But even though Anthony Davis has created a buzz with his MVP-caliber play, what has become clear to him is even more exciting. With him playing his best, and with James defying Father Time, capable of rattling off four straight triple-double performances, as he did last month, the Lakers could be competitive. They recently won six games in a row. Perhaps there’s a chance they could even contend for another championship, after winning their first title in 10 years in the the NBA Bubble in Orlando in 2020. “Right now we’re in control of our own destiny since we’re sitting in the [sixth] seed, so we’ve just got to continue to do what we do,” Davis told FOX Sports.”[LeBron and I] definitely want to win another championship. I want to win another championship. I want a parade. I want to experience that. I know [LeBron] wants to. I know some guys on our team want to win their first one. We’re all competitive and we’re all playing for each other and just trying to play the right way for one common goal.”
Source: FoxSports.com
Source: FoxSports.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
AD doesn’t understand why he hasn’t won a DPOY of the year award:
“There’s nothing that I can’t do defensively. I can switch 1-through-5. I’m one of the best at guarding pick-and-rolls, an elite rim protector. Whatever you need me to do defensively, I can do. I honestly just – 2:29 PM
AD doesn’t understand why he hasn’t won a DPOY of the year award:
“There’s nothing that I can’t do defensively. I can switch 1-through-5. I’m one of the best at guarding pick-and-rolls, an elite rim protector. Whatever you need me to do defensively, I can do. I honestly just – 2:29 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Exclusive with Anthony Davis: “It’s never been a conversation with me and [LeBron] where it’s like, ‘Hey, this is your team and I’m giving you the keys or whatever.’ It’s just been something that we’ve just played off of each other. And it just happened.”
foxsports.com/stories/nba/in… – 1:40 PM
Exclusive with Anthony Davis: “It’s never been a conversation with me and [LeBron] where it’s like, ‘Hey, this is your team and I’m giving you the keys or whatever.’ It’s just been something that we’ve just played off of each other. And it just happened.”
foxsports.com/stories/nba/in… – 1:40 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LIVE in 30!!! 9amPT/12pmET tap in w/ @JohnGonzalez @sportsreiter for Weekend Radar on Beyond the Arc. Lakers escape…LeBron struggles, surprises at the top of both conferences, Warriors concern level & More!!!
Join the LIVE here or on YouTube where you can chat & leave comments – 11:27 AM
LIVE in 30!!! 9amPT/12pmET tap in w/ @JohnGonzalez @sportsreiter for Weekend Radar on Beyond the Arc. Lakers escape…LeBron struggles, surprises at the top of both conferences, Warriors concern level & More!!!
Join the LIVE here or on YouTube where you can chat & leave comments – 11:27 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The shorthanded Lakers eek out a 105-104 win over Utah, with good performances from LeBron, AD, Rui and Christie… and the assist of the decade from Jazz coach Will Hardy! @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sho… – 11:21 AM
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The shorthanded Lakers eek out a 105-104 win over Utah, with good performances from LeBron, AD, Rui and Christie… and the assist of the decade from Jazz coach Will Hardy! @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sho… – 11:21 AM
Mark Montieth @MarkMontieth
Since the Jack Mollenkopf era, @PurdueFootball has had 11 head coaches. Only three of them left on their own terms – Jim Young, Joe Tiller and Jeff Brohm. The others were shown the door. It’s not necessarily an indictment of an AD if it doesn’t work out, but it’s always possible. – 10:15 AM
Since the Jack Mollenkopf era, @PurdueFootball has had 11 head coaches. Only three of them left on their own terms – Jim Young, Joe Tiller and Jeff Brohm. The others were shown the door. It’s not necessarily an indictment of an AD if it doesn’t work out, but it’s always possible. – 10:15 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: The Lakers have been perpetually in search of shooters to surround LeBron with since he came to L.A. Here’s how the 17th pick may have ended up as the best one yet in Dalton Knecht es.pn/49lWDvx – 10:06 AM
New story: The Lakers have been perpetually in search of shooters to surround LeBron with since he came to L.A. Here’s how the 17th pick may have ended up as the best one yet in Dalton Knecht es.pn/49lWDvx – 10:06 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fun fact: LeBron James has more 25-point games than any active player has 20-point games. pic.x.com/tWWG0LnZF0 – 9:01 AM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gdw1KOuWYAATHqL.jpg")
Fun fact: LeBron James has more 25-point games than any active player has 20-point games. pic.x.com/tWWG0LnZF0 – 9:01 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players with a 30-point triple-double before turning 21:
— Luka
— LeBron
— Fox
And now, Wemby. pic.x.com/d4Mxx9uw2l – 11:29 PM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GdxFBh8XIAAnROg.jpg")
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GdxFC8WWwAEX2d9.jpg")
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GdxFEUsXQAAFcb6.jpg")
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GdxFFkdXIAAmhJ_.jpg")
Players with a 30-point triple-double before turning 21:
— Luka
— LeBron
— Fox
And now, Wemby. pic.x.com/d4Mxx9uw2l – 11:29 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LAL wins ugly in UTA, 105-104, to start their 4-game trip. AD was great (33 pts 11 reb 2 stl), LeBron was effective keeping LA organized but forgot to pack his J (27 pts 14 ast 5 reb 2 blk but 0-of-9 from 3), Rui hit a couple timely 3s and Gabe (10 pts) and Max (12 pts) solid – 10:29 PM
LAL wins ugly in UTA, 105-104, to start their 4-game trip. AD was great (33 pts 11 reb 2 stl), LeBron was effective keeping LA organized but forgot to pack his J (27 pts 14 ast 5 reb 2 blk but 0-of-9 from 3), Rui hit a couple timely 3s and Gabe (10 pts) and Max (12 pts) solid – 10:29 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final: Lakers 105, Jazz 104.
Utah doesn’t get a shot off before the buzzer. LAL improves to 12-8 on the season.
Anthony Davis: 33 points, 11 rebounds. LeBron James: 27 points, 14 assists, 5 rebounds.
Next up: tomorrow at Minnesota. pic.x.com/mKfVnQGHN7 – 10:23 PM
Final: Lakers 105, Jazz 104.
Utah doesn’t get a shot off before the buzzer. LAL improves to 12-8 on the season.
Anthony Davis: 33 points, 11 rebounds. LeBron James: 27 points, 14 assists, 5 rebounds.
Next up: tomorrow at Minnesota. pic.x.com/mKfVnQGHN7 – 10:23 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Sexton can’t get a shot off….the Lakers beat the Jazz 105-104….On to the next…..22 for Lauri Markkanen….21 for John Collins
33 and 11 for AD…..27 and 14 and 5 for LeBron James – 10:22 PM
Sexton can’t get a shot off….the Lakers beat the Jazz 105-104….On to the next…..22 for Lauri Markkanen….21 for John Collins
33 and 11 for AD…..27 and 14 and 5 for LeBron James – 10:22 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron tonight:
27 PTS
5 REB
14 AST
2 BLK
0-9 3P
One three away from passing Kyle Korver in all-time threes. pic.x.com/XvriD3IDgj – 10:22 PM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gdw0OX_WMAAKuTr.jpg")
LeBron tonight:
27 PTS
5 REB
14 AST
2 BLK
0-9 3P
One three away from passing Kyle Korver in all-time threes. pic.x.com/XvriD3IDgj – 10:22 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
AD vs the Jazz:
33 PTS
11 REB
2 STL
Only Giannis has more 30/10 games this decade. pic.x.com/BabInAR3JM – 10:22 PM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gdw0T5xXMAAFtq4.jpg")
AD vs the Jazz:
33 PTS
11 REB
2 STL
Only Giannis has more 30/10 games this decade. pic.x.com/BabInAR3JM – 10:22 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
On the second chance, Sexton fumbles the ball, then gets blocked! Lakers beat Jazz 105-104.
Weird game that could have gone either way… LBJ/AD alone pushing Lakers to that win. For Jazz: Markkanen 22p, Collins 21p. – 10:22 PM
On the second chance, Sexton fumbles the ball, then gets blocked! Lakers beat Jazz 105-104.
Weird game that could have gone either way… LBJ/AD alone pushing Lakers to that win. For Jazz: Markkanen 22p, Collins 21p. – 10:22 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Game update: Jazz within 3 points — LeBron just made a pretty crazy lefty floater thing to beat the shot clock buzzer.
105-102, 41 seconds left. Jazz ball. Gotta be a 2-for-1. – 10:16 PM
Game update: Jazz within 3 points — LeBron just made a pretty crazy lefty floater thing to beat the shot clock buzzer.
105-102, 41 seconds left. Jazz ball. Gotta be a 2-for-1. – 10:16 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
LeBron James saw the washed allegations on twitter Friday night and decided to show up and put on a clinic….. – 10:07 PM
LeBron James saw the washed allegations on twitter Friday night and decided to show up and put on a clinic….. – 10:07 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Max Christie was credited with the steal, but nice stunt from Rui Hachimura to poke the ball free on Keyonte George’s drive to the rim, leading to LeBron James getting a layup in transition.
Lakers leading Jazz 99-90 with 6:13 remaining. – 10:05 PM
Max Christie was credited with the steal, but nice stunt from Rui Hachimura to poke the ball free on Keyonte George’s drive to the rim, leading to LeBron James getting a layup in transition.
Lakers leading Jazz 99-90 with 6:13 remaining. – 10:05 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Loud “Let’s go Lakers” chant at Delta Center, followed by loud boos to fend off said chant, followed by loud cheer as LeBron goes up and under reverse, followed by Jazz timeout as Lakers take 97-90 lead – 9:58 PM
Loud “Let’s go Lakers” chant at Delta Center, followed by loud boos to fend off said chant, followed by loud cheer as LeBron goes up and under reverse, followed by Jazz timeout as Lakers take 97-90 lead – 9:58 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
LeBron might legit get the worst whistle of any superstar in NBA history….it’s either him or Shaq…. – 9:55 PM
LeBron might legit get the worst whistle of any superstar in NBA history….it’s either him or Shaq…. – 9:55 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
END OF 3Q: Lakers 86, Jazz 81. Good closing sequence from Jalen Hood-Schifino: got the stop against Lauri Markkanen before drawing a foul late in the 3Q with the Lakers in the bonus. Made both FTs to give LAL a 5-point lead going into the 4Q. Anthony Davis: 31 points, 10 rebounds – 9:49 PM
END OF 3Q: Lakers 86, Jazz 81. Good closing sequence from Jalen Hood-Schifino: got the stop against Lauri Markkanen before drawing a foul late in the 3Q with the Lakers in the bonus. Made both FTs to give LAL a 5-point lead going into the 4Q. Anthony Davis: 31 points, 10 rebounds – 9:49 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Two JHS free throws just ahead of the 3rd Q end have the Lakers up 86-81 with 12 minutes to play.
Davis had 16 of his 31 points in that 3rd period.
LeBron has 12 assists in 24 minutes. – 9:48 PM
Two JHS free throws just ahead of the 3rd Q end have the Lakers up 86-81 with 12 minutes to play.
Davis had 16 of his 31 points in that 3rd period.
LeBron has 12 assists in 24 minutes. – 9:48 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Anthony Davis has led a 16-5 run here in the 3rd Q that has the Lakers up 82-74, their biggest lead tonight.
AD has 29 points with his 9 rebounds. – 9:43 PM
Anthony Davis has led a 16-5 run here in the 3rd Q that has the Lakers up 82-74, their biggest lead tonight.
AD has 29 points with his 9 rebounds. – 9:43 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
LeBron is now sitting on his 585th double-double. That’s the equivalent of seven full seasons (and a little change) worth of NBA games. Many players would be thrilled to carve out seven years in the league. And that’s just LeBron’s double-double tally. Pretty amazing. AK – 9:39 PM
LeBron is now sitting on his 585th double-double. That’s the equivalent of seven full seasons (and a little change) worth of NBA games. Many players would be thrilled to carve out seven years in the league. And that’s just LeBron’s double-double tally. Pretty amazing. AK – 9:39 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
John Collins felt all of LeBron’s anger, concentrated all into LeBron’s shoulder, on the blocking foul. AK – 9:04 PM
John Collins felt all of LeBron’s anger, concentrated all into LeBron’s shoulder, on the blocking foul. AK – 9:04 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Lakers say LeBron James has now reached 15,000 career field goals made, becoming the second player in NBA history to do so. James is currently second behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (15,837) in NBA history. – 9:02 PM
Lakers say LeBron James has now reached 15,000 career field goals made, becoming the second player in NBA history to do so. James is currently second behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (15,837) in NBA history. – 9:02 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
It’s hard for the Jazz to play Walker Kessler 35 minutes a night, which is what he should be playing, because if you do, this team is going to win too many games…..Bro got Anthony Davis in hell right now – 8:58 PM
It’s hard for the Jazz to play Walker Kessler 35 minutes a night, which is what he should be playing, because if you do, this team is going to win too many games…..Bro got Anthony Davis in hell right now – 8:58 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Shai GIlgeous-Alexander has his 9th 30 point game of the season.
Ties Anthony Davis for #4 in the NBA.
SGA’s 4th straight 30 point game. – 8:56 PM
Shai GIlgeous-Alexander has his 9th 30 point game of the season.
Ties Anthony Davis for #4 in the NBA.
SGA’s 4th straight 30 point game. – 8:56 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Back-to-back sequences where LeBron drives, doesn’t get a call, stays back to argue, and the Jazz score in transition. Was LeBron’s anger justified on both no-calls? Yes. It also doesn’t matter. He needs to stop complaining and help the defense. AK – 8:47 PM
Back-to-back sequences where LeBron drives, doesn’t get a call, stays back to argue, and the Jazz score in transition. Was LeBron’s anger justified on both no-calls? Yes. It also doesn’t matter. He needs to stop complaining and help the defense. AK – 8:47 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
SpringHill, the media and production company that LeBron James co-founded, lost nearly $30 million last year, @Lucas_Shaw reports, and has been losing money for years. bloomberg.com/news/newslette… pic.x.com/yGR6Xi6DWg – 8:39 PM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GdweKBgWAAA7LyX.jpg")
SpringHill, the media and production company that LeBron James co-founded, lost nearly $30 million last year, @Lucas_Shaw reports, and has been losing money for years. bloomberg.com/news/newslette… pic.x.com/yGR6Xi6DWg – 8:39 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Anthony Davis blew up the final Utah offensive possession of the quarter, and LA head into the 2nd trailing 27-26.
Lakers forced 6 Utah turnovers to their 2, but the Jazz were +3 in 3-point makes. – 8:39 PM
Anthony Davis blew up the final Utah offensive possession of the quarter, and LA head into the 2nd trailing 27-26.
Lakers forced 6 Utah turnovers to their 2, but the Jazz were +3 in 3-point makes. – 8:39 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers have missed several open looks early (10 of 23, 43.5%), and 6 of their 10 makes have come off LeBron assists.
Utah (52.6% FG’s) leads 27-24 late in the 1st Q. – 8:35 PM
The Lakers have missed several open looks early (10 of 23, 43.5%), and 6 of their 10 makes have come off LeBron assists.
Utah (52.6% FG’s) leads 27-24 late in the 1st Q. – 8:35 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
The previous data for a JHS/Christie/Traore/LeBron/AD five-man lineup is… thin. AK – 8:33 PM
The previous data for a JHS/Christie/Traore/LeBron/AD five-man lineup is… thin. AK – 8:33 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters in Utah:
Gabe Vincent
Dalton Knecht
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis – 6:44 PM
Lakers’ starters in Utah:
Gabe Vincent
Dalton Knecht
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis – 6:44 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Doing research for our awards pod, and came across one of the most insane stats I can ever remember seeing, even with the caveat it’s early:
Lakers with LeBron James on: -6.9 net rating
Lakers with LeBron James off: +9.0 net rating. – 2:30 PM
Doing research for our awards pod, and came across one of the most insane stats I can ever remember seeing, even with the caveat it’s early:
Lakers with LeBron James on: -6.9 net rating
Lakers with LeBron James off: +9.0 net rating. – 2:30 PM
More on this storyline
And in many ways, they’ve been each other’s perfect complement on the court. Davis has never competed with James. He has mined him for knowledge. He learned how to be a champion from him. And now, Davis has accepted the reins in hopes that it’ll lead to another title. “I think that’s the motivation every year, when you get a chance to play alongside somebody like that,” Davis told FOX Sports. “We know that he only has a few years left in his game. We want to take advantage of it while we can.” -via FoxSports.com / December 2, 2024
For Davis, the MVP buzz is validating. But he made it very clear that it’s not his motivation. He’s not willing to pad his stats at the expense of his team. “The MVP stuff and all that stuff will come whenever it comes, if it comes,” Davis told FOX Sports. “It’s not like I’m going to dominate so I can win MVP. I think a lot of times when players focus on winning an individual award, they get lost in that and not focusing on team basketball. “If I had the mindset, oh, I have to win the scoring title, I have to average 30 [points] every game, then I’d be forcing shots and doing things just to score 30, just to get the scoring title, just to try to get MVP — and now my team is losing. As long as my team is winning and playing the right way, that’s my MO. I don’t care about anything else.” -via FoxSports.com / December 2, 2024
When asked if he thinks voters were turned off by the way he forced his way out of New Orleans to join the Lakers, or whether he’s somehow being docked for playing alongside the face of the league in James, Davis conceded he’s not sure. “I couldn’t even tell you,” Davis told FOX Sports. “I think the goal post just moves sometimes. Some guys throughout the years have been awarded Defensive Player of the Year because they had the most blocks in a season. I’ve done that a couple of times and haven’t gotten it. Or is it about team defense? Or is it about individual defense and what numbers do you have on the defensive end? “There’s nothing that I can’t do defensively. I can switch one-through-five. I’m one of the best at guarding pick-and-rolls, an elite rim protector. Whatever you need me to do defensively, I can do. I honestly just stopped caring about it. But I’m not sure why I haven’t received one yet, even though I’m in a conversation about it every year. At this point, I’m kind of just over it. I’m focusing on winning a championship.” -via FoxSports.com / December 2, 2024
A week later, Knecht and the Lakers had a chance at revenge, hosting the Grizzlies in L.A. This time, the kid who was named after Patrick Swayze’s character in “Road House” entered the game with a different mentality. “Go for the throat,” Knecht told ESPN. “They tried to embarrass us on their home court.” Beyond his still-aching jaw, Knecht was particularly miffed with how Ja Morant went at his teammate LeBron James, with the Memphis star “saying that he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.” Whichever the grievance, the approach worked. Knecht scored 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting (5-for-5 on 3s) and made back-to-back crucial plays in the fourth quarter, first hitting a 3 off a James feed and then throwing a lob to backup center Christian Koloko for a slam that helped fuel a 128-123 victory. “They were real disrespectful,” Knecht said. “We had that game ready on our minds.” -via ESPN / December 2, 2024
Beyond the three-point shooting, Harden moved up another historic NBA list. According to StatMamba, Harden has officially passed Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James to earn the most career games with at least 30 points and ten assists produced in an outing. -via Sports Illustrated / December 2, 2024