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LeBron James Erupts On Darvin Ham As Lakers Beat Nuggets With Caleb Williams Sitting Courtside

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were finally able to beat the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, ending an 11-game losing streak against the defending NBA champions. The first overall pick in this week’s NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, sat courtside for the game. With the win, the Lakers extend their playoff hopes to at least another game, although no team in history has come back down 0-3.

“We get another opportunity to go play one more game, and if we win, come back and play another one and keep moving from there,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said afterward. “Odds aren’t stacked in our favor, but anytime we can keep ourselves floating above water and give ourselves an opportunity to do something special, we’re up for the challenge.”

Read More: LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

LeBron James Reacts To An Out Of Bounds Call

Los Angeles, CA – April 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after going out of bounds against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

The win comes despite a heated viral exchange between LeBron James and Lakers coach Darvin Ham in the fourth quarter. As James went for a steal against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the former Laker threw the ball out of bounds, but referees called it Nuggets ball. James wanted Ham to challenge the ruling, but he refused. After the game, Ham told reporters: “We deserved this tonight. We’ve just got to bottle it up and keep pushing and understand it can be our time. Why not us? Every new game is a new opportunity to be more competitive and more together and more selfless.”

LeBron James Furious After 4th Quarter Call

Game 5 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip-off in Denver on Monday night. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NBA Playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

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Charles Barkley Calls Out “Fools” In The Media Following Lakers Game 3 Loss

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The Los Angeles Lakers have lost 11 straight games to the Denver Nuggets. The LeBron James-led Lakers once again squandered a double-digit lead to the defending champions and lost 112 – 105. Despite Struggling all season and only achieving the 7th seed in the West, The Lakers were one of the most hyped teams in the media. Talking heads made it seem like the Lakers had a chance to win the title. One media personality who has been consistent in his criticism of the Lakers is the great Charles Barkley. 

Charles Barkley took a victory lap last night as the Lakers are pretty much guaranteed to be eliminated from the playoffs. Barkley spent the entire year telling people the Lakers and the Warriors were not good. He has constantly asserted that the media overrated the two teams. The star power of LeBron and Steph Curry has plenty to do with the teams being overrated. Both teams are a draw for fans and make things easy to cover. Sir Charles was not having it and felt vindicated last night and put on quite the show as always. 

Read More: LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

Charles Barkley Excited By Lakers Loss

Charles Barkley was in rare form after the Laker’s loss. The camera closed in on him, and he hilariously proclaimed, “I just want to say to all you people who’ve been kissing up to the Lakers and the Warriors all year talking about ‘they gonna make a run.’ Know where they gonna run to? The Bahamas.” he then lamented the “fools” at other networks like ESPN who overrated the Lakers and Warriors. He said I told y’all all along. … I get tired of these fools on the other network. … I told y’all, the Lakers and the Warriors both stink.”

Like a lot of fans, Chuck has had it with the coverage of the Lakers and the Warriors. To many, it seemed like networks like ESPN were more concerned about the play-in race than the intense race for the No.1 seed in the West. Charles had to get his point across while he could because he won’t be able to gloat after game four since it’ll be on ABC. Inside the NBA is must-watch TV for basketball fans, and Charles Barkley is at his best when he is being a hater. 

Read More: Jamal Murray Hits Game Winner And Breaks The Lakers Spirits In Game 2

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LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

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The tattoo artist behind LeBron James ink tried to sue NBA 2K publisher Take-Two Interactive. Jimmy Hayden filed a suit against the video game company, alleging that 2K engaged in copyright infringement because his work on Lebron James has been featured in the game for six straight titles. Hayden had amended the lawsuit in 2019. Several of his claims were dismissed from the case, but Hayden kept his lawsuit going. He ended up still suing 2k over two tattoos that appear on LeBron James in the game.

Now, the lawsuit is dead. A jury sided with Take-Two Interactive on April 19th. LeBron James has been featured in “NBA 2K” since “NBA 2K4”. NBA players are known to have a ton of ink on their bodies. A ruling in favor of Hayden may have opened the floodgates for hundreds of other tattoo artists to make the same claims. Take-Two argued that their right to use LeBron James’s likeness also included The King’s various tattoos. The jury unanimously agreed with the video game publisher.

Read More: NBA Players Vote On Who Is The GOAT: LeBron James Or Michael Jordan?

LeBron James Tattoo Artist Isn’t Giving Up

Hayden isn’t quite finished. He still has other cases related to his work. He has cases involving his tattoos appearing in NBA 2K21 on players Danny Green, Tristan Thompson, and LeBron James once again. The Lawsuit isn’t some frivolous attempt at a cash grab. Take-Two has been in the hot seat before in their depictions of athletes’ tattoos. In 2020, Take-Two won a 2016 lawsuit against tattoo studio Solid Oak Sketches, which alleged similar infringement as Hayden. A judge awarded tattoo artist Catherine Alexander $3700 in damages in 2022 after Take-Two failed to show their use of WWE star Randy Orton’s ink was also fair use.

Tattoos, Athletes, and video games have a long legal history. The NFL requires its players to get waivers from their tattoo artists. This policy was made to stop murky legal situations about copyright from developing. The NBA probably needs to take note of the NFL and copy its policy. In any case, Hayden’s remaining lawsuits will move forward. There is a chance he will win against the giant video game publisher this time. 

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LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

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LeBron James is not happy after losing game 2 of their first-round matchup to the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers lost 101-99 on Monday night due to an incredible Jamal Murray game-winner. The Lakers gave up a 20-point lead in the second half and lost a must-win game against the defending champions. It was a big opportunity for the Lakers to show they can hang with the Nuggets, but alas, the champs extended their ridiculous winning streak against the Lakers. LeBron had a great game. He made play after play on both ends. Ultimately, the effort was in vain.

The Lakers have lost 10 straight games to the Nuggets, and the latest loss probably hurt the worst. To have the game in control and to give up that control is a blow for any team. Additionally, the Lakers still had chances to win the game despite blowing their 20-point lead. LwBron’s late 3-point miss led directly to Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot. In his postgame press conference, LeBron expressed his frustrations with the officiating and missed calls. 

LeBron Frustrated By Officials After Loss To Nuggets

LeBron brought up some questionable decision-making from the referees. The play LeBron is stuck on happened late in the third quarter. Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell drove to the basket and was clearly hit in the face by Denvers Michael Porter Jr. A foul was called, but Denver decided to challenge the call and miraculously won the challenge. It was during an important part of the game when Denver cut the Laker’s lead to 10 points. It was a bad call on the ref’s part, and LeBron has a right to be upset at the reveal. Nevertheless, The Lakers had their opportunities down the stretch, and the game just didn’t go their way.

The Lakers are not in a good position. The Denver Nuggets just seem to have their number. Even when the Lakers stars have incredible games, it just doesn’t seem to matter. Nikola Jokic is an increasingly frustrating force the Lakers have to deal with. he controls the game even when he isn’t scoring. Denver’s role players stepped up big time. Additionally, after a woeful shooting performance for most of the game, Jamal Murray dropped 14 points in the fourth to go along with his game-winner. The Lakers are in a must-win situation and look to make it a series in LA.  

Read More: NBA Players Vote On Who Is The GOAT: LeBron James Or Michael Jordan?

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Jamal Murray Hits Game Winner And Breaks The Lakers Spirits In Game 2

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Jamal Muray’s ridiculous game-winner capped off last night’s matchup between the Lakers and the Nuggets. In what was the best game of the playoffs so far, the Nuggets have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Despite facing a 20-point deficit in the second half, Denver kept chipping away at the Lakers. Eventually, they were back in the game despite heroics from Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The final minute of the game was a back-and-forth display, but after a missed LeBron James 3-pointer, the Nuggets had the ball for the last possession, tied at 99. Despite a poor evening shooting the ball, Jamal Murray took and made the biggest shot of the game, winning the Nuggets the game101-99. 

The game was fantastic. Anthony Davis played one of the best games of his playoff career, putting up 32 points and causing Nikola Jokic Problems on the defense. LeBron had a spectacular all-around game, making big plays on both sides of the court. Although the Lakers superstars played like superstars, the Nuggets were able to adjust and walk down LA. The defending champs made erasing that 20-point deficit seem easy.

Read More: Jamal Murray Picks His Top Five NBA Players Of All Time

Jamal Murray Hits Game-Winner Over Anthony Davis

Jamal Murray did not have a great shooting performance. The Nuggets point guard missed a ton of open looks, especially early on. Murray scored 20 points, shooting 9-24 from the field, but started to heat up in the second half. Murray elevated his game in crunch time and scored 14 of his 20 in the fourth. MVP Nikola Jokic looked for Murrary throughout the game even though he was struggling, and he continued to try to find his dance partner during crunch time. In the closing seconds, Murray gets the switch on Anthony Davis and hits a clutch mid-range shot over good defense as time expired. 

The Lakers are in a bad position. They are down 2-0 to a team they have now lost ten straight games to. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been great, but they just haven’t been enough. The Lakers had their chance with a 20-point lead in the second half, but decision-making and poor defensive strategy allowed Denver to chip away. The series could easily be tied going back to LA. LeBron and the Lakers will have a tough time reversing this series, especially if Murray and Jokic really start cooking. 

Read More: Carmelo Anthony Calls The Nuggets “Petty” For Giving Nikola Jokic His Number

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NBA Players Vote On Who Is The GOAT: LeBron James Or Michael Jordan?

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The GOAT debate is alive and well. Fans constantly go back and forth on who the greatest basketball player of all time is. The two names that have been battling it out for GOAT status for years now are, of course, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. LeBron’s career has been one of trying to eclipse the greatness of Michael Jorda. Additionally, LeBron is still playing and adding to his resume. Some believe that no matter what LeBron does with the time he has left, he can’t match Jordan’s accomplishments. In any case, they are the two names brought up in the debate, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar usually coming in third.

The argument stays around because it’s interesting and fans are obsessed, but it’s also fun. We know fans are generally split, but what about current NBA players? The Athletic released its annual player polls that asked players various questions. The poll asks players questions like: who is the most overrated player in the league? Who is The Finals favorite? This year, they asked who the GOAT is, and the results are very interesting.

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Is LeBron James or Michael Jordan The GOAT

NBA players have voted Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player ever, with LeBron James coming in second place. The vote was very close, with MJ receiving 45.8% of the vote and LeBron receiving 42.1% of the vote. Additionally, Kobe Bryant received 9.8% of the vote. Kobe’s impact on the game can’t be understated. A lot of players like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker revere him. Steph Curry got a couple of votes from his teammates, and Magic Johnson also received some love. Fans have just looked at the Paul Peirce votes and rolled their eyes.

LeBron is still in the league, and NBA players are still competitors, but almost half of the league thinks he is the GOAT. MJ and LeBron are going to continue to be a debate for years to come. Additionally, when LeBron finally retires, all the evidence will be in, and resumes will be finalized. LeBron is currently facing off against the Denver Nuggets in the first game of their first-round playoff matchup. The Lakers lost 103-114 to the defending champions. Undoubtedly, LeBron and the Lakers have an uphill battle and look to equalize the series tonight.

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LeBron James Gets Decked Taking Charge From Zion Williamson

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Last night, Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers went up against Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers came out on top, beating the Pelicans 110-106, securing the 7th seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers will face the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first round. Lebron and the Lakers closed out the game in the end mainly due to some LeBron heroics. Zion Williamson did everything he could against the Lakers, scoring 40 points and bringing the Pelicans back from double digits. Zion’s performance was a physical exhibition as he bullied his way to the basket throughout the entire game.

When playing physically strong players like Zion, you usually have to make a couple of business decisions. Do you get in his way and have his giant frame crash into you? Or do you stand your ground and take charge and deal with the pain later? LeBron went viral last night after opting to take a charge from Williamson, for which he should absolutely get a pat on the back.

Read More: LeBron James Furious He Was Never Awarded Defensive Player Of The Year

LeBron Gets Crashed Into By Zion Williamson

Lebron James stood his ground and made a big play against Zion Williamson. Williamson, who reportedly weighs between 280 and 300 pounds, is a scary sight driving into the paint. LeBron took a vicious shot, and it ended up being a great play, resulting in a charge on Zion. When the team leader and arguably the best player of all time puts his body on the line, the rest of the Lakers have no excuse. LeBron is still a physical marvel himself, but Zion is an unstoppable force when he has momentum. LeBron took the punishment, won the game, and earned some props from fans.

The Lakers secured their spot in the playoffs but have a tough task ahead. LeBron James and the Lakers will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers have historically struggled against the defending champions, losing to them in the conference finals last season. It is going to take yet another herculean effort from James, who, in his 21st season, is still one of the best players in the league. It’s going to take plays like this for the Lakers to challenge Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

Read More: USA Basketball: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, And More Announced For Olympic Roster

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LeBron James Furious He Was Never Awarded Defensive Player Of The Year

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LeBron James is arguably the best player of all time. After 21 seasons, he has won pretty much every award available in the NBA. He has the most points in NBA history and will break a couple more records before he is ultimately done with playing. His resume is pretty spotless, but players of LeBrons caliber aren’t always awarded fairly due to their greatness. Lebron is known for his playmaking, scoring, and overall mind for the game combined with his athleticism. However, there is one thing missing from his resume that has to do with a part of his game that he hasn’t been officially the best at. Which is defense.

LeBron has one MVP, two Finals MVPs, and countless All-NBA selections. The one award that has escaped him is the Defensive Player of the Year award. The chase-down block has been one of LeBron’s signature plays throughout his career. His most famous play is a defensive one: his block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The King is in a mode where he is looking back at his career, and he has some thoughts on never getting a DPOY.

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LeBron James Thinks He Was Robbed Of A DPOY

LeBron James remarked on not winning a DPOY on The Shop, and points were made. LeBron specifically references the 2013 DPOY race, in which the Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol won the award over James. Marc Gasol won the award but was not selected as the 1st Team All-Defense, which, looking back, is eyebrow-raising. Lebron is right that it doesn’t make sense the award for best defender of the year wasn’t even on the 1st team. Additionally, 2013 was probably James’s best defensive year. He was a juggernaut all around, able to truly hold his own against all five positions. Two years before, LeBron took the challenge of Guarding MVP Derrick Rose, shutting him down in the playoffs.

LeBron has pretty much always been a great defender. However he doesn’t have the hardware that he probably deserved. LeBron Will have to make do with all the records and awards he does have. LeBron and the Lakers face off against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in the NBA play-in tournament. We will more than likely be seeing a signature chase-down block by LeBron for old-time’s sake.

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USA Basketball: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, And More Announced For Olympic Roster

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USA Basketball is not pulling any punches this summer. The 12-man Team USA Olympic roster has been unveiled, and the rest of the world should be worried. The announcement comes as the NBA playoffs are about to begin. The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a topic of discussion for basketball fans for a while. The USA recently struggled in the 2022 Fiba World Cup, where they won a bronze medal. The team was led by mostly unproven young players, but that formula is about to change for the Olympics.

Team USA is under a ton of pressure to win the gold after such a lackluster showing on the world stage. The brass running Team USA has put in the work, getting commitments from the best of the best. The reports on the 11 players it has slotted into its 12-man roster show a strong response and recommitment to international play from the game’s biggest stars.

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USA Basketball’s Roster Is Stacked

The basketball Avengers are set for Paris this summer. Steph Curry is set to make his first-ever appearance in the Olympics. Lebron is returning for the first time since 2012, when the USA won the gold in London. Kevin Durant is back and looking for his 4th Olympic gold. The roster also features Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid, who committed to playing for the US over France. Additionally, the young players who played well in the Fiba World Cup, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Halliburton, both rising stars, round out the roster. The 12th spot is currently open, but the rumor is Team USA is reportedly looking at Kahwi Leonard for the final spot.

The roster announcement is a huge development for USA basketball. The 2024 Paris Olympics is now a must-watch event for basketball fans. With International players like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama all hopefully playing, Olympic basketball is going to be fun. Naturally, Things can change due to injury and the results of the NBA playoffs. The final roster may be a bit different, but the core of the team will still feature some of the best players the game has ever seen.

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Bronny James NBA Draft Odds Revealed

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Bronny James made waves by declaring for the 2024 NBA draft after a turbulent freshman season at USC. This decision has caused speculation about where he will end up in the NBA. After a difficult season with the Trojans, Bronny James has chosen to bet on himself to make it to the NBA. The move is a big risk especially after an underwhelming showing in college. Despite his struggles, there is obvious potential that teams will roll the dice on especially with his father LeBron wanting to eventually play in the NBA with Bronny.

Oddsmakers are predicting the most likely team Bronny James will end up on with some surprising insights on his draft prospects. The Lakers are an obvious place for Bronny, but other teams looking to acquire the services of LeBron James Sr. might take a gamble and try drafting Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. GMs around the league are skeptical of risking draft capital on a player that some think should return to school, but things can change very quickly as the draft process picks up this summer.

Bronny James Draft Odds

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lakers are the hands-down favorite in acquiring Bronny James. It makes perfect sense. Lebron is the Lakers’ best player, and taking Bronny in the draft solidifies their relationship. Additionally, the move would keep The King happy and in Los Angeles. It’s no surprise a big market franchise like The New York Knicks are one of the more favored teams to acquire Bronny to try and pry LeBron away and bring him to the East Coast. Other noticeable teams include the Cleveland Cavaliers, which could be a potential homecoming, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bronny James may not get drafted. As a result, Bronny would be able to sign with any team like any other undrafted free agent. Moreover, Bronny still has the option to return to school for another year to increase his draft stock. Furthermore, James has overcome some serious health problems to get back on the court, which has clearly impacted his college play. Fans are still hyped about Bronny James and hoping for a bright future in the NBA.

Read More: LeBron James Reacts To Bronny Falling Out Of Latest Mock Draft

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