Los Angeles Lakers

The 2022-23 NBA season will reportedly kick off with a showdown between two title contenders in the Eastern Conference.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Jayson Tatum's Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers will be part of an opening night doubleheader on TNT on Oct. 18.

The second game will be a previously reported clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.

This is another piece of the puzzle as the 2022-23 schedule begins to come into view.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported the full schedule will be released Wednesday, and Charaniaoe previously provided a look at an intriguing slate of games that will take center stage on Christmas Day:

That the Celtics and 76ers will be nationally featured on opening night and Christmas Day was no surprise.

Boston was in the NBA Finals last season and features one of the best one-two punches in the league in Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Philadelphia hasn't made it past the second round of the playoffs since the 2000-01 campaign, but it has its own talented pair in Embiid and James Harden who could change that this season.

Throw in the rivalry between these Atlantic Division teams that always serves as the backdrop when they square off, and there is plenty to look forward to with the reported first clash.

Boston and Philadelphia fittingly split their four matchups last season, and whichever team comes out on top in the 2022-23 campaign could have the inside track for a higher seed and home-court advantage in what figures to be a tightly contested Eastern Conference race.

Fans won't have to wait long for the next chapter of the rivalry.

As we draw closer to the 2022-23 NBA season, it feels more and more likely that the Los Angeles Lakers will proceed with Russell Westbrook on the roster.

Westbrook's name has been a fixture of offseason trade rumors—especially those involving Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving. According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, however, general manager Rob Pelinka has been hesitant to attach multiple draft picks to Westbrook in trade talks.

This doesn't mean that Westbrook won't eventually be traded, of course, but new head coach Darvin Ham must prepare to have Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis as his three centerpieces this season.

As NBA insider Marc Stein recently noted (h/t Lakers Daily), getting Westbrook to buy into the plan could be challenging:

"Ham is going to have to coach Westbrook, which is bound to be challenging in the extreme given that Westbrook is well aware that the Lakers have been trying hard to move him. And that James badly wants Irving to take his place."

It's not an ideal situation for Ham, though the first-time head coach has an opportunity to salvage Westbrook's stint in Los Angeles. A big part of the problem last season was that Westbrook and former then-coach Frank Vogel clashed.

"I think it's unfortunate, to be honest, because I've never had an issue with any of my coaches before," Westbrook said in April, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I'm not sure what his issue was with me or I'm not sure why, but I can't really give you an answer to why we really never connected."

As a new coach, Ham has a prime opportunity to take a fresh approach to the Lakers' roster. Instead of trying to force Westbrook, James and Davis into an established system, he can create a new one around L.A.'s Big Three.

The trick will be establishing the sort of chemistry between the three—and Los Angeles' supporting cast—that wasn't present last season. This will be important both for the 2022-23 season and for the Lakers' efforts to extend James beyond this season.

James, who is in the final year of his contract, is eligible to sign an extension at any time. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, James recently met with Lakers management both to begin contract talks and to voice concerns.

One of his biggest concerns, per Haynes, was last year's lack of chemistry:

"James, sources said, drilled home the importance of consistent competitiveness and cohesion, noting that last season’s team didn’t give themselves a chance on many nights. The focus for the future Hall of Famer is competing every night in order to give themselves a chance to compete for a championship."

Ham can potentially ease James' worries by mapping out a plan for the roster as it currently sits. Per Haynes, this includes running the offense through Davis and hoping for more efficient three-point shooting from Westbrook.

This would represent a change of role for Westbrook, who has spent much of his career as the up-tempo centerpiece of his offenses. Getting Westbrook to buy in will be Ham's first challenge. Selling the plan to James will be his next.

It's imperative that the chemistry-building begin immediately. The Lakers cannot wait and hope that it develops over the course of the season, as the franchise seemed to do last season.

According to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic, the Lakers are set to open the season against the defending-champion Golden State Warriors:

Nobody in the Lakers locker room—and especially not the legacy-conscious James—will want to be embarrassed in such a high-profile start to the season. And barring a sudden development on the trade front, L.A. will likely enter that game with its current roster.

"All parties appear to be aligned on a common vision of seeing how the roster plays out before any drastic moves are sought," Haynes wrote.

The core group of James, Davis and Westbrook was unsuccessful last season both because of injuries and because it never got the opportunity to build a rapport. The three only played 21 games together.

Most injuries cannot be avoided, but the Lakers can prepare their players to operate as a cohesive unit. That must be the primary focus moving forward. If a trade falls into place, so be it, but waiting will get the Lakers nowhere.

The first Los Angeles Lakers vs. L.A. Clippers matchup of the 2022-23 season will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic:

Both teams are attempting to make the playoffs after missing out last year. The 33-49 Lakers finished 11th in the Western Conference, one spot out of the final play-in tournament berth. The 42-40 Clippers lost twice in the play-in tournament and did not qualify for the postseason.

Both teams figure to have more optimistic outlooks in 2022-23, though.

The Lakers were snakebit with injuries and an inconsistent rotation. LeBron James (26 games) and Anthony Davis (42 games) both missed significant time.

Twenty-five players ultimately suited up for the Lakers last year, and it became impossible for the team to form any sort of chemistry. Better health and a more stable rotation should certainly help the Lakers enjoy more success under first-year head coach Darvin Ham.

For the Clips, a partially torn ACL kept Kawhi Leonard out for the entire season, and Paul George was out for 51 games mainly because of a torn UCL in his right elbow. Having both of those players back and good to go should be a massive boost to this team's playoff chances.

Ultimately, the Lakers vs. Clippers matchups should be must-see television this year. The first one of the year isn't the only game to be leaked thus far prior to the NBA schedule being officially released.

Longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that the Memphis Grizzlies will visit the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. In addition, Stein noted that the Lakers will visit the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas as well.

The season will begin on Oct. 18. Per Charania, the Lakers will be visiting the Warriors, who will have an opening-night ring ceremony.

LeBron James will go down as one of the greatest players in NBA history, but will he be remembered as one of the Los Angeles Lakers' greats?

Former NBA forward and 2016 NBA champion Richard Jefferson, who played with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015-60 to 2016-17, doesn't think so.

James said during an appearance on the Road Trippin' podcast (h/t Brad Sullivan of Lakers Daily):

"LeBron James has not done enough as a Laker to be on that list. Bron been there now — this is his fourth season, right? They've been in there four seasons. Two years, they haven't made the postseason. One year, they lost in the first round. And one year, they won a championship."

Right now, it's hard to determine if James will be remembered as one of the L.A. greats. He led the franchise to an NBA title in 2020, but he is entering just his fifth season in Purple and Gold in 2022-23.

It's possible James helps the franchise win another title before his tenure in L.A. comes to an end. But, right now, the Lakers roster doesn't look much better than last year, and after all, basketball is a team sport, and the four-time NBA champion will need some help in his quest for a fifth title.

If James manages to be considered one of the Lakers greats, he'll join a list that includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.

The Los Angeles Lakers' hesitancy to add multiple first-round picks to Russell Westbrook trade talks has reportedly led to some surprise around the NBA.

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has not "seriously" gone deep into the Lakers' asset coffers in Westbrook trade talks. The Lakers have their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks available in trade talks, along with second-round selections and pick swaps.

Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reported the Lakers have recently shown a willingness to part with their two available first-round picks to acquire Kyrie Irving. It was the first sign of any major movement from either side in several weeks, as the Nets have taken a glacial pace negotiating the likely exits of Irving and Kevin Durant.

The Lakers previously only showed a willingness to trade one of their future firsts, which was an apparent nonstarter for Brooklyn.

It's unclear if Pelinka's increased flexibility also extends to oft-discussed trade talks with the Indiana Pacers. Acquiring Myles Turner and Buddy Hield from Indiana is seemingly the backup plan to trading for Irving. However, Bob Kravitz of The Athletic reported last month that talks were going nowhere due to the Lakers' unwillingness to add the second first-round pick.

That report came before LeBron James and agent Rich Paul met with Pelinka and new Lakers coach Darvin Ham. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported the meeting largely consisted of James expressing "concerns" about the future.

"James, sources said, drilled home the importance of consistent competitiveness and cohesion, noting that last season’s team didn’t give themselves a chance on many nights," Haynes wrote. "The focus for the future Hall of Famer is competing every night in order to give themselves a chance to compete for a championship."

It's not hard to draw a through line between Pelinka's meeting with James and the sudden willingness to mortgage future draft assets. James and Westbrook were a clear oil-water mix on the floor last season, and it's hard to imagine a scenario in which either player totally revamps their game to make things work.

Haynes' report indicated the Lakers could seek to use Westbrook more as a spot-up shooter in the corners, but the 2017 NBA MVP has repeatedly scoffed at taking a lesser role in the past.

The overwhelming likelihood remains the Lakers will find a deal for Westbrook before training camp.

The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing deals beyond a trade for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving or a package from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.

"If and when Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell get traded, the space to make a Westbrook trade probably opens a little wider with the costs getting cleared," Woike wrote. "Lakers sources insist they have options beyond the ones that have been reported (Irving, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner and others). Time should better reveal those once the bigger moves get made."

Irving has reportedly been interested in teaming up with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James in L.A. since before he opted in to his $36.9 million player option with the Nets for 2022-23.

On July 2, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that the Lakers and Nets were "actively engaged" in discussions centered around an Irving-Westbrook swap, adding that there was "palpable optimism" a deal could be reached this summer.

However, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported last week that talks between the Lakers and Nets have ceased and likely won't resume until Kevin Durant, who requested a trade out of Brooklyn in June, is moved.

The Lakers and Pacers had engaged in trade talks involving Westbrook for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield earlier this summer. However, The Athletic's Bob Kravitz reported late last month that those negotiations were dead because the Lakers refused to include two first-round picks alongside Westbrook.

Westbrook had a disappointing 2021-22 season with the Lakers, his first in L.A. after a one-year stint with the Washington Wizards. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 78 games while shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and 29.8 percent from deep.

It was arguably the 33-year-old's worst season in the NBA, and his trade value plummeted because of it.

If the Lakers are serious about wanting to move Westbrook, they almost certainly will have to include their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks in any package. Unless they're willing to do that, the veteran point guard will likely remain in the Purple and Gold in 2022-23.

The Lakers do have a plan in place if they can't move Westbrook. Haynes reported earlier this week that the team is "hopeful for a corner-three shooting percentage bump from Russell Westbrook next season."

New head coach Darvin Ham said just a few weeks ago that he would like Westbrook to take more corner threes than he's ever taken in his career. That came after he told Andscape's Marc Spears that he had a plan for the veteran this season.

"I love Russell Westbrook, man. Just his mentality, his approach. Just to see him, a guy of that magnitude and everything he's done in the league to get hated on," Ham said. "But being me, I got a wholehearted plan, a clear plan on how I'm going to use him."

With the summer winding down, we'll see how desperate the Lakers get to move Westbrook and field a legitimate title contender.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is a proud father, and he admitted Thursday to getting very emotional about watching his two sons, Bronny and Bryce, play in a competitive game together for the first time ever.

Bronny and Bryce suited up Thursday for the California Basketball Club, whose roster also features the sons of former NBA stars Penny Hardaway and Scottie Pippen.

The California Basketball Club is in Europe for the next 12 days to compete against teams from London, Paris and Rome. The team's first game was Thursday against London at 3 p.m. ET, and it didn't take long for James to share his excitement about watching Bronny and Bryce.

Bronny is entering his senior year of high school and will be eligible for the 2024 NBA draft. James has been very open about wanting to play alongside Bronny in the NBA, so it might not be long until we see the duo team up on the biggest stage.

Bryce, meanwhile, is just 15 years old and it'll be a while before people begin to talk about his NBA potential.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly now "willing to include" two first-round draft picks in a potential trade for Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving.

L.A.'s reluctance to add a second Round 1 selection has been a snag in talks throughout the offseason, but Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reported Wednesday the Lakers have decided to put both their 2027 and 2029 first-rounders on the table in trade talks.

It's the first sign of tangible progress toward a possible blockbuster deal that would reunite Irving with LeBron James after they captured an NBA championship together with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

There are still several hurdles to jump before a potential agreement, though.

First, the Nets haven't shown a willingness to take on the final season of Russell Westbrook's five-year, $206.8 million contract in the trade, which means the sides would need to find a third team willing to take Russ, likely in exchange for draft compensation.

Second, Brooklyn is still trying to handle a trade request from Kevin Durant, which is going to shape the franchise's direction based on whether the return is focused on established veterans or a package of younger players and draft picks.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported last week the Nets aren't likely to deal Irving "until there is clarity on Durant."

Finally, the Lakers' front office probably wants some clarity, too.

James and Irving are both entering the final year of their contracts, while Anthony Davis has two guaranteed seasons left on his deal with an early-termination option for 2024-25.

If L.A. is going to move two more of its limited number of future assets, it'd likely want some type of guarantee its championship window will be open for more than just next season.

An extension agreement with LeBron for at least two years in coordination with a Kyrie trade would soften the blow of including the 2027 and 2029 picks.

The Irving contract situation will be trickier. Fox Sports' Ric Bucher reported (via HoopsHype) the seven-time All-Star is seeking contractual guarantees where he'll play a maximum of 60 games per year while sitting out at least one contest in back-to-backs.

So there are still ample moving parts, and the limited progress on the Durant situation means the Lakers may have to wait awhile for a resolution.

Putting another first-round pick on the table ensures talks could move quicker if the Nets signal they're ready to move Irving before the 2022-23 campaign, though.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is reportedly considered the front-runner to own an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.

During a discussion on his On The Ball with Ric Bucher podcast (h/t Hoops Hype), FS1 NBA insider Ric Bucher said LeBron is in the "pole position" to serve as an NBA owner in Las Vegas.

Bucher added that he has been told Las Vegas and Seattle expansion teams are in the works and could be announced as soon as the NBA's next television deals. The NBA's current TV contracts with ESPN and Turner Sports run through the 2024-25 season.

If the NBA and James have mutual interest in him owning an expansion franchise in Vegas, the timeline of the TV deals could be a clue to when he plans to retire.

LeBron is currently 37 years old, meaning he will be 40 by the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

At that point, James could retire and conclude an illustrious, 22-year NBA career in which he established himself as one of the all-time greats, although that isn't necessarily a guarantee.

LeBron could both own and play for a Las Vegas franchise, but with the turnaround of at least two years between a franchise getting announced and playing for the first time, that may not be viable.

James has been vocal about his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny, in the NBA at some point, though, which is something that could compel him to extend his career.

Bronny is part of the 2023 recruiting class, meaning he could conceivably play in the NBA as early as the 2024-25 season. If the Lakers manage to land him and pair him with his father, it would perhaps give LeBron even more incentive to retire after the 2024-25 season, as he would have accomplished his goal.

The major North American sports leagues long vowed to stay away from Vegas, but with sports betting becoming more popular and legalized across much of the United States, the taboo is essentially gone.

The NHL expanded into Las Vegas with the Vegas Golden Knights, and the NFL allowed the Raiders to move from Oakland to Las Vegas.

It seems as though the NBA is next in line to explore that market, which makes sense given that the league hosted All-Star weekend in Vegas in 2007, well before the idea of an expansion team heated up.

James would join fellow NBA legend Michael Jordan as the only Black principal owners in the NBA, plus he would give the Las Vegas franchise the type of star power and cachet it needs to get off the ground.

LeBron has earned his way to billionaire status, and he has been open about his desire to own an NBA franchise. In fact, James said in June that he specifically wants to own a team in Vegas.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver shot down talk of imminent expansion as recently as June, but he added that the league will "invariably expand" at some point.