Latest news with #LeBron
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Better is only about championships" - Phil Jackson argued LeBron James can't surpass Michael Jordan without matching his six championships
"Better is only about championships" - Phil Jackson argued LeBron James can't surpass Michael Jordan without matching his six championships originally appeared on Basketball Network. Michael Jordan established himself as the benchmark in any conversation about all-time greatness. His six championships, five MVP awards, 10 scoring titles and an unmatched Finals record have built a majestic legacy, one that has shaped the very definition of dominance in the NBA. Since the day Jordan retired for good in 2003, every generational talent that has come along, no matter how physically gifted, statistically loaded or impact-driven, has had to wrestle with the same shadow. And among all those names, only LeBron James has come close to standing in the same arena. LeBron's case For all of LBJ's accolades, his four NBA titles, four MVP awards, league-wide respect and mind-bending longevity, he still lags behind in one specific department. A department that, in the eyes of legendary coach Phil Jackson, is the final frontier in the G.O.A.T. discussion. "Better is only about championships, I think that's the only measurement that's left for LeBron that'll say he was a better ball player than Michael," Jackson said. "And people are going to argue it is the number of championships you win and that's proof of the pudding right there." Jordan went six-for-six in the Finals without ever needing a Game 7, which has been set as the crown jewel that separates myth from mortal. James' Finals appearances, 10 in total, tell their own story of consistent dominance. But his 4–6 record in those games has long been the soft underbelly in the conversation. While James' supporters argue that sheer longevity and all-around excellence make up for the deficit, traditionalists like Jackson remain tethered to the metric that defined previous generations: championships. The coach who once sat courtside for every cold-blooded dagger Jordan ever dropped now sees the conversation through that same lens. Until the championship count evens up, greatness may coexist — but supremacy remains untouched. Related: "That cycle is going to continue so they can get people to watch" - Jalen Williams takes a swipe at NBA media Being a winner However, reducing James' legacy to only titles is to ignore a portfolio of achievements that almost no other player in league history can claim. The 21-time NBA All-Star is the only player to score over 40,000 career points, and he's still producing at an elite level in his 22nd season. He's led the league in assists, built three different title-winning teams from the ground up and remained the axis of every franchise he's joined. "He's an unselfish ball player; he doesn't lust to score like Michael and Kobe [Bryant] did or does," Jackson said. "Maybe when need is there, he definitely finds a way to score." And that's been the core of LeBron's game from the beginning. While Jordan hunted for scoring titles and Kobe Bryant pursued offensive greatness with precocious obsession, James' approach has always been more inclusive — facilitating first, elevating teammates, and shifting into scoring gear when necessary. His 2020 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers made him the first player in NBA history to win Finals MVP with three different franchises, a feat no one else on Jordan's level has replicated. For the Cleveland Cavaliers, he fulfilled the promise of an entire city, ending a 52-year title drought in 2016 with a comeback from 3–1 down against a 73–9 Warriors team. In Miami, he formed the league's most scrutinized superteam and came away with two titles. In Los Angeles, he turned a floundering franchise back into a champion within two seasons. However, Jackson's point rests on comparison, not contribution. Jordan's six rings weren't just wins but statements. Two three-peats, total Finals domination and an aura that never blinked under pressure. As brilliant as he has been across two decades, James still sits two titles behind … for now. Related: LeBron James learned from his "not six, not seven" press conference when he returned to Cleveland: "It won't be easy" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers part ways with LeBron for star guard, 39% 3-point shooter in this wild trade
Is LeBron James going to request a trade out of Los Angeles? The Lakers are certainly not committed to building around LeBron anymore. Nobody would blame either side if they decided that parting ways was best for both sides. That's why everyone has been keeping their ear to the ground for LeBron trade rumors. One LeBron trade was proposed by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report. He created '3 Trade Packages To Bring LeBron James Home to Cleveland Cavaliers,' and this one could be worth considering. 'Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F LeBron James, G Bronny James, 2027 first-round pick (top-2 protected from Dallas Mavericks, via Hornets) and save $27.4 million Los Angeles Lakers Receive: PG Darius Garland, G/F Max Strus Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jarrett Allen Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Grant Williams, F Dean Wade, 2027 first-round pick (lottery-protected from Miami Heat, via Hornets)' This trade could work out for everyone. LeBron would head home and instantly make the Cavaliers even more favored to win the Eastern Conference. He would also get to bring his son along with him. The Lakers would receive Darius Garland and Max Strus in return for giving up their second-best player. It might still be worth it. Garland is a budding young star, and Strus is the perfect Lakers role player. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp This LeBron-Cavaliers trade has the potential to make everyone happy. The Cavaliers would probably be the ones to hold this up as giving up Garland, Allen, Strus, and Dean Wade would probably be too rich for their blood. More NBA: LeBron James trade idea to Cavs involves 2x All-Star, role players to Lakers
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kai Cenat on the MJ vs. LeBron debate, his most underrated player ever
The internet sensation spoke with Yahoo Sports to share his thoughts on the NBA's GOAT debate, his favorite underrated player and also his relationship with the NFL draft's top overall pick Travis Hunter. Kai joined Yahoo Sports on behalf of State Farm's Gamerhood. View more Video Transcript I feel like Jordan, Jordan, Jordan's supporters are more like older hands, you feel what I'm saying? like they grew up on Jordan and stuff and then LeBron supporters are like my generation. LeBron supporters are like my generation. But like LeBron is the only person you can successfully praise and compliment. Like he's just, he's the one that you can literally compliment and it's OK. LeBron's a GOAT, bro. I ain't gonna lie, bro. Bron is Bron. You know, I got to see Bron play when I was born and growing up. You feel what I'm saying? I'm pretty sure he's tough, he's a GOAT and a huge inspiration. Not only is he great on the court, but off the court, you feel what I'm saying? Family man, inspiration. And he be proving so many people wrong. Crazy. The answer Barbosa is to go, one of the greatest players, most underrated too, no cap. There were certain games where he dropped 16, a couple of points, made some passes, got some rebounds, and they all affected in the long run. With me and Trav, it's literally on the spot with the creativity of the live chat going to. You feel me? Those are, those are hard, but they, but he be pulling them off though. I ain't gonna cap. Wait till he's in the NFL or somebody about to go crazy. I mean, if you could do it, if you could do both ways, let him do both ways. I'm trying to see that. Every time I come back to State Farm, we're always doing something cool and something unique, something different, and I'm, I just like coming back. I've been saying it all day. I think the set is crazy. I think they did a great job with all of this and this looks absolutely amazing. Like it's legit. I feel like I'm really in the gamerhood. Close
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James Reportedly Frustrated With Lakers' Lack Of Direction Since Westbrook Trade
LeBron James Reportedly Frustrated With Lakers' Lack Of Direction Since Westbrook Trade originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers may be heading for an awkward standoff. According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the four-time champion has grown increasingly frustrated with the team's lack of direction since the Russell Westbrook trade. Despite now being paired with superstar Luka Doncic, LeBron is reportedly unsure about the franchise's long-term vision, and it's creating tension behind the scenes. 'On LeBron James' side, there is real frustration over the Lakers' lack of direction since the Russell Westbrook trade,' wrote Irwin. 'The whole thing has become pretty awkward, and yet the reality is they're both better off with each other. There is no trade the Lakers would make that would give James a better chance at a title than he has playing with Doncic.' The Lakers traded for Westbrook in the summer of 2021 in a huge package centered around Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, three second-round picks, the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson, and a future pick swap with the Nets in 2025. At the time, LeBron was a huge supporter of the trade, and some say he helped pull the strings to get him there. Unfortunately for LeBron and the Lakers, signing Westbrook ended up as a huge mistake that set their team back by years. It wasn't until he was traded in 2023 (in a deal with the Jazz) that the Lakers finally experienced a shift in their identity. In the years that followed, a fragmented vision kept the Lakers in the dark with mistakes that included short-term moves and conflicting roster builds. It was nothing but forgettable seasons for years until Luka Doncic joined the fold in the 2024-25 campaign. Frankly, the Lakers were mismanaged and headed for collapse until Mavericks GM Nico Harrison bailed them out with a lucrative trade offer they couldn't refuse. The whole thing has been frustrating for LeBron James, who is now 40 years old. But if his main goal is to win, there may be no better place for him than by Luka Doncic's side. Together, they can achieve great things and have the potential to make some serious waves in the West. But while the duo of LeBron and Luka offers massive upside on the court, the Lakers' inability to execute a consistent long-term plan is still a problem. Even with two generational talents on the roster, there's a sense that Los Angeles is building on the fly, hoping talent alone will be enough to carry them deep into the postseason. At this stage of his career, James doesn't have time for another rebuilding project. With a player option for the 2025–26 season, LeBron holds all the leverage, and if he feels the Lakers aren't maximizing his final years, he could explore other options—either via trade or free agency next summer. Still, there's reason for optimism. With Luka Doncic in his prime and James still playing at a high level (24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season), the Lakers are as competitive as they've been in years. The key now is building a roster and a strategy that LeBron can fully buy into. Whether the front office can deliver on that remains to be seen, but they may not have much time left before LeBron makes his next big story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LeBron James Has Had No Buyout Or Trade Talks With Lakers, Expected To Be Available For Training Camp
LeBron James Has Had No Buyout Or Trade Talks With Lakers, Expected To Be Available For Training Camp originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Despite a frenzy of offseason speculation, LeBron James is not headed anywhere, at least for now. According to a detailed report by The Athletic's Dan Woike and Joe Vardon, James has not engaged in any buyout or trade conversations with the Los Angeles Lakers. There is no indication from either camp that such talks have taken place, and all signs point to James reporting to training camp ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The 40-year-old superstar, who recently opted into the final year of his $52.6 million deal, is still expected to wear purple and gold this fall. James' decision not to pursue an extension after opting in to his player option sparked immediate buzz around the league. Combine that with Rich Paul's cryptic statements about evaluating what's best for LeBron "at this stage in his life and career," and rumors swirled about a possible split between the NBA's all-time leading scorer and the Lakers. But reality, as it turns out, is far more stable than the headlines suggest. LeBron has been active and visible with the team throughout the summer. He was seen shaking hands with Rob Pelinka, exchanging laughs with head coach JJ Redick, and supporting his son Bronny at Summer League games in Las Vegas. All of it pointed to one conclusion: James is still fully invested in the Lakers. Some of the confusion began when it became clear that James would not be the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward. That title now belongs to Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old superstar the Lakers acquired in a blockbuster midseason deal. Yet rather than fueling division, Doncic's arrival may actually be extending LeBron's championship window. As long as James continues to perform at a high level, pairing him with Luka could give the Lakers a legitimate title shot. From a business standpoint, the Lakers have no incentive to rush LeBron out. They want to keep their books clean for next summer, and James' expiring contract gives them maximum flexibility. Trading him for another star would commit them to long-term salary, something they've been trying to avoid. A buyout, meanwhile, makes even less sense. If they cut him before training camp, Cleveland, one of LeBron's rumored suitors, could sign him. But if they wait until after the season starts, the Cavaliers (currently over the second apron) would be ineligible to pick him up due to the NBA's new CBA rules. Those hoping for a dramatic exit should temper their expectations. League sources have consistently stated there's been no pressure from LeBron's camp to push a move. Scoop B reported that four teams, the Clippers, Mavericks, Warriors, and Cavaliers, had reached out to Rich Paul regarding James, but none of that has translated into anything substantial. James also holds a full no-trade clause, so any deal would require his full approval. There's also the sentimental aspect. This season could be LeBron's last in the NBA, and he's made it clear how much playing alongside his son Bronny means to him. Bronny, who is under contract for three more years with the Lakers, has been improving steadily under the organization's development plan. LeBron recently called it the most gratifying experience of his career. In the meantime, James is staying busy off the court—golfing, vacationing, and rehabbing his left knee. So until further notice, the King stays in Los Angeles. He may no longer be the singular face of the franchise, but alongside Luka Doncic, he still has a chance to author one more magical story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
