Los Angeles Lakers Insider: Breaking News, Player Interviews & Highlights

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  • Lakers Injury Update: LeBron James Probable, Maxi Kleber Out vs Timberwolves

    Lakers Injury Update: LeBron James Probable, Maxi Kleber Out vs Timberwolves

    The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for their first round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the injury report is a mixed bag. LeBron James is listed as probable with a left hip flexor strain while Maxi Kleber is out as he continues to recover from right foot surgery.

    LeBron James Will Play Despite Hip Flexor Issues

    LeBron James tweaked his hip flexor in the Lakers final regular season game against the Houston Rockets. When asked about his status on Friday, James said he expects to play in Game 1 on Saturday.

    “I’ll play,” James said. “I’ve been through worse and I feel good.”

    James is key to the Lakers success especially in a long playoff series. His ability to lead on both ends of the floor will be huge in determining if the Lakers can go deep in the playoffs.

    Maxi Kleber Still Out as Recovery Continues

    Maxi Kleber, who had surgery on his right foot earlier this season, is practicing with the team, but there’s no timeline for his return. So his playoff availability is still up in the air, and the Lakers are missing a frontcourt piece.

    “Maxi’s working hard to get back, but we’re not putting any pressure on him,” head coach JJ Redick said. “His health comes first.”

    While Kleber’s absence is a blow, the Lakers seem to be in good shape overall health-wise. The week off after clinching the 3rd seed in the West allowed the team to rest and recharge, and now they’re set up for what they hope will be a long playoff run.

    Playoff Schedule Works in Lakers’ Favor

    The Lakers have another advantage going into the series: the playoff schedule. With multiple days off between some games, guys like LeBron and Luka will have extra time to recover between games. That’s huge for a veteran heavy team trying to stay fresh throughout the postseason.

    For the Lakers to make a real championship push, they need all their key guys healthy and available. So far, so good.

    Timberwolves Are Full Strength for Series

    The Timberwolves are at full strength after injuries during the regular season. Both teams will give it their all in this first round series.

    JJ Redick’s Key to Beating the Timberwolves: Protect the Ball

    When asked about his game plan for the Timberwolves, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said protecting the ball is key. He pointed out turnovers as the biggest obstacle for the Lakers to overcome.

    “It’s one of the biggest keys of the series,” Redick said after practice on Wednesday. “It’s just our ability to get a shot. Everybody talks about Nickell [Alexander-Walker] and [Jaden] McDaniels as these disruptors—which they are. They’re two of the best in the NBA, but Ant on the ball, [Donte] DiVincenzo on the ball, DiVincenzo in dribble handoffs. Those guys are really disruptors.”

    Redick said the Lakers need to be precise with their offense to avoid mistakes. The Timberwolves are athletic on the perimeter so turnovers will be a big focus for the Lakers.

  • Luka Dončić Reveals He Broke His Phone Over Shocking Trade to Lakers

    Luka Dončić Reveals He Broke His Phone Over Shocking Trade to Lakers

    The NBA world was shook when Luka Dončić, one of the best players in the league, was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers just two months ago. Lakers fans were stoked to get a new superstar to pair with LeBron James, while Mavericks fans were devastated to lose their franchise player. In a recent interview with ESPN, Dončić opened up about his initial reaction to the trade – and it’s clear it hit him hard.

    “Is It April 1st?” – Dončić’s Jaw Dropping First Response

    Dončić told the story of when he found out about the trade, describing how it felt surreal and painful.

    “I was in bed, my TV wasn’t working so I was on an iPad watching a movie about to go to sleep,” Dončić said. “The first thing I said probably three times was, ‘is it April 1st?’… I was sad mostly, I was still in shock. I felt like my heart was broken, honestly.”

    So overwhelmed with emotions, Dončić said he threw his phone across the room after getting the call. The trade came as a total surprise to him, especially since he was so connected to the Mavericks organization and the city of Dallas.

    A Bittersweet Return to Dallas

    Dončić played for his former team for the first time last week, and emotions were running high. Before the game, they played a tribute video to Dončić since he was drafted in 2018. Watching the video made him cry, but once the game started, he channeled those emotions into dominance on the court and scored 45 points against his old team.

    “That was closure for me,” Dončić said. “But now it’s time to move on.”

    Mavericks’ Public Criticism Fires Up Controversy

    Since the trade, reports have surfaced that the Mavericks were unhappy with certain aspects of Dončić’s game and lifestyle. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has repeatedly said defense was the reason for trading Dončić, saying “Defense wins championships.” Harrison also wasn’t sure if Dončić would sign the supermax extension he was eligible for this summer.

    Dončić is frustrated with those comments.

    “It’s sad, the way he’s talking right now,” Dončić said about Harrison. “I never say anything bad about him and I just want to move on. The fans, my ex-teammates will always keep it real, but it’s time for me to move on from that.”

    Dončić confirmed at his Lakers intro press conference that he was going to sign the supermax extension before the trade. No player in NBA history has turned down a supermax deal so Harrison’s comments seem questionable at best.

    Dončić’s Loyalty to Dallas—and His Future in LA

    Despite the fallout from the trade, Dončić is adamant he had no plans to leave Dallas voluntarily. When asked if he would spend his whole career with the Mavericks he said without hesitation:

    “Of course, that’s an easy question.”

    Now Dončić is focused on building a new legacy with the Lakers. When asked if he wants to stay in LA long term he said simply: “Yes.”

    Why This Trade Matters for Both Teams

    For the Lakers, this is a big move to secure the future of the franchise. At 25 years old, Dončić brings unmatched talent and star power to a roster that already has LeBron James. For the Mavericks they are left dealing with the aftermath of losing their cornerstone player—a decision that’s still dividing fans and analysts.

  • Lakers Coach Makes Feelings About Bronny James Crystal Clear

    Lakers Coach Makes Feelings About Bronny James Crystal Clear

    Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, has had one of the most hyped rookie seasons in NBA history. Being a 55th pick in the draft, his entry into the league was big news as he became the first father-son duo to ever play together in the NBA.

    Redick’s High Praise for Bronny

    Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently spoke about how impressed he is with Bronny’s ability to handle all the attention that comes with his situation. Speaking to reporters, Redick gave Bronny an A+ for his professionalism and consistency all season.

    “I give him an A+. How he’s handled all the attention—good and bad—is amazing,” Redick said to SportsTV and Spectrum SportsNet. “He never breaks character. He’s the same guy every day and he doesn’t let the good or bad attention get to him. He just keeps working.”

    Redick said it was clear from the start why Bronny carries himself so well. “The way LeBron and Savannah have raised him was obvious to me from the moment I started spending time with him on the court this summer,” Redick added. “He was going to be an NBA player and I still think he’ll be an NBA player.”

    Bronny’s Rookie Season: Stats and Development

    Bronny averaged 2.3 points per game shooting, 31.3% from the field and 28.1% from 3 in 27 games. Not exactly eye popping numbers, but when you look at his G League numbers you can see the growth and potential.

    Playing for South Bay, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, Bronny shined. In 11 regular season games, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. His shooting percentages improved big time, 44.3% from the field and 38.0% from 3.

    These numbers show Bronny can adapt and thrive in a different environment. He has the tools to succeed at a higher level.

    A Special Legacy and Future

    At 20 years old, Bronny has already left his mark. Being drafted by the Lakers and playing with his dad, LeBron James, was big news everywhere. But what stands out most is how down to earth Bronny is despite all the attention.

    Redick says Bronny’s maturity comes from his upbringing. “LeBron and Savannah have done an amazing job with him,” Redick said. “You can see it in how he approaches the game and life.”

    Some thought Bronny didn’t deserve to be on the roster because of where he was drafted. But his hard work and development say he’s earned his spot in the league.

    Lakers’ Playoff Run

    The Lakers finished the season strong as the 3rd seed in the West with a 50-32 record. They’ll play the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Bronny’s role might be limited in the postseason, but his leadership and toughness all year have been big for the team.

  • Lakers Owner Reveals Why Leaked Trade Talks Would’ve Ruined Luka Doncic Deal

    Lakers Owner Reveals Why Leaked Trade Talks Would’ve Ruined Luka Doncic Deal

    In one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks swapped superstars Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic on a late February night.

    The blockbuster deal left fans, players and even coaches stunned—no one saw it coming. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss recently revealed that secrecy was the key to making this league-changing move happen.

    Keeping it Under the Radar

    Buss told Rob Perez and Antonio Daniels on SiriusXM NBA Radio that leaks almost killed previous Lakers trade plans. This time around, they made sure to keep it on the down low.

    “I think if it had leaked, the trade wouldn’t have happened, and for many reasons,” Buss said. “People working against us, who wouldn’t want to see that trade happen. Keeping things under wraps is really, really important.”

    She went on to explain how past leaks had disrupted their basketball operations and caused frustration and setbacks. But now, after tightening their inner circle, the Lakers have figured out how to keep a secret.

    “Finally, we got rid of the problem. Now we can keep things under wraps when we want to,” Buss said. “I learned a lesson there—that you always have to do what’s best for the organization because everybody’s got their angle on how they want something to go.”

    Why the Trade Had to be Secret

    When you’re dealing with superstars like Luka and AD, the stakes are huge. Any leak could have caused panic among players, agents or even other teams trying to get in. For example, Luka, AD, LeBron, and Mavs coach Jason Kidd were all caught off guard when the trade was announced.

    Had it gotten out early, external pressure might have forced one of the teams to back out. According to Buss, keeping it quiet kept the deal on track without outside interference.

    The Impact of the Trade So Far

    The Lakers are already reaping the benefits of secrecy. Since getting, Luka Doncic they are 3rd in the West. Doncic has made them title contenders not just for this season but for years to come.

    With Doncic and LeBron, they have one of the best duos in the league. The Mavericks hope Anthony Davis can help their roster and stay relevant in the West.

  • Why Sportsbooks Are Rooting Against the Lakers and Luka Doncic in the Playoffs

    Why Sportsbooks Are Rooting Against the Lakers and Luka Doncic in the Playoffs

    As the 2025 NBA Playoffs get underway, one team has got everyone’s attention – and their wallets – and that’s the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite finishing the regular season 50-32, the Lakers are the most popular NBA title bet at every sportsbook. But this surge in betting isn’t just about LeBron or the Lakers franchise – it’s all because of the Luka Dončić trade.

    A Betting Powerhouse Even Before Luka

    For years, the Lakers have been a staple of NBA betting, like the Yankees in baseball or the Cowboys in football. They have a global fan base and star power so they’re always a top choice for bettors. But according to Hal Egeland, trading strategy manager at BetMGM, the Luka Dončić trade created a “perfect storm” of excitement.

    Before, the trade the Lakers were long shots to win the championship, opening at +2500 and going as high as +4000. But as soon as the trade was announced on February 2 the Lakers odds dropped to +1800 and a $100,000 bet at +1000 sent them to +700 before settling at +1100 today.

    Now only the Oklahoma City Thunder (+175), Boston Celtics (+220) and Cleveland Cavaliers (+600) are ahead of the Lakers in the betting market. At BetMGM, the Lakers make up 15.9% of all bets and 15.4% of the money wagered on the NBA championship. Same story at other books, ESPN BET has the Lakers 17% of bets and 19.5% of the money.

    Before and After Luka Trade

    To put the magnitude of this shift into perspective, consider the data from Pikkit, an app that tracks sports betting activity. From June 18 to February 1—the period before the Dončić trade—the Lakers were 6th in both bets (3%) and money (2%) on NBA title futures.

    But after February 2? The numbers went through the roof. Over the next 10+ weeks the Lakers took 30% of all bets and 35% of all money tracked by Pikkit. In fact more bets have been placed on the Lakers since the trade than any other team has received in the entire 10 months the market has been open.

    Johnny Avello, race and sports operations director at DraftKings, said this: “Whenever a big player joins a new team we see immediate action on that team. It happens across all sports. When Juan Soto joined the Mets we saw a surge in bets on them. The Luka trade was even bigger because it was everywhere.”

    Lakers Dominate Across the Board

    The Luka effect goes beyond just title futures. Hard Rock Bet reported that since the trade, bets on Lakers games have increased by 66.7% compared to when Anthony Davis was on the roster. The Lakers are now the overwhelming favorite to win the West and the Lakers-Celtics is the most popular exacta bet for the NBA Finals.

    Neil Walsh, Hard Rock Bet’s SVP-Sportsbook, said it best: “Luka to the Lakers changed everything. Since then we’ve seen huge action on the Lakers across the board and LA is now our most popular pick to win it all by any measure—and it’s not even close.”

    Even in the first round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves the Lakers are dominating the betting action. Initially listed as -160 favorites, their odds shifted to -200 after 98% of the money came in on LA. According to Egeland, “this is easily the most lopsided action of any playoff series.”

    Sportsbooks’ Worst Case Scenario

    So much money is on the Lakers that sportsbooks are in a tough spot. “In terms of liability, it’s the Lakers and then everyone else,” said Adrian Horton, Director of North American Sports Trading at ESPN BET. “They were getting interest early, but since the Luka trade, nearly a third of all NBA champion money has been on LA.”

    Christian Cipollini, BetMGM trading manager, said “The Lakers and Warriors are the biggest liabilities to win the NBA championship. So the sportsbook gets to root for the Thunder and Celtics, both favorites to win their conferences.”

  • Los Angeles Lakers’ Unconventional Strategy to Tame Anthony Edwards

    Los Angeles Lakers’ Unconventional Strategy to Tame Anthony Edwards

    The Los Angeles Lakers are going all in as they get ready for their first round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Game 1 tipping off on Saturday, April 19, the Lakers have come up with an unorthodox plan to stop Anthony Edwards. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are looking to slow down LeBron James and Luka Doncic, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason.

    JJ Redick’s Bold Move: Using Shake Milton and Bronny James to Mimic Edwards

    According to Jovan Buha, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has gone old school in his approach to scouting Anthony Edwards. Instead of using high profile players, Redick has tasked Shake Milton and Bronny James with simulating Edwards in practice.

    This has raised some eyebrows, especially since Milton and James combined for 7.8 points per game this season. But their specific skill sets might justify Redick’s move. Bronny, despite his limited scoring, brings athleticism and the ability to shoot off the dribble—traits that mirror Edwards’ dynamic style. Milton’s experience and versatility makes him a good stand in for Edwards in certain situations.

    We don’t know how this will work, but it shows Redick is willing to think outside the box to prepare for one of the league’s most talented young players.

    Minnesota’s Counter: Joe Ingles Steps In to Simulate Luka Doncic

    On the other side, the Timberwolves are using Joe Ingles to mimic Luka Doncic in practice. At 6’8” Ingles is known for his passing and three point shooting – both of which are similar to Doncic’s game. He’s the obvious choice to help the Timberwolves anticipate Doncic’s moves.

    The Timberwolves are aware of the threat Doncic is with LeBron. By preparing for both stars they hope to get an edge in what should be a close series.

    Anthony Edwards vs. the Lakers: Season Recap

    Anthony Edwards has tormented the Lakers all season, averaging 27 points per game in their four regular season meetings. He’s been able to create for himself off the dribble and finish at the rim and has been nearly unstoppable. For the Lakers to advance they need to find a way to stop him.

    The Timberwolves have only played Doncic once since he joined the Lakers. He scored 21 points on 6 of 20 shooting in that game. Was that a fluke or a sign of things to come?

    What’s on the line: A Playoff Series for the Ages

    One game separates these teams in the regular season so expect a back and forth battle with a lot of intensity and drama. Both teams are counting on their scouting to give them an edge but it will come down to execution.

    Will the Lakers’ roll of the dice on Shake Milton and Bronny James pay off? Or will Anthony Edwards become a playoff star? And can Joe Ingles imitate Doncic enough to prepare the Timberwolves for the real deal?

  • Lakers Make Key Roster Decision Ahead of NBA Playoffs

    Lakers Make Key Roster Decision Ahead of NBA Playoffs

    The Los Angeles Lakers are set to start their playoff run against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. After finishing the regular season 50-32 and 3rd in the Western Conference, the Lakers are looking to go deep. Before Game 1 on Saturday night in LA, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin gave us some clarity on the roster.

    Two-Way Players Stay With the Team, But Won’t Play

    According to McMenamin, two-way players Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko will not be converted to full NBA contracts before the playoffs so they won’t be able to play. But they will be practicing with the team and will be with the group for the playoff run.

    “A team source told ESPN the Lakers liked the chemistry of the group during the regular season and wanted to keep that together for the playoffs,” McMenamin reported. So they’re keeping the group together.

    Contributions from Jemison III and Koloko

    Neither will play in the playoffs but their regular season contributions were nice. Christian Koloko played in 37 games, 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, 60.6% FG. He was a reliable option off the bench when needed.

    Trey Jemison III played in 16 games, 2.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, 46.9% FG. He brought energy and physicality in limited minutes.

    Lakers vs. Timberwolves Playoff Schedule

    Lakers host Timberwolves for Game 1 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 19 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The series will continue with the following schedule:

    • Game 2: Tuesday, April 22 | 10:00 PM ET (TNT)
    • Game 3: Friday, April 25 | 9:30 PM ET (ESPN)
    • Game 4: Sunday, April 27 | 3:30 PM ET (ABC)

    If necessary, Games 5, 6, and 7 will take place on:

    Game 7: Sunday, May 4

    Game 5: Wednesday, April 30

    Game 6: Friday, May 2

    Can the Lakers go deep?

    Lakers are coming off a first round exit against the Denver Nuggets last season. With LeBron and AD leading the way, expectations are high for a deeper run. Coach JJ Redick has been talking about building team chemistry and keeping Jemison III and Koloko around even if they can’t play shows the organization is committed to that.

    Timberwolves with Anthony Edwards and KAT will be tough, but the Lakers’ experience and star power might give them the edge in what should be a fun series.

  • Sasha Vujacic Compares Luka Doncic to Kobe Bryant

    Sasha Vujacic Compares Luka Doncic to Kobe Bryant

    When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, they knew they were getting a generational talent – a cornerstone player to lead the franchise into the next era. There were initial concerns about how Doncic would adjust to his new surroundings, especially since he didn’t ask for the trade from Dallas. But at 26, he’s starting to settle in and get comfortable in his new role with the purple and gold.

    Now, wearing the jersey of legends like Kobe Bryant, Doncic is stepping into a legacy rich environment. And according to former Lakers guard and fellow Slovenian Sasha Vujacic, Doncic’s game is Mamba like.

    Sasha Vujacic’s Bold Comparison: Doncic and Kobe Share a “Killer Instinct”

    Vujacic recently appeared on the Out The Mud Podcast and compared Doncic to Bryant. Though they never played together, Vujacic sees something in Doncic that reminds him of his former teammate:

    “He’s incredible… We don’t know each other; we know of each other. When he first got to the league six years ago, people would call me and ask what I thought about him since we’re from the same country. I would say, ‘I’ll be honest, when I watch him play, he might be the only one who reminds me a little bit more than anybody else of Kobe.’”

    So what makes Doncic like Bryant? According to Vujacic, it’s not just skill—it’s mindset:

    “The reason being, he plays with a smile, understands the geometry on a basketball court very well and is incredibly talented. But there’s something in his eyes when he plays—this killer instinct. Like Kobe always said, ‘I can smell blood.’ You can see that in Luka too. He’s still young, but I think he carries some of my big brother Kobe in him.”

    Vujacic also hinted that fate had something to do with Doncic ending up in L.A., crediting the Lakers’ front office to the late Bryant:

    “The way we got him, I think Kobe might have had something to do with it because of Nico [Hurst] and [Rob Pelinka]. Let’s just be honest. But he’s special—he’s definitely special—and if he stays on the right path, which I believe he will, there are quite a few championships ahead of him.”

    Doncic’s Game: A Modern-Day Reflection of Bryant’s Legacy

    While Doncic’s personality is different from Bryant’s, they both have that competitive juice. Doncic loves high stakes, whether it’s trash talking opponents or performing under pressure. He takes over games like Bryant used to in his prime.

    No one has performed better in the playoffs in recent years than Doncic. Now that he’s on the Lakers, fans can get to see a superstar who embodies the same never give up attitude that defined Bryant’s career.

    Dorian Finney-Smith on Doncic’s Impact: A Legacy Beyond Basketball

    When Doncic returned to Dallas after the trade, the fans gave him a standing ovation. Dorian Finney-Smith said it was well deserved:

    “Luka changed the culture in Dallas. What he did for that organization goes beyond stats. Fans showed their love and it was real.”

    That’s why Doncic is already one of the most impactful players of his generation. Whether in Dallas or LA, his impact goes beyond the court.

  • Bronny James Speaks Out After Lakers-Trail Blazers Game

    Bronny James Speaks Out After Lakers-Trail Blazers Game

    Sunday afternoon the Los Angeles Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon. With most of their top players out, rookie guard Bronny James got his first career NBA start – a big moment for the young star.

    A Memorable Debut on Mamba Day

    Bronny wore the “Year of the Mamba” Nike Kobe 5’s to mark the occasion on Mamba Day. Despite the Lakers losing 109-81, Bronny showed some promise. He had 4 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in 38 minutes. But his shot was off as he went 2-10 from the field and 0-2 from 3.

    Bronny’s Honest Assessment of His Rookie Season

    After the game Bronny shared his thoughts on his rookie season when asked about his growth (via Spectrum SportsNet):

    “I think I got better. I think I grew as a player and as a person. Just more work to be done. I feel like my progress has been slow but I’m getting better every day.”

    He’s being humble and determined. His numbers don’t show dominance yet (2.3 ppg, 31.3% FG in 27 games) but he’s willing to work.

    Historic Performance in First Start

    Bronny’s defense was the highlight, especially his 4 steals which is a new Lakers franchise record for most steals in a player’s first start. He can make an impact even when his shot isn’t falling.

    Success in the G League: A Bright Spot

    In addition to his NBA time, Bronny shined in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals, 44.3% FG and 38.0% 3PT in 11 games. He showed he can score and be all around player, which is what he can bring to the Lakers in the future.

    Next Up: Lakers Gear Up for Playoffs

    The Lakers are now focused on the playoffs where they’ll face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Bronny’s role is unknown but his development will be something to watch as the team tries to make a deep run.

  • JJ Redick Explains LeBron James’ ‘QB’ Role in Lakers’ Defense

    JJ Redick Explains LeBron James’ ‘QB’ Role in Lakers’ Defense

    The Los Angeles Lakers have officially locked up the 3rd seed in the West and the conversation is turning to championships. A big reason for that? Their defense and at the heart of it all is LeBron James. According to head coach JJ Redick, LeBron has taken on a leadership role on defense and is the team’s “quarterback.”

    LeBron as the Defensive Playcaller

    After the Lakers’ 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets in their final home game of the season, JJ Redick talked about LeBron’s role in the team’s defense.

    “Quarterback is an offensive position but he’s our quarterback of defense,” Redick said. “And a lot of that is his voice, his IQ.”

    Redick pointed to a play during the Rockets game where Austin Reaves got switched onto one of Houston’s bigs. While Rui Hachimura ended up forcing a deflection, it was LeBron who immediately recognized the mismatch and rotated over to cover for Reaves.

    That kind of awareness and communication is what makes LeBron so valuable on defense. His ability to read the game and direct his teammates has been the key to the Lakers’ improved defense this season.

    Austin Reaves on LeBron’s Leadership

    Reaves has played with LeBron his entire NBA career and has seen the impact of his vocal leadership on the court.

    “He’s our vocal leader on and off the court. He leads by example,” Reaves said. “Whenever he’s talking on the court… everybody’s all in what he’s saying. And it’s big for us when he’s talking like that because his IQ is so high. He’s seen a billion possessions in the NBA, he’s guarded every type of player in the league, seen every scheme. So if there’s someone to listen to, I think it’s him.”

    Reaves’s comments show how much respect he has for LeBron. His experience and basketball IQ make him the perfect guy for a championship team.

    Defying Age: LeBron’s Remarkable Season

    LeBron is 40 now. He’s the oldest player in the NBA. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Other than a brief absence due to a groin injury in March, he’s been a steady presence for the Lakers all season.

    He played in 70 games and averaged just over 34 minutes per game. His numbers are still ridiculous:

    • 24.4 points per game
    • 7.8 rebounds per game
    • 8.2 assists per game
    • 1.0 steals per game

    His shooting splits were equally impressive:

    • 51.3% from the field
    • 37.6% from three
    • 78.2% from the line

    LeBron can do all this and be a leader? He’s still great.

    Looking Ahead: Lakers vs. Timberwolves

    The regular season is over. Now the Lakers turn their attention to the playoffs. They’ll face the Timberwolves in the first round and have home court advantage.

    For LeBron and the Lakers, it’s all about maintaining the defense and using their veteran leadership to navigate the playoffs.