DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets had all the ingredients for an NBA Finals run this season — Nikola Jokic's all-around greatness, Jamal Murray's sweet ball handling, Michael Porter Jr.'s board crashing and arc accuracy, Aaron Gordon's above-the-rim brilliance.
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.
Carmelo Anthony retires from NBA, after 19-year career, NCAA title, 3 Olympic gold medals
May 22, 2023 GMTCarmelo Anthony, the star forward who led Syracuse to an NCAA championship in his lone college season and went on to spend 19 years in the NBA, announced his retirement on Monday.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — When the Denver Nuggets faced the most crucial stretch of the biggest road game in franchise history, Nikola Jokic took over both on the floor and in the huddle.
The two-time MVP decided he would run a two-man, pick-and-roll offense with Jamal Murray late in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday night, and Jokic came through with a 15-point fourth quarter.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nikola Jokic was far from his usual dominant self while mired in foul trouble, and Jamal Murray cooled off after his scorching first half. The Denver Nuggets' big early lead disappeared entirely in the fourth quarter of Game 3, and the Lakers' home crowd was in a frenzy.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although the Los Angeles Lakers’ late-season transformation is one of this NBA season’s best stories, LeBron James and his teammates finally appear to be running out of steam in the Western Conference finals.
Sports on TV for May 22-28
May 19, 2023 GMTAdv20
Denver takes 2-0 lead into game 3 against Los Angeles
May 19, 2023 GMTDenver Nuggets (53-29, first in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Lakers -5.5; over/under is 223.5
Murray’s big fourth quarter propels Nuggets past Lakers 108-103 for 2-0 lead in West finals
May 19, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — After Nikola Jokic's monster game in the opener, his pick-and-roll partner Jamal Murray took the spotlight in the Western Conference finals Thursday night.
Murray scored 23 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a 108-103 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Lakers for a 2-0 lead in the series.
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.
Lakers and Nuggets both take lessons from LA’s comeback that fell short in West opener
May 17, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers are taking solace in their big second-half comeback that fell just short in the Western Conference finals opener at Denver.
They aren't alone — the Denver Nuggets also feel L.A.'s furious rally held takeaways for them heading into Game 2 on Thursday night at Ball Arena.
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to turn in jaw-dropping performances during these playoffs, raising expectations along the way.
Sports on TV for May 22-28
May 17, 2023 GMTAdv20
Denver hosts Los Angeles with 1-0 series lead
May 17, 2023 GMTLos Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (53-29, first in the Western Conference)
Denver; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Nuggets -5.5; over/under is 226.5
Nikola Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers 132-126 in West opener
May 17, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers the last time these teams met in the Western Conference finals in the 2020 NBA bubble.
So, what similarities does he see between LeBron James and Nikola Jokic?
Malfunctioning shot clock fixed in time for 2nd half in Game 1 of Western Conference finals
May 17, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — The second-half adjustments for the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets included a change in shot-clock location.
The shot and game clocks were restored to their rightful spot above the basket at halftime during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night.
WNBA suspends Hammon 2 games for player’s allegation she was bullied for being pregnant
May 17, 2023 GMTThe WNBA suspended Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon, one of the league’s marquee figures, for two games Tuesday after former Aces player Dearica Hamby said she had been bullied and manipulated for being pregnant.
MIAMI (AP) — Miami’s Erik Spoelstra and Denver’s Michael Malone are two of the four NBA coaches to have spent at least eight years with their current team.
They know how rare that is — especially as the league's coaching changes mount.
Denver Nuggets focused on vanquishing LeBron James and Lakers, not ghosts of the past
May 15, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — If the Denver Nuggets can continue their dominance at Ball Arena, they'll not only conquer LeBron James and Anthony Davis but they'll also vanquish the ghosts of their horrendous playoff performances against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sports on TV for Tuesday, May 16
May 15, 2023 GMT(All times Eastern)
Preview capsule for the Denver-Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference finals series that starts Tuesday:
No. 1 DENVER NUGGETS (53-29, 8-3) vs. No. 7 LOS ANGELES LAKERS (43-39, 8-4)
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.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry is far from ready to accept that these Golden State Warriors are done chasing championships together.
Golden State has decisions to make now. Big decisions. Phoenix does, too. And Dallas. And Milwaukee. And Portland. And more.
It’s the best time of year in the NBA — with the playoff field getting down to its final four on Sunday.
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.
Curry, Thompson’s struggles from long distance means rare early playoff exit for Warriors
May 13, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have dominated opposing teams by burying 3-pointers when left wide open or getting clean looks.
However, in the final chapter of what was an arduous season, the defending NBA champions couldn't get the big shots when they needed them.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Six months and a day after the Los Angeles Lakers fell to 2-10 to start the regular season, they emphatically eliminated the defending NBA champions to reach the Western Conference finals.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists and the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors with a 122-101 victory Friday night in Game 6 of the second-round series.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Lakers coach Darvin Ham said he expects Anthony Davis to play Friday night in Los Angeles, adding that the eight-time All-Star big man is “not showing any signs of anything” and is not in the NBA’s concussion protocol after being hit in the head late in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Heat, Lakers get another chance to move to conference finals; Knicks, Warriors on brink
May 11, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — New York guards Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes played an entire elimination game with no rest, just to extend their season.
And Miami’s Jimmy Butler — even after being on the losing end of that effort — tipped his cap out of respect.
Los Angeles tries to finish off series in game 6
May 11, 2023 GMTGolden State Warriors (44-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Lakers -2; over/under is 223.5
Stephen Curry, Warriors stave off elimination, force Game 6 by beating Lakers 121-106
May 11, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Draymond Green loved Golden State's defensive energy against LeBron James and knows the Warriors must bring that same urgency back to Los Angeles with another chance to save this topsy-turvy season and defend their title.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry had 27 points and eight assists, Andrew Wiggins added 25 points, seven rebounds and five assist, and the defending champion Golden State Warriors staved off elimination by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 121-106 in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday night.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California’s basketball roster is getting more star-studded by the moment.
The Trojans had already landed Bronny James, son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Lakers can oust Warriors, Heat can finish Knicks in Game 5s
May 10, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat three years ago in the most unusual NBA Finals ever, played neither during the normal season nor in their home arenas.
Lakers rally past Warriors 104-101, take 3-1 series lead
May 9, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Lonnie Walker began the season as a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers, he got injured and slipped all the way out of their rotation after they transformed their roster at the trade deadline.
Lakers beat Warriors for 3-1 lead; Heat push Knicks to brink
May 9, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Lonnie Walker scored all of his 15 points in a phenomenal fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied late to take a 3-1 series lead with a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 on Monday night.
Lakers, Heat surging in series through defensive superiority
May 7, 2023 GMTEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — The NBA just completed its highest-scoring regular season in 53 years, its teams scoring 282,127 points while a record 20 players made at least 200 3-pointers.
And now two low-seeded playoff teams are surging toward the conference finals with dominant defense.
Lakers take 2-1 lead into game 4 against the Warriors
May 7, 2023 GMTGolden State Warriors (44-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Monday, 10 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Lakers -3.5; over/under is 228
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.
Lakers rout Warriors 127-97; Heat roll in Butler’s return
May 7, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis had 25 points and 13 rebounds, a slow-starting LeBron James finished with 21 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 lead in their second-round playoff series with a 127-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 on Saturday night.
Heat, Lakers head home, seek 2-1 leads over Knicks, Warriors
May 5, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Miami and New York are wondering who will be able to play. Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers are wondering which team will land the next punch.
Sports on TV for May 8-14
May 5, 2023 GMTAdv06
Warriors, Lakers tied 1-1 heading into game 3
May 5, 2023 GMTGolden State Warriors (44-38, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Lakers -3; over/under is 227
Thompson scores 30, Warriors adjust to beat Lakers 127-100
May 5, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After yet another big basket, Klay Thompson scurried toward the fans sitting courtside opposite the Warriors bench and raised his arms in the air to ignite an entire arena behind him.
U.S. splits with China on 1st day of International Crown
May 5, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — World No. 1 Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu rallied on the back nine to help the United States earn a split of its first two matches against China on Thursday at the International Crown team event.
Lakers withstood every Warriors run, hope for more in Game 2
May 3, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers expected a furious, final push by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and the defending NBA champions. Golden State can score in bunches in literally no time at all.
Sports on TV for May 8-14
May 3, 2023 GMTAdv06
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.
Los Angeles visits Golden State with 1-0 series lead
May 3, 2023 GMTLos Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (44-38, sixth in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Warriors -5; over/under is 227.5
AP source: Grizzlies have no plans to bring back Brooks
May 2, 2023 GMTThe Memphis Grizzlies have no plans to bring Dillon Brooks back to the team when he hits free agency this summer, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.
Lakers-Warriors Western Conference semifinal preview capsule
May 1, 2023 GMTPreview capsule for the NBA’s Western Conference semifinal series between Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers. Capsules on the other three conference semifinal series moved previously:
Lakers’ James, Warriors’ Curry to meet again in playoffs
May 1, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — It's LeBron vs. Steph on the big stage, Take V.
With a slightly different look in the playoffs these days for two of the game's greatest players.
“Just two of the most competitive players that have ever played this game,” James said Monday.