Latest news with #Lakers'
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
JJ Redick identified two NBA players Bronny James could emulate
Over the last handful of months, there has been a growing hope that Bronny James can eventually become a legitimate rotation player in the NBA. He put up strong numbers during this past G League regular season, and he played very solid basketball during the Las Vegas summer league this month. There is a continuing debate about what type of player James will be if and when he makes it in the NBA. He has been projected as an undersized shooting guard or even a 3-and-D player, and many feel his defense is his strong suit. But the 6-foot-3 20-year-old has also shown the ability to attack in transition and create for himself off the dribble. Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick came up with two possible players whom James could possibly emulate moving forward, according to an ESPN article. "Redick points to the 6-2, 205-pound Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat or his friend and former teammate, the 6-1, 190-pound T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers, as examples of the type of game changer James can become," wrote Dave McMenamin. Mitchell has become not just a strong defender but also a potent 3-point shooter over the last couple of years. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 assists a game and made 39.8% of his 3-point attempts. Many basketball fans are likely familiar with McConnell after the Pacers' run to Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. He has been a spark plug off the bench, and there were times in the championship series where he was arguably more impactful than Tyrese Haliburton. McConnell has often been a good 3-point shooter, although he struggled in that department during the 2024-25 regular season. His ability to attack off the dribble and penetrate helped Indiana maintain an up-tempo pace throughout the season until it gave out in the final game of the finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some are predicting that James will crack the Lakers' rotation this coming season. That would be welcome news, especially given the Lakers' lack of serviceable backcourt depth.
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
The one thing the Lakers lack that many aren't talking about
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have a very good roster as we head into midsummer. But most, if not all, would agree that they aren't quite a championship-caliber team. The main weakness many point to on the Lakers' roster is the lack of defensive standouts. Guard Marcus Smart, who won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, recently signed with them after getting his previous contract bought out by the Washington Wizards. But even if he is close to the player he was a few years ago — which many feel is a big if — he, by himself, wouldn't be enough to make L.A. a strong enough defensive team. However, there is another deficiency the team appears to have that few are talking about — 3-point shooting. This past season, L.A. was 14th in 3-point shooting percentage and 19th in 3-point attempts. After the All-Star break, the team was 10th and ninth, respectively, in both categories, but a scan of its roster reveals a lack of snipers. Luka Doncic is always one of basketball's most dangerous 3-point shooters, especially off the dribble with his trademark step-back jumper. LeBron James has become an above-average 3-point shooter over the last two years, and Austin Reaves is also an above-average outside shooter. But what the Lakers need to stock up on is non-stars who are strong 3-point shooters, and they don't have many of them. Jake LaRavia, a 23-year-old forward they signed earlier this month, made 42.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc this past season. He has said he wants to increase his volume of shots from that distance after registering 2.2 attempts in 20.4 minutes a game during the 2024-25 campaign. Starting forward Rui Hachimura is an excellent outside shooter who shot 41.3% from downtown this past season. Dalton Knecht, who is entering his second NBA season, has had spurts of hot shooting, but he has also had cold streaks that have lasted at least as long as his hot streaks, and his defense and court awareness seem to be huge concerns. The rest of the Lakers' rotation players are non-threats from the outside. Smart is a career 32.4% 3-point shooter, guard Gabe Vincent is about as reliable from that distance as a dying flashlight and forward Jarred Vanderbilt hits from downtown about as often as it rains in Southern California during the summer. Coach JJ Redick apparently wants the Lakers to become a high-volume 3-point shooting team. But for that to work, the Lakers need more snipers. Given the fact that they have almost no space under the first apron of the salary cap and very limited trade assets, they may end up throwing up enough bricks to put a major dent in Los Angeles' homelessness epidemic early in the 2025-26 season.
Fox Sports
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA Odds: Lakers, Dončić Odds Shorten After Magazine Cover Reveal
Both Luka Dončić's weight and the Lakers' title odds are on the move. Dončić is the cover athlete in the latest edition of Men's Health Magazine, and since he revealed his svelte, new physique, the star's MVP odds have also moved up the board. Currently, the Lakers' championship futures are +1400 at DraftKings Sportsbook, moving from +1600 just two weeks ago. On July 17 at DraftKings, Dončić was sitting fourth at +800 to win the league's most coveted individual honor. Now, he's third at +650, behind Nikola Jokić (+250) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+250), and moving ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo (+700). Let's check out some of the other Lakers and Dončić odds at DraftKings as of July 29. Dončić Clutch Player of the Year +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total) Dončić Western Conference Finals MVP +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total) Dončić Finals MVP +2000 (bet +2000 to win $210 total) Lakers Win Western Conference +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) Lakers No. 1 Seed Western Conference +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) JJ Redick Coach of the Year +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total) Will Dončić's slimmed-down frame be worth its weight in gold when it comes to boosting the Lakers' chances at winning it all next year? At least one expert thinks so. "I think he looked at LeBron and said this guy is naturally gifted … I want to get there," co-host Chris Broussard said on "First Things First" about Dončić's physical transformation. "If he does come back looking like he did in that magazine in that kind of shape, the Lakers are a real threat," Broussard added. "Luka is great period. Luka was great last year — overweight, coming off injury, sad … and not playing defense. "If he's in this kind of shape … I just think they have enough, and they have a legitimate chance." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Marc Stein reveals Lakers' 'preferred scenario' for LeBron James
It appears that LeBron James will be a member of the Los Angeles Lakers for the immediate future, despite the trade rumors that have surrounded him over the last few weeks. He decided to exercise the player option on his contract for this coming season on June 29, and on that day, his agent, Rich Paul, issued a statement that many interpreted as a prelude to a possible trade request. What he will do once the 2025-26 season ends, however, is anyone's best guess. He could leave the Lakers, or he could possibly continue to play for them. At the same time, there is speculation that the franchise wants to move on from him. NBA insider Marc Stein wrote on his substack "The Stein Line" that the Lakers' "preferred scenario" is to simply let James walk at the end of this coming season. 'The Lakers' widely presumed preferred scenario for their future is letting James' contract drop off their books after the 2025-26 season.' The superstar will make $52.6 million this coming season. According to an ESPN report, Los Angeles didn't offer him a contract extension this offseason. According to at least one other report, the Lakers are just about done with James and are already angling to land another superstar to pair with Luka Doncic within the next couple of years.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Stein: Deandre Ayton was Lakers' top target from start of free agency
Going into this summer's NBA free agency period, the Los Angeles Lakers had a massive hole at the center position. It was hoped they could sign one or two veterans such as Brook Lopez or Clint Capela in free agency, but it looked like their best path toward landing a legitimate starting center was through the trade market. Then, on June 29, a favorable curveball was thrown. Deandre Ayton agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, and instantly, speculation began that he would inevitably sign with the Lakers. That is exactly what happened, as he agreed to a two-year, $16.2 million contract with them. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Ayton was apparently the Lakers' top free agent target from the moment teams were allowed to start talking to prospective free agents on June 30. "I believe that Deandre Ayton was the Lakers' top target among centers from the first minute of free agency. I know it might have looked to some like the Lakers lost out to the Clippers on Brook Lopez and pivoted to Ayton, but that's not how it went down. Ayton and the Trail Blazers came to terms on a buyout agreement on the day before free agency officially began and the 7-foot Bahamian was instantly regarded by numerous interested teams as a virtual lock to land with the Lakers." Ayton comes with some risks, as he wasn't exactly on his best behavior over the last two seasons with the Trail Blazers. But the seven-footer has career averages of 16.4 points on 59% field-goal shooting and 10.5 rebounds a game, and at age 26, he should still have a significant amount of untapped potential. As a rim-running lob threat, Ayton appears to be the type of center Luka Doncic wants and needs to play with. If he behaves himself and even starts playing some defense, he could considerably raise L.A.'s ceiling this coming season.
