2024
—Will LAL max LeBron again? Should they?
—So long Mac Jones
open.spotify.com/episode/6hDBVn… – 12:04 AM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final: Lakers 120, Timberwolves 109.
The Lakers are six games above .500 (36-30) for the first time this season.
Anthony Davis: 27 points, 25 rebounds, seven steals, five assists and three blocks.
LeBron James: 29 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. – 12:00 AM
Final: Lakers 120, Timberwolves 109.
The Lakers are six games above .500 (36-30) for the first time this season.
Anthony Davis: 27 points, 25 rebounds, seven steals, five assists and three blocks.
LeBron James: 29 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. – 12:00 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Final: Lakers 120, Wolves 109
LA used a 21-4 run to open the fourth to put the game away. They improve to 36-30 and are 1.5 games ahead of GS for No. 9 in the West. AD had 27 points, 25 rebounds, 7 steals and 3 blocks. LeBron had 29/8/9.
Up next: at Sacramento on Wednesday. – 12:00 AM
Final: Lakers 120, Wolves 109
LA used a 21-4 run to open the fourth to put the game away. They improve to 36-30 and are 1.5 games ahead of GS for No. 9 in the West. AD had 27 points, 25 rebounds, 7 steals and 3 blocks. LeBron had 29/8/9.
Up next: at Sacramento on Wednesday. – 12:00 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers close out the week by beating the West’s No. 2 team in MIN, 120-109, after also beating the West’s No. 1 (OKC) and the East’s No. 2 (MIL) with a loss to the West’s No. 7 (SAC) mixed in. AD was a monster with 27p 25r 7s 5a 3b; LeBron 29p 9a 8r; AR 19p; Rui 15p; D-Lo 13p – 11:59 PM
The Lakers close out the week by beating the West’s No. 2 team in MIN, 120-109, after also beating the West’s No. 1 (OKC) and the East’s No. 2 (MIL) with a loss to the West’s No. 7 (SAC) mixed in. AD was a monster with 27p 25r 7s 5a 3b; LeBron 29p 9a 8r; AR 19p; Rui 15p; D-Lo 13p – 11:59 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron tonight:
29 PTS
8 REB
9 AST
10-16 FG
21 points in the 2nd half. statmuse.com/nba/player/leb… – 11:57 PM
LeBron tonight:
29 PTS
8 REB
9 AST
10-16 FG
21 points in the 2nd half. statmuse.com/nba/player/leb… – 11:57 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
The Lakers are at their best when LeBron and AD are dominating the game in ways other than scoring
Tonight it’s AD’s rebounding and defense and it’s LeBron’s passing – 11:43 PM
The Lakers are at their best when LeBron and AD are dominating the game in ways other than scoring
Tonight it’s AD’s rebounding and defense and it’s LeBron’s passing – 11:43 PM
Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Killer sequence: Conley misses the contested layup, LeBron makes them pay. Wolves in trouble. – 11:33 PM
Killer sequence: Conley misses the contested layup, LeBron makes them pay. Wolves in trouble. – 11:33 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
The Lakers are tweaking their rotation and going with four starters to start the fourth quarter: AD, LeBron, Austin and DLo. Taurean Prince is in place of Rui Hachimrua. – 11:29 PM
The Lakers are tweaking their rotation and going with four starters to start the fourth quarter: AD, LeBron, Austin and DLo. Taurean Prince is in place of Rui Hachimrua. – 11:29 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Third quarter: Wolves 92, Lakers 91
LA opened the third on an 11-2 run before Minnesota closed the quarter with a 22-11 run. AD has 19 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 3 blocks. LeBron has 19/5/6. Rui has 15 pts. Naz Reid has 25 points. Ant has 20/6/6. – 11:26 PM
Third quarter: Wolves 92, Lakers 91
LA opened the third on an 11-2 run before Minnesota closed the quarter with a 22-11 run. AD has 19 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 3 blocks. LeBron has 19/5/6. Rui has 15 pts. Naz Reid has 25 points. Ant has 20/6/6. – 11:26 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Wolves will win the challenge for possession, as Reaves – who wanted a foul called on Reid – touched it last.
LAL up 6 with LeBron scoring the first 5 points of the 3rd Q. – 10:59 PM
Wolves will win the challenge for possession, as Reaves – who wanted a foul called on Reid – touched it last.
LAL up 6 with LeBron scoring the first 5 points of the 3rd Q. – 10:59 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Austin Reaves’ moves 🤝 D’Angelo Russell’s moves
(via @Lakers)
pic.twitter.com/etOYB4FgFY – 10:53 PM
Austin Reaves’ moves 🤝 D’Angelo Russell’s moves
(via @Lakers)
pic.twitter.com/etOYB4FgFY – 10:53 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Naz Reid, who had a career-high 34 points against Cleveland on Friday, has 21 in the first half tonight.
He’s being guarded like a threat and scoring like threat. Past LeBron and through AD here. pic.twitter.com/u7ICRqx6U4 – 10:44 PM
Naz Reid, who had a career-high 34 points against Cleveland on Friday, has 21 in the first half tonight.
He’s being guarded like a threat and scoring like threat. Past LeBron and through AD here. pic.twitter.com/u7ICRqx6U4 – 10:44 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Halftime: Lakers 69, Wolves 68
AD has 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 1 block. Rui Hachimura has 15 points. LeBron has 15/4/5. LA has 20 assists on their 26 made FGs. They’re shooting 66.7%. Wolves hanging around with 3s and points off turnovers (14 on LA’s 11). – 10:41 PM
Halftime: Lakers 69, Wolves 68
AD has 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 1 block. Rui Hachimura has 15 points. LeBron has 15/4/5. LA has 20 assists on their 26 made FGs. They’re shooting 66.7%. Wolves hanging around with 3s and points off turnovers (14 on LA’s 11). – 10:41 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
LeBron James. QB1. Just threw Hachiumura open on the deep post route despite safety help over the top from Anthony Edwards. – 10:34 PM
LeBron James. QB1. Just threw Hachiumura open on the deep post route despite safety help over the top from Anthony Edwards. – 10:34 PM
Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
NAW on DLo, McDaniels on LeBron to start. Lakers have a major size advantage tonight. – 9:44 PM
NAW on DLo, McDaniels on LeBron to start. Lakers have a major size advantage tonight. – 9:44 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters vs. Minnesota:
D’Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Record as starters: 9-3 – 9:12 PM
Lakers’ starters vs. Minnesota:
D’Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Record as starters: 9-3 – 9:12 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron and AD are both playing today.
Cam Reddish has been downgraded to out (right ankle). – 9:07 PM
LeBron and AD are both playing today.
Cam Reddish has been downgraded to out (right ankle). – 9:07 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers say that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing tonight vs Timberwolves – 9:03 PM
Lakers say that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing tonight vs Timberwolves – 9:03 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
LeBron James (left ankle) and Anthony Davis (left shoulder) will be available tonight vs. Minnesota, per the Lakers.
Cam Reddish (right ankle) has been downgraded to out. – 9:00 PM
LeBron James (left ankle) and Anthony Davis (left shoulder) will be available tonight vs. Minnesota, per the Lakers.
Cam Reddish (right ankle) has been downgraded to out. – 9:00 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will both play tonight, per the Lakers.
Cam Reddish is being held out because of his right ankle. – 9:00 PM
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will both play tonight, per the Lakers.
Cam Reddish is being held out because of his right ankle. – 9:00 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Anthony Davis (left shoulder soreness) and LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) have been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. Minnesota.
Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) has been downgraded to OUT. – 9:00 PM
Anthony Davis (left shoulder soreness) and LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) have been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. Minnesota.
Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) has been downgraded to OUT. – 9:00 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron and AD will both be game-time decisions for tonight’s game, via Darvin Ham.
Davis is dealing with shoulder soreness after taking the hit from Giannis on Friday, while LeBron missed last game due to his ankle. – 7:49 PM
LeBron and AD will both be game-time decisions for tonight’s game, via Darvin Ham.
Davis is dealing with shoulder soreness after taking the hit from Giannis on Friday, while LeBron missed last game due to his ankle. – 7:49 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (shoulder) are both game-time decisions vs. Minnesota, per Darvin Ham. – 7:49 PM
LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (shoulder) are both game-time decisions vs. Minnesota, per Darvin Ham. – 7:49 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham says LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (shoulder) will both be a gametime decision against MIN – 7:48 PM
Darvin Ham says LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (shoulder) will both be a gametime decision against MIN – 7:48 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be gametime decisions for tonight vs. Minnesota, per Darvin Ham. – 7:48 PM
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be gametime decisions for tonight vs. Minnesota, per Darvin Ham. – 7:48 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Tonight will I think be the first game all season where the Wolves starting lineup is smaller than the opponents
Interesting sort of riddle to figure out how the Wolves matchup with
Davis
Hachimura
James
Reaves
Russell
McDaniels took LeBron the one other game LeBron played in… – 1:19 PM
Tonight will I think be the first game all season where the Wolves starting lineup is smaller than the opponents
Interesting sort of riddle to figure out how the Wolves matchup with
Davis
Hachimura
James
Reaves
Russell
McDaniels took LeBron the one other game LeBron played in… – 1:19 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Highest eFG% in the clutch this season (min 50 FGA):
64.8 — Shai
63.1 — Steph
60.5 — Jokic
59.0 — LeBron pic.twitter.com/sDbXIAQFyM – 12:55 PM
Highest eFG% in the clutch this season (min 50 FGA):
64.8 — Shai
63.1 — Steph
60.5 — Jokic
59.0 — LeBron pic.twitter.com/sDbXIAQFyM – 12:55 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Bronny James wore his own PE of the LeBron NXXT GEN again last night — his pair features his #6 and his own signature on the tongue. pic.twitter.com/sKHLpwzlso – 12:11 PM
Bronny James wore his own PE of the LeBron NXXT GEN again last night — his pair features his #6 and his own signature on the tongue. pic.twitter.com/sKHLpwzlso – 12:11 PM
More on this storyline
But perhaps most importantly, Russell has gained the trust of Pelinka, Ham and L.A.’s stars. “I think he has the ability to do whatever the team needs, especially offensively,” James told ESPN of Russell’s impact on L.A.’s playoff push. “That’s what’s special about him. He can adapt to whatever the game calls for. “But when D-Lo is at his best, he’s in attack mode.” -via ESPN / March 13, 2024
John Wall: “At that time I was in a dark space trying to find happiness. For me was going out partying, having fun, just trying to find something, yeah, to get me some peace and it wasn’t the right way. And when I had all that go through, and I had like, me… you got to think, 2017 I signed a max contract, I’m one of the top 10 best players in the league. Yeah, second best player after LeBron. Have Achilles injury after that. And now I see, I go from top bottom to the bottom.” -via YouTube / March 13, 2024
Khobi Price: Cam Reddish (sprained right ankle) won’t be available tomorrow against the Kings. LeBron James is listed as questionable, Anthony Davis is probable. pic.twitter.com/5Uwoapt8Bb -via Twitter @khobi_price / March 12, 2024
He started putting in extra time at the practice facility, meeting Lakers head video coordinator Micah Fraction at the gym during odd hours and off days. “When I’m straddling the line of ‘I can be traded,’ ain’t nobody saying, ‘Hey bro, don’t worry about that trade s—,'” Russell said. “I’m getting ate up in the media and ain’t nobody saying nothing? Cool. I’m on my own. I’m on my own s—. I ain’t tripping, I’m built for that. “My approach: Care less, do better. And that’s what was.” -via ESPN / March 13, 2024
That was on display again on Sunday night as Hayes finished with nine points and five rebounds on a perfect 4-of-4 from the field. Afterwards, he discussed that chemistry he has with Russell and how much it helps him thrive offensively. “Shoot, y’all have seen it,” Hayes said after the Lakers’ 11-point win over the Timberwolves. “He’s such a threat offensively that it’s just great playing pick-and-roll with him because if he comes off open then most likely the big is gonna slide over to him and I’m gonna be wide open for a dunk or if I come off open for the lob, then he just gets straight to the rim every time. “We’ve kind of got a nice rapport on that and we have a few certain plays that we like to run whenever we’re in the game just to get to that or get to our spacing with that. It just helps a lot when you have such an offensive threat like that.” -via Lakers Nation / March 13, 2024