The Los Angeles Lakers have added forward-center Christian Wood to the roster for the upcoming season. The team and Wood agreed on a two-year/$5.7 million deal. The second year of the deal has a player option.
Free agent F/C Christian Wood has agreed on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option.
For Wood, he joins a contender to raise his value for future free agency. The Lakers add to a stacked front line that features LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes.
According to ESPN, Wood averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in the 2022-23 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Vanessa Bryant revealed their plans to create a statue in honor of Kobe Bryant. Mrs. Bryant announced the news in a clip, telling fans the new statue would be in front of the place known as “The House that Kobe Built.” “The House that Kobe Built” Kobe Bryant, the legendary […]
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1959, was a prodigy in the making. His remarkable skill and determination were evident from an early age, culminating in an impressive career at Michigan State University. The NBA was calling, and Johnson was ready to answer. His debut with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 was a defining moment that marked the birth of a legend, resulting in a net worth of an astonishing $630 million in 2023, according to CAknowledge. Magic by name, magic by nature.
Slam Dunks & Trophies: A Glittering Career
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 16: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with the Walter A. Brown championship trophy. After winning Game 6 and series against the Philadelphia 76ers. On May 16, 1980 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images
Magic Johnson’s time with the Lakers showcased excellence, filled with breathtaking performances and victories. Five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and an Olympic gold medal with the “Dream Team” – Johnson’s trophy case is a testament to greatness. Further, Johnson’s style on the court revolutionized the game, blending finesse, strength, and intelligence. A legacy that continues to shine in the annals of basketball history, casting a long shadow for future stars to follow.
Family Ties & Triumphs: A Personal Journey
American professional basketball player Magic Johnson holds a press conference at the Great Western Forum. Johnson announced his retirement from basketball and from the Los Angels Lakers team, after being diagnosed HIV positive. His wife Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly sits to his left. (Photo by Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Images)
Beyond the hardwood, Magic’s personal life has been equally compelling. His marriage to Cookie Johnson and the support for his children, including his openly gay son EJ, reflect his loving and accepting nature. Moreover, his public battle with HIV was pivotal, transforming a personal challenge into a global awareness campaign. Johnson’s resilience and advocacy in the face of adversity inspire admiration and respect, adding depth to his multifaceted persona.
Investments & Impact: The Business Mogul
ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 24: Magic Johnson on stage during the TSP Live 2022 conference at The Hotel at Avalon on June 24, 2022 in Alpharetta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images)
Retirement from basketball marked the beginning of Johnson’s remarkable journey in business. Johnson’s business acumen is as sharp as his passes on the court, from owning movie theaters to investments in Starbucks and even part-ownership of the Dodgers. His business success is not confined to profits alone. Through the Magic Johnson Foundation, his philanthropic efforts reach into the communities he grew up in, focusing on education, healthcare, and empowerment. A portfolio with a purpose, a strategy with a soul.
A Legacy Larger Than Life: The Final Whistle
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: (L-R) Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards, attend the 2019 NBA Awards presented by Kia on TNT at Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports)
Magic Johnson’s life is a tapestry of triumphs and trials, woven with threads of hard work, perseverance, empathy, and innovation. From the dazzling displays on the basketball court to strategic brilliance in the boardroom, his journey is a masterclass in success. His towering net worth of $630 million, according to CAknowledge, only partially defines his true value. Johnson’s lasting impact is imprinted on sports, business, philanthropy, and society at large. A legacy, truly larger than life, a story that continues to inspire. A tale only Magic could tell.
Overall, Dwight Howard is someone who has gotten himself into a bit of controversy lately. This is due to allegations that have come to him from a former sexual partner. The former NBA superstar is being accused of sexual assault and battery. These allegations were made clear in a lawsuit that was brought against him. Moreover, Howard has responded to the allegations, although he maintains that he has done nothing wrong. Many have commented on this situation, including the likes of Cam’ron and Ma$e.
Furthermore, Howard is also being sued by his former butler for defamation. Unfair labor practices were also brought up in the lawsuit. However, despite all of this, the big man still seems to be living life as normal. For instance, in the video clip down below, he could be seen flexing his large championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. If you remember, Howard won this championship as a member of the 2020 Lakers squad that went all the way in the Bubble.
Howard was actually a very solid contributor to this team. Although some felt like he was washed up during this time, Howard proved to everyone that he still has a lot of gas left in the tank. Over the past year, however, Howard has mostly been playing basketball in Taiwan. The former Laker made headlines for this move, and it remains to be seen what his future will be as far as professional ball is concerned.
At this point, one has to wonder what must be going through Dwight Howard’s head. He has a lot going on, and these allegations brought against him are absolutely no joke. Let us know what you think of his current predicament, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.
Sports memorabilia is continuing to run up impressive totals. A new item headed to auction with Sotheby’s is Wilt Chamberlain’s 1972 NBA Finals jersey, expected to sell for over $4 million.
The jersey is the one Chamberlain wore in the game five championship-clinching victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the New York Knicks. According to ESPN, the jersey is believed to be “the most valuable piece of his sports memorabilia ever to appear on the market.”
Wearing the jersey, Chamberlain played with a broken hand but still scored 24 points and 29 rebounds on his way to being named Finals MVP.
“This jersey holds an extraordinarily significant place in the history of Los Angeles, not only adorned by the man many consider to be the greatest player ever to step on the court, but as a relic from one of the greatest franchises in sports history,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles.
In June, Sotheby’s orchestrated the sale of Michael Jordan’s game-worn and signed “Flu Game” Jordan 12 for $1.38 million. You can learn more about that here.
Russell Westbrook has become an enigma among NBA circles. The former league MVP has all the talent a player can possess. However, along stops throughout his career, it seems that the former UCLA guard isn’t clicking with his team. Although it may look that way from a fan perspective, Westbrook’s teammates have the exact opposite feeling toward him. In fact, just about every former teammate of Westbrook can only sing his praises.
Thomas Bryant shared a locker room with Westbrook on two separate occasions. Once as a member of the Washington Wizards and as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The now NBA champion Bryant was recently asked about his opinion on Westbrook as a teammate. During an episode of “buckets,” Bryant explained what Westbrook meant to him as a teammate and how he helped his game. Check out the clip from the interview below.
“He’s one of the most brilliant, accepting guys that i’ve ever played with. With Russ he’s always coming in with a great attitude, and he’s always there for you.”
— Thomas Bryant talks about being teammates with Russell Westbrook
Bryant knows what it’s like to be in a winning locker room. Having shared one with LeBron James and the Denver Nuggets on separate occasions. “He’s one of the most brilliant, accepting guys that I’ve ever played with. With Russ he’s always coming in with a great attitude, and he’s always there for you.” Bryant describes Westbrook the way any coach would describe one of their top players. A class act that will do whatever it takes for the team to be successful.
Westbrook’s reputation has been marred but rough stops with the Rockets and Lakers. However, it doesn’t feel like the players who have stood alongside him feel that way. So how did his reputation become that he is a selfish player? Could it be that fans just don’t enjoy his style of play? There’s no question that Westbrook has heard the remarks on his character. However, that hasn’t stopped him from giving his all every time he is on the floor. Please give us your thoughts on the Clippers star in our comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
Kendrick Perkins was quick to give high praise to the Los Angeles Lakers. The ESPN analyst believes the Lakers have been crushing the free agency period this summer. Perkins isn’t the only one who seems to feel that way. Lakers star LeBron James recently shared photos of all the players involved in a free-agent move on his Instagram. The franchise realized they needed more talent to compete with a team like the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets.
On Monday, Perkins appeared on First Take to praise Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. Pelinka has taken some heat in the past for not being as aggressive in bringing in free agents. However, that doesn’t seem like it is the case anymore in Los Angeles. “[Rob Pelinka is the] MVP of the free agency… What he added to this team while being able to keep the core of this group … He won,” Perkins stated. It is hard to argue that anyone is having a better off-season than the Lakers.
“[Rob Pelinka is the] MVP of the free agency… What he added to this team while being able to keep the core of this group … He won.”@KendrickPerkins on the Lakers’ offseason moves
Although there have been other teams find success this summer. Including the Phoenix Suns. The Suns acquired former Wizards star Bradley Beal in a blockbuster move that ultimately sent Chris Paul to Golden State. The Suns have bolstered up their roster. Making the team a massive threat to win the Western Conference. However, the Lakers and others are taking notice in making their own massive moves. The Nuggets will be tested when next season rolls around.
The Lakers desperately needed to make improvements. However, they also needed to bring back some key pieces. Bringing back Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura was vital. Perkins believes the moves from the Lakers will have the team right back in title contention next season. Do you agree with Kendrick Perkins? If not, which team has had the best free agency period? Let your opinions be known in our comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
The Los Angeles Lakers came up just short of pulling off a miracle season. The team battled injuries all season long. Including top players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing time. However, the team found its groove right at the start of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The Lakers tallied two series victories before falling in the Western Conference Finals. Although the season didn’t end the way they hoped. The 2022-23 campaign wasn’t a complete failure.
Now the Lakers are in the same boat as everyone else. Every team in the league is looking for the right recipe to slow down Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. The road to the NBA Finals started with the 2023 NBA Draft. The Lakers introduced the newest members of their squad on Monday. As for Jalen Hood-Schifino, he is already jokingly taking pokes at the bear. Hood-Schifino was only seven days old when LeBron was drafted in 2003. A fact that the media just had to bring up during Hood-Schifino’s first press conference.
Hood-Schifino said he had heard that fact before. “I did see that post on ESPN. I was like ‘Dang, LeBron’s old!” Did he just call LeBron old? Yes, he did. But this time, it was all in good fun. The rookie knows how iconic James is to the league and what he brings to the franchise. We know what happens if you call James old with malice behind your words. You get eliminated from the playoffs and then ran off your own team. Maybe Dillon Brooks will think twice the next time.
It’s no secret that the sands in the hourglass are fewer and fewer for James. On Monday, fans celebrated the 20 anniversary of the 2003 NBA Draft class. A class filled with talent from top to bottom. However, James isn’t worried about age, he’s worried about chasing another ring. A fifth to add to his already massive trophy room. Question is, can James and the Lakers reach the mountaintop one more time? Let us know what you think in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
The biggest NBA debate of the past decade-plus is whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the best basketball player of all time. One way or another, it’s hard to not admit that LeBron is at the very least somewhere in the top five. If you ask Snoop Dogg, though, he doesn’t even think LeBron is one of the five best Los Angeles Lakers ever.
As shared on a recent episode of The PivotPodcast, Snoop’s unranked list includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. Before making his final pick, he said, “That last spot… this is crucial, this is crucial, because it ain’t none of them new guys. They ain’t done enough. It’s going to be Michael Cooper, James Worthy, I could say Jerry West, I could say Wilt Chamberlain… I’m going to go with Wilt ‘The Stilt’: He averaged 50 a game, man! This is before cameras; he probably had 70! You know they was cheatin’! Wilt probably had 70 points and 75 rebounds: ‘Give him 50.’”
Snoop Dogg doesn’t believe LeBron James is a top 5 Laker of all time https://t.co/52WCdDsvQr
LeBron wasn’t mentioned in the clip (aside from being one of “them new guys”), but his omission is certainly noticeable. As a Laker, LeBron has averages of 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. To Snoop’s point, though, LeBron has only been a Laker for five seasons, a relatively short time compared to the other players who did make his list. While Snoop excluding LeBron wouldn’t make much sense if his list was of the best players who have ever been on the Lakers, it seems he’s more focusing on what players have done in a Laker uniform. On that front, LeBron’s track record, while fantastic, is relatively short. (However, considering Michael Cooper, who was a solid role player for a long time, before LeBron isn’t really excusable.)
LeBron James flipped the sports world on its ear by floating the idea of his retirement. In a follow-up conversation with ESPN, James expounded on the idea.
“I’m going to get an MRI on it and see how the tendon either healed or not healed and go from there,” James said. “We’ll see what happens.”
James sustained a foot injury in the season, revealing “the LeBron James of feet” assisted in the recovery of a foot injury. James said to ESPN, “I knew I had to deal with it and deal with the pain or deal with not being able to be myself before the injury, but there was nothing that made me feel like I couldn’t get to the finish line.”
LeBron James went out on his shield during Game Four of the 2023 Western Conference Finals. The 38-year-old Lakers superstar ended the game with 40 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists but lost 113-111 to the Denver Nuggets, completing a sweep.
Speaking in the postgame, James looked into his future and realized he had much to consider. The subjects to ponder included returning for a 21st NBA season.
“We’ll see what happens going forward,” James said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”
Reporting from Game Four, Bleacher Report‘s Chris Haynes states retirement is indeed on the table for LeBron James. There is two years, $97 million remaining on LeBron’s contract, and he has long spoken about playing with Bronny James, who is set to be drafted next year. James is expected to take his time in making the decision.
