Sports

The Clippers Must Go Before the Trade Deadline

Published

10 months ago

January 31, 2023

With Kawhi still looking like Kawhi and the Western Conference being wide open, the Clippers have no choice but to put all of their chips in the middle and go for the championship. Why? They do not have any other options.

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the NBA trade season on Monday by acquiring This acquisition has the potential to be the first of many deals that take place before the trade deadline on February 9.

Because there is just a difference of 5.5 games between the third-seeded Sacramento Kings and the 13th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in the Western League, almost the whole conference is still in the running for the playoffs. The Lakers believe that they have a shot in the playoffs if their star player Anthony Davis can stay healthy. However, it is still unclear if they are willing to surrender both of their future first-round selections or whether they should even consider doing so.

On the other side, the rival Los Angeles Clippers do not have to deal with this kind of conundrum. They must now work on achieving their goal of winning the title. Why? They do not have any other options. Now is the moment for them to sign free agents as future draught selections Gravy Gage, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George are projected to become available as free agents in 2024.

Leonard had a rough start to the season, but he has gradually turned things around and is now playing like he did before his injury. An outstanding performer, he has put up an average of 29.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals over the course of his most recent seven games. Even though this is just a tiny sample, he is still at danger of suffering another injury. It is obvious why the Clippers will feel a sense of urgency to compete for the Larry O’Brien Trophy this season given that Leonard is showing signs of returning to his former dominating self and George is still playing at a level that is on the cusp of becoming an All-Star.

The rumour going around the NBA is that the Clippers are aggressively seeking for a point guard who can improve upon Reggie Jackson’s play and a backup centre who can play behind Ivica Zubac. If they don’t make any changes, the Clippers will still seem to be pretenders when they approach the postseason, regardless of how well Leonard and George have played.

Since the 2021 playoffs, Jackson hasn’t been particularly productive, and despite the fact that John Wall was a smart summer risk, he’s turned out to be more of an interviewer than a basketball player in 2023.

According to a report by Marc Stein on Substack, the Clippers are showing interest in Jazz point guard Mike Conley, who was rumoured to be moved to the Clippers before the start of the season. The Jazz are now in a position where they may make the playoffs, but it would be better for them to use their remaining veterans as first-round fodder than to try to move out of the playoff race and into the lottery, which is where they want to finish in first place. It is quite probable that Conley, who is 35 years old, will be traded to a club that will provide him with a greater opportunity to win his first championship, regardless of the other changes that are made.

Because of his consistency as a facilitator and his ability to move the ball ahead offensively by shooting and cutting, Conley is an excellent match for the Clippers’ offence. Even if he isn’t as good defensively as he once was, he’s had several lockdown performances this year that have brought back memories of his best days.

Conley intercepted two inbounds passes intended for CJ McCollum during the last few seconds of the Grizzlies’ victory against the Pelicans a month ago, and then proceeded to slip through three screens in order to stop McCollum’s attempt at a score. The Clippers haven’t seen levels of quickness and awareness like those shown by Wall or Jackson, and those levels were on display tonight.

However, there are going to be other teams who are interested in Conley, which means that the Jazz are probably going to hang onto the best potential offer until closer to the deadline. Consequently, it is up to Los Angeles to finish off the remainder of the league. According to sources inside the league, the Clippers have also shown interest in Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry.

This year, Lowry’s fall with the Heat has been much more noticeable than Conley’s decline with the Jazz, and Lowry receives $28.3 million in salary. During the most recent update, Conley moved up to the 84th spot in our rankings of the Top 100 NBA Players, while Lowry fell out of the rankings completely.

The Clippers should prioritise Wayne Vleet, who is now ranked at no. 76, as their top overall target since he is just 28 years old, he is a fierce on-ball defender, and he was an All-Star in the previous season.

It is unlikely that the Raptors will trade Pascal Siakam or OG. Anunoby unless the returns are enormous, such as two or three unprotected first-round picks or young players with near-term talent. However, it is more likely that the Raptors will trade VanVleet or Gary Trent Jr. because they are less talented and may become free agents. Summer

Together in Toronto, Leonard and Van Vleet won a championship, and it is possible that they will do well again in Los Angeles because to FVV’s ability to flourish off the ball or dependably run the point. Even if the Clippers are successful in acquiring VanVleet, they will still need to make some changes to their roster in order to improve their size before the playoffs.

Zubak has played the most minutes of his career, which has led to a decline in his performance, despite the fact that he started the season by recording stats that were all-defensive-caliber. After having a defensive rating in the top five for the first 30 or so games of the season, Los Angeles fell to the bottom five during the course of the final 20 or so games. In addition to Zubak, they only have Moses Brown, who is 7 feet tall but contributes nothing to the defensive end of the court.

On Monday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype was the one who broke the news.

There has been interest shown in Timberwolves centre Naz Reid from both the Clippers and the Nuggets. There will be competition for Reed if Minnesota decides to sell him, despite the fact that the approaching free agency price won’t be very high, as I’ve learned from sources inside the league that the Nets have made inquiries about him as well.

It is quite unlikely that the Clippers will be able to acquire a big man like Myles Turner of the Pacers or John Collins of the Hawks due to the Clippers’ salary cap situation. Mo Bamba, the centre for the Magic, is a more affordable choice. He has experienced a decrease in his playing time and, according to league sources, is easily available in a trade.

The Clippers are also also interested in their former backup centre, Isaiah Hartenstein, who is now playing for the Knicks. This information comes from executives from throughout the league.

Last summer, Los Angeles made attempts to re-sign Hartenstein, but he ultimately decided to join with New York, where he would earn more money and where he will also be desired. However, despite your best efforts, not all of your free agent choices will come out the way you had initially envisioned.

In contrast to his prior position with the Clippers, which was that of a playmaker, the Knicks have used Hartenstein more as a rim roller than a playmaker. When he was playing for the Clippers, he had a percentage of assists that was 20.5, but with the Knicks, it was just 5.1. Tom Thibodeau does not have the skills necessary to get the most out of it, but Ty Lue has already shown that he can. It’s possible that getting back together might be beneficial for everyone involved.

The Clippers do not have a large number of attractive assets that they might potentially deal in a trade. However, there are deals to be had, just as the Los Angeles Lakers were able to outbid other clubs in order to get Hachimura. The Clippers only have a first-round selection for the year 2028, but they still control all of their second-round picks for the years after that, with the exception of 2027. Both Jason Preston and Brandon Boston, both of whom were drafted in the second round at one point, have been quite successful in the G League. Preston has shown his ability to create shots consistently, and Boston is shaping up to be a reliable presence. Both have worth comparable to that of a high- to middle-round pick in the second round.

According to Stein, the Clippers’ pursuit of Terrence Mann “removes outside interest.” It should come as no surprise that organisations are interested in signing him. Although Mann has shown himself to be a reliable rotation wing, he is still just 26 years old. He is also in the last year of his rookie deal, with two more years remaining. However, he is set to get a $22 million extension beginning with the next season. Aamir Koffi is now under contract with the club over the long term and would be a valuable asset to any offer. However, none of them have a star level that is higher than this.

In addition, the Clippers have a wide range of wages at their disposal, which they may employ and perhaps locate in order to make any incoming deal work. The contracts of John Wall ($6.5 million) and Reggie Jackson ($11.2 million) will expire before those of Marcus Morris giving the Clippers two expiring contracts with which to work. Can become an independent contractor.

The Clippers may make an offer for VanVleet that includes players such as Kennard, Mann, and Boston, along with a future first-round selection and one or two second-round picks. The Los Angeles Clippers could be able to acquire someone like Juancho Hernangomez back in the trade, or they might be able to arrange a three-way deal to obtain a backup centre if there are enough players involved in the transaction.

The Clippers do not share any similarities with any of their rival teams in their present configuration. It is impossible for the squad to go beyond the first round of the playoffs given how bad the point guard and centre positions are.

Even though they can’t guarantee that Leonard will maintain his good health, they won’t have any of their first-round selections until 2027, so until then, they have little alternative but to place their hopes on Leonard playing at his highest level. Is. Right now, we’re taking a look at the best-case scenario, and he’s starting to look like Michael Jordan from the West Coast again. In addition to being a willing backup plan, George is one of several talented players available to the club. There is just one problem that has to be fixed, and that is the weakness.

Sports

Juventus worried as Mireti stretched

Published

10 months ago

February 8, 2023

Steve john

After Juventus player Fabio Merte was taken off on a stretcher while in excruciating pain, the club now has more injury concerns. This is particularly concerning given that there does not seem to have been much contact.

After having his heel clipped from behind by Hans Nicolas Caviglia during tonight’s match against Salernitana at the Stadio Arechi, the product of the junior academy was awarded a penalty that was ultimately used to break the tie.

Juventus worried as Mireti stretched

However, as a result of an inadvertent collision with Lesana Koulibaly, he fell to the ground gripping his left ankle in a great deal of discomfort.

While the Salernitana player was leaping with his back to Merty, it looked that there was some contact between his shins and the shin of the Juve man; nevertheless, this contact was not sufficient to do any substantial harm.

Merty was temporarily knocked unconscious while being treated, attempted to get up, and then soon dropped back down to the ground. This caused some unsettling situations.

After that, he was carried out on a stretcher while in an obviously distressed condition and with his hands covering his face, making room for his fellow teammate Niccol Faggioli.

Initial indications from DAZN say that it is a sprained ankle, and during the halftime break, it was already considerably swollen.

The medical team had also contemplated transporting him to a nearby hospital for X-rays, but they have decided to hold off on that for the time being.

Merty, who is just 19 years old but has already made 25 appearances for the Bianconeri in competitive play, has been a revelation for the team this season.

Sports

LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to break the NBA’s all-time scoring record

Published

10 months ago

February 8, 2023

Steve john

LeBron James has already scored more points in an NBA regular season than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ever did in the league’s history.

During the third quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the star player for the Los Angeles Lakers clinched his spot in the record books in front of the roaring crowd at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game was played on Tuesday. James broke the record with a fadeaway jump shot that he made with 10.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter

LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to break the NBA's all-time scoring record

James grinned while spreading his arms wide, then tossing both of his hands into the air. Abdul Jabbar got up from his seat and clapped after the performance. The game was put on hold when members of James’ family, including his mother, wife, and children, walked the court for a ceremony to mark the occasion and acknowledge the significance of the event.

James, who seemed to be overcome with emotion, was honoured at midcourt by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“Congratulations, LeBron, on becoming the all-time scoring leader in NBA history,” Silver remarked to James.
After then, James spoke into the microphone and said, “Thank you for being loyal. You are in a class all by yourself.”
After that, he requested that everyone rise up and applaud Abdul Jabbar for his accomplishments.
James said that it was a really humbling experience to be able to be in the same room with such a legendary figure as Kareem. “I ask that you please offer a standing ovation to the captain.”

James’ record-breaking night was tinged with disappointment as the Lakers were defeated by the Thunder 133-130 despite James’ incredible performance. James ended the game with 38 points, pushing his career total to 38,390 points scored during the regular season.

At the age of 38, James now has the coveted record, which has long been believed to be one of the most unachievable in the NBA. James now sits in second place behind Lakers hero Abdul-Jabbar and Utah Jazz veteran Karl Malone, who hold the respective positions of second and third. On the other hand, the list of all-time scorers. In 1984, Abdul-Jabbar passed Wilt Chamberlain as the league’s all-time top scorer, and his career total of 38,387 points has been the benchmark ever since 1989.

James, who was born in Akron, Ohio, took his first shot in the National Basketball Association (NBA) on October 29, 2003. He did so while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the club that selected him, and scored his first points in a game against the Sacramento Kings. According to Basketball-Reference, despite the fact that he does not consider himself to be a conventional scorer, he has managed to post a career scoring average of 27 points per game throughout the course of his 20 seasons in the NBA.

He passed Abdul-Jabbar as the only player in NBA history with a point total more than 38,000 only a month ago. However, James is still a long way behind Abdul-Jabbar, who, incredibly, never made a three-point shot in his whole career.

Danny Green, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies and a former teammate of James’, described the 6-foot-9 James as a “unicorn” in an interview with CBS News. Green said that James can defeat you offensively in a variety of ways.

Before James’ moment of historical significance, he warned, “He’s like a freight train coming at you.” “And is able to use his physical capabilities and coordinate. When he leaps, which may be up to 40 inches in the air, he is almost difficult to keep an eye on.

The previous week, James made his way up the all-time assists leader list, moving into fourth place. Green has said that his ability to pass makes it harder to tackle him on the court.

Green said, “He’s going to burn you in a lot of other ways beyond scoring goals because he’s capable of doing that.” “He’s going to burn you in a lot of different ways beyond scoring goals.” “I believe that it makes it simpler for him to score and makes it more difficult to protect him.”

According to VividSeats, the price of a pair of tickets to witness James play on Tuesday against the Thunder hit $69,000, while the price of a pair of tickets for Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks above $106,000. Both games were played this week.

Green said in an interview with CBS News that he did not believe anybody else would be able to break James’ record, just as he did not feel anyone else would be able to beat Abdul-Jabbar.

According to what he had to say, “You have to see someone else play at a high level again for 20 years,” which is something that “I don’t believe we’ll see.” Since of the contracts that we have in place, individuals are going to retire because it is no longer required of them to play for 20 years.

During the month of October, James entertained the idea of setting a new record for scoring in the preseason.

“To sit here and know that I’m probably on the brink of breaking the most coveted records in the NBA, things that people said would probably never happen, I think it’s extremely embarrassing for me,” James said. “I think it’s extremely embarrassing for me to think that I’m probably on the verge of breaking the most coveted records in the NBA.” ” Lakers media day.

In the previous year, Abdul-Jabbar said to ESPN that he would be “extremely thrilled for him” if James were to break the mark.

He said that LeBron should take some time to celebrate his accomplishments since “the game is always better when records like these are broken.” “In order to get here, he has put in a lot of effort. And for that, he will have to wait and see who will have the good fortune to break his record, assuming there is any chance that it will be broken at all.

James said to ESPN in January that he would want to continue playing until his elder son, Bruney Jr., enters the league. This indicates that the record for most points scored might be broken by the time James’s son joins the league. Perhaps once he has finished hanging his shoes up. According to the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement, Bruni Jr. will become available for the draught during the 2024-2025 season.

James has become as one of the NBA’s most prominent figures since his debut in the competition in 2003, during which time he has won four championships and amassed four rings. He has had professional basketball careers with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on two different occasions. James will leave behind a résumé worthy of the Hall of Fame and will be generally acknowledged as one of the finest players who have ever competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Sports

+130 Odds of LeBron Breaking Scoring Record Tonight

Published

10 months ago

February 8, 2023

Steve john

It has been a foregone conclusion for a number of months now that LeBron James would ultimately surpass Kareem Abdul-mark Jabbar’s of 38,387 points held by the NBA scoring record books. The King is now 35 points behind Kareem as of the 7th of February, 2023, and the LeBron Lakers are scheduled to play tonight against the defensively vulnerable OKC Thunder.

Since a few weeks ago, DraftKings has begun providing odds on when LeBron James will become the first player to shatter the record. The game against the Thunder tonight was classified as a +130 second favourite on Tuesday, when those odds were posted. As of this morning, the matchup versus the Thunder is now the second favourite, with odds of +130. (Name and shame those who like to cause trouble.)

+130 Odds of LeBron Breaking Scoring Record Tonight

The matchup on Thursday versus the Milwaukee Bucks is a prohibitive favourite with odds of -200, while all of the other possibilities on the board have odds of +850 or higher. Any scenario that goes beyond Saturday’s game against the Warriors would likely necessitate LeBron James to sit out at least one of those games.

The over/under for LeBron James’s point total for tonight has been set at 31.5, and the over is favoured by a little margin (-118o/-104u).

The Los Angeles Lakers are known for their high-scoring contests.
If you haven’t been keeping up with the NBA this season and are content to just watch LeBron smash records, you should be aware that the Los Angeles Lakers are now 25-29 and have a point difference of -1.3 for the season.

Recent years have been kind to LA. The club had a rough start, starting off with a record of 2-10, but they finished their schedule playing better than.500 in all four of their remaining games. They have fared much better at home (13-12) than on the road (12-17), but LeBron has inverted his scoring distribution, averaging 31.0 points per game while playing away from home and just 28.8 points per game when playing at home.

They often play games with a high point total. They are ranked 20th in defensive rating and give up the fourth most points per game. In terms of scoring average, their attack is ranked sixth, but in terms of offensive rating, they are only ranked 18th.

OKC is a quick squad that ranks 20th in scoring defence (116.4 PPG), but they rank 12th in above-average defensive rating, so they should be a formidable opponent tonight.

The likelihood of LeBron James scoring more than the OKC Thunder is low, according to his scoring average.
LeBron James, who is now 37 years old, continues to impress with a staggering scoring average of 30.0 points per game. Even though his Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is just 24.8, which is his second lowest in the previous 15 years and places him outside of the top 10 in the NBA, he still ranks sixth in the Association in terms of use percentage (33.2%). Is.

Only 10 times out of his 43 games played this season has he scored more than 35 points (a percentage of 23.2% of the time). The implied likelihood of breaking his record tonight is 43.48 percent based on the odds of +130 to do so. Betting on a game involving the Thunder seems to provide excellent value at first glance.

Context is something that is not taken into consideration by averages. Since a few weeks ago, James and the rest of the Lakers squad have been setting new records for the most points scored in a game. There is going to be incentive coming from inside as well as from the outside to do it.

It’s also conceivable that LeBron would like to shatter the record at home. The current homestand for the Los Angeles Lakers will conclude with one more game (vs. Milwaukee on Thursday). Therefore, there is not always a feeling of urgency to accomplish it tonight in front of the audience that will be cheering for you at home.

To summarise, it’s not the kind of wager I’m keen to make. I don’t feel comfortable betting -200 on a game involving Milwaukee, when the implied probability is 66.7%. In addition, I do not want to wager on James scoring 36 points tonight at an odds of +130 since it is something he has only accomplished 10 times so far this season.

If I had a free bet to spend on the game, I would wager that LeBron would smash records tonight. I think he will. However, I will not be purchasing it with my own money.