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Tag: LeBron James

  • “The most important is health”: LeBron James on missing Stephen Curry in Lakers’ win over Warriors

    “The most important is health”: LeBron James on missing Stephen Curry in Lakers’ win over Warriors

    The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors renewed one of the NBA’s most defining rivalries in a blockbuster showdown at the Crypto.com Arena during the 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season on Sunday, February 8 (Philippine Standard Time).

     

    Despite playing on the road, the Lakers came away with a hard-earned 105–99 victory over the Warriors in a game that drew significant attention across the basketball world. The matchup was widely billed as another potential chapter in the storied on-court rivalry between LeBron James and Stephen Curry—two generational superstars whose battles have shaped an era of NBA basketball.

     

    However, fans inside the Crypto.com Arena were left disappointed as Curry did not suit up for the contest, missing the game due to patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee. As a result, the highly anticipated LeBron-versus-Curry duel never materialized, underscoring how increasingly rare such matchups have become with both icons now approaching the twilight of their illustrious careers.

     

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    LeBron James, nevertheless, delivered a composed and efficient performance, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists in 35 minutes of action. The 41-year-old continued to defy age, controlling the tempo of the game and providing leadership on both ends of the floor as the Lakers executed well down the stretch to secure the win.

    Following the game, James spoke candidly about missing the opportunity to face his longtime rival but emphasized that health remains the top priority at this stage of their careers.

    “Oh, of course. The most important is health, obviously. Especially for the both of us, where we are in our career, so speedy recovery to Steph, we miss him out here,” LeBron said during his postgame media availability.

     

    Notably, this marked the second meeting between the Lakers and Warriors this season, yet fans have still not seen James and Curry share the court. James was sidelined during their first encounter earlier in the campaign due to a sciatica-related illness, adding further intrigue to when—or if—the two legends will clash again before the season ends.

     

    The victory proved significant for the Lakers’ playoff push, as it improved their record to 32–19 and solidified their position at fifth in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Warriors dropped to 28–25 and currently sit eighth, continuing their fight to stay within the playoff picture amid injuries and lineup adjustments.

     

    As the NBA season progresses, anticipation remains high for another possible meeting between James and Curry—two players whose rivalry has delivered some of the league’s most memorable moments. Whether or not fans get another chance to see them go head-to-head, Sunday’s matchup served as a reminder of their enduring impact on the game and the importance of savoring every remaining chapter of their remarkable careers.

     

     

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  • Draymond Green admits he has always wanted to play on the same team as LeBron James

    Draymond Green admits he has always wanted to play on the same team as LeBron James

    Golden State Warriors defensive anchor Draymond Green and NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James have long been defined by one of basketball’s fiercest on-court rivalries. From multiple NBA Finals showdowns to high-stakes playoff battles, the two superstars have repeatedly crossed paths as competitors. Yet away from the hardwood, the dynamic shifts dramatically—revealing a friendship rooted in mutual respect, admiration, and a shared understanding of greatness.

     

    Despite years of battling for championships, Green and James have developed a close personal bond off the court. The two are often spotted together at public events, vacations, and basketball-related functions, and their relationship is further strengthened by shared representation under Klutch Sports Group. Their off-court camaraderie has long fueled conversations among fans and analysts alike about what it might look like if the longtime rivals ever found themselves on the same team.

     

    Green has never shied away from expressing his reverence for James’ legacy. The four-time NBA champion has consistently labeled LeBron as the greatest player of all time in his view—placing him ahead of Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan—an opinion that has sparked debate but underscores the level of respect Green holds for the Lakers superstar.

     

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    In a recent interview, Green revisited the idea of potentially teaming up with James, offering a candid look at his mindset and the intrigue such a partnership would hold for him as a competitor and student of the game.

    “I have always wanted to play with LeBron. Saying I wanted to go to his team, that’s not the case. I’m very comfortable in my situation with Steph Curry and what we have built and what we have. But I think him and Steph shared the want to take the court together, and they got the opportunity to do that in the Olympics in Paris. I have always wanted the opportunity. Just to experience it, to see how he things, to see, all right, what I could do to help him and his thinking. Or what can I learn and pick up about what he’s thinking,” Green said.

     

    Green was quick to emphasize that his curiosity about playing alongside James does not stem from dissatisfaction with his current role in Golden State. As a cornerstone of the Warriors’ dynasty alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Green has been instrumental in shaping one of the most successful eras in modern NBA history. Still, the idea of sharing the floor with James appeals to him from a basketball-intellectual standpoint—one rooted in learning, collaboration, and strategic growth.

     

    The brief moment when Curry and James teamed up during international competition at the Paris Olympics only added fuel to that curiosity. Watching two generational talents set aside NBA rivalries to represent a common goal offered a glimpse of what elite basketball minds can accomplish together, something Green admits he has always wanted to experience firsthand.

     

    While the likelihood of Green and James ever suiting up for the same NBA team remains uncertain, their relationship continues to highlight the thin line between rivalry and respect at the highest level of professional basketball. For Green, the admiration is clear: competing against LeBron has shaped his career, but learning alongside him—even briefly—would be a rare opportunity to see the game through the eyes of one of its greatest thinkers.

     

     

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  • LeBron James named 2026 NBA All-Star reserve, extends historic 22-year streak

    LeBron James named 2026 NBA All-Star reserve, extends historic 22-year streak

    The basketball world was taken by surprise when the National Basketball Association (NBA) officially announced its starters for the 2026 All-Star Game, set to be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Among the biggest talking points was the notable absence of LeBron James from the list of starters—marking the first time in 22 years that the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player was not voted in as an All-Star starter.

     

    The development initially led many fans and analysts to speculate that James’ remarkable streak of consecutive All-Star appearances had finally come to an end. However, those fears were quickly put to rest after the 41-year-old superstar was named to the Western Conference reserve pool, ensuring that his unprecedented All-Star run remains intact.

     

    With the selection, James extends his record streak to 22 consecutive All-Star appearances, further cementing his status as one of the most enduring and accomplished players in league history. He also becomes just the second player ever to earn multiple All-Star selections after turning 40, joining NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in an exclusive club that underscores his longevity and sustained excellence.

     

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    James’ continued presence on the All-Star stage is even more impressive given the challenges he faced earlier in the season. The four-time NBA champion missed the first 14 games of the 2025–26 campaign due to a sciatica issue in his back, forcing him to slowly work his way back into peak condition. While the early absence affected his overall counting stats, James has steadily regained form and rhythm as the season progressed.

     

    Over his last 24 games, the Los Angeles Lakers icon has averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per contest, while shooting an efficient 52 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. Those numbers reflect not only his scoring ability but also his continued impact as a playmaker and floor leader, even in his 21st NBA season.

     

    James’ All-Star résumé remains unmatched. He is the NBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer with 434 points and has earned All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors three times. Across 20 All-Star appearances, he owns career averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He has also served as an All-Star captain on eight occasions and leads all players in All-Star history in total points (434), field goals made (182), and minutes played (537).

     

    As the league celebrates another showcase of its brightest stars, James’ inclusion—starter or not—serves as a reminder that his influence on the game remains as strong as ever. Even as younger superstars continue to rise, the Lakers forward continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his place among the NBA’s elite is far from symbolic.

     

    Below is the full list of players selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

    2026 NBA All-Star Game Starters

     

    Eastern Conference

    • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
    • Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
    • Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
    • Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
    • Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

    Western Conference

    • Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
    • Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
    • Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
    • Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
    • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

    2026 NBA All-Star Game Reserves

    Eastern Conference

    • Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
    • Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
    • Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
    • Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
    • Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
    • Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
    • Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)

    Western Conference

    • Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
    • Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
    • Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
    • Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
    • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
    • Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
    • LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

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  • LeBron James focused on finishing season with Lakers amid retirement talk

    LeBron James focused on finishing season with Lakers amid retirement talk

    Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history—if not the greatest outright. His résumé speaks for itself, highlighted by four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and the distinction of being the league’s all-time leading scorer, a milestone that further cemented his legendary status.

     

    Now in his 23rd NBA season, James continues to defy age and expectations. At 41 years old, speculation has intensified regarding how much longer the future Hall of Famer will remain in the league. With the 2025–26 season underway, questions have resurfaced about whether James will choose to retire at season’s end or extend his remarkable career for at least one more year.

     

    James is currently in his eighth season with the Lakers, making it the longest single stint he has spent with any franchise throughout his career. That tenure has now surpassed his first run with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010, where he first emerged as a generational talent and transformed the franchise into a perennial contender.

     

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    Amid growing retirement chatter, NBA insider and ESPN reporter Shams Charania provided insight into James’ immediate future during an appearance on The NBA via ESPN. According to Charania, James remains focused on finishing the current season with the Lakers before assessing his options during the offseason.

    “I think LeBron in his mind he is finishing this season in LA. He’s got no trade clause. There are people in LeBron’s circle that do believe he is going to go one more year. If he does there is definitely chatter of where that could be. Could that be in Cleveland? Could that be in LA, so that’s up for debate for sure, but right now LeBron’s mindset is locked in on this Lakers team,” Charania said.

     

    Charania’s comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding James’ next move, while also emphasizing that the veteran star remains fully committed to the Lakers’ present campaign. With a no-trade clause in his contract, James retains complete control over his immediate future, allowing him to weigh competitive goals, legacy considerations, and personal priorities as he approaches the twilight of his career.

     

    Despite his age, James continues to perform at an elite level. Through 29 appearances this season, he is averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 50.2 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from three-point range, and 74.8 percent from the free-throw line. His sustained production has been vital to the Lakers as they navigate a highly competitive Western Conference.

     

    As the season progresses, James’ play—and every appearance—carries added significance. Whether this campaign marks the final chapter of his storied career or merely another milestone in an unprecedented run of longevity remains to be seen. For now, LeBron James remains locked in with the Lakers, continuing to add to a legacy that has already reshaped the history of the NBA.

     

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  • Gilbert Arenas: Michael Jordan’s name remains relevant because of LeBron James

    Gilbert Arenas: Michael Jordan’s name remains relevant because of LeBron James

    National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time and is credited with popularizing the league globally during the 1980s and 1990s. Jordan’s combination of skill, competitiveness, and marketability helped elevate the NBA from a domestic league to an international phenomenon, and his influence continues to resonate even decades after his retirement in 2003.

     

    Despite stepping away from professional basketball nearly two decades ago, Jordan remains a household name. Across social media, sports debates, and mainstream media, he is still frequently cited as the definitive “GOAT” — the greatest of all time. His enduring popularity stems not only from his unmatched exploits on the court but also from his lasting cultural and commercial impact, from Air Jordan sneakers to his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.

     

    However, as the NBA evolves and new stars emerge, some analysts have raised interesting perspectives on why Jordan’s name continues to hold such prominence today. Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, now a prominent broadcaster and media personality, recently offered a provocative take, suggesting that Jordan’s ongoing relevance is closely tied to the presence of another all-time great: LeBron James.

     

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    Arenas argued that, historically, even the most celebrated players eventually fade from public consciousness. Legends such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, who dominated the 1980s and 1990s, are rarely remembered with the same reverence in today’s media landscape. In contrast, Jordan remains a central figure, Arenas contends, largely because LeBron James’ sustained excellence keeps the GOAT debate alive.

    “If you look at the past, just like any great, your name becomes irrelevant, and people move on. Your generation voice gets a little bit lower. MJ’s name is still really big in the community, Larry Bird’s name is gone. Tim Duncan, right now? Gone. Remember MJ is not active in the basketball community. The basketball community still holds MJ here because of LeBron James. When LeBron James retires, the MJ name will fade a little bit,” Arenas said.

     

    He added that Jordan’s name often resurfaces whenever LeBron approaches or challenges one of his historic achievements, a dynamic Arenas believes has kept Jordan relevant even in an era where he is no longer competing.

     

    “If you’re watching LeBron James climb to the top, the only way Jordan fans get activated is because somebody got close enough. Every time LeBron did something, the MJ-voice became louder. MJ’s been in NASCAR and motorbikes since 2003, and you can’t tell me s**t about anything he does. Nobody reports nothing about MJ’s life,” he added.

     

    Arenas’ observations point to an interesting phenomenon in sports culture: the longevity of a legend’s relevance is often tied not only to their accomplishments but also to the context provided by current players. For instance, even Allen Iverson, a transformative figure in the 1990s who revolutionized the game both on and off the court, rarely appears in contemporary conversations among younger fans, despite his enormous impact. Similarly, other icons like Tim Duncan or Dirk Nowitzki, who defined an era, have largely receded from mainstream media discussions.

     

    This raises a compelling question about how sports history is preserved and how the legacies of great players are framed relative to the stars of today. Jordan’s continued visibility, Arenas argues, is amplified by the ongoing comparisons to LeBron James, who has maintained elite performance levels into his 20th-plus season. The dynamic interplay between past and present stars, therefore, is not just about individual greatness, but also about the narrative constructed by fans, media, and culture at large.

     

    Ultimately, while Jordan’s supremacy on the court is unquestioned, Arenas’ perspective suggests that the durability of a legend’s reputation is sometimes as much about the present as it is about the past. The ongoing LeBron-Jordan dialogue, with all its debates and controversies, ensures that MJ’s name remains central in basketball conversations, a status that may gradually shift once LeBron eventually hangs up his jersey.

     

     

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  • LeBron James: Modern NBA pace causing more injuries than past eras

    LeBron James: Modern NBA pace causing more injuries than past eras

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been regarded as the premier basketball league in the world, serving as the ultimate destination for aspiring players hoping to compete at the highest level while achieving global recognition, fame, and success. For decades, the league has been defined by its superstars—players whose talent and influence not only shaped the game on the court but also transformed basketball into a worldwide phenomenon.

     

    During the 1990s and early 2000s, the NBA was largely dominated by an “iso-ball” style of play, where elite scorers were given the freedom to create offense on their own. Legends such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and James Harden thrived in systems that relied heavily on individual shot creation, physicality, and half-court execution. The pace was slower, defenses were more compact, and the paint was often crowded, forcing stars to battle through traffic to score.

     

    In contrast, the modern NBA has undergone a dramatic evolution. Today’s game is defined by spacing, speed, and constant movement, with teams emphasizing three-point shooting, ball movement, and transition offense. While this shift has produced a more visually dynamic and analytics-driven product, it has also introduced new challenges—particularly when it comes to player health and durability.

     

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    Injuries have become an increasingly common issue in the modern NBA, with players struggling to stay healthy over the course of an 82-game regular season and the grueling postseason that follows. Soft-tissue injuries, including calf, hamstring, and Achilles issues, have sidelined numerous stars in recent years, sparking ongoing debates about workload management, game pace, and the physical toll of today’s style of play.

     

    Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who is currently recovering from a long-term Achilles injury, recently shared the spotlight as a guest on Mind the Game, a podcast hosted by NBA legends LeBron James and Steve Nash. Haliburton famously suffered the injury during Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Finals, and his appearance on the show prompted a broader discussion about how the league has changed over time—particularly from the perspective of player health.

     

    LeBron, widely considered one of the most durable players in NBA history, offered a candid assessment of the stark differences between past and present eras.

    “The game is different. I want people and our fans to understand that playing 82 games in the 80’s and 90’s is not the same as playing 82 games in the 2020’s. It’s just not,” James said. “The way we play. The level of pace. The level of the speed we are playing at—it’s a different game now. It’s a totally different game. It’s a lot of soft tissue injuries that’s happened now because of it. I hope we can get a handle on that as well because that’s big in our game.”

     

    James further explained how defensive schemes and spacing in earlier eras often led to different types of injuries compared to what players experience today.

     

    “I think when I first came in the league, some of the biggest concern for injuries was like a high ankle sprain,” he said. “You was afraid to step on somebody’s ankle because there were just four or five guys sitting in the paint. So guys with athleticism—myself, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter to name a couple—you were sometimes afraid to take off into the lane because there was so much traffic.”

     

    “In those situations, if you land on somebody’s ankle, you get a high ankle sprain and you’re out for four to six weeks,” James continued. “Now, you don’t really see that as much. The game is so spread open. There’s so much pace. Now the new high ankle sprain is the calf.”

     

    Despite the concerns, James emphasized that modern players still want to compete as often as possible, pushing back against the perception that today’s stars are less willing to play through adversity.

     

    “Hopefully we get a handle on that from a medical standpoint,” he said. “But I just want the fans to understand the game is a little different. As NBA players, we definitely want to be out there as much as possible.”

     

    As the league continues to evolve, the challenge for the NBA will be finding a balance between maintaining the fast-paced, entertainment-driven product fans enjoy while also protecting the long-term health of its players—an issue that remains at the center of conversations among stars, executives, and fans alike.

     

     

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  • “You never saw that happen with Michael Jordan”: Phil Jackson explains why he doesn’t rank LeBron James in his Top 5

    “You never saw that happen with Michael Jordan”: Phil Jackson explains why he doesn’t rank LeBron James in his Top 5

    Phil Jackson is widely regarded as the greatest head coach in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, a reputation built on an unparalleled record of success and sustained excellence. Jackson’s 11 NBA championships as a head coach remain the most in league history, a testament to his ability to manage elite talent, egos, and pressure at the highest level of the sport.

     

    Jackson famously guided the Chicago Bulls to two separate three-peat championships, first from 1991 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1998, during the franchise’s golden era led by Michael Jordan. He later added a third three-peat to his already illustrious résumé with the Los Angeles Lakers, steering the team to consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002 behind the dominant Shaquille O’Neal–Kobe Bryant tandem. Now 80 years old, Jackson remains a towering voice in basketball discourse, with his opinions carrying significant weight due to his firsthand experience coaching many of the game’s all-time greats.

     

    When Jackson speaks about players—particularly those involved in historical debates—his words are rarely ignored. In a recent interview promoting his new book, “Masters of the Game,” the legendary coach offered a candid assessment of LeBron James, revealing why he does not rank the NBA’s all-time leading scorer among his Top 5 players of all time.

     

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    Jackson revisited the long-standing Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate and pointed to what he believes is a defining difference between the two superstars. While acknowledging LeBron’s immense talent and longevity, Jackson argued that James showed moments of vulnerability in pressure situations that he never saw from Jordan.

     

    “The things that were disappointing about LeBron were things that turned him into self-reflection, I would call it. Or you could see him, you know, fold a little bit in the course of a game or in the course of a series. And, you know, the number of series in the finals that he has been a losing part of are painful because I know what that’s like to have lost in the finals as a player and as a coach,” Jackson said.

    “These are the things that kind of haunt you. And I think it was kind of haunting. Those are the things that have kind of, you know, remarked about his career, where you never saw that happen with Michael Jordan, where there was a sense of quitting or a sense of defeat,” he added.

     

    LeBron’s résumé remains one of the most decorated in NBA history, highlighted by unmatched longevity, scoring records, and sustained elite performance across multiple franchises. However, Jackson maintained that individual milestones and statistical dominance alone are not enough to eclipse Jordan’s legacy in his eyes.

     

    For Jackson, championships remain the ultimate standard by which basketball greatness is measured—a belief shaped by decades of competing at the highest level.

     

    “Better is only about championships, I think that’s the only measurement that’s left for LeBron that will say he was a better ball player than Michael,” Jackson concluded.

     

    Jackson’s remarks are sure to reignite debate among fans and analysts alike, as discussions surrounding basketball’s greatest player continue to span generations. While LeBron James’ career is still ongoing, Jackson’s perspective underscores how deeply Jordan’s six NBA titles—and his unblemished Finals record—remain embedded in the sport’s definition of greatness.

     

    As one of the few figures who coached Jordan at his peak and observed LeBron’s career from afar with a critical eye, Jackson’s assessment adds another authoritative voice to one of the NBA’s most enduring and polarizing conversations.

     

     

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  • “It’s the nature of the business”: Draymond Green on LeBron James–Jeanie Buss tensions

    “It’s the nature of the business”: Draymond Green on LeBron James–Jeanie Buss tensions

    Former Los Angeles Lakers owner and current governor Jeanie Buss recently found herself at the center of controversy following a report that detailed alleged behind-the-scenes tensions between her and Lakers superstar LeBron James — tensions that reportedly predate the franchise’s landmark sale.

     

    The report, published by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, suggested that Buss privately felt James should have expressed more gratitude after the Lakers selected his son, Bronny James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The draft pick created one of the most historic storylines in league history, as LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to share the court in the NBA.

     

    “And when the Lakers drafted James’ son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, Jeanie privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt that he wasn’t, people close to the team told ESPN,” the report stated.

     

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    However, Buss swiftly pushed back against the narrative, issuing a statement to The Athletic defending James and calling the report “completely unfair.”

     

    “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”

    The report also suggested that Buss’ alleged frustration with James dates back several years, with some speculation pointing to the aftermath of the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021. That trade, which was intended to pair Westbrook with James in a superteam scenario, ultimately fell short of expectations, leaving the roster with limited flexibility and the organization searching for solutions. According to the ESPN report, Buss privately considered drastic options at the time, including the possibility of not offering James a contract extension, and even exploring hypothetical trade scenarios that could have sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers.

     

    Golden State Warriors star and longtime friend of James, Draymond Green, weighed in on the situation during a recent episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show. Green expressed shock at the report and questioned its accuracy, while also suggesting that some friction may have been amplified by family dynamics and the franchise sale.

     

    “Someone in the Buss family is very pissed off at Jeanie. Probably they didn’t agree with the sale. Probably didn’t have much control of it, and this is their way of getting back,” Green said.

     

    “Could Jeanie have had some problems with LeBron? I’m sure. It’s the nature of the business. I’m sure she had some issues,” he added, but emphasized that the claims about Bronny’s draft pick were likely misinterpreted or exaggerated.

     

    The controversy has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many defending James’ professionalism and long-standing commitment to the Lakers. Since joining Los Angeles in 2018, James has led the team to multiple playoff runs and a championship in 2020, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

     

    Despite the swirling rumors, Buss’ statement makes it clear that she holds James in high regard, praising his contributions both on and off the court and condemning the notion that he did not appreciate the organization.

     

    As the Lakers continue to navigate a new era under recent ownership changes, this episode serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that exist behind the scenes in professional sports — where family, business, and basketball intersect. While tensions may occasionally surface in the media, the mutual respect between James and the organization appears to remain intact, underscoring the superstar’s enduring impact on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

     

     

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  • “It’s unfair to pull him into family drama”: Jeanie Buss denies reports of tension with LeBron James

    “It’s unfair to pull him into family drama”: Jeanie Buss denies reports of tension with LeBron James

    The Buss family’s decision to sell its majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers has already sent shockwaves across the NBA, but new details surrounding the blockbuster deal — and the internal tension it may have surfaced — are now adding even more intrigue to the franchise’s uncertain future.

     

    According to reports, the Buss family sold its controlling share of the Lakers to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter in a record-breaking $10 billion transaction, a price tag that marks the highest amount ever paid for a professional sports franchise in the United States.

     

    As part of the agreement, the Buss family is expected to retain a minority stake of roughly 15 percent for a period of time, ensuring the family name will remain connected to the franchise in the short term even as the team enters a new ownership era.

     

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    Despite the change in ownership structure, Jeanie Buss will continue to serve as the Lakers’ governor and oversee daily operations “for at least a period of time,” per reports detailing the arrangement between the Buss family and Walter.

     

    However, ESPN’s deep-dive report on the sale has sparked fresh headlines after revealing alleged behind-the-scenes friction between Buss and Lakers superstar LeBron James — tensions that reportedly existed even before the franchise’s landmark sale.

     

    ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reported that Buss privately felt James should have been more appreciative after the Lakers drafted his son, Bronny James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — a move that helped create one of the most historic storylines in league history as LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to share the court in the NBA.

    “And when the Lakers drafted James’ son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, Jeanie privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt that he wasn’t, people close to the team told ESPN,” the report stated.

     

    Buss quickly pushed back against the claim, issuing a statement to The Athletic that defended James and criticized the idea that he did not appreciate the organization.

     

    “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”

     

    Bronny’s selection by Los Angeles came with major attention and even bigger expectations, but his early NBA career has been a difficult adjustment. The young guard has struggled to carve out a consistent role and has yet to become a reliable part of the Lakers’ rotation.

     

    The same ESPN report also suggested that Buss’ frustration with James reportedly dates back several years — particularly following the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021, a move that ultimately failed to deliver championship results and left the roster with limited flexibility.

     

    According to the report, Buss privately considered drastic options in the aftermath, including the possibility of not offering James an extension — and even exploring trade scenarios that allegedly included the LA Clippers as a hypothetical destination.

     

    While Buss has publicly emphasized her continued appreciation for James and his impact on the franchise, the emergence of these reports adds another layer of drama to a pivotal moment in Lakers history.

     

    With the team transitioning into a new ownership structure under Mark Walter, questions will only grow louder about what the next era looks like — and whether the Lakers will prioritize continuity around LeBron, or begin pivoting toward the next generation as the franchise attempts to remain a title contender in a rapidly evolving Western Conference.

     

     

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  • Stephen Curry, Lakers top NBA jersey and team merchandise sales lists for 2025-26

    Stephen Curry, Lakers top NBA jersey and team merchandise sales lists for 2025-26

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) jointly announced on Tuesday that Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and the Los Angeles Lakers have claimed the top spots on the league’s latest Top-Selling Jersey and Team Merchandise lists, respectively. The rankings are based on sales data from NBAStore.com and Fanatics’ global network of online retail platforms, including Fanatics.com and its affiliated partner sites.

     

    Curry’s continued dominance atop the jersey sales chart underscores his enduring popularity and global appeal, even deep into his decorated career. Widely regarded as one of the most influential players in modern basketball, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player remains a fan favorite thanks to his electrifying shooting, championship pedigree, and cultural impact on the game.

     

    The Lakers’ position as the top-selling team further highlights the franchise’s massive worldwide following. With a roster that blends star power, legacy, and championship expectations, Los Angeles continues to lead the league in merchandise sales, reinforcing its status as one of the NBA’s most iconic brands.

     

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    The updated Top-Selling Jersey list also reflects the league’s evolving star hierarchy and growing international reach. Nine players on the list have been named starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which will introduce a new U.S. vs. World format and will be held on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Those All-Star starters include:

    • No. 1 Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) 
    • No. 2 Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers) 
    • No. 3 Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) 
    • No. 4 Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) 
    • No. 7 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) 
    • No. 9 Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) 
    • No. 10 Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) 
    • No. 13 Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) 
    • No. 14 Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) 

    The list also features notable new faces. Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, who checks in at No. 11, makes his debut on the rankings, reflecting strong early fan interest in the highly touted newcomer. Cunningham, meanwhile, also appears on the list for the first time, marking a milestone in his rising profile as the face of the Pistons’ rebuild.

     

    International stars continue to play a major role in shaping the NBA’s commercial landscape. Five non-U.S. players rank among the top jersey sellers, highlighting the league’s expanding global audience. These include Dončić of Slovenia, Wembanyama of France, Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada, Jokić of Serbia, and Antetokounmpo of Greece—each representing a different country and reinforcing the NBA’s worldwide appeal.

     

    Among the biggest movers on the list is Jalen Brunson, who climbed to a career-high No. 3 ranking after finishing last season at No. 5. The Knicks guard’s rise mirrors his on-court ascension as one of the league’s premier point guards and a cornerstone of New York’s resurgence.

     

    Overall, the latest jersey and merchandise sales data offer a snapshot of the NBA’s current star power—one defined by a mix of established icons, emerging young talent, and a growing international presence. As the league heads toward All-Star Weekend and the latter stages of the season, fan engagement remains strong, both on the court and at the checkout counter.

     

     

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