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USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Insider: Lakers are divided on whether to trade two key starters in order to improve
Insider: Lakers are divided on whether to trade two key starters in order to improve It seems to be generally believed that if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to successfully address their roster needs, including their dire need for a starting-caliber center, they will have to give up some significant value in a trade. That could mean giving up more than rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-round draft pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap, which was the core of the package they offered the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams before Williams failed his physical and that trade was rescinded. Many feel that starting forward Rui Hachimura, who can be an impact player but is sometimes rendered invisible, will have to be jettisoned in order for L.A. to upgrade its roster. Some are also calling for the team to give up Austin Reaves, who raised his game yet again this season. But according to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the organization is split on whether Hachimura and Reaves should stay or go. Via ClutchPoints: "A first-round playoff exit with home-court advantage can really shake an organization," Irwin wrote. "Losing that series in only five games only intensifies the rattling. In the Los Angeles Lakers' case, losing 12 of their last 14 playoff games is enough to drive the otherwise thoroughly spoiled fan base absolutely insane. Now, entering the first full season of the Luka Doncic era, a fairly fierce debate has broken out internally on which steps to take this summer. "First and foremost, Doncic isn't going anywhere anytime soon. That is a given. LeBron James has a player option for next season that he's considered likely to pick up and has a no-trade clause, so his name can be written in ink on the roster as well. From there, things get very dicey, very quickly, as, according to league and team sources, a fierce debate has broken out about what to do with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. "To be clear, both are extremely well-liked internally. No Lakers decision maker is looking ahead to the day when they can finally rid themselves of two of the better moves any team has made on the margins in recent years. Still, this roster desperately needs a facelift and, because the Lakers only have one first-round pick and a few mid-tier expiring contracts to work with, the sense around the league is, in order to take the steps forward the Lakers are hoping to, they'll have to part with actual contributors on top of the little draft capital at their disposal." Irwin did make it clear that the Lakers aren't "seriously considering any trade offer for Reaves that doesn't land them an All-Star" who could complement Luka Doncic well for years to come. In addition, Hachimura is just 27 years of age, and he could help keep things afloat after LeBron James leaves. This whole matter is complicated by the fact that Hachimura has one year left on his contract and Reaves can opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer. A recent report indicated that Reaves will wait to opt out in 2026 and then seek a new contract that would pay him around $30 million a year.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Larry Brown reveals Michael Jordan stood firmly against bringing Allen Iverson to Charlotte: "That's gonna prohibit our progress"
The Charlotte Hornets during the 2000s had their fair share of ups and downs. They faced ownership changes, relocations and roster shake-ups. But one of the most intriguing what-if moments in franchise history came when Michael Jordan, the team's principal owner, shut down a potential move for former All-Star guard Allen Iverson. Jordan's decision By the late 2000s, the Hornets (then known as the Charlotte Bobcats) were clawing their way back into relevance. Under head coach Larry Brown, the team had made its first playoff appearance in 2010, but the squad was still searching for a star to carry them into long-term contention. That was when the idea of Iverson came into play. Advertisement "I wanted to bring him to Charlotte," said Brown, whose history with Iverson had long been under the microscope. "And Michael admired Allen and Allen loved Michael. But Michael said, 'Larry, if we bring him back, you're gonna play him ahead of some of these young kids and that's gonna prohibit our progress.' And he was right." A.I. was nearing the twilight of his career. After brief stints with the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, the 2001 NBA MVP was looking for one last shot at proving he could still contribute at a high level. Having guided the Iverson-led Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, Brown recognized a chance. Despite their difficult history with the Sixers, the two have always respected one another. Iverson's former coach felt the star guard could still make a difference for Charlotte. But there was a significant obstacle: Jordan had the last word. Advertisement The former MVP had frequently expressed how much he admired the six-time champion, referring to him as the best player of all time and someone he took his cues from growing up. However, adoration alone was insufficient to close a deal. Michael wasn't sure that adding Allen, even in a smaller capacity, was the best course of action for the franchise's future. Related: Coach who recruited Manute Bol admits he made up his birthday: "He was probably 40, 50 years old when he was playing in the NBA" Iverson's end At the time of the Hornets' discussions, Iverson's career had already taken an unpredictable turn. After parting ways with the Pistons in 2009, he signed with the Grizzlies. Advertisement However, his stint in Memphis lasted just three games before he and the team agreed to part ways. That led to a return to Philadelphia, where A.I. played 25 games in the 2009-10 season. Still, the writing was on the wall. Iverson's scoring ability and competitive fire had never been in question, but his ball-dominant style didn't fit into every system. Charlotte needed young players like Gerald Henderson and D.J. Augustin to develop, and Jordan wasn't willing to risk their progress for a short-term gamble. The Hornets moved forward without Iverson, finishing the 2010-11 season with a 34-48 record. Brown parted ways with the team mid-season, and the franchise entered another rebuilding phase. Advertisement Meanwhile, A.I. never played another game in the NBA. After his brief Philadelphia return, he took a hiatus and later announced his retirement in 2013. "I'm just sick that Allen couldn't have gone out the right way where people could show their appreciation for him, 'cause everywhere we played, when Allen played, the arenas were full. And even though they were supportive of their home team, they were admiring everything Allen did," Brown concluded. Related: Kyle Korver said Sixers players were desperate for Allen Iverson to leave the team in 2006: "We want it to be over… just want to move on"
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Wild LaMelo Ball Prediction Could Completely Shift Power in Western Conference
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA is currently in the midst of the postseason, but the offseason is quickly approaching. Once it does, there is going to be an arms race for teams to alter rosters in the hopes of competing for a title next season. More NBA news: Rich Paul Breaks Silence on LeBron James Remaining With Lakers One team that could play a big role in how the offseason shakes out is the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte has missed the postseason nine straight years, but they have a few players who could be on the move this summer. The Hornets are led by star LaMelo Ball, but the team hasn't gone anywhere. This has many around the league thinking that Ball could be traded this summer if the right deal presents itself. Well, Chicago Bulls star guard Lonzo, LaMelo's brother, gave a wild prediction on his brother, predicting that he would be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. "I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets. And I got Melo going to the Clips." 🎙️ Lonzo Ball on @TheWAEShow: "I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets. And I got Melo going to the Clips." 🤨 — r/CharlotteHornets on Reddit (@HornetsReddit) May 16, 2025 If LaMelo were traded to the Clippers, it would completely change the structure of power in the Western Conference. LaMelo had a career year before injuries took over, as he averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Los Angeles was the No. 5 seed in the West this year and entered the postseason as a sleeper team for the NBA Finals. While the Clippers did get eliminated in the first round, adding a talent like LaMelo could change it all. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the second quarter during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North... CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the second quarter during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. More Photo byPutting LaMelo alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard would give the Clippers a legitimate star trio. The biggest obstacle would be figuring out how to play with Harden and LaMelo both needing the ball. But the Clippers could also allow Harden to walk this summer since he can enter free agency. There have already been reports about Harden opting out of his deal with the Clippers. Read more: James Harden Reportedly Expected to Opt Out of Clippers Contract It remains to be seen how Los Angeles will handle Harden, but many expect him to return to the team after a successful year. The Clippers have multiple routes that they can explore this summer, but Lonzo may know something with this prediction. More NBA news: Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels Offers Blunt Reason For Hard Fouls on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Knicks Have Major Silver Lining Despite 2-0 Deficit to Pacers Warriors General Manager Seemingly Hints at Plan For Jonathan Kuminga's Future For more Hornets, Clippers, and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball candidly reveals off-court relationship with brother LaMelo Ball - 'We talk more about life'
Having shifted across multiple teams, Lonzo Ball , currently competing in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls , has established himself as an interesting player despite the movement. The player's rookie season was with the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, and now finally with the Chicago Bulls. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Lonzo is continuously looking to develop himself as a player during his tenure with the Bulls, his brother LaMelo Ball plays for the Charlotte Hornets . In a recent interview, Lonzo opens up about his personal relationship with his brothe r outside the court. Lonzo Ball denies the influence of professional rivalry over personal relationship with Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball The Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets have faced each other multiple times, with their recent face-off favoring the Bulls with a score of 131-117. While the professional rivalry between the teams is very much visible inside the court, two players from the respective teams share a different bond outside the court. Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is the brother of the Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball. In a recent podcast episode of Straight to Cam, Lonzo opened up on how the brothers share a very different bond outside the court. When asked if Lonzo likes to hang out after the matches with his brother, the player replied, 'Yeah, I mean, if I am in Charlotte, I would go to his spot. And if he is in Chicago, he is coming straight to me crib.' Lonzo Ball on Playing Against LaMelo, Anthony Edwards' Star Power & Funny Untold Confessions | EP 16 Lonzo further explained the dynamics between the players, 'It's always love on the court. He is usually just talking, probably whatever the first thing pops in his mind. I usually don't say much on the court. But after the game, we talk and we hangout all the time.' The player, throughout the interview, reveals the grounds on which the brothers bond. Lonzo admitted that the duo doesn't talk much about basketball, but it is the nuances of their lives that take up most of the conversations. 'We talk more about life than basketball for the most part…He likes playing video games more than watching games.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The player revealed his favorite video games, 'I like playing NBA 2k and NFL Madden. But he plays Fortnite. He is like crazy good at Fortnite.' Also read: Professional sibling rivalry is quite common in sports. Apart from the one that Lonzo and LaMelo share owing to their respective teams, another major rivalry is between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Both players, as part of their respective teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, will now be facing each other in the Western Conference finals.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Behind the 6-7 Trend — The Viral Song It Came From & Why Your Tween Loves To Say It on Repeat
If you feel like you're always behind the eight ball when it comes to keeping up with and understanding your t(w)een's latest slang, chances are you're currently feeling like you're behind the, ahem, 'six seven' ball. (Boo! Terrible Dad Joke, I know.) One of the latest phrases used by teens — like 'Italian brainrot' and 'aura farming' — is 'six seven' or, as it's sometimes written, '6-7.' And no, that's not a math problem that tweens are referencing when they chant the numbers on repeat. More from SheKnows All About Taylor Frankie Paul's Ex-Husband, Their Split & His Life After Their 'Swinging' Scandal The 'six seven' trend has everything to do with the song 'Doot Doot (6 7)' by Skrilla. The rap has become a popular audio in TikTok videos and Instagram Reels because of the lyric '6-7,' which could be referencing 67th Street in Chicago and Skrilla's background. Saying 'six seven' became especially trendy after videos of NBA player LaMelo Ball with 'Doot Doot' playing over it started going viral. Why Ball, you ask? Because the Charlotte Hornets player is (you guessed it!) 6′ 7.' Videos with people saying 'six seven' (intentionally or otherwise) also get hit with an edit, and other basketball players are even getting in on the joke. Between the catchy song, the sporty connection, and the funny edits, it's no wonder the meme has exploded the way it has. The phrase has been spreading like wildfire over social media and among t(w)eens. If their phone is at 67 percent, you know what they are thinking, and if they get a 67 on a test, at least they have an excuse to say 'six seven!' Speaking of tests, the phrase has even infiltrated classrooms. One middle school teacher hilariously explained on TikTok how his students find ways to say it constantly. Another teacher joked that she would be 'taking a vow of silence' after she mistakenly got involved. 'My 7th graders just asked me to add 43 + 24,' she wrote over a video where she looked beyond annoyed. 'I fell for it.' Because as soon as that teacher said 67, she must have been met with a chorus of 'six seven!' And to the people on TikTok who are wondering, 'Am I officially old if I don't understand it?' No, you're only officially old once you turn (say it with me!) 67. Before you go, check out these celebrity kiddos who . Best of SheKnows I'm 29 Weeks Pregnant, & Comfortable Sandals Are a *Must* This Summer—These Are the Best Ones on the Market Recent Baby & Toddler Product Recalls Every Parent and Caregiver Should Know About The Best Bras for Your Teen — & How to Shop Together Without Dying of Embarrassment
