Latest news with #James
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Laker, 2020 NBA champion on why it's hard to play with LeBron James
Former Laker, 2020 NBA champion on why it's hard to play with LeBron James When the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship during the 2019-20 season, they didn't have an overwhelmingly talented roster outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But they did have a number of valuable role players who all chipped in to bring home the Larry O'Brien Trophy. One of those role players was Danny Green. The veteran wing signed as a free agent with the Lakers in the summer of 2019, and his defense and 3-point shooting were sizable keys to their championship run. But during an appearance on the "All the Smoke" podcast, Green said that playing alongside James wasn't easy. It wasn't that James himself made things difficult, but the superstar's legion of fans would be hard on him if he wasn't getting the job done (h/t Lakers Daily). 'He made the game very easy,' Green said of James. 'But…there are times where it's not as easy because there's so much pressure, even if you're wide open, to execute the play because you're playing with LeBron James. And that's more so on the outside than it is on the inside 'cause Bron ain't putting the pressure on you. 'But all the LeBron fans are like, 'Who's this bum? Why is he playing with — he can't make a damn shot.' You know what I'm saying? So, it's a gift and a curse, but he made the game easy, man. 'And it was a lot of fun learning from him early on, a lot of fun playing against him and then even better to play with him, and then it was the bubble, but winning the championship with him. It was great, man, so I couldn't ask for a better scenario.' James has many devoted fans who are unquestionably loyal to him and will go to great lengths to defend him. Some seem to feel that such fans even have the tendency to blame others when things don't go well for James or his team. In Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals, the Lakers led the series 3-1 over the Miami Heat and needed just one more win to wrap up the world title. They trailed 109-108 in the closing seconds, and James found Green for an open 3-pointer that Green missed, allowing Miami to win and send the series to a sixth game. Although the Lakers won Game 6 convincingly, Green received death threats after missing the shot in Game 5 that would've concluded matters. In the end, he received his third championship ring following that Game 6 victory. He had won it all the previous season with the Toronto Raptors and in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs.
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Transvision Vamp singer Wendy James to perform in Buckley
The singer will take to the stage at the Tivoli on Saturday, October 25, as part of a UK tour in support of recently released album 'The Shape of History.' The album, which is the tenth solo album by the Transvision Vamp lead singer, was written, produced, and mixed by James herself. It was recorded in West London and New York City, and is available digitally, on deluxe vinyl, and on deluxe CD. James will be accompanied on tour by a full band, including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' Jim Sclavunos on drums and Alex Ward on guitar. They will be playing songs from across all of her albums. Reflecting on 'The Shape of History,' James said: "My songwriting has always been a wide mix of sounds, which naturally reflect the different music and references I have and love. "'The Shape Of History' was recorded on Scrubs Lane, West London, with Alex Ward, Harry Bohay, and James Sclavunos. "I then went off to NYC and Brooklyn to record the pianos and organs with Dave 'The Moose' Sherman. "Overdubbing continued with Al Lawson at the engineering helm in his Shepherd's Bush studio and then I went back to Berkeley, California to mix with Jesse Nichols before mastering with Fred Kevorkian in Brooklyn, New York. "I have spent so much time with this music, I know it note-for-note and love it, and am so happy for you to make it your own now. "'The Shape Of History' has a lot about love in it, a lot about appreciation of oneself, one's life and, importantly, of others. "It is life's arc of starting out, blooming into something and in some ways maturing. "I don't think my music has got older, I know I've not gone mellow! "My attitude can be more ferocious and fearless than ever, but there is an acquired wisdom, which naturally comes after having been alive for a few decades! "'The Shape Of History' is a love letter and a thank you note to life so far. "The culmination of my tenth album is the result of co-musicians and engineers who I've worked with previously and with whom I share a language. "We know each other, we choose to work together. "We enjoy each other's talents and personalities. READ MORE: Connah's Quay dentist to open in Flintshire in September Police release statement on armed officers in Garden City "There is a happiness, a belonging, when we meet up, and an open and determined desire to achieve what we know we have to. "Meeting Nick Christian Sayer and forming Transvision Vamp, the two of us walking into EMI Records and demanding to see the head of artists and repertoire, Dave Ambrose; getting signed and making our hits of the late 80's and 90's; collaborating with Elvis Costello and mixing that album at Sunset Sound in Hollywood where The Stones mixed 'Exile On Main St,' then moving to NYC to start writing and recording as a solo artist; all the gigs I've played and the friends I've made around the world, the astounding, incredible, wonderful people whose lives I've crossed paths with... "I am so grateful for it all." For more information, visit
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
The Welsh village with a world-famous feature where house prices are surging
The Welsh village with a world-famous feature where house prices are surging It's not hard to see why the area has proved to be such a popular place to live - and people are willing to pay even more for the privilege Coastal housing in Wales in cheapest in Prestatyn last year, according to Land Registry figures (Image: Hadyn Iball/North Wales Live ) The Anglesey village of Llanfairpwll is renowned for having the world's second-longest name, but it boasts more than just a unique moniker. In 2024, when property prices across the UK were struggling, Llanfairpwll bucked the trend, with house values rising by 12% to an average of £266,746, according to data from the Land Registry. This growth was particularly notable given the 5.1% decline in overall property prices on Anglesey in 2024, although the market now appears to be recovering. Llanfairpwll's resilience was highlighted in the latest Lloyds Coastal Homes Review, which ranked the village sixth out of 197 seaside locations in the UK for the largest annual price increases in 2024. The allure of coastal living, which had driven up property prices since the pandemic, waned slightly in 2024, with the average price of a seaside home dipping by 1% year-on-year. However, this shift left Prestatyn in Denbighshire as the most affordable coastal location in Wales, according to the Lloyds review, published on Monday, May 26. Despite this, demand for properties in Llanfairpwll surged, although the reasons for this are not immediately apparent. The village has long been a desirable location, boasting an "excellent"-rated primary school, a GP surgery, dentists, and a range of shops, cafes, and pubs. Nestled near the banks of the Menai Strait and under the watchful eye of the 89ft Tŵr Marcwis (Anglesey Column), the village's standout feature is its superb transport links. Not only is it enveloped by the A55, but it's also bordered by a railway line, which has made the village famous, reports North Wales Live. Indeed, the village holds a lasting charm for visitors. Each year, around 200,000 people flock to Llanfairpwll to gaze at the 58 letters that form its adopted name. Most gather at the railway station before heading into James Pringle Weavers World of Shopping, with some even daring to tackle the 115-step climb to the top of Tŵr Marcwis. Adding to Llanfairpwll's appeal are its stunning coastal walks along the Strait. It boasts some prestigious neighbours too, including the National Trust's Plas Newydd and, closer still, Plas Llanfair, another property once owned by the Marquis of Anglesey and now an MOD mountain training centre. Tŵr Marcwis (Anglesey Column) stands proud over Llanfairpwll. It was awarded 872,800 by he National Lottery Heritage Fund for repairs and a new visitor centre including a shop and cafe (Image: National Lottery Heritage Fund ) Given its firm boundaries – the railway and the A55 – land is scarce in Llanfair. A green field buffer strip by the A55 is gradually being eroded, with the relatively new Llys Eilian development now bordering the dual-carriageway. Campaigners have been battling the expansion of the Y Garnedd estate, striving to prevent the building of 27 "affordable" flats and houses on one of the village's last green spaces. Despite a 1,051-signature petition, their efforts were thwarted when Anglesey Council approved the project last November. The development's backers have made the case for the dire need for affordable housing in a village burdened with a lengthy social housing waiting list on the Tai Teg Register, emphasising the increased property values in areas where demand surpasses supply. Throughout Britain, Lloyds' review pinpointed the plush Dorset area of Sandbanks as maintaining its position as the most expensive seaside spot, even with a 3% drop year-on-year, with average property prices remaining at a lofty £965,708. It was Gourock, an old Scottish coastal town, that saw the largest price spike in 2024, enjoying a 24% increase. Following closely was St Mawes in Cornwall with an 18% upturn. At Llanfairpwll railway station, place name photographs are a must for visitors such as YouTubers Geoff Marshall and Vicky Pipe (Image: All The Stations ) Over the past five years, this Cornish fishing village has witnessed a staggering 68% surge in house prices, adding an average of £222,602 to the price tags of local homes, a testimony to the draw of charming seaside locations. Amanda Bryden, spearheading mortgages at Lloyds, remarked: "Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it's the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life. "In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West (of England), where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market. Article continues below "At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community. "It's also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people."
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Too Old, Too Weak on D: Why the Los Angeles Lakers' Superstar LeBron-Luka Duo Is Doomed, According to Danny Green
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes, pairing Luka Doncic and LeBron James in an attempt to build a championship contender. However, their playoff run ended early with a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the front office remains optimistic about their star duo, not everyone is convinced—including former Lakers champion Danny Green . Why Danny Green is skeptical about the Los Angeles Lakers' championship chances Danny Green, who won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, recently shared his doubts about the team's ability to compete for a championship with Doncic and James leading the way. Speaking on All the Smoke, Green pointed to key concerns: - Defensive limitations: Danny Green believes the duo lacks the defensive intensity needed for a deep playoff run. - LeBron's age: James will turn 41 next season, raising questions about his ability to sustain elite performance. - Roster construction: The Los Angeles Lakers' supporting cast, including Austin Reaves, doesn't provide enough defensive support to compensate. Danny Green: Shaq's Wild Rookie Hazing, LeBron as Teammate vs. Opponent & Kawhi's Spurs Falling Out Danny Green's full quote: "I think they're explosive offensively. I think they lack a lot defensively… I don't know how many years he (James) has left longer, and it's really hard to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old… Next year LeBron going to be 41… He can still average 30, 20 something, but I just don't see them winning a championship with that formula right now." The challenges of building around Doncic and James Despite the skepticism, both Doncic and James have proven they can lead teams deep into the playoffs when surrounded by the right pieces: Player Recent playoff success LeBron James Won 2020 NBA title, reached 2023 WCF Luka Doncic Led Mavericks to 2024 NBA Finals However, the Los Angeles Lakers ' current roster has glaring weaknesses: - No traditional starting center - Lack of elite perimeter defenders - Over-reliance on offensive firepower Can the Los Angeles Lakers fix their roster issues? The front office has a narrow path to contention this offseason. Possible solutions include: 1. Adding defensive specialists: Players who can cover for Doncic and James on the perimeter. 2. Finding a reliable center: A rim protector would help shore up the interior defense. 3. LeBron's adjusted role: If James focuses more on defense, it could elevate the team's overall performance. LeBron James weighs in on the NBA's analytical era Amid discussions about the Lakers' future, LeBron James recently shared his thoughts on the NBA's shift toward analytics-driven play. On his *Mind the Game* podcast with Steve Nash, James acknowledged fan frustrations with the modern game's reliance on three-pointers and layups but emphasized that the league is working to improve the viewing experience. Also read: Why the 2025 Thunder Are Oklahoma City's Best Team Ever – According to Kendrick Perkins While the Los Angeles Lakers have two of the NBA's most talented players, Danny Green's concerns highlight the difficulty of constructing a championship roster around them. Without significant defensive upgrades, the team may struggle to compete against deeper, more balanced contenders. The offseason will be critical in determining whether the Lakers can turn their star power into a title-winning formula.
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
42 Glasgow new volunteers join Victim Support Scotland
A total of 42 new volunteers in Glasgow have applied to join Victim Support Scotland (VSS) following a recent recruitment appeal. The response was part of a wider campaign across the country, which saw hundreds express interest in volunteering to help individuals and families impacted by crime. Read more: Glasgow team complete Edinburgh Marathon for 'important' cause It comes as Volunteers' Week begins, running from June 2 to 8. James Whyte, head of volunteering at VSS, said: "We are thrilled to see this level of enthusiasm and interest in our volunteering opportunities across Scotland. "Our volunteers do such vital work for people affected by crime, and to see more people willing to contribute their time and skills to supporting victims and witnesses is amazing." VSS is an independent charity offering emotional and practical support to people affected by crime. Read more: Glasgow and Lanarkshire groups to perform for National Theatre's 30th anniversary Its volunteers provide trauma-informed assistance in courts, including Glasgow's High Court and Sheriff Court, as well as through in-person services and remote options like helplines and webchat. James said: "Thank you to everyone who has registered to volunteer. "And if anyone else is keen to get involved, we welcome more applications from people in Glasgow." "If you are compassionate, resilient and a great listener, and can commit to a minimum of four hours a week, please visit our website to apply."
