Bronny James is fighting an uphill battle.

One year after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California — where he attended school for his freshman year until entering the 2024 NBA Draft — LeBron James’ son is reflecting on how the incident changed his life.

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” James admitted in a Men’s Health profile published Oct. 15. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

The heart episode — which occurred because of a congenital heart defect, or an abnormality that can be treated — happened on what felt like an otherwise “normal” day until he blacked out midway through a running drill. And in the moment, he wasn’t sure what the ramifications would be.

“At the point when it happened, there were a whole bunch of categories that what had happened could fall under, so yeah,” James explained. “There were a whole lot of emotions.”

Still, the 20-year-old admitted that the incident was a catalyst in him really taking care of his health.

“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” James recalled. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications.”

And now, his road to recovery has seen him drafted by his father’s team. Indeed, the father-son duo will join forces on the court this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t have any words,” LeBron James — who, along with Bronny, is also dad to his and Savannah James’ kids Bryce, 17, and Zhuri, 9 — gushed of his eldest’s achievement to reporters at Lakers media day last month. “I can speak about me when it comes to him. I’m just a loss for words. Pure joy, man.”

Los Angeles Lakers Oct 6

LeBron, son Bronny James play together for first time in Lakers preseason game

Celebrity Couples Oct 4

LeBron James' son Bronny James dating this celeb couple's daughter

LeBron added, “Just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.”

Meanwhile, Savannah shared her support on social media by sharing a photo of her husband and son sitting side-by-side in Lakers gear.

“Wow,” she wrote in an Instagram Story last month. “No words can express this gratitude.”

Today, that legacy takes a new step forward as the team revealed their highly anticipated City Edition uniform and court for the 2024-25 NBA season. This bold new look, sponsored by Bibigo, will make its first appearance on November 21 when the Lakers host the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena.

Now introducing: The California Destiny

City Edition | @bibigoUSA pic.twitter.com/Cswjv6ZW1H

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 8, 2024

This year’s City Edition design captures the essence of the “Lake Show” — a nod to the team’s undeniable charisma and style. For the first time in franchise history, “Lake Show” will proudly be emblazoned across the chest, reminding fans and opponents alike that the Lakers aren’t just about winning — they’re about putting on a show while doing it. The vibrant colors and sleek lines of the uniform evoke a modern edge, blending the team’s rich history with a fresh, energetic vibe.

The unveiling of the City Edition court is equally as captivating. It’s a canvas that mirrors the spirit of Los Angeles: bold, glamorous, and unmistakably Lakers. With a unique design that complements the uniform, the court will create a seamless visual experience for fans both in the arena and watching at home. It’s more than just a floor; it’s a stage for basketball greatness.

Coming Nov 21st

California Destiny | @bibigoUSA pic.twitter.com/TGUhT6JOnh

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 8, 2024

The court features the same gradient as the uniform along the perimeter and features 17 stars–for each championship the team has won–across the sideline. The words “Lake Show” are proudly displayed along each baseline. 

The City Edition “Lake Show” uniform is just one of several jerseys the Lakers will don during the season. Including their traditional gold jerseys with purple lettering for home games, purple with gold lettering for road games, and their Sunday edition white uniforms. 

For fans who wish to purchase these jerseys, they will available in team stores and online starting November 14, 2024.

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Bronny James is fighting an uphill battle.

One year after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California — where he attended school for his freshman year until entering the 2024 NBA Draft — LeBron James’ son is reflecting on how the incident changed his life.

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” James admitted in a Men’s Health profile published Oct. 15. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

The heart episode — which occurred because of a congenital heart defect, or an abnormality that can be treated — happened on what felt like an otherwise “normal” day until he blacked out midway through a running drill. And in the moment, he wasn’t sure what the ramifications would be.

“At the point when it happened, there were a whole bunch of categories that what had happened could fall under, so yeah,” James explained. “There were a whole lot of emotions.”

Still, the 20-year-old admitted that the incident was a catalyst in him really taking care of his health.

“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” James recalled. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications.”

And now, his road to recovery has seen him drafted by his father’s team. Indeed, the father-son duo will join forces on the court this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t have any words,” LeBron James — who, along with Bronny, is also dad to his and Savannah James’ kids Bryce, 17, and Zhuri, 9 — gushed of his eldest’s achievement to reporters at Lakers media day last month. “I can speak about me when it comes to him. I’m just a loss for words. Pure joy, man.”

Los Angeles Lakers Oct 6

LeBron, son Bronny James play together for first time in Lakers preseason game

Celebrity Couples Oct 4

LeBron James' son Bronny James dating this celeb couple's daughter

LeBron added, “Just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.”

Meanwhile, Savannah shared her support on social media by sharing a photo of her husband and son sitting side-by-side in Lakers gear.

“Wow,” she wrote in an Instagram Story last month. “No words can express this gratitude.”

Bronny James is fighting an uphill battle.

One year after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California — where he attended school for his freshman year until entering the 2024 NBA Draft — LeBron James’ son is reflecting on how the incident changed his life.

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” James admitted in a Men’s Health profile published Oct. 15. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

The heart episode — which occurred because of a congenital heart defect, or an abnormality that can be treated — happened on what felt like an otherwise “normal” day until he blacked out midway through a running drill. And in the moment, he wasn’t sure what the ramifications would be.

“At the point when it happened, there were a whole bunch of categories that what had happened could fall under, so yeah,” James explained. “There were a whole lot of emotions.”

Still, the 20-year-old admitted that the incident was a catalyst in him really taking care of his health.

“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” James recalled. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications.”

And now, his road to recovery has seen him drafted by his father’s team. Indeed, the father-son duo will join forces on the court this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t have any words,” LeBron James — who, along with Bronny, is also dad to his and Savannah James’ kids Bryce, 17, and Zhuri, 9 — gushed of his eldest’s achievement to reporters at Lakers media day last month. “I can speak about me when it comes to him. I’m just a loss for words. Pure joy, man.”

Los Angeles Lakers Oct 6

LeBron, son Bronny James play together for first time in Lakers preseason game

Celebrity Couples Oct 4

LeBron James' son Bronny James dating this celeb couple's daughter

LeBron added, “Just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.”

Meanwhile, Savannah shared her support on social media by sharing a photo of her husband and son sitting side-by-side in Lakers gear.

“Wow,” she wrote in an Instagram Story last month. “No words can express this gratitude.”

A towering figure in the history of the NBA, West will be commemorated with a No. 44 jersey patch on the left shoulder of every Lakers jersey throughout the season. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who defined an era of basketball, not only as a player but also as a coach and executive, shaping the future of the game.

West, who passed away in June at the age of 86, leaves behind a legacy that few can match.

For 14 seasons, he dominated the court as the Lakers’ floor general, a force who never missed an All-Star game and averaged a staggering 27 points per contest. His contributions led the Lakers to the 1972 NBA title, cementing his place as an icon. But West was more than just a champion. He was named NBA Finals MVP in 1969, an honor even more remarkable given that his team lost the series. His nine trips to the Finals and induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980 further underscore his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats.

The man who inspired the NBA’s iconic logo didn’t stop influencing the game when he retired. West transitioned into coaching, spending three seasons on the Lakers’ bench before taking the reins in the front office.

There, he built the “Showtime” Lakers, a juggernaut of the 1980s that delivered five championships. His eye for talent didn’t end with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. West was also the architect of the Lakers’ early 2000s dynasty, anchored by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, which brought home three consecutive titles from 2000-2002.

West’s impact wasn’t limited to Los Angeles. His genius extended to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he reshaped the franchise as a front-office executive. Later, he served as a board member with the Golden State Warriors, contributing to their rise as an NBA powerhouse, and had a stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.

It’s only fitting that West is set to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame again—this time as a contributor—making him the first individual to enter the Hall in both player and contributor roles. In 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

The outpouring of love and respect for West since his passing has been immense. The NBA held a commemorative courtside seat in his honor during the Summer League in July, and teams like the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks paid tribute to him during the NBA Finals.

The Lakers’ decision to wear his No. 44 on their jerseys is yet another reminder of how much West meant to the organization and the game itself. Fans can also look forward to a special Jerry West jersey giveaway during the Lakers’ season opener in October—a small token of appreciation for a legend who gave so much to the franchise.

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The Lakers set included a beanie with the number 8, a onesie, and a blanket. The package also included T-shirts for the parents with the number 24.

“Welcoming the newest Lakers fans to the world”, said a post on the Los Angeles Lakers X page, which included pictures of some newborns sporting their new Laker gear.

Welcoming the newest Lakers fans to the world.

To honor Kobe's birthday, babies born this week are receiving extra special care packages thanks to @UCLAHealth 🤗 pic.twitter.com/M792PZSVhf

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2024

The late basketball star would have been celebrating his 46th birthday on Aug. 23. The following day, Aug. 24, is officially known as “Kobe Bryant Day” or “Mamba Day.”

This week, all newborns born at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and Ronald Reagan UCLA Center received Kobe-inspired gifts.

A congratulatory included in the care package read as follows:

“Welcome to the world! Today just became more special! The world has always celebrated Kobe Bryant on this day. Now, your growing family has even more of a reason to cherish today. To your little one, the next-generation Lakers fan. And to Kobe, may your family always continue his legacy by wearing purple and gold. Congratulations.

Several events have been planned in Southern California to honor the Black Mamba.

Bryant, whose impact on the city transcends basketball, would have been celebrating his 46th birthday on Aug. 23. The following day, Aug. 24, is officially known as “Kobe Bryant Day” or “Mamba Day.”

What is Kobe Bryant Day or Mamba Day?

Following Bryant’s retirement from basketball in 2016, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti officially declared Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day.

The day is a nod to Bryant’s two jersey numbers that he wore during his 20-year, Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant won five championships for the purple and gold and was recognized for his talent on the court as well as his philanthropy work, which was dedicated to “improving the lives of youth families in need and encouraging young people to stay active through sports.”

That charity is now known as the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation and is run by Bryant’s widow, Vanessa.

In 2020, after Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, along with seven other passengers, tragically died in a helicopter crash, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to declare Aug. 24 officially “Kobe Bryant Day,” as well.

That same year, Nike, launched “Mamba Week,” which includes events and programming to honor Bryant, as well as the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.

A city dressed in purple and gold

This year’s “Mamba Week” features weekend festivities beginning with the launch of the “LA Royal” collection by the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, led by Vanessa Bryant. This line of merchandise, draped in the unmistakable purple and gold, is more than just apparel — it’s a piece of Kobe’s heart given back to the city he loved. From sweatshirts to shorts, each item is a reminder of his unwavering dedication to Los Angeles, a city that now wears his memory as a badge of honor.

A statue that speaks volumes

Earlier this month, on Aug. 2, a day honoring the numbers of Kobe (No. 8) and Gianna, who wore No. 2, the Lakers unveiled a new statue honoring both the love of both father and daughter just outside Crypto.com Arena.

This tribute stands tall, casting a shadow that reaches far beyond the arena, symbolizing a legacy that continues to inspire. For fans, this statue is not just a monument; it’s a place of pilgrimage, where stories of “Mamba Mentality” are shared, and memories of Kobe’s greatness are relived.

Mamba League Invitational: The spirit of competition

The weekend officially kicks off on Aug. 23 with the second annual Mamba League Invitational, a two-day basketball tournament created by Nike. Elite high school athletes from across the nation will gather to showcase their skills, each driven by the ethos Kobe instilled in every player who ever aspired to be great.

This event is more than just a tournament; it’s a living embodiment of the “Mamba Mentality” — a relentless pursuit of excellence, a celebration of hard work and a testament to Kobe’s enduring influence on the game. Last year’s event featured LeBron James’ son Bryce James, as well as many other top high school players across the country.

Dodger Stadium: A weekend of hoops and homage

Dodger Stadium joins the citywide celebration with a weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays, beginning on Friday, Aug. 23. The matchup not only revives memories of the 2020 World Series but also intertwines the legacies of the Lakers and Dodgers. Friday night will see a Lakers-themed drone show, lighting up the sky in tribute to Kobe and the 2020 NBA champions.

Saturday’s game is all about Showtime, with the first 40,000 fans receiving a special Lakers Showtime T-shirt. The shirt, featuring legends like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, is a nod to an era that defined basketball and a reminder of Kobe’s place in that storied lineage.

Sunday wraps up the weekend with a 1:10 p.m. PT game, where fans will receive a black and gold Kobe Bryant jersey. This jersey, more than just a piece of memorabilia, is a symbol of the legacy Kobe left behind — a legacy that continues to inspire generations. After the game, young fans will get their own moment of glory, running the bases in a stadium where Kobe’s name will forever echo.

Other Mamba Day celebrations

The Pacific Park Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier will be illuminated Wednesday with the Nos. 8 and 24 and the purple and gold colors of the Lakers. The light show will feature patterns and transitions.

Honoring the Black Mamba

As we commemorate Kobe’s 46th birthday and Mamba Day, it’s clear that his influence on Los Angeles and the world remains as potent as ever. This weekend isn’t just about remembering a basketball player — it’s about honoring a man who embodied the very spirit of the city he called home.

From the Mamba League to Dodger Stadium, the events of this weekend serve as a powerful reminder that Kobe Bryant’s legacy is not confined to the past; it lives on in every corner of Los Angeles, in every aspiring athlete and in the hearts of fans who continue to be inspired by his life.

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In total, the Lakers will have 39 nationally televised games, three more than the Golden State Warriors and five more than the reigning NBA Champion Boston Celtics and New York Knicks

Here are five unique takeaways from the Lakers’ upcoming season that stand out from the rest.

1. Opening Night Showdown Sets the Tone

The Lakers are set to tip off their 77th season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on NBA’s opening night, Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Crypto.com Arena.

This matchup is more than just the start of a new season—it’s a statement game. The Timberwolves, led by their young core, will provide an early test for the Lakers, who are eager to prove that they are still among the elite in the Western Conference.

A strong start on opening night could set the tone for a season where every game counts, especially with the stakes of the NBA Cup looming in December.

2. A Holiday Tradition Continues: Christmas Day at Golden State

Christmas Day games have become synonymous with Lakers basketball, and this year marks their 26th consecutive appearance on December 25th.

The Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors, renewing one of the league’s most compelling rivalries. The festive showdown is not just another game on the schedule—it’s an opportunity for the Lakers to showcase their talent on a national stage against a formidable opponent.

With the league-best 24 Christmas Day victories, the Lakers will look to add another win to their holiday tradition, making this game a must-watch.

3. Michael Cooper’s Jersey Retirement: A Night of Nostalgia and Legacy

January 13th will be a night of celebration as the Lakers retire Michael Cooper’s No. 21 jersey when they host the San Antonio Spurs. Cooper, a defensive stalwart during the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, will be honored for his contributions to the franchise’s success, including five championships and numerous defensive accolades.

The jersey retirement will not only be a tribute to Cooper’s legacy but also a reminder of the rich history that continues to inspire the current Lakers roster. This event is bound to be an emotional and nostalgic night for fans and players alike.

4. The Grueling Six-Game Road Trip: A Midseason Test of Resilience

From January 25th to February 4th, the Lakers will embark on their longest road trip of the season, spanning six games in 11 days.

This stretch includes a mix of challenging matchups, starting with the Golden State Warriors and concluding with a cross-town showdown against the LA Clippers at their new home inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA.

Road trips like these can define a team’s character and cohesion, and the Lakers will need to dig deep to navigate this midseason gauntlet. How they fare during this stretch could significantly impact their playoff positioning and overall momentum heading into the latter half of the season.

5. The Crucial Homestand: An Opportunity to Build Momentum

From February 25th to March 6th, the Lakers will enjoy a six-game homestand, the longest of the season. This 10-day stretch at Crypto.com Arena presents a golden opportunity for the team to build momentum, especially as they prepare for the final push toward the playoffs.

The homestand features matchups against the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks, both of which are expected to be competitive. Success during this period could solidify the Lakers’ standing in the Western Conference and provide much-needed rest and recovery time before the season’s final stretch.

The season ends in Portland against the Trail Blazers on April 13. The Lakers’ roster is relatively unchanged since last season with the additions of Bronny James, who is expected to spend most of the season in the G-League with the South Bay Lakers, and first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht.

The biggest change with the Lakers starts at the top with the new head coach J.J. Redick and his staff. Under a new coach, a new system, and a similar roster, the Lakers will need to improve tremendously from last season’s performance in order to make the playoffs and make another run at an NBA title.

Here’s the full breakdown of the Lakers new staff:

Head Coach: Redick

JJ Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter and media standout, steps into his new role with considerable expectations. After retiring in 2021, Redick quickly transitioned to the media world, earning acclaim for his insightful analysis and popular podcast, “Mind the Game,” co-hosted with LeBron James. Despite lacking coaching experience, Redick’s deep basketball knowledge, analytical mindset, and strong rapport with James provide a solid foundation for his coaching debut.

Assistant Coach: Nate McMillan

Nate McMillan brings over two decades of NBA coaching experience, most recently leading the Atlanta Hawks. As a former player turned coach, McMillan’s wealth of knowledge will be crucial in guiding Redick through the nuances of NBA coaching. His presence adds a layer of stability and expertise to the staff.

Assistant Coach: Scott Brooks

Scott Brooks, another seasoned NBA veteran, joins the Lakers with a rich coaching resume. Known for his successful tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooks offers a strategic mind and a track record of player development. His experience will be invaluable as the Lakers aim to rebuild their championship aspirations.

Assistant Coach: Bob Beyer

Bob Beyer, a coaching journeyman with over two decades in the NBA, rounds out the veteran trio. Beyer’s extensive experience across multiple franchises equips him to support Redick in navigating the complexities of NBA coaching. His seasoned perspective will be a steadying force for the team.

Assistant Coach: Greg St. Jean

Greg St. Jean returns to the Lakers after contributing to their 2020 championship as a player development coach. St. Jean’s familiarity with the organization and key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis makes him a strategic asset. His role will be pivotal in fostering player development and continuity within the team.

Assistant Coach: Lindsey Harding

Lindsey Harding, a former WNBA star and celebrated coach, makes history as the first female coach in Lakers history. Harding’s impressive coaching trajectory, highlighted by her G League Coach of the Year award with the Stockton Kings, underscores her capability and potential to make a significant impact on the Lakers’ coaching staff.

Assistant Coach: Beau Levesque

Beau Levesque, known for his player development prowess, completes the coaching lineup. Formerly with the Los Angeles Clippers, Levesque is tasked with advancing the Lakers’ focus on player growth and development. His expertise aligns with Redick’s vision for nurturing talent and building a robust team foundation.

The Lakers are determined to rebound from a disappointing season that ended with a first-round playoff exit. With Redick at the helm, supported by an experienced and diverse coaching staff, the Lakers are poised to reassert themselves in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.

Since the Dream Team in 1992, Olympic basketball has become must-see TV every four years. The NBA has grown internationally over that span and superstars can now be found across the globe, leveling the playing field for all teams, and creating more parity in the Olympics Games.

According to the NBA, there will be nearly 80 current or former NBA players competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Many of them All-Stars.

The United States has won the gold medal in the last four consecutive Summer Olympic Games and if they want to make it five straight, they will need the help of the Los Angeles Lakers dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

The presence of James and Davis adds not just experience, but magnetic leadership qualities to this year’s squad. The duo have dominated on the court in their preparation for the games, including in front of former president Barack Obama.

Obama added to the buzz for the gold medal favorites when he surprised the team in Las Vegas, NV for a USA basketball showcase, sitting courtside in a pair of Thursday Boots’ premier low-top white sneakers, while going viral for his handshake line with the team.

Nolan Walsh, co-founder of Thursday Boots, expressed his excitement about seeing the former president courtside in their shoes: “It’s an honor to have any President wear our sneakers. We were very excited to see him wearing our sneakers, especially because he doesn’t accept gifts! The office wouldn’t stop talking about how cool it was to see a former President wearing our timeless white Premier Low Top sneakers at the USA Basketball Showcase. No one can deny that Obama embodies perfect presidential style!”

Speaking of style, Ralph Lauren, continuing its legacy, has crafted the uniforms for Team USA’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The Opening Ceremony outfit features a navy blue jacket with red and white stripes, a light blue striped dress shirt, blue-washed jeans, and beige suede shoes. The jacket proudly displays the U.S. Olympic team logo and the Ralph Lauren logo, epitomizing American style and pride.

For the Closing Ceremony, athletes will don a predominantly white look, including a moto-style denim jacket and jeans, a polo, a hat, and the same belt and shoes from the Opening Ceremony. The white jacket has a distinctive red, navy blue, and light blue strip, with “USA” emblazoned across the chest.

“Ralph Lauren has once again created designs that not only capture the essence of American style but also embody the spirit and pride of Team USA,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

LeBron James, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, will lead the United States as the first male basketball player to bear the flag in the Opening Ceremony. Joining him is the dynamic and talented Coco Gauff, who represents the new wave of American tennis excellence.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James shared. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony can be seen live on NBC at 10:30 AM PT on Friday, July 26.

Team USA kicks off their journey for a fifth straight gold medal on Sunday against Serbia in Lille, France.

Even down to their familiar mannerisms, facial expressions and the way they run and shuffle back on defense. Then, Bronny James took his place in the starting lineup for Los Angeles and his professional career was formally underway Saturday — wearing jersey No. 9, not to be confused with his dad’s former 6 uniform he sported before switching to 23.

The younger James wound up 2 for 9 for four points, missing all three of his 3s, with a pair of assists, two rebounds and a steal in just under 22 minutes of court time — 21:43 to be exact — as the Lakers lost 108-94 to the Sacramento Kings.

James missed his initial two shots while playing nearly six minutes in his first run of action — grabbing a defensive rebound 1 minute, 20 seconds into the game then missing a 21-foot jump shot moments later. He came up short on a 26-foot 3-point try at the 4:23 mark of the opening quarter before getting a breather.

James received cheers and a warm ovation when he returned to the court at the 8:17 mark of the second quarter. He was initially whistled for his first career foul on a 3-point attempt by Sacramento’s Xavier Sneed on the right wing with 7:23 remaining, and James argued briefly before the play went to replay review and was overturned. James missed a 3 off the front rim from the top of the arc at 7:04.

Then, at last, James scored his first NBA points on a driving layup 5:51 before halftime. He missed a pair of free throws at the 4:43 mark of the third period in his first trip to the line.

At one point during his warmup routine, the 6-foot-2 guard stood with hands on hips in a resemblant position to one of his father, LeBron. And during the game, the son leaned over by the baseline 3-point corner, gripping his knees while waiting for the offensive possession to begin.

Drafted by the Lakers with the 55th overall selection in the second round out of the University of Southern California, Bronny James started against the Kings in his much-anticipated debut at the California Classic in the San Francisco arena home to the Golden State Warriors.

He will likely get another chance to play Sunday, when the Lakers face the Warriors again at the Chase Center.

If all goes as planned, the 19-year-old James and his dad would become the first father-son pair to play in the NBA at the same time — and on the same team no less.

Bronny is NBA career scoring leader LeBron’s oldest son. He survived cardiac arrest last July 24 during an informal team workout at USC and it was later determined he had a congenital heart defect. The younger James signed a four-year contract that will pay him $7.9 million.

“It’s for sure amplified the amount of pressure,” Bronny James said this past week when formally introduced by the Lakers. “I’ve already seen it in (social) media and on the internet and stuff talking about (how) I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with stuff like this for my whole life. It’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure, but I can get through it.”

However, before he officially takes the floor alongside the league’s oldest player, he will get his first taste of NBA action with other up-and-comers this summer.

The Los Angeles Lakers introduced Bronny James on Tuesday after selecting with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. During the introduction, new Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered insight into when LeBron James’ son and fellow rookie Dalton Knecht will debut with the team.

Will Bronny James play in NBA Summer League?

Redick announced on Tuesday that both Bronny James and Knecht would play in Summer League.

Lakers Summer League schedule

The Lakers will play in two versions of Summer League this year.

The team will first take part in the California Classic and play three exhibitions at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors.

NBA Jun 28

When does NBA Summer League begin? Key dates for 2024

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Looking back at some of the NBA's best father-son duos after Bronny James joins LeBron as a Laker

From there, they will play in the Las Vegas Summer League along with the other 29 NBA teams.

Here is the Lakers’ full Summer League schedule:

California Classic

Las Vegas Summer League

The event at the team’s training center in El Segundo was the first news conference with the two new Lakers. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ VP of basketball operations and general manager, and JJ Redick, the team’s new coach, were at the news conference.

James, the 19-year-old son of LeBron James, has commanded most of the attention after he was drafted in the second round last week out of USC. The No. 55 overall pick played an abbreviated season at USC after recovering from a heart issue. His unusual path to the NBA included workouts with only for the Lakers and Phoenix Suns ahead of the draft.

Both father and son expressed a desire to team up in Los Angeles.

“Everything’s been surreal, trying to take it all in,” Bronny James said. “I’m extremely grateful for everything that (coach) JJ (Redick) and (general manager) Rob (Pelinka) have given to me. I’ve just been excited to get to work.”

In his lone season with the Trojans, Bronny James was limited to 490 minutes over 25 games with six starts. He missed the first eight games of the season while recovering from a medical procedure to treat a congenital heart defect.

Lakers Jun 29

LeBron James to opt out of Lakers deal, but expected to return on new contract, report says

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Looking back at some of the NBA's best father-son duos after Bronny James joins LeBron as a Laker

The 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound guard averaged 4.8 points per game.

Assuming there are no surprise offseason moves, LeBron and Bronny James will become the first-ever father-son duo to team up in an NBA game. Over the weekend, it was reported than James plans to opt out of his current contract and re-join the Lakers on a new deal.

“It’s for sure an amplified amount of pressure,” Bronny James said. “I’ve already seen it — social media and the internet and stuff talking about how I might not deserve an opportunity. But, you know, I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life. So it’s nothing different, but it’s more amplified for sure. But I’ll get through it.”

Redick, in his first head coaching job, said Bronny James has earned an NBA opportunity.

“Rob and I did not give Bronny anything,” Redick said. “Bronny has earned this. Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny has earned this through hard work.

“We view Bronny as like Case Study 1, because his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing, there is a lot to like about his game. He’s going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.”

And then there’s Knect, a sharpshooter out of Tennessee who might not be the center of attention at the introductory news conference, but could be central to the Lakers’ success moving forward. The 23-year-old guard, the No. 17 overall pick, was one of the college game’s top scorers last season, averaging 22 points per game.

Redick said the team was surprised to find Knecht at No. 17.

“We didn’t think Dalton would be available at 17 but he provides something that we just don’t have,” Redick said. “He’s a movement shooter. He can obviously play off the bounce. We viewed him very highly on our draft board, and he can score at all three levels. … There was a lot of things to be excited about with Dalton. I’m excited to coach him.”

First, LeBron will have to make a decision on his future. He has a player option on his contract with the Lakers and can opt out and become a free agent, which many expect him to do. However, with his son now on the Lakers, and LeBron being very open about his desire to share the court with him, could the move be enough to lure LeBron back to Laker Land?

Bronny James entered the draft with modest expectations, ranked as the No. 54 prospect by Yahoo Sports’ Krysten Peek. While many NBA front offices didn’t consider him a first-round pick, the possibility of seeing him play alongside his father always kept the speculation alive. As the second round began, Bronny stood out as the biggest name available, with the Lakers emerging as the obvious destination.

LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, had made it clear that Bronny and LeBron were not a package deal. However, the Lakers’ interest in Bronny persisted throughout the draft process. By drafting Bronny, the Lakers not only secured a promising young talent but also retained the possibility of keeping LeBron, who as previously mentioned, may opt out of his contract soon.

Bronny’s predraft journey was unique. He only worked out for the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. Despite the Suns losing their second-round pick due to a tampering violation, there was still a possibility of them trading back in.

Additionally, teams like the Toronto Raptors (No. 31), Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 37), and Dallas Mavericks (No. 58) showed interest in the 6-foot-2 combo guard. However, Rich Paul’s insistence on a guaranteed deal for Bronny added another layer of complexity to his draft prospects.

Bronny’s lone season at USC was cut short due to a cardiac arrest, limiting his averages to 4.8 points per game. This made some teams hesitant to take a chance on him. Yet, the Lakers saw beyond the stats, recognizing the potential and legacy he carries. Their selection of Bronny at No. 55 wasn’t just a strategic move but a statement of belief in his future.

The Lakers’ draft night also saw them pick Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht at No. 17, a choice that many analysts consider a significant steal. But it was the selection of Bronny James that truly captivated the basketball world. As fans and analysts alike buzzed with excitement, the vision of LeBron and Bronny sharing the court became a tantalizing reality.

This historic moment for the Lakers and the James family is about more than basketball. It’s about legacy, dreams, and the bonds that transcend the game. The anticipation now shifts to the upcoming season, where the possibility of witnessing the first father-son duo in NBA history promises to be a spectacle unlike any other.

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On a pivotal night in Brooklyn, the Los Angeles Lakers chose a player for both their present and future, by selecting Tennessee scorer Dalton Knect with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the draft, there were many questions on whether or not the Lakers would actually make the selection, or include the pick in a pre-draft trade with another team.

There were several blockbuster trades leading up to the draft, the most important of which, was the New York Knicks going all in on their former Villanova players on their roster by trading away Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, and one protected first-round pick, in exchange for forward Mikal Bridges.

Nevertheless, the Lakers opted to keep their first-round selection to bolster their roster now, while also looking ahead towards the future.

Knecht’s journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 212 pounds, he emerged as a standout guard in his lone season at the University of Tennessee this year.

Averaging an impressive 21.7 points per game with shooting splits of 45.8% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc, and 77.2% from the free-throw line, Knecht led the SEC in scoring and was a dominant force on the court. His performance earned him First Team All-America honors and the title of SEC Player of the Year.

Before his time at Tennessee, Knecht honed his skills at Northern Colorado, where he played for two seasons. Over his 103 Division I games, Knecht averaged 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, consistently proving his scoring prowess. He scored in double figures in 75 of those games, including 38 with 20 or more points, 11 with 30 or more, and one memorable 40-point performance.

Knecht’s early years were spent at Northeastern Junior College in Colorado, following his graduation from Prairie View High School in Henderson, Colorado. From overlooked high school talent to college standout, his winding path to stardom speaks volumes about his resilience and determination.

Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, expressed his excitement about Knecht’s selection in a statement released by the team.

“It’s an extremely exciting night for the Los Angeles Lakers. We would have never imagined a player as skilled and perfect for our needs would be there for us,” said Pelinka. “We had him as a top 10 player unanimously across our scouting boards.”

Pelinka emphasized Knecht’s competitive nature, calling him a “three-level scorer” who excels on both ends of the floor. Knecht’s ability to defend, his physicality, and his athleticism make him a valuable 3-and-D player, fitting seamlessly into the Lakers’ roster.

The Lakers’ decision to draft Knecht addresses several team needs, particularly in perimeter scoring and spot-up shooting. His versatility and scoring ability are expected to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing the Lakers with a much-needed offensive weapon. Knecht’s game draws comparisons to notable NBA players such as Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jerami Grant, and Terrence Ross, reflecting his potential to make a significant impact.

As the newest member of the Lakers, Dalton Knecht carries the hopes of a franchise eager to return to championship contention. His journey from overlooked high school player to NBA first-round pick is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Lakers fans can look forward to seeing Knecht’s scoring prowess and defensive tenacity on full display at the Crypto.com Arena, as he embarks on this new chapter in his basketball career.

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“I have never coached in the NBA before,” said Redick smiling, addressing that very elephant within minutes of taking the microphone. “I don’t know if you guys have heard that.”

It’s true. Redick has never coached at any level except his eight-year-old son’s youth team. But, the 15-year NBA veteran, known for his sharpshooting skills and basketball acumen on the court, will take the experience and communication skills he’s learned as a podcaster, analyst, and broadcaster with him in his role as a head coach. Many of those skills are invaluable and all of it is experience. It might not be head coaching experience, but it’s NBA experience nonetheless.

NBC LA was in attendance for Redick’s press conference on Monday afternoon and here are the five key takeaways from his debut appearance with the purple and gold.

1. A Coaching Philosophy Rooted in Experience

As earlier mentioned, Redick’s coaching approach is deeply influenced by his extensive playing career. He emphasized player development, teamwork, and a high basketball IQ as the cornerstones of his strategy. Drawing from his years on the court, Redick plans to foster a culture of competition, where each player understands their role and contributes to the team’s collective success.

“I have zero coaching experience in the NBA, but I would argue that I’m very experienced,” Redick stated with conviction. “It started 22 years ago when I went to Duke and I got to play for Coach K for four years. Then I spent 15 years as a player, and honestly, the last three years have been invaluable in preparing me for this moment, being able to connect to players, talking to them on the podcast, being in coaching interviews with ESPN, calling games, analyzing the game in three different formats, all of that has helped prepare me to be an NBA head coach.”

2. Vision for a Versatile and Adaptable Team

At the heart of Redick’s vision is a commitment to versatility and adaptability. He aims to implement a strong defensive strategy paired with an up-tempo offensive style. Redick believes in preparing players to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, ensuring they can thrive in various game situations.

“I think about the NBA today, and the game is evolving. It’s evolving fast and one of the things in coaching is you have to be adaptable. You have to be adaptable to your roster, you have to be adaptable in game planning against your opponent, and that’s one of the things I really will strive to be,” said Redick, setting a clear expectation for the Lakers’ future.

3. Building Strong Player Relationships

Redick spoke passionately about the importance of building strong relationships with his players. He sees trust and communication as vital to team success. By understanding each player’s individual needs and earning their trust, Redick aims to create a positive and cohesive team culture.

“With any player I have a vision for on how I want to use them, there has to be a buy-in and collaboration,” said Redick. “I can sit up here and tell you how I would like for them to play, but if there’s no buy-in then it doesn’t really matter. Anthony [Davis] and I already had a conversation a week ago about some of the ideas both offensively and defensively…I brought up with him the idea of him being a hub…in a way that sort of maximizes all of his abilities.”

4. High Expectations and Ambitious Goals

The new head coach is setting the bar high, aiming for consistent playoff appearances and long-term success. Redick underscored the importance of hard work, dedication, and maintaining a winning mindset. His ambitious goals reflect his determination to lead the Lakers back to the top.

“Lastly, I just want to say, sitting in this seat, I know what the expectations are for the Lakers. The Lakers fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and the expectation is a championship. So it’s my job, Rob’s [Pelinka] job, all of us, to deliver a championship-caliber team. That’s what I signed up for.”

5. Smooth Transition from Player to Coach

Redick shared personal anecdotes from his playing career, reflecting on how they’ve shaped his coaching philosophy. His transition from player to coach, while challenging, is a journey he embraces wholeheartedly. Redick’s personal experiences add authenticity to his vision and approach, making him a relatable and inspiring leader.

“Every experience on the court has prepared me for this moment,” he reflected, adding a personal touch to his professional journey.

JJ Redick’s first press conference as the Lakers’ head coach offered a glimpse into his strategic mind and communication style. Another thing that was noteworthy was that Pelinka mentioned he and Redick would like to hire at least two assistant coaches with NBA coaching experience to help usher their new leader into his role.

Redick also mentioned he was open to coaching the Lakers’ summer league team in Las Vegas, and wasn’t afraid to drop a few curse words when it came to his detractors.

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Redick was considered the front-runner for the job in the days after the Lakers parted ways with second-year coach Darvin Ham May 3 following a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. Ham was 90-74 with the Lakers.

The team threw a curveball by offering the position to University of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, who turned down what was reported to be a six-year, $70 million contract to return to UConn in pursuit of a third-straight national championship.

The Lakers made the official announcement Monday before Reddick and Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka fielded questions at the news conference. Redick was asked about the hiring process and the Lakers’ courtship of Hurley.

“In no way was my ego hurt or bruised in any way,” Redick said. “I understood”

Redick’s only coaching experience is with his son’s youth team.

“I have never coached in the NBA before. I don’t know if you guys have heard that,” Redick joked. “My motivations for doing this, it starts with a very simple foundation of service. I think about the greatest moments, especially towards the end of my career, was about helping players, and so it starts with the desire to serve players, to serve the Lakers organization, to serve our fans.

“It’s also about competition and performance. Collaboration. Leadership. These are the things that drive me and they will all be important as I build out my staff.”

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Following an 15-season NBA playing career with six teams, including the Clippers, Redick became an analyst with ESPN in 2021 and was promoted to its lead team in February after the departure of Doc Rivers to become the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Redick was a pioneer of podcasting. In 2016, he became the second active player with a podcast, following NFL linebacker A.J. Hawk. Since March, he has hosted “Mind the Game” with Lakers star LeBron James.

Redick played college ball for Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, where he was a two-time All-American and the 2006 National College Player of the Year. The Orlando Magic drafted him at No. 11 that same year, three years after James was drafted No. 1 out of high school by Cleveland.

Redick will become the Lakers’ seventh permanent coach since Phil Jackson’s retirement following the 2010-11 season — Bernie Bickerstaff served a five-game stint as interim coach during the 2012-13 season — and fourth since James signed with the team in 2018.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Redick,” Hall of Famer Magic Johnson posted on social media Thursday. “I enjoyed watching him as a player — great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness.

“If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers — this could work out! But will his transition from star basketball player to head coach end up like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, or Doc Rivers or the former NBA players turned coaches who weren’t successful?”

Redick will inherit a team with James and Anthony Davis that made a four-win improvement over the previous season. The team went on a 3-10 slump in December, but closed out the season on the upswing with a 23-10 record. They beat New Orleans in a play-in game, only to fall to the Nuggets.

“The expectation is a championship, and so it’s my job, it’s our staff’s job, it’s Rob’s job, it’s all of us to deliver a championship caliber team. That’s what I signed up for,” Redick said Monday.

James and Davis both hold player options for 2024-25, which must be exercised by June 29. If both return, other core players under contract for next season include D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Reaves, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt.

The team may need to consider a trade for a third star to play alongside James and Davis or rely on another role player to step up next season.

The Lakers have not won a playoff round in three of four seasons with James and Davis. They won with 2020 NBA title in the Florida pandemic-era bubble.

“We are thrilled to introduce JJ Redick as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers,” Pelinka said in a Monday statement. “After a thoughtful and thorough search process, I couldn’t be more proud to welcome JJ, his wife Chelsea, and their two sons to the Lakers family.

“JJ is a fierce competitor and has an extraordinary basketball IQ and understanding of the modern game that will energize players and excite fans. His rigorous analysis will immediately unlock new opportunities for our roster while setting a foundation for player development over the long term. He brings an intense dedication to innovation, advancing the game and staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving league. Beyond his basketball acumen, JJ has a care for people and genuine empathy that are critical for connecting with players today. This is an exciting time for Lakers basketball.” 

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the next voice of the Lakers is a familiar one in former NBA sharpshooter, podcast host and ESPN broadcaster JJ Redick.

Redick, who has no head coaching experience at any level, is a bold choice for a franchise with a storied history such as the Lakers.

Redick’s rise in his post-playing career has been meteoric. During the bubble season in 2020, Redick’s first foray into broadcasting was with his own production company called ThreeFourTwo Productions. The company’s first content was a podcast hosted by Redick called “The Old Man and the Three.”

After retiring from the NBA following the 2021 season, Redick was hired as an analyst by ESPN and made his debut on Nov. 3, 2021, as a studio analyst for the network’s coverage of a game between the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks.

Redick’s rise was prominent. Inside the corridors of ESPN, his voice became synonymous with sharp analysis and insightful commentary. None of that came as a surprise for those like myself, who followed his playing career.

Redick learned the game from Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke where he was a two-time All-American and the 2006 National College Player of the Year.

The Orlando Magic drafted him that same year and he quickly helped lead them to the 2009 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Lakers in five games.

Redick came to Los Angeles in 2013 with the Clippers where he played five seasons for the team, helping them reach the playoffs in all five. It was in the arena formerly known as Staples Center where we quickly learned that Redick’s basketball IQ was off the charts and that one day he would be destined for more than just the broadcasting booth.

On Thursday, just three short years after his retirement, that potential has been realized as the Lakers have named him the 27^th head coach in franchise history.

Redick is considered a player’s coach, and many inside the Lakers’ organization have compared him to a young Pat Riley.

As a player, Redick’s career was defined by his precision and understanding of the game. Something that’s on fully display in his new podcast with his now star player, LeBron James. The podcast, which launched during the postseason, is called “Mind the Game” and it’s co-produced by Redick and James’ respective production companies.

Many believed it was those conversations with James on the podcast that put Redick on the Lakers’ radar. On the show, the two break down the X’s and O’s of the game and discuss late-game strategies and defensive positioning. Redick and James will now bring that same meticulous approach to the Lakers’ sidelines during the upcoming season.

Redick was a sharpshooter throughout his career and is expected to emphasize 3-point shooting, pace and space as he tries to rejuvenate the Lakers’ offense.

Redick interviewed with the Lakers over the weekend and was hired just a few days later. His hiring comes less than a week before the 2024 NBA Draft.

Redick will have to learn on the job as fast as possible. His first move will be to hire a staff, hopefully with some veteran head coaches as assistants. Redick knows all too well, the pressure that comes with the high-profile position as the Lakers head coach.

With stars like James and Anthony Davis on the roster, Redick will look to make the Lakers a championship contender both this season and into the future. In order to do so, he will need to foster a winning culture and understand the dynamics and roles with the star-studded lineup.

Lakers fans, known for their passion and high expectations, have greeted the news with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Social media is abuzz with reactions, with many optimistic about what Redick can bring to the team. His reputation as a hardworking, knowledgeable basketball mind has fans hopeful that he can lead the Lakers back to championship contention.

However, those same fans were ecstatic at the prospect of two-time NCAA national championship head coach Dan Hurley from Connecticut taking the job. But, Hurley turned down the Lakers’ offer to remain at UConn and chase a third straight title.

Redick may not have been the team’s first choice, but in his new role, the future looks bright. His blend of modern basketball philosophy and deep respect for the game’s traditions position him as an ideal leader for a team looking to reclaim its glory. With training camp around the corner, all eyes will be on Redick as he begins to shape the next era of Lakers basketball.

The journey from commentator to coach is complete. JJ Redick is ready to write the next chapter in Lakers history, and if his past is any indication, it’s going to be a thrilling ride.

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Hosted by the iconic Goldin Auctions, and bolstered by eBay’s recent acquisition, this event has set new records and turned heads with its extraordinary lineup.

The auction, which featured 50 of the most sought-after collectibles, saw bidding wars for items that hold significant historical and emotional value.

The highlight? Kobe Bryant’s game-worn, photo-matched, and signed Los Angeles Lakers home jersey from the fateful night of April 12, 2013, when he tore his Achilles tendon.

This wasn’t just any jersey; it was a piece of history, bearing the sweat and spirit of one of basketball’s greatest moments of triumph and tragedy.

On that night, despite his injury, Kobe scored 34 points, dished out 4 assists, and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was a game that epitomized his relentless determination and legendary status.

After an intense bidding battle, this iconic jersey sold for a staggering $1,220,000. It’s a testament to Kobe’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the sport and its fans.

But Kobe’s jersey wasn’t the only star of the show.

Michael Jordan’s 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature card, deemed by Ken Goldin himself as the “best ever Michael Jordan card,” shattered records, selling for an astonishing $2,928,000.

This one-of-a-kind card, featuring the NBA logo from a game-used Jordan jersey and His Airness’ autograph, now holds the title of the highest-selling Michael Jordan card ever.

Other notable sales included Michael Jordan’s “Shattered Backboard” game-used and twice-signed 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1 sneakers, which fetched $444,080. The sneakers, photo-matched and steeped in history, serve as a reminder of Jordan’s impact on and off the court.

Equally impressive was the 1957 Mickey Mantle MVP season game-used New York Yankees pinstripe home jersey, which sold for $457,500. This jersey, worn during multiple home run games and Mantle’s only “hit for the cycle” game, is a cherished piece of baseball history.

Additionally, a rare 1890-92 John H. Ryder Studio Cabinet Cy Young rookie card sold for $500,200, and a 1917-20 M101-6 Felix Mendelsohn Joe Jackson card fetched $256,200. These sales underscore the timeless appeal and value of vintage sports memorabilia.

These record-breaking auctions reflect not only the financial value but also the deep emotional connections fans and collectors have with these iconic athletes and moments. Each item is a story, a piece of history that continues to resonate with generations of sports enthusiasts.

The allure of owning a tangible piece of sports history is undeniably powerful. It’s about more than just the monetary value; it’s about holding a moment in time, a symbol of greatness, and a tribute to the legends who’ve shaped the world of sports.

Whether it’s Kobe’s jersey, Jordan’s card, or Mantle’s jersey, these items carry a legacy that transcends the game, embodying the passion, dedication, and unforgettable moments that make sports so compelling.

Johnson said he’ll never forget the first moment he met West after a contract negotiation in 1979, where he showed him his Lakers jersey inside the locker room.

“I started to cry and Jerry explained to me the expectation of wearing the purple and gold, how he saw my role, and how he envisioned me fitting into the organization. I’ll never forget that moment,” wrote Johnson.

West would go on to mentor Jonhson on the Lakers, giving him “golden nuggets” to improve his game in order to dominate the league.

The two Lakers legends ran a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years where Johnson says they “solidified” their great friendship after sharing every meal together.

But beyond their professional relationship, Johnson assures that West was was a “great friend and confidante,” was there for him during the highs and lows.

“He was there in my highest moments, winning 5 NBA Championships, and in my lowest moment when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together for hours in his office,” wrote Johnson. “Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West.”

Johnson address the Laker nation to attribute the teams 17 championships to West.

“The only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches,” wrote Johnson. “Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.”

The Los Angeles Clipper announced that West died Wednesday morning at the age of 86.

“Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86,” the Clippers wrote. “His wife, Karen, was by his side.”

Nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” West has been selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times. He was enshrined as a player in 1980 and as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team in 2010. He will be inducted for a third time as a contributor later this year.

The man who has long been associated as the source of inspiration for the league’s “the Logo” died Wednesday morning.

Jerry West was an NBA champion as a player and a general manager, an Olympic gold medal winner, and arguably the most influential basketball scout in the league’s history.

While fans mourn the loss of a legend, we take a look back at the origins behind the NBA logo and the meaning behind West’s many nicknames.

Who is the player in the NBA logo?

The legendary NBA logo has long been linked to Jerry West and his silhouette.

The jersey decal outlines a player dribbling a basketball with his left hand while closing in on the rim. 

The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to the iconography Wednesday shortly after West’s passing was announced.

West has had questionable feelings about his association with the NBA logo.

He sometimes wished people wouldn’t talk about the image and even felt it bothered people.

“It almost feels like I have to apologize for that symbol,” West said back in 2021. “It’s not fun.”

Who created the NBA logo?

The prestigious red, white and blue logo was designed in 1969 by Alan Siegel.

It wasn’t Siegal’s first rodeo. His agency created logos for other major companies such as AARP, Xfinity, Arby’s, Bank of America, and Dell, among many others.

Siegal said he charged $14,000 for the NBA logo. 

He said it wasn’t a lot of money but appreciated the opportunity’s prestige and ran with it.

How did Jerry West get his nickname?

West has one of the best nicknames to date.

In his second NBA season, West was known as “Mr. Clutch” for hitting important late-game shots.

Lakers’ announcer Chick Hearn dubbed West the nickname and it stuck for the remainder of the Hall of Famer’s career. 

That season, the Lakers won 54 regular-season games and locked in a first-round bye in the 1962 NBA Playoffs.

West was also given the nickname “the Logo” in reference to the NBA logo his silhouette is featured in.

What were Jerry West’s other nicknames?

West, a three-time member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, earned many badges throughout his playing career.

“Mr. Outside” was added to his cadre of monikers. West was a fantastic perimeter player — one of the league’s first guards who played offense and defense at a high level.

Besides all illusions to basketball, West was dubbed “Zeke from Cabin Creek” for a creek that ran near his birthplace of Cheylan, West Virginia.

How many NBA championships did Jerry West win?

The NBA Finals proved to be a challenge for West as a player. He made it nine times, even capturing the NBA Finals MVP trophy in a losing effort in 1969.

Despite the many attempts, West walked away with just one championship. The Lakers won the NBA Finals in 1972.

West went on to win eight times as an executive with the team.

His post-playing career included stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers. He was a two-time NBA Executive of the Year in 1995 and 2004.

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Bronny James is fighting an uphill battle.

One year after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California — where he attended school for his freshman year until entering the 2024 NBA Draft — LeBron James’ son is reflecting on how the incident changed his life.

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” James admitted in a Men’s Health profile published Oct. 15. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

The heart episode — which occurred because of a congenital heart defect, or an abnormality that can be treated — happened on what felt like an otherwise “normal” day until he blacked out midway through a running drill. And in the moment, he wasn’t sure what the ramifications would be.

“At the point when it happened, there were a whole bunch of categories that what had happened could fall under, so yeah,” James explained. “There were a whole lot of emotions.”

Still, the 20-year-old admitted that the incident was a catalyst in him really taking care of his health.

“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” James recalled. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications.”

And now, his road to recovery has seen him drafted by his father’s team. Indeed, the father-son duo will join forces on the court this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t have any words,” LeBron James — who, along with Bronny, is also dad to his and Savannah James’ kids Bryce, 17, and Zhuri, 9 — gushed of his eldest’s achievement to reporters at Lakers media day last month. “I can speak about me when it comes to him. I’m just a loss for words. Pure joy, man.”

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LeBron added, “Just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.”

Meanwhile, Savannah shared her support on social media by sharing a photo of her husband and son sitting side-by-side in Lakers gear.

“Wow,” she wrote in an Instagram Story last month. “No words can express this gratitude.”

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday morning that the NBA franchise is preparing a “massive, long-term” contract offer for UConn’s Dan Hurley.

The Lakers have had preliminary talks with Hurley and the two sides are planning to have larger conversations in the coming days, Wojnarowski reported.

Hurley, the son of Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley Sr., became the Huskies’ head coach in 2018 and has brought the program to the mountaintop in his six-year tenure.

The team has made four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and won the 2023 and 2024 national titles with dominant March Madness runs.

With a title game win over Purdue in April, UConn became the first team to successfully defend a national title since the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007.

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Prior to taking the helm at UConn, Hurley was a high school coach at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, before taking head coaching positions at Wagner (2010-12) and Rhode Island (2012-18).

Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst J.J. Redick, New Orleans Pelicans assistant head coach James Borrego, Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell and Denver Nuggets assistant head coach David Adelman have already interviewed for the Lakers’ head coach opening.

Wojnarowski reported that Hurley has been “at the forefront” of the Lakers’ search from the beginning, even though they have done “due diligence” with other candidates.

The Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham on May 3.

Ham held the job for just two seasons, both of which ended with playoff defeats against the Denver Nuggets.

The team went 47-35 in the regular season, earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference through the NBA Play-In Tournament and fell to the Nuggets in a five-game series in the first round.

Hurley has already earned the stamp of approval from one Lakers star.

LeBron James raved about Hurley in a social media post on April 19, saying, “He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it.”

On top of the NBA significance, the Lakers hiring Hurley would send shockwaves throughout college basketball.

Hurley inked a six-year contract with UConn months after his first national championship in 2023.

If Hurley were to leave Storrs, UConn would then begin a coaching search months after several major college coaching changes, including John Calipari heading to Arkansas and Mark Pope replacing Calipari at Kentucky.

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Bronny James is fighting an uphill battle.

One year after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California — where he attended school for his freshman year until entering the 2024 NBA Draft — LeBron James’ son is reflecting on how the incident changed his life.

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” James admitted in a Men’s Health profile published Oct. 15. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

The heart episode — which occurred because of a congenital heart defect, or an abnormality that can be treated — happened on what felt like an otherwise “normal” day until he blacked out midway through a running drill. And in the moment, he wasn’t sure what the ramifications would be.

“At the point when it happened, there were a whole bunch of categories that what had happened could fall under, so yeah,” James explained. “There were a whole lot of emotions.”

Still, the 20-year-old admitted that the incident was a catalyst in him really taking care of his health.

“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” James recalled. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications.”

And now, his road to recovery has seen him drafted by his father’s team. Indeed, the father-son duo will join forces on the court this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t have any words,” LeBron James — who, along with Bronny, is also dad to his and Savannah James’ kids Bryce, 17, and Zhuri, 9 — gushed of his eldest’s achievement to reporters at Lakers media day last month. “I can speak about me when it comes to him. I’m just a loss for words. Pure joy, man.”

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LeBron added, “Just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.”

Meanwhile, Savannah shared her support on social media by sharing a photo of her husband and son sitting side-by-side in Lakers gear.

“Wow,” she wrote in an Instagram Story last month. “No words can express this gratitude.”

Ham was hired in the summer of 2022 on a four-year deal, after the Lakers parted ways with former head coach Frank Vogel, following three seasons with the Lakers including winning the 2020 NBA Finals inside the bubble at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Ham was a first-time head coach when the Lakers hired him. He previously was an assistant coach with the purple and gold from 2011-2013, followed by stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Ham was informed of his release on a phone call Friday morning with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

“We greatly appreciate Darvin’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference Finals,” Pelinka said in a statement released by the team Friday morning. “We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers’ fans around the world.”

Sources tell NBC Los Angeles that the Lakers would prefer a veteran head coach, with former Bucks championship coach Mike Budenholzer and former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts seen as primary candidates, but the team is open to all options.

They could promote assistant head coach and player-favorite Phil Handy, or look to steal Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, or Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman.

Regardless, of what they do, they will still owe the remaining $10 million of Ham’s contract.

Ham was on the hot seat throughout his second season that saw the Lakers peak by winning the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament in December, only to fall down the standings in the months that followed.

Reports surfaced that Ham had lost the locker room with team officials and players pointing to their head coach’s fluctuating rotations, poor game plans, lack of in-game adjustments, and defensive principles as to why the team struggled from mid-December to early February.

Tension reached a fever pitch during a Feb. 28 matchup against the L.A. Clippers that saw the Lakers trail by as many as 21 points before players reportedly huddled together and made their own adjustments to get back in the game.

The player-led moves worked and the Lakers rallied from 19 down in the fourth quarter to win the game 116-112, a result that the players felt was their own doing and not Ham’s coaching.

Things only got worse in the playoffs. The Lakers won their play-in tournament matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans and their reward was a rematch with the reigning champion Nuggets.

However, entering their first-round matchup, the Lakers had lost eight consecutive games to Denver, including a four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals a year ago.

According to The Athletic, during their three regular-season losses to the Nuggets, players privately complained about the coaching staff not having them adequately prepared to stop Denver’s late-game offense.

Nothing changed during the five-game playoff series that saw the Lakers lead for over 165 total minutes compared to just 50 for the Nuggets.

After the Lakers blew a 20-point lead in Game 2, Lakers forward Anthony Davis said that the team had moments “where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor.”

In an awkward exchange between Games 2 and 3, Ham vehemently disagreed with Davis’ assessment and defended his coaches.

“I don’t think it’s [from] us not being organized,” Ham said before Game 3. “I think I have incredibly talented coaches all along my staff. We pride ourselves, whether it’s a practice, a shootaround, a film session, a game or whatever, we pride ourselves on being highly efficient and organized. I just chalk that up to being frustrated. It’s an emotional game, the way it ended, and all of that. But I’ll agree to disagree on that one.”

Ham’s comments were just the beginning of contention between the coach and his players. In Game 4, there were multiple incidents in which LeBron James emphatically encouraged his coach to challenge a referee’s out-of-bounds call. In both cases, Ham chose not to. In both cases, James was correct.

The final straw that may have broken the proverbial camel’s back came in the third quarter of Game 5 in Denver. The Lakers led 69-60 with six minutes remaining in the quarter. With Davis nursing an injured shoulder, the Nuggets went on a 14-2 run to take a three-point lead. Ham waited over five minutes before he finally called a timeout. In the meantime, the crowd got back into the game, the Nuggets’ confidence was sky-high, and the Lakers looked lost.

“After the completion of my second year in this seat, it’s been a lot,” said Ham reflecting on the last two seasons after the loss. “From the way things started last year, to the moves we made at the deadline, try and make a push on the fly, which we were able to do, fell short to the champs, this same team, we tried to retain our core, which we were able to do, then the injury bug hit us for the first half of the season, then once we started to hit our rhythm a key piece would get injured and have to come out of the lineup. It is what it is, I’m not going to make excuses. I’ve seen a lot in my first two years in this seat.”

Despite the Lakers making the playoffs in Ham’s two seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in his first year in charge, the organization believed the Lakers had championship aspirations and realized that window closes as every year James gets older.

LeBron will turn 40 years old this December and may only have a few years left in his Hall of Fame career. Many believe that James can still win another title with the right coach and players around him.

James has a player option at $51.4 million next season but could opt out and become a free agent. The Lakers would like to re-sign James, making sure he ends his career with the Lakers. The team’s decision to fire Ham could impact James’ pending free agency.

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“You kind of get that monkey off your back,” Davis said after the Game 4 victory. “But I just think the difference in the first three games, and actually, all the games that we have lost to them in a row and tonight, is that we just scored…I think that was the difference tonight.”

If scoring was the difference, they needed more of it in Denver in Game 5. It’s one thing to win a game and snap a long-running losing streak. It’s another to beat the defending champions on their home court in an elimination game.

Jamal Murray once again drilled the game-winning basket for the second time in the series, and the Nuggets eliminated the Lakers 108-106 in Game 5 to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

“Those are shots you dream of as a little kid,” said Murray of his second game-winner in the series. “You practice those shots in the backyard and on the playground.”

Nikola Jokic finished with 25 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists. Murray had 32.

“I have the utmost confidence in [Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic]. That’s why I didn’t call a timeout,” said Nuggets’ head coach Mike Malone on the final play of the game. “Let the best two-man game in the business play their game. For Jamal [Murray], to add to his playoff lore by having two game-winners in a series is just incredible.”

LeBron James was also incredibly in defeat. “The King” had 30 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. He hit two free throws to tie the game at 106-106 with 27 seconds remaining before Murray saved the day again for Denver.

“You tip your hat to them,” said LeBron after the loss. “Defending champions. Super great team. They’re well coached. They made the plays down the stretch to win this game and win this series. You give credit where credit is due.”

Anthony Davis, who injured his shoulder in the third quarter, finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

“I had a little stinger. I lost function and lost feeling from my neck all the way to my hand,” said Davis of the injury that forced him to leave the game and return to the locker room. “I got back in the game, and I got hit again by KCP [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope]. It made it worse. Knowing the importance of the game, I tried to come back out there and help the team.”

With Davis off the floor, the Nuggets went on a run and recaptured the lead. Ham didn’t call a timeout for over five minutes as the Lakers relinquished an 8-point lead to the Nuggets with Davis out.

“It’s tough. Some unfortunate circumstances with Anthony Davis getting hurt,” said Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham after the loss. “They make that run. It’s just one of those games, they’re a hell of a team, They’re the defending champs for a reason. They know how to gut out wins. They’ve been there before. I couldn’t be more proud of our crew.”

The Lakers entered into a hostile environment in Game 5 as the Nuggets faithful was loud and raucous all game long, hoping to end the Lakers season and eliminate them from the NBA Playoffs.

For the first time in the series, the Lakers got off to a bit of a sluggish start. After winning the first quarter in the first four games of the series, they trailed 28-24 after the first 12 minutes of action on Monday night.

But the Lakers bounced back in the second quarter, scoring 29 points, and took a 53-50 lead into the locker room, the 5th straight game they led at the half.

The Lakers Achilles’ heel all series long—and all season long—has been the third quarter. The script remained the same in Game 5, as the Lakers were out-scored in the third quarter, 31-26, for the fifth consecutive game, and also lost the lead heading into the fourth.

At one point in the third quarter, the Lakers led 69-60, but the Nuggets went on a 14-2 run to take a three-point lead.

The Lakers dominated the series when it came to leading the game. Los Angeles led the series for over 150 minutes compared to just 50 minutes for the Nuggets.

Despite the disadvantage in minutes led, the Lakers have struggled to close out the Nuggets in the final minutes in each of the last 13 games they’ve played over the last two years.

It was more of the same in Game 5. With the score tied at 95-95 with 4:12 remaining, both teams took turns taking leads until James tied it at 106-106 with 27 seconds left.

Unfortunately, for the Lakers they didn’t have any timeouts left, and so after Murray made the game-winning basket, the Lakers were unable to call a timeout and advance the ball. That meant they had three seconds to scramble and throw up a half-court heave to win the game.

“I thought it was high-level basketball. At the end of the day, they got the last shot to win it. Jamal hit a tough fadeaway over me,” said Lakers’ guard Austin Reaves who scored 19 points in the loss, and was guarding Murray on that final possession. “It’s tough. I’m frustrated.”

There was plenty of things to point to after the game as to why the Lakers season has come to another end at the hands of the Nuggets.

Denver made 16 three-pointers in Game 5, compared to just 10 for the Lakers. A lot of those three-pointers came off of second-chance points, a battle the Nuggets won 15-to-8.

Another disparity in the game was at the free-throw line. The Lakers missed nine foul shots, shooting 18-for-27 (66 percent) from the line in a game they lost by two points. The Nuggets only missed one free throw all night.

“We missed some free throws, gave up some second-chance points late, it is what it is,” said Ham. “You just have to learn from it, grow from it, and be better mentally, emotionally, and physically.”

Michael Porter Jr. missed that sole free throw, but he more than made up for it with 26 points and five three-pointers in the victory.

Thanks to Murray, the Nuggets will now meet the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Both teams won two games apiece in the four games they played over the course of the season.

For LeBron and the Lakers, it’s another defeat to Denver in the postseason after a mediocre regular season by most standards.

For the second straight year, the Lakers had to advance out of the NBA’s Play-In Tournament just to get into the first round of the playoffs. They entered as the lower seed, in each case as the number seven seed going up against the number two seed.

Last season, an improbable postseason run saw them defeat the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors before getting swept by the Nuggets. This postseason, they ran into the defending champions in the first round and were unable to knock them out.

“After the completion of my second year in this seat, it’s been a lot,” said head coach Ham reflecting on the last two seasons after the loss. “From the way things started last year, to the moves we made at the deadline, try and make a push on the fly, which we were able to do, fell short to the champs, this same team, we tried to retain our core, which we were able to do, then the injury bug hit us for the first half of the season, then once we started to hit our rhythm a key piece would get injured and have to come out of the lineup. It is what it is, I’m not going to make excuses. I’ve seen a lot in my first two years in this seat.”

The season wasn’t a total loss for the Lakers, they did win the NBA’s Inaugural In-Season Tournament tournament in Las Vegas back in December. With it came a trophy, medals, a banner, and a $500,000 cash prize per player.

LeBron is a free agent after the season, and while most people expect him to stay in Los Angeles, the decision of his son, Bronny James, to either enter the 2024 NBA Draft or return to college for another year, could play a part in his decision to re-sign with the Lakers.

“I just want to get home to my family,” said LeBron when asked about his future. “One of my boys is trying to decide if he’s going to enter the draft or go back to school right now…It’s about family right now.”

Davis is signed long-term, and the pairing of LeBron and Davis is still lethal, but they need more help around them. D’Angelo Russell has a player option for next season, as does Taurean Prince, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Jaxon Hayes. Spence Dimwiddie is a free agent.

The Lakers roster will certainly look different next season as general manager Rob Pelinka continues to search for the pieces to put around James and Davis. Trae Young could be an option, or Donovan Mitchell, but first and foremost they need to bring back the King.

“I’m not going to answer that,” said James as he left the podium when asked if this was his final game with the Lakers.

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The commonality between those two teams is that they both overcame 0-3 playoff deficits en route to winning a championship.

For the second straight season, the Los Angeles Lakers were in danger of being swept out of the NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, but this time they flipped the script.

LeBron James scored 30 points, Anthony Davis had 25 points with 23 rebounds, and the Lakers staved off elimination with a thrilling 119-108 win in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the defending champion Nuggets.

“It was just a feeling in the room. Starting yesterday in the film session. It’s tough to get swept. Nobody wanted that feeling. Especially going into the summer,” said Davis of not wanting to get swept by the Nuggets for the second straight postseason. “We didn’t really talk about it, but we no what’s at stake. The way we played tonight is the way we have to play the rest of the series.”

The victory means the Lakers will live to fight another day, and snapped an 11-game losing streak to the reigning champions that lasted 498 total days.

“It’s a beautiful thing to finally get a win against this team,” said Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham. “Now that we’ve finally quote-on-quote ”cracked the code’ we still have to understand that this is a championship ball club we’re facing. We’re about to go to their house…now we have to take it up even more notches.”

The Lakers entered the fourth quarter clinging to an 11-point lead but managed to withstand wave after wave of the Nuggets attempt to rally. LeBron James closed out the game for Los Angeles, scoring 14 huge fourth-quarter points.

“Even though they out-scored us by two, we scored with them,” said James of the third quarter. “That definitely helped us in the fourth, and my mindset was to close it out. I was able to make plays, and we were able to do that.”

The Lakers never trailed in the game. For the fourth consecutive game they out-scored the Nuggets in the first quarter and took a lead into the locker room at halftime.

However, through the first three games of the series, the third quarter has been the Lakers’ Achilles heel. Whether it’s lack of adjustments, energy, or simply exhaustion, the Lakers had been out-scored in the third period of the first three games by a total of 91 to 60.

Thankfully, that narrative changed in Game 4. The Lakers came out of the locker room with energy, effort, and desperation. Facing elimination, they took every Denver punch, and instead of getting knocked out—they punched back!

Each and every time the Nuggets came down and hit a big shot, or went on a run, the Lakers responded right back. They maintained their double-digit lead into the final frame despite losing the third quarter again, 32-30.

“We’ve been talking about. Especially coming into the 3^rd quarter with some energy,” said James of the third quarter. “We talked about it again tonight, and we fixed it. You can’t just talk about it, you have to be about it, and tonight we did that.”

For the first time all series, the Lakers bent, but didn’t break. That resiliency and fighter’s spirit now needs to travel with them back to the Mile High state, where oxygen can come at a premium at high altitudes, especially late in games.

James finished with 30 points in the win, but more importantly, he shut down Aaron Gordon on the defensive end, holding the forward to just seven points, after he scored a team-high 29 in Game 3 on Thursday.

Even more importantly for the Lakers, the role players showed up in a big way in Game 4.

Austin Reaves was aggressive from the jump, scoring 21 big points. D’Angelo Russell once again bounced back from a bad performance in Game 3, also scoring 21 points.

“He was amazing. He had his signature runs where he gets a couple of quick buckets,” said Reaves of Rusell. “Just the style of basketball he plays, we need him to be successful for us to play at the highest level. Credit to him, the world was killing him after Game 3, and he didn’t let that distract him. You have to tip your cap to a guy like that.”

Thanks in large part to Russell’s four three-pointers, the Lakers improved from beyond the arc in Game 4. After shooting a paltry 5-for-27 (18 percent) in Game 3, the Lake Show went 8-for-26 (30 percent) in Game 4.

“I try to be as humble as I can. I’ve been through it before,” said Russell of his bounce-back performance. “I’m prepared for this. Especially these times when everyone is watching and everyone has something to say. I try and stay within myself and control my emotions.”

Another key factor for the purple and gold was the offensive glass. After losing that battle in each of the first three games, they leveled the score in Game 4, with Denver grabbing just one more offensive rebound.

The Lakers also dominated the points in the paint 72-to-52 and had more second-chance points 14-to-5.

“We have to be able to counter their attack, and sustain our effort, and sustain our energy,” said James. “We have to control the things we can control like fastbreak points, second-chance points, and offensive rebounds.”

Despite staring elimination straight in the face entering Game 4, the Lakers knew they only needed to win one to turn the tide in the series.

“We just tried to get one game and go from there,” said Davis before Game 4. “We know we’ve lost 11 straight. We can’t focus on that.”

LeBron echoed a similar sentiment.

“As long as you have life, then you always have belief,” said James.

Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with another triple-double scoring 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists in the loss.

Michael Porter Jr. had 27 points and Jamal Murray finished with 22.

Denver still leads the best-of-seven series 3-1.

The series now shifts back to Denver where Game 5 will tip off on Monday night at 7:00 PM PST inside Ball Arena.

“It’s a one-game series for us,” said James. “So Monday’s game is the most important of the season for us. We know what’s at stake. If we lose we go home.”

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“They have our number,” said James following a 124-114 loss on March 3^rd. “We haven’t beaten them in quite a while.”

‘Quite a while’ is quite the understatement. It’s been 496 days and counting since the last time the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets on December 16, 2022, and may last a whole lot longer.

The losing streak reached 11 games on Thursday night after the Nuggets mounted a second-half comeback, defeating the Lakers 112-105 in Game 3 of their first-round series at Crypto.com Arena.

“We had guys missing shots that they normally make and that’s the way the game goes,” said Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham after the loss. “When you can’t get a bucket and they’re scoring, it’s tough. We have to keep the scoreboard moving.”

For the second straight year, the Lakers find themselves down 3-0 and on the brink of getting swept by the Nuggets out of the NBA Playoffs.

Denver took all four games against the Lakers during the Western Conference Finals last May.

“Winning is a lifestyle for us,” said two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, about not getting complacent for Game 4. “And we really enjoy this lifestyle.”

Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 27 points, and four different starters scored over 20+ points for the reigning champions.

“There’s a confidence that comes with being a champion,” said Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. “There’s a confidence with our starting five. That starting group has been through a lot of wars. They’re battle-tested, and every time we get down, they don’t panic. They stay the course and find a way to get back in the game.”

Jokic got in foul trouble early but still finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.

“I think every game gets tougher and tougher,” said Jokic of the 11 straight wins against the Lakers. “It’s really hard to play against the same team over and over again. We just have to trust what we’re doing and don’t get bored with success.”

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a game-high 33 points and 15 rebounds. LeBron James finished with 26 points in the loss.

“Our focus right now is to try and get one. To try and get a game and go from there,” said Davis of the mentality entering an elimination game on Saturday. “We know it’s hard. We know we’ve lost 11 straight. We can’t focus on that. Our focus is on trying to get better…and try to get a win on Saturday.”

D’Angelo Russell did not score a single point after finishing with 23 points on 7 three-pointers in Game 2 on Tuesday.

“It’s unfortunate. He had some good looks that he just didn’t knock down,” said Ham of Russell’s awful shooting night. “It’s as simple as that. He was able to bounce back in Game 2 and I expect him to do the same in Game 4.”

Austin Reaves tallied 22 points in defeat.

The Lakers got off to a hot start for the third consecutive game, building a 12-point lead early in the second quarter.

But it’s not how you start, but how you finish, and the champs are the best at closing games in the NBA.

Denver out-scored the Lakers 34-22 in the third quarter and took a 12-point lead of their own midway through the third quarter.

“We spend so much energy in the first half and we come out in the third quarter with not as much energy,” said James of the difference between the start of the game and the start of the second half. “But give credit where credit is is due, those guys make tough shot after tough shot.”

Gordon dominated his matchup by running the baseline. At one point in the third quarter, he scored a layup or dunk on five out of seven offensive possessions.

Once the Nuggets built up a double-digit lead, the Lakers folded like origami, allowing the inevitable outcome to happen.

Denver had 14 offensive rebounds in Game 3, but the Lakers out-scored the Nuggets in the paint for the first time in the series 70-60. Both teams were atrocious from beyond the arc, with the Nuggets shooting 5-for-28 from distance and the Lakers shooting 5-for-27.

“We shot 5 of 27 from the three-point line,” said LeBron about the difference in the game. “I thought we generated some really good shots we couldn’t knock them down. The regular season and the postseason are two totally different things. Everything changes in the postseason.”

Game 4 of the series tips off on Saturday night from Crypto.com arena at 5:30PM PT.  

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His frustration wasn’t so much centered on blowing a 20-point lead. Or his late missed 3-pointer that rimmed out with the game tied. Or Jamal Murray’s fadeaway buzzer-beater that gave the Denver Nuggets a 101-99 win over the Lakers in Game 2 of their first-round series Monday night.

James’ anger was more distant — the NBA’s replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey. At the heart of his wrath was a second-half foul of Michael Porter Jr. that was overturned with the league saying MPJ had made only marginal contact on D’Angelo Russell.

“I don’t understand what’s going on in the replay center, to be honest,” said James, whose team heads back to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday facing a 2-0 deficit. “D-Lo clearly gets hit in the face on the drive. What the (expletive) do we have a replay center … it doesn’t make sense. It makes no sense. It bothers me.”

James wasn’t his usually expansive self in his postgame interview after the Lakers watched Murray and the Nuggets storm back from a 68-48 hole to capture their 10th straight win over the Lakers.

James had a chance to give the Lakers a lead with around 16 seconds left on a wide open 3-pointer.

“Rimmed out,” lamented James, who finished with 26 points and 12 assists.

Porter grabbed the rebound, setting up Murray’s game-winner, a fadeaway jumper over Anthony Davis as time expired.

James got right to the point after the game.

— On Denver’s comeback, which included being outscored 32-20 in the fourth: “We missed shots. We still got great looks and we just missed them. And they made it.”

— On Russell hitting seven 3s after going 1 for 9 from deep in the series opener: “We never lost confidence in him. D-Lo is D-Lo.”

— On if the Lakers can take anything from this game into Game 3 in L.A.: “Every game is its own challenge.”

— On the challenges after a heartbreaking loss: “Of course it’s a heartbreaking game and you don’t want to lose in that fashion.”

That’s when James began voicing his frustration with the replay center. Earlier in the game, Murray was called for a foul when James drove to the basket, only to have the Nuggets successfully challenge for the foul to be waved off.

In his replay-center rant, James referenced Monday’s earlier game, when the New York Knicks rallied in the final 30 seconds of a chaotic 104-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks got the go-ahead 3-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo with 13 seconds left, a possession that started when they stole the ball from Tyrese Maxey. Joel Embiid said Maxey was fouled, and also that coach Nick Nurse and some players had attempted to call timeout before the Knicks got the ball.

“What are we doing?” James said as he ended his postgame interview.

Jamal Murray hit a buzzer-beater and the Denver Nuggets overcame a 20-point deficit to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead on Monday night at Ball Arena.

“Of course this was a heartbreaking game,” said a shocked LeBron James after the loss. “You never want to lose a game in that fashion.”

The Lakers led for most of the game, including by 20 points early in the third quarter. But as they inevitably do, the defending champions got up off the mat and rallied to cut the lead to 10 points entering the fourth quarter.

That’s when two-time MVP Nikola Jokic took over and the Nuggets tied the game with just over a minute remaining.

Both teams took turns trading baskets until LeBron James missed a three-pointer with 16 seconds remaining, giving Murray the chance to complete the comeback.

“Jamal Murray hit a tough shot,” said a disappointing Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham after the game. “Fading away towards the baseline to his right over AD [Anthony Davis] with his and outstretched trying to contest. The kid hit a tough shot.”

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a game-high 32 points and 11 rebounds. He played with a chip on his shoulder all night after it was announced earlier in the day that he was not selected as a finalist for the NBA’s annual Defensive Player of the Year Award this season. Davis started the game shooting 14-of-15 from the field.

“We’ve shown that we’re more than capable,” said Davis when asked about how he thought the Lakers have played in the first two games of the series on the road. “We’ve also had stretches where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor.”

Despite Davis’ excellent game, he was overshadowed by the two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. “The Joker” finished with a triple-double scoring 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. Murray had 20 points, but none bigger than his buzzer-beater.

Unlike in Game 1, the Lakers got support from their role players in Game 2.

D’Angelo Russell, who broke the Lakers single-season record for three-pointers this year, struggled in Game 1 on Saturday shooting a paltry 1-for-9 from beyond the arc.

Russell was red-hot from deep in Game 2. He started 6-for-6 from distance and finished with 23 points.

“I made shots,” said Russell of his performance in Game 2. “I made shots that I took the first game and missed. I’m gonna keep shooting. My teammates trust me so I’m gonna try not to let them down.”

Game 2 started similarly to the opener on Saturday. The Lakers got out to a fast start and opened up a double-digit lead. They extended that lead to 20 points early in the third quarter before the champs rallied and answered the bell.

“We know they are a great offensive power team. We know they’re going to get into rhythm at some point we know they’re going to make runs especially on their home floor. We just have to withstand it,” said James. “Obviously, we gave up a 20 point lead. That’s unfortunate, but a 20 point lead in this league is not safe, especially against the defending champions.”

Denver went on an 11-0 run midway through the third quarter to cut the lead to single digits.

“That’s a tough team. You have to come with it,” said Ham. “You cannot take any possession off. We have to be on deck at all times against this ball club.”

They cut the lead to just two points with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but LeBron drained back-to-back three-pointers to stop the bleeding.

For the second straight game, the Lakers lost the rebounding battle 51-43 and were out-scored in the paint, 54-38.

The Lakers have lost 10 consecutive games to the Nuggets and six straight in the playoffs dating back to Denver’s four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals last May.

The series now shifts to Hollywood in what appears to be a thrilling and hard-fought battle between two excellent teams, but the mental advantage is clearly on the side of the Nuggets who have the Lakers number.

You have to wonder if LeBron and the Lake Show are questioning on the flight home whether or not they will ever be able to beat this team as it’s currently constructed.

The Lakers need to continue to find ways to neutralize Jokic, while Denver needs to deal with Davis and James. The answer might be to pursue a war of attrition against the dynamic duo after they each played a lot more than 40 minutes in altitude in the first two games of the series.

Meanwhile for the Lakers, to spoil Denver’s title defense, they need to stymie and suffocate the Nuggets starting five and be able to hold up under the physical burden of playing heavy minutes against a superior opponent over the span of a seven-game series.

“Win game three. It’s that simple. Win. Game. Three.” said Davis.

Game 3 of the series tips off on Thursday night from Crypto.com arena at 7:00PM PT.  

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Nikola Jokic had 32 points in a huge effort for the Denver Nuggets as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103 on Saturday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series at Ball Arena.

The Lakers led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but were run off the floor in the third quarter, out-scored by 14 points to trail by 15 heading into the final frame.

“They made shots and we were not very good offensively,” said LeBron James, who finished with 27 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, about the third quarter. “We weren’t able to connect on our shots. They did a good job.”

Anthony Davis had 32 points and 14 rebounds in the loss. James scored just six points in the second half.

“We have to look at the film and see what worked and what didn’t on both ends of the floor,” said Davis after the loss. “We had too many turnovers and poor shooting to start the third quarter.”

The highly anticipated rematch of last May’s Western Conference Finals followed a similar script as that series.

The Lakers led early, Denver dominated the third quarter, and L.A. kept it close late, but ultimately it was not enough to beat the Nuggets.

“This is going to be a hard-fought series,” said Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham after the loss. “I know everyone is going to lose their minds over one game and give them credit, they held serve at home…but it’s a matter of going back to the drawing board. We did a lot of good things tonight.”

One thing the Lakers did not do well on Saturday night was rebound the ball and shoot a high percentage from three. Los Angeles was out-rebounded 53-45, and more importantly, 15-to-6 on the offensive glass. That disadvantage led to 18 second-chance points for the Nuggets.

The Lakers shot poorly from three, finishing the contest 8-of-29 (27.6 percent) from beyond the arc.

“We shot 27 percent from three. We have to keep up with them.” said Lakers’ point guard D’Angelo Russell. “Shooting a low percentage from three and offensive rebounds was the difference tonight.”

Los Angeles has been a team that thrives in the paint this season, typically when they win that battle, they win the ballgame. But Jokic, the two-time MVP, and the presumptive winner again this season, makes his living in the paint. Denver out-scored the Lakers 64-54 in that category in Game 1.

The Nuggets have now beaten the Lakers five consecutive games in the postseason, dating back to the four-game sweep over the Lakers in that Finals series last season, and have won nine straight overall.

Jamal Murray had 22 points and 10 assists for the defending champions.

Just as he did last season, Murray neutralized Lakers’ sharp-shooter D’Angelo Russell, locking him up on the defensive end. Russell, broke the Lakers’ single-season record for three-pointers this year but shot 1-for-9 from beyond the arc in Game 1, and finished with just 13 points.

“Sometimes the ball just don’t fall,” said Russell of his woeful shooting in Game 1. “I was locked in on all the details and the little things to be able to stay on the floor, but when I looked up, my shots weren’t falling…I’ll be ready for the next one.”

Russell missed his first six three-pointers on Saturday, hitting his first and only shot from deep early in the fourth quarter. Russell was benched from the starting lineup in the Western Conference Finals series last season after struggling the first three games.

Taurean Prince had 11 points off the bench for Los Angeles, but Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaxon Hayes, and Gabe Vincent were all held scoreless as the Lakers were out-scored 17-11 in bench points.

Denver’s starting five had the best record, scored the most points, and had the best plus/minus in the NBA this season. They’ve played together for three seasons and their connection and cohesiveness showed on the court in Game 1.

All five starters scored in double-figures, combining for 97 total points. Michael Porter Jr. had 19, and former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 12.

“Our defense wasn’t where it was supposed to be,” said Davis. “KCP got open, Michael Porter Jr. hit a couple threes. When you’re a shooter, once you see a couple go in, it gives you all the confidence in the world. We’ll look at it tomorrow and figure out how we can be better on both ends.”

The Lakers were able to cut it to six down the stretch, but missed threes, turnovers, and the inability to solve the Rubix cube that is “The Joker,” ultimately did them in.

“If I have to be on him for the whole game then so be it,” said Davis about guarding Jokic, who scored nine shots when he was defended by the smaller Rui Hachimura during the game. “We’ll make the proper adjustments going into Game 2.”

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is on Monday night in Denver.

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LeBron James scored 23 points and the Lakers held on to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 to advance to the first round of the NBA Playoffs where they will meet the defending champion Denver Nuggets in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals.

Anthony Davis had 20 points and 15 rebounds against his former team, as the Lakers defeated the Pelicans on their home court for the second consecutive game.

The Lakers have won six straight games on the road and the Pelicans have lost six straight at home.

After trailing by 10 points early in the second quarter, the Lakers went on an 11-0 run to take the lead. They dominated the second and third quarters, leading by as many as 18 points before New Orleans rallied late in the fourth quarter.

Led by Zion Williamson’s 40 points, the Pelicans tied the Lakers with just over a minute remaining in the game. But Williamson appeared to get injured down the stretch and headed to the locker room shortly thereafter with an undisclosed injury.

However, D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers’ new single-season three-point record holder, hit a corner three that put the Lakers up by four, forcing the Pelicans to foul and play the free-throw game in the waning seconds.

But Davis and Anthony Reaves stepped up to the line and sank four straight free throws to seal the victory and the rematch with the reigning NBA champions.

All five Lakers’ starters scored in double-figures. Gabe Vincent, still getting back into game shape after missing most of the season with a knee injury scored nine big points off the bench.

Pelicans’ star C.J. McCollum was held to just nine points on 4-of-15 shooting. All-Star and former Laker Brandon Ingram was held to just 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting and was benched for the final five minutes of the game.

The victory earned the Lakers the seventh seed in the Western Conference Playoffs where they will face off with two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have won eight straight games over the Lakers, including a four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals last May.

“We’re extremely excited for the opportunity [of playing the Nuggets],” said Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham after the game. “It’s back to zero-zero. Obviously, they’ve had a ton of success against us, but there’s always a new day.”

Game 1 of that series is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th at 5:30PM PT on ABC.

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From lucky charms to pre-game rituals, Lakers fans have turned superstition into an art form, and their passion is unrivaled, even amongst the most eccentric sports enthusiasts.

So buckle up, basketball fans, as we delve into the mystical world of Lakers lunacy.

In a recent study conducted by Casino.org, fans of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys emerged as the undisputed champions of superstition.

When it comes to superstitions, Lakers fans don’t just don their teams’ colors and cross their fingers. Their superstitions are strange and run deep, sometimes through generations. They also aren’t the only ones with superstitions. The star players have them as well.

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, and talismanic figure of the Lakers has his own set of routines and superstitions that fans emulate with religious fervor.

From his iconic chalk toss, to his right arm sleeve, sneakers, and pre-game attire, LeBron is meticulous with every detail, and his superstitions have become gospel for the Lakers faithful.

“He used to lay his jersey out on the floor,” said former teammate Mario Chalmers about James’ superstition when they played together with the Miami Heat on the Playmaker podcast. “That man would lay his whole outfit all over the floor before the game and makes sure everybody walks around it. One time the media walked over the jersey and he snapped. He made the kit man get him a whole new jersey, shorts, tights, headband, armband, socks, and everything. And he lay it right back out.”

But James is not the only Lakers player with a set of superstitions. Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ towering big man also has a penchant for wearing the same pair of socks over and over again during winning streaks.

So if the Lakers were to run through the playoffs and advance to the NBA Finals this spring, their success could be directly correlated to Davis’ sock drawer.

In the purple and gold tapestry of Lakers fandom, every fan has a story, superstition, or peculiar practice as well.

Meet Michelle Rodriguez, a Lakers die-hard who believes she can tip the scales of fate in favor of the Lake Show by watching every game from her favorite La-Z-Boy recliner. If the Lakers are losing and in need of a comeback, she changes the position of the chair to a precise angle that she believes can change the team’s fortune.

“It’s all about the angle of victory,” she said. “Anything I can do to maximize the good vibes.”

Then there’s Kevin “Lucky Charm” Thompson, who attends every Lakers game with his trusty rabbit’s foot keychain. He unveiled it outside Crypto.com arena ahead of a recent Lakers’ victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“It’s been with me since the Kobe era,” he chuckles, patting the worn-out charm for good luck. If the Lakers are winning, you can bet that Lucky Charm is in the building.

He’s not alone though.

As a personal anecdote: while in college at the University of California, Santa Barbara, the Lakers dynasty was in the middle of the Shaq and Kobe era. My own superstition was that if the Lakers were trailing at the half, during the “Jack in the Box” sponsored halftime show, I would drive the half-mile to the nearby Jack in the Box and order food, eat it during the half, and it would help the Lakers rally for the victory.

Consuming the high-calorie Jumbo Jacks and curly fries was certainly not constructive for my diet, but anything for the purple and gold to raise another banner.

Speaking of Shaq and Kobe, the Lakers dynamic duo each had their own superstitions during the “Three-Peat” years from 2000-2002.

According to former Lakers’ forward Horace Grant, Shaq developed a strange good luck pattern after one of his toenails had fallen off during a game.

O’Neal would reportedly paint the skin of the toe that had lost the toenail with a black toenail hardener. The first time he did it he scored a career-high 41 points.

“I painted my toenails before Dennis Rodman,” said O’Neal. “One time at training camp, I stubbed my toe and the nail came loose. My mom gave me some toenail hardener, and I painted over it. I scored 40-something points that night, so it became a ritual. Paint my toenails, score 40 points.”

The late great Kobe Bryant, left an indelible mark on the court, but also had quirky rituals off of it. Bryant famously would wear two pairs of socks for added comfort. During his final season, he released a collection of performance socks featuring his “Black Mamba” alter ego. After a dominating victory over the Golden State Warriors that year, Bryant credited his performance to “the power of the socks.”

Kobe also had a very specific free-throw routine as well.

The regular season is now over, and the Lakers are set to take center stage in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday. No matter the outcome, they will play at least one more game at Crypto.com Arena. When they do, “the house that Kobe built” will transform into a theater of superstition.

The orchestrated cacophony of sounds – lucky chants, synchronized claps, and the thunderous roar of Lakers fans – creates an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s as if the collective energy of thousands of superstitious souls converges to cast a spell over the court.

For Lakers fans, championships aren’t just about the talent on the court; they’re about the meticulous observance of superstitious rites. From the lucky snacks consumed during pivotal moments to the specific seats occupied during playoff games, each fan plays a crucial role in the cosmic ballet of Lakers superstitions.

Remember the Lakers’ 2010 championship run? Fans attribute that success to the collective effort of adhering to superstitions with religious zeal. Some claim it was the lucky jerseys worn for every game, while others swear by the communal practice of chanting “Kobe” during free throws. Whatever the secret sauce, it worked, and Lakers fans are convinced their superstitious endeavors played a pivotal role in the outcome.

Rebecca Phillips, a longtime Lakers fan from Sylmar, was at Game 7 of that 2010 NBA Finals between the Lakers and the rival Celtics. Adorned in a Kobe jersey to start the game, she quickly switched to a Ron Artest one at the half with the Lake Show trailing 40-34. After a couple of shots of whiskey to calm her nerves, the Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter to win the game, and what was the shot that sealed the championship for the Lake Show?

A three-pointer by Artest.

The mystical journey through Lakers superstitions is as diverse as the City of Angels itself. Some fans swear by wearing a lucky Lakers hat, while others perform intricate handshakes with fellow fans to channel positive energy.

Whether it’s a lucky jersey, a pre-game dance, or a whispered incantation during a crucial possession, Lakers fans understand that superstitions are not just quirks – they’re an integral part of the Lakers experience.

In the grand tapestry of sports fandom, Lakers superstitions stand tall as a cultural phenomenon. From the Magic Johnson era to the Kobe & Shaq era to now the LeBron and AD era, each generation of Lakers fans has added its chapter to the mystical saga.

As the Lakers chase another championship this postseason, fans will continue to wear their lucky socks, perform their sacred rituals, and contribute to the symphony of superstition that echoes through the hallowed halls of Crypto.com Arena.

So, the next time you witness a Lakers fan engaged in a seemingly bizarre pre-game routine, remember – it’s not madness; it’s Lakers lunacy, an integral part of the Lake Show mystique that elevates the game from mere competition to a cosmic ballet of superstition and spectacle.

Anthony Davis had 30 points and 11 rebounds against the team that made him the first overall NBA draft choice in 2012 to help set up a rematch on Tuesday night in the same arena in the conference play-in. But Davis asked out of the game in the final minutes and walked gingerly back to the locker room.

James’ triple-double was his fifth this season and his playmaking helped spearhead a dominant performance in the paint, where Los Angeles outscored New Orleans 68-42.

Austin Reaves scored 20 points and D’Angelo Russell scored 19 for the Lakers, who won eight of their final 11 regular-season games.

CJ McCollum scored 23 for the Pelicans, who were coming off a four-game road winning streak and welcomed high-scoring wing Brandon Ingram back into the lineup, only to fall flat at home while trying to lock up a No. 6 seed and avoid the play-in.

Instead, the matchup was reminiscent of the NBA In-Season Tournament final in Las Vegas in December, when the Lakers embarrassed the Pelicans 133-89.

Ingram, who’d missed the previous 12 games with a left knee contusion, scored 13 points. Zion Williamson had 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Herb Jones added 18 points for New Orleans.

After Ingram’s 3 pulled the Pelicans to 28-24 at the first-quarter horn, the Lakers went to the foul line because of an apparent officiating error.

Official John Goble announced that Los Angeles mistakenly was not granted free throws on the Pelicans’ second foul in the last two minutes of the period. Prince made both, which officially took place with no time left.

The Lakers then opened the second quarter with Prince’s driving layup to make it 32-24. A reverse layup by James then sparked a 9-0 run to make it 41-26.

While New Orleans was missing 14 of its first 19 from deep, the Lakers were snagging long rebounds and converting in transition.

Reaves’ 3-pointer and his breakaway dunk gave the Lakers their first 20-point lead at 53-33 halfway through the second quarter.

Another Reaves 3 made it 70-53, a score that stood at the halftime after James’ missed breakaway dunk attempt.

The Lakers opened the third period with a 3 by Reaves, two more from deep by Russell and a cutting dunk by Davis that made it 83-57.

Another Russell 3 gave the Lakers their largest lead at 91-59.

UP NEXT

It’s a higher-stakes rematch in the same arena on Tuesday night, with the winner capturing the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs, while the loser hosts another play-in game against the winner of a matchup between the ninth-seeded Sacramento Kings and 10th-seeded Golden State Warriors.

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Davis, returning from a left eye injury that kept him out of the Lakers’ loss to Golden State on Tuesday, was 11 of 22 in this game. James shot 13 for 20 to help the Lakers snap a two-game losing streak.

GG Jackson scored 31 points to lead the Grizzlies, while Scotty Pippen Jr. had a career-high 28. Jake LaRavia also finished with 28 points, and Jordan Goodwin added 23 points and 16 rebounds.

Memphis led 99-98 early in the fourth quarter, and was still close through the quarter. LaRavia’s two free throws with 1:06 left gave Memphis a 118-117 lead. But James scored on a drive and then on dunk sandwiched between two free throws as Los Angeles pulled away.

The Lakers already are assured of making the Western Conference play-in round of the postseason and are just jockeying for position. The Lakers began the day in a three-way tie with Sacramento and Golden State for spots 8-10. The Kings and Warriors played their games later Friday night.

Los Angeles emerged from the play-in last season before dispatching the second-seeded Grizzlies and Golden State to reach the Western Conference finals, where the Lakers were swept by Denver, the conference’s top seed and eventual NBA champion.

Memphis, meanwhile, is simply limping to the finish line in a season filled with injuries. As they did in previous games, the Grizzlies had more players on the injury list and not dressing (13), than active for the game (eight).

UP NEXT

Lakers: At New Orleans on Sunday to finish the regular season.

Grizzlies: Host Denver on Sunday in the season finale.

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Andrew Wiggins had 17 points for the 10th-place Warriors, who hit 26 of their 41 3-point attempts — including an astonishing 16 of 23 from Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green, who went 5 for 5 in the first half by himself.

Golden State’s 26 3s were the most allowed in a game by the Lakers.

The Warriors (44-35) have won eight of nine down the stretch to move within a half-game of ninth-place Los Angeles (45-35). Golden State also won the head-to-head tiebreaker between the rivals, putting homecourt advantage for a potential 9-10 play-in game next week in the Warriors’ hands over their final three regular-season games.

LeBron James had 33 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds for the Lakers, who had won eight of nine before taking back-to-back home losses in the past three days. Austin Reaves added 22 points and Rui Hachimura had 20, while D’Angelo Russell struggled to 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting.

Davis sat out due to the aftereffects of being hit in the head by Minnesota’s Kyle Anderson in the Lakers’ loss to the Timberwolves last Sunday night. Davis took a similar blow to his left eye last month from Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Without its All-Star big man, Los Angeles couldn’t defend the Warriors effectively and missed the chance to move into eighth place past struggling Sacramento (45-34), which blew a big second-half lead and lost to Oklahoma City.

Davis showed up to the Lakers’ downtown arena Tuesday, but “couldn’t overcome the headaches and nausea” caused by that blow, coach Darvin Ham said. Davis isn’t in the concussion protocol, Ham added, but he missed a key game after largely avoiding serious injuries all season for the first time in a half-decade.

Los Angeles fell to 2-4 without Davis this season, not counting two losses in which he played only the first quarter due to head blows.

James didn’t arrive until just over an hour before tipoff against the Warriors after missing that loss to the Wolves due to an apparent case of the flu. James didn’t do his usual on-court workout, but still suited up.

The Warriors played freely on offense without Davis in the middle, and Green improbably matched his total 3-pointers from his previous nine games combined and tied his career record for most 3s in one half.

The Warriors made 12 of their first 17 3-point attempts, and they went 20 of 32 in the first three quarters overall.

James came out looking for his shot aggressively, finishing the first half with 14 points. But the Lakers couldn’t keep up with the Warriors, who scored 10 consecutive points in the final 1:23 of the third quarter to leap to a 17-point lead.

Curry returned after taking a game off to rest with six 3-pointers without a miss along with eight assists and seven rebounds. Wiggins returned from a two-game absence with an ankle injury.

The crowd included Kim Kardashian, American YouTuber, and rapper IShowSpeed, Diplo, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and new USC coach Eric Musselman.

The Los Angeles Rams were also well represented in the crowd with receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua — as well as nose tackle Kobie Turner, who sang the national anthem.

UP NEXT

Warriors: At Portland on Thursday.

Lakers: At Memphis on Friday.

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Standing tall at 19 feet, the bronze monument, capturing Kobe’s legendary pose following his remarkable 81-point game against Toronto in 2006, had inadvertently misspelled the names of two basketball stars. Jose Calderon’s name was erroneously etched as “Jose Calderson,” while Von Wafer found himself memorialized as “Vom Wafer.”

The word “decision” was also misprinted as “decicion,” casting a shadow over an otherwise immaculate tribute to the late Lakers icon. Additionally, there was an error on the side where Bryant’s career accomplishments were written.

Loyal fans, ever attuned to detail, were quick to notice these discrepancies. Holden Moser, a devoted Lakers supporter, expressed his surprise, remarking, “Like a statue of obviously a great player, you think you would want to put in as much work and make sure you don’t make any mistakes at all on it.”

The scrutiny extended beyond the statue itself, with speculation swirling about the accuracy of the scorer’s report from that historic game. However, a signed scorer’s report auctioned in 2020 revealed no such errors, prompting questions about the source of the misspellings.

The Lakers organization, known for upholding Kobe’s legacy with utmost reverence, swiftly addressed the issue. “We have been aware of this for a few weeks and are already working to get it corrected soon,” they assured, signaling their commitment to honoring Kobe’s memory flawlessly.

Fast forward to today, and the Kobe Bryant statue has been restored to its rightful glory. Renovations were completed Tuesday morning, just in time for the Lakers’ final home game against the Golden State Warriors. The statue, a focal point for fans and a symbol of Kobe’s enduring legacy, now stands as a testament to the Lakers’ unwavering dedication to excellence.

As fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of two additional statues honoring Kobe’s legacy, one can’t help but marvel at the resilience and devotion that continue to define the spirit of the Lakers and their beloved Mamba.

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Anthony Edwards added 26 points for the Timberwolves, who moved even with Denver atop the Western Conference at 54-24 with their seventh win in nine games. Minnesota didn’t waste its golden opportunity to beat the surging Lakers, who played most of the night without their two superstars.

James stayed home with flu-like symptoms, missing the 11th game of his 21st NBA season. Davis then went to the locker room after getting hit in the face by Kyle Anderson while scoring a tip-in basket late in the first quarter.

The nine-time All-Star didn’t return to the game. Davis’ left eye already was injured from a hit taken last month in a game against Golden State.

Minnesota blew open a tight game without Davis patrolling the middle, putting up a 46-point second quarter. Los Angeles’ supporting cast kept it close in the third, but Rudy Gobert scored six of his 18 points in the fourth quarter while Minnesota comfortably held on. Gobert also had 16 rebounds.

Rui Hachimura scored 30 points for the Lakers, whose four-game winning streak ended with only their second loss in 11 games. Los Angeles also fell right back into ninth place in the ultra-competitive West after finally moving up to eighth on Saturday for the first time since late December.

Backup big man Jaxson Hayes had a season-high 19 points and 10 assists while playing 33 minutes in Davis’ absence, and Spencer Dinwiddie added 18 points and seven assists for the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell struggled when Los Angeles needed a huge game from its No. 3 option, missing 14 of his 19 shots to finish with 15 points and 11 assists.

With a chance to be the No. 1 seed in the West for only the second time in franchise history, Minnesota rebounded from its worst offensive performance of the season in Phoenix last Friday.

Minnesota quickly broke open a close game after Davis left, streaking to a 79-64 halftime lead with Reid scoring 18 points in the second quarter. Reid, who also grabbed 11 rebounds, racked up 46 combined points in the Wolves’ two previous meetings with the Lakers.

Along with James, the Lakers held out backup point guard Gabe Vincent, who only returned from a lengthy injury absence four games ago.

UP NEXT

Timberwolves: Host Washington on Tuesday.

Lakers: Host Golden State on Tuesday.

Anthony Davis added 22 points and 13 rebounds in the Lakers’ (45-33) ninth win in 10 games.

Darius Garland scored 26 points for Cleveland and Caris LeVert had 21 off the bench. The Cavaliers (46-32) remained in third place in the East but have dropped two straight and three of their last four.

Russell had six 3-pointers, including five in the first half, when his 23 points helped the Lakers take a nine-point lead.

James improved to 18-4 against his former team, where he played for 11 seasons in two different stints. He had a pair of alley-oop dunks against the team he led to its lone NBA title in 2016.

Davis scored 11 points in the third quarter, including nine during a 19-0 run. Cleveland led 71-67 before the Lakers regained control during a four-minute span.

Los Angeles jumped out to a 16-point lead early in the second quarter with a 24-4 run before Cleveland got it down to 65-56 at halftime.

Garland, who tied a career-high with five steals, had a pair of 3-pointers as the Cavaliers began the second half with an 11-2 spurt to tie it at 67-all.

UP NEXT

Cavaliers: Remain in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Sunday afternoon.

Lakers: Host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.

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LeBron James had 25 points and nine assists, and Rui Hachimura scored 19 points for the Lakers against his former team. Davis was 10 of 17 from the field and made 15 free throws without a miss.

Jordan Poole led Washington with 29.

The Lakers are ninth in the Western Conference, meaning they’d have to win twice in the play-in tournament to make the main playoff bracket. But they’re making a push to move up. Los Angeles trailed Phoenix and Sacramento by 1 1/2 games entering Wednesday.

The Wizards are a loss shy of matching the franchise record of 63.

Washington was coming off a nice win over Milwaukee on Tuesday night, and the Wizards made their first five 3-point attempts against the Lakers. Washington led 19-8 early on, and the problems mounted for Los Angeles when Davis took a stray elbow from Wizards 7-footer Tristan Vukcevic and stayed down on the floor for a bit.

But Davis was able to play on, which was bad news for Washington. The Wizards didn’t have the size necessary to deal with him, and Davis dominated the rest of the quarter. By the time it was over, he’d already attempted — and made — 11 free throws, and the Lakers led 39-29.

Los Angeles led by seven at the half, then went on a 9-2 run to start the third quarter to take a 76-62 advantage. D’Angelo Russell scored 18 points for the Lakers, who went 5-1 on a six-game trip.

Washington pulled back within two in the fourth and was having some success with its zone defense before James spun around Jared Butler and dunked to make it 109-105. That started a 12-0 run.

The Lakers had removed James and Davis, the game seemingly in hand, when the Wizards scored eight straight points to make it 125-120. After a Los Angeles turnover with 17.4 seconds remaining, James and Davis came back in.

Davis blocked a 3-point attempt by Butler and the Lakers held on.

James was called for a flagrant foul when he made a spin move while driving to the basket and caught Deni Avdija with an elbow in the second quarter.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Host Cleveland on Saturday.

Wizards: Host Portland on Friday night.

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D’Angelo Russell shot 7 for 14 from 3-point range and scored 25 points, Rui Hachimura had 14 and Max Christie 12 as the Lakers handed slumping Toronto a 14th straight loss.

The NBA’s career scoring leader, James shot 10 for 12 and had nine assists.

James came in having matched his career high with nine 3-pointers in Sunday’s win at Brooklyn. The 20-time All-Star took just one shot from distance against the Raptors, connecting with 5.22 left in the third quarter.

Davis sat the entire fourth quarter, while James checked out with 9:22 remaining in the final period after Los Angeles extended its lead to 27, 109-82. The Lakers visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

RJ Barrett scored 28 points and Immanuel Quickley added 20 for the Raptors. Toronto lost a franchise-worst 17 consecutive games in 1997-98.

Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. sat to rest, while Barrett and Quickley returned after missing time because of personal reasons and reconditioning. The pair combined for 17 points in the first, but the Lakers closed the quarter with an 18-4 spurt to lead 34-25 after one.

Los Angeles held a 64-58 edge at the intermission. James and Davis each scored nine points in the third as the Lakers stretched their lead to 100-79 after three.

The Raptors remained without five injured players, including starters Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl. Toronto two-way player Jontay Porter missed his fifth straight game as he remains under investigation for gambling allegations.

Raptors guard Bruce Brown left in the fourth because of a sore right knee.

Lakers forward Cam Reddish was not available for personal reasons, while guard Gabe Vincent sat on the opening night of the back-to-back games as he returns from left knee surgery.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

Raptors: Visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

James had the sellout crowd at Barclays Center standing on its feet as he put the finishing touches on his 3-point shooting display in the fourth quarter. He reached 40 points for the third time this season, most recently on March 16 in a home loss to Golden State.

The Lakers have won five of six since then, and this victory moved them a season-high nine games over .500 with seven games remaining in the regular season. Los Angeles remained ninth in the Western Conference, but the Lakers could catch the Sacramento Kings for eighth or the Phoenix Suns for seventh in the West, taking them out of the single-elimination No.9-vs.-No 10 play-in game.

If James has another game like this in the postseason, just about anything is possible for the NBA’s career-scoring leader who continues to amaze at age 39.

The 20-time All-Star finished 13 for 17 overall as the Lakers played the fourth game of a six-game road trip and rebounded from a loss Friday night at Indiana that snapped their five-game winning streak.

Anthony Davis added 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Rui Hachimura had 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game the Lakers led by 20 in the first quarter and controlled throughout. Brooklyn got its deficit inside double digits just once in the second half. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 30 points.

The Lakers got 114 of their 116 points from their starters.

James also made nine 3-pointers on January 24, 2023, against the Clippers, shooting 9 for 14. His 90% accuracy was the second-best of his career in games in which he made at least five 3-pointers, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He was 5 for 5 against Oklahoma City on Dec. 23 of this season.

Brooklyn was 0 for 8 from the field when interim coach Kevin Ollie called his first timeout just over 4 minutes into the first quarter after James grabbed a defensive rebound and hit Davis in stride with a long pass for a breakaway dunk, and the futility continued until Nic Claxton broke the ice after an 0-for-11 start by banking in a 10-footer.

Still, the lead rapidly grew to 20 when the score was 24-4 with 4 ½ minutes left in the opening quarter, and the Barclays Center crowd was silenced as the Nets were laying this particular Easter egg. The Lakers’ lead was 31-10 after one quarter as Brooklyn shot 4-for-21 and was outrebounded 21-11.

James kept single-handedly holding off the Nets in the third and fourth quarters with 3s, the eighth of which came as he was falling to his left from the corner to give the Lakers a 108-91 lead.

James then was isolated against Claxton on the perimeter on the next possession and dribbled between his legs several times before making his ninth 3 to make it 111-93.

UP NEXT

Lakers: At Toronto on Tuesday.

Nets: At Indiana on Monday.

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Indiana has won four of six to retain the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, with the latest victory giving Rick Carlisle career win No. 938 to tie Red Auerbach for 12th in NBA history.

Injured All-Stars LeBron James (left ankle) and Anthony Davis (left knee) both started and played like perennial All-Stars as the Lakers tried to improve their playoff positioning from the No. 9 seed in the West.

Davis finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds, while James had 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Austin Reaves added 16 points and 13 rebounds on a night the Lakers went 5 of 29 on 3-pointers and committed 16 turnovers, five by James.

The stakes — and the early up-tempo pace — created an entertaining and sometimes sloppy contest.

But after losing to the Lakers 123-109 in the final of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament and 150-145 last Sunday in Los Angeles, Indiana flipped the script on an old nemesis.

The Pacers led for nearly all of the final 39 minutes. They took an 86-70 lead late in the third, fended off each of the Lakers’ charges early in the fourth and used a 17-3 spurt to clinch their first winning season since 2020-21.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Make the fourth stop of a six-game road trip Sunday at Brooklyn.

Pacers: Face the Nets on Monday in the first of the two games in three days.

Coming off a 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee without James on Tuesday night, the Lakers won their fifth straight to pull within 2 1/2 games of idle Dallas for the sixth spot in the Western Conference, a spot that would avoid a play-in game.

Anthony Davis sat out against Memphis after having 34 points and 23 rebounds in a career-high 52 minutes against Milwaukee. He hyperextended his left knee late against the Bucks.

D’Angelo Russell added 23 points for Los Angeles, and Taurean Prince had 15.

Desmond Bane led Memphis with 26 points and 16 assists. Jake LaRavia scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, and Jaren Jackson added 17. The Grizzlies have lost six of seven.

Despite the extended game a night earlier, the Lakers seemed fine with their shooting legs in the first half, and led 69-61 at the break.

Los Angeles converted eight of its first 10 long-range shots in the third to stretch the advantage to 27. Memphis closed the third on a 21-4 run to pull to 102-92 entering the fourth.

The Lakers would maintain the double-digit lead through the bulk of the fourth.

The Grizzlies, limping to the finish after a season filled with injuries, got an emotional boost with the return of Brandon Clarke. The 6-foot-8 forward had not played since March 5, 2023 healing from a left Achilles injury. He finished with six points in almost 21 minutes.

UP NEXT

Lakers: At Indiana on Friday night.

Grizzlies: At Orlando on Saturday.

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Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but so far it’s proven true.

A little over two weeks ago on March 8, the Lakers stunned the Bucks 123-122 without “The King,” thanks to a career-high 44 points from D’Angelo Russell.

At the time, many called it the best win of the season for the purple and gold, but maybe we were too quick to jump to that conclusion.

The Lakers did it again on Tuesday night, this time at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee with an epic comeback in a 128-124 double-overtime thriller against the 2021 NBA Champion Bucks.

James missed the matchup with Milwaukee again with a lingering left ankle injury. In his place, several players stepped up for the Lakers.

Anthony Davis went toe-to-toe with two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, finishing with a game-high 34 points and 23 rebounds. He also had three from beyond the arc and four blocks.

Antetokounmpo was no slouch either. The “Greek Freak” finished with a triple-double, recording 29 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Lakers trailed by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter, but mounted a comeback late in the game. With the score tied at 102-102, Davis’ defense stopped the Bucks to send the game into overtime.

Davis did it again in the first overtime. He drained his third three-pointer of the contest and blocked a would-be-game winner from Damian Lillard as time expired.

Both teams seemed gassed in the second overtime, but Austin Reaves revived the exhausted Lakers, hitting a go-ahead three-pointer and two free throws to secure the victory. Davis finished with a career-high 52 minutes.

Reaves finished with a triple-double as well, recording 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Russell had 29 points and 12 assists in the victory that improves the Lakers record to 6-4 without LeBron in the lineup this season.

Rui Hachimura also stepped up in LeBron’s absence, scoring 16 points to go with 14 rebounds.

Former Laker Malik Beasley finished with 21 points in the loss for the Bucks.

The Lakers improved to 40-32 on the season and have won four straight. However, in a loaded Western Conference, they still find themselves in the 9th spot, needing to win two winner-take-all in-season tournament games just to reach the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The Lakers will next take the court on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. We’ll see if the exhaustion of Tuesday night’s victory against Milwaukee plays a part in the game.

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Spencer Dinwiddie had 26 points in his biggest offensive game since joining the Lakers, who have won three straight and five of seven. Los Angeles led 116-99 entering the fourth quarter, but Indiana closed the gap to three points down the stretch.

The Lakers held on by scoring 10 points in the final minute — including six free throws by Austin Reaves, who finished with 25 points in the Lakers’ highest-scoring performance of the season.

Pascal Siakam scored 19 of his 36 points in the third quarter for the Pacers, who dropped to 2-1 on their five-game road trip after playing dismal defense in the second and third quarters, allowing 86 points by Los Angeles. Myles Turner added 20 points and TJ McConnell had 17.

All-Star Tyrese Haliburton awoke from a quiet 12-point performance to hit two 3-pointers in the final seconds, trimming the Lakers’ lead to three points with 20 seconds to play. LA held on when Dinwiddie made one free throw and Haliburton missed a 3 before Cam Reddish stole Doug McDermott’s pass with three seconds left.

Dinwiddie stepped up while the Lakers won for the first time in six games this season without sharpshooting guard D’Angelo Russell, who was out with a non-COVID illness.

In the Pacers’ last visit to face the Lakers in November 2022, they rallied from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter before Andrew Nembhard hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a stunning 116-115 victory.

The teams met for the first time since the Lakers beat the Pacers in Las Vegas to win the inaugural In-Season Tournament last December. The Lakers, who will play at Indiana on Friday, went into a 3-10 slump immediately after raising that trophy, and they haven’t been able to rise higher than ninth in the Western Conference despite going 22-13 since that skid.

Russell’s absence and the Pacers’ speedy play caused problems for the Lakers early on, but Davis had 15 points and nine rebounds in the first half to keep it close. The Lakers scored a season-high 116 points through three quarters, but Siakam kept Indiana in it by himself.

Most of Argentina’s national soccer team attended the game ahead of La Albiceleste’s exhibition match at the Coliseum on Tuesday.

UP NEXT

Pacers: At Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

Lakers: At Milwaukee on Tuesday.

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LeBron James had 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists as the Lakers snapped a seven-game losing streak in their matchups with the Sixers. Los Angeles hadn’t beaten Philadelphia since March 3, 2020.

James scored 11 points and Davis added nine in the fourth quarter, using their size and resilience to overcome a gritty effort by Philadelphia. Neither team led by double digits all night, and the Lakers had their lowest-scoring performance since Jan. 3.

Russell surpassed the 3-pointers record set by Nick Van Exel during the 1994-95 season when he hit his 184th midway through the first quarter. Russell finished with 14 points and four 3-pointers for the Lakers, who hung on for their seventh win in 11 games after having three days off since beating Atlanta on Monday.

Los Angeles looked offensively rusty in its return, with poor shooting and Philly’s typically physical defense combining to make it a long evening. Neither team led by more than seven points until James hit his first 3-pointer of the night with 2:11 to play.

Tyrese Maxey scored 22 of his 27 points in the second half for the Sixers, who have lost seven of 10. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 19 points and Tobias Harris had 16 points and 13 rebounds in his return from a three-game injury absence with a sprained right ankle. Philadelphia is now 0-2 on its four-game West Coast road trip.

Russell, who was drafted by the Lakers in 2015 and played alongside Kobe Bryant as a rookie, returned to Los Angeles via trade last season. He has been a prolific scorer from the perimeter during his second chapter with the Lakers, and he hit six 3-pointers Monday to tie Van Exel’s record.

Spencer Dinwiddie had 11 points with three 3-pointers in his highest-scoring performance since joining his hometown Lakers.

Los Angeles swingman Taurean Prince missed the game for personal reasons.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Host Indiana on Sunday night.

76ers: At LA Clippers on Sunday.

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Russell’s six 3-pointers against the Hawks gave him 183 this season, passing Kobe Bryant’s 180 in the 2005-06 season and tying Nick Van Exel’s franchise record set in 1994-95. Russell’s latest standout shooting display was highlighted by a beautiful 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer followed by two more early in the fourth to tie the record before the Lakers emptied their bench.

Russell also had 10 assists, while Anthony Davis had 22 points and 15 rebounds as the Lakers snapped a two-game skid with their 13th win in 20 games since losing in Atlanta in late January. Davis left Saturday’s loss to Golden State early with a scratched cornea in his left eye, but the All-Star big man recovered quickly enough to start against the Hawks.

Los Angeles, which hasn’t lost three straight games since early January, also moved back up to ninth place in the Western Conference standings with this win and Golden State’s loss to New York.

Jalen Johnson scored 25 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 for the Hawks, who have lost four of five overall and three of four on their West Coast road trip.

Johnson went down in obvious pain after rolling his ankle while landing with 6:47 to play. Johnson, who only returned two games ago from a sprained ankle, was able to leave the court moments later under his own power.

Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu had 11 points and four rebounds while playing 19 minutes in his return from a 13-game injury absence due to a sprained left toe. Okongwu, a Los Angeles-area native who starred at USC, hadn’t played since Feb. 12, shortly before the All-Star break.

Trae Young missed his 12th straight game following hand surgery. He scored 26 points with six 3-pointers while the Hawks racked up 138 points in their victory over the Lakers in January.

Los Angeles gradually pulled away from the Hawks all night, hitting 60% of its shots in the first half while moving the ball smoothly. Russell beat the buzzer with his fourth 3-pointer to boost the Lakers’ lead to 111-86 heading to the fourth.

UP NEXT

Hawks: At Phoenix on Thursday.

Lakers: Host Philadelphia on Friday.

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LeBron James had 40 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who had to play without Anthony Davis for the final three quarters after he suffered an eye injury.

The Warriors inched ahead of the Lakers by a percentage point into ninth place in the West after winning a game that dragged to the finish because of a pair of replay reviews — one that overturned an apparent 3-pointer by James — then a malfunctioning clock.

Davis got poked in the left eye by Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis while driving to the basket for a layup with 2:47 remaining in the first quarter. Davis kept playing for the next few minutes, but his eye was swollen shut as he went to the locker room.

The Lakers described the injury as an eye contusion.

Golden State took advantage of Davis’ injury as it dominated inside and regularly drove into the paint. The Warriors outrebounded the Lakers by six and had a 62-54 advantage in points in the paint.

Jonathan Kuminga added 23 points for the Warriors and Draymond Green had six points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists after he missed the last game due to back soreness.

D’Angelo Russell added 23 points and 13 assists for the Lakers, who have dropped their last two.

Curry, who turned 36 on Thursday, missed three games due to a sprained right ankle. He missed his first three shots before getting a rebound of his own miss and putting in a layup with 7:41 remaining in the first half. The two-time MVP was 12 of 24 from the field along with six rebounds and five assists in 31 minutes.

He had six points during a 10-2 third-quarter run that gave the Warriors a 91-79 lead. Neither team had more than a seven-point lead until that point.

Thompson had 21 points in the first half as the Warriors held a 67-66 lead at halftime. It was the second time this season Thompson has scored at least 20 in the first half.

James, who was 6 of 16 from the field in Wednesday night’s loss at Sacramento, was 15 of 23 against the Warriors. He hit his first six shots, including three 3-pointers.

A 3-pointer by Thompson with 7:41 remaining in the fourth quarter gave the Warriors a 113-101 advantage, before the Lakers started to slowly work their way back.

James appeared to hit a 3-pointer with 2:07 remaining to get the Lakers within four, but during a stoppage in play 17 seconds later, the replay center determined James’ foot was out of bounds and took the basket away.

After the replay reversal and a challenge on another out of bounds play, the shot clock then malfunctioned with 1:35 remaining.

The reversal ended any momentum for the Lakers. The Warriors put the game away when Curry stole the ball from James and passed it to Kuminga for a breakaway dunk to make it 126-117.

UP NEXT

Warriors: Host the New York Knicks on Monday.

Lakers: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

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The Kings have won seven of their last eight games against the Lakers, including a four-game sweep this season. Harrison Barnes made seven 3-pointers and scored 23 points, De’Aaron Fox added 21 and Keegan Murray had 19 as all five starters for the Kings scored in double figures.

Sabonis’ triple-double was his league-leading 23rd, with his last one coming in the Kings’ victory at the Lakers last week.

Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 28 points. Anthony Davis added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and LeBron James had 18 points and 13 boards.

Both teams are fighting for playoff position, with the Kings pulling even with Phoenix for sixth place in the Western Conference, three games ahead of the ninth-place Lakers.

Sacramento pulled away in the third quarter after a close first half, starting the quarter on a 10-2 run to open a double-digit lead and holding Los Angeles to four field goals in the frame. Fox’s consecutive baskets to end the third gave the Kings a 15-point lead.

The Lakers cut the deficit to single digits early in the fourth, but Barnes and Malik Monk answered with consecutive 3-pointers to give the Kings a comfortable cushion again.

Sacramento led 60-56 at halftime, paced by 14 points and four 3-pointers from Murray.

The Kings were without Kevin Huerter (right leg contusion) and Trey Lyles (left knee sprain).

UP NEXT

Lakers: Host Golden State on Saturday.

Kings: Host New York on Saturday.