Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Icon Jerry West Dead at Age 86

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NBA Icon Jerry West Dead at Age 86

Jerry West, basketball icon, NBA champion, Basketball Hall of Famer, and the logo for the association, has passed away at the age of 86. According to Chris Haynes, West died with his wife Karen by his side.

Born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, West’s influence on the game of basketball is immeasurable, spanning an illustrious playing career and transformative executive roles.

West first rose to prominence at West Virginia University, where his stellar play led his team to the NCAA finals in 1959. His exceptional performance caught the attention of the NBA, and he was drafted second overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1960.

With the Lakers, who soon relocated to Los Angeles, West quickly became one of the league’s premier guards. Nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his remarkable ability to deliver in crucial moments, he was renowned for his scoring ability, precise shooting, and defensive tenacity. Over 14 seasons, he earned 14 All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times. West led the Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times, finally winning a championship in 1972.

West’s silhouette is immortalized in the NBA’s iconic logo, symbolizing his enduring legacy. After retiring as a player in 1974, he transitioned to coaching and later to an executive role, where he continued to shape the NBA. As the General Manager of the Lakers, he constructed championship-winning teams in the 1980s and 2000s, securing stars like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

West’s impact extended beyond the Lakers. He played a crucial role in the success of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, further cementing his reputation as one of basketball’s greatest minds. His most recent role is an executive for the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post NBA Icon Jerry West Dead at Age 86 first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Fire Darvin Ham After Two Questionable Seasons

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Darvin Ham 2

After two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Darvin Ham’s tenure ended. The tipping point occurred during a heated playoffs moment when Lakers star LeBron James vocally expressed frustration with Ham’s decision not to challenge an out-of-bounds call.

Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ VP of basketball operations, expressed gratitude for Ham’s contributions while emphasizing the organization’s dedication to providing championship-level basketball to Lakers fans worldwide.

“We all want to thank Darvin for this dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. The organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world” said Pelinka. “We greatly appreciate Darvin Ham’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,”

As the Lakers face an uncertain offseason, questions loom regarding James’ future with the team, given his age and impending retirement. With two years left on his contract, Ham’s departure reflects the organization’s desire for change after consecutive playoff disappointments.

“The team now heads into an off-season of great uncertainty. James is still playing at a high level, but he’s 40 and nearing the end of his career. Whether he wants to play for the Lakers next season is up in the air,” from a source close to the team. 

Despite some successes, including a notable tournament victory in Las Vegas, the Lakers’ postseason woes continued with a first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets for the second consecutive year.

Whelp, guess that means the memes are over with now that Ham is out of the picture—wonder who’s next on the chopping block. Stay tuned from Tinsel Town. 

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Turned Down Idea of ‘Big 3’ Even As LeBron Pushed to Add Another Star

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LeBron James Raps Along to Kendrick Lamar's "Like That" Verse and Drops 40 Points

It may be a little early to think about roster upgrades while the NBA Playoffs get deeper into the postseason, but not if you’re the Los Angeles Lakers. One would think adding a third star alongside King James and Anthony Davis, who showed up in a big way against the Nuggets, makes sense. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, that ain’t happening for now.

“Some within the Lakers organization have been hesitant about pursuing a three-star strategy, leaning instead towards bolstering depth,” Buha said on The Athletic NBA Show. Buha also asserted James’ historical support for adding a third star but stressed that recent discussions have been cautious, to say the least.

Since the trade deadline, the road to securing a third star has become more complex. With D’Angelo Russell looking like he may opt for free agency, any potential acquisition would probably require a sign-and-trade involving him alongside other veteran contracts for salary-matching purposes. Complicated is an understatement. This would also devalue the Lakers’ draft-pick flexibility in the future.

And with James’ impending 40th birthday in December and Davis’ history of injuries, the Lakers face a crucial decision. They must balance their focus for an immediate championship contention with the practical plan for a post-LeBron era.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Turned Down Idea of ‘Big 3’ Even As LeBron Pushed to Add Another Star first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series

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Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series

In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Jamal Murray led the Denver Nuggets to a series-clinching victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite battling a calf strain, Murray’s resilience shone through as he sank his second game-winning shot of the series with just 3.6 seconds remaining, securing a 108-106 win in Game 5.

Murray’s performance etched his name in NBA history as the only player in the play-by-play era to make two game-winning field goals in the final five seconds of a playoff series. With 32 points, seven assists, and five 3-pointers in 41 minutes, Murray delivered when it mattered most.

 “I didn’t want to sit,” Murray said. “The training staff, they’re really cautious with it, they don’t want it to get worse. I was like ‘I’m not gonna leave my brothers out there.’ I got a little emotional in the back. I was like ‘I’m not sitting.’”

Nuggets Coach Michael Malone added, “He just told me, ‘I’m glad I played because I don’t know if we win if I don’t play tonight.’ I said, ‘Well, that’s the understatement of the year.”

You can watch the final five minutes of the game below.

Supported by standout performances from Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic, who combined for 51 points, Murray showcased his leadership and clutch ability on the court. Jokic’s dominant 25-point, 20-rebound, and 9-assist performance marked his second 25/20/5 game of the series.

The Nuggets ‘ resilience and tenacity prevailed despite the Lakers’ formidable efforts, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ halftime leads in each game were nullified by Denver’s strong finishes, exemplified by a decisive 21-10 run in the third quarter of Game 5.

With their sights set on the Conference Semifinals, the Nuggets prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 promises to be an electrifying showdown on Saturday in Denver as Murray and the Nuggets look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for NBA glory.

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WATCH: Video Shows Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punching a Fan During Nuggets-Lakers Game 2

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nikola jokic gv3ypzurge5711okqbaks9kud

A video emerged of the punch with Nikola Jokic’s brother Strahinga, who was under investigation by law enforcement and the NBA. In the video, shared by TMZ, Strahinja can be seen crossing rows of seats at Ball Arena and punching a man in the face.

You would think Nikola Jokic’s brothers would be riding high during the Nuggets epic comeback  victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. But instead Jokic’s brother Strahinja, decked a fan in the seats which was caught on video.

Witnesses say the wild scene happened right after Joker triumphed 101-99 over LeBron and the Lakers. The Nuggets are now up 2-0 in the Playoffs’ first round.

Strahinja is Joker’s older brother. He hopped over a seat at Ball Arena and descended a row, kicking his way through the crowd. Full stop: this kind of behavior alone can get someone banned. But anyway, he then made his way to a male spectator. 

When Strahinja got close enough, he snuffed the fan in the face.

After the assault, both Strahinja and the guy who caught the jab kept talking smack even while the third brother, Nemanja, was behind his aggressive brother for moral support.

Now, get this: Joker, a two-time MVP, had his wife, Natalija, also in the stands. She was merely feet away from the action with Joker’s brothers while holding their young daughter. She did try to get Strahinja to chill, but he wasn’t having any of it.

The Jokic brothers, who are as imposing as their famous brother, are known for defending Joker at games, but flat-out punching people is another thing. Let’s see how the league handles this one.

The post WATCH: Video Shows Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punching a Fan During Nuggets-Lakers Game 2 first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Video Shows Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punching a Fan During Nuggets-Lakers Game 2 appeared first on The Source.

NBA Investigating Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punching Another Fan in Stands at Playoff Game Against Lakers

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nikola jokic gv3ypzurge5711okqbaks9kud

You would think Nikola Jokic’s brothers would be riding high during the Nuggets epic comeback  victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. But instead Jokic’s brother Strahinja, decked a fan in the seats which was caught on video.

Witnesses say the wild scene happened right after Joker triumphed 101-99 over LeBron and the Lakers. The Nuggets are now up 2-0 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Strahinja is Joker’s older brother. He hopped over a seat at Ball Arena and went down a row while kicking his way through the crowd. Full stop, this kind of behavior alone can get someone banned. But anyway, he then made his way to a male spectator. 

When Strahinja got close enough, he snuffed the fan in the face.

After the assault, both Strahinja and the guy who caught the jab kept talking smack even while the third brother, Nemanja, was behind his aggressive brother for moral support.

Now, get this: Joker, a two-time MVP, had his wife, Natalija, also in the stands. She was merely feet away from the action with Joker’s brothers while holding their young daughter. She did try to get Strahinja to chill, but he wasn’t having any of it.

The Jokic brothers, who are as imposing as their famous brother, are known for defending Joker at games, but flat-out punching people is another thing. Let’s see how the league handles this one.

The post NBA Investigating Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punching Another Fan in Stands at Playoff Game Against Lakers first appeared on The Source.

The post NBA Investigating Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punching Another Fan in Stands at Playoff Game Against Lakers appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

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Murray's Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets' Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

Jamal Murray delivered a jaw-dropping performance, capping off the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 with a sensational game-winning shot. Murray’s 15-foot fadeaway jumper over Anthony Davis’ outstretched arm, dubbed the Tissot Buzzer Beater, sealed the Nuggets’ 104-101 triumph.

Murray erupted for 14 points in the final 9:19 of the game, finishing with 20 points. His heroics were complemented by Nikola Jokic’s monstrous triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and ten assists. Michael Porter Jr. also contributed significantly with 22 points and nine boards.

“That’s Jamal Murray right there,” said Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he’s never shying away from the moment, the spotlight.”

Jokic’s performance marked a historic milestone, as he tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most games with 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in playoff history, achieving his fourth in just 70 career playoff games.

Despite the Lakers’ efforts, led by Anthony Davis’ 32 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James’ near-triple-double of 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, they fell short in the face of the Nuggets’ relentless onslaught.

Meanwhile, in another electrifying matchup, the New York Knicks stunned the Philadelphia 76ers with a late rally in Game 2, securing a 104-101 victory at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ trio of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo combined for an impressive 64 points, overshadowing Joel Embiid’s historic performance of 34 points and ten rebounds. This marked his 15th playoff game with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the most in Sixers history.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Rajon Rondo Officially Announces Retirement

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Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo has officially called it a career.

Speaking on the All the Smoke podcast, Rondo revealed that the NBA has “absolutely” seen the end of him on the court, and he will spend time with his kids.

“What a time, it was definitely something that I never took for granted when I was in the game,” Rondo said. “I loved every minute of it, and I appreciate the brotherhood that I was able to share and bond and grow with over the years. I’ve learned so much in this game and it’s made me the man who I am today. … I tell people all the time, this wasn’t a dream of mine, it was a goal. I was able to lock in, stay disciplined, I didn’t party a lot in college. But it was worth the sacrifice of me getting to where I wanted to be in life.”

Rondo is a 2x NBA champion, winning with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

Across his career, Rondo averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds across 957 career games. In addition to the Lakers and Celtics, Rondo played for the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Metro Boomin Couldn’t Help But Notice LeBron James Had A Career Night After Rapping ‘Like That’ Pre-Game

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LeBron James March 31 2024
Getty Image

Sunday (March 31) was a good day for Metro Boomin. His and Future’s collaborative album We Don’t Trust You debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Metro’s fourth-career No. 1 album and Future’s ninth, according to Billboard. The album earned 2024’s largest week by any album, with 251,000 equivalent US album units, as per Luminate.

Hours later, ESPN’s Omar Raja recorded LeBron James rapping Kendrick Lamar’s verse on “Like That” during the Los Angeles Lakers’ warmups ahead of their game at the Brooklyn Nets. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, proceeded to do what he does in the Lakers’ 116-104 win. The 39-year-old logged 40 points on 13-of-17 from the field with nine three-pointers. Per ESPN, James tied his career high for threes in a game and joined Michael Jordan “as the only players in NBA history with multiple games of 40 points or more after turning 39.”

Metro Boomin was delighted, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “bro was warming up to Like That then went 9/10 from 3 and 13/17 for 40 points [exploding head emoji, three steam-from-nose emojis, flexing emoji] #WEDONTTRUSTYOU.”

By the time James was spotted spitting “Like That,” he and the Lakers had already run onto the court to “Ya Ya” from Beyoncé’s newly released Cowboy Carter, as seen in a video posted by Jasmine (@hausofJazzy) on X.

Cowboy Carter debuting at anything lower than No. 1 next week would be a bigger upset than James’ Lakers winning the West, and then it can almost already be penciled in that Metro and Future’s We Don’t Trust You sequel album will recapture No. 1 after its April 12 release date.

LeBron James Raps Along To Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss, Metro Boomin Reacts

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were in Brooklyn to take on the Nets last night. Overall, it was a massive game for the Lakers as they were able to come through with a win. However, it was LeBron who ultimately stole the show during the game. He scored 40 points, which is impressive when you consider how he is 39 years old. Moreover, he was able to break a long-standing record held by Michael Jordan. The record in question was for the most 30-point games in NBA history. Considering LeBron’s longevity, it was only a matter of time before he broke this record.

Prior to the game, LeBron caused quite a stir on social media. Below, you can see that during the warmups, LeBron was rapping along to Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss on the track “Like That.” Overall, it was a fun sight to see as James was having a whole lot of fun. That said, some felt like it was a curious thing to do given his friendship with Drake. In fact, after the Pusha T beef, Drake went on LeBron’s show The Shop, where LeBron told him just how proud he was of his friend.

Read More: LeBron James Debuts Nike LeBron 21 “Diamond Turf Max 96”

LeBron James Warms Up

Subsequently, Metro Boomin saw the clip of LeBron, and took to social media to respond. In fact, he lamented how LeBron had an incredible game, and claimed that it was all thanks to his new song. “bro was warming up to Like That then went 9/10 from 3 and 13/17 for 40 points,” Metro wrote. LeBron doesn’t need much more motivation these days. He wants his fifth NBA title, and he needs to win it soon as his career will likely come to an end soon.

Metro Boomin Speaks

Let us know what you think of LeBron rapping along to Kendrick, in the comments section down below. Was it a subtle shot at Drake or was it just innocent? Do you think Drizzy is going to take issue with any of this? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: LeBron James Surprises Duquesne With LeBron 21s For March Madness

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