The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-shares-blunt-take-on-playing-with-carmelo-anthony-20220104-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are getting used to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-gets-brutally-honest-on-playing-center-without-anthony-davis-20211229-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">life without Anthony Davis</a>, as the former New Orleans Pelicans star continues to be on the sidelines. For that, the biggest adjustment they’ve had to make was to slide <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-news-lebron-james-breaks-the-silence-after-making-more-nba-history-20220110-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> to the five for the first time in his career.
Truth to form, James has excelled at center as if he had been playing that position for decades. He’s given the Lakers another facilitator inside the paintand has endured the physical burden that comes with playing below the rim.
That’s why coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-owner-jeanie-buss-speaks-up-on-fran-vogels-future-20211209-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frank Vogel</a> has been adamant in his desire to keep James playing at the five even when Davis is back on the floor, and he recently made his case and explained why that’s just the best decision.
<h2>Frank Vogel Says Playing LeBron James At Center Gives The Lakers A Defensive Advantage</h2>
“There’s some defensive benefits to it as well, especially with certain matchups where we’re doing a lot of double-teaming with elite guards and you have more speed to scramble around the perimeter,” Vogel said, per Silver Screen &amp; Roll. “There’s still a lot of areas of those types of coverages that we need to improve on but the speed of that can be beneficial.”
“Whether he’s guarding the five or if he’s on the backside at the 3 or 4 or whatever, his voice has been critical over the last three years of me being here and this era of Lakers basketball to the defenses that we’ve had,” the coach added. “He’s the middle linebacker. He’s the best communicator. He’s the best anticipator. Anybody who wants to question what he’s doing on the defensive side of the ball, he’s critical to everything we do defensively.”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-30"> </div>
</div>

<h2>James Wants To Embrace Tougher Defensive Matchups</h2>
Some people could be concerned about James’ body after making the transition to center. He’s not getting any younger and we’re talking about a guy who’s been in the league for 19 years. Then again, The King is looking forward to the challenge and will do whatever the Lakers need:
“Obviously, that has always been part of my objective or who I am as a basketball player to be able to take on matchups that help our ball club,” LeBron said after the Lakers’ games against the Timberwolves.
James is perhaps the only player in NBA history who could thrive on all five positions on the court, and the fact that he’s been able to make this transition so late in his career speaks volumes of his unmatched skillset.

Frank Vogel explains why LeBron James is the best center for the Lakers

Frank Vogel explains why LeBron James is the best center for the Lakers - Bolavip US

When you play at such a high level for so many years, there’s a chance that you’ll <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/LeBron-James-and-his-Guinness-World-Records-20200714-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">break a record</a> almost every night. That’s what’s happening to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-reveals-his-plans-for-bronny-once-he-makes-it-to-the-nba-20220103-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> on his 19th season in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-and-the-leading-candidates-for-mvp-right-now-20220107-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA.</a>
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar continues to make NBA history night in and night out. This time, it wasn’t his scoring that put his name on record books, but his unmatched ability to facilitate and orchestrate the offense.
James passed legendary hooper <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/oscar-robertson-blasts-russell-westbrook-haters-20210506-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar Robertson</a> in the all-time assists leader list and, even though it came on a losing effort against the Memphis Grizzlies, The King was still pretty humbled and excited about it.
<h2>NBA News: LeBron James Reacts To Passing Oscar Robertson In The All-Time Assists List</h2>

<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-twitter" id="twitter-28">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LeBron tied and passed Oscar Robertson on the all-time assists list with these two dimes! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA75</a> <a href="https://t.co/D79wsWDOZe">pic.twitter.com/D79wsWDOZe</a>
 — NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1480398554791395334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a> </blockquote>
 </div>
</div>
“Oh, wow. I am a historian of the game and I know quite a bit about The Big O,” LeBron said after the game. “From his times from high school to the University of Cincinnati, to actually playing for the Cincinnati Royals all the way to Milwaukee, and so on and so on. What he meant to the game and what he still means to the game is something that’s just unparalleled. And, obviously, he will always have a connection to Russ, what they was able to do for multiple seasons. But he was one of the first really premier big guards that could do pretty much everything out on the floor. But his ability to get teammates involved, his ability to find his teammates, his ability to provide that sense of joy out on the floor because of the pass is something that I’ve always respected and gravitated towards; guys like himself, J-Kidd, and Magic. I sound like a broken record, but it’s the honest to God’s truth: anytime I’m connected — or anything with the greats, it’s an honor.”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-79"> </div>
</div>

James’ passing is just one of the many reasons why he’s been able to build an incredible legacy in the Association, and he’s also going to go down as the league’s all-time leading scorer once it’s all said and done. That’s some résumé.

Lakers News: LeBron James breaks the silence after making more NBA history

Lakers News: LeBron James breaks the silence after making more NBA history - Bolavip US

Even before the start of the NBA season, people were talking about how the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-explains-whats-wrong-with-the-lakers-20211230-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> were too old to win the ring. Others, however, trusted <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-gets-real-on-his-imminent-retirement-20211229-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> and the moves Rob Pelinka made <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/shannon-sharpe-warns-the-lakers-not-to-trade-for-jerami-grant-20211231-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to improve the roster.</a>
The Lakers added several veterans alongside Russell Westbrook. And, albeit some of those moves were controversial and polarizing, they put together enough talent to be considered a legit contender.
Even so, perhaps the move that was more discussed was signing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-carmelo-anthony-explains-what-facet-of-his-game-has-often-been-ignored-20211101-0025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carmelo Anthony</a> as, for the first time in their NBA careers, he and LeBron would finally play together and pursue a long-overdue championship.
<h2>LeBron James Says Carmelo Anthony Is Like A Breath Of Fresh Air</h2>
The Lakers haven’t fared as good as they thought but Carmelo shouldn’t get any of the blame for that. He’s been pretty efficient off the bench, and James recently claimed that his presence is actually great for the locker room:
“It’s like a breath of fresh air every day,” LeBron said, per Lakers Nation. “He never gets too high, never gets too low… He’s accepted who he is and he’s great at it and I’m happy to finally say I get a chance to team with him for a season.”

<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-92"> </div>
</div>

<h2>Anthony Compared LeBron To An Italian Grandma</h2>
Before the start of the season, Anthony addressed the narrative of the Lakers being too old to be competitive. Notably, he compared LeBron’s game to an old Italian grandmother’s cooking to explain why that wasn’t going to be a problem:
(Transcript via Ebony)
“We knew that. We expected people to say those things; they have to. They have to start a debate, get engagement from people; that’s what it is. This is the only industry where you can be too old. After you reach a certain age, it’s like you’re supposed to lose everything. After 32 years old, it’s a wrap. Like, no. We’re getting older, we’re getting wiser. We know how to move differently, we know how to think differently. We know how to pick our spots and we know what we need to do when we need to do it and how we need to do it.”
“It’s like .. you go to an Italian restaurant, you got the grandmother in there who’s 900 years old cooking the food. The food comes out amazing, though. You’re not gonna say she’s too old to be cooking. You’re gonna taste and enjoy that food. It’s the same situation with us. We’re the cooks in the kitchen. When you taste the food, you’re gonna love the food. That’s how I look at it.”
The Italian grandma has been cooking at an elite level this season but the rest of the kitchen crew has been lacking more often than not. The Lakers need to turn things around quickly, but at least they can always count on Melo and Bron.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1641306488592" id="ckePolls_1641306509400" style="text-align:left"> </div>

LeBron James shares blunt take on playing with Carmelo Anthony

LeBron James shares blunt take on playing with Carmelo Anthony - Bolavip US

A couple of nights ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/bradley-beal-explains-why-kyle-kuzma-is-better-at-wizards-than-at-lakers-20220104-0032.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Washington Wizards</a> announcer Glenn Consor had a poor choice of words to address <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-houston-rockets-point-guard-kevin-porter-jr-receives-an-apology-after-insensitive-comment-from-an-announcer-20220106-0019.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Porter Jr’s game-winner</a>. He thought the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-could-send-russell-westbrook-back-to-the-rockets-20211203-0040.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Houston Rockets</a> young guard, whose father was imprisoned for manslaughter and later shot killed in a bar, was the son of former NBA player Kevin Porter.
“You’ve got to give credit. Kevin Porter Jr., like his dad, pulled that trigger right at the right time,” Consor said during the broadcast. And even though it was unintentional, plenty of NBA figures came out in support of Porter, including LeBron James:
“Oh he thought this was cool huh!!?? Nah we ain’t going for this! Sorry but this ain’t going to fly! How insensitive can you be to say something like this. Beat it man! I pray for you but there’s no place in our beautiful game for you!” the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-considered-trading-russell-westbrook-earlier-this-season-20220106-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lakers</a> star tweeted.
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <img alt="" data-height="303" data-size="w:740,h:374" data-width="600" hspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/export/sites/bolavip/img/2022/01/07/image.jpg_1116067287.jpg" title="" vspace="5"><figcaption> via KingJames </figcaption></figure>
</div>
<h2>LeBron Doubles Down On His Comments</h2>
Consor shared a public apology over his comments and his confusion, claiming that he had also reached out to Porter trying to explain what happened. Even so, LeBron still thinks his words were inexcusable and doubled down on his take against him:

<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-twitter" id="twitter-47">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LeBron explaining his tweet criticizing the Wizards announcer for comments about Kevin Porter Jr and his dad (only 1:30+ mins worth from his presser, he spoke for much longer on the subject): <a href="https://t.co/o0J7lBmEOF">pic.twitter.com/o0J7lBmEOF</a>
 — Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanWardLA/status/1479210081401061380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a> </blockquote>
 </div>
</div>
(Transcript via Fadeaway World)
“I stand by my tweet and I stand by everything I said. Let’s just say he thought that was the case. We get scouting reports on players and I know you guys in the media y’all get memos and stuff from players before the game. I’m not a play-by-play person but I believe they do their due diligence as well and they get their reports on teams they about to play as well as their own team. I was actually watching the game live last night when I heard it.
So if I’m a play-by-play announcer, and I’m covering my local team in his case he’s covering the Wizards. So he remembers the Kevin Porter that used to play for the Bullets. The first thing I would have done, I would have said ‘oh, Kevin Porter Jr. is coming into town, let me see if that’s his son.’ I would have done that due diligence way before and I think everybody on this call would have done the same thing.”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-8"> </div>
</div>

At the end of the day, Consor should’ve known better instead of just assuming Porter was who he thought he was. Hopefully, the young Rockets star won’t take this personally and we can all move on from this unfortunate incident sooner rather than later.

NBA: LeBron James doubles down on his comments against Wizards announcer

NBA: LeBron James doubles down on his comments against Wizards announcer - Bolavip US

For years, people have talked about how <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-gets-real-on-his-imminent-retirement-20211229-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> was one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-draft-top-5-players-drafted-straight-out-of-high-school-20201106-0016.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most NBA-ready</a> players in league history. And needless to say, they expect the very same thing from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-threatens-the-media-over-bronnys-alleged-affair-with-larsa-pippen-20201228-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his elder son Bronny.</a>
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/whos-bronny-james-everything-you-need-to-know-about-lebrons-oldest-son-20201027-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to scouts,</a> Bronny has his old man’s playmaking and athleticism but is a much better shooter than LeBron was at that age, and he already has plenty of offers to play college hoops.
So, even if he’s still a couple of years away from being eligible to enter the Association, people are already speculating whether <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ejected-pacers-fans-crossed-the-line-with-bronny-remarks-says-lebron-james-20211125-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bronny will carry LeBron’s torch</a> in the league. If you ask his old man, there’s no doubt that will happen.
<h2>LeBron James Wants To Play With Bronny In The NBA</h2>
“I want him to be in the NBA. I am not going to lie,” LeBron told Uninterrupted.“I want to be on the court with him. I think that will be an unbelievable moment. He’s about to be a junior so the years, it could get close, but we should see, but I want him to get to the NBA.”

<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-instagram" id="instagram-89">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYPfjUYB3Tx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)">
<div style="padding:16px">
<div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div>
<div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div>
<div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYPfjUYB3Tx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a> </div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px">
<div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYPfjUYB3Tx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ver esta publicación en Instagram</a> </div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div>
<div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div>
<div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto">
<div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div>
<div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYPfjUYB3Tx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Una publicación compartida de UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 </div>
</div>
<h2>The King Urges Ohio To Change The Game-Clock</h2>
James is often spotted at Bronny’s games and hanging out with his friends. Recently, he advocated for Ohio to adopt a 35-second shot clock after a high schooler reached out to local authorities:
“@OHSAASports our team @SIHSBasketball1 just got back from a tournament in California we played 4 games with a 35 second shot clock. They were all high level. Teams ran there sets, game pace was great &amp; you never felt out of the game in the 4th quarter. It’s time to get them Ohio!” said the player.
“I ABSOLUTELY AGREE!! I played HS ball in Ohio and now my boys play ball in Cali,” claimed the Lakers star. “The pace of the game is simply better and actually enhances the kids minds! This CHANGE has to happen now in Ohio ASAP!” LeBron added.
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <img alt="" data-height="395" data-size="w:595,h:395" data-width="595" hspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/export/sites/bolavip/img/2022/01/03/sin_txtulo.png_203767389.png" title="" vspace="5"><figcaption> via LeBron James </figcaption></figure>
</div>
James has always been engaged and interested in high school hoops and he was perhaps the all-time greatest sensation when he was at that stage. So yeah, his word should carry a lot of weight in this decision.

LeBron James reveals his plans for Bronny once he makes it to the NBA

LeBron James reveals his plans for Bronny once he makes it to the NBA - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-gets-brutally-honest-on-playing-center-without-anthony-davis-20211229-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have failed to live up to the expectations and have been one of the biggest disappointments of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/iman-shumpert-now-says-stephen-curry-ruined-true-basketball-20211224-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> season. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/analyst-compares-russell-westbrook-to-a-pretty-single-girl-20211228-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> experiment has failed and they simply don’t look good at all right now.
Regardless of the personnel, it seems like the Lakers just aren’t on the same page right now. They can’t seem to keep their foot on the gas for 48 minutes and struggle to close out games, even against lesser rivals.
That lack of focus and concentration is one of the main reasons why they’ve struggled so badly this year. Per <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-gets-real-on-his-imminent-retirement-20211229-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James,</a> they just won’ be able to turn the page around unless they start taking better care of the basketball.
<h2>NBA News: LeBron James Explains The Biggest Issue With The Lakers</h2>
“There’s a difference between careless turnovers and attack turnovers,” LeBron said, per ClutchPoints. “We gotta cut down on our careless turnovers — the ones that’s just unforced. We’re gonna have attack turnovers, which is OK. We have a lot of attackers and we understand that. But, the careless turnovers, where, literally, you just turn the ball over and there’s no pressure or there’s no reason for it, those are the ones that get us in trouble.”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-19"> </div>
</div>

<h2>LeBron Thinks The Lakers Have No Chemistry</h2>
This isn’t the first time that James addresses the team’s struggles. Not so long ago, he talked about how the lack of playing time together has hurt their chances of developing any sort of chemistry:
“We have no chemistry with any lineup,” the veteran said last week.“From the simple fact that we literally haven’t logged enough minutes. It’s the truth. What is our starting lineup besides me Russ and AD? We don’t know.”
The clock continues to tick and Frank Vogel’s squad can’t seem to figure things out. The trade deadline is looming in and it seems like the patience is running out with this injury-riddled, flawed roster.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1640887956578" id="ckePolls_1640887977281" style="text-align:left"> </div>

LeBron James explains what's wrong with the Lakers

LeBron James explains what's wrong with the Lakers - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-gets-brutally-honest-on-playing-center-without-anthony-davis-20211229-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> entered the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-the-latest-on-sixers-ben-simmons-trade-scenarios-20211227-0025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> in 2003 as the most expected, hyped, and talked about prospect ever. Deemed ‘The Chosen One’, fans and analysts claimed he was poised to become the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/shaq-explains-how-lebron-james-could-win-the-goat-debate-over-michael-jordan-20211021-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greatest ever.</a>
Whether he’s achieved that status yet or not is not for us to debate. However, there’s no denying that James is one of the greatest, most dominant, and most successful athletes to ever live.
But all good things, even his playing career, eventually come to an end. That’s why the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/analyst-compares-russell-westbrook-to-a-pretty-single-girl-20211228-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> superstarfinally addressed his looming retirement after nineteen years at the highest level.
<h3>LeBron James Finally Discusses His Retirement From The NBA</h3>
(Transcript via ClutchPoints)
“I know I’m on the other side of the hill, compared to the hill I was on before. I know that. But, I mean, I’ve thought about it — where I’m at with it. I’m still playing at such a high level, I haven’t given it too much thought. But I’m in Year 19 and I’m not gonna do another 19. So I’m definitely not halfway in my career. I’m on the other side of the hill. So, we’ll see where the game takes me. We’ll see where my body takes me and my mind. As long as my mind stays fresh and my body stays with that, I can play the game. But, in the end, the game will tell you. Your body will tell you. Your mind will tell you. I’ve put in enough hours and punched enough clocks where, when that time comes, I’ll be OK with it.”
If you’ve watched James play recently, there’s no way you can believe he’s 37 years old. Then again, Father Time waits for no one and he’s already taking a toll on his ability to get back to the court after an injury.
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-51"> </div>
</div>

So, for those who have spent the past two decades trying to undermine LeBron and his nearly-unmatched accomplishments, you’re still in time to stop hating and start appreciating greatness while you have the chance.

LeBron James gets real on his imminent retirement

LeBron James gets real on his imminent retirement - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/analyst-compares-russell-westbrook-to-a-pretty-single-girl-20211228-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> needed a hero last night and, just like Magic Johnson in the NBA Finals, a versatile superstar came to save the day. This time, to no surprise,it was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-strongly-rips-LeBron-James-over-now-deleted-post-20211228-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James.</a>
Playing next to Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk, Avery Bradley, and Stanley Johnson, The Kingfilled in for the ever-injured Anthony Davis and slid to the five for the first time in his career.
The result? 32 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 3 three-pointers on 57.9% shooting for James, helping his team end a five-game skid with a 132-123 win over the decimated <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-could-send-russell-westbrook-back-to-the-rockets-20211203-0040.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Houston Rockets.</a>
<h2>LeBron James Addresses Playing At The Five Without Anthony Davis</h2>
James, who had barely played at the five for a couple of minutes during small-ball sets, talked the media to address his provisional position, and even he was surprised of what he was able to accomplish:
“Tonight called for me to start at center, and I just tried to be ahead of a lot of plays,” LeBron said after the game, as quoted by ClutchPoints. “I never played center in my life. I’ve always been on the wing or handling the ball. I was a skinny, lanky kid growing up.”
“LeBron’s plus-minus at the 5 is so ridiculous right now,” said interim coach David Fizdale. “To have guys out with COVID and stuff like that, I just took a gamble and said, ‘You know, I think that tonight’s the night to start him at 5.’”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-40"> </div>
</div>

<h2>James Says He’s In The Zone Right Now</h2>
Even though the Lakers have been bottom-feeders as of late, LeBron is having one of the best offensive moments of his career, leading the league in 30+ point games despite playing only 23 games this season:
“I just feel like I’m in a really good offensive zone right now,” James said. “I can play any type of basketball game … this is year 19 for me, and I’ve been successful at the offensive end my whole career. If it’s a game that calls for a big line up I can be successful. If it (calls for) a small lineup, I can be successful.”
James should be in the MVP conversation again but the Lakers haven’t done him any favors in that regard. Hopefully, they’ll be able to turn things around once they get healthy, as they’re wasting one of the final years of his career.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1640785447486" id="ckePolls_1640785459547" style="text-align:left"> </div>

LeBron James gets brutally honest on playing center without Anthony Davis

LeBron James gets brutally honest on playing center without Anthony Davis - Bolavip US

Love him or hate him, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/lebron-james-t92259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> is one of the most impactful athletes in the world. Being the face of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> and the franchise player of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, his words and actions carry a different kind of weight.
Notably, professional athletes don’t have to be role models. They’re entitled to their opinions and their flaws. But when someone of LeBron’s presence reacts or posts on social media, it’s likely to have a massive domino effect.
That was at a full display last week when the four-time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-all-nba-champions-by-year-20210701-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA Champion</a> posted a rather controversial meme on his social media accounts. It was so blunt that he even deleted him shortly after.
<h2>LeBron James Posts And Deletes Spiderman Meme Comparing COVID-19 With The Flu</h2>
James has been far from satisfied with the COVID-19 protocols since his false-positive test several weeks ago. Last Thursday, he took it a whole to a new level by posting a Spiderman meme that read “Covid, flue, cold” as if they were the same.
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-4"> </div>
</div>

<h2>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Calls Out LeBron James Over Now-Deleted Meme</h2>
Needless to say, it was already too late and the picture went viral in the blink of an eye. That’s why Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on James’ decision to post this meme.
(Transcript via Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
“LeBron James is not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, he’s committed to being a leader in the African American community in the fight against inequality. But his Thursday Instagram meme showing three cartoon Spider-Men pointing at each other—one labeled “covid,” one labeled “flu,” one labeled “cold”—with his message: “Help me out folks” was a blow to his worthy legacy. The meme’s implication is that Lakers star doesn’t understand the difference among these three illnesses, even after all the information that’s been presented in the press. Well, since he asked, let me help him out by explaining the difference—and how knowing that difference might save lives, especially in the Black community.
To directly address LeBron’s confusion, no one thinks colds and the flu aren’t serious. In the 2019-2020 flu season, 400,000 people were hospitalized and 22,000 people died. In 2020, 385,428 people died of COVID-19, while so far in 2021, 423,558 have died in the U.S., for a total of 808,986 deaths. Experts agree that COVID-19 is at least 10 times more lethal than the flu. As for the common cold, death is extremely rare.
However, LeBron James, if you’re concerned about the flu, then help promote the flu vaccination. In the 2019-2020 flu season, only 51.8% in the U.S. were vaccinated, well below the 70% that is the target. Worse, the vaccination rate is 20% lower among Blacks than whites and as a result they have the highest hospitalization rate due to flu of any other group. This is due to vaccination hesitancy that your meme promotes.
One way to help the Black community to overcome their hesitancy and save lives is for prominent Black celebrities and influencers to continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and their boosters. Immunization, whether from vaccines or having had the disease, lessens over time and makes people vulnerable for reinfection.
While LeBron is a necessary and dynamic voice critical of police brutality against the Black community, he needs to be the same necessary and dynamic advocate with vaccines, which could save thousands of Black lives right now. The racism is just as real—and just as lethal—in both cases.”
Well, ouch. This <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/kareem-abdul-jabbar-rips-lebron-james-over-his-stance-on-vaccination-20211005-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">isn’t the first time</a> that Kareem has had plenty to say about James’ stance on COVID-19 and vaccination. And, while James has been heavily criticized by multiple people in the past, no one has Kareem’s weight and credibility around the league.
At the end of the day, it’s not like LeBron has a true obligation to anybody else but him. But in reality, he’s worked so hard to become an example and a leader that he must be aware of the fact that every little thing he says, does, or doesn’t do can impact thousands of people.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar strongly rips LeBron James over now-deleted post

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar strongly rips LeBron James over now-deleted post - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have struggled to live up to the expectations. They had one of the most revamped rosters in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> this season, yet, other than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a>; most of their players have vastly underperformed.
To be fair, the Lakers have struggled with injuries and COVID-19 all season long. But so has the rest of the league, and it’s not like they’re the only team forced to sign replacement players amid this massive outbreak.
That’s why it was so odd to see LeBron using health as an excuse for the Lakers’ five-game losing streak, stating that other teams like the Phoenix Suns and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/golden-state-warriors-t101550" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> don’t have any guys out.
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-49"> </div>
</div>
<h2>LeBron Says The Warriors Don’t Have Players Out</h2>
“Obviously, this losing streak is something that none of us want,” James tol the media. “But, nobody’s gonna feel sorry for you. No one’s gonna be sorry for our record or no nobody’s gonna be sorry for guys (being) out ’cause everybody—besides, I think, Golden State and Phoenix—everybody has guys out.”

<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-twitter" id="twitter-32">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lebron James so out of excuses he just making shit up now ������
 “Everybody has guys out….except Golden State.”
 (Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Andre Iguodala, Damion Lee, Moses Moody, Wiseman and Klay were out for GSW’s victory over the Suns to take the top spot in the West.) <a href="https://t.co/ZOR9XJ4j4p">pic.twitter.com/ZOR9XJ4j4p</a>
 — 27-6 ��DubsGuru�� (@30reacts) <a href="https://twitter.com/30reacts/status/1475052904113270785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a> </blockquote>
 </div>
</div>
Maybe James didn’t realize that, albeit the Suns have been healthy for most of the season, the league-leading Warriors were missing seven guys on Christmas. Moreover, James Wiseman and Klay Thompson haven’t even suited up.
<h2>James Talks About Being Patient With This Roster</h2>
There’s been plenty of chatter around social media about how ‘LeGM’ is going to have most of his teammates traded before the deadline. However, The King is trying to take a look at the bigger picture and a more patient approach with this roster:
“I’m not a very patient person… But without our head coach, just getting guys back, still missing a few, I just try to stay even-keeled… No one is going to feel sorry for us,” the legendary forward admitted.
The Lakers have been fairly disappointing but they’ve also been rarely healthy. So, whether they’re going to dismiss Frank Vogel or hit the drawing board with their roster again is yet to be seen.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1640612194299" id="ckePolls_1640612217033" style="text-align:left"> </div>

LeBron James has the worst excuse for the Lakers' losing streak

LeBron James has the worst excuse for the Lakers' losing streak - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> entered the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> season as one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference, or so they thought. Adding <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/russell-westbrook-t134888" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> to their roster drew contrasting takes around the media, and it hasn’t paid off thus far.
Some reports even state that the Lakers are backpedaling and looking to move Westbrook before the deadline. Others believe that Anthony Davis has been the real issue as he’s vastly underperformed this season.
Whatever it’s the case, the reality is that the Lakers look like a YMCA team right now. There’s no offensive or defensive flow whatsoever, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> credits that to the lack of playing time they’ve had together.
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-8"> </div>
</div>
<h2>LeBron James Says Lakers Have No Chemistry</h2>
“We have no chemistry with any lineup,” LeBron said, as quoted by ClutchPoints. “From the simple fact that we literally haven’t logged enough minutes. It’s the truth. What is our starting lineup besides me Russ and AD?We don’t know.”
That’s 100% on point. Injuries and the COVID-19 health and safety protocols have prevented the Lakers from being at full strength or having a nice stretch of games together, so there’s only so much they can do.
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-58"> </div>
</div>

<h2>David Fizdale Says LeBron Doesn’t Want To Leave The Game</h2>
As for James, interim coach David Fizdale recently revealed that he never wants to go to the bench, as he knows that the team desperately needs him to turn their terrible start to the season around:
“LeBron don’t give us a choice!” Fizdale told the media. “What you talking ‘bout? LeBron is like ‘put me out there.’ This guy is a freak, man. It’s so cool being with him again.”
“He just kept saying ‘I want to stay in here. I want to stay in here. So, no, I don’t have a concern is the short answer. But again, I’m not here that long (laughs),” the coach added.“That’s easy for me to say as an assistant… The higher-ups and our medical team will obviously have to make those decisions. But the way he prepares himself and the liveliness that he brings to the game, no, I don’t (have a concern).”
The Lakers are sitting at a mediocre 16-17 record and currently hold the sixth seed in the West. But even if they’re playoff-bound right now, they look like a first-round exit at best, especially with the Suns, Warriors, and Jazz playing so well.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1640351591927" id="ckePolls_1640351609521" style="text-align:left"> </div>

Frustrated LeBron James explains why the Lakers have no chemistry

Frustrated LeBron James explains why the Lakers have no chemistry - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> has often been at the center of controversies. Despite his incredible accomplishments in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a>, some still try to undermine him and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-15-Greatest-NBA-Players-of-All-Time-20200329-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what he’s done</a> for the game of basketball.
One of the biggest narratives against James circles around the great teams he’s had. His doubters claim he hasn’t been able to win on his own and thus he’ll never be the greatest of all time.
Even Iman Shumpert, who won an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-all-nba-champions-by-year-20210701-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA championship</a> with him, recently said that LeBron ruined basketball by joining the Miami Heat, as it paved the way for the era of Superteams to take over the league.
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-79"> </div>
</div>
<h2>Iman Shumpert Says LeBron James Ruined Basketball</h2>
“Bron ruined basketball,”Shumpert said in the Bootleg Kev Podcast.“He thought he was making it better I get him. Me, personally, I love the NBA for the loyalty that I thought was there. He basically knocked the fourth wall down like the organization they bullsh*tting, we doing what we want.”
“Great business move for sure but when you think about it outside looking in like, I got people tweeting me right now. They like literally talking about owners and trades, it’s like bro y’all aren’t supposed to be talking about none of this actually,” the former champion added.
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-36"> </div>
</div>

<h2>Shumpert Says It’s Impossible To Badmouth LeBron</h2>
Needless to say, Shumpert’s comments didn’t go unnoticed by LeBron fans, who called him out for badmouthing his most famous teammate. That’s why Shumpert took to Instagram to clear the air on his comments:
“Lmao at the people who think I bad-mouthed Bron. If you watch the interview… he was praised. It’s impossible to bash that type of career. People just don’t like when you speak and pick a side,” Shumpert wrote.
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <img alt="" data-height="1070" data-size="w:700,h:1249" data-width="600" hspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/en/export/sites/bolavip/img/2021/12/23/sin_txtulo.png_687120839.png" title="" vspace="5"><figcaption> via Iman Shumpert </figcaption></figure>
</div>
Yeah, maybe Shumpert’s comments were just taken out of context. But even if he won a ring with The King, he’s entitled to his opinion, and it’s not like James is theonly player that’s ever needed a Superteam by his side to win.

Iman Shumpert clears the air on his comments on LeBron James

Iman Shumpert clears the air on his comments on LeBron James - Bolavip US

Throughout history, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> has been one of the most polarizing figures around the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a>. Some love him, some hate him, some think he’s the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-15-Greatest-NBA-Players-of-All-Time-20200329-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greatest player of all time</a>; others state that he does it all for the show.
Whatever’s the case, no one can deny that James paved the way for many other players by starting the so-called player empowerment era. Now, all stars are in control of their destiny and decide where they want to play more often than not.
But more than that, some claim that James started the era of ‘Superteams,’ with multiple stars teaming up to get an easier path to an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-all-nba-champions-by-year-20210701-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA championship</a>. Notably, that seems to be what his former teammate Iman Shumpert thinks of him.
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-50"> </div>
</div>
<h2>Iman Shumpert Says LeBron James Ruined Basketball By Joining The Miami Heat</h2>
“Bron ruined basketball,” Shumpert said in an interview.“He thought he was making it better I get him. Me, personally, I love the NBA for the loyalty that I thought was there. He basically knocked the fourth wall down like the organization they bullsh*tting, we doing what we want.”
“Great business move for sure but when you think about it outside looking in like, I got people tweeting me right now. They like literally talking about owners and trades, it’s like bro y’all aren’t supposed to be talking about none of this actually,” Shumpert added.
It’s not usual to see players stay on the same team for over a decade, especially if we’re talking about small markets. But you can’t put the whole blame on LeBron, even if he was one of the first guys to openly pull it off.

<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-49"> </div>
</div>

Also, James eventually came back home and fulfilled his promise of winning a ring with the Cavaliers, even if he also needed a bit of a Superteam to pull it off. At the end of the day, Superteams will always be a subject of controversy but it’s not like the league can do anything about it.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1640095739737" id="ckePolls_1640095768214" style="text-align:left"> </div>

Iman Shumpert says LeBron James ruined basketball

Iman Shumpert says LeBron James ruined basketball - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> haven’t been exactly as good as expected. They had one of the most stacked rosters in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> entering the season, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/russell-westbrook-t134888" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> looks like a lost cause at this time.
Anthony Davis has vastly regressed, multiple players have missed time with injuries, and Frank Vogel could be on the hot seat if he doesn’t turn their mediocre defense around sooner rather than later.
Nonetheless, per former NBA player Quentin Richardson, they still have a chance to win the whole thing for one reason and one reason only: They still have <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/lebron-james-t92259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> leading the locker room.
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-77"> </div>
</div>
<h2>Quentin Richardson On The Lakers: “LeBron And His Team Always Have A Chance”</h2>
(Transcript via Fadeaway World)

<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-twitter" id="twitter-82">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“I know this isn’t the finished product”
 Despite the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakers</a> early season struggles, <a href="https://twitter.com/QRich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QRich</a> tells <a href="https://twitter.com/talkhoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@talkhoops</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ROSGO21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ROSGO21</a> why they are still a threat to win the championship <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LakeShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LakeShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/TETQCgQT2x">pic.twitter.com/TETQCgQT2x</a>
 — SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/1471578376406290434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a> </blockquote>
 </div>
</div>
“I don’t think they are where they want to be, or where people thought they would be as far as right now in the season the way they’re playing.
As far as the chance I give them, I give them the same chance any other LeBron led team has… Obviously we can pick and point at it, but every team from Miami to Milwaukee or whoever else will have their ups and downs… The difference with LeBron and his team is that I feel they always have a chance. We’ve seen it.
That could change in one game for them. Everybody plays well and everybody feel good, and oh my god look out now they’re about to go on a run because they all on the same page. To me, when I look at the Lakers right now, I know that this isn’t the finished product. When it’s winning time and it’s time to get the playoffs… they’re gonna be as dangerous and it’s gonna be one of the toughest outs to put them out in 7 games.”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-37"> </div>
</div>

The Lakers look far from a contender right now but we’ve seen LeBron work his magic with way worse rosters. Then again, maybe putting all your hopes on a soon-to-be 38 years old may not be the best plan.

<div class="ckeditor-poll" data-path="/usa/encuestas/Encuesta1639800711370" id="ckePolls_1639800723015" style="text-align:left"> </div>

Former NBA player explains why LeBron James can still lead the Lakers to a ring

Former NBA player explains why LeBron James can still lead the Lakers to a ring - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> is one of the most competitive tournaments in the world. Moreover, if you play for a big market team like the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/boston-celtics-t101837" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtics</a>, you know there’ll be plenty of pressure on your shoulders.
That’s why most players need to develop great mental strength to be able to deal with the media, fans, and people constantly assessing their performance and sharing their thoughts on their game.
However, not all of them are exactly open to criticism or care about what other people say. According to Charles Barkley, that’s the case with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> and Kobe Bryant, as they just get livid when people call them out.
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-45"> </div>
</div>
<h2>Charles Barkley Says Kobe And LeBron Can’t Handle Criticism</h2>
(Transcript via Fadeaway World)

<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ckeditor-em">
<div style="width: 100%;height: 0px;padding-bottom: 56.250%"> </div>
</div>
</div>
“When I get guys complimented, they never f***ing call me. Kobe Bryant, who I love, and rest in peace, I said for three or five years, he was the best pro player in the world, and one night against the Phoenix Suns, he didn’t take any shots in the game in the second half, and I went off on him after the game. ... He called me from 1 o’clock in the morning to 4 o’clock in the morning, cursing me out like a dog. The best thing about it, it’s that it was all text. He called me every name in the book.
“I’ve always said what a great person LeBron James is, I admire him as a person, he’s one of the 5-6 best basketball players I’ve ever seen, I said something about him and he went off on me. But I always laugh. I’m like, ‘these dudes never call me when I talk about how great they are,’ so I learned I had to just deal with it.”
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-10"> </div>
</div>

At the end of the day, it’s all a part of the sports business. You have to be able to handle criticism and just shut down all the outside noise. But hey, maybe that’s just what fuels their fire, and no one can say it hasn’t worked.

Charles Barkley says NBA stars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant can’t handle criticism

Charles Barkley says NBA stars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant can’t handle criticism - Bolavip US

Latest news from LeBron James. Find out about all the news related to LeBron James on bolavip.com/en

LeBron James - Page 121