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LeBron James Says He Won't Miss Lakers' Game vs. Cavs After Tweaking Ankle Injury

Dec 5, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 09, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 09, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said he tweaked his ankle during Sunday's win over the Washington Wizards, but he doesn't expect to miss any time.

"I'll be ready Tuesday," James told reporters.

The Lakers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, where James spent 11 of his 20 NBA seasons.

James has already missed time this season after he suffered a groin injury in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 9.

"I didn't do anything extraneous on the play," James told reporters after the game. "Just when I landed, I felt a little spasm or strain in my groin. So immediately I had to come out after that on the next play down when I went to the free-throw line."

James returned after missing about two weeks with the groin injury, but he then suffered a sprained ankle in the Lakers' Nov. 28 loss to the Indiana Pacers. He hasn't missed any time due to that injury, but he has aggravated it multiple times over the past week.

It's yet another issue for the Lakers to worry about after James missed significant time due to injuries in each of the last two seasons.

The Lakers have gotten back on track after a slow start. They're currently sitting 12th in the Western Conference with a 10-12 record. James is averaging 26.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game this season, ranking second on the team in each category.

Donovan Mitchell 'Happy as Hell to Be' with Cavs After Offseason Knicks Trade Rumors

Dec 5, 2022
NEW YORK, NY -  DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Donovan Mitchell might have wanted to play for the Knicks, but he's perfectly happy with where he's at.

Mitchell played in front of a Madison Square Garden crowd on Sunday for the first time since the Knicks' failed pursuit of their hometown star, saying it's nice to play in front of family but he's glad to be a Cavalier.

“I think more so playing in front of my family and friends,” Mitchell told reporters. “What’s done is done, and I’m happy as hell to be where I’m at. At the end of the day, this decision was made and I don’t think I’ve been happier since I’ve been in the league. But I think for me it’s always going to be motivation to come back and play well in my hometown, but you could say that about anybody. But with what happened this summer, it’s over with, it happened and I’m happy to be with the Cavaliers.”

The three-time All-Star finished with 23 points, five assists and four rebounds in Cleveland's 92-81 loss. Mitchell finished with an ugly 8-of-22 shooting line as the Cavs shot just 34.9 percent from the floor.

The Knicks spent the offseason as the overwhelming favorite to land Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz. They ultimately balked as Utah's asking price and Cleveland swooped in to make a shocking blockbuster.

“Who doesn’t want to be home, next to their mom,” Mitchell told reporters in September when asked if he wanted to play for the Knicks. “I haven’t lived at home since I was in the eighth grade and I went to boarding school, so it would have been nice.”

From a basketball perspective, Mitchell's move to the midwest has paid off. The Cavs are 15-9 and sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, while the Knicks are languishing as the No. 10 seed at 11-13.

Warriors: Viral Video of Stephen Curry Making 5 Straight Full-Court Shots Not Real

Dec 5, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -  NOVEMBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 27, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 27, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Stephen Curry might be the greatest shooter in NBA history, but he isn't that good.

On Sunday, a video went viral showing the Golden State Warriors star sinking five straight full-court heaves at the team's practice facility.

There's just one problem. The Associated Press' Janie McCauley confirmed the video is fake.

That raises an obvious question: Were any of Curry's 3,232 made three-pointers real? How deep does the conspiracy go?

Opposing teams have grown accustomed to paying attention to Curry as soon as he crosses half court, such is his shooting range. Luckily they don't have to start crowding him immediately after he catches an inbound pass.

Anthony Davis Draws MVP Buzz from Fans as Lakers Crush Wizards for 3rd Straight Win

Dec 5, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 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)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 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)

The Los Angeles Lakers' strong run of form continued Sunday as they earned a 130-119 road victory over the Washington Wizards.

While the Lakers are still only 10-12 on the season, they've now won eight of their last 10 games.

Anthony Davis has been a major spark behind the turnaround. He had averaged 32.9 points, 15.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks over the previous eight games.

The eight-time All-Star had his 10th consecutive double-double Sunday, finishing with 55 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. This is the kind of player the Lakers have wanted him to be ever since acquiring him from the New Orleans Pelicans, and he might be assembling an MVP résumé.

Los Angeles was one of the NBA's biggest punchlines when it opened at 2-10. Now, it's impossible to ignore the progress being made by the team under first-year head coach Darvin Ham.

Davis will get the headlines for obvious reasons, but Lonnie Walker IV chipped in with 20 points against Washington. The bench combined to contribute 21 points as well.

https://twitter.com/LosPollosTV/status/1599567093266935808

The Lakers pivot to the third leg of their six-game road trip Tuesday for a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The fanbase might have been getting antsy when reading rumors of general manager Rob Pelinka wanting to wait around before pursuing any significant trades. That patient approach is paying off in a big way because this squad looks transformed with Davis firing on all cylinders.

NBA Twitter Praises Knicks for Beating Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers After Failed Trade

Dec 5, 2022
NEW YORK, NY -  DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

No Donovan Mitchell, no problem for the New York Knicks, who took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-81 on Sunday at Madison Square Garden to improve to 11-13 on the season.

Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle led the charge against the Cavs. Brunson finished with 23 point, two rebounds, four assists and one block, while Randle added 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the win.

Mitchell, whom the Knicks could have acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz ahead of the season, had a rough night by his standards, finishing with 23 points, four rebounds and five assists. He shot 8 of 22 from the floor and 2 of 11 from deep.

Following New York's big win, NBA Twitter praised the team for taking down Mitchell and the Cavs, who have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season:

The Knicks could have certainly benefitted from acquiring Mitchell from the Jazz and pairing him with Brunson. However, they would have needed to give up a haul of draft picks to make a move happen, and doing so could have greatly altered the franchise's future.

Saturday's win was New York's first at home since Nov. 11 against the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks will try to build on the victory Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.

Report: Trae Young Sat Out Hawks Game After Exchange with Nate McMillan over Injury

Dec 4, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 28: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 28, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 28: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 28, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young missed Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets after an exchange with head coach Nate McMillan that led to an ultimatum, per Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

According to the report, Young wanted to focus on treatment on his injured right shoulder while missing the pregame shootaround, planning to decide later in the day if he would play. McMillan responded by offering him a choice to either come off the bench or do not show up to the arena.

Young chose not to play and was ruled out because of shoulder soreness in what became a 117-109 win.

"It was just a miscommunication in that situation with Trae," McMillan said Sunday, per Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

There was no disciplinary action against Young, and he returned to practice Sunday. He is expected to return to the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to The Athletic, it's part of a larger issue for the Hawks after "multiple team meetings early this season to resolve various conflicts."

The Hawks are 13-10 in McMillan's third year with the team, fourth in the Eastern Conference, though expectations are high after acquiring All-Star Dejounte Murray in the offseason to pair with Young in the backcourt.

Young remains the go-to option averaging 27.8 points and 9.6 assists per game, while Murray has impressed with 21.4 points and 6.7 assists per game. Depth has been a question mark, however, after trading away Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari. The return of Bogdan Bogdanović will help, but John Collins is now expected to miss at least two weeks with an ankle injury, per Charania.

Adding locker room issues could only exacerbate the Hawks' problems going forward and put McMillan under pressure to keep things on track.

Knicks Rumors: Derrick Rose Trade Interests Mavericks After Kemba Walker Contract

Dec 4, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. 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. Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 109-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. 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. Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 109-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks "have interest" in trading for New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose, according to Ric Bucher of Fox Sports.

Bucher noted that Rose and four first-round draft picks are among the trade assets the 10-13 Knicks can "dangle" on the trade market.

The Mavericks are looking for guard depth and signed former Knicks veteran Kemba Walker last week, although general manager Nico Harrison admitted Thursday on Dallas radio station The Ticket (h/t CBS Sports) that Walker's knee is "not good."

Walker is yet to appear in a game for Dallas and hasn't played since February.

Rose has been productive in recent seasons, averaging 12.0 points and 4.0 assists per game for New York last year while shooting 40.2 percent from three-point range.

The 34-year-old has seen his numbers decline this season, however, averaging just 6.4 points and 2.0 assists in 21 appearances, all off the bench. Free-agent addition Jalen Brunson has emerged as a go-to option in the backcourt, leaving Rose with just 13.6 minutes per game after he averaged 24.5 minutes in 2021-22.

It makes Rose expendable for the Knicks, but the Mavericks could use guard depth after losing Brunson in the offseason.

Luka Dončić is one of the best offensive players in the NBA, but he has limited help since just three other Mavericks average double-figure scoring. Rose could give the team another backcourt option alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie.

With 15 years of NBA experience and 51 career playoff games, he could help provide what Dallas needs to compete with the top teams in the Western Conference.

NBA Trade Rumors: Heat 'Willing to Move' Kyle Lowry amid 3-Year, $85M Contract

Dec 4, 2022
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 2: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 2, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.  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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 2: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 2, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Miami Heat are reportedly "willing to move" point guard Kyle Lowry in a trade, but finding a partner who would give them a desired return package may be difficult.

Ric Bucher of Fox Sports reported Miami is open to such a deal but noted "at 37, and with another year left on a three-year $85 million deal, it's hard to identify a team that would take him on and provide the Heat with an upgrade."

Miami is in win-now mode after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season and the NBA Finals during the 2019-20 campaign, but consistency has been an issue in the early portion of the 2022-23 season.

It is just 11-12 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

While that is good enough for the play-in tournament, it is nowhere near where the presumed championship contender wants to be even with plenty of time remaining to turn things around before the playoffs.

Lowry is a Toronto Raptors legend and has been a solid contributor for the Heat, but they could overcome losing him from the rotation with the right pieces back in any trade.

He is averaging 14.8 points, 6.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game behind 40.2 percent shooting from the field and 35.1 percent shooting from deep this season. The six-time All-Star is no longer in his prime, but he could still help a contender down the stretch in a move.

The contract, as Bucher mentioned, limits the options for the Heat, especially when it comes to non-contenders.

Teams in rebuilding mode aren't going to look to add a contract that doesn't expire for an aging veteran, so the traditional contender-lands-an-impact-player-from-rebuilding-team swap might not work with Lowry unless draft pick capital is also included.

For now, Lowry remains on the Heat as the team looks to turn things around following an inconsistent start.

Wizards' Bradley Beal Says 'There Were No Teams in' Free Agency He Could've Won With

Dec 4, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 2: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 2, 2022 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 2: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 2, 2022 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bradley Beal has been with the Washington Wizards his entire career and apparently didn't have many choices when it came to joining a contender this past offseason.

The three-time All-Star, who re-signed with the Wizards on a five-year maximum contract worth $251 million this offseason, appeared on the No Chill with Gilbert Arenas podcast and explained why he made such a decision.

"There were no teams in the market, free-agency-wise," he said. "I'm just being frank. There was nowhere else for me to go where I can be like, 'Oh, I can go win.' It was teams that strategically wasn't what I wanted."

Beal also suggested he appreciated the "voice" he has in the Washington organization and wanted the opportunity to play with Kristaps Porzingis—who he called "probably the best big I've played with"—and Kyle Kuzma.

Washington has played well at times this season and is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings at 10-11. That would qualify for the play-in tournament, and Beal is averaging 24.1 points, 5.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

Things are trending in the wrong direction for the Wizards with losses in five of their last six games, but there is still enough talent to reach the playoffs. And they know they can build around Beal in the future as well.

Floyd Mayweather Wants to Purchase NBA Team, Says He Already Offered a Franchise $2B

Dec 4, 2022
DUBAI, UAE - NOVEMBER 08: Floyd Mayweather and Deji Olatunji attend a training prior to their boxing match at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE on November 08, 2022. (Photo by Waleed Zein/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
DUBAI, UAE - NOVEMBER 08: Floyd Mayweather and Deji Olatunji attend a training prior to their boxing match at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE on November 08, 2022. (Photo by Waleed Zein/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s nickname is "Money," and he is willing to spend a lot of it to become the owner of an NBA franchise.

Speaking at an event, the retired boxing superstar said he's "been working on buying an NBA team outright," and he, along with a business partner Brent Johnson, has already made an offer of over $2 billion for majority ownership.

Mayweather did say he would be willing to own a potential expansion franchise in Las Vegas or Seattle, but he is also keeping an eye on any current teams that could be for sale.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported in October that Vegas and Seattle are "real" candidates for expansion, but it's "likely years away" because the NBA wants to negotiate its new television/media rights deals and a collective bargaining agreement before adding new teams.

Among current NBA franchises, the Phoenix Suns are the only one known to be for sale. Robert Sarver announced in September he would sell the club, as well as the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, amid fallout from the league's investigation that found he used racist language, had "instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees," made "sex-related comments" and inappropriate comments about the appearance of employees.

One investment banker told ESPN's Baxter Holmes the Suns will likely end up selling for the highest price ever for an NBA franchise. The current record holder is the $2.35 billion Joe Tsai paid for the Brooklyn Nets.

The Sarver situation also spotlights a potential hurdle that Mayweather would have to overcome to become the owner of an NBA team.

Even though Mayweather claims to have the money to make the purchase, he has several legal problems on his résumé.

Mayweather has a long history of domestic abuse allegations. He pleaded guilty to two counts of domestic battery in 2002 for punching Melissa Brim, the mother of his daughter, at their home.

In December 2011, Mayweather pleaded guilty to a battery domestic violence charge and no contest to two harassment charges stemming from an argument that involved hair-pulling, punching and arm-twisting with his ex-girlfriend, Josie Harris, in front of two of his children. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail but was released after two months for good behavior.