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Darvin Ham Could Be Fired After Lakers First Round Exit

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The Denver Nuggets eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers from the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers lost the series four games to one. The series was hard-fought despite only going five games. Ultimately, the Lakers could not cope with the consistency of the defending NBA champion. Jamal Murray hit two dagger shots to win two close games. At age 39, LeBron James did all he could to lead the Lakers alongside Anthony Davis. When teams lose, especially big-name teams like the Lakers, the coach will usually take most of the blame.

Darvin Ham’s coaching decisions have been under scrutiny all season, particularly from NBA enthusiasts and Laker fans. His rotations and lineup choices have been a subject of criticism, as has his seemingly passive demeanor during games. Fans have even pointed to his interactions with players, suggesting a lack of control over the locker room. Despite the Lakers’ hard-fought series against the Nuggets, the pressure on Darvin Ham’s position seems to be mounting after their 4-1 exit from the playoffs. 

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

There Is A High Chance Darvin Ham Is Fired This Off-Season

NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that Darvin Ham is highly unlikely to return as Lakers coach. After the first-round exit, his future as the top man in LA is in danger. The rport explains multiple questions that have arisen throughout the season for the Lakers. Many inside the Lakers organization have questioned the playcalling and decision-making. They believe Darvin Ham wasn’t getting the most out of his roster of players. Many have dismissed this as just excuses from LeBron James and the Lakers Organization. Clearly, a move has to be made if the Lakers want to be competitive.

The Lakers have questions other than who their next head coach will be. Mainly, if LeBron will even be a Laker next season. LeBron’s future is really up in the air. As the 39-year-old approaches the end of his career, he is still more than capable of being one of the best players in the league. Overall, the Lakers’ offseason will be very interesting, considering all the moving parts and possibilities.

Read More: LeBron James Trolls Woman Courtside After She Calls Him A CryBaby

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The Lakers Are Open To Drafting Bronny James

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According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are considering picking Bronny James in the 2024 NBA draft so he may play alongside his father, the legendary LeBron James of the Lakers. Lebron has indicated that he will play wherever his son ends up. To ensure that he stays a Laker, the Lakers may go out on a limb and draft the young prospect. According to reports, LA is open to considering helping LeBron “fulfill his dream” by being able to play with his son.

Bronny James was one of the most highly regarded prospects in the country before he committed to USC last year. However, he missed the first eight games of his rookie season. Bronny, after suffering from cardiac arrest during a workout in the summer, caused him to miss time. Despite having a dismal year statistically and being limited in playing time for most of the 2023–24 season, Bronny made the decision to join the 2024 NBA draft while still keeping the possibility of going back to school open by using the transfer portal. Bronny averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game at USC. Now, he may get a chance in the league if the Lakers decide to draft him.

Read More: Bronny James’ Draft Outlook Gets Sobering Update From ESPN

Bronny James Likely To Be Selected By Lakers

Bronny James is still a player with a lot of potential. Bronny was hailed as a good defender, facilitator, and shooter coming out of high school. Those skills will hopefully give him a solid opportunity to make it to the NBA one day, even if he does not live up to the massive expectations put on him. LeBron James has one more year with the Lakers and may decide to opt out of his contract using his player option to sign with whatever team selects Bronny.

The Lakers may have to draft Bronny. They cannot afford to lose their best player, and using a pick to keep LeBron in LA might be their best option. The Lakers were just soundly defeated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. There may be a coaching change about to happen for the Lakers. Much of their future is uncertain. Overall, the Lakers could secure a couple more seasons of LeBron if they draft Bronny.

Read More: LeBron James Trolls Woman Courtside After She Calls Him A CryBaby

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LeBron James Trolls Woman Courtside After She Calls Him A CryBaby

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost a hard-fought game 5 to the Denver Nuggets. This loss marks the end of the Lakers’ playoff journey, with the Nuggets advancing to the second round to face the Timberwolves. Despite the outcome, LeBron’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. The 39-year-old superstar nearly achieved a triple-double in the elimination game, scoring 30 points, securing 11 rebounds, and distributing 9 assists. The game was physical, with the referee’s decisions not always favoring the King, which led to a memorable moment with an opposing fan. 

After a foul was called on LeBron, who was boxing out Nikola Jokic, Lebron couldn’t believe the call. Players complaining about getting called for fouls or not getting calls is a regular thing at NBA games. LeBron, being LeBron, is going to let the referees know they got it wrong. After 20 seasons, the stature he has gives him some leeway in how he criticizes the refs. Fans calling out and barking at opposing players comes with the territory, but that doesn’t mean players won’t bark back. Lebron decided to bark back and had a hilarious interaction with a woman on the Denver sideline last night. 

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

LeBron James Mocks Woman After She Calls Him A CryBaby

After the foul call, LeBron James storms down the court, decrying the refs. “They (refs) are f” cking horrible,” James says as he makes his way down the court. A fan gets Lebron’s attention when she says, “You’re a f*cking crybaby,” making a crying gesture with her hands. As LeBron walks closer to her, he play-jumps at her and scares her. She was not expecting that, and LeBron thought it was hilarious that she jumped. LeBron returned to the action, mocking how the woman jumped and screamed, calling her “Scary A**.”

The moment was one of many entertaining sequences in what was a great game of basketball. Denver’s fans brought the energy, and their team needed it. Jamal Murray hit another dagger shot to win the game, sending the Nuggets to the second round. For the Lakers, a lot of questions remain. Is Lebron going to be a Laker next year? What about D-Lo’s contract? Their future is up in the air. It is pretty easy to imagine them beating any other team in the first round. The Nuggets are just the Lakers and LeBron’s kryptonite. 

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

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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.

Read More: Air Jordan 3 x J Balvin “Rio” Gets More New Images

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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