Lakers' LeBron James on 47-Point Game vs. Hawks: Scoring 30 'Hasn't Worked'
Dec 31, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after shooting a three-point basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Amid the Los Angeles Lakers' struggles this season, superstar forward LeBron James knew he had to take matters into his own hands, leading to a 47-point effort in a 130-121 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, James suggested that he had to take his offensive production to the next level in order to get the Lakers back on track, saying: "I've been scoring 30 and it hasn't worked, so ... try 40. And we got a win. It's math."
Making the performance even more impressive is the fact that LeBron pulled it off on his 38th birthday.
Friday's win was a huge one for L.A. since it had lost five of its previous six games while Anthony Davis has been on the shelf with a foot injury.
The Lakers improved to 15-21 with the victory, leaving them in 13th place in the Western Conference, three games out of the final postseason play-in spot.
Los Angeles has a chance to be a playoff contender if AD can get healthy and James can continue playing at the level he showcased Friday, but it won't be easy for the 38-year-old veteran to continue pouring in 40 points per night.
LeBron has been his usual spectacular self when healthy and in the lineup this season, though, averaging 28.5 points. 8.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists, in addition to shooting 50.6 percent from the field.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham called James "nothing short of phenomenal" and "amazing" for what he did against the Hawks, especially when considering how long he has been performing at an elite level.
Per McMenamin, the 18 years and 278 days between LeBron's first and most-recent 40-point efforts in an NBA game surpassed the record previously held by the legendary Michael Jordan.
James playing as well as he is at 38 is almost unprecedented in the annals of NBA history, but it is essentially a necessity in order for the Lakers to have any hope of making the playoffs.
A trade to shake up the supporting cast ahead of the deadline could get the Lakers closer to contention, but even then, LeBron and Davis will undoubtedly be the key to how far L.A. goes this season.
LeBron James' 'Masterful' Dominance Has NBA Twitter Hyped as Lakers Beat Hawks
Dec 31, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 1, 2022 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron James celebrated his 38th birthday with 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 130-121 road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
The ageless 20-year NBA veteran made 18 of 27 field goals and 4 of 6 three-pointers despite starting the game 1 of 5. He notably scored half of his team's 32 fourth quarter points, including 10 in the final four minutes.
Much like Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins, James was a human highlight reel in Atlanta.
As Lakers reporter Mike Trudell noted, only 11 NBA players have played 20 or more NBA seasons. James also happened to be playing his third game in four nights.
And yet that didn't stop James from posting one of the best individual performances of the season from any NBA player. A host of people offered their praise postgame, including Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson and Pau Gasol.
Masterful 47 I just watched, Lebron James. Masterful…GGz
James and the Lakers will now visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday evening before returning home for a stretch of seven of nine games in L.A.
Lakers' Anthony Davis Trending in the Right Direction for Return From Foot Injury
Dec 31, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis, left, shoots over Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duren during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham offered some good news to reporters Friday regarding eight-time All-Star big man Anthony Davis, who has been out indefinitely since Dec. 16 with a stress reaction in his right foot.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin relayed the quotes.
Darvin Ham, two weeks after Anthony Davis suffered the stress injury in his right foot, says “the biggest thing is, his pain has just about dissipated” and says Davis is trending in the right direction when it comes to approaching a ramp up to return to the court.
Those are welcoming comments for a Lakers team that's gone just 3-7 without Davis this year. L.A. is also struggling this year with a 14-21 record that has the team sitting third-last in the 15-team Western Conference.
Davis also spoke with a few reporters regarding his foot injury.
Anthony Davis told a small group of us reporters he has a bone spur in his foot that could have been there as far back as his Kentucky days. He also has a stress reaction. The good news is, there’s already been healing on the stress reaction and he is hopeful about the recovery https://t.co/wOT0q9gXym
Simply put, the Lakers need Davis back to have a decent shot at making the playoffs after missing out on the postseason last year. He was playing at an All-NBA First Team form prior to the injury with 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
Davis got hurt in the first quarter of his team's 126-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 16 after landing awkwardly during a layup attempt. He played 16 minutes in the first half but did not return after halftime.
The most recent news follows an encouraging Dec. 23 report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who noted that Davis' pain had decreased and that the team was holding out hope he would avoid a procedure.
ESPN Sources: The pain has subsided in past several days in Anthony Davis' foot and he's expected to rest it for another 7-to-10 days and have it re-evaluated and see if he can return to play. For now, there's hope that a procedure can be avoided. https://t.co/4B2RXiAZTV
It's unclear when Davis will return, but he's clearly trending in the right direction, which is all the Lakers could ask for after he was initially marked as being out indefinitely.
LeBron James' Historic Career Celebrated by NBA Fans on Lakers Star's 38th Birthday
Dec 30, 2022
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers receives the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award following Game Six of the NBA Finals on October 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at AdventHealth Arena. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron James might not be in a celebratory mood as he tries to find answers for the 14-21 Los Angeles Lakers, but fans are showering the future Hall of Famer with praise on his 38th birthday for what he's accomplished in 20 NBA seasons.
Despite the Lakers' struggles, James is playing at a high level. He's shooting 49.8 percent, ranks ninth in scoring average (27.8 points per game) and is tied for 14th in assists (6.6) and tied for 30th in rebounds (8.1).
Fans took to social media to show appreciation for James' career and how he's evolved since being the "kid from Akron" on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 17 years old.
They told LeBron James in HIGH SCHOOL, “if you’re not a first ballot Hall of Famer, you’re gonna be considered a bust.”
This is the first season when James has started to acknowledge his age and that his time in the NBA will end sooner than later. Nike debuted a commercial in October in which the four-time NBA Finals MVP took on "Father Time."
James is one of 10 players in NBA history who has played at least 20 seasons. No one in that group played more than 22 seasons. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Jamal Crawford all retired after their 20th season.
"I don't have a number," James told reporters after Wednesday's loss to the Miami Heat when asked how many more seasons he will play. "I know as long as my mind stays in it, I can play at this level for a minute. Now, that's up to my mind. My body is going to be OK because if my mind is into it, I will make sure my body is taken care of and I'll continue to put in the work."
James is only 574 points away from tying Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list. If he doesn't miss time and maintains his scoring average this season, he will move into the top spot in February.
Among the notable accomplishments on James' resume are four NBA titles in 10 trips to the Finals. His teams played in the Finals in eight consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2018.
He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their only championship and engineered the only 3-1 series comeback in NBA Finals history against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
James is one of five players to win the NBA MVP award at least four times. His four NBA Finals MVP awards rank second all-time behind Michael Jordan (six).
Lakers Rumors: LA Saving Coveted Draft Picks for Superstar Trade; Bradley Beal Linked
Dec 30, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 27: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena on December 27, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Despite sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Los Angeles Lakers don't appear inclined to make a panic trade involving their highly-coveted future first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2029.
Per NBA reporter Marc Stein in his Substack newsletter, rival teams believe the Lakers want to keep those picks "in case a currently unforeseen shot to trade for a legitimate third star— like Washington's Bradley Beal—materializes suddenly."
This comes after The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported on Dec. 16 that Los Angeles' "ultimate pie-in-the-sky" trade scenario would be if one of Beal, Damian Lillard or Kevin Durant became available.
General manager Rob Pelinka told reporters before the start of the season that trading their "draft capital" would only make sense if it brought back a player or players who clearly improved the Lakers' championship odds.
It's perhaps not a surprise that Stein cited Beal as a potential option for the Lakers instead of Durant or Lillard.
The Brooklyn Nets' recent surge up the standings makes it impossible to envision a scenario where Durant is moved during the season.
Lillard's two-year contract extension signed in July stipulates he can't be traded until July 9, 2023. There's no indication he or the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to move on, but things could change during the offseason if the team misses the playoffs or has an early exit.
Beal's situation is hard to parse out. He admitted in October on JJ Redick's podcast that the market "wasn't too promising" before deciding to sign a five-year supermax extension with the Washington Wizards.
While Beal is almost certainly happy to have a contract that guarantees him up to $251 million, the Wizards remain a mess with a 15-21 record. The structure of his deal could also make a move complicated because it includes a full no-trade clause and a trade bonus of 15 percent.
Despite their lackluster performance so far this season, The Athletic's Josh Robbins recently noted the Wizards don't want to trade Beal and would prefer to upgrade around him.
There's been no indication at this point that Beal is going to seek a trade out of Washington.
Beal would definitely fill the Lakers' need for shooting help. He's making a career-high 52.7 percent of his field-goal attempts this season, along with shooting 34.3 percent from behind the arc.
Putting Beal on a roster with LeBron James and a healthy Anthony Davis could improve his scoring efficiency because defenses would focus their attention on stopping them, leaving him with open opportunities that aren't available with the Wizards.
The Lakers (14-21) have lost five of their last six games and are currently 13th in the Western Conference standings.
LA Insider: Lakers Should Trade LeBron James After Latest Comments
Dec 30, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James made it clear following Wednesday's loss to the Miami Heat that he doesn't want to continue playing losing basketball.
Those comments have led Lakers columnist Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times to write that the Purple and Gold should trade James instead of meeting his demands to upgrade the roster in a meaningful way, which almost surely would cost the franchise its 2027 and 2029 first-round draft picks.
Plaschke wrote:
It has long been believed the Lakers wouldn't have the brashness to make such a deal. But now he's given them a reason. They're not dumping a legend, they're simply abiding by his request, which changes the scenario completely.
Seriously, how much longer can they believe that James is still capable of leading a young core into the playoffs? When are they finally going to admit that James is a wasted talent without contributions from Davis, and when are they going to realize Davis might never be a consistent star again?
Continuing to build a team around James with the expectation that he is still capable of carrying a team of role players to a title is the definition of insanity.
The Lakers dropped to 14-21 with Wednesday's loss, and they sit 13th in the Western Conference as they continue to plummet in the standings in the absence of star center Anthony Davis.
After the game, James told reporters he doesn't want to finish his career "playing at this level from a team aspect." He added:
I'm a winner, and I want to win. And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. That has always been my passion. That has always been my goal since I entered the league as an 18-year-old kid out of Akron, Ohio.
And I know it takes steps to get there, but once you get there and know how to get there, playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It's not in my DNA anymore. So we'll see what happens and see how fresh my mind stays over the next couple years.
This is the second straight season the Lakers have underperformed. During the 2021-22 campaign, the Purple and Gold finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record and missed the playoffs.
James, who will turn 38 on Friday, might feel like the Lakers are wasting what little time he has left in the NBA. The four-time MVP is looking to win his fifth NBA title, and that doesn't look like it's going to happen in L.A.
James, in his 20th NBA season, has played well, averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 27 games while shooting 49.8 percent from the floor and 29.7 percent from deep.
However, the Lakers couldn't build a contending roster around James and Davis during the offseason because of their contracts and that of Russell Westbrook. So, the Purple and Gold was left with mediocre talent to fill out the remaining spots.
That being said, James isn't solely to blame for L.A.'s struggles. When the team had a solid roster in 2019-20, James delivered, helping lead the Lakers to their first NBA title since 2010.
If the Lakers were going to entertain the idea of trading James, it's unclear what the franchise would expect for him. Typically, a player of James' caliber would fetch a haul, but if he demands a trade, the franchise won't have much leverage.
Additionally, James is under contract through the 2024-25 campaign after agreeing to a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Lakers in August. That contract would be a lot for many contending teams.
LeBron James' Lack of Help Called out by Lakers Fans in Loss to Luka Dončić, Mavs
Dec 25, 2022
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket as Reggie Bullock #25 of the Dallas Mavericks defends in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
It might take a Christmas miracle to save the 2022-23 Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles' losing streak extended to four Sunday thanks to its 124-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in a Christmas Day showdown at American Airlines Center. The Purple and Gold were once again without Anthony Davis because of a foot injury and fell to an ugly 13-20 on the season.
At this point, the playoffs seem like a long shot at best.
LeBron James carried his team with 38 points, six rebounds and five assists, but his supporting cast had nowhere near enough pieces to keep up with Luka Dončić and Co. on the road.
Social media certainly noticed:
Lakers have failed Lebron. Man is playing out of his socks every game putting up numbers and his supporting cast does nothing.
The Lakers just have so few NBA in the rotation. They have "maybe NBA guys" but very few "oh n, that guy's definitely in the league in three years" guys
It seemed like the Lakers were going to earn a much-needed win against a Western Conference playoff contender when they built an 11-point halftime lead. James was in full control, Russell Westbrook was providing a spark off the bench and the supporting cast was doing enough on the defensive side to keep the home team at bay.
And then the third quarter happened.
The Mavericks poured in 51 points in an overwhelming third quarter that saw Los Angeles counter with just 21. It was a beautiful or ugly display of basketball depending on which side one focused on, and it left the visitors fighting an uphill battle with any comeback hopes heading into the final stretch.
James did what he could by shifting into takeover mode in the fourth quarter, but Dallas had an answer every time thanks in large part to its outside shooting (18 three-pointers).
Attention now turns to a road game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday as the Lakers attempt to snap out of this sluggish stretch.
Would Terrence Ross be Good Target for Lakers amid Latest NBA Trade Rumors?
Dec 23, 2022
Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) drives to the basket while defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Trent Forrest (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
It hasn't been surprising to see the Los Angeles Lakers consistently getting linked to new players in trade rumors during the 2022-23 NBA season. With the team underperforming again, at least one move seems likely to happen.
However, nobody knows exactly what type of deal the Lakers will make. There have been quite a few players who Los Angeles has had reported interest in recently, and any of them could eventually end up wearing purple and gold.
One player who we just learned the Lakers may want to target is Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Ross has "long garnered interest" from Los Angeles. However, the Lakers haven't been alone, as the New York Knicks had also been pursuing the 31-year-old wing player in recent seasons, per Fischer.
None of this necessarily means Ross will end up getting traded anytime soon, though. Especially because teams may not be willing to meet the Magic's asking price.
"While Orlando has rebuffed offers below a first-round pick for the veteran swingman in recent seasons, sources said, it's difficult to foresee a playoff contender sacrificing more than a single second-round selection for Ross' services," Fischer wrote.
Will that be enough for the Magic to part with Ross this time? That remains to be seen. But it's possible the 11-year NBA veteran's stock is a bit lower than it's been in some recent seasons.
Ross is averaging only 8.1 points in 30 games during the 2022-23 campaign. That would end up as his lowest scoring output since he averaged 6.4 points in 73 games as a rookie with the Toronto Raptors in the 2012-13 season.
However, Ross is still shooting 40.6 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three-point range. He just isn't getting off as many attempts as he has for much of his career.
So there's a good chance that a change of scenery could result in Ross returning to form a bit. And what better place to go than Los Angeles, where he could play alongside LeBron James and try to help the Lakers get back into playoff contention?
Los Angeles is 13-18 after its loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, which was its sixth defeat in its past nine games. It's still only two games out of a spot for the play-in tournament, though, and there's plenty of time for the team to get hot and turn its season around.
A deal or two before the Feb. 9 trade deadline should help the Lakers have a better chance of doing that. While Ross alone couldn't give Los Angeles enough of a boost to be a playoff team, he could be a solid contributor.
The Lakers need wing players who are efficient shooters, and Ross can fit that bill. If he plays up to his full potential, he could even become a key member of Los Angeles' rotation.
So it would be wise for the Lakers to try to acquire Ross, assuming the Magic's asking price isn't too high. Los Angeles owns only two first-round draft picks for the rest of the decade, and it shouldn't part with either of those in a trade for Ross.
But if the Lakers can get him for a second-round pick and/or a player, they'd improve by having him available to come off their bench (or possibly even take a spot in the starting lineup).
LeBron James Congratulates Dwyane Wade on Being Candidate for Basketball HOF
Dec 22, 2022
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat meet after the game between the two teams on March 27, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Oscar Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James saluted former teammate Dwyane Wade on being a nominee for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2023.
Congrats to my brother @DwyaneWade on being on the eligible candidate HOF list!! I mean he ain't no candidate, he's IN!!!!! Hahaha! 🫡🙏🏾
Wade, a 13-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion, is among the first-time nominees. He's widely expected to go in on the first ballot. Basketball Reference gives him 100 percent Hall of Fame odds based on his résumé.
Wade averaged 22.0 points, 5.4 assists ad 4.7 rebounds per game over 16 seasons and was one of the best 2-guards of his era. A member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team, he came in at No. 26 when ESPN ranked the greatest players ever in 2020 and at No. 28 when The Athletic published its own list in 2022.
No player has been more closely associated with D-Wade than LeBron.
Wade and James spent four-plus seasons together, first with the Miami Heat and then with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their reunion in Northeast Ohio only lasted 46 games before Wade headed back south to Miami.
During their four-year Heat run, the pair won two titles. Along with Chris Bosh, they helped usher in a new era in the NBA. Increased player empowerment was probably inevitable as the league's revenues rose, but The Decision is the clear demarcation point when top stars began wielding more influence and control over their careers.
The Hall of Fame will announce its newest inductees on April 1 during the weekend of the 2023 Final Four. Assuming Wade is among the honorees, you can expect James to be in attendance when he officially joins the game's icons at the enshrinement ceremony in August.
