LeBron James Provides A Little Bit Of Everything Against Canada
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James logged a busy 19 minutes in Team USA's first pre-Olympics exhibition matchup against Canada, finishing an 86-72 victory with seven points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. He shot 3-for-7 from the field, missing both attempts from downtown. James, who will be chasing his third Olympics gold in Paris, was part of the starting unit alongside Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Joel Embiid. Team USA is stacked with talent, but even at 39, James remains a vital piece for the squad with his all-around ability.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, forward LeBron James declined his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, while the multi-time All-Star is heading toward unrestricted free agency, he's expected to re-sign with the Lakers on a new deal. Despite his age, James is still one of the most potent players in the National Basketball Association, recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He battled nagging injuries all last season and was limited to 71 games. Still, fantasy managers should expect at least one more year of production from James in 2024-25, although he could have at least a few more solid seasons left in the tank.
LeBron James Won't Play In Phoenix On A Minimum Deal
According to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, his client won't suit up for the Suns this season on a minimum contract. Speculation began to swirl about the possibility of James playing in Phoenix after his son, Bronny James, worked out for the club. However, it appears even if the Suns select the 19-year-old in the 2024 NBA Draft, it won't be enough to coax his father into joining Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Without question, the multi-time All-Star is nearing the end of his career. Yet, despite injuries, he's still productive, finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-high 41.0% from deep. At any rate, James still needs to decline his $51.4 million player option to enter unrestricted free agency, with his decision expected to come soon.
LeBron James "Staying Clear" From Lakers' Coaching Search
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has reportedly not been involved in the team's search for a new head coach. It has been suggested that he has a major influence on the franchise's decisions. However, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, James is "staying clear" of the coaching search. The Lakers appeared to have found their man last week, but UConn's head coach, Dan Hurley, rejected the job. A recent report for Charania noted that the team is "zeroing" in on James' podcast partner and player-turned-analyst JJ Redick, while James Borrego, the current associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, also remains an option.
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, the Phoenix Suns "are hoping to pursue" LeBron James this offseason. While the multi-time MVP still needs to decline his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears more likely that he will test the open market over the summer. Of course, the Suns don't have the cash to offer James a lucrative deal, meaning he would need to consider taking significantly less if he hopes to team with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. But he has made plenty of money throughout his career, so adding another championship to his resume could be a selling point. The Suns reportedly view Bronny James as "a very serious draft option," which could help Phoenix in their quest to add the NBA's All-Time leading scorer.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James refused to commit himself to the team for next season after suffering the earliest playoff exit of his career at the hands of the Denver Nuggets on Monday. "I'm not going to answer that," James said when asked if he considered whether Monday's game could be his last with the Lakers. James, who went out in the first round for only the second time in his 21-year-career, also said he would eventually sit down with his agent, Rich Paul, and his family to evaluate "what's best for my career." The NBA's all-time leading scorer has a player option for next season worth $51.4 million. He has until June 29 to opt into the final year of his contract or become an unrestricted free agent. Despite turning 39 in December, James continued to post strong numbers in 2023-24, averaging 25.7 points with 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) scored a team-high 30 points in Saturday's win over the Nuggets. He added five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. With the Lakers facing elimination, James led his team to a much-needed win in Game 4. Granted, it will be tough for Los Angeles to take the series. But James, averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in the conference quarterfinals, can't take any of the blame. Game 5 is on Monday night, and DFS managers will likely see James on the injury report because of his ankle injury. However, he should be out there and deserves consideration for all DFS contests.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James had a vintage playoff performance in Game 2 against Denver on Monday in a 101-99 loss. He produced 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and totaled eight rebounds, 12 assists, two steals, and two blocks. James was 3-for-6 with the three-ball and shot 9-for-19 overall. The NBA-s all-time leading scorer has now lost nine consecutive games against a single opponent for the first time in his 21-year career. He will try to spark a comeback in the series on Thursday when the two teams meet up in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) is listed as probable for Monday's postseason clash with the Denver Nuggets. By now, most should expect him on the injury report for the remainder of the playoffs. But unless James suffers a significant setback with his nagging ankle injury, DFS managers should expect to see him out there. The 39-year-old continues to produce at a high level, most recently amassing 27 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in the Game 1 loss to the champs. He also had seven turnovers, although that shouldn't keep DFS managers from putting him in their lineups.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) will play on Saturday against the Nuggets. There wasn't much doubt regarding his availability for the series opener, especially since he's battled a nagging ankle injury for months. James is coming off a few potent performances. That trend could continue, with the multi-time All-Star averaging 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in three meetings with the champs throughout the 2023-24 campaign.