LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers hope LeBron James will decide to continue his career after he recovers from the difficult end to their season.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James questioned retirement after his Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets despite the highest-scoring postseason half of James' matchless NBA career.
Jokic leads Denver Nuggets past LeBron’s Lakers 113-111, into their first NBA Finals
May 23, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Nikola Jokic is a player unlike almost anything the NBA has ever seen, and now he's taking his Denver Nuggets somewhere they've never been.
Jokic had 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, and the Nuggets advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history Monday night, sweeping the Western Conference finals with a 113-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
CHICAGO (AP) — Brandon Miller was a little more than three weeks from being born when LeBron James made his NBA debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
Two decades later, James is still near the top of the league Miller is about to enter.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — As his NBA career approaches the dawn of its third decade, LeBron James plays almost exclusively alongside teammates who grew up watching him dominate their game.
He has played against the sons of his basketball contemporaries, and he has played against one of his own 18-year-old son's former high school teammates.
Healthy and happy: LeBron James, Anthony Davis lead Lakers back to conference finals
May 13, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — After every twist and turn in the soap opera saga of LeBron James' four seasons alongside Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers, one truth remains perfectly clear.
This is a championship-caliber partnership when James and Davis are both healthy.
LeBron James’ son Bronny commits to play basketball at USC
May 7, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James' oldest son, Bronny, says he will play basketball at the University of Southern California in the fall.
Bronny James abruptly announced his much-anticipated decision on social media Saturday, about two hours before his father's Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series.
LeBron’s Lakers rout Warriors 127-97, take 2-1 series lead
May 7, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James didn't take a shot in the first quarter of Game 3 for the first time in his NBA-record 275 playoff appearances, and the Los Angeles Lakers' home crowd rumbled with mild uncertainty each time he passed the ball instead.
Davis, James deliver as Lakers top Curry, Warriors in Game 1
May 3, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — LeBron James no longer has to do it all against Stephen Curry on the big stage, not even close. Anthony Davis plugs the middle and takes away the easy chances inside. Dennis Schröder has the energy to help chase No.
LeBron sets Lakers on playoff run with limitless possibility
April 29, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James didn't respond at first after Dillon Brooks called him old and questioned his abilities early in the Lakers' first-round playoff series with Memphis.
A day after James and the Lakers eliminated Brooks' Grizzlies in dominant fashion, James let Jay-Z speak for him.
LeBron leads Lakers past Grizz 117-111 in OT for 3-1 lead
April 25, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When LeBron James got back to the Los Angeles locker room after Game 4, his fellow Lakers greeted him with a symphony of bleats.
They were simply saluting the G.O.A.T. in his own language to celebrate a performance that was anything but old — and a gritty win that put the Lakers on the brink of the second round.
Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks tossed for blow to LeBron in Game 3
April 23, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Dillon Brooks delivered the most painful blow yet in his ongoing battle with LeBron James to a particularly sensitive area Saturday night.
James shook it off and led the Lakers to another victory.
LeBron not trading trash talk with Brooks before Game 3
April 22, 2023 GMTEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James has seemed wise beyond his years since the start of his basketball journey, and he wasn't about to drop down to Dillon Brooks' level of discourse heading into a pivotal game for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks trying to get under LeBron’s skin
April 20, 2023 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Calling the NBA's all-time leading scorer — regular season and playoffs — old and just another player might not seem very smart to most folks.
LeBron, Lakers back in playoffs against Ja Morant, Grizzlies
April 15, 2023 GMTLeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are back in the NBA postseason, and the league's all-time leading scorer couldn't be more ready.
James and the Lakers missed last year's playoffs, and Phoenix bounced the then-defending champs in just six games in 2021.
James’ game-winner lifts Lakers past Jazz in OT
April 5, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — LeBron James missed a potential game-winning layup on the final play of regulation. Given a second chance, he delivered.
James scored 37 points, including a go-ahead basket with 27 seconds left in overtime, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 135-133 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
LeBron James returns for season-ending push with Lakers
March 26, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James says two doctors recommended season-ending surgery on a torn tendon in his right foot, but he has decided to finish out the season on the court with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis and Los Angeles take on Toronto in non-conference play
March 9, 2023 GMTToronto Raptors (32-35, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (32-34, ninth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Friday, 10:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Toronto heads to Los Angeles for a non-conference matchup.
Anthony Davis leads Lakers past Grizz without Ja, 112-103
March 8, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis had 30 points and 22 rebounds, Dennis Schröder added 17 points and nine assists and the Los Angeles Lakers moved into ninth place in the Western Conference with a 112-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
James leads Los Angeles into matchup with Memphis
March 7, 2023 GMTMemphis Grizzlies (38-25, second in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (31-34, 10th in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Lakers -2; over/under is 226
Davis leads Lakers past Warriors 113-105 in Curry’s return
March 6, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis is showing he is ready to shoulder the load for the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James out of the lineup.
Davis scored 39 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as the Lakers held on for a 113-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
Warriors play the Lakers, look for 6th straight victory
March 4, 2023 GMTGolden State Warriors (34-30, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-34, 11th in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Golden State will attempt to extend its five-game win streak with a victory against Los Angeles.
Gobert leads Timberwolves past Lakers despite Davis’ 38
March 4, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Rudy Gobert had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Anthony Edwards scored 19 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a two-game Los Angeles sweep with a 110-102 victory over the short-handed Lakers on Friday night.
Lakers say LeBron James has tendon injury, out 3 weeks
March 2, 2023 GMTLeBron James is expected to miss most of March with an injured tendon in his right foot, the Los Angeles Lakers said on Thursday.
If that timetable holds, the Lakers will have to find a way to stay in the playoff race without the league's all-time scoring leader.
James and the Lakers take on the Timberwolves
March 2, 2023 GMTMinnesota Timberwolves (32-32, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-33, 11th in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Friday, 10:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dennis Schroder scores 26 points, Lakers top Thunder 123-117
March 2, 2023 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Dennis Schroder scored 22 of his 26 points in the second half and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-117 on Wednesday night.
Schroder went down holding his left ankle in the first quarter but stayed in the game.
Morant, Grizzlies beat Lakers 121-109 with James sidelined
March 1, 2023 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant scored 28 of his 39 points in the third quarter, had 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles 121-109 on Tuesday night in the Lakers’ first game since LeBron James injured his right foot.
Morant’s third-quarter burst leads Grizzlies past Lakers
March 1, 2023 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant scored 28 of his 39 points in the third quarter and added 10 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat Los Angeles 121-109 on Tuesday night in the Lakers' first game since LeBron James injured his right foot.
With James injury, Lakers face challenge to reach postseason
March 1, 2023 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — LeBron James' injury hasn't changed the Los Angeles Lakers' goal of reaching the postseason.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Tuesday that James is still going through medical evaluations before the team makes a decision on how long the NBA's career scoring leader may be unavailable after injuring his right foot Sunday in a victory over Dallas.
AP source: Lakers bracing for James to miss multiple weeks
February 28, 2023 GMTLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers may miss multiple weeks with an injury to his right foot, a person familiar with the situation said Monday night.
The full extent of the injury is not yet known and more test results were pending, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither James nor the Lakers announced anything about a long-term absence.
Morant and James clash in Memphis-Los Angeles matchup
February 27, 2023 GMTLos Angeles Lakers (29-32, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (36-23, second in the Western Conference)
Memphis, Tennessee; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Ja Morant and LeBron James meet when Memphis takes on Los Angeles.
Davis leads rally from 27 down as Lakers beat Mavs 111-108
February 27, 2023 GMTDALLAS (AP) — Anthony Davis dunked a missed shot and screamed after giving the Los Angeles Lakers the lead for good with two minutes to go.
So much for the 27-point deficit in a showcase of stars that went from a laugher to a thriller with 13 fourth-quarter lead changes.
Doncic and James clash in Dallas-Los Angeles matchup
February 25, 2023 GMTLos Angeles Lakers (28-32, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (32-29, sixth in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: A pair of the NBA's top scorers, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, meet when Dallas and Los Angeles take the court.
US savors World Cup berth; Carmelo Anthony named ambassador
February 25, 2023 GMTUSA Basketball put together different rosters for all six World Cup qualifying windows, and coach Jim Boylen noticed the same two things with each of those groups.
One, every player beamed when putting on the “USA” jersey for picture day.
Malik Beasley scores 25 points, Lakers beat Warriors 124-111
February 24, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James and Anthony Davis might finally have a supporting cast to help the Los Angeles Lakers make a push to get into the playoffs.
Malik Beasley scored 25 points and was one of eight players in double figures as the new-look Lakers returned from the All-Star break to beat the Golden State Warriors 124-111 on Thursday night.
Serena Williams to receive honor at NAACP Image Awards
February 23, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Serena Williams will be honored for her tennis achievements, business success and efforts to uplift the community at the NAACP Image Awards this weekend.
The NAACP announced Thursday that Williams will receive the Jackie Robinson Sports award during the ceremony, which will air live Saturday on BET.
NBA teams get ready to make 4th-quarter push for playoffs
February 22, 2023 GMTKevin Durant went to Phoenix. Russell Westbrook moved from Los Angeles to Los Angeles.
Tatum scores All-Star record 55, Team Giannis wins 184-175
February 20, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jayson Tatum put on a record-setting show, and made Giannis Antetokounmpo look like a genius.
Tatum scored an All-Star Game-record 55 points on his way to winning MVP honors, and Team Giannis ended LeBron James’ hold on All-Star captain supremacy by beating Team LeBron 184-175 in the NBA's annual showcase exhibition on Sunday night.
All-Star top picks: Lillard (reserves), Embiid (starters)
February 20, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Damian Lillard was the first reserve taken by captain Giannis Antetokounmpo on Sunday in the All-Star Game draft, and Joel Embiid was the first starter taken by fellow captain LeBron James for the matchup.
NBA All-Star Game: All you need to know about Sunday’s event
February 18, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The fans in Salt Lake City used to serenade Donovan Mitchell with “MVP” chants when he played for the Utah Jazz, a sign of their appreciation and respect.
No hurt feelings: NBA changes format for All-Star Draft
February 18, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The “last pick” of Sunday night's All-Star Draft will be a starter.
The NBA has changed the format of Sunday’s draft, and LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo — the captains — will make their picks from the pool of reserve players first.
All-Star weekend arrives, as NBA heads to Salt Lake City
February 16, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — If so inclined, and if fellow captain LeBron James was to cooperate with his own selections, Giannis Antetokounmpo could pick Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and Lauri Markkanen to play on his team Sunday night.
LeBron, Anthony Davis get new-look Lakers past Pelicans
February 16, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had 21 points in his first game since becoming the NBA’s career scoring leader, and Anthony Davis had 28 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the new-look Los Angeles Lakers' 120-102 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Ball has triple-double, Hornets hand Spurs 14th loss in row
February 16, 2023 GMTCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball had 28 points, 10 assists and a season-high 12 rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets beat San Antonio 120-110 on Wednesday night to send the Spurs into the NBA All-Star break with a franchise-record 14-game losing streak.
Jewel, Post Malone, Vin Diesel to perform at All-Star Game
February 15, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah native and Grammy nominee Jewel, along with Post Malone and actors Vin Diesel and Ben Affleck, will be among the performers at this weekend’s NBA All-Star events in Salt Lake City.
Analysis: Russell Westbrook could help NBA playoff contender
February 14, 2023 GMTNikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are doing it. So are LeBron James, James Harden and LaMelo Ball. They are among the six players in the NBA averaging at least 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists per game this season.
James leads Los Angeles into matchup with New Orleans
February 14, 2023 GMTNew Orleans Pelicans (30-28, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (26-32, 13th in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: LeBron James leads Los Angeles into a matchup against New Orleans.
Blazers hit 23 3-pointers, beat LeBron-less Lakers 127-115
February 14, 2023 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Damian Lillard had 40 points, including eight 3-pointers, to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 127-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, missed his third straight game for the Lakers with a sore left ankle.
Lillard and James clash in Portland-Los Angeles matchup
February 12, 2023 GMTLos Angeles Lakers (26-31, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (27-29, 12th in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Monday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Damian Lillard and LeBron James meet when Portland hosts Los Angeles.
Russell shines in return to Lakers after trade by T-Wolves
February 12, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — D’Angelo Russell and the new-look Lakers figured things out on the fly to take down the defending champs on their home floor.
Working to get in sync with his new teammates and eager to complement Anthony Davis and LeBron James, Russell communicated on the court all game long after rejoining his first team where he played from 2015-17.
Scan on LeBron James’ sore left foot shows no serious damage
February 12, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A scan done on LeBron James' troublesome left ankle and foot showed no serious issue, but the newly crowned NBA career scoring leader sat out a second straight game Saturday night since breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's mark earlier in the week.
Los Angeles faces Golden State, looks to stop 3-game skid
February 10, 2023 GMTLos Angeles Lakers (25-31, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (28-27, ninth in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles heads into the matchup against Golden State as losers of three in a row.
Bucks win 9th straight, hold off LeBron-less Lakers 115-106
February 10, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 38 points and 10 rebounds, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied in the second half for their ninth consecutive victory, 115-106 over the Los Angeles Lakers without LeBron James on Thursday night.
2 days later, LeBron still feels scoring record is ‘surreal’
February 10, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James took the microphone at center court under a spotlight Thursday night, and all the fans who guessed wrong rose to unleash a mighty roar.
Two days after James became the NBA's scoring king, the achievement was still a thrill to him.
AP source: Lakers trading Westbrook to Utah in 3-team swap
February 9, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Russell Westbrook to Utah and reacquiring guard D'Angelo Russell from Minnesota in a three-team, eight-player deal, a person with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.
LeBron’s off-court legacy complements his basketball success
February 8, 2023 GMTMya Smiley is a student at the University of Akron thanks to an assist from LeBron James, and she is determined upon graduation to become a social worker that helps foster kids.
Her education and career path would not have been possible, the sophomore says, were it not for a scholarship and counseling that she received from the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Who has next for James’ scoring record: Luka? Tatum? Anyone?
February 8, 2023 GMTJames Harden averaged 36 points a few seasons ago. Devin Booker once scored 70 in one game.
There are many more players doing much more scoring now than when LeBron James began his NBA career in 2003-04.
LeBron James makes NBA history on a star-filled night in LA
February 8, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James stepped over to his dad's locker and played the phone video he had taken of Tuesday night's biggest moment. The NBA's new scoring king tipped his head back in a rich, full-throated laugh when the audio revealed Bronny had anticipated that the historic basket would come on a fadeaway jumper.
Scoring King: James passes Abdul-Jabbar for NBA points mark
February 8, 2023 GMTLeBron James got the first official statistic of his NBA career on a rebound. His next entry on the stat sheet was an assist.
Even then, points weren’t the priority. They never were.
Somehow, he became the most prolific scorer in NBA history anyway.