Kevin Durant 'Better Than He's Ever Been' as Nets Star Drops 45 in Win over Magic
Nov 29, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 28: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets keeps the ball from Kevon Harris #7 of the Orlando Magic in the first half at Barclays Center on November 28, 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
After overcoming some early-season tumult, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is playing at a level that is reminiscent of his 2014 MVP campaign.
The 12-time All-Star dropped 45 points to help lead the Nets to a 109-102 win over the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on Monday night. Durant shot an efficient 19-of-24 from the field and added seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nets had gotten off to a 1-5 start and eventually parted ways with head coach Steve Nash. Now that the team has found some stability under new head coach Jacque Vaughn, Durant is playing with a freedom and joy that hasn't been seen from him in recent years. He toyed with Magic defenders and dictated the offensive flow for Brooklyn.
NBA Twitter lit up with excitement over Durant's vintage performance on Monday:
Kevin Durant is the 14th-oldest player to score 45.
39: Michael Jordan, Jamal Crawford 38: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 37: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James 36: Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone 35: Larry Bird, Alex English 34: Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, Bernard King, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Durant
Durant entered Monday ranked seventh in the league with 29.3 points per game. He has now dropped over 30 points in each of his last three games, showing he's still capable of scoring explosions at any time.
The Nets (11-11) will continue to ride Durant's shoulders when they host the Washington Wizards (11-10) on Wednesday.
Ben Simmons Day-to-Day After Exiting Nets' Win over Magic with Knee Injury
Nov 29, 2022
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) runs up the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is day-to-day after exiting Monday's 109-102 victory over the Orlando Magic with left knee soreness.
"We'll check him day by day, see how he responds with a little treatment, see what it looks like [Tuesday]," Brooklyn coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters, via ESPN's Nick Friedell.
Vaughn also said he doesn't believe Simmons' back surgery over the summer played a role in this situation:
No. I think more so than anything [it's] the accumulation of games. He hasn't had this amount of accumulation of games over a period of a long time. Talked to the performance team about that. We were warned about that just as these games start to add up.
Simmons played 11 minutes and finished 0-of-3 with four rebounds and three assists.
The 26-year-old has missed five games this season with knee soreness, and he struggled to find his rhythm at the beginning of the year.
In 16 appearances entering Monday, Simmons was averaging just 8.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists. His production is a far cry from the level he played at prior to missing last year as he addressed his mental health and back injury.
He seemed to find a groove in recent weeks, however, scoring in double figures in six straight games.
On Nov. 16, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick reported that frustration around the Australian had "been building in recent weeks" and that coaches and teammates were "concerned about his availability and level of play, with some questioning his passion for the game."
Prior to his lost 2021-22 season, Simmons was a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive first-team selection. He was an exceptional playmaker and wreaked havoc on opposing offenses with his versatility on defense. The Nets are still hopeful he will return to that form.
If Simmons misses time, there will be more minutes available in the backcourt for Seth Curry, Edmond Sumner, Cam Thomas and Patty Mills.
Lakers' LeBron James Discusses State of Youth Basketball: 'I Think It’s Too Much'
Nov 29, 2022
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 26: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 26, 2022 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photos by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James believes the demands on youth basketball players have become far too high.
James told NBA insider Marc Stein "it’s too much" and that the constant stream of tournaments doesn't allow the players to have enough time to physically recover:
They go from playing all summer right into school league, all summer again right into school league, all summer right into school league for four years, and then they go off to college or go play wherever they go to play. If they are fortunate enough to get to the NBA, it’s a lot of basketball, lot of miles, they put on their bodies.
The 18-time All-Star can see the situation from two different perspectives.
He was a prodigious high school star at St. Vincent–St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, who garnered nationwide attention. That meant traversing the country to take the court for highly anticipated games.
Now, James has two sons, Bronny and Bryce, who are experiencing the youth basketball machine for themselves. He told Stein there are "way more" summer tournaments compared to when he was their age.
Stein reported James isn't alone, with some in NBA front offices growing concerned with the youth basketball structure. Players coming into the league might have been overtaxed and are more susceptible to injuries early in their pro careers.
ESPN's Baxter Holmes wrote a similar story in July 2019, speaking with one general manager who described the situation as "grave."
"It's very sad, where a kid has an NBA body, he's got NBA talent, he's got even an NBA mentality, but he doesn't have a body that can withstand the rigors of the training and the actual games, whether it's to get to the NBA or just to hold up," the GM said. "It's a tough deal."
Dr. Neeru Jayanthi, who works for Emory Healthcare and researches youth sports, also told Holmes how "kids are broken by the time they get to college" based on his experience.
That James is voicing his misgivings three years after Holmes' report perhaps shows how little has changed.
NBA Rumors: Lakers Not 'Necessarily Motivated' to Trade Unless It's 'Something Big'
Nov 28, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham talks with Rob Pelinka before the NBA game between the Cleveland Cavilers and the Los Angeles Lakers on November 06, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite sitting outside of the play-in picture at 7-11, the Los Angeles Lakers may not take a proactive approach to upgrading the roster right now.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Monday the Lakers "don't feel that sense of urgency" after winning five of their last six games. She added Los Angeles is "not necessarily motivated right now to go do something big unless something big presented itself to them."
.@ramonashelburne on the Lakers' sense of urgency to make a trade:
"They are not necessarily motivated right now to go do something big unless something big presented itself to them." pic.twitter.com/NKlbFC2hPd
A deliberate approach may not be what the players themselves want to see.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported Monday "here is belief shared by leaders in the Lakers' locker room, sources said, that the team is only a couple of players away from turning this group into a legitimate contender."
Perhaps L.A. has turned a corner and the general sense of optimism throughout the franchise is warranted. It's worth noting, however, the team's recent success hasn't come against an array of contenders.
The Lakers started the run with a 13-point win over the Brooklyn Nets, who promptly allowed 153 points in a defeat to the Sacramento Kings two days later. The other four wins came against the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, both of whom are rebuilding.
Beating losing teams is something Los Angeles should be doing and the results count all the same. But it might be a little premature to assume all is well in Southern California.
Whether general manager Rob Pelinka aggressively pursues trades or waits for opposing GMs to come to him, the same problem seemingly remains: The Lakers don't have many trade assets outside of their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks.
It's difficult to see a path for Pelinka that allows him to land an All-Star-caliber player. Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, for example, would address a need but probably doesn't lift the team to the top of the Western Conference.
Perhaps that kind of addition isn't necessary if the last few weeks aren't a mirage.
Report: Carmelo Anthony, DeMarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas Determined to Return to NBA
Nov 28, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) guarded by Denver Nuggets center DeMarcus Cousins (4) during the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers game on April 03, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Carmelo Anthony, DeMarcus Cousins and Isaiah Thomas reportedly don't want to call it quits on their NBA careers just yet.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that all three are "determined to keep searching for their next NBA opportunity irrespective of any overseas interest." Stein noted teams in Taiwan would love if that trio followed Dwight Howard to play in the country, but the veterans haven't ruled out joining an NBA team down the stretch.
Anthony is the most notable name of the trio.
The future Hall of Famer has a resume that includes six All-NBA selections, a scoring title and 10 All-Star selections. He is widely considered one of the best offensive players of his generation, and he averaged a solid 13.3 points per game while shooting 37.5 percent from deep last season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony is no longer the dominant scorer he was in his prime, but the 38-year-old could join a contender and provide a spark off the bench with his outside shooting and ability to take advantage of space created by teammates.
Cousins also played last season, appearing in 48 games for the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets. He averaged 9.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game between the two teams.
Like Anthony, Cousins is no longer the playmaker he was in his prime, but he proved last season that he can still contribute in a meaningful way. The four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection has dealt with a number of injuries during his career, and he missed the 2019-20 campaign because of a torn ACL. The timing of his ACL injury was particularly unfortunate since he was coming off an Achilles tear and quadriceps tear.
Cousins may never get back to his pre-injury form, but he isn't far removed from playing in the NBA.
As for Thomas, he appeared in 22 games for the Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets last season. The guard averaged 8.4 points per game, which is a far cry from the 28.9 he posted in 2016-17 for the Boston Celtics.
The 33-year-old has been a journeyman for much of his career, with stops on the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Lakers, Nuggets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Mavericks and Hornets. He would apparently like to add another stop to his list.
Lakers Rumors: LA's Leaders Believe Team Is a Couple of Players Away from Contending
Nov 28, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court during the Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers game on October 19, 2021, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a 7-11 start and on the outside of the Western Conference playoff and play-in picture in the early going, but all hope reportedly is not lost within the locker room.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, "there is belief shared by leaders in the Lakers' locker room, sources said, that the team is only a couple of players away from turning this group into a legitimate contender."
That such a report comes before the Lakers play the Indiana Pacers is notable.
McMenamin noted a potential trade that would have sent Myles Turner and Buddy Hield to the Purple and Gold in exchange for Russell Westbrook and draft assets "fell apart when the Lakers backed away" and did not want to give up their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks.
Yet even Turner seemed to advocate for such a move when he told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, "If I'm the Lakers, I take a very hard look at this with the position that you're in. I know what I can provide for a team—my leadership, my shot-blocking, my three-point ability and just my ability to make plays out there on the floor."
It's a tricky line to walk for the Lakers.
On the one hand, Hield and Turner would provide both depth and some much-needed outside shooting for a team that is 28th in the league at 31.9 percent from deep. The team is also in a win-now window considering LeBron James turns 38 years old in December and has a player option on his contract for the 2024-25 campaign.
On the other hand, the front office may decide going all-in on this team isn't worth mortgaging the future with those draft picks.
If the Lakers aren't good enough to make a deep playoff run even with Hield and Turner—or perhaps some other players in a different trade—then such a move would prove detrimental to rebuilding the next contender after the James era comes to a close.
Westbrook has also been a positive for this season's team as a spark to lead the second unit off the bench, so the argument could be made that trading him away could hurt on the court even if it would allow the Lakers to move on from his contract.
That is plenty for the front office to juggle, but it seems like some within the locker room still believe a championship push is within their grasp.
Jonathan Kuminga's Strong Game vs. Timberwolves Draws Rave Reviews from Warriors Fans
Nov 27, 2022
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) during an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in San Francisco, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Golden State Warriors second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga did not put up eye-popping numbers in Sunday afternoon's 137-114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the 20-year-old flashed the skills that have many projecting him as a future superstar.
Kuminga notched seven points, six rebounds, two blocks and an assist in 20 minutes of action as the Warriors earned their third consecutive victory. However, Kuminga's best work at Target Center didn't show up on the stat sheet.
The former G League Ignite standout impacted Sunday's contest with his defense and energy. He played his role to a tee, setting screens on offense to free up Golden State's sharpshooting duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and providing stout defense both in the low post and on the perimeter.
Kuminga's play on Sunday had fans on social media excited about his potential, with many clamoring for him to see more time on the court:
Kuminga’s starting to show what he’s capable of. The man’s a future superstar. Now play Moody please instead of two way players who are a massive liability out there.
Another really good energy game or Jonathan Kuminga and the opportunities to score are coming as a result of it. First time this season over last two games where Steve Kerr has looked to give him extra time as opposed to looking at how quickly he can pull him out.
Warriors up 20 on the Wolves in Minnesota at halftime: 76-56. Jordan Poole had 14 points in 14 quality, aggressive minutes off the bench and Jonathan Kuminga might've had his best half of the early season. Seven points, four rebounds, played his role well, earned 12 minutes.
The Warriors have been searching for a solution to their defensive woes for much of the season, and they seem to have found it in Kuminga. At 6'8" with a nearly seven-foot wingspan, he is a versatile defender who can lock up bigs and backcourt players.
Kuminga's development will be something to keep an eye on for the rest of this season. As he continues to mature, he could play a big part in Golden State's quest to repeat as NBA champion if he receives an increased role.
The Warriors will look for keep their win streak alive when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
LeBron James' Dominance Celebrated After Dropping 39 in Lakers Win over Spurs
Nov 27, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates a score against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James balled out in Saturday night's 143-138 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
James finished with a season-high 39 points, in addition to 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 35 minutes. He made 11-of-21 shots from the floor and 7-of-12 shots from deep.
The veteran's performance was much needed for a Purple and Gold squad that was without Anthony Davis because of a calf injury.
That said, the Lakers did get a team effort, with Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schröder, Lonnie Walker IV, Austin Reaves and Wenyen Gabriel all putting up double-digits in scoring.
Still, without James's dominant performance, the Lakers likely would have lost Saturday's game. Following the win, NBA Twitter was quick to praise James for one of his best performances in a long time.
James's performance helped the Lakers improve to 7-11 on the season.
The Purple and Gold are slowly climbing back into the Western Conference playoff race, but there's still plenty of season left, and they'll need to remain healthy in order to to get back above .500.
L.A. is back in action on Monday against the Indiana Pacers.
Lakers' Anthony Davis Won't Play vs. Spurs Because of Calf Injury
Nov 26, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 18, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the San Antonio Spurs with a left calf contusion, per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes.
Davis was initially listed as questionable for the matchup.
The 29-year-old is averaging 26.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.2 blocks for the Lakers through 16 games.
The eight-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA player is in his 11th NBA season overall and fourth in L.A. after spending seven campaigns with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Unfortunately, injuries have sidelined him frequently over the past three seasons. He missed 36 of a possible 72 games in 2020-21 primarily because of heel and calf injuries.
An MCL sprain and a right ankle injury were the primary culprits for him missing 42 of 82 games last year.
This year, AD played in the first four games but sat for the team's Oct. 28 matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves because of lower back tightness.
The Lakers started the season with an 0-4 record—even with Davis' production—though they're now 6-11 and 13th in the Western Conference. Replacing him in a trying season is a seemingly impossible task.
L.A. went with a smaller lineup against Minnesota sans Davis by replacing him with wing Troy Brown Jr. That put LeBron James and center Damian Jones in the frontcourt, with Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV taking care of the backcourt with Russell Westbrook off the bench. Wenyen Gabriel served as the top big man off the bench.
Ultimately, the Lakers could use Davis back as soon as possible as they look to dig themselves out of the hole they've put themselves in.
Terrence Ross' Best Landing Spots If Magic Deal Veteran by 2023 NBA Trade Deadline
Nov 26, 2022
Orlando Magic's Terrence Ross plays during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Orlando Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross could emerge as a popular target ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline in February.
Ross expressed interest in a trade after last season, saying the team's front office was "well aware" of his desire to join a team in better position to contend.
"We're definitely in different spots," Ross told reporters in April. "I feel like I'm a part of that old regime, and they're going in a different direction. I don't know what they've got in store for me. It's hard to say. They don't really let me know too much about what they're doing. I'm kind of here just along for the ride."
An offseason trade never arrived, but he'll probably land back on the trade block over the next few months with Orlando fading out of contention.
Ross has proved himself a mostly effective
role player across 11-plus NBA seasons. His career started as a
first-round pick of the Toronto Raptors in 2012, and the University of Washington product was traded
to the Magic in 2017, where he's spent the past five years.
The 31-year-old is a capable scorer, averaging 11.2 points and 1.8 threes across 687 games, but his impact in other areas is limited. He's averaged
2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his career.
One concern that emerged in recent seasons is his defense. He rated a minus-3.4 in FiveThirtyEight's
defensive Raptor last season, which was far below his mark in previous years and
basically washed out any effectiveness he's enjoyed at the offensive
end. It's a troublesome trend that's continued in the early stages this season (minus-0.9).
Ross never performed that poor
defensively in prior years, so it's possible the issues are related to
Orlando's teamwide struggles (5-14 record) and he'll bounce back to more average
performance levels following a trade.
What the Portland, Oregon, native definitely
brings is versatility. The 6'7", 206-pound forward is able to play multiple positions thanks to
his length and athleticism, and he's experienced as both a starter
and a reserve.
"I've done both, so I'm comfortable
with doing both," Ross told Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel last October about starting or coming off the bench. "It's not like
either would be new to me."
Let's examine several potential landing spots if he's moved before the deadline.
Los Angeles Lakers
Ross would be a low-risk addition
for the Lakers, who are desperately seeking a spark after a 6-11 start to the season. He would represent a scoring boost off the
bench at minimum, and there's a legitimate chance he could provide even
more value if his defense returns to its usual level.
The Lakers rank last in the NBA in both three-pointers made per game (9.1) and three-point shooting percentage (30.6). So, while their roster needs a lot of work to move back toward contention, a reliable outside shooter may top the list.
Ross, who's shooting 39.2 percent from beyond the arc this season, should slot in as key wing
depth behind LeBron James and Austin Reaves upon his arrival in L.A.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks' trade of Kevin Huerter, who's enjoying a breakout season with the Sacramento Kings, got lost amid the team's busy offseason, but it's left the team a little short on three-point shooting behind Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Atlanta sits 29th in threes per game (9.6) and 26th in three-point percentage (32.7), but the team still ranks ninth in scoring (114.8 points per game), which suggests the offense has top-five potential if it's able to add another outside shooter or two.
Ross certainly fits the bill given his success from long range so far this season, and he'd also provide some veteran leadership for a squad looking to reach contender status.
Toronto Raptors
A reunion with the Raptors would not only be a cool storyline, but it could provide a spark for an offense that's been a bit sluggish during a 9-9 start to the season.
Toronto ranks 17th in points per game (111.7), 23rd in threes made (11.0) and 25th in three-point percentage (33.1). Those problems are magnified when Fred VanVleet, who's missed six of the team's 18 games, is out of the lineup.
Ross could provide a nice boost to the Raptors' backcourt reserve group, and it would also be a chance for him to write a second chapter with the organization following an initial up-and-down five-year run in Toronto.
