Los Angeles,United States

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers will get to participate in the NBA draft after acquiring the 35th overall pick from the Orlando Magic for cash and a future second-round selection, two people with knowledge of deal tell The Associated Press.The people spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the trade call had not been completed.The deal allows the Lakers to buy their way back into the draft after the club traded away both of its own picks. Los Angeles' eighth overall pick belongs to New Orleans as part of the Pelicans' mammoth haul from the trade of Anthony Davis, while the Lakers' second-round pick was moved in that same multi-team deal to Washington before eventually ending up with San Antonio.Orlando still holds the first and 32nd overall selections in Thursday's draft.The Lakers' perpetual win-now mentality around LeBron James has left them without control of their own first-round pick for the fourth consecutive season, but their acquisition of this high second-round pick will allow their strong scouting department to make a contribution to that quest.The franchise has a solid record of drafting good players and signing quality undrafted talent over the past decade despite meager draft resources. The Lakers have picked up Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac, Talen Horton-Tucker, Alex Caruso, Svi Mykhailiuk and Austin Reaves from the lower reaches of the draft pools over the past six years.Los Angeles is in need of low-cost roster depth after finishing 33-49 and missing the play-in tournament this year. If Russell Westbrook exercises his $47 million player option, the Lakers will be above the salary cap from their commitments to James, Davis and Westbrook alone.___AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds contributed to this report.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

AP source: Lakers acquire 35th pick in trade with Orlando

Orlando

LosAngeles

NewOrleans

AnthonyDavis

Washington

Chicago, IL, USA

The Orlando Magic won the NBA draft lottery Tuesday night and landed the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since they got Dwight Howard in 2004. Also Read: After 34 years of buying lottery tickets, Bathinda man wins Rs. 2.5 crore,It's the fourth time lottery luck struck for the Magic, who won in back-to-back years in 1992 and 1993, taking Shaquille O'Neal and then trading the rights to Chris Webber for Penny Hardaway. Orlando finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 22-60 and missed the playoffs for the eighth time in 10 years. But they got a huge win in the lottery, where they had a 14% chance of winning. Also Read: Woman discovers $3 million winnings while checking spam email folder,Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Purdue’s Jaden Ivey and Auburn’s Jabari Smith are widely considered the most likely candidates to be taken first. The draft is June 23 in New York. Oklahoma City got the second pick, followed by Houston and Sacramento. Detroit picks fifth, with Indiana, Portland, New Orleans and Washington rounding out the top 10. The rest of the lottery results are: New York, Oklahoma City, Charlotte and Cleveland. Also Read: Australian lottery winner almost lost AUD 1.3 million prize money,The lottery, with 14 ping pong balls numbered 1 through 14 placed into a hopper, sets the first four picks. The remainder of the non-playoff teams go in reverse order of their finish. Houston, Orlando and Detroit had the best odds of winning the lottery at 14%. All three had young teams that finished at the bottom of the NBA. Also Read: Dubai-based taxi driver from Kerala hits a Rs 4-crore jackpot,The Magic are committed to building through the draft after trading veterans Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon in March 2021 for first-round draft picks in 2023 and 2025. But they were missing two of the young players they are trying to build around last season with Jonathan Issac and Markelle Fultz recovering from knee injuries. New Orleans might be one of the biggest winners as the lone playoff team with a lottery pick. The Pelicans got it in the 2019 trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers. Also Read: Kerala Sthree Sakthi lottery result out: Check details, winners,With Los Angeles struggling to a 33-49 record, eighth worst in the NBA, that put the Pelicans in position to cash in. They needed the pick to fall in the top-10 in order to keep it, and there was a 99.6% chance of that. Now, they’re in position to add a lottery pick to go with All-Star Brandon Ingram. Also Read: Tamil Nadu lottery vendor becomes crorepati overnight,Banchero, Holmgren and Smith decided to turn pro after one college season while Ivey spent two years at Purdue. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Banchero was viewed as a likely one-and-done player before he arrived at Duke from Seattle as part of a talented recruited class. He lived up to it, helping the Blue Devils reach now-retired coach Mike Krzyzewski’s record 13th Final Four before losing to archrival North Carolina.

{\"time\":1652837344894,\"strCount\":3996,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/orlando\\\">Orlando</a> Magic won the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> draft lottery Tuesday night and landed the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since they got Dwight Howard in 2004.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/after-34-years-of-buying-lottery-tickets-bathinda-man-wins-rs-25-crore\\\">After 34 years of buying lottery tickets, Bathinda man wins Rs. 2.5 crore</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It's the fourth time lottery luck struck for the Magic, who won in back-to-back years in 1992 and 1993, taking Shaquille O'Neal and then trading the rights to Chris Webber for Penny Hardaway.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Orlando finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 22-60 and missed the playoffs for the eighth time in 10 years. But they got a huge win in the lottery, where they had a 14% chance of winning.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/woman-discovers-3-million-winnings-while-checking-spam-email-folder\\\">Woman discovers $3 million winnings while checking spam email folder</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Purdue’s Jaden Ivey and Auburn’s Jabari Smith are widely considered the most likely candidates to be taken first. The draft is June 23 in New York.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Oklahoma City got the second pick, followed by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/houston\\\">Houston</a> and Sacramento.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/detroit\\\">Detroit</a> picks fifth, with <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/indiana\\\">Indiana</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/portland\\\">Portland</a>, New Orleans and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/washington\\\">Washington</a> rounding out the top 10. The rest of the lottery results are: New York, Oklahoma City, Charlotte and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/cleveland\\\">Cleveland</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/australian-lottery-winner-almost-lost-aud13-million-prize-money\\\">Australian lottery winner almost lost AUD 1.3 million prize money</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The lottery, with 14 ping pong balls numbered 1 through 14 placed into a hopper, sets the first four picks. The remainder of the non-playoff teams go in reverse order of their finish.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Houston, Orlando and Detroit had the best odds of winning the lottery at 14%. All three had young teams that finished at the bottom of the NBA.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/dubai-based-taxi-driver-from-kerala-hit-a-rs-4-crore-jackpot\\\">Dubai-based taxi driver from Kerala hits a Rs 4-crore jackpot</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Magic are committed to building through the draft after trading veterans Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon in March 2021 for first-round draft picks in 2023 and 2025. But they were missing two of the young players they are trying to build around last season with Jonathan Issac and Markelle Fultz recovering from knee injuries.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"New Orleans might be one of the biggest winners as the lone playoff team with a lottery pick. The Pelicans got it in the 2019 trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/kerala-sthree-sakthi-lottery-result-out-check-details-winners\\\">Kerala Sthree Sakthi lottery result out: Check details, winners</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With Los Angeles struggling to a 33-49 record, eighth worst in the NBA, that put the Pelicans in position to cash in. They needed the pick to fall in the top-10 in order to keep it, and there was a 99.6% chance of that.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Now, they’re in position to add a lottery pick to go with All-Star Brandon Ingram.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tamil-nadu-lottery-vendor-becomes-crorepati-overnight\\\">Tamil Nadu lottery vendor becomes crorepati overnight</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Banchero, Holmgren and Smith decided to turn pro after one college season while Ivey spent two years at Purdue.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Banchero was viewed as a likely one-and-done player before he arrived at Duke from Seattle as part of a talented recruited class. He lived up to it, helping the Blue Devils reach now-retired coach Mike Krzyzewski’s record 13th Final Four before losing to archrival North Carolina. \"}}]}

Sudipta Biswas

<ul>
 <li>It's the fourth time lottery luck struck for the Magic</li>
 <li>Orlando finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 22-60</li>
 <li>Oklahoma City got the second pick, followed by Houston and Sacramento</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Central

Magic Moment: Orlando wins lottery, lands No. 1 pick

Lottery

Detroit

Houston

NewYork

Cleveland

ShaquilleONeal

Indiana

NorthCarolina

portland

Sports

Phoenix,United States

PHOENIX (AP) — Russell Westbrook couldn't figure out a way to consistently mesh with his new teammates, Anthony Davis couldn't stay healthy and a 37-year-old LeBron James couldn't carry a team all by himself.The Los Angeles Lakers made no secret they were a team built to win a championship this season. Instead, they won't even make the playoffs.In a development that few would have seen coming six months ago, the Lakers were eliminated from the playoff race on Tuesday night after a 121-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Westbrook scored 28 points, Davis added 21 and James watched from the bench, nursing a sore ankle that kept him out for a second straight game.The Lakers fell to 31-48, 11th place in the Western Conference, and can no longer crack the top 10 to earn a spot in the play-in tournament. “It is nothing more than we just didn’t get it done,” Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony said. “We can’t make excuses; we just didn’t get it done.Health was a constant issue this season for the Lakers, who rarely had Westbrook, Davis and James on the floor at the same time. Davis has only been available for about half the season, missing time with knee and foot ailments.“We had the pieces but injuries got into the way of that,” Davis said. “That was the difference in our season.”The Lakers and the James-Davis-Westbrook trio could make another run together next season, though it's unclear if they'll want to give it another shot. Davis and James are under contract while Westbrook seems likely to exercise his $47 million player option.“That is the plan, but nothing is promised,” said Westbrook, who took a big chunk of criticism aimed at the team. “You've kind of got to take one day at a time and you've got to pay the cards you are dealt.”Even a month ago, it seemed the Lakers had time to figure out a way to regroup, get healthy and make a run in this year's playoffs. James looked 10 years younger at times with his scoring production, averaging 30.3 points for his highest average since 2008.“I think the world would love to see, we would love to see what this team could could be if we were healthy for a full 82,” Davis said. Westbrook played hard on Tuesday night, plowing through the Suns' defense over and over in a desperate attempt to make something positive happen. There were a few big buckets but also a few big turnovers. The inconsistency was all too familiar.Lakers coach Frank Vogel said he was “extremely disappointed” that the season will end short of the postseason. The Lakers have lost seven straight games and now must play three more with no playoffs on the horizon.Vogel led the Lakers to a championship in 2020 when the playoffs were played in the Florida bubble. Now his job security appears tenuous at best.“I can say it has not been due to lack of effort, the coach said. We have all put in the work. Our guys stayed fighting right till the end. We brought integrity to the process. We just fell short though a disjointed season.”___More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Built to win championship, Lakers won't even make playoffs

james

lakers

RussellWestbrook

LeBronJames

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky won the John R. Wooden Award as the men’s college basketball player of the year.Tuesday's announcement from the Los Angeles Athletic Club was made on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”Tshiebwe led the nation with 515 total rebounds and 15.1 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-9 center had the most rebounds in a season since 1973 and the highest per game average since 1980. Kentucky was beat in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by St. Peter’s.Tshiebwe, who is from Congo, is the second Kentucky player to win the award, joining Anthony Davis in 2012. Tshiebwe also collected player of the year honors from The Associated Press, Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, The Sporting News and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. The other finalists were Ochai Agbaji of national champion Kansas, Johnny Davis of Wisconsin, Iowa’s Keegan Murray and Drew Timme of Gonzaga.Aliyah Boston with national champion South Carolina won the women’s Wooden Award on Monday. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 16.8 points and had a Southeastern Conference record of 27 straight double-doubles.Tshiebwe and Boston have been invited to Los Angeles for Friday's 46th annual presentation. Voting took place from March 14-21 during the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament by a national panel of voters who cover the sport and former winners. ___More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe wins John R. Wooden Award

Kentucky

ESPN

congo

PHOENIX (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers again will be without star LeBron James as they try to stave off playoff elimination.James has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns because of a sprained left ankle. He also sat out on Sunday night after scoring 38 points on Friday. Another one of the Lakers' stars — forward Anthony Davis — is listed as questionable with a sprained right foot.LA has lost six straight games and has a 31-47 record. They're two games behind the San Antonio Spurs for the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. If the Lakers lose to the Suns on Tuesday and the Spurs beat the Nuggets, the Lakers will be officially eliminated from the postseason.The Suns have already clinched the top spot in the Western Conference with a 62-16 record. Phoenix also eliminated the Lakers from last year's playoffs, beating them in six games in the first round.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Lakers without LeBron again as they face playoff elimination

WesternConference

LOS ANGELES (AP) — CJ McCollum scored 32 points, Brandon Ingram added 29 against his former team and the New Orleans Pelicans spoiled Anthony Davis' return from injury with another fourth-quarter rally in a 114-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the ninth-place Pelicans, who won for the sixth time in eight games while dealing the second major blow in five days to the Lakers' hopes of squeaking into the play-in tournament.New Orleans beat Los Angeles 116-108 at home last weekend after rallying from a 23-point deficit, and the Pelicans swept the season series with this comeback on the road.LeBron James missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer and scored just two of his 38 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers (31-46), who have lost five straight and 15 of 19 to fall one game behind 10th-place San Antonio (32-45), which holds the tiebreaker.Davis had 23 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in his return from a six-week injury absence since Feb. 16, but the eight-time All-Star's presence wasn't enough to beat his former team. The Lakers now face long odds just to get past the Spurs for a one-game shot at the Pelicans, since four of LA's final five games are against playoff-bound opponents.New Orleans trailed for most of the fourth quarter, but Valanciunas hit a tying 3-pointer with 2:52 to play. After Davis missed a floater, Ingram put the Pelicans ahead 110-108 on a fadeaway jumper.Avery Bradley's 3-pointer with 15.8 seconds left trimmed New Orleans' lead to 112-111. McCollum hit two free throws, and James' triple-clutch 3-point attempt amid double coverage didn't go in at the horn.Davis missed the previous 18 games with a sprained foot during his second lengthy injury absence of the year. Davis had been hurt for 39 games and healthy for 37 this season, his second straight with major injury problems.Los Angeles went 4-14 in Davis’ most recent absence, their disappointing season turning into a potentially humiliating one. James also missed three of the previous four games with a swollen ankle, but he elected to play through the pain Friday with Davis’ return.That meant Davis, James and Russell Westbrook played together for only the 21st time in the Lakers’ 77 games this season — and just the sixth time since Dec. 17. Injuries have been the leading — but hardly the only — factor in Los Angeles’ descent from a likely championship contender to a borderline playoff team.Malik Monk scored 13 points for the Lakers.Although these teams are a combined 24 games below .500, the game had a playoff feel from the opening minutes when Jaxson Hayes delivered a hard foul to stop James on a fast break. Davis ran the length of the court to exchange words with Hayes over the flagrant foul.James scored 21 points in the third quarter, but Ingram answered with 15 in the period, and the Lakers only led 87-86 heading to the fourth.TIP-INSPelicans: Hayes dunked with 36 seconds left in the first half, but the points were taken off the board following video review after the halftime buzzer because Hayes didn't beat the shot clock. ... Four starters played at least 36 minutes.Lakers: Davis crossed the court to say something to a fan in the second row early in the fourth quarter after New Orleans called a timeout when LA took a six-point lead. The fan, who wore a Kobe jersey, was escorted away from his seat by security. ... Carmelo Anthony was unavailable due to a non-COVID illness.OH YEAH REAL FUNNYJames got into the spirit of the holiday Thursday morning with a straight-faced tweet: “I’m out for the season officially. See y’all in the fall.”James and the Lakers didn't acknowledge the joke, but at least James apparently warned Frank Vogel when he sent out the tweet. The coach declined to say whether he thought it was funny.“I would have guessed it was an April Fool's even if I hadn't known it was an April Fool's,” Vogel said.UP NEXTPelicans: At Clippers on Sunday.Lakers: Host Nuggets on Sunday.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Pelicans rally past Lakers 114-111 despite Davis' return

New Orleans,United States

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe spent an entire season relentlessly chasing and pulling down seemingly every rebound that came his way — and plenty that didn't, too.“I want to be the greatest rebounder I can be,” Tshiebwe said.The 6-foot-9, 255-pound junior put up better rebounding numbers than anybody in Division I in decades. And it's a big reason why he is The Associated Press men’s college basketball national player of the year.Tshiebwe was the clear choice for the award announced Friday, receiving 46 of 60 votes from AP Top 25 voters. Johnny Davis, a 6-5 sophomore who averaged 19.7 points and led Wisconsin to a share of the Big Ten regular-season title, was second with 10 votes. Iowa sophomore Keegan Murray (three) and Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn (one) also earned votes.Tshiebwe, a West Virginia transfer and native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is only the second player in the history of the storied history of the Wildcats program to win the AP’s top honor. The other was one-and-done star Anthony Davis, who led Kentucky to its eighth NCAA title a decade ago before becoming the No. 1 NBA draft pick.“It is amazing to be join somebody like Anthony Davis,” Tshiebwe said. “And that gives me confidence and gives me more help for my future, too, for what I'm trying to do and what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm just putting God first because God knows what I need, and he has great plans for me.Tshiebwe thrived all season while averaging 15.1 rebounds, the highest per-game output in Division I since 1980. He had five games of at least 20 rebounds this season and three games with at least 10 boards on the offensive glass alone.The highlight came when he had a Division I high of 28 rebounds in a December win against Western Kentucky. He also worked to expand his offensive game, adding range on a developing jumpshot to go with his relentless board work. Tshiebwe averaged 17.4 points and shot 60.6% from the floor, a big step forward from his freshman season when he averaged 11.2 points and 9.3 rebounds with the Mountaineers before transferring after 10 games.Tshiebwe said the rebounding success is a product of studying his opponents closely, playing the odds on where the ball is headed and the determination not to “let anybody move you.”“First of all, it's the position,” he said. “You have to place yourself where you don’t need to work too hard for the basketball just to come in your hands. You’ve got to read it. ... If somebody’s shooting this angle, probably 75% it’s going that way because the ball’s coming in this way, 25% it’s coming this way. You have to know that.”Rick Mancino watched Tshiebwe learning those rebounding lessons as his high school coach at Kennedy Catholic in Pennsylvania. First it was Mancino telling Tshiebwe to embrace his “knack for the ball,” only to have to walk it back a touch so that Tshiebwe didn’t get in foul trouble chasing literally every loose ball.“I just think he realized how big rebounding is in the game, where with a lot of kids, it’s not a glamorous job,” Mancino said. “He loves it because I think he knows he’s good at it. I think the extra incentive is he realizes people love it, and they appreciate it, and his teammates appreciate it.”Tshiebwe said he shed about 10 pounds to get a little faster and studied to make sure he knew the plays to be ready for an immediate impact this season for the Wildcats, who were coming off a nine-win season that stood as the program's worst in nearly a century. The Wildcats regrouped by winning 26 games and earning a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament before falling in an upset to Saint Peter's in the opening round. Now Tshiebwe — who had 30 points and 16 rebounds in the final loss — is mulling whether to return to Kentucky or jump for his goal of playing in the NBA. If he returns, at least the Wildcats will know they're set on the glass.“I knew I was going to help this team because my dad always used to tell me if you don't have a vision about what you're trying to do as this year is coming, then you're in the wrong business,” he said. You've got to know a year from today, what are you trying to do? What are you trying to accomplish? You've got to write (it) down, you've got to have a good vision. You've got to know what I'm here for.”___Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/aaronbeardap___More AP coverage of March Madness: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness and https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Kentucky's Tshiebwe named AP men's college player of year

NCAA

Wisconsin

Iowa

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A bunch of one-and-done phenoms brought together by Kentucky coach John Calipari stepped onto the floor into the spotlight of the cavernous Superdome 10 years ago, oozing with the kind of NBA potential that made it clear their college basketball careers were about to end at the Final Four.Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the rest of them went out on top, too, beating Kansas in the Big Easy to deliver the Wildcats their eighth national championship and Calipari the first of his career.Fast-forward to the present, and the return of the Final Four to New Orleans, and there is a much more old-school feel to the national semifinals as each of the the participants — Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova — benefited in one way or another from COVID-19 waivers, medical redshirts and the explosion of the transfer portal.“It’s the oldest that college basketball has ever been,” acknowledged Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, “so as a result of that, it’s going to be tougher to win. I mean, I think (Shane) Battier played the most games here, 130-something. We’re playing against guys that have played 160 games, sometimes three of them are on the other team. That’s a lot.Indeed, all four teams in the Big Easy have the kind of savvy veterans once seemed endangered in the world of big-time college hoops, and together they are proving on the game's biggest stage that experience still matters.“That’s why we shouldn’t be shocked at anything that’s happened in in the tournament,” the retiring Krzyzewski said, “because the age differential is so dramatic. For us, it’s been dramatic.”Yes, the Blue Devils are the youngest team in New Orleans, but everything is relative. They still feature senior Joey Baker and fifth-year senior Theo John, who began his career at Marquette and is about to play in his 162nd game.The experience has paid off. Young, talented teams such as Memphis were bounced early out of the NCAA Tournament, while hardened teams such as Providence, Saint Peter’s and Miami made runs into the second weekend.“It takes a significant amount of time to get everyone to buy into your program,” explained Jayhawks coach Bill Self, who has had more success with veteran teams than with one-and-dones such as Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid.“But, Self cautioned, I would say that talent plus experience is what wins.”Good luck finding a team more experienced than Kansas.— Backup guard Jalen-Coleman Lands will play in his 171st game spanning stints at Illinois, DePaul and Iowa State when the Jayhawks face Villanova, trailing Iowa’s Jordan Bohanon and USC’s Chevez Goodwin for the most in Division I history.— Mitch Lightfoot will play in his 167th game and second Final Four after making it with the Jayhawks in 2018.— Arizona State transfer Remy Martin and big man David McCormack will have surpassed 130 games by the time their season ends, while All-American guard Ochai Agbaji is about to play his 121st game for Kansas.In fact, the Jayhawks' top eight scorers have appeared in 965 games — almost certainly a record for a Final Four team.Maybe for any team.The Jayhawks aren't alone. Brady Manek spent four seasons at Oklahoma, transferred to North Carolina for one more, and will play in his 160th game against Duke in the second semifinal Saturday night. Villanova has two players, Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels, who have played more than 150 games apiece, and two more who have topped 100. Over the years, the Wildcats have become the poster program for winning with experience.When they captured the national championship in 2016, they had four starters that had played at least 100 games, led by seniors Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu. The top six scorers on coach Jay Wright's 2018 title team, which romped past Lightfoot and the Jayhawks in the Final Four, included four juniors along with senior Phil Booth.“Everyone should applaud what they've built there, and of course Jay is the ringmaster of that,” Self said, and how they develop their guys and fundamental they are. You have to beat them; they don't beat themselves. And when you have older players, I do think a culture can exist, and they would be the top of our profession.“When you look at our situation,” Self said, “we had Josh (Jackson) who was one-and-done, and I guess Wiggs and Jo were one-and-dones. That's going back to 2014. But we've done it with older kids, too. We've done it with the Frank Masons and the Devonte Grahams and Landon Lucas. We've had comparable success with, you know, older guys.Everyone in this year's Final Four has older guys, though.The combined experience of Duke, again the youngest of the bunch, still far outpaces that 2012 Kentucky team or another collection of one-and-done national champs: the Blue Devils of Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow.Their title in 2015 might have been the high-water mark of the one-and-done championship era, though. The rise of the G League, Overtime Elite and more overseas opportunities are providing alternative pathways to some of the best prep prospects. As a result the talent level of programs relying primarily on freshmen and sophomores is not quite the same, and in many cases, they can no longer rely on pure ability to beat teams that have been together for years.Meanwhile, the recent passage of NIL legislation is allowing college athletes to earn endorsement money in college, giving them another reason to stick around when they might otherwise chase a professional career.“Some of these teams, they've got kids, some of them are in their sixth year of school, because maybe they redshirted and now they've got the COVID year,” Florida Gulf Coast athletic director Ken Kavanagh said. “You've got older teams and they are maybe not good enough (players) to go to the NBA, but they’re really good, talented players who can make a difference.“Older teams that have been playing together are usually more experienced than kids who are 17, 18 years old.”Four of those older teams are the last one standing in New Orleans this week.“I don't think it's a coincidence,” Kavanagh said.___AP Basketball Writers Aaron Beard and John Marshall contributed to this report.___More AP coverage of March Madness: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Final Four gets experience boost from transfer portal, COVID

Kansas

Dallas,United States

DALLAS (AP) — LeBron James and Anthony Davis were together on the bench for a Los Angeles debacle in Dallas that further endangered the postseason hopes of the Lakers.Now the club waits to see when the All-Star pair will be together on the floor again, and whether it will be in time to secure a play-in spot for the second consecutive year for the 2020 champs. James missed the 128-110 loss to the Mavericks, which included deficits of 30 points in the first half and 37 in the second, with soreness and swelling in his sprained right ankle.Davis is on the brink of returning after being out since Feb. 16 with a right mid-foot sprain. He also missed a month with a knee injury, so the title-winning pair from two years ago in the playoff bubble has been limited to 21 games together this season.If No. 22 doesn't come soon, it might be too late. Technically, the Lakers (31-44) are out of the Western Conference play-in tournament at the moment. LA is tied for 10th, the final spot, with San Antonio, which holds the tiebreaker.Vogel said a decision on the possible return of Davis, along with James’ status, would be updated before the Lakers play at Utah on Thursday to end a three-game trip.The Lakers play again Friday at home against New Orleans. The Pelicans are ninth in the West, a game ahead of the Lakers and Spurs.“The standings are the results,” coach Frank Vogel said. “We have to keep our focus on the process and the work. Those things are going to lead to the next win. That’s the only place our focus will be.”James, the NBA scoring leader, and Davis were listed as doubtful for the Dallas game, which was actually an upgrade for Davis. The eight-time All-Star went through a full practice for the first time since his injury Monday in Dallas.“Obviously, this whole thing is built around them,” said Stanley Johnson, who tied his season high with 16 points against the Mavericks. “It's a lot easier to play basketball for me, for everybody else when they're playing. But if they're hurt and they can't play, we have to be professionals as well and do our job. We have to play better than that.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

James, Davis watch debacle in Dallas as Lakers await return

dallas

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t get it together, and now they’re nearly out of time.From Anthony Davis’ injuries and Russell Westbrook’s subpar play to LeBron James’ inability to carry them all, practically nothing has gone well this season for the franchise that momentously assembled a veteran-laden roster last fall to chase another ring.After their 117-110 loss to the Spurs on Monday night, the Lakers are 28-36 and in ninth place in the Western Conference, just three games out of 11th. A group expected to contend for a title is much closer to missing the 10-team playoffs.They haven't given up hope in Hollywood: James and coach Frank Vogel both insist there's still time for Davis to get healthy, for Westbrook to find his game and for the Lakers' supporting cast to recapture its collective prime.“We still have games to play,” James said last week after the Lakers blew a late lead and lost to Dallas at home. “Until you stomp me out, cut my head off, bury me 12 feet under, then I got a chance. So that’s my confidence.”But every dispiriting loss and injury setback underscores the likelihood that the Lakers’ dreams of an 18th title are profoundly unrealistic. A roster with four members of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team has gone 7-17 since Jan. 7.Nobody knows exactly where to assign the blame for this mélange of mediocrity — not even the Lakers' front office, which hasn't yet scapegoated Vogel for the struggles by firing him.But past Lakers greats are embarrassed by the current state of the franchise with glory days worthy of an HBO series. “Winning Time, the dramatization of LA's vibrant championship teams of the 1980s, began airing last weekend.James Worthy, a star on those Showtime Lakers, recently referred to the current team as “the walking dead” on its own television network. Shaquille O’Neal castigated the Lakers last week for their lack of visible passion during another defeat — and boasted he wouldn't have accepted the current situation.“I’m losing to the Clippers, somebody is getting beat up that night in the locker room,” Shaq said.The past two games encapsulate the frustration and inconsistency that have defined LA's season. James carried the Lakers to a 124-116 victory over powerhouse Golden State last Saturday with a massive 56-point performance, tied for the third-biggest in his 19-year NBA career — but then he sat out the loss at 12th-place San Antonio with knee soreness.The Lakers lost to the Spurs without their two most important players on the court, and they did it on the two-month anniversary of the last time they won consecutive games.“I feel like every time we get some momentum, something happens,” Westbrook said, shaking his head. “It’s been like that. When we play a good game, something always happens (shortly afterward). But that’s just how it’s been for us. We’ve got to keep plugging away, keep finding ways to pick each other up, because some of that stuff is out of our hands, and health is the most important thing for all of us.”Westbrook is correct: Of all the Lakers’ risky personnel decisions over the past 16 months, relying on Davis to stay healthy has been the biggest bust.The star forward’s gangly body and awkward movement have never allowed him to be durable, but Davis has been sidelined by several woes for much of the past two seasons, undercutting everything the Lakers want to do.After missing half of the Lakers' 2020-21 regular season with injuries and then getting hurt again in the playoffs, Davis missed 17 more games this season with a sprained knee. He went out yet again before the All-Star break with a sprained foot, and there's a chance he won't return at all this season.While Davis has missed 27 of the Lakers' 64 games, James has also been less reliable than usual, missing 18 games. They appeared in only 27 games together last season, and they've played just 20 games alongside Westbrook this year — only five since Dec. 17.The Lakers have used 32 starting lineups already, both because of their stars' injuries and their unimpressive supporting cast. They're currently starting Austin Reaves, an undrafted rookie who wasn't expected to play much at all.“It changes a lot of things when you've got some of your main guys out, said Westbrook, whose first year with his hometown team has been largely a nightmare. We've got to stick to it, and hopefully guys can step up and make that change.”The 2017 NBA MVP is shooting poorly and struggling to fit alongside James. Westbrook's 18.1 points per game are his fewest since 2009-10, as are his 15.9 shots per game, but that attempt to play team ball isn't translating into wins.Just as Pau Gasol was the target of Lakers fans' frustration during their most recent season with this level of unrealized expectations in 2013, Westbrook is the prime scapegoat at their downtown arena. He has even stopped bringing his family to home games because of the booing and profanity directed at him.“It’s just super unfortunate, and it’s super upsetting to me,” Westbrook said. “The shaming of my name, the shaming of my character, the shaming of who I am as a person is, to me, not warranted. I haven’t done anything to anybody. I haven’t hurt anyone. I haven’t done anything but play basketball in a way they may not like.”The only thing that suggests the Lakers still might make something of this miserable season is the name at the top of the roster. Although he'll apparently have to manage his knee soreness down the stretch, the 37-year-old James has missed the playoffs just once since 2005, and he's still near the peak of his formidable talents when healthy.“Even though they’ve struggled, they’ll be able to figure it out, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “I have no doubt about that. I’ve seen Bron in tough situations before. I’ve always seen him come out on top.I know a lot of people count the Lakers out, but they’re still a good team,” Lue added. “Guys have been in and out all year, and it’s tough. But when they get to the playoffs or the play-in game or whatever, I guarantee that (No. 1 seed) won't want to see them. They're not out of it.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Lakers stumbling through season of high expectations

San Antonio, TX, USA

Gregg Popovich tied Don Nelson's NBA record with his 1,335th career victory as a coach in the San Antonio Spurs' 117-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Popovich chose to ignore the achievement, as he has many others during his illustrious 26-year tenure leading San Antonio. He didn't mention it to players after the victory, and he didn't take any questions about the record during a brief, three-question session with reporters after. You guys know Pop, San Antonio center Jakob Poeltl said. I don't think he really cares about stuff like that. It didn't even really get mentioned. I doubt it will get mentioned when we get the next win. It's just how he is. Also Read: NBA: Bogdanovic hits 11 3-pointers as Utah Jazz defeat Oklahoma City Thunder 116-103,Popovich will try to pass Nelson when San Antonio hosts the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. It's hard to put into words how much of an impact he's had on the Spurs organization, USA Basketball and basketball in general, Spurs guard Josh Richardson said. The only difference between this record-tying game and any previous was the 73-year-old Popovich's decision to get a little physical with players prior to the game. He was trying to get us to play a little bit more aggressive, Poeltl said. In these last few games, we've been pretty soft on defense. Shootaround this morning was a little bit more intense. I think that was just him trying to get a message across. He was pushing guys around, and then it kind of ended up in a huddle mosh-pit situation. San Antonio needed the jolt, even with the struggling Lakers without LeBron James. The Spurs had lost four straight with Popovich on the precipice of matching the record, and they were in danger of extending that skid with a late collapse as James sat the game out with a sore left knee. Dejounte Murray had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Poeltl and Richardson each had 18 points. Richardson was making his first start with San Antonio. Talen Horton-Taylor had 18 points to lead Los Angeles, and Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony added 17 points each. Popovich has five NBA titles and is a lock for enshrinement in the NBA Hall of Fame after a career in which he's coached Spurs greats including David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Robinson sat courtside Monday, and Popovich jokingly told him to check into the game during a time. These aren't the same Spurs from Robinson's prime. San Antonio is 25-40, already assured of a third straight losing season after 22 consecutive finishes over .500. Monday's game nearly got away, too. The Lakers pulled within 108-105 on Horton-Taylor's jumper with 5:40 left, and the Spurs were scoreless for nearly four minutes before Poeltl's free throw with 37.4 seconds left. Los Angeles never got closer than three, though. The just played a little smarter than us down the stretch, LA guard Malik Monk said. The Lakers were without James and Anthony Davis. James was a late scratch Monday after scoring a season-high 56 points Saturday in a victory over the Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles had lost four straight and seven of eight prior to James' highest point total with the Lakers, which matched the third highest of his career. It's kind of frustrating that we have a great win like we did against Golden State and Lebron's knee is a little sore and he's got to miss and we take a little step back, Monk said. We've got to do a better job and figure things out as a team when he's out. Also Read: NBA: LeBron James scores 56 points, Los Angeles Lakers beat Golden State Warriors to end skid,It marked the eighth straight game that the Lakers have faced a double-digit deficit. The Lakers remained in the game by cutting to the rim without the ball for open layups, drives to the basket and the Spurs' poor free-throw shooting. San Antonio was 16 for 30 on free throws, including 6 for 14 in the third quarter. TIP-INS,Lakers: James has missed 17 games this season due to various injuries, including abdomen and ankle ailments. Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel is hopeful James will play Wednesday in Houston. ... Westbrook collected his third foul with 11:38 left in the first half. He finished with five fouls in 35 minutes. Spurs: Devin Vassell, Lonnie Walker IV and Keita Bates-Diop all missed the game with an undisclosed illness. Popovich said it was not COVID-19 related. ... Poeltl picked up two fouls in the first 1 1/2 minutes and spent the remainder of the first quarter on the bench. UP NEXT,Lakers: At Houston on Wednesday. Spurs: Host Toronto on Wednesday.

{\"time\":1646728175439,\"strCount\":5256,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/pops-way-from-a-sabbatical-to-the-nba-coaching-summit\\\">Gregg Popovich</a> tied Don Nelson's <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> record with his 1,335th career victory as a coach in the San Antonio Spurs' 117-110 win over the<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> on Monday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Popovich chose to ignore the achievement, as he has many others during his illustrious 26-year tenure leading San Antonio. He didn't mention it to players after the victory, and he didn't take any questions about the record during a brief, three-question session with reporters after.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"You guys know Pop,\\\" San Antonio center Jakob Poeltl said. \\\"I don't think he really cares about stuff like that. It didn't even really get mentioned. I doubt it will get mentioned when we get the next win. It's just how he is.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-bogdanovic-hits-11-3-pointers-as-utah-jazz-defeat-oklahoma-city-thunder-116-103\\\">NBA: Bogdanovic hits 11 3-pointers as Utah Jazz defeat Oklahoma City Thunder 116-103</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Popovich will try to pass Nelson when San Antonio hosts the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It's hard to put into words how much of an impact he's had on the Spurs organization, USA Basketball and basketball in general,\\\" Spurs guard Josh Richardson said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The only difference between this record-tying game and any previous was the 73-year-old Popovich's decision to get a little physical with players prior to the game.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"He was trying to get us to play a little bit more aggressive,\\\" Poeltl said. \\\"In these last few games, we've been pretty soft on defense. Shootaround this morning was a little bit more intense. I think that was just him trying to get a message across. He was pushing guys around, and then it kind of ended up in a huddle mosh-pit situation.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"San Antonio needed the jolt, even with the struggling Lakers without <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James.</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Spurs had lost four straight with Popovich on the precipice of matching the record, and they were in danger of extending that skid with a late collapse as James sat the game out with a sore left knee.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Dejounte Murray had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Poeltl and Richardson each had 18 points. Richardson was making his first start with San Antonio.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Talen Horton-Taylor had 18 points to lead Los Angeles, and Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony added 17 points each.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Popovich has five NBA titles and is a lock for enshrinement in the NBA Hall of Fame after a career in which he's coached Spurs greats including David <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/robinson\\\">Robinson</a>, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Robinson sat courtside Monday, and Popovich jokingly told him to check into the game during a time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"These aren't the same Spurs from Robinson's prime. San Antonio is 25-40, already assured of a third straight losing season after 22 consecutive finishes over .500. Monday's game nearly got away, too.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers pulled within 108-105 on Horton-Taylor's jumper with 5:40 left, and the Spurs were scoreless for nearly four minutes before Poeltl's free throw with 37.4 seconds left. Los Angeles never got closer than three, though.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The just played a little smarter than us down the stretch,\\\" <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/la\\\">LA</a> guard Malik Monk said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers were without James and Anthony Davis. James was a late scratch Monday after scoring a season-high 56 points Saturday in a victory over the Golden State Warriors.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Los Angeles had lost four straight and seven of eight prior to James' highest point total with the Lakers, which matched the third highest of his career.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It's kind of frustrating that we have a great win like we did against Golden State and Lebron's knee is a little sore and he's got to miss and we take a little step back,\\\" Monk said. \\\"We've got to do a better job and figure things out as a team when he's out.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-lebron-james-scores-56-points-los-angeles-lakers-beat-golden-state-warriors-to-end-skid\\\">NBA: LeBron James scores 56 points, Los Angeles Lakers beat Golden State Warriors to end skid</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It marked the eighth straight game that the Lakers have faced a double-digit deficit.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers remained in the game by cutting to the rim without the ball for open layups, drives to the basket and the Spurs' poor free-throw shooting. San Antonio was 16 for 30 on free throws, including 6 for 14 in the third quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"TIP-INS\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: James has missed 17 games this season due to various injuries, including abdomen and ankle ailments. Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel is hopeful James will play Wednesday in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/houston\\\">Houston</a>. ... Westbrook collected his third foul with 11:38 left in the first half. He finished with five fouls in 35 minutes.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Spurs: Devin Vassell, Lonnie Walker IV and Keita Bates-Diop all missed the game with an undisclosed illness. Popovich said it was not COVID-19 related. ... Poeltl picked up two fouls in the first 1 1/2 minutes and spent the remainder of the first quarter on the bench.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"UP NEXT\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: At Houston on Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Spurs: Host Toronto on Wednesday.\"}}]}

Aman Butani

<ul>
 <li>Gregg Popovich secured his 1,335th career victory as a coach</li>
 <li>&nbsp;San Antonio Spurs won 117-110 against Los Angeles Lakers</li>
 <li>"It's hard to put into words how much of an impact he's had", Spurs guard Josh Richardson said</li>
</ul>

NBA: Spurs' Gregg Popovich ties Don Nelson for career wins record

LosAngelesLakers

SanAntonioSpurs

UnitedStates

San Antonio,United States

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will not play Monday against the San Antonio Spurs after experiencing soreness in his left knee following a 56-point effort against the Golden State Warriors.James' third-highest point total led the Lakers to a much-needed victory Saturday night, having lost four straight and seven of eight prior to James scoring a season-high on 19-for-31 shooting.James has missed 17 games this season due to various injuries, including abdomen and ankle ailments. In his 19th season, James is averaging 29.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists for the Lakers, who entered the season with Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony joining James and Anthony Davis in a star-studded lineup. But they're ninth in the Western Conference and may have to win two play-in games just to make the playoffs. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich enters the contest one victory shy of tying Don Nelson for the most regular-season wins in league history.San Antonio, which has lost four straight, will be without starting guard Devin Vassell and reserves Lonnie Walker IV and Keita Bates-Diop. All three are out with illnesses that aren't COVID-19. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Lakers' James will sit out against Spurs with sore left knee

Los Angeles, CA, USA

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived center DeAndre Jordan and signed veteran point guard D.J. Augustin and forward Wenyen Gabriel. The Lakers also waived Sekou Doumbouya on Tuesday before their home game against Dallas. Jordan was a flop in his only season with the Lakers, who signed the 14-year veteran in September. He has been stuck to the Lakers' bench since Christmas, appearing in only five games. Also Read: NBA: Jayson Tatum shines as Boston Celtics down Atlanta Hawks 107-98,Jordan averaged 4.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while struggling to fit into Los Angeles' system on offense and defense. Dwight Howard has logged the majority of the minutes for a true center with the Lakers, who use Anthony Davis or LeBron James in the spot for long stretches. Augustin appeared in 34 games for Houston this season, averaging 5.4 points and 2.2 assists per game in his 14th NBA campaign. The Rockets waived him Feb. 11. Los Angeles is the 11th NBA franchise for Augustin, who averaged 7.7 points and 3.3 assists per game last season between Houston and Milwaukee. The Bucks signed him to a three-year, $21 million contract in the summer before trading him in a deal for P. J. Tucker. Gabriel has appeared in seven games for the Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets this season. The Kentucky product is joining his sixth NBA franchise after appearing in 58 career games over three NBA seasons.

{\"time\":1646195484714,\"strCount\":2030,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-trades-los-angeles-acquires-norman-powell-and-robert-covington-from-blazers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have waived center DeAndre <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/jordan\\\">Jordan</a> and signed veteran point guard D.J. Augustin and forward Wenyen Gabriel.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers also waived Sekou Doumbouya on Tuesday before their home game against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/dallas\\\">Dallas</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jordan was a flop in his only season with the Lakers, who signed the 14-year veteran in September. He has been stuck to the Lakers' bench since Christmas, appearing in only five games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-jayson-tatum-shines-as-boston-celtics-down-atlanta-hawks-107-98\\\">NBA: Jayson Tatum shines as Boston Celtics down Atlanta Hawks 107-98</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jordan averaged 4.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while struggling to fit into Los Angeles' system on offense and defense. Dwight Howard has logged the majority of the minutes for a true center with the Lakers, who use<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/lebron-james-anthony-davis-ruled-out-of-los-angeles-lakers-tie-vs-charlotte-hornets\\\"> Anthony Davis or LeBron James</a> in the spot for long stretches.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Augustin appeared in 34 games for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/houston\\\">Houston</a> this season, averaging 5.4 points and 2.2 assists per game in his 14th <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> campaign. The Rockets waived him Feb. 11.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Los Angeles is the 11th NBA franchise for Augustin, who averaged 7.7 points and 3.3 assists per game last season between Houston and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/milwaukee\\\">Milwaukee</a>. The Bucks signed him to a three-year, $21 million contract in the summer before trading him in a deal for P. J. Tucker.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Gabriel has appeared in seven games for the Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets this season. The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/kentucky\\\">Kentucky</a> product is joining his sixth NBA franchise after appearing in 58 career games over three NBA seasons.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>LA Lakers also signed forward Wenyen Gabriel</li>
 <li>Sekou Doumbouya was also waived before the game against Dallas</li>
 <li>Jordan averaged 4.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game</li>
</ul>

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers sign D.J. Augustin, waive DeAndre Jordan

Basketball

Milwaukee

Cleveland,United States

CLEVELAND (AP) — Stephen Curry delivered the greatest long-distance shooting performance in All-Star Game history, then LeBron James delivered another victory.Curry made a record 16 3-pointers and scored 50 points before James made a turnaround jumper that gave Team LeBron a 163-160 victory over Team Durant on Sunday night.Curry needed one more 3-pointer to break Anthony Davis' record of 52 points but missed his final attempt. But with James' team needing a basket to reach the target score of 163 points, they couldn't afford to keep feeding Curry.So James pulled up from deep on the right side for the winning bucket, making him 5-0 in the format where the leading vote-getters in each conference draft teams.Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points, and James finished with 24 in his old home. Joel Embiid led Team Durant with 36 points.

Curry sets 3s record, LeBron the winner in NBA All-Star Game

StephenCurry

GiannisAntetokounmpo

JoelEmbiid

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis has a right mid-foot sprain and the Los Angeles Lakers said Thursday he would be re-evaluated in four weeks.Davis was injured Wednesday night late in the second quarter of a 106-101 home victory over Utah.Davis had scored 17 points in 17 minutes before he went up to catch a lob pass and came down on Jazz center Rudy Gobert’s heel. Davis was unable to put any weight on his right foot and had to be helped off the court.Davis is averaging 23.1 points and 9.7 rebounds in 37 games this season. He has been out of the lineup for 21 games, including 17 most of last month due to a knee injury.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Lakers' Anthony Davis has right mid-foot sprain

Utah

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis left the Los Angeles Lakers' game Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz after badly rolling his right ankle during the second quarter.Davis was down on the court for several minutes after the injury. Davis went up to catch a lob pass and came down on Rudy Gobert's heel with 3 minutes remaining in the first half. Davis was unable to put any weight on his right foot and had to be helped off the court by teammates DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard into the locker room.Davis — averaging 23.3 points and 9.1 rebounds — missed 17 games this season due to a knee injury. He was averaging 23.2 points and 10.1 rebounds in the nine games since his return. He was off to another strong start against the Jazz with 17 points in 17 minutes before his injury.It is another bad break for the Lakers, who came into the game on a three-game losing streak. Los Angeles (26-31) is a season-high five games under .500 and in ninth place in the Western Conference.Wednesday also marked only the sixth time since Dec. 15 that Davis and LeBron James had been in the starting lineup together.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Lakers' Anthony Davis badly rolls right ankle against Jazz

LeBron James returned from a five-game absence due to injury and had a triple-double of 29 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 21-point, second-quarter deficit, beating the New York Knicks 122-115 in overtime Saturday night. Also read | Top five NBA All-Star Game performances over the last decade,James missed the games due to swelling in his left knee, but Lakers coach Frank Vogel said prior to the game that James wanted to be part of “a big game against the Knicks on ABC.”,James was 13 of 24 from the field in 40 minutes. The Lakers led the entire five-minute overtime after James drove the length of the floor and dunked after RJ Barrett turned it over. James posted his fourth triple-double of the season and tied a season high in rebounds. Also read | NBA: Butler, Adebayo lead Heat past frustrated Hornets 104-86,Malik Monk scored 29 points and Anthony Davis added 28 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, who had dropped four of five coming in. Barrett scored a career-high 36 points, and Julius Randle had 32 points and 16 rebounds for New York. The Knicks have lost eight of their last 10 games. Los Angeles trailed 71-56 at halftime before rallying in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 31-13. The Lakers were down 75-61 less than 2 1/2 minutes into the quarter before going on a 21-6 run over a nearly six-minute span to take the lead. Monk had 10 points during the run, including a pair of 3-pointers, and Davis scored four, including a driving layup with 3:50 remaining to give the Lakers an 82-80 lead. Los Angeles took an 87-84 lead into the fourth quarter. Also Read | NBA: Ayton's 20 points, 16 rebounds leads Suns to 95-80 win over Wizards,The Lakers extended extend their lead to 108-99 with 2:22 remaining, before the Knicks went on a 13-3 run and forced overtime. Barrett fueled the run with seven points, including a 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining that tied the score at 111-all. James had a chance to win it, but missed a 3-pointer in the final second. New York came out firing and led 11-0 in the first 1:42. The Knicks led 42-29 at the end of the first quarter after Barrett and Randle combined to go 10 of 12 from the field and score 29 points. The Knicks extended their lead to 68-47 with 1:57 remaining in the first half on a running dunk by Randle before the Lakers went on a 9-3 run to get within 15 at halftime. TIP-INS,Knicks: It was the first time this season New York has put up 40 or more points in the first quarter. It is the most points they scored in the first 12 minutes since they had 45 against the Clippers on Jan. 5, 2020. ... Randle was called for a technical foul with 28.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Lakers: Davis tied a season high with seven offensive rebounds. ... The 45 points in the first quarter were the most allowed in the first quarter in Vogel's three-seasons. ... Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) and Dwight Howard (back tightness) missed the game due to injuries. UP NEXT,Knicks: Visit Utah on Monday night. Lakers: Host Milwaukee on Tuesday night.

{\"time\":1644125786627,\"strCount\":3530,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James</a> returned from a five-game absence due to injury and had a triple-double of 29 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 21-point, second-quarter deficit, beating the New York Knicks 122-115 in overtime Saturday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/top-five-nba-all-star-game-performances-over-the-last-decade\\\">Top five NBA All-Star Game performances over the last decade</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James missed the games due to swelling in his left knee, but Lakers coach Frank Vogel said prior to the game that James wanted to be part of “a big game against the Knicks on ABC.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James was 13 of 24 from the field in 40 minutes. The Lakers led the entire five-minute overtime after James drove the length of the floor and dunked after RJ Barrett turned it over.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James posted his fourth triple-double of the season and tied a season high in rebounds.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-jimmy-butler-bam-adebayo-lead-miami-heat-past-frustrated-charlotte-hornets-104-86\\\">NBA: Butler, Adebayo lead Heat past frustrated Hornets 104-86</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Malik Monk scored 29 points and Anthony Davis added 28 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, who had dropped four of five coming in.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barrett scored a career-high 36 points, and Julius Randle had 32 points and 16 rebounds for New York. The Knicks have lost eight of their last 10 games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Los Angeles trailed 71-56 at halftime before rallying in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 31-13. The Lakers were down 75-61 less than 2 1/2 minutes into the quarter before going on a 21-6 run over a nearly six-minute span to take the lead.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Monk had 10 points during the run, including a pair of 3-pointers, and Davis scored four, including a driving layup with 3:50 remaining to give the Lakers an 82-80 lead. Los Angeles took an 87-84 lead into the fourth quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-deandre-aytons-20-points-16-rebounds-leads-phoenix-suns-to-wizards-95-80-win-over-washington-wizards\\\">NBA: Ayton's 20 points, 16 rebounds leads Suns to 95-80 win over Wizards</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers extended extend their lead to 108-99 with 2:22 remaining, before the Knicks went on a 13-3 run and forced overtime. Barrett fueled the run with seven points, including a 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining that tied the score at 111-all. James had a chance to win it, but missed a 3-pointer in the final second.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"New York came out firing and led 11-0 in the first 1:42. The Knicks led 42-29 at the end of the first quarter after Barrett and Randle combined to go 10 of 12 from the field and score 29 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Knicks extended their lead to 68-47 with 1:57 remaining in the first half on a running dunk by Randle before the Lakers went on a 9-3 run to get within 15 at halftime.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"TIP-INS\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Knicks: It was the first time this season New York has put up 40 or more points in the first quarter. It is the most points they scored in the first 12 minutes since they had 45 against the Clippers on Jan. 5, 2020. ... Randle was called for a technical foul with 28.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: Davis tied a season high with seven offensive rebounds. ... The 45 points in the first quarter were the most allowed in the first quarter in Vogel's three-seasons. ... Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) and Dwight Howard (back tightness) missed the game due to injuries.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"UP NEXT\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Knicks: Visit Utah on Monday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: Host Milwaukee on Tuesday night.\"}}]}

Yash Bajaj

<ul>
 <li>Los Angeles Lakers defeated New York Knicks 122-115</li>
 <li>LeBron James was 13 of 24 from the field in 40 minutes</li>
 <li>Malik Monk scored 29 points and Anthony Davis added 28 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers</li>
</ul>

NBA: LeBron James returns with triple-double, Los Angeles Lakers beat New York Knicks in OT

NewYorkKnicks

World

International

Shubham Banerjee

Anthony Davis scored 19 points and had seven rebounds in the final 12 minutes as the Los Angeles Lakers mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 99-94 on Wednesday. ,Davis, who is averaging 29.3 points in his last three games, finished the game with 30 points and 15 rebounds as the Lakers went back to winning ways at home after a 2-4 record in their Eastern road trip. ,Also Read | NBA: Celtics beat Hornets, overcome Ball's career-best 38 points,Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points and had eight rebounds, while Russell Westbrook added nine points, 13 assists and ten rebounds for the Lakers. Norman Powell led the Trail Blazers' scoring with 30 points, while Anfernee Simons had 19 points. Jusuf Nurkic scored 16 points and added 13 rebounds and four assists. ,The Trail Blazers were leading 75-72 at the end of the third quarter, but the Lakers regained the lead by scoring eight points while the visitors scored just one. The lead extended to five points midway through the quarter but Portland equalised with a three-pointer from Powell to make it 89-all with 2:44 remaining. ,Also Read | NBA: Bulls hold off Magic's 4th quarter rally for 126-115 win,However, the Lakers pulled away as Davis scored six straight points, leading the hosts to a 95-89 advantage with just 52 seconds remaining. ,Anthony was the Lakers' offensive catalyst during the first half when he had 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Powell led the Trail Blazers with 30 points and tied a season high with five 3-pointers. Anfernee Simons added 19 points while Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Also Read | NBA: Antetokounmpo's triple-double helps Bucks top Wizards 112-98,Portland has dropped three straight and five of its last six. A three-point play from Dwight Howard gave the Lakers a 34-21 advantage less than three minutes into the second quarter before the Blazers rallied back with a 17-5 run over a four-minute span. Powell had 12 points in the quarter, including a running layup that tied it at 48 with 2:16 remaining. The Blazers trailed 54-53 at halftime and didn't take their first lead until CJ McCollum's 3-pointer early in the third quarter. Portland extended its lead to 71-65 with 3:44 remaining on a layup by Simmons before the Lakers got within 75-72 at the end of the quarter. (With Inputs from the Associated Press)

{\"time\":1643878502782,\"strCount\":2997,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis</a> scored 19 points and had seven rebounds in the final 12 minutes as the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a> mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter to beat the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/portlandtrailblazers\\\">Portland Trail Blazers</a> 99-94 on Wednesday.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis, who is averaging 29.3 points in his last three games, finished the game with 30 points and 15 rebounds as the Lakers went back to winning ways at home after a 2-4 record in their Eastern road trip.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-boston-celtics-beat-charlotte-hornets-overcome-lamelo-balls-career-best-38-points\\\">NBA: Celtics beat Hornets, overcome Ball's career-best 38 points</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points and had eight rebounds, while Russell Westbrook added nine points, 13 assists and ten rebounds for the Lakers.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Norman Powell led the Trail Blazers' scoring with 30 points, while Anfernee Simons had 19 points. Jusuf Nurkic scored 16 points and added 13 rebounds and four assists.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Trail Blazers were leading 75-72 at the end of the third quarter, but the Lakers regained the lead by scoring eight points while the visitors scored just one. The lead extended to five points midway through the quarter but Portland equalised with a three-pointer from Powell to make it 89-all with 2:44 remaining.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-chicago-bulls-hold-off-orlando-magics-4th-quarter-rally-for-126-115-win\\\">NBA: Bulls hold off Magic's 4th quarter rally for 126-115 win</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, the Lakers pulled away as Davis scored six straight points, leading the hosts to a 95-89 advantage with just 52 seconds remaining.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Anthony was the Lakers' offensive catalyst during the first half when he had 18 points, including four 3-pointers.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Powell led the Trail Blazers with 30 points and tied a season high with five 3-pointers. Anfernee Simons added 19 points while Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-giannis-antetokounmpos-triple-double-helps-milwaukee-bucks-top-washington-wizards-112-98\\\">NBA: Antetokounmpo's triple-double helps Bucks top Wizards 112-98</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Portland has dropped three straight and five of its last six.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A three-point play from Dwight Howard gave the Lakers a 34-21 advantage less than three minutes into the second quarter before the Blazers rallied back with a 17-5 run over a four-minute span. Powell had 12 points in the quarter, including a running layup that tied it at 48 with 2:16 remaining.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Blazers trailed 54-53 at halftime and didn't take their first lead until CJ McCollum's 3-pointer early in the third quarter. Portland extended its lead to 71-65 with 3:44 remaining on a layup by Simmons before the Lakers got within 75-72 at the end of the quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"(With Inputs from the Associated Press)\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 99-94</li>
 <li>Anthony Davis scored 19 points and had seven rebounds in the final 12 minutes</li>
 <li>Davis is averaging 29.3 points over his last three games</li>
</ul>

NBA: Anthony Davis shines late as Lakers rally to beat Trail Blazers

PortlandTrailBlazers

Ketan Barot

New Delhi, Delhi, India

When the dates for an NBA season are announced, one of the first things fans check for is the NBA All-Star Weekend dates. The weekend is jam-packed with thrilling matches and events, like the three-point shooting competition, which concludes with the All-Star Game. The game will feature an exclusive roster of players, primarily the league's top 24 players. Also Read | How to Watch the NBA All-Star Game 2022: TV Channel, Live Stream, Schedule,These games are often less rough and more focused on putting on a show for the audience because the players do not risk getting injured and jeopardising their season. However, with the death of the late great Kobe Bryant, the 2020 NBA All-Star Game encapsulated everything Bryant stood for. Individual All-Star performances by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook have been outstanding over the years. On that point, here are the top five NBA All-Star performances over the last decade:,Also Read | Who is Ja Morant?,Russell Westbrook - NBA All-Star Game 2017,Russell Westbrook's performances at the 2017 NBA All-Star Game were among the highlights of his successful career. Westbrook was not named a starter heading into the weekend, despite being a heavy favourite to win the MVP award after averaging a triple-double this season. Fast forward to the game, and Westbrook put on quite a performance. He was unstoppable, scoring 41 points, grabbing five rebounds, and giving out seven assists. In just under 20 minutes of action, he shot over 54% from beyond the arc and more than 61% from the field. Also Read | NBA All-Star 2022: Captains, starters, reserves out,Westbrook took it personally after being passed over for the starting lineup. He went on to earn the MVP award for the Oklahoma City Thunder that season, averaging a triple-double. Kawhi Leonard - NBA All-Star Game 2020,Kawhi Leonard, the first recipient of the Kobe Bryant MVP award, had the best performance in probably the greatest All-Star Game ever. The game embodied all the late great Bryant stood for, as it was played with vigour and passion. The stars put on an incredible show, with Team LeBron taking home the victory. Leonard scored 30 points, grabbed seven rebounds, threw out four assists, and stole two balls. He made more than 61% of his shots from the field and more than 57% of his shots from the perimeter. Also Read | NBA: Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan help Chicago Bulls beat Portland Trail Blazers 130-116,Leonard made eight three-pointers on the night out of 14 tries. He kept his composure as the game came down to the wire and led both sides in scoring. Anthony Davis - NBA All-Star Game 2017,With his outstanding performance in the 2017 All-Star Game at the age of 23, Anthony Davis took the All-Star Game by storm. Davis scored 52 points and grabbed ten rebounds, including four offensive rebounds. He accomplished that while shooting better than 66% from the field and not attempting a single shot from range. Davis had a record-breaking night, as he set the mark for the most points scored by a player in the NBA All-Star Game's history. Davis was a member of the New Orleans Pelicans at the time and was handed his fourth pick in 2017 when he made the NBA take attention with his performance. Also Read | NBA: Stephen Curry, Warriors beat Kyrie Irving, Nets 110-106,LeBron James - NBA All-Star Game 2018,Without LeBron James, this list of the finest NBA All-Star performances would be incomplete. He is the best player of his generation and possibly the best of all time. James delivered an outstanding performance in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. The game's prior tradition of pitting the Eastern Conference versus the Western Conference had been abandoned. James finished with 29 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists. He made more than 70% of his shots from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, plus he had one steal on the night. Also Read | NBA: Ja Morant scores 34 points, Memphis Grizzlies beat Washington Wizards 115-95,Team LeBron triumphed by three points in a close game, and James was named All-Star Game MVP for the third time in his career. Kobe Bryant - NBA All-Star Game 2011,Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players of all time, delivered a thrilling performance at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. The shooting guard finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals while shooting nearly 54% from the field. He went to the line eight times, seven of which he converted. Also Read | NBA: Doncic, Kleber lead Mavericks past Carlisle, Pacers 132-105,This was arguably Kobe Bryant's final year nearing the top of his game. However, he once again showed the NBA that he could still deliver when it counted. Bryant's 13th All-Star Game selection; he finished his career with 18 All-Star Game honours.

{\"time\":1643625918627,\"strCount\":6030,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"When the dates for an <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> season are announced, one of the first things fans check for is the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nbaallstars\\\">NBA All-Star</a> Weekend dates.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The weekend is jam-packed with thrilling matches and events, like the three-point shooting competition, which concludes with the All-Star Game. The game will feature an exclusive roster of players, primarily the league's top 24 players.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/how-to-watch-the-nba-all-star-game-2022-tv-channel-live-stream-schedule\\\">How to Watch the NBA All-Star Game&nbsp;2022: TV Channel, Live Stream, Schedule</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"These games are often less rough and more focused on putting on a show for the audience because the players do not risk getting injured and jeopardising their season. However, with the death of the late great Kobe Bryant, the 2020 NBA All-Star Game encapsulated everything Bryant stood for.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Individual All-Star performances by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook have been outstanding over the years. On that point, here are the top five NBA All-Star performances over the last decade:\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/who-is-ja-morant\\\">Who is Ja Morant?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russell Westbrook - NBA All-Star Game 2017\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/russellwestbrook\\\">Russell Westbrook</a>'s performances at the 2017 NBA All-Star Game were among the highlights of his successful career.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Westbrook was not named a starter heading into the weekend, despite being a heavy favourite to win the MVP award after averaging a triple-double this season. Fast forward to the game, and Westbrook put on quite a performance.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/TheWestbrookEra/status/1214395898928734208\",\"embed\":\"TheWestbrookEra/status/1214395898928734208\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He was unstoppable, scoring 41 points, grabbing five rebounds, and giving out seven assists. In just under 20 minutes of action, he shot over 54% from beyond the arc and more than 61% from the field.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-all-star-2022-captains-starters-reserves-out-lrbron-james-returns-ja-morant-andrew-wiggins-named\\\">NBA All-Star 2022: Captains, starters, reserves out</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Westbrook took it personally after being passed over for the starting lineup. He went on to earn the MVP award for the Oklahoma City Thunder that season, averaging a triple-double.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kawhi Leonard - NBA All-Star Game 2020\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/kawhileonard\\\">Kawhi Leonard</a>, the first recipient of the Kobe Bryant MVP award, had the best performance in probably the greatest All-Star Game ever.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The game embodied all the late great Bryant stood for, as it was played with vigour and passion. The stars put on an incredible show, with Team LeBron taking home the victory.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1229285452248748032\",\"embed\":\"NBA/status/1229285452248748032\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Leonard scored 30 points, grabbed seven rebounds, threw out four assists, and stole two balls. He made more than 61% of his shots from the field and more than 57% of his shots from the perimeter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-nikola-vucevic-demar-derozan-help-chicago-bulls-beat-portland-trail-blazers-130-116\\\">NBA: Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan help Chicago Bulls beat Portland Trail Blazers 130-116</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Leonard made eight three-pointers on the night out of 14 tries. He kept his composure as the game came down to the wire and led both sides in scoring.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Anthony Davis - NBA All-Star Game 2017\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With his outstanding performance in the 2017 All-Star Game at the age of 23, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis</a> took the All-Star Game by storm.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis scored 52 points and grabbed ten rebounds, including four offensive rebounds. He accomplished that while shooting better than 66% from the field and not attempting a single shot from range.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/833523678176370689\",\"embed\":\"NBAonTNT/status/833523678176370689\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis had a record-breaking night, as he set the mark for the most points scored by a player in the NBA All-Star Game's history. Davis was a member of the New Orleans Pelicans at the time and was handed his fourth pick in 2017 when he made the NBA take attention with his performance.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-stephen-curry-warriors-beat-kyrie-irving-nets-110-106\\\">NBA: Stephen Curry, Warriors beat Kyrie Irving, Nets 110-106</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"LeBron James - NBA All-Star Game 2018\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Without <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James</a>, this list of the finest NBA All-Star performances would be incomplete. He is the best player of his generation and possibly the best of all time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James delivered an outstanding performance in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. The game's prior tradition of pitting the Eastern Conference versus the Western Conference had been abandoned.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/954131006319144962\",\"embed\":\"ESPNStatsInfo/status/954131006319144962\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James finished with 29 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists. He made more than 70% of his shots from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, plus he had one steal on the night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-ja-morant-scores-34-points-memphis-grizzlies-beat-washington-wizards-115-95\\\">NBA: Ja Morant scores 34 points, Memphis Grizzlies beat Washington Wizards 115-95</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Team LeBron triumphed by three points in a close game, and James was named All-Star Game MVP for the third time in his career.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kobe Bryant - NBA All-Star Game 2011\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/kobebryant\\\">Kobe Bryant</a>, one of the greatest players of all time, delivered a thrilling performance at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The shooting guard finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals while shooting nearly 54% from the field. He went to the line eight times, seven of which he converted.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/ali_behpoornia/status/1229085058033573888\",\"embed\":\"ali_behpoornia/status/1229085058033573888\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-doncic-kleber-lead-mavericks-past-carlisle-pacers-132-105\\\">NBA: Doncic, Kleber lead Mavericks past Carlisle, Pacers 132-105</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"This was arguably Kobe Bryant's final year nearing the top of his game. However, he once again showed the NBA that he could still deliver when it counted. Bryant's 13th All-Star Game selection; he finished his career with 18 All-Star Game honours.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>NBA All-Star Weekend dates is one of the first things fans check for once a season is announced</li>
 <li>The weekend is jam-packed with thrilling matches and events, like the three-point shooting competition</li>
 <li>The game will feature an exclusive roster of players, primarily the league's top 24 players</li>
</ul>

Top five NBA All-Star Game performances over the last decade

NBAAllStars

KobeBryant

KawhiLeonard

Charlotte, NC, USA

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been ruled out of Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley, who were both listed as questionable on the injury report, will start. James had also missed the Thursday game against Philadelphia 76ers because of his sore left knee. Davis is out with right wrist soreness. Malik Monk (left groin soreness) and Kendrick Nunn (right knee bone bruise) also are out for the struggling Lakers. Also read: NBA All-Star 2022: Captains, starters, reserves out,Coach Frank Vogel ahead of the game against 76ers said James is day to day. The 37-year-old is second in the league in scoring at 29.1 points per game. He has scored at least 25 points in 18 straight games. Also read: Dusan Vlahovic joins Juventus after €75 million transfer from Fiorentina,LeBron James is on the verge of becoming the first triple-quintuple player in NBA history, with at least 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. He hit the rebound milestone last week, and he’ll probably hit the assist milestone sometime between now and the All-Star break, if he can stay healthy. Also read: Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte set in UK, rights to title bout secured for $41 million,Charlotte's Kelly Oubre Jr. who had 39 points on 10 3-pointers in a 158-126 win over Indiana on Wednesday night, will be a game-time decision due to a left ankle strain. The Hornets and Lakers will tip at 7:30 p.m. EST/6 AM Saturday IST. With inputs from the Associated Press

{\"time\":1643414906827,\"strCount\":2060,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James</a> and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis </a>have been ruled out of Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.&nbsp;Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley, who were both listed as questionable on the injury report, will start.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James had also missed the Thursday game against Philadelphia 76ers because of his sore left knee.&nbsp;Davis is out with right wrist soreness. Malik Monk (left groin soreness) and Kendrick Nunn (right knee bone bruise) also are out for the struggling Lakers.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-all-star-2022-captains-starters-reserves-out-lrbron-james-returns-ja-morant-andrew-wiggins-named\\\">NBA All-Star 2022: Captains, starters, reserves out</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Coach&nbsp;Frank Vogel ahead of the game against 76ers said James is day to day.&nbsp; The 37-year-old is second in the league in scoring at 29.1 points per game. He has scored at least 25 points in 18 straight games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/dusan-vlahovic-joins-juventus-after-75-million-transfer-from-fiorentina-report\\\">Dusan Vlahovic joins Juventus after €75 million transfer from Fiorentina</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"LeBron James is on the verge of becoming the first triple-quintuple player in NBA history, with at least 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.&nbsp;He hit the rebound milestone last week, and he’ll probably hit the assist milestone sometime between now and the All-Star break, if he can stay healthy.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tyson-fury-vs-dillian-whyte-set-in-uk-frank-warren-secures-rights-to-title-bout-for-41-million\\\">Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte set in UK, rights to title bout secured for $41 million</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Charlotte's Kelly Oubre Jr., who had 39 points on 10 3-pointers in a 158-126 win over Indiana on Wednesday night, will be a game-time decision due to a left ankle strain.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Hornets and Lakers will tip at 7:30 p.m. EST/6 AM Saturday IST.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With inputs from the Associated Press\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>LeBron James has now missed two successive games because of his sore left knee</li>
 <li>Anthony Davis is out with right wrist soreness</li>
 <li>Coach Frank Vogel ahead of the game against 76ers said James is day to day</li>
</ul>

LeBron James, Anthony Davis ruled out of Los Angeles Lakers' tie vs Charlotte Hornets

CharlotteHornets

New York, NY, USA

LeBron James welcomed Anthony Davis back with a lob pass for the game's first basket, then turned to his own offense to score 33 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. Davis had eight points in 25 minutes after missing 17 games with a sprained left knee and the Lakers got good nights off the bench from Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony. James added seven rebounds and six assists, punctuating his performance with steals and dunks about 15 seconds apart midway through the fourth quarter in front of a roaring road crowd that didn't have most of its own stars to cheer. ,Also Read | NBA: Embiid leads 76ers past short-handed Pelicans, 117-107,Monk scored 22 points, hitting six 3-pointers, and Anthony added 13. ,James Harden had 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in an impressive follow-up to his strong game in Los Angeles when the Nets won there on Christmas. But with Kevin Durant still out with a sprained left knee ligament and the unvaccinated Kyrie Irving unavailable again now that the Nets are back from their four-game road trip, the Nets couldn't match the Lakers on one of their good nights in an uneven season. ,Davis looked in sync right away, throwing down a lob pass from James on the first possession of the game. He also blocked three shots in the first quarter, which ended with the Lakers leading 33-25 on James' basket as time expired. Also Read | NBA: Booker, Paul lead Suns past depleted Jazz, 115-109,James opened the second quarter with a three-point play to push the lead to 11, and the Lakers would lead by as much as 14 before taking a 62-53 lead to halftime. The Nets got within two midway through the third, but James made two straight jumpers, Monk hit a 3-pointer and James fired a pass to a cutting Russell Westbrook that led to a three-point play that capped a quick 10-2 spurt and restored the double-digit lead at 81-71. It wasn't close again. TIP-INS,Lakers: Westbrook scored 15 points. ... Monk had 16 points in the first half. Also Read | NBA: Vucevic, Bulls withstand late Thunder rally for 111-110 win,Nets: Harden became the 32nd player to reach 23,000 points. The four active ones were all on the rosters of these teams: James, Anthony and Durant are ahead of him. ... Center Nic Claxton returned after missing seven games with left hamstring tightness. He had six points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes. ,READY OR NOT,Coach Frank Vogel said the Lakers expected Davis to have stretches where he was out of sync or rhythm, because he would be playing his way into shape in games without enough opportunities to do it during full 5-on-5 workout situations. “With limited practice time, we are still viewing these first few games as not out of the woods yet,” Vogel said. “This is going to be his reconditioning phase. ,Also Read | NBA: CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic lead Portland Trail Blazers over Toronto Raptors, 114-105,HEARING FROM HARDEN,Coach Steve Nash said he hadn't spoken to Harden about any of Harden's concerns that were reported in a Bleacher Report storyTuesday looking at his free agency after the season. The story said Harden was frustrated with Irving's part-time status and by Nash's playing rotations. Nash said they didn't seem like things Harden would say. “So I’m not sure what to believe,” Nash said. “James and I speak all the time and I think we have a great relationship, so I’m not sure the validity of these comments to be honest with you.”,UP NEXT,Lakers: Visit Philadelphia on Thursday. Nets: Host Denver on Wednesday.

{\"time\":1643171018883,\"strCount\":4493,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James</a> welcomed <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis</a> back with a lob pass for the game's first basket, then turned to his own offense to score 33 points in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a>' 106-96 victory over the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/brooklynnets\\\">Brooklyn Nets</a> on Tuesday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis had eight points in 25 minutes after missing 17 games with a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-out-at-least-4-weeks-for-sprained-knee\\\">sprained left knee</a> and the Lakers got good nights off the bench from Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James added seven rebounds and six assists, punctuating his performance with steals and dunks about 15 seconds apart midway through the fourth quarter in front of a roaring road crowd that didn't have most of its own stars to cheer.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-joel-embiid-leads-philadelphia-76ers-past-short-handed-new-orleans-pelicans-117-107\\\">NBA: Embiid leads 76ers past short-handed Pelicans, 117-107</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Monk scored 22 points, hitting six 3-pointers, and Anthony added 13.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/jamesharden\\\">James Harden</a> had 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in an impressive follow-up to his strong game in Los Angeles when the Nets won there on Christmas. But with Kevin Durant still out with a sprained left knee ligament and the unvaccinated Kyrie Irving unavailable again now that the Nets are back from their four-game road trip, the Nets couldn't match the Lakers on one of their good nights in an uneven season.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis looked in sync right away, throwing down a lob pass from James on the first possession of the game. He also blocked three shots in the first quarter, which ended with the Lakers leading 33-25 on James' basket as time expired.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-devin-booker-chris-paul-lead-phoenix-suns-past-depleted-utah-jazz-115-109\\\">NBA: Booker, Paul lead Suns past depleted Jazz, 115-109</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James opened the second quarter with a three-point play to push the lead to 11, and the Lakers would lead by as much as 14 before taking a 62-53 lead to halftime.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Nets got within two midway through the third, but James made two straight jumpers, Monk hit a 3-pointer and James fired a pass to a cutting Russell Westbrook that led to a three-point play that capped a quick 10-2 spurt and restored the double-digit lead at 81-71. It wasn't close again.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"TIP-INS\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: Westbrook scored 15 points. ... Monk had 16 points in the first half.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-nicola-vucevic-chicago-bulls-withstand-late-oklahoma-city-thunder-rally-win-111-110\\\">NBA: Vucevic, Bulls withstand late Thunder rally for 111-110 win</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Nets: Harden became the 32nd player to reach 23,000 points. The four active ones were all on the rosters of these teams: James, Anthony and Durant are ahead of him. ... Center Nic Claxton returned after missing seven games with left hamstring tightness. He had six points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"READY OR NOT\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Coach Frank Vogel said the Lakers expected Davis to have stretches where&nbsp;he was out of sync or rhythm,&nbsp;because he would be playing his way into shape in games without enough opportunities to do it during full 5-on-5 workout situations.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“With limited practice time, we are still viewing these first few games as not out of the woods yet,” Vogel said. “This is going to be his reconditioning phase.\\\"&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/nba-cj-mccollum-jusuf-nurkic-lead-portland-trail-blazers-over-toronto-raptors-114-105\\\">NBA: CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic lead Portland Trail Blazers over Toronto Raptors, 114-105</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"HEARING FROM HARDEN\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Coach Steve Nash said he hadn't spoken to Harden about any of Harden's concerns that were reported in a&nbsp;Bleacher Report storyTuesday looking at his free agency after the season. The story said Harden was frustrated with Irving's part-time status and by Nash's playing rotations. Nash said they didn't seem like things Harden would say.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“So I’m not sure what to believe,” Nash said. “James and I speak all the time and I think we have a great relationship, so I’m not sure the validity of these comments to be honest with you.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"UP NEXT\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: Visit Philadelphia on Thursday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Nets: Host Denver on Wednesday.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>LeBron James welcomed Anthony Davis back with a lob pass for the game's first basket</li>
 <li>Davis had eight points in 25 minutes after missing 17 games with a sprained left knee</li>
 <li>James Harden had 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Nets</li>
</ul>

NBA: James has 33, Lakers beat Nets 106-96 in Davis' return

BrooklynNets

JamesHarden

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis will be out for at least four weeks after spraining a ligament in his left knee. The Lakers announced the latest major setback Saturday for Davis, the eight-time All-Star with a lengthy injury history, particularly since moving to Los Angeles in 2019. Davis hurt himself in the third quarter of the Lakers' road loss to the Timberwolves on Friday night. Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels collided with Davis while off-balance and sent the Lakers star to the court. Davis had trouble getting off the court. Also Read: 3 NFL games moved due to COVID outbreaks: Report,The Lakers conducted an MRI exam in Chicago on Saturday that revealed the sprain. Davis will be reevaluated in four weeks, taking his latest injury absence into mid-January at least. Davis had missed only three of the Lakers' first 30 games due to injury this season. Instead, LeBron James has endured the biggest injury problems this season for Los Angeles' star-studded roster. Davis played in 62 games in his first season with the Lakers before they won their 17th championship in the Florida bubble. Davis then appeared in only 36 games last season while dogged by persistent injury woes that ultimately prevented him from finishing the season in uniform. Davis is averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 blocked shots per game this season. Also Read: Los Angeles schools delay student COVID vaccine mandate,Despite numerous injury problems and a current spate of COVID-19 woes, the Lakers (16-14) began the weekend in sixth place in the Western Conference. Avery Bradley, Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn and Austin Reaves are all currently in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Los Angeles is scheduled to play at Chicago on Tuesday night.

{\"time\":1639876353645,\"strCount\":2133,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-memphis-grizzlies-ride-second-half-push-to-108-95-win-over-los-angeles-lakers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a> forward Anthony Davis will be out for at least four weeks after spraining a ligament in his left knee.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers announced the latest major setback Saturday for Davis, the eight-time All-Star with a lengthy injury history, particularly since moving to Los Angeles in 2019.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis hurt himself in the third quarter of the Lakers' road loss to the Timberwolves on Friday night. Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels collided with Davis while off-balance and sent the Lakers star to the court. Davis had trouble getting off the court.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nfl-browns-raiders-rams-seahawks-wft-eagles-games-moved-due-to-covid-outbreaks-reports\\\">3 NFL games moved due to COVID outbreaks: Report</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers conducted an MRI exam in Chicago on Saturday that revealed the sprain. Davis will be reevaluated in four weeks, taking his latest injury absence into mid-January at least.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis had missed only three of the Lakers' first 30 games due to injury this season. Instead, LeBron James has endured the biggest injury problems this season for Los Angeles' star-studded roster.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis played in 62 games in his first season with the Lakers before they won their 17th championship in the Florida bubble. Davis then appeared in only 36 games last season while dogged by persistent injury woes that ultimately prevented him from finishing the season in uniform.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis is averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 blocked shots per game this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/los-angeles-schools-delay-student-covid-vaccine-mandate\\\">Los Angeles schools delay student COVID vaccine mandate</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite numerous injury problems and a current spate of COVID-19 woes, the Lakers (16-14) began the weekend in sixth place in the Western Conference. Avery Bradley, Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn and Austin Reaves are all currently in the NBA's health and safety protocols.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Los Angeles is scheduled to play at Chicago on Tuesday night.\"}}]}

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

<ul>
 <li>Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis will be out for at least four weeks</li>
 <li>He sprained a ligament in his left knee</li>
 <li>Davis hurt himself in the third quarter of the Lakers' road loss to the Timberwolves on Friday night</li>
</ul>

Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis out at least 4 weeks for sprained knee

LeBron James scored 33 points and kept his calm as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 110-106 without incident at the Staples Center on Sunday. The two sides met last Sunday in Detroit, where James was involved in an ugly altercation with Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart that resulted in both players being ejected from the game and handed suspensions. ,James was adjudged to have committed a Flagrant-2 foul and was ejected when he hit Stewart in the face when they jostled for a rebounding position. Stewart then earned his own ejection when he repeatedly charged at James in the aftermath of the incident. ,James was given a one-match suspension, while Stewart was suspended for two games. James was then warned for using profane language when talking about the suspension after the Lakers' win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Stewart fanned the flames in the build-up to the rematch, saying he believes James' blow was not accidental, as the four-time champion had claimed it was. ,The 20-year-old was booed constantly by Lakers fans at the Staples Center but there was no controversy this time, as both himself and James avoided any flare-ups. ,Also Read | NBA: Celtics beat short-handed Raptors for 4th win in 6 games,Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook had 25 points and nine assists, and Anthony Davis added 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. They returned to .500 with their second win over Detroit in eight days. Los Angeles once again failed to pull away from a struggling opponent, but still beat the Pistons at Staples Center for the fifth straight time. Jerami Grant scored 32 points and No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham had 15 points and 11 rebounds in the Pistons’ sixth straight loss. Detroit followed up its 11-point loss to the Clippers at Staples Center on Friday by being more competitive against Los Angeles' other team, but falling short again. Also Read | NBA: Defending champs Bucks rout Pacers for 7th straight win,Stewart had five points and six rebounds in 27 minutes in the rematch. The Lakers pulled out to a 19-point lead in the third quarter with a 16-0 run, the most consecutive points they've scored this season. But Los Angeles has rarely sustained any significant stretch of good play this season, and the Pistons got to 97-91 with 5:48 left with a 13-2 run. (With inputs from the Associated Press)

{\"time\":1638168704275,\"strCount\":3109,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James</a> scored 33 points and kept his calm as the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a> beat the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/detroitpistons\\\">Detroit Pistons</a> 110-106 without incident at the Staples Center on Sunday. The two sides met last Sunday in Detroit, where James was involved in an <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/lebron-james-ejected-after-bloodying-isaiah-stewart-la-lakers-beat-detroit-pistons\\\">ugly altercation</a> with Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart that resulted in both players being ejected from the game and handed suspensions.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James was adjudged to have committed a Flagrant-2 foul and was ejected when he hit Stewart in the face when they jostled for a rebounding position. Stewart then earned his own ejection when he repeatedly charged at James in the aftermath of the incident.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James was given a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-suspends-lebron-james-isaiah-stewart-after-on-court-altercation\\\">one-match suspension</a>, while Stewart was suspended for two games. James was then warned for using <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-fines-lebron-james-15000-over-ovbscene-gesture-during-indiana-pacers-win\\\">profane language</a> when talking about the suspension after the Lakers' win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Stewart fanned the flames in the build-up to the rematch, saying he believes James' blow was not accidental, as the four-time champion had claimed it was.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 20-year-old was booed constantly by Lakers fans at the Staples Center but there was no controversy this time, as both himself and James avoided any flare-ups.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-boston-celtics-beat-short-handed-toronto-raptors-for-4th-win-in-6-games\\\">NBA: Celtics beat short-handed Raptors for 4th win in 6 games</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile,&nbsp;Russell Westbrook had 25 points and nine assists, and Anthony Davis added 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. They returned to .500 with their second win over Detroit in eight days.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Los Angeles once again failed to pull away from a struggling opponent, but still beat the Pistons at Staples Center for the fifth straight time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jerami Grant scored 32 points and No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham had 15 points and 11 rebounds in the Pistons’ sixth straight loss. Detroit followed up its 11-point loss to the Clippers at Staples Center on Friday by being more competitive against Los Angeles' other team, but falling short again.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-defending-champs-milwaukee-bucks-rout-indiana-pacers-for-7th-straight-win\\\">NBA: Defending champs Bucks rout Pacers for 7th straight win</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Stewart had five points and six rebounds in 27 minutes in the rematch.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers pulled out to a 19-point lead in the third quarter with a 16-0 run, the most consecutive points they've scored this season. But Los Angeles has rarely sustained any significant stretch of good play this season, and the Pistons got to 97-91 with 5:48 left with a 13-2 run.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"(With inputs from the Associated Press)\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 110-106</li>
 <li>LeBron was ejected after he hit Isaiah Stewart in the face in their last fixture</li>
 <li>Both LeBron and Stewart were suspended because of the altercation</li>
</ul>

NBA: LeBron James scores 33 in incident-free Los Angeles Lakers win over Detroit Pistons

DetroitPistons

Boston, MA, USA

A 37-point return saw Jayson Tatum steal LeBron James' thunder on a night the four-time NBA champion returned to the Los Angeles lineup, as the Boston Celtics beat the Lakers 130-108 on Friday. ,Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder scored 22 and 21 points respectively for Boston (8-8), which climbed back to .500. Tatum had 11 rebounds and Al Horford added 18 points. Anthony Davis led Los Angeles with 31 points and James finished with 23 in 32 minutes. They each had six rebounds and two assists. James, who has won the championship with the Lakers, Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, missed eight games through an abdominal strain. The Lakers lost five of those games, inluding four consecutive on the road. ,The teams who have accounted for nearly half of the NBA's championships with 17 apiece renewed their rivalry in front of a raucous TD Garden crowd that made it seem like a playoff atmosphere from the opening tip. Also Read | NBA: DeRozan, LaVine lead Bulls' 121-103 rout of LA; Davis tossed,Hall of Famer Bill Russell — introduced as a “true Celtics legend” when he was welcomed back by the PA announcer and shown on the Jumbotron midway into the opening quarter — was seated courtside wearing a hat with the initials “KB” encircled in a yellow heart on the front for the late Lakers star Kobe Bryant. The Celtics led by 11 points entering the final quarter and opened a 109-94 lead on Tatum’s three-point play with 6:59 remaining. His 3-pointer from the left corner increased it to 116-99 with 5:02 to go. Also Read | NBA: Bucks build big lead, hang on to beat Thunder 96-89,The Lakers made nine of their initial 12 shots en route to a 38-30 lead after one quarter. James’ first basket came on a thundering dunk off a drive down the lane 2 ½ minutes into the game. Boston erased a 14-point deficit in the second quarter and took the lead before James’ fast-break layup gave the Lakers a 61-60 halftime edge. The Celtics opened the second half with a 14-4 surge and led 93-82 entering the fourth. (With inputs from the Associated Press)

{\"time\":1637386502790,\"strCount\":2598,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A 37-point return saw Jayson Tatum steal <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/search/LebronJames\\\">LeBron James</a>' thunder on a night the four-time <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> champion returned to the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles</a> lineup, as the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/search/BostonCeltics\\\">Boston Celtics</a> beat the Lakers 130-108 on Friday.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Marcus Smart and Dennis\\nSchroder scored 22 and 21 points respectively for Boston (8-8), which climbed back to .500. Tatum had 11 rebounds\\nand Al Horford added 18 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis</a> led Los Angeles with 31\\npoints and James finished with 23 in 32 minutes. They each had six rebounds and\\ntwo assists.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James, who has won the championship with the Lakers, Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, missed eight games through an abdominal strain. The Lakers lost five of those games, inluding four consecutive on the road.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The teams who have accounted for nearly\\nhalf of the NBA's championships with 17 apiece renewed their rivalry in front\\nof a raucous TD Garden crowd that made it seem like a playoff atmosphere from\\nthe opening tip.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-demar-derozan-zack-lavine-lead-chicago-bulls-121-103-rout-of-los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-tossed\\\">NBA: DeRozan, LaVine lead Bulls' 121-103 rout of LA; Davis tossed</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Hall of Famer Bill Russell — introduced as\\na “true Celtics legend” when he was welcomed back by the PA announcer and shown\\non the Jumbotron midway into the opening quarter — was seated courtside wearing\\na hat with the initials “KB” encircled in a yellow heart on the front for the\\nlate Lakers star Kobe Bryant.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Celtics led by 11 points entering the\\nfinal quarter and opened a 109-94 lead on Tatum’s three-point play with 6:59\\nremaining. His 3-pointer from the left corner increased it to 116-99 with 5:02\\nto go.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-milwaukee-bucks-build-big-lead-hang-on-to-beat-oklahoma-city-thunder-96-89\\\">NBA: Bucks build big lead, hang on to beat Thunder 96-89</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers made nine of their initial 12\\nshots en route to a 38-30 lead after one quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James’ first basket came on a thundering\\ndunk off a drive down the lane 2 ½ minutes into the game.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Boston erased a 14-point deficit in the\\nsecond quarter and took the lead before James’ fast-break layup gave the Lakers\\na 61-60 halftime edge.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Celtics opened the second half with a\\n14-4 surge and led 93-82 entering the fourth.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"(With inputs from the Associated Press)\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 130-108&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Marcus Smart had 22 points and Dennis Schroder 21 for Boston</li>
 <li>Anthony Davis led the Lakers' scoring with 31 points and James finished with 23</li>
</ul>

NBA: Tatum scores 37 as Celtics down Lakers on James' return

BostonCeltics

DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 38 points and Zach LaVine had added 26 in the Chicago Bulls' 121-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Lonzo Ball had a season-high 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against his former team as the promising Bulls rolled to their fourth win in five games, following up their win over the Clippers on Sunday night by sweeping back-to-back games at Staples Center. Chicago also snapped an eight-game skid against the Lakers dating to November 2016 while going to 10-4 in a promising start to the season. “I think we are one of the top teams in the NBA,” Ball said. “We’ve still got a lot to improve on and a long way to go, but I think we’re moving in the right direction.”,DeRozan and LaVine combined for 39 points in the first half at Staples Center, hitting seven 3-pointers in a dynamic two-man display. DeRozan kept it up after halftime, following up his 35-point effort against the Clippers with another dominant night on his hometown floor. Also Read | NBA: Tatum scores 23, Celtics beat Cavaliers 98-92 to split set,“Every night you’ve got to find some type of extra motivation,” said DeRozan, a Compton native. “We’ve got a couple of guys that played here, (others who are) from here. Just having that extra juice, that energy to go out there and compete, is always beneficial.”,DeRozan and the Lakers flirted with each other in free agency during the summer, but the Lakers eventually went with Russell Westbrook over DeRozan, his fellow Los Angeles-area native. Anthony Davis had 20 points and six rebounds before getting ejected by referee Scott Wall with 2:20 left in the third quarter. The Lakers already were well on their way to their fourth loss in the last seven games without LeBron James, who is out with an abdominal strain. “Coming out with (James) out, you always know you’ve got to play hard and make up the slack for a big piece of our team,” said Talen Horton-Tucker, who had a career-high 28 points against his hometown team. “We’ve all got to bring our games up to another level.”,Westbrook got 19 of his 25 points in the first half for the Lakers, who wrapped up a five-game, eight-day homestand with three narrow wins and two embarrassing defeats. Three days after Minnesota routed the Lakers with a dominant third quarter, Chicago went ahead by 25 in the third while scoring 37 points. TIP-INS,Bulls: Coby White played 11 scoreless minutes in his season debut after shoulder surgery. White started 54 games last season, but Ball has taken over as Chicago's starting point guard. Also Read | NBA: Trae Young scores 42 points, Atlanta Hawks beat Milwaukee Bucks to snap 6-game skid,Lakers: Kendrick Nunn is still “a ways away” from his Lakers debut, coach Frank Vogel said. Nunn has a right knee bone bruise. ... Los Angeles played 12 of its first 15 games at home, but will play five road games in eight days before Thanksgiving. AD OUT,Davis was ejected for only the second time in his career. He got his first technical midway through the first quarter, and he got another after he lost his shoe while falling out of bounds with the ball under the Lakers’ basket. He yelled at Wall when the referee allowed Chicago to inbound it before Davis put his shoe back on. “Typically, the ref will wipe the ball, let the guy get his shoe on,” Vogel said. “Have some common sense. Quick inbounds — AD said, ‘That’s B.S. ' which happens about 15 times in the NBA every game. Quick tech, ejection. I don't know what to say about that.”,THE GREAT CARUSO,Alex Caruso played 35 scoreless minutes with six rebounds and five assists in his first game against the Lakers since Los Angeles declined to match the Bulls’ free-agent offer last summer. Caruso worked his way from the Lakers' G League affiliate to a key role on their 2020 championship team, and the Bald Mamba also became an enormous favorite among the Lakers’ worldwide fan base. Staples Center played a tribute video to Caruso during the first timeout, and he waved to a lengthy standing ovation. BRING BACK TERRITORIAL DRAFT PICKS,The Bulls put out a starting lineup with two former Lakers, two UCLA products, a USC product and two Los Angeles-area natives. The Lakers had two Chicagoland products in their starting lineup: Horton-Tucker is an Uptown native, and Davis is from the South Side. UP NEXT,Bulls: At Portland on Wednesday. Lakers: At Milwaukee on Wednesday.

{\"time\":1637054522540,\"strCount\":4918,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 38 points and Zach LaVine had added 26 in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/chicagobulls\\\">Chicago Bulls</a>' 121-103 victory over the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a> on Monday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lonzo Ball had a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">season</a>-high 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against his former team as the promising Bulls rolled to their fourth win in five games, following up their win over the Clippers on Sunday night by sweeping back-to-back games at Staples Center. Chicago also snapped an eight-game skid against the Lakers dating to November 2016 while going to 10-4 in a promising start to the season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“I think we are one of the top teams in the NBA,” Ball said. “We’ve still got a lot to improve on and a long way to go, but I think we’re moving in the right direction.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"DeRozan and LaVine combined for 39 points in the first half at Staples Center, hitting seven 3-pointers in a dynamic two-man display. DeRozan kept it up after halftime, following up his 35-point effort against the Clippers with another dominant night on his hometown floor.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-jayson-tatum-scores-23-boston-celtics-beat-cleveland-cavaliers-98-92-to-split-set\\\">NBA: Tatum scores 23, Celtics beat Cavaliers 98-92 to split set</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Every night you’ve got to find some type of extra motivation,” said DeRozan, a Compton native. “We’ve got a couple of guys that played here, (others who are) from here. Just having that extra juice, that energy to go out there and compete, is always beneficial.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"DeRozan and the Lakers flirted with each other in free agency during the summer, but the Lakers eventually went with Russell Westbrook over DeRozan, his fellow Los Angeles-area native.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis</a> had 20 points and six rebounds before getting ejected by referee Scott Wall with 2:20 left in the third quarter. The Lakers already were well on their way to their fourth loss in the last seven games without <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lebronjames\\\">LeBron James</a>, who is out with an abdominal strain.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Coming out with (James) out, you always know you’ve got to play hard and make up the slack for a big piece of our team,” said Talen Horton-Tucker, who had a career-high 28 points against his hometown team. “We’ve all got to bring our games up to another level.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Westbrook got 19 of his 25 points in the first half for the Lakers, who wrapped up a five-game, eight-day homestand with three narrow wins and two embarrassing defeats.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three days after Minnesota routed the Lakers with a dominant third quarter, Chicago went ahead by 25 in the third while scoring 37 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"TIP-INS\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Bulls: Coby White played 11 scoreless minutes in his season debut after shoulder surgery. White started 54 games last season, but Ball has taken over as Chicago's starting point guard.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-trae-young-scores-42-points-atlanta-hawks-beat-milwaukee-bucks-to-snap-6-game-skid\\\">NBA: Trae Young scores 42 points, Atlanta Hawks beat Milwaukee Bucks to snap 6-game skid</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: Kendrick Nunn is still “a ways away” from his Lakers debut, coach Frank Vogel said. Nunn has a right knee bone bruise. ... Los Angeles played 12 of its first 15 games at home, but will play five road games in eight days before Thanksgiving.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"AD OUT\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis was ejected for only the second time in his career. He got his first technical midway through the first quarter, and he got another after he lost his shoe while falling out of bounds with the ball under the Lakers’ basket. He yelled at Wall when the referee allowed Chicago to inbound it before Davis put his shoe back on.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Typically, the ref will wipe the ball, let the guy get his shoe on,” Vogel said. “Have some common sense. Quick inbounds — AD said, ‘That’s B.S.,' which happens about 15 times in the NBA every game. Quick tech, ejection. I don't know what to say about that.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"THE GREAT CARUSO\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Alex Caruso played 35 scoreless minutes with six rebounds and five assists in his first game against the Lakers since Los Angeles declined to match the Bulls’ free-agent offer last summer. Caruso worked his way from the Lakers' G League affiliate to a key role on their 2020 championship team, and the Bald Mamba also became an enormous favorite among the Lakers’ worldwide fan base.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Staples Center played a tribute video to Caruso during the first timeout, and he waved to a lengthy standing ovation.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"BRING BACK TERRITORIAL DRAFT PICKS\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Bulls put out a starting lineup with two former Lakers, two UCLA products, a USC product and two Los Angeles-area natives. The Lakers had two Chicagoland products in their starting lineup: Horton-Tucker is an Uptown native, and Davis is from the South Side.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"UP NEXT\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Bulls: At Portland on Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lakers: At Milwaukee on Wednesday.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 38 points and Zach LaVine had added 26</li>
 <li>Lonzo Ball had a season-high 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds</li>
 <li>Anthony Davis was ejected by referee Scott Wall with 2:20 left in the third quarter</li>
</ul>

NBA: DeRozan, LaVine lead Bulls' 121-103 rout of LA; Davis tossed

ChicagoBulls

Sayantan Guha

Centre Anthony Davis starred for the Los Angeles Lakers with 34 points and 15 rebounds as they sank San Antonio Spurs 114-106 on Sunday. Season debutant Talen Horton-Tucker added 17 points to the Lakers' tally while Carmelo Anthony and Wayne Ellington each had 15 points. Going into the third quarter, the Lakers were already leading by 14 points and held on to improve to 3-3 since LeBron James was sidelined November 4 because of an abdominal strain. ,Davis' huge game came two days after the Lakers were humiliated by 24 points in a home defeat to Minnesota, with the All-Star forward calling the performance embarrassing and claiming the squad lacked effort in the decisive third quarter. With 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, Dejounte Murray achieved a triple-double for the Spurs. Keldon Johnson led the team with 24 points. Sky is the limit: Stephen Curry's college coach after 40-point show vs Chicago Bulls,San Antonio dropped their sixth game in a row and dropped the first of two games in a row in Los Angeles, with a meeting against the resurgent Clippers on Tuesday night. Davis scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the first quarter and 27 points in the second. He was making his first start of the season after starting three times in 69 games for the Portland Trail Blazers last season. It was his 1,118th career start. Doug McDermott's 3-pointer cut the Spurs' deficit to 105-103 with 2:41 left. The Lakers went on a 7-0 run to seize control, with Anthony hitting a 3-pointer with 1:46 left for a 110-103 lead and new-signee Russell Westbrook adding a layup for a 112-103 advantage. NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers erase 19-point deficit to beat Boston Celtics 91-89,Westbrook had 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in the game. For the Lakers, Malik Monk scored 16 points. Devin Vassell added 19 points for San Antonio, and Thaddeus Young had 17. With inputs from the Associated Press

{\"time\":1636936030290,\"strCount\":2324,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Centre Anthony Davis starred for the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles Lakers</a> with 34 points and 15 rebounds as they sank San Antonio Spurs 114-106 on Sunday. Season debutant Talen Horton-Tucker added 17 points to the Lakers' tally while Carmelo Anthony and Wayne Ellington each had 15 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Going into the third quarter, the Lakers were already leading by 14 points and held on to improve&nbsp;to 3-3 since LeBron James was sidelined November 4 because of an abdominal strain. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis' huge game came two days after the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-towns-timberwolves-thrash-los-angeles-lakers-107-83-to-snap-6-game-skid\\\">Lakers were humiliated by 24 points</a> in a home defeat to Minnesota, with the All-Star forward calling the performance \\\"embarrassing\\\" and claiming the squad lacked effort in the decisive third quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, Dejounte Murray achieved a triple-double for the Spurs. Keldon Johnson led the team with 24 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sky-is-the-limit-stephen-currys-college-coach-after-40-point-show-vs-chicago-bulls\\\">Sky is the limit: Stephen Curry's college coach after 40-point show vs Chicago Bulls</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"San Antonio dropped their sixth game in a row and dropped the first of two games in a row in Los Angeles, with a meeting against the resurgent Clippers on Tuesday night.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the first quarter and 27 points in the second. He was&nbsp;making his first start of the season after starting three times in 69 games for the Portland Trail Blazers last season. It was his 1,118th career start.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Doug McDermott's 3-pointer cut the Spurs' deficit to 105-103 with 2:41 left. The Lakers went on a 7-0 run to seize control, with Anthony hitting a 3-pointer with 1:46 left for a 110-103 lead and new-signee Russell Westbrook adding a layup for a 112-103 advantage.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-cleveland-cavaliers-erase-19-point-deficit-to-beat-boston-celtics-91-89\\\">NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers erase 19-point deficit to beat Boston Celtics 91-89</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Westbrook had 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in the game. For the Lakers, Malik Monk scored 16 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Devin Vassell added 19 points for San Antonio, and Thaddeus Young had 17.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With inputs from the Associated Press\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Anthony Davis starred for the Los Angeles Lakers with 34 points and 15 rebounds</li>
 <li>Los Angeles Lakers sank San Antonio Spurs 114-106 on Sunday</li>
 <li>Talen Horton-Tucker added 17 points to the Lakers' tally</li>
</ul>

NBA: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers roll past San Antonio Spurs

<a href="https://opoyi.com/does-lebron-james-pursuit-of-michael-jordans-legacy-end-with-los-angeles-lakers-loss-against-phoenix-suns">LeBron James</a> remains a "championship pillar" of the Los Angeles Lakers and the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/michaeljordan">NBA club</a> will pour all it can into making sure he and Anthony Davis are at full strength next season, general manager Rob Pelinka said Friday.,The Phoenix Suns ended the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers">Lakers' NBA title</a> defense in emphatic style on Thursday, leading wire-to-wire in a 113-100 victory to win their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series in six games.,It marked the first time in 15 playoff appearances that James -- a four-time NBA champion -- was <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/phoenixsuns">eliminated in the first round</a>.,Inevitably the series defeat, on the heels of a regular season in which James and Davis both battled injury and the Lakers had to play their way into the post-season proper as the seventh seed, sparked speculation as to how much longer the 36-year-old James will be the man to carry a franchise and whether he can still hope to match legendary Michael Jordan's six titles.,Pelinka, however, insisted that James and Davis together -- if they're healthy -- can return the Lakers to the summit.,"<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis">Anthony Davis</a> and LeBron James are championship pillars of this franchise for years to come," Pelinka said.,"I view the role of any organization, front office, coaching staff, is to be a role of support and we have to pour all we can resource-wise into helping LeBron finalize getting through the end of his high ankle sprain and then Anthony Davis, of course, the injuries he faced," Pelinka said.,"We know that those guys are both two of the top two-way players in the world.",Davis limped through less than <a href="https://opoyi.com/anthony-davis-injured-again-as-phoenix-suns-down-los-angeles-lakers">six scoreless minutes</a> in game six against Phoenix before a groin injury suffered in game four forced him to the sidelines.,James scored 29 points, but was helpless in the face of an early onslaught from emerging Suns star Devin Booker, who scored 22 of his 47 points in the first quarter.,It was the end of an 18-month run that James called "mentally, physically spiritually, emotionally draining.",The Lakers had only a couple of months after they clinched the club's 17th championship in the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/phoenixsuns">NBA's quarantine bubble</a> in Florida before the new season began.,Despite the quick turnaround the Lakers were 21-6 early in the season before injuries threw them into disarray.,Davis missed almost two months with a calf strain. James sprained his right ankle in March and missed 26 regular-season games.,He said after Thursday's game that he was looking forward to a complete off-season, one that he indicated wouldn't include the Tokyo Olympics.,"It's going to work wonders for me," he said. "I can get three months, to recalibrate, get my ankle back to 100%. Everything else feels extremely well.",And once he's rested, James added, he won't need to check the continuing exploits of "young guns" in the league like Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic to motivate himself.,"I don't need motivation from anybody in this league," he said. "I motivate myself.",That's what Pelinka wants to hear as he mulls how to tweak the Lakers' roster to complement James and Davis and put the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/nba">Lakers back at the top</a>.,"That has to be the goal every year," Pelinka said. "We have an insatiable desire and passion to bring banner No. 18 here."

{\"time\":1622857801698,\"strCount\":3745,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/does-lebron-james-pursuit-of-michael-jordans-legacy-end-with-los-angeles-lakers-loss-against-phoenix-suns\\\">LeBron James</a> remains a \\\"championship pillar\\\" of the Los Angeles Lakers and the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/michaeljordan\\\">NBA club</a> will pour all it can into making sure he and Anthony Davis are at full strength next season, general manager Rob Pelinka said Friday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Phoenix Suns ended the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Lakers' NBA title</a> defense in emphatic style on Thursday, leading wire-to-wire in a 113-100 victory to win their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series in six games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It marked the first time in 15 playoff appearances that James -- a four-time NBA champion -- was <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/phoenixsuns\\\">eliminated in the first round</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Inevitably the series defeat, on the heels of a regular season in which James and Davis both battled injury and the Lakers had to play their way into the post-season proper as the seventh seed, sparked speculation as to how much longer the 36-year-old James will be the man to carry a franchise and whether he can still hope to match legendary Michael Jordan's six titles.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pelinka, however, insisted that James and Davis together -- if they're healthy -- can return the Lakers to the summit.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/anthonydavis\\\">Anthony Davis</a> and LeBron James are championship pillars of this franchise for years to come,\\\" Pelinka said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I view the role of any organization, front office, coaching staff, is to be a role of support and we have to pour all we can resource-wise into helping LeBron finalize getting through the end of his high ankle sprain and then Anthony Davis, of course, the injuries he faced,\\\" Pelinka said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"We know that those guys are both two of the top two-way players in the world.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis limped through less than <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/anthony-davis-injured-again-as-phoenix-suns-down-los-angeles-lakers\\\">six scoreless minutes</a> in game six against Phoenix before a groin injury suffered in game four forced him to the sidelines.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James scored 29 points, but was helpless in the face of an early onslaught from emerging Suns star Devin Booker, who scored 22 of his 47 points in the first quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It was the end of an 18-month run that James called \\\"mentally, physically spiritually, emotionally draining.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers had only a couple of months after they clinched the club's 17th championship in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/phoenixsuns\\\">NBA's quarantine bubble</a> in Florida before the new season began.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite the quick turnaround the Lakers were 21-6 early in the season before injuries threw them into disarray.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis missed almost two months with a calf strain. James sprained his right ankle in March and missed 26 regular-season games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He said after Thursday's game that he was looking forward to a complete off-season, one that he indicated wouldn't include the Tokyo Olympics.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It's going to work wonders for me,\\\" he said. \\\"I can get three months, to recalibrate, get my ankle back to 100%. Everything else feels extremely well.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And once he's rested, James added, he won't need to check the continuing exploits of \\\"young guns\\\" in the league like Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic to motivate himself.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I don't need motivation from anybody in this league,\\\" he said. \\\"I motivate myself.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"That's what Pelinka wants to hear as he mulls how to tweak the Lakers' roster to complement James and Davis and put the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">Lakers back at the top</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"That has to be the goal every year,\\\" Pelinka said. \\\"We have an insatiable desire and passion to bring banner No. 18 here.\\\"\"}}]}

Joy Tirkey

<ul>
 <li>The Phoenix Suns ended the Lakers' NBA title defense in emphatic style on Thursday</li>
 <li>It marked the first time in 15 playoff appearances that James was eliminated in the first round</li>
 <li>LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion</li>
</ul>

James, Davis remain pillars of LA Lakers despite 1st round NBA playoff exit

NBAPlayoffs

Chris Paul overcame an injured shoulder and Jae Crowder busted out of a playoff slump Sunday as the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/phoenixsuns">Phoenix Suns</a> took a 100-92 victory over the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers">Los Angeles</a> Lakers, who lost Anthony Davis to another injury.,Paul had 18 points and nine assists while Crowder delivered 17 points as half a dozen players finished in double figures for the Suns, who clawed their way level at 2-2 in the Western Conference best-of-seven <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/nbaplayoffs">playoff</a> series against the reigning <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/nba">NBA</a> champions.,Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-trae-young-powers-atlanta-hawks-to-3-1-series-lead-against-new-york-knicks">Trae Young powers Hawks to 3-1 series lead against Knicks</a>,Paul had to plead with the coaching staff to get into the game but the move paid off as Paul had his best game of the first-round series after injuring his shoulder in game one.,Paul said Suns coach Monty Williams was going to sit him but Paul said he petitioned, "Give me a couple of minutes, see what I can do.",Crowder also had his best game so far, scoring 17 points, the same number he scored in games two and three combined. Crowder grabbed seven rebounds in front of a pandemic-limited crowd of 8,000 at the Staples Center.,Heading into game four, Crowder had made just 7-of-27 shots and was 2-of-20 from three-point range.,Devin Booker scored 17 points, Deandre Ayton finished with 14 points and a team high 17 rebounds, Cameron Payne netted 13 and Mikal Bridges tallied 11 for the Suns, who can take their first lead of the series with a win in game five on Tuesday.,Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-stars-as-utah-jazz-make-comeback-against-memphis-grizzlies">NBA playoffs: Donovan Mitchell stars as Utah make comeback against Grizzlies</a>,Two-time all-star Booker was also able to keep his emotions in check after being tossed out of game three for delivering a stiff two-handed shove to the Lakers' Dennis Schroder late in the fourth quarter.,LeBron James scored a team-high 25 points and had 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who had to play half the game without eight time NBA All-Star Davis.,Davis fell hard and went to the locker room with an apparent groin injury. Davis finished with just six points after leading Los Angeles in scoring in game three with 34

{\"time\":1622417185408,\"strCount\":2482,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chris Paul overcame an injured shoulder and Jae Crowder busted out of a playoff slump Sunday as the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/phoenixsuns\\\">Phoenix Suns</a> took a 100-92 victory over the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/losangeleslakers\\\">Los Angeles</a> Lakers, who lost Anthony Davis to another injury.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Paul had 18 points and nine assists while Crowder delivered 17 points as half a dozen players finished in double figures for the Suns, who clawed their way level at 2-2 in the Western Conference best-of-seven <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nbaplayoffs\\\">playoff</a> series against the reigning <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> champions.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-trae-young-powers-atlanta-hawks-to-3-1-series-lead-against-new-york-knicks\\\">Trae Young powers Hawks to 3-1 series lead against Knicks</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Paul had to plead with the coaching staff to get into the game but the move paid off as Paul had his best game of the first-round series after injuring his shoulder in game one.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Paul said Suns coach Monty Williams was going to sit him but Paul said he petitioned, \\\"Give me a couple of minutes, see what I can do.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Crowder also had his best game so far, scoring 17 points, the same number he scored in games two and three combined. Crowder grabbed seven rebounds in front of a pandemic-limited crowd of 8,000 at the Staples Center.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Heading into game four, Crowder had made just 7-of-27 shots and was 2-of-20 from three-point range.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Devin Booker scored 17 points, Deandre Ayton finished with 14 points and a team high 17 rebounds, Cameron Payne netted 13 and Mikal Bridges tallied 11 for the Suns, who can take their first lead of the series with a win in game five on Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-stars-as-utah-jazz-make-comeback-against-memphis-grizzlies\\\">NBA playoffs: Donovan Mitchell stars as Utah make comeback against Grizzlies</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Two-time all-star Booker was also able to keep his emotions in check after being tossed out of game three for delivering a stiff two-handed shove to the Lakers' Dennis Schroder late in the fourth quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"LeBron James scored a team-high 25 points and had 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who had to play half the game without eight time NBA All-Star Davis.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis fell hard and went to the locker room with an apparent groin injury. Davis finished with just six points after leading Los Angeles in scoring in game three with 34\"}}]}

Shivam Pratap Singh

<ul>
 <li>Chris Paul had 18 points and nine assists</li>
 <li>Crowder also had his best game so far, scoring 17 points</li>
 <li>LeBron James scored a team-high 25 points and had 12 rebounds for the Lakers</li>
</ul>

Anthony Davis injured again as Phoenix Suns down Los Angeles Lakers

PhoenixSuns

Anthony Davis scored 34 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James delivered 21 points and nine assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the short-handed Phoenix Suns 109-95 in a heated Western Conference playoff game Thursday.,Davis is looking like his old self again and James' balky knee isn't the biggest injury story of the series anymore as the Lakers grabbed a 2-1 series lead in the opening round of the playoffs.,Dennis Schroder finished with 20 points and four assists for the Lakers, who hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2013 at Staples Center.,Also Read | <a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-is-giving-lebron-james-a-special-treatment-over-covid-protocols-report">NBA is giving LeBron James a special treatment over COVID protocols: Report</a>,"It's a beautiful thing," James said of the pandemic-limited 7,800 fans in attendance. "It was a special night, and we just tried to reward our fans for the loyalty they have for us, and just try to play the game the right way.",The game got physical in the final moments as Suns star Devin Booker was ejected for pushing Schroder on a drive to the basket with 35 seconds left.,Officials then ejected the Suns' Jae Crowder for arguing with Schroder.,After the game Davis called Booker a "dirty" player.,"That's a dirty play," said Davis. "Dennis could have got really hurt like that... That can't happen. Hard fouls we accept... but to blatantly push a guy with two hands out of the air, that's a scary play.",Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/teams-ban-unruly-fans-as-nba-promises-respectful-environment">Teams ban unruly fans as NBA promises 'respectful' environment</a>,Davis stepped up his play after a poor shooting performance in game one that saw him score just 13 points.,"Game one was on me. I decided to come out more aggressive," Davis said.,The Suns don't have an answer for stopping Davis or James, who is playing on a sore ankle.,Deandre Ayton scored a team-high 22 points, Booker added 19 points and Cameron Payne contributed 15 points for the Suns, who were missing guard Chris Paul with a bad shoulder.,It was going to be a tall order to beat the defending <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/nba">NBA</a> champions without Paul at full strength.,He was limited to just 27 minutes Thursday and scored just seven points.,Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks grabbed a <a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-milwaukee-bucks-pound-miami-heat-seize-3-0-series-lead">3-0 stranglehold lead</a> in their first-round playoff series with a 113-84 thrashing of the Miami Heat.,Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton have carried the offensive load for the Bucks in the series, but Thursday they also got plenty of help from their supporting cast as six Milwaukee players finished in double figures.,Middleton scored 22 points, Jrue Holiday had 19 points and 12 assists, and Brook Lopez chipped in 13 points for the Bucks.,Milwaukee are on the verge of sweeping the Heat, who reached the NBA Finals last season.,Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/76ers-rout-wizards-in-game-two-to-seize-control-of-east-series">76ers rout Wizards in game two to seize control of East series</a>,"I'm not surprised that we're able to win a game because once we focus on ourselves, play together, have fun and be tough, good things are going to happen. And in these three games, good things have happened for us,'' Antetokounmpo said.,Milwaukee can wrap up the best-of-seven series with a win in game four on Saturday in Miami.,One of the biggest differences in the Eastern Conference series is the top players on the Bucks have consistently outplayed Miami's key duo of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.,Butler finished with 19 points and Adebayo had 17 for the Heat, who have lost by an average of more than 30 points over the last two games.,"We control what we can control, and that's how we play, that's how we prepare, how we compete... but we've got our work cut out for us," Butler said.,Milwaukee seems determined to erase the memory of being beaten by the Heat in two previous playoff meetings in 2013 and last year.,Also, Nikola Jokic had 36 points, Austin Rivers scored 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 120-115 to take a 2-1 series lead.

{\"time\":1622190007427,\"strCount\":4375,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Anthony Davis scored 34 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James delivered 21 points and nine assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the short-handed Phoenix Suns 109-95 in a heated Western Conference playoff game Thursday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis is looking like his old self again and James' balky knee isn't the biggest injury story of the series anymore as the Lakers grabbed a 2-1 series lead in the opening round of the playoffs.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Dennis Schroder finished with 20 points and four assists for the Lakers, who hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2013 at Staples Center.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-is-giving-lebron-james-a-special-treatment-over-covid-protocols-report\\\">NBA is giving LeBron James a special treatment over COVID protocols: Report</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It's a beautiful thing,\\\" James said of the pandemic-limited 7,800 fans in attendance. \\\"It was a special night, and we just tried to reward our fans for the loyalty they have for us, and just try to play the game the right way.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The game got physical in the final moments as Suns star Devin Booker was ejected for pushing Schroder on a drive to the basket with 35 seconds left.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Officials then ejected the Suns' Jae Crowder for arguing with Schroder.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After the game Davis called Booker a \\\"dirty\\\" player.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"That's a dirty play,\\\" said Davis. \\\"Dennis could have got really hurt like that... That can't happen. Hard fouls we accept... but to blatantly push a guy with two hands out of the air, that's a scary play.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/teams-ban-unruly-fans-as-nba-promises-respectful-environment\\\">Teams ban unruly fans as NBA promises 'respectful' environment</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis stepped up his play after a poor shooting performance in game one that saw him score just 13 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Game one was on me. I decided to come out more aggressive,\\\" Davis said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Suns don't have an answer for stopping Davis or James, who is playing on a sore ankle.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Deandre Ayton scored a team-high 22 points, Booker added 19 points and Cameron Payne contributed 15 points for the Suns, who were missing guard Chris Paul with a bad shoulder.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It was going to be a tall order to beat the defending <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/nba\\\">NBA</a> champions without Paul at full strength.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He was limited to just 27 minutes Thursday and scored just seven points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks grabbed a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-milwaukee-bucks-pound-miami-heat-seize-3-0-series-lead\\\">3-0 stranglehold lead</a> in their first-round playoff series with a 113-84 thrashing of the Miami Heat.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton have carried the offensive load for the Bucks in the series, but Thursday they also got plenty of help from their supporting cast as six Milwaukee players finished in double figures.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Middleton scored 22 points, Jrue Holiday had 19 points and 12 assists, and Brook Lopez chipped in 13 points for the Bucks.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Milwaukee are on the verge of sweeping the Heat, who reached the NBA Finals last season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/76ers-rout-wizards-in-game-two-to-seize-control-of-east-series\\\">76ers rout Wizards in game two to seize control of East series</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I'm not surprised that we're able to win a game because once we focus on ourselves, play together, have fun and be tough, good things are going to happen. And in these three games, good things have happened for us,'' Antetokounmpo said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Milwaukee can wrap up the best-of-seven series with a win in game four on Saturday in Miami.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"One of the biggest differences in the Eastern Conference series is the top players on the Bucks have consistently outplayed Miami's key duo of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Butler finished with 19 points and Adebayo had 17 for the Heat, who have lost by an average of more than 30 points over the last two games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"We control what we can control, and that's how we play, that's how we prepare, how we compete... but we've got our work cut out for us,\\\" Butler said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Milwaukee seems determined to erase the memory of being beaten by the Heat in two previous playoff meetings in 2013 and last year.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also, Nikola Jokic had 36 points, Austin Rivers scored 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 120-115 to take a 2-1 series lead.\"}}]}

Ayush Jain

<ul>
 <li>Los Angeles Lakers defeated the short-handed Phoenix Suns 109-95 in a heated playoff game on Thursday</li>
 <li>Milwaukee Bucks grabbed a 113-84 thrashing win against the Miami Heat</li>
 <li>Anthony Davis scored 34 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James delivered 21 points and nine assists</li>
</ul>

Los Angeles Lakers roll over Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks pound Miami Heat

MilwaukeeBucks

MiamiHeat

Ratul Maitra

Phoenix, AZ, USA

After a game 1 loss in the NBA playoffs against Phoenix
Suns, Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday scored a close win against the Phoenix
side by a 109-102 margin. The hard-fought matchup saw Lakers take the first and
third quarters for themselves with scores of 24-30 and 25-26, before tying the
second, and later the fourth quarters with scores of 23-23 and 30-30 respectively.,While Power Forwards Anthony Davis and LeBron James scored big
with 34 (10 rebounds, seven assists) and 23 (four rebounds, nine assists)
points respectively for the Lakers, Point Guard Dennis Schroder, too, hit a 24-score.,Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-brooklyn-nets-increase-lead-2-0-after-second-win-against-boston-celtics">NBA playoffs: Brooklyn Nets increase lead to 2-0 after win against Boston Celtics</a>,Phoenix Suns Shooting Guard Devin Booker scored 31 points, whereas
Centre Deandre Ayton scored 22 points, including 10 rebounds and one assist.,A defensive stretch in the last quarter largely helped the
Lakers to get the win, with Davis assisting here as well, with three blocks.,Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-denver-nuggets-defeat-portland-trail-blazers-level-series-1-1">NBA playoffs: Denver Nuggets defeat Portland Trail Blazers, level series 1-1</a>,Despite coming down hard on the Lakers defence, the Suns
could not manage the few extra points that became all the difference between the
two teams at the end of the fourth quarter.,Currently the series is levelled 1-1, with the next match scheduled
to take place in Los Angeles, generating a home-advantage for the Lakers after
their on-road win in game 2.

{\"time\":1622007714549,\"strCount\":1664,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After a game 1 loss in the NBA playoffs against Phoenix\\nSuns, Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday scored a close win against the Phoenix\\nside by a 109-102 margin. The hard-fought matchup saw Lakers take the first and\\nthird quarters for themselves with scores of 24-30 and 25-26, before tying the\\nsecond, and later the fourth quarters with scores of 23-23 and 30-30 respectively.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While Power Forwards Anthony Davis and LeBron James scored big\\nwith 34 (10 rebounds, seven assists) and 23 (four rebounds, nine assists)\\npoints respectively for the Lakers, Point Guard Dennis Schroder, too, hit a 24-score.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-brooklyn-nets-increase-lead-2-0-after-second-win-against-boston-celtics\\\">NBA playoffs: Brooklyn Nets increase lead to 2-0 after win against Boston Celtics</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1397422621919166465\",\"embed\":\"NBA/status/1397422621919166465\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Phoenix Suns Shooting Guard Devin Booker scored 31 points, whereas\\nCentre Deandre Ayton scored 22 points, including 10 rebounds and one assist.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A defensive stretch in the last quarter largely helped the\\nLakers to get the win, with Davis assisting here as well, with three blocks.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-playoffs-denver-nuggets-defeat-portland-trail-blazers-level-series-1-1\\\">NBA playoffs: Denver Nuggets defeat Portland Trail Blazers, level series 1-1</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite coming down hard on the Lakers defence, the Suns\\ncould not manage the few extra points that became all the difference between the\\ntwo teams at the end of the fourth quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Currently the series is levelled 1-1, with the next match scheduled\\nto take place in Los Angeles, generating a home-advantage for the Lakers after\\ntheir on-road win in game 2.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The neck-and-neck match resulted in a close 109-102 win for the Los Angeles Lakers</li>
 <li>Both third and fourth quarters of the match ended in tied scores</li>
 <li>Anthony Davis put up an all-round performance for the Lakers, scoring 31 points</li>
</ul>

NBA playoff: Los Angeles Lakers clinch close win against Phoenix Suns

NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid emerged from quarantine Friday only to exit in the third quarter with a left knee injury as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Washington Wizards 127-101 in Washington.,Embiid, who missed Sunday's All-Star Game because of COVID-19 restrictions, threw down a dunk and landed awkwardly on his left knee before falling to the floor halfway through the third quarter.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/us-olympic-squad-announced-nba-stars-lebron-james-kevin-durant-make-the-cut">US Olympic squad announced; NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant make the cut</a>,He was attended to by Sixers trainer Kevin Johnson before getting up and walking to the dressing room on his own. The team said he had a hyperextended left knee and would not return.,Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers spoke to Embiid after the game and said the all-star was upbeat. Rivers said team doctors would examine Embiid further on Saturday once the swelling went down.,"He fell off balance. I am not going to speculate," Rivers said of Embiid, who finished with a team high 23 points. "He was in the locker room. He is in pretty good spirits. Let's hope for the best.",The victory kept Philadelphia atop the Eastern Conference, moving them a full game ahead of the second-place Brooklyn Nets.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-bans-heats-leonard-for-one-week-after-anti-semitic-slur">NBA bans Heat's Leonard for one week after anti-Semitic slur</a>,Embiid shot eight-of-11 from the floor and had seven rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes of playing time.,The Sixers led the Wizards 80-60 when Embiid was hurt. He had surgery on the same knee in 2017 causing him to miss part of the season.,"It looked like a hyper-extension. That's what we all hope it is," said teammate Tobias Harris. "We're just praying that he'll be OK and be healthy tomorrow.",Embiid, who turns 27 on Tuesday, was playing in his first game after receiving a negative test for COVID-19 earlier Friday.,Teammate Ben Simmons, who also missed the All-Star Game last weekend, has not yet been cleared to play, needing another negative test to be green lighted after he and Embiid were exposed to a Philadelphia barber who tested positive for the coronavirus last Sunday.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-brooklyn-nets-sign-blake-griffin-for-free">NBA: Brooklyn Nets sign Blake Griffin for $5.9 million</a>,Embiid entered Friday averaging 30.2 points and 11.6 rebounds in 30 games this season. Simmons is averaging 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 31 games.,Despite missing Embiid for almost half the game and Simmons for the whole game, the Sixers still managed to win their fourth straight.,Shooting guard Shake Milton came off the bench to score 18 points and Tobias Harris tallied 14 points and eight assists in the win.,Russell Westbrook led the Wizards with 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds while Bradley Beal added 19 points.,Elsewhere, Kyle Kuzma finished with a team high 24 points and 13 rebounds while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made a clutch steal with 10 seconds left as the Los Angeles Lakers clawed their way back in the final quarter to beat the Indiana Pacers 105-100.,LeBron James finished with 18 points and 10 assists and Montrezl Harrell had 17 points for the Lakers, who were playing their first game since the all-star break.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/giannis-wins-mvp-as-team-lebron-dominates-2021-nba-all-star-game">Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game</a>,The time off seemed to help the Lakers who had lost two straight heading into the break and are now 4-7 over the team's last 11 games.,"The break did exactly what I expected it to do," said Caldwell-Pope. "I recovered. I caught up on rest and I'm mentally prepared.",The Pacers led for most of the game and had an opportunity to send it into overtime. But with Los Angeles ahead 103-100, Caldwell-Pope stole a pass from Indiana with 10 seconds left. He then sunk a pair of free throws to seal the win.,Also the Lakers learned Friday that <a href="https://opoyi.com/los-angeles-lakers-star-anthony-davis-calf-injury-to-be-re-evaluated-after-two-weeks">Anthony Davis</a> is still bothered by a sore calf muscle and is going to be out for at least two more weeks. Davis missed his 10th straight start.,In Memphis, Nikola Jokic finished with 28 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists and defended a Ja Morant layup attempt with three seconds left as the Denver Nuggets defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies 103-102.,In Salt Lake City, Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points as the Utah Jazz handed the hapless Houston Rockets their 15th straight defeat with a 114-99 victory.

{\"time\":1615624460098,\"strCount\":4737,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid emerged from quarantine Friday only to exit in the third quarter with a left knee injury as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Washington Wizards 127-101 in Washington.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Embiid, who missed Sunday's All-Star Game because of COVID-19 restrictions, threw down a dunk and landed awkwardly on his left knee before falling to the floor halfway through the third quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/us-olympic-squad-announced-nba-stars-lebron-james-kevin-durant-make-the-cut\\\">US Olympic squad announced; NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant make the cut</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He was attended to by Sixers trainer Kevin Johnson before getting up and walking to the dressing room on his own. The team said he had a hyperextended left knee and would not return.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers spoke to Embiid after the game and said the all-star was upbeat. Rivers said team doctors would examine Embiid further on Saturday once the swelling went down.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"He fell off balance. I am not going to speculate,\\\" Rivers said of Embiid, who finished with a team high 23 points. \\\"He was in the locker room. He is in pretty good spirits. Let's hope for the best.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The victory kept Philadelphia atop the Eastern Conference, moving them a full game ahead of the second-place Brooklyn Nets.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-bans-heats-leonard-for-one-week-after-anti-semitic-slur\\\">NBA bans Heat's Leonard for one week after anti-Semitic slur</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Embiid shot eight-of-11 from the floor and had seven rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes of playing time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Sixers led the Wizards 80-60 when Embiid was hurt. He had surgery on the same knee in 2017 causing him to miss part of the season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It looked like a hyper-extension. That's what we all hope it is,\\\" said teammate Tobias Harris. \\\"We're just praying that he'll be OK and be healthy tomorrow.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Embiid, who turns 27 on Tuesday, was playing in his first game after receiving a negative test for COVID-19 earlier Friday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Teammate Ben Simmons, who also missed the All-Star Game last weekend, has not yet been cleared to play, needing another negative test to be green lighted after he and Embiid were exposed to a Philadelphia barber who tested positive for the coronavirus last Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-brooklyn-nets-sign-blake-griffin-for-free\\\">NBA: Brooklyn Nets sign Blake Griffin for $5.9 million</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Embiid entered Friday averaging 30.2 points and 11.6 rebounds in 30 games this season. Simmons is averaging 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 31 games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite missing Embiid for almost half the game and Simmons for the whole game, the Sixers still managed to win their fourth straight.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Shooting guard Shake Milton came off the bench to score 18 points and Tobias Harris tallied 14 points and eight assists in the win.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russell Westbrook led the Wizards with 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds while Bradley Beal added 19 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Elsewhere, Kyle Kuzma finished with a team high 24 points and 13 rebounds while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made a clutch steal with 10 seconds left as the Los Angeles Lakers clawed their way back in the final quarter to beat the Indiana Pacers 105-100.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"LeBron James finished with 18 points and 10 assists and Montrezl Harrell had 17 points for the Lakers, who were playing their first game since the all-star break.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/giannis-wins-mvp-as-team-lebron-dominates-2021-nba-all-star-game\\\">Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The time off seemed to help the Lakers who had lost two straight heading into the break and are now 4-7 over the team's last 11 games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The break did exactly what I expected it to do,\\\" said Caldwell-Pope. \\\"I recovered. I caught up on rest and I'm mentally prepared.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Pacers led for most of the game and had an opportunity to send it into overtime. But with Los Angeles ahead 103-100, Caldwell-Pope stole a pass from Indiana with 10 seconds left. He then sunk a pair of free throws to seal the win.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also the Lakers learned Friday that <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/los-angeles-lakers-star-anthony-davis-calf-injury-to-be-re-evaluated-after-two-weeks\\\">Anthony Davis</a> is still bothered by a sore calf muscle and is going to be out for at least two more weeks. Davis missed his 10th straight start.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In Memphis, Nikola Jokic finished with 28 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists and defended a Ja Morant layup attempt with three seconds left as the Denver Nuggets defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies 103-102.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In Salt Lake City, Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points as the Utah Jazz handed the hapless Houston Rockets their 15th straight defeat with a 114-99 victory.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embid was playing his first game after receiving a negative test for COVID-19 earlier Friday</li>
 <li>Philadelphia beat the Washington Wizards 127-101 to stay atop the Eastern Conference&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 105-100 for their fourth win in the last 11 games</li>
</ul>

NBA: Joel Embiid injures knee in return game, Los Angeles Lakers rally against Indiana Pacers

IndianaPacers

Philadelphia76ers

DocRivers

WashingtonWizards

DenverNuggets

MemphisGrizzlies

UtahJazz

HoustonRockets

The Los Angeles Lakers on Friday said Anthony Davis will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a muscle injury, adding that he is making steady progress towards full fitness.&nbsp;The defending champions said Davis will be re-evaluated in two weeks by medical professionals before he is cleared to play, confirming he will miss at least nine games, including against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, ESPN reported.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/us-olympic-squad-announced-nba-stars-lebron-james-kevin-durant-make-the-cut">US Olympic squad announced; NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant make the cut</a>,Davis was cleared to ramp up his recovery after being examined by team doctors on Friday ahead of their first game since the All Star break against Indiana.&nbsp;,The Lakers have lost seven of their last 10 games without Davis, who has been sidelined since having to leave a game against the Denver Nuggets on February 14 after sustaining an injury on his right leg. The 28-year-old has an Achilles tendinosis and calf strain in his right leg.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-bans-heats-leonard-for-one-week-after-anti-semitic-slur">NBA bans Heat's Leonard for one week after anti-Semitic slur</a>,Davis has recorded an average of 22.5 points - the lowest of his career since his second year in the league - and 8.4 rebounds - the lowest since his rookie year - this year after clinching the title in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida.&nbsp;,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/giannis-wins-mvp-as-team-lebron-dominates-2021-nba-all-star-game">Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game</a>, Marc Gasol is also on the sidelines currently due to the league's health and safety protocols. Damian Jones, having signed a second consecutive 10-day contract this week, started at centre against the Pacers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

{\"time\":1615614200135,\"strCount\":1904,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Los Angeles Lakers on Friday said Anthony Davis will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a muscle injury, adding that he is making steady progress towards full fitness.&nbsp;The defending champions said Davis will be re-evaluated in two weeks by medical professionals before he is cleared to play, confirming he will miss at least nine games, including against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, ESPN reported.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/us-olympic-squad-announced-nba-stars-lebron-james-kevin-durant-make-the-cut\\\">US Olympic squad announced; NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant make the cut</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis was cleared to ramp up his recovery after being examined by team doctors on Friday ahead of their first game since the All Star break against Indiana.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Lakers have lost seven of their last 10 games without Davis, who has been sidelined since having to leave a game against the Denver Nuggets on February 14 after sustaining an injury on his right leg. The 28-year-old has an Achilles tendinosis and calf strain in his right leg.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-bans-heats-leonard-for-one-week-after-anti-semitic-slur\\\">NBA bans Heat's Leonard for one week after anti-Semitic slur</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Davis has recorded an average of 22.5 points - the lowest of his career since his second year in the league - and 8.4 rebounds - the lowest since his rookie year - this year after clinching the title in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/giannis-wins-mvp-as-team-lebron-dominates-2021-nba-all-star-game\\\">Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\" Marc Gasol is also on the sidelines currently due to the league's health and safety protocols. Damian Jones, having signed a second consecutive 10-day contract this week, started at centre against the Pacers.&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The Los Angeles Lakers have lost seven of their last 10 games without Anthony Davis</li>
 <li>He sustained an Achilles tendinosis and calf strain in his right leg against the Denver Nuggets on February 14</li>
 <li>Damian Jones started at centre against the Indiana Pacers on Friday</li>
</ul>

#AnthonyDavis