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JJ Redick Is Reportedly The Front Runner For The Lakers Coaching Job, Compared To Pat Riley

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After the firing of Darvin Ham last month, the Laker’s coaching search began with a list of potential head coaches floated around. Among the names mentioned, the most curious was JJ Redick. JJ Redick is currently working as a podcaster and NBA analyst for ESPN. He has a podcast with Lakers superstar LeBron James, where the pair go in-depth on basketball and the NBA. Many fans have been impressed with JJ’s basketball acumen, which really shines when talking to LeBron. Now, JJ is reportedly the frontrunner to lead the purple and gold. 

Insiders within the league, bound by confidentiality, have revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers have commenced their search for a new coach. In recent days, the Lakers have conducted formal interviews with several potential candidates, including JJ Redick, James Borrego (associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans), and Sam Cassell (assistant coach of the Boston Celtics). These three individuals have emerged as the frontrunners, with Redick currently leading the pack.

Read More: LeBron James And JJ Redick Clown Colin Cowherd Over Backwards Hat Comments

JJ Redick, a television commentator and former player, has generated enthusiasm for the job across the league. League insiders claim that the Lakers are enamored with Redick’s potential and see him as a Pat Riley-like coaching candidate who could lead the team for years and aid it in the near future. LeBron James and Redick co-host the podcast Mind The Game, and James has stated that he will not be participating in the team’s coaching search. The Lakers have also scheduled meetings with assistant coaches David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets, Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Chris Quinn of the Miami Heat.

Given their closeness, many have speculated that the Lakers may hire Redick to placate James. Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, who represents James, stated on Monday that this is untrue. “LeBron James and JJ Redick, they do a podcast together,” Paul told The Athletic. “That does not mean that (James) wants Redick as his head coach.” JJ Redick is certainly an interesting and inspired coach. He clearly knows basketball, and the Lakers may opt to bet on his potential and his current rapport with LeBron as the best choice for the job. Overall, JJ to the Lakers is now in the realm of possibility. 

Read More: JJ Redick And Ty Lue Among Names Considered For New Lakers Head Coach

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LeBron James Unfollows Diddy After Video Of The Music Mogul Abusing Cassie Surfaces Online

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After a video purportedly showing Sean “Diddy” Combs physically abusing singer Cassie Ventura surfaced, LeBron James unfollowed Diddy on Instagram. This new information adds to the plethora of scandals surrounding Diddy, who is involved in several legal disputes. The video went viral on social media, and the backlash has been swift. Diddy apologized on his Instagram account after the video caught fire on Twitter. The reported video took place in a hotel almost eight years ago. The shocking video showed Diddy repeatedly kicking Cassie while running her down in nothing but a bath towel. 

An LA Lakers fan page initially noticed the unfollowing, which sparked a flood of responses online. Many supporters applauded Klutch Sports, LeBron’s agency, viewing the decision as a protest against Diddy’s behavior. While some praised LeBron for adopting a moral stand, others saw it as a calculated PR move. Whether LeBron chose to unfollow Diddy on his own or got advice from Klutch Sports, his fans overwhelmingly think it was a wise decision. Overall, it’s a big deal that LeBron has unfollowed Diddy, and it probably took too long for him to pull the trigger. 

Read More: Bronny James Impresses During NBA Combine Scrimmages With LeBron Watching

LeBron James Unfollows Diddy on Instagram

The media has given considerable attention to the accusations made against Diddy. After Cassie Ventura filed her first complaint, several additional people came out with similar charges against the music mogul. In the video, he is seen running after a 29-year-old Ventura down the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City while she tries to enter an elevator. He is naked and has a towel wrapped around his waist. He then grabs Ventura by the hair and throws her to the ground.

Though unrelated to the current federal investigation, the video is still making waves. For James, this was the last straw regarding his unusual reluctance to break his distance from Diddy. LeBron has been involved with Diddy on a social level, just like a lot of famous people have been. Overall, it is probably overdue for the LeBrons team to have unfollowed Diddy, who has been involved with several legal disputes that just do not look good to be associated with. 

Read More: Bronny James: The Utah Jazz Are Eyeing Drafting Lebron’s Son

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50 Cent Once Again Clowns Ja Rule For Knicks Loss

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The New York Knicks lost game 7 to the Indiana Pacers at home on Sunday. After sustaining injuries to multiple starters and players playing through injuries, the Knicks did not have enough for the Pacers. Ultimately, they played hard, but luck plays a big part in playoff success, and the Knicks’ injuries were very unlucky. You might remember that at the start of the series, Knicks fans were taken aback by Ja Rule kissing the Larry OBrien Trophy. They said that he cursed the Knicks with his gesture. 50 Cent, Ja Rule’s eternal rival, jumped on the curse bandwagon. He clowned Ja Rule after multiple Knicks were hurt in the game after he Kissed the Trophy.  

Ja Rule fired back, though. He, in turn, clowned 50 Cent when his Minnesota Timberwolves lost 3 straight games to the Denver Nuggets, saying 50 cursed Anthony Edwards and the Wolves. Now 50 Cent has had the final word in the who cursed who saga after the Knicks were ultimately eliminated, and the Timberwolves are moving on to the next round. Of course, Curtis Jackson didn’t forget about JaRule cursing the Knicks.

Read More: Diddy Apology Gets Two Thumbs Down From 50 Cent: “Who Is Advising Him Right Now?”

50 Cent Gets Last Word On Ja Rule

Following the Indiana Pacers’ victory against the New York Knicks in game seven of the 2024 NBA playoffs on Sunday, 50 Cent isn’t stopping with his jabs at Ja Rule. The G-Unit boss teased his longtime rival on social media following the game. 50 Cent said that Ja Rule got his hands on the NBA championship trophy, which is why the Knicks lost. He blamed him for the loss and shared a picture of Ja kissing the Larry O’Brien trophy. “If you’re wondering why the Knicks couldn’t get the W, here you have it,” he wrote on Twitter. He added some shots at the NBA for letting Ja near the trophy, saying, “SMH who let this fool touch the trophy.” 

The results say 50 Cent has won this round. The Knicks are now on their way to Cancun, but it’s hard to imagine them enjoying vacation with all those painful injuries. The M Minnesota Timberwolves walked down the defending champs on their own floor and won game 7. The Wolves take on the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday in the Western Conference Finals. Overall, 50 Cent may prove to be a good luck charm for Minnesota. 

Read More: 50 Cent Theorizes Why Diddy’s Alleged Assault Footage Was Published

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Charles Barkley Jokes About TNT Sadly Losing The NBA

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Hoops fans should not expect to get any positive affirmations from Charles Barkley about the future of the NBA on TNT. Barkley predicted on Inside the NBA on Wednesday night that the Oklahoma City Thunder would easily defeat the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić made light of Barkley’s prophecy following the Mavericks’ victory. He asked the Hall of Famer to make the same prediction prior to their upcoming matchup with Oklahoma City. Chuck’s predictions and guarantees almost always backfire on him, which causes a great deal of enjoyment for everyone else. 

“Luka getting a firm grasp on what fans have thought for a while, Chuckster. If you root for the other team, then you might be in pretty good shape,” Ernie Johnson said jokingly to Chuck after listening to Dončić’s comment. “Well, at least you don’t have to worry about it much longer,” Barkley said, laughing. Barkley is implying that TNT won’t be able to match NBC’s deal, and Inside the NBA and NBA on TNT won’t be around much longer, unfortunately for hoops fans. 

Read More: Charles Barkley Could Become A Free Agent If TNT Loses The NBA

Charles Barkley Implies TNT Has Lost It’s NBA Bid

That suggests that Barkley doesn’t think Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA will be able to come to an arrangement so that TNT will continue to air its slate of games. After the 2024–25 season, Warner Bros. Discovery/TNT’s existing NBA rights agreement will expire. At an offer of $2.5 billion annually, NBC is thought to be the front-runner in winning NBA rights. Negotiations are apparently stalled because the NBA wants WBD to bid $2.8 billion annually. Even though WBD is supposedly eager to match NBC’s offer.

Barkley recently lamented the situation and the environment it has caused on set. He said, “Everybody is scared to death” amid the negotiations. Barkley’s colleague Kenny Smith also made some bleak jokes about TNT’s future, saying, “Oh this might be our last day anyway.” Overall, it is going to be a sad day for hoop heads when Inside The NBA is no more. Fans are already grieving the show, posting their favorite moments from the show that feature Shaq, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. 

Read More: Charles Barkley Roasts Draymond Green After Kenny Smith Diss

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Bronny James: The Utah Jazz Are Eyeing Drafting Lebron’s Son

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Reports state that the Utah Jazz are considering choosing Bronny James with the 32nd overall choice in the 2018 NBA draft. Reportedly, the Jazz have expressed interest in bringing Bronny in for an individual workout after his showing at the NBA Draft combine. The Jazz are looking to start their rebuild off right and selecting Bronny with the 32nd pick. If selecting Bronny lures his father, LeBron James, to Salt Lake City, then it is a risk that Jazz head guy Danny Ainge is more than willing to take. Looks like Bronny has a few more suitors after his showing this week. 

LeBron James has the option to become a free agent by declining his player option in 2024–2025. In a fascinating twist, James could potentially sign with the team that drafts Bronny, leading to a unique scenario of father and son representing the same team. The current odds heavily favor the Lakers to select Bronny James, with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks all trailing behind. The Bronny James sweepstakes might be off to the races. 

Read More: Bronny James Impresses During NBA Combine Scrimmages With LeBron Watching

Bronny Getting Looked At By Utah Jazz

Bronny James looked good in his second scrimmage. To lead his team, Bronny James scored 13 points. He made effortless passes, was efficient from three points in the midrange, and had good defensive play. It was a promising performance. Bronny was listed well outside of the second round going into the combine. It’s easier to see him hearing his name in the draft now. With the draft scheduled for June 26 and 27, we’ll soon find out how the teams feel. Bronny does not really care about suiting up alongside his father. For the time being, though, his goal is to play in the NBA.

It will be interesting to see what Bronny’s impressive combine does to his actually draft stock. The LeBron wrinkle adds a level of intrigue into where he might eventually end up. He has the skill and athleticism to compete, but it’s just a matter of whether that is enough to make it. Overall, bronny will more than likely be picked up by an NBA team. It looks more likely that the young prospect will actually be drafted, after all.

Read More: Bronny James Couldn’t Care Less About Playing With LeBron

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Bronny James Impresses During NBA Combine Scrimmages With LeBron Watching

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Bronny James is doing everything he is supposed to at the NBA Draft Combine. LeBron James’ eldest sons’ draft stock has surely gone up since the beginning of the combine. Bronny showed he has elite athleticism despite only measuring to be 6’1. He dominated the shooting drills, putting up the second-best results in the combine. He continued to show the scouts his skill set in the first scrimmage of the combine, showing off his floater game in a quiet showing. Yesterday, with LeBron and Savanah James in attendance, Bronny showed out in the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages.

The 19-year-old son of LeBron James had a modest first scrimmage on Tuesday, but in his second scrimmage on Wednesday, he distinguished himself as one of the best players on the court. Bronny scored 13 points to lead his side. He was effective from 3-point range and mid-range, made easy passes, and played a strong defensive game. The performance was encouraging. Prior to the combine, Bronny was ranked way outside of the second round. Now, it’s easier to imagine him hearing his name during the draft. 

Read More: Bronny James Couldn’t Care Less About Playing With LeBron

Bronny James Shines During Scrimmage

In 23 minutes on the floor, Bronny scored 13 points, had 2 assists, and went 4-10 from the floor. Additionally, he went 2-5 from 3-point land. The thing that jumped out was how comfortable he looked out there. Bronny was able to get to his spots for easy mid-range pull-ups. Additionally, he showed that he had the vision to make the right plays, hitting his open teammates off of drives. Also, he showed tenacity on defense, which is encouraging for scouts. Bronny has had a reputation for not being aggressive enough, but he showed that he has a knack for scoring and playing the right way

Bronny displayed what he believes will be his knack in the NBA: defense. He hounded ball handlers and fought through screens very well. Defense and 3-pointers will get you on an NBA court, and Bronny is showing he can do both of those things well. Bronny said after the scrimmage, “I always try to play the right way, but my teammates and my coaches encouraged me to be aggressive today because they believe in me.” He concluded, “I’m comfortable playing the one or the two, on-ball or off-ball. They put me in a good position today to produce and be great.” Overall, Bronny’s draft stock is moving in the right direction. 

Read More: Bronny James’ Real Height Officially Revealed During NBA Combine

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Draymond Green Challenges Tyrese Haliburton After Terrible Game 5

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In order to survive, the Indiana Pacers must-win Game 6 at home. If they don’t, their summer will start unfortunately early for them, and the New York Knicks will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers lost big time last night and were outmatched by a New York Knicks team with several injuries. Jalen Brunson had another stellar game, scoring over 40 for what seems like the 100th time this postseason. The Pacers as a team choked under the pressure. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton especially struggled, and Draymond Green had some words for him post-game. 

Tyrese Haliburton was incredibly inactive for the second time in three games in New York, managing just 13 points on nine shots. He needed to find out how to get his game to travel if the Pacers were to have a chance of winning this series because it was a huge difference to the intensity and ferocity he showed at home in Indiana. His performance gives credence to the “front runner” criticism the Pacers have received. Everything is good when they are up, but they shrink when they are behind. Draymond Green issued a challenge for Tyrese to step up in game 6 and be a leader. 

Read More: Draymond Green Criticizes Patrick Beverley’s Antics

Draymond Says Tyrese Haliburton Must Step Up

While Haliburton is battling a number of injuries, most postseason players, including Knicks star Jalen Brunson, In Games 3 and 4 in Indiana, we witnessed Haliburton discover that additional gear a star needs to display in the playoffs. That gear has largely been out of the equation in New York. Draymond Green and Vince Carter, standing in for Shaq and Charles on Inside the NBA, talked about the messages they would like to send to Haliburton. Draymonds’s message was clear. In a long statement, Draymond said, “You have to come out and compete at a level that says I want to move on.”

Draymond continued his message to Tyrese, saying, “We’re asking you to come out and give an honest effort and compete. When you slap and you stop on the defensive end and give up, you’re letting the other guys down. “ Draymond is adamant that Haliburton has to compete on both ends of the floor to show his teammates he wants to survive and advance. Green Continued, “So he has to come out and compete on both ends of the floor like his life depended on it. Not be lockdown, just show some effort so then the help can get there and help you.” Overall, Draymond’s advice is 100% correct. Haliburton looked like he didn’t want it last night. He has to have that desire if the Indiana Pacers want to move on. 

Read More: Jusuf Nurkić Responds to Draymond Green’s Subtle Shade

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Lil Wayne Trashes Nikola Jokic, Defends Rudy Gobert In The Process

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Nikola Jokic put on a clinic on Tuesday night. The Denver Nuggets 3-time MVP had one of the best playoff games of his career, putting up 40 points while chipping in 13 boards and 7 assists. The Nuggets now have one 3-straight game against the Timberwolves. Many are blaming the Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert. Gobert could not handle Jokic and many have said he isn’t deserving of his title if he can’t stop Jokic. Rap icon and NBA superfan Lil Wayne has come to the defense of the French big man after all the criticism he has been getting.

Returning with more NBA analysis, Lil Wayne defends Rudy Gobert amid claims that Nikola Jokić is “cooking” him in the postseason. Shortly after Gobert’s Minnesota Timberwolves lost to Jokić’s Denver Nuggets in game five of the Western Conference playoffs, the rapper and ardent basketball fan released a video on social media. Weezy made some interesting points about Jokic and Gobert and shared his takes on both big men. Overall, Wayne thinks Gobert is getting the short end of the stick.

Read More: Shaq Thinks Rudy Gobert Is Overrated, Here’s Why

Lil Wayne Defends DPOY Rudy Gobert

Reacting to Jokic’s dominant game, Weezy said, “Shout out to the Nuggets, it was a great game. Let me say first of all, I don’t like Jokić. I don’t like his game.” Lil Wayne is not a fan of Nikola Jokic, apparently. He continued, “I’m from the old school. Some people say he’s got an old school game, but that’s an older school than I’m from because he just look like… the dad’s dad vibe out there.” Then, in response to criticism over Gobert’s difficulties against Jokić in game five, he stood up for him. “I just wanna shout out my man Rudy Gobert. Defensive Player of the Year, whether you like it or not,” he added. “Rudy Gobert gets so much flak, man, and it looks like all he do to me is try his fucking hardest. The man just had his first fucking child.”

Lil Wayne says Goberts first child is the most important thing in the world right now and to forget about all the talk. He concluded, “We are all men that talk about this, that get on television and talk about this. With your first child, nothing else matters. Congratulate the man and give the man some respect for what he’s doing.” Gobert is getting an unfair shake in the situation. Nobody on planet Earth can stop Jokic. The shots he was hitting last night were ridiculous. Overall, Rudy is probably the easy scapegoat, but Jokic is going to be Jokic.

Read More: Kendrick Perkins Goes In On Defensive Player Of The Year Rudy Gobert

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Joe Budden Is Tired Of Tyrese Haliburton Being Compared To Jalen Brunson

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After a lot of trash talk from the Indiana Pacers after their dominant win in Indiana, the Knicks responded in a big way. The Knicks beat the Pacers last night 121-91, completely outplaying their opponent. Jalen Bruson showed out once again. The Knicks PG put up a slight 44 points for another one of his many 40-point games this postseason. The Knicks played with toughness and an edge due to the front running the Pacers displayed in Indiana. Everything was fantastic when the Pacers were up big, and they talked a lot of trash, especially their star player, Tyrese Ahliburton. After last night’s no-show from Tyrese, Joe Budden never wanted to see him put alongside Jalen Brunson.

Tyrese Haliburton had a bad game, and it looked like the lights were too bright. He passed up open shots on multiple occasions, only scoring 13 points in what was a must-win game. When the Pacers needed him to score, Haliburton didn’t stop, and it was super noticeable that he was passive. Many fans looked at Jalen Brunson’s continued heroics in the playoffs as something Tyrese can’t do unless he is up by 30. Joe Budden is done with the Tyrese Haliburton talk.

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Joe Budden Says You Can’t Compare Jalen Brunson To Tyrese Haliburton

Joe Budden says the Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson debate is entirely over. One guy has several 40-point games in the postseason, and the other guy has been shrinking against the Knicks. Knicks fans have a sordid history with the Indiana Pacers. There is some legitimate dislike on both sides. Last night, the crowd at MSG really got into the game after Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo and T.J. McConnell got into it, which resulted in the Knicks going on a huge run. The stakes were huge, and the crowd was rowdy, and Tyrese Haliburton was nowhere to be found.

The Knicks now have a 3-2 lead over the Pacers. The series is heading back to Indiana for Game 6, meaning the Knicks can close it out in Indiana. The series has been very entertaining and hard to predict. The Knicks are dealing with several injuries to key players and have rallied to lead the series. Indiana needs Tyrese Haliburton to step up and keep them alive to get to game 7 at Madison Square Garden.

Read More: Joe Budden Hilariously Dances To KLamar’s Lamar’s Scathing Drak” Diss, “Not “Like Us”

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Bronny James’ Real Height Officially Revealed During NBA Combine

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Size matters in the NBA. The NBA Combine is a chance for teams to get accurate measurements of potential draft picks. A prospect’s size can contribute to how effective they will be at the next level. Height and wingspan are the most important factors. The measures taken this week will probably have an impact on draft status, both positively and negatively. Bronny James’s official height, weight, and wingspan have now been officially tallied at the NBA combine. Some of his measurements are good, but others may impact how scouts see him as a prospect.

LeBron James’ oldest child, Bronny James, had a mixed showing in the measurements department on Monday. He measured 6-foot-1.5 without shoes, even though his official height at USC was 6-4. His height measurement is not great, but his wingspan was measured at 6-foot-8, which is great for his height and can make up for being 6’1. Overall, it will be interesting to see how Bronny can overcome his physical measurements and show why he is an NBA player. He has already impressed in a couple of other areas so far at the combine.

Read More: Bronny James Couldn’t Care Less About Playing With LeBron

LeBron James Officially Measured At The Combine

Bronny James also had an impressive vertical jump, which measured at 40-1/2 inches, making it one of the most impressive at the combine. Bronny also turned heads during the shooting drills. Despite the negative measurements, there were positives. He stepped out and finished 19 out of 25 in the 3-point shooting star drill to rank second overall among all competitors this year. Bronny also had a good showing in the 5-0n-5 scrimmage, showcasing his floater game and defense. Overall, Bronny is making positive waves at the combine despite his less than stellar height measurements.

Bronny has already expressed that his dream is to make it to the NBA, not necessarily play with his dad, LeBron James. Bronny is trying to carve his own lane after a disappointing freshman year at USC, where he had several major setbacks. The most promising thing about Bronny’s game is his athletics and shooting ability. If he can prove he can hold his own on defense and consistently hit 3-pointers, he might find a place in the league. Overall, height is important, but it is not everything when you have other gifts.

Read More: Bronny James Put On A Show At The NBA Combine

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