Chandler Parsons: It’s going to be hard to jump over Bird, KD, and LeBron. Michelle Beadle: Does anybody have him jumping over Bird? Lou Williams: He can jump over guys if you add championships. DeMarcus Cousins: No. Let’s not do this. No. Beadle: Not even a little? Cousins: No. Williams: Yes, he can. Cousins: No. Larry Bird? No. Parsons: I don’t want that smoke. I give him maybe Pippen. Beadle: Why wouldn’t you put him over Pippen? Kawhi Leonard’s been the guy on a championship team. Parsons: Just availability, I suppose, is the only flaw. Beadle: Okay, but when he’s there… Williams: Why is Larry Bird untouched? Why is Larry Bird an untouchable in this conversation? I’m not challenging nothing about Larry Bird. I’m asking why is he an untouchable in this conversation when we’re throwing out LeBron James, Kevin Durant…We’re throwing out so many people, but when it comes to Larry Bird, you’re all shutting down, I don’t understand. Parsons: Three time champ, two-time NBA finals MVP, three-time MVP, 12 time All-Star… Williams: You don’t have to tell me, I know exactly who Larry Bird is. Parsons: Nine-time first team. Lary Bird is even a three-time all-defensive team. Cousins: Can we not do this? Williams: Then Larry Bird is number one then, right? Based on your logic. Cousins: No. It’s LeBron James, then Larry Bird.
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
As of today, Stephen Curry has a better winning percentage in the playoffs than Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.
Now you know that. – 2:39 PM
As of today, Stephen Curry has a better winning percentage in the playoffs than Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.
Now you know that. – 2:39 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James on his groin/hip injuries he was dealing with entering the playoffs: “I’m available today.” – 1:01 PM
LeBron James on his groin/hip injuries he was dealing with entering the playoffs: “I’m available today.” – 1:01 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: Luka, LeBron and the most dangerous 60-foot passes in the game espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 10:25 AM
New story: Luka, LeBron and the most dangerous 60-foot passes in the game espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 10:25 AM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
Tomorrow on First Take: Would LeBron James have passed Michael Jordan as GOAT if the Lakers had just held on to Scotty Pippen Jr? – 10:40 PM
Tomorrow on First Take: Would LeBron James have passed Michael Jordan as GOAT if the Lakers had just held on to Scotty Pippen Jr? – 10:40 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Lebron got caught looking for the foul! 😂
( Via bonbaguy23) pic.x.com/opGfxbGjgG – 7:05 AM
Lebron got caught looking for the foul! 😂
( Via bonbaguy23) pic.x.com/opGfxbGjgG – 7:05 AM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The next three Lakers jerseys to be retired:
– LeBron James
– Anthony Davis
– Luka Dončić pic.x.com/X4zsDhTrlz – 11:52 PM
The next three Lakers jerseys to be retired:
– LeBron James
– Anthony Davis
– Luka Dončić pic.x.com/X4zsDhTrlz – 11:52 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
📈 NEW BIG NUMBER w/ @YourManDevine
Luka Dončić is doing something no other LeBron James teammate has done before. Also, why Jayson Tatum’s wrist issue is concerning for Boston.
Apple: tinyurl.com/37fnad3k
Spotify: tinyurl.com/4ym9j899
YouTube: pic.x.com/rkPmMMcZ5u – 7:25 PM
📈 NEW BIG NUMBER w/ @YourManDevine
Luka Dončić is doing something no other LeBron James teammate has done before. Also, why Jayson Tatum’s wrist issue is concerning for Boston.
Apple: tinyurl.com/37fnad3k
Spotify: tinyurl.com/4ym9j899
YouTube: pic.x.com/rkPmMMcZ5u – 7:25 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
When the Wolves dominated Game 1, the Lakers heard them howling in the hallway afterward. One game later, with Luka, LeBron, Redick and all the rest responding, this series suddenly sounded much different.
Much more here from LA, at @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/63012… – 12:46 PM
When the Wolves dominated Game 1, the Lakers heard them howling in the hallway afterward. One game later, with Luka, LeBron, Redick and all the rest responding, this series suddenly sounded much different.
Much more here from LA, at @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/63012… – 12:46 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Some late-night musings from the Crypt, inspired by LeBron James’ inspiring defense … which may or may not win championships — but definitely won the Lakers’ a playoff game Tuesday.
ocregister.com/2025/04/23/swa… – 11:05 AM
Some late-night musings from the Crypt, inspired by LeBron James’ inspiring defense … which may or may not win championships — but definitely won the Lakers’ a playoff game Tuesday.
ocregister.com/2025/04/23/swa… – 11:05 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James on JJ Redick’s irate timeout in the 3rd Q: “We understand JJ is going to spaz out from time to time” – 1:30 AM
LeBron James on JJ Redick’s irate timeout in the 3rd Q: “We understand JJ is going to spaz out from time to time” – 1:30 AM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
LeBron and Luka after the Lakers win Game 2. pic.x.com/8CgPgE8Nr0 – 12:45 AM
LeBron and Luka after the Lakers win Game 2. pic.x.com/8CgPgE8Nr0 – 12:45 AM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final: Lakers 94, Timberwolves 85.
It was ugly late, but it counts the same in the series count, with LAL tying things up at 1 apiece ahead of Friday’s Game 3 in Minnesota.
Luka Doncic: 31p/12r/9a. LeBron James: 21p/11r/7a. Austin Reaves: 16p/5a/5r. Rui Hachimura: 11p. – 12:38 AM
Final: Lakers 94, Timberwolves 85.
It was ugly late, but it counts the same in the series count, with LAL tying things up at 1 apiece ahead of Friday’s Game 3 in Minnesota.
Luka Doncic: 31p/12r/9a. LeBron James: 21p/11r/7a. Austin Reaves: 16p/5a/5r. Rui Hachimura: 11p. – 12:38 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron in Game 2:
21 PTS
11 REB
7 AST
Only Shaq and Magic have more 20 PT double-doubles by a Laker in the playoffs. pic.x.com/FQKfYengyM – 12:37 AM
LeBron in Game 2:
21 PTS
11 REB
7 AST
Only Shaq and Magic have more 20 PT double-doubles by a Laker in the playoffs. pic.x.com/FQKfYengyM – 12:37 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
That felt like a rock fight disguised as a basketball game. The Lakers even up the series 1-1, beating Minnesota 94-85. Luka 31p 12r 9a; LeBron 21p 11r 7a; Reaves 16p 5r 5a; Rui 11p 5r 2s. Game 3 is Friday in Minnesota. – 12:37 AM
That felt like a rock fight disguised as a basketball game. The Lakers even up the series 1-1, beating Minnesota 94-85. Luka 31p 12r 9a; LeBron 21p 11r 7a; Reaves 16p 5r 5a; Rui 11p 5r 2s. Game 3 is Friday in Minnesota. – 12:37 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
A tremendous 2-way play from LeBron, who stripped Edwards in transition, and then finished through two Wolves at the rim to put LA up 92-81. – 12:32 AM
A tremendous 2-way play from LeBron, who stripped Edwards in transition, and then finished through two Wolves at the rim to put LA up 92-81. – 12:32 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Minnesota countered layups from LeBron and Reaves with 2 Randle FT’s and a Reid layup, keeping the deficit at 9 with 3:09 to play.
They haven’t been closer than 9 since early in the 1st Q, with LA’s largest lead of 22 coming midway through the 2nd Q. – 12:30 AM
Minnesota countered layups from LeBron and Reaves with 2 Randle FT’s and a Reid layup, keeping the deficit at 9 with 3:09 to play.
They haven’t been closer than 9 since early in the 1st Q, with LA’s largest lead of 22 coming midway through the 2nd Q. – 12:30 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Reaves found LeBron for a run-stopping layup, and Randle hit a shot on the other end, but hit LeBron with his off hand to negate the bucket.
As such, LA lead 88-77 with 5:11 to play. – 12:24 AM
Reaves found LeBron for a run-stopping layup, and Randle hit a shot on the other end, but hit LeBron with his off hand to negate the bucket.
As such, LA lead 88-77 with 5:11 to play. – 12:24 AM
David Locke @DLocke09
According to NBA in game Defense data Luka Doncic has 1 field goal tonight when guarded by Rudy Gobert and LeBron James is 0 for 3 – 12:22 AM
According to NBA in game Defense data Luka Doncic has 1 field goal tonight when guarded by Rudy Gobert and LeBron James is 0 for 3 – 12:22 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LA take an 81-65 lead into the 4th, led by 28-10-9 from Doncic, and 15-7-5 from LeBron, plus some strong defense from the entire team. Wolves are shooting 37.7% overall and 17.6% from 3. They do have 21 FT attempts against a much more physical LA defense relative to Game 1. – 12:05 AM
LA take an 81-65 lead into the 4th, led by 28-10-9 from Doncic, and 15-7-5 from LeBron, plus some strong defense from the entire team. Wolves are shooting 37.7% overall and 17.6% from 3. They do have 21 FT attempts against a much more physical LA defense relative to Game 1. – 12:05 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Redick was animated into a time out after LA gave up 2 straight buckets to Edwards that cut the lead to 11, and LA responded with a 7-0 run, getting a pair of stops to go with a Doncic 2, Finney-Smith 3 and LeBron put-back layup.
It’s 69-51 with 6:00 to go in the 3rd. – 11:44 PM
Redick was animated into a time out after LA gave up 2 straight buckets to Edwards that cut the lead to 11, and LA responded with a 7-0 run, getting a pair of stops to go with a Doncic 2, Finney-Smith 3 and LeBron put-back layup.
It’s 69-51 with 6:00 to go in the 3rd. – 11:44 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers lead 58-43 at the half. Luka 22p 5r 5a; LeBron 13p 4r 4a. – 11:12 PM
The Lakers lead 58-43 at the half. Luka 22p 5r 5a; LeBron 13p 4r 4a. – 11:12 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LA’s lead is 51-29 after 2 Doncic FT’s get him up to 22 points with 5:42 to play in the 2nd Q.
LeBron has 13, meanwhile, on 5 of 7 FG’s, mostly jumpers. – 10:58 PM
LA’s lead is 51-29 after 2 Doncic FT’s get him up to 22 points with 5:42 to play in the 2nd Q.
LeBron has 13, meanwhile, on 5 of 7 FG’s, mostly jumpers. – 10:58 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The rim-protection-by-committee thing has gone great for the Lakers so far. LeBron, DFS and Vando have all made plays at the basket. – 10:49 PM
The rim-protection-by-committee thing has gone great for the Lakers so far. LeBron, DFS and Vando have all made plays at the basket. – 10:49 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Both Reid and DiVincenzo have 3 PF’s off the Minnesota bench.
Lakers lead 40-21 with 9:13 left in the 2nd Q.
LeBron’s up to 8 points with 4 boards and 2 assists. – 10:47 PM
Both Reid and DiVincenzo have 3 PF’s off the Minnesota bench.
Lakers lead 40-21 with 9:13 left in the 2nd Q.
LeBron’s up to 8 points with 4 boards and 2 assists. – 10:47 PM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
LeBron James and Luka Doncic with a combined four assists in the first quarter of Game 2 — equal to what they had in all of Game 1. Plus, Austin Reaves, Doncic and LeBron have as many assists (seven) in the first quarter than they did in all of Game 1. – 10:40 PM
LeBron James and Luka Doncic with a combined four assists in the first quarter of Game 2 — equal to what they had in all of Game 1. Plus, Austin Reaves, Doncic and LeBron have as many assists (seven) in the first quarter than they did in all of Game 1. – 10:40 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
More strong defense from the Lakers, and ball movement on the other end has the home team up 25-10.
Doncic is 4 for 5 for 14 points after hitting a 3 a possession after LeBron buried a jumper.
Lakers are 8 for 14, and Wolves 3 for 12. – 10:27 PM
More strong defense from the Lakers, and ball movement on the other end has the home team up 25-10.
Doncic is 4 for 5 for 14 points after hitting a 3 a possession after LeBron buried a jumper.
Lakers are 8 for 14, and Wolves 3 for 12. – 10:27 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Excellent first shift defensively for LeBron, who was everywhere. Wolves are struggling to get good looks early, shooting 3 of 10 thus far. – 10:21 PM
Excellent first shift defensively for LeBron, who was everywhere. Wolves are struggling to get good looks early, shooting 3 of 10 thus far. – 10:21 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
What’s the better bet tonight?
🏀Lakers win + LeBron James 30+ points (+365)
🏀Timberwolves win + Anthony Edwards 30+ points (+465)
Listen to the @RotoWireNBA show at 7pm ET with @wha1en and @BaruthaAlex for more on tonight’s action!
Listen LIVE: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive pic.x.com/NNFZNQ3zLt – 7:00 PM
What’s the better bet tonight?
🏀Lakers win + LeBron James 30+ points (+365)
🏀Timberwolves win + Anthony Edwards 30+ points (+465)
Listen to the @RotoWireNBA show at 7pm ET with @wha1en and @BaruthaAlex for more on tonight’s action!
Listen LIVE: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive pic.x.com/NNFZNQ3zLt – 7:00 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Fascinating listen before LAL-MIN G2. It’s almost eerie hearing LeBron talk about how it takes a game to settle into a series considering how G1 went and when this was taped (when LAL was in OKC). And both of their reverence for the playoffs is awesome youtu.be/3n7CDzFhmXg?si… – 5:05 PM
Fascinating listen before LAL-MIN G2. It’s almost eerie hearing LeBron talk about how it takes a game to settle into a series considering how G1 went and when this was taped (when LAL was in OKC). And both of their reverence for the playoffs is awesome youtu.be/3n7CDzFhmXg?si… – 5:05 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Nikola Jokic career in the playoffs:
More PPG than
— Kobe
— Steph
— Giannis
— Embiid
— Shaq
More RPG than
— Shaq
— Duncan
— Hakeem
— Garnett
— Kareem
More APG than
— LeBron
— Harden
— Westbrook
— Frazier
— Bird pic.x.com/27KoEGDN0R – 3:52 PM
Nikola Jokic career in the playoffs:
More PPG than
— Kobe
— Steph
— Giannis
— Embiid
— Shaq
More RPG than
— Shaq
— Duncan
— Hakeem
— Garnett
— Kareem
More APG than
— LeBron
— Harden
— Westbrook
— Frazier
— Bird pic.x.com/27KoEGDN0R – 3:52 PM
More on this storyline
DeMarcus Cousins: I’m enjoying being home with the fam. I’m moving all around the world, seeing different [__], so I like where life is at right now. To be locked down in an NBA season? I’m just kind of past that. I mean, unless it’s some lucrative deal I can’t pass up—if we’re going to get robbed, I mean—outside of that, they’re passing out minimums, and I’m cool on that. -via YouTube / March 1, 2025
James has defied every established NBA norm for an aging player, but he isn’t approaching a game in 2025 like he did when he was in his 20s. His first step off the dribble isn’t as devastating as it used to be. He can’t simply outleap his defender to finish over him like before. Through the first two games of the Minnesota series, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert have done a serviceable job containing him in the half court. But James’ mental grasp of the game is as strong as ever. In 2018, he admitted to saving “pockets of energy” throughout a game by figuring out which possessions he can rest while a teammate orchestrates the offense, so he can expend more energy on defense. Playing wide receiver to Doncic’s quarterback is just his latest update to the software. When asked before the start of the playoffs what has been key to his chemistry with Doncic, James deferred to his 26-year-old counterpart. “Offensively? Give Luka the ball. If we stay ready,” James said, “we never got to get ready.” -via ESPN / April 25, 2025
NBA Stat: The only players in NBA history to record 20+ triple-doubles in the playoffs: Magic Johnson LeBron James Nikola Jokic -via Bluesky / April 25, 2025
“[My bodyguard] was 10 feet away. So whatever’s going to happen would have to happen quick. Because that brother right there that is 330 plus us, that is my bodyguard, not to mention a whole bunch of other people that I usually have around me. I really have very little to be worried about. “Anybody could get got, and I’m fully aware of that. But one of the other things on a very, very serious note, everywhere I go, ESPN knows. Local police, FBI, everything. He’s just with me. But I’m always guarded because I’m an investment. We got people out here that’s got people protecting them, and they bringing in a little paper. I make a lot of money for the mouse. So if people want to think that I’m just walking around and I don’t have anybody around me. He’s just like my blood. That’s like my brother right there.” -via Awful Announcing / April 25, 2025