LeBron James: 'One of my favorite players in the NBA right now is TJ McConnell'
Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast with JJ Redick, the Lakers star expressed his love for McConnell’s game, even comparing him to another genius-level basketball player in Draymond Green. “One of my favorite players in the NBA right now is T.J. McConnell,” James said to open the latest episode of his podcast, via Tony East of Sports Illustrated. “T.J. McConnell… he’s like Draymond [Green] as a point guard.”
Source: Clutch Points
Source: Clutch Points
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers list Anthony Davis (left eye contusion) as probable for tomorrow’s game in Memphis. Lakers list LeBron James (left ankle) as questionable. – 6:31 PM
Lakers list Anthony Davis (left eye contusion) as probable for tomorrow’s game in Memphis. Lakers list LeBron James (left ankle) as questionable. – 6:31 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For the sickos who like to watch, Thursday’s @lockedonlakers pod, on YouTube! Anthony Davis is taking heat for missing the Warriors game. Fair? Plus, should he and LeBron play the last two games? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
youtube.com/watch?v=q3GVnF… – 4:33 PM
For the sickos who like to watch, Thursday’s @lockedonlakers pod, on YouTube! Anthony Davis is taking heat for missing the Warriors game. Fair? Plus, should he and LeBron play the last two games? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
youtube.com/watch?v=q3GVnF… – 4:33 PM
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
Latest @BleacherReport
What LeBron James Opting Out Would Mean for Los Angeles Lakers – the $, influence, etc.
bleacherreport.com/articles/10116… – 3:56 PM
Latest @BleacherReport
What LeBron James Opting Out Would Mean for Los Angeles Lakers – the $, influence, etc.
bleacherreport.com/articles/10116… – 3:56 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Despite his numbers dipping to career lows off bench, Russell Westbrook ranks top 10 in FG% allowed as defender and Clips are shooting 55% off his passes – 2nd to LeBron.
PG: “We owed it to him to make it work. We know what sacrifice looks like now.” espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 3:25 PM
Despite his numbers dipping to career lows off bench, Russell Westbrook ranks top 10 in FG% allowed as defender and Clips are shooting 55% off his passes – 2nd to LeBron.
PG: “We owed it to him to make it work. We know what sacrifice looks like now.” espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 3:25 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
If the Lakers never win another title with LeBron on the roster, there will obviously be many legit reasons. But the Westbrook trade is clearly #1 w/a bullet, because it was a move that left no margin for error. It’s frankly a miracle they’ve unwound the damage this well. AK – 3:10 PM
If the Lakers never win another title with LeBron on the roster, there will obviously be many legit reasons. But the Westbrook trade is clearly #1 w/a bullet, because it was a move that left no margin for error. It’s frankly a miracle they’ve unwound the damage this well. AK – 3:10 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“What he continues to do today… I’m blown away.”
Hear new @DuqMBB coach and longtime friend of LeBron James, Dru Joyce, tell @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine why he continues to be impressed by LeBron each and everyday
@DruOnDemand pic.twitter.com/NqXKU3LqZG – 1:31 PM
“What he continues to do today… I’m blown away.”
Hear new @DuqMBB coach and longtime friend of LeBron James, Dru Joyce, tell @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine why he continues to be impressed by LeBron each and everyday
@DruOnDemand pic.twitter.com/NqXKU3LqZG – 1:31 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
With five 3s last night, CJ McCollum became the 21st player to hit 500 3s w/ two different teams.
He has 500 w/ the Pels and 1,297 w/ the Blazers.
He joins Paul George (three teams), LeBron James, Wesley Matthews & Buddy Hield as active players to do so.
(h/t @EliasSports) – 1:22 PM
With five 3s last night, CJ McCollum became the 21st player to hit 500 3s w/ two different teams.
He has 500 w/ the Pels and 1,297 w/ the Blazers.
He joins Paul George (three teams), LeBron James, Wesley Matthews & Buddy Hield as active players to do so.
(h/t @EliasSports) – 1:22 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Left is Kyrie and LeBron in 2016. Right is Kyrie and Luka this season.
44.9 PPG 59.5 PPG
10.4 RPG 14.2 RPG
11.5 APG 15.0 APG
2.5 SPG 2.7 SPG pic.twitter.com/VTeUke0Atm – 1:20 PM
Left is Kyrie and LeBron in 2016. Right is Kyrie and Luka this season.
44.9 PPG 59.5 PPG
10.4 RPG 14.2 RPG
11.5 APG 15.0 APG
2.5 SPG 2.7 SPG pic.twitter.com/VTeUke0Atm – 1:20 PM
Dustin Dopirak @DustinDopirak
First line from LeBron: “One of my favorite players in the game right now is T.J. McConnell”: youtube.com/watch?v=6Oag1U… – 12:17 PM
First line from LeBron: “One of my favorite players in the game right now is T.J. McConnell”: youtube.com/watch?v=6Oag1U… – 12:17 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
Extended playoff yak from Marcus and me, including the first round series we’d like to see, what the NBA will do if the Warriors (Steph) AND Lakers (LeBron) don’t get out of the play-in, whether the Celtics will get snubbed in postseason awards & more!
theathletic.com/podcast/8-the-… – 11:00 AM
Extended playoff yak from Marcus and me, including the first round series we’d like to see, what the NBA will do if the Warriors (Steph) AND Lakers (LeBron) don’t get out of the play-in, whether the Celtics will get snubbed in postseason awards & more!
theathletic.com/podcast/8-the-… – 11:00 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
NBA scoring leaders over the past month:
1. Jalen Brunson: 32.9
2. Luka Doncic: 30.6
3. Joel Embiid: 30.0
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 28.8
5. Nikola Jokic: 28.1
6. Jayson Tatum: 27.4
7. LeBron James: 26.3
8. Anthony Edwards: 26.2
“bRuNsOn iS nOt a 1A dUdE” – 9:34 AM
NBA scoring leaders over the past month:
1. Jalen Brunson: 32.9
2. Luka Doncic: 30.6
3. Joel Embiid: 30.0
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 28.8
5. Nikola Jokic: 28.1
6. Jayson Tatum: 27.4
7. LeBron James: 26.3
8. Anthony Edwards: 26.2
“bRuNsOn iS nOt a 1A dUdE” – 9:34 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Perhaps the strategy was to have LeBron spread his germs to the Warriors? Anyone know the incubation period for LeIllness? BK – 12:53 AM
Perhaps the strategy was to have LeBron spread his germs to the Warriors? Anyone know the incubation period for LeIllness? BK – 12:53 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James talks loss to the Warriors, his sickness, AD’s absence pic.twitter.com/2FHXsB4pB4 – 12:50 AM
LeBron James talks loss to the Warriors, his sickness, AD’s absence pic.twitter.com/2FHXsB4pB4 – 12:50 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron first gave Golden State credit for the shot making, starting with Draymond Green going 5 for 5 from 3 in the 1st half, and later added this when asked about playing without Anthony Davis: “It’s pretty much impossible to make up for what he does for our ball club.” – 12:47 AM
LeBron first gave Golden State credit for the shot making, starting with Draymond Green going 5 for 5 from 3 in the 1st half, and later added this when asked about playing without Anthony Davis: “It’s pretty much impossible to make up for what he does for our ball club.” – 12:47 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron tonight:
33 PTS
7 REB
11 AST
Not enough to beat the Warriors. statmuse.com/nba/player/leb… – 12:20 AM
LeBron tonight:
33 PTS
7 REB
11 AST
Not enough to beat the Warriors. statmuse.com/nba/player/leb… – 12:20 AM
Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
Michael Jordan may be the GOAT but he never played like LeBron James at age 39. No one has ever played like 39-year-old LeBron James at age 39. – 11:56 PM
Michael Jordan may be the GOAT but he never played like LeBron James at age 39. No one has ever played like 39-year-old LeBron James at age 39. – 11:56 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
A LeBron-led 9-0 run to start the 4th Q has LAL quickly back within 8, forcing a GSW time out at the 9:58 mark. – 11:52 PM
A LeBron-led 9-0 run to start the 4th Q has LAL quickly back within 8, forcing a GSW time out at the 9:58 mark. – 11:52 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL were within 6 when LeBron went out at the 3:30 mark of the 3rd Q, but allowed a 16-3 Warriors run to close the quarter, as they added 3 more triples to get to 20 makes in 32 attempts, a ridiculous 62.5% rate. – 11:46 PM
LAL were within 6 when LeBron went out at the 3:30 mark of the 3rd Q, but allowed a 16-3 Warriors run to close the quarter, as they added 3 more triples to get to 20 makes in 32 attempts, a ridiculous 62.5% rate. – 11:46 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
A big 4-point swing here as LAL try to get back into the game, as a LeBron alley-oop to LeBron was just out of the reach of Jaxson Hayes, and GSW got a dunk on the other end.
Russell did respond with a 3 to get the Lakers back within 6 at 77-71. – 11:29 PM
A big 4-point swing here as LAL try to get back into the game, as a LeBron alley-oop to LeBron was just out of the reach of Jaxson Hayes, and GSW got a dunk on the other end.
Russell did respond with a 3 to get the Lakers back within 6 at 77-71. – 11:29 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers fell down by as many as 17, but go into halftime down 71-60 to the Warriors. LeBron leads LAL with 14 pts; Draymond and Klay have 15 apiece for GSW. – 11:08 PM
The Lakers fell down by as many as 17, but go into halftime down 71-60 to the Warriors. LeBron leads LAL with 14 pts; Draymond and Klay have 15 apiece for GSW. – 11:08 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
LeBron James is in the “Prime Year” LeBron 21s again tonight — a hybrid design tribute to Deion Sanders’ iconic DT Max signature shoe from James’ childhood. pic.twitter.com/X6jYhpryN2 – 11:03 PM
LeBron James is in the “Prime Year” LeBron 21s again tonight — a hybrid design tribute to Deion Sanders’ iconic DT Max signature shoe from James’ childhood. pic.twitter.com/X6jYhpryN2 – 11:03 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Halftime: Warriors 71, Lakers 60
LA closed the half on a 19-13 mini-run to potentially make this a game in the second half. LeBron has 14 points. Austin Reaves has 13 points and led the mini-run. DLo has 11 points and 5 assists. Warriors shooting 56.8% and have made 15 3s. – 11:03 PM
Halftime: Warriors 71, Lakers 60
LA closed the half on a 19-13 mini-run to potentially make this a game in the second half. LeBron has 14 points. Austin Reaves has 13 points and led the mini-run. DLo has 11 points and 5 assists. Warriors shooting 56.8% and have made 15 3s. – 11:03 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
First quarter: Warriors 38, Lakers 29
LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes lead LA with 7 points each. Golden State is shooting 58.3% overall and has made 7 of their 10 3-pointers. The Hayes-less lineup was a layup line for the Warriors. LA is in a tough spot size-wise with no AD. – 10:35 PM
First quarter: Warriors 38, Lakers 29
LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes lead LA with 7 points each. Golden State is shooting 58.3% overall and has made 7 of their 10 3-pointers. The Hayes-less lineup was a layup line for the Warriors. LA is in a tough spot size-wise with no AD. – 10:35 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
LeBron three
Steph three AND 1
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/0Qpx9BsdnW – 10:23 PM
LeBron three
Steph three AND 1(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/0Qpx9BsdnW – 10:23 PM
Dalton Johnson @DaltonJ_Johnson
The last 3 sequences
Podz step-back 3 on LeBron
LeBron step-back 3 on Kuminga
Steph 3 on Reaves – 10:19 PM
The last 3 sequences
Podz step-back 3 on LeBron
LeBron step-back 3 on Kuminga
Steph 3 on Reaves – 10:19 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James starting off the Lakers-Warriors game very aggressive. – 10:10 PM
LeBron James starting off the Lakers-Warriors game very aggressive. – 10:10 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron will start alongside Russell, Reaves, Hachimura and Hayes (in AD’s absence). – 9:35 PM
LeBron will start alongside Russell, Reaves, Hachimura and Hayes (in AD’s absence). – 9:35 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters vs. Golden State:
D’Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Jaxson Hayes
Record as starters: 1-0 – 9:35 PM
Lakers’ starters vs. Golden State:
D’Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Jaxson Hayes
Record as starters: 1-0 – 9:35 PM
Dalton Johnson @DaltonJ_Johnson
Andrew Wiggins is playing and starting tonight for the Warriors. LeBron James is good to go for the Lakers, but no Anthony Davis
Warriors starters
Steph
Klay
Wiggins
Draymond
Trayce Jackson-Davis – 9:33 PM
Andrew Wiggins is playing and starting tonight for the Warriors. LeBron James is good to go for the Lakers, but no Anthony Davis
Warriors starters
Steph
Klay
Wiggins
Draymond
Trayce Jackson-Davis – 9:33 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron James (flu-like symptoms) has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. Golden State. – 9:21 PM
LeBron James (flu-like symptoms) has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. Golden State. – 9:21 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James is available tonight against the Warriors, per the Lakers. – 9:20 PM
LeBron James is available tonight against the Warriors, per the Lakers. – 9:20 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (illness) will play tonight against the Golden State Warriors. – 9:20 PM
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (illness) will play tonight against the Golden State Warriors. – 9:20 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
LeBron James is available tonight vs. the Warriors, the Lakers say. – 9:20 PM
LeBron James is available tonight vs. the Warriors, the Lakers say. – 9:20 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
I asked LeBron James if he was going to play tonight as he just made his way into the arena an hour and five minutes before tipoff: “I’m about to find out” – 8:54 PM
I asked LeBron James if he was going to play tonight as he just made his way into the arena an hour and five minutes before tipoff: “I’m about to find out” – 8:54 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Darvin Ham says LeBron James is still a “game-time decision” tonight vs Warriors. Anthony Davis is out. Davis will miss seven of the eight quarters in these two late-season games vs Warriors. Left after 1Q last month. Warriors will see plenty of Jaxson Hayes tonight. – 8:34 PM
Darvin Ham says LeBron James is still a “game-time decision” tonight vs Warriors. Anthony Davis is out. Davis will miss seven of the eight quarters in these two late-season games vs Warriors. Left after 1Q last month. Warriors will see plenty of Jaxson Hayes tonight. – 8:34 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Darvin Ham said LeBron is a “game time decision” after trying to get a lot of rest and fluids since he missed last game.
Ham then acknowledged the significant difficulty with Davis out, especially defensively, where he’s been the entire key vs. GSW. – 8:27 PM
Darvin Ham said LeBron is a “game time decision” after trying to get a lot of rest and fluids since he missed last game.
Ham then acknowledged the significant difficulty with Davis out, especially defensively, where he’s been the entire key vs. GSW. – 8:27 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Darvin Ham says LeBron James is still a “game-time decision” tonight vs Warriors. Anthony Davis is out. Davis will miss seven of the eight quarters in these two late-season games vs Warriors. Left after 1Q last month. Warriors will see plenty of Jaxson Hates tonight. – 8:27 PM
Darvin Ham says LeBron James is still a “game-time decision” tonight vs Warriors. Anthony Davis is out. Davis will miss seven of the eight quarters in these two late-season games vs Warriors. Left after 1Q last month. Warriors will see plenty of Jaxson Hates tonight. – 8:27 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said LeBron James remains a game-time decision. He has had “a lot of rest and fluids” in the past two days. – 8:25 PM
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said LeBron James remains a game-time decision. He has had “a lot of rest and fluids” in the past two days. – 8:25 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
With tipoff in less than two hours, LeBron James has yet to arrive to the arena, sources told ESPN. He did not participate in the Lakers’ walkthrough. His playing status for the Warriors game is still undetermined, sources said. – 8:06 PM
With tipoff in less than two hours, LeBron James has yet to arrive to the arena, sources told ESPN. He did not participate in the Lakers’ walkthrough. His playing status for the Warriors game is still undetermined, sources said. – 8:06 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
“I think the only other player in the NBA who could say he commands a game as well as Joker at any point of his career is LeBron James.” – @BenGolliver
Jokic > Peak LeBron? 👀 @YourManDevine pic.twitter.com/tLS0Wvbfhf – 7:18 PM
“I think the only other player in the NBA who could say he commands a game as well as Joker at any point of his career is LeBron James.” – @BenGolliver
Jokic > Peak LeBron? 👀 @YourManDevine pic.twitter.com/tLS0Wvbfhf – 7:18 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James’ presence in Game-Time Decision against Golden State Warriors @Sportando sportando.basketball/en/los-angeles… – 4:58 PM
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James’ presence in Game-Time Decision against Golden State Warriors @Sportando sportando.basketball/en/los-angeles… – 4:58 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“[With the Warriors] there is no big three, there’s a big me.”
@Rjeff24 and @KendrickPerkins debate who they trust more: Lebron and AD or the Warriors’ Big 3? 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Hv7f6YPWOo – 4:26 PM
“[With the Warriors] there is no big three, there’s a big me.”
@Rjeff24 and @KendrickPerkins debate who they trust more: Lebron and AD or the Warriors’ Big 3? 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Hv7f6YPWOo – 4:26 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron since the All-Star break:
26.7 PPG
7.4 RPG
9.3 APG
on 46.6% three-point shooting. statmuse.com/nba/player/leb… – 3:26 PM
LeBron since the All-Star break:
26.7 PPG
7.4 RPG
9.3 APG
on 46.6% three-point shooting. statmuse.com/nba/player/leb… – 3:26 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Pierce on LeBron James: “If Lakers lose in the play-in, I would ask for the trade to return to Cavs” @Sportando sportando.basketball/en/pierce-on-l… – 1:47 PM
Pierce on LeBron James: “If Lakers lose in the play-in, I would ask for the trade to return to Cavs” @Sportando sportando.basketball/en/pierce-on-l… – 1:47 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Left is LeBron this season. Right is every other 21st season in NBA history combined.
1,724 PTS 1,230 PTS
556 AST 207 AST
647 FGM 460 FGM pic.twitter.com/NxfcHCUudR – 11:14 AM
Left is LeBron this season. Right is every other 21st season in NBA history combined.
1,724 PTS 1,230 PTS
556 AST 207 AST
647 FGM 460 FGM pic.twitter.com/NxfcHCUudR – 11:14 AM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
My latest for @ESPNNBA: Went long on the subtle tweak that’s fueled the best jump-shooting season of LeBron James’s career espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 10:58 AM
My latest for @ESPNNBA: Went long on the subtle tweak that’s fueled the best jump-shooting season of LeBron James’s career espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 10:58 AM
More on this storyline
When LeBron James speaks, people tend to listen. That’s exactly what TJ McConnell did. It didn’t take long for the Pacers guard to hear of the Lakers star’s comments, and he recognized how big of an honor it is for him to be the subject of such adulation from a man of James’ stature. “I saw it. Obviously very humbling,” McConnell said. “Him noticing what we’re doing here. All of it wouldn’t be possible without my teammates.” -via Clutch Points / April 12, 2024
The Lakers might have some leverage over LeBron James. How many teams will have almost $50 million in cap room to max James out at $157.5 million over three seasons? The most obvious answer might be Philadelphia, but most NBA sources believe the 76ers are targeting Paul George. If George re-signs with the L.A. Clippers, the Sixers could give James an alternative. -via Bleacher Report / April 11, 2024
Those same sources believe LeBron James won’t want to relocate to the East Coast, even to potentially chase a title with Joel Embiid and Klutch client Tyrese Maxey. Would Sixers president Daryl Morey draft Bronny James in an attempt to lure his father in free agency? “If someone were going to do it, it’d be Daryl,” one Eastern Conference executive said. -via Bleacher Report / April 11, 2024
Dustin Dopirak: Turner on McConnell: “I think he takes it personal when he sees white boys guarding him. That’s just another thing I see from him too. He wants to be THE white boy.” -via Twitter @DustinDopirak / April 8, 2024
Ira Winderman: And NBA says Herro should have gone to line for three free throws with Heat down five with 55.1 seconds to play: “McConnell (IND) makes contact with the part of Herro’s (MIA) hand that is not on the ball during his release and affects his jump shot attempt.”… -via Twitter @IraHeatBeat / April 8, 2024