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Lakers’ genius defensive strategy makes them true title contender

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Lakers' genius defensive strategy makes them true title contender

Los Angeles is already playing at a championship-caliber level.

Life has been nothing short of fantastic for Los Angeles Lakers fans recently. Everything changed for the franchise on February 1, when the team shocked the basketball world by pulling off an unthinkable blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.

With this move, JJ Redick’s squad instantly landed one of the NBA’s top-five players, a proven playoff performer, and perhaps most importantly the perfect running mate for LeBron James in the final stretch of his legendary career.

While Doncic’s arrival has undoubtedly secured the Lakers’ future, their present is just as promising. The basketball world now fully recognizes that Los Angeles has a legitimate shot at reaching the NBA Finals this season, simply because of Luka’s postseason brilliance.

Overnight, LA transformed from a top-six hopeful in the Western Conference to a team with a strong chance of securing a top-four seed.

The Lakers Are on Fire

As of now, the Lakers are in red-hot form. They are currently riding an eight-game winning streak and have won 14 of their last 16 matchups.

Their only two losses in that stretch came last month, in back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets a time when Doncic was still adjusting to his new surroundings.

LA’s Defensive Strategy Is Making All the Difference

The Lakers’ recent dominance isn’t just about Luka Doncic and his incredible individual performances.

Yes, he is averaging 30.3 points per game in March, while shooting 40% from three and dishing out 12.0 assists per night.

But what’s truly propelling the team’s momentum is their highly effective defensive strategy daring poor shooters to take open shots and letting them fire away.

JJ Redick has implemented this tactical approach to perfection, and the results speak for themselves. Over their last five games, the Lakers have held each of their opponents to 30% or worse from beyond the arc.

The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, LA Clippers (twice), and Minnesota Timberwolves have collectively shot just 26.8% from three-point range against LA from February 27 to March 6.

This defensive philosophy typically reserved for the playoffs is already paying dividends in the regular season.

It further reinforces the belief that this Lakers team is built for postseason success and could be an unstoppable force when April, May, and June roll around.

If Luka and the Lakers maintain this level of play, championship aspirations in Los Angeles will be more than justified.

Lakers News: Jayson Tatum Doesn’t Think LeBron James Gets Talked About Enough

Anytime the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics face off, it’s a must-watch event. But this Saturday night’s primetime showdown carries even more weight than usual, as LeBron James and Luka Doncic lead LA into Boston to take on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a battle between two of the hottest teams in the NBA.

Jan 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) react before playing at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers enter the matchup riding an eight-game winning streak, having won 18 of their last 21 games, while the Celtics have been nearly as dominant, claiming victory in 13 of their last 16 contests.

Both teams are clicking, with LeBron playing at an unreal level and Tatum firmly in the MVP conversation. This is a matchup the Celtics superstar is particularly excited for.

Tatum on LeBron: “We Probably Don’t Talk About Him Enough”

Ahead of the big game, Tatum took a moment to praise James, calling it an honor to continue competing against him while marveling at his ability to dominate the league in his 22nd season.

Speaking to Noa Dalzell of Celtics Blog, Tatum shared his admiration for the Lakers’ leader:

“As much as we probably talk about LeBron, we probably don’t talk about him enough. Being 40, in his 22nd season, playing at an All-NBA level is an incredible testament to the work ethic that he’s put in. His game, his body, to stay in the best shape to be able to compete and perform at the highest level for over two decades now. Something that we should all strive to do, even if it might be unlikely. But it’s a joy to be able to compete against him in these matchups for however long we get to do it for.”

Tatum’s words ring true what LeBron is accomplishing at this stage of his career is unprecedented.

No player in NBA history has maintained this level of excellence two decades into their career, let alone at 40 years old. His ability to still be one of the league’s elite players is a testament to his discipline, work ethic, and love for the game.

This isn’t the first time Tatum and LeBron have squared off on a big stage. Their battles date back to Tatum’s rookie season, when he and the Celtics fell to James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Now, LeBron has the Lakers firing on all cylinders, and if they can pull off a statement road win over the NBA Championship favorites, it would solidify their status as legitimate contenders.

LeBron James Emphasizes the Importance of Every Laker

While LeBron and Luka will undoubtedly need to play at a high level to take down the Celtics, James understands that success requires contributions from every player on the roster.

Fortunately for LA, their role players have been stepping up in crucial moments, and LeBron made it clear that everyone on the team matters.

Following the Lakers’ win over the New York Knicks, James stressed that every Laker plays a key role, while also shouting out Gabe Vincent for his standout performance.

“There’s no such thing as non-key players on this team,” James said after the victory. “Everybody is key, and everybody that steps on the floor has a role and they go in and match that. I thought our bench gave us a great lift once again, and Gabe [Vincent], single him out. He was spectacular his play both on the defensive end and obviously with his shooting that we needed. We were not making any outside shots.”

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic’s MVP Case

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic's MVP Case

The Denver Nuggets secured a crucial road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in a high-stakes battle featuring two of the NBA’s top MVP contenders.

Nikola Jokic once again showcased his dominance, delivering an effortless yet staggering 35-point, 18-rebound, and eight-assist performance to outduel Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Following the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in making his case for Jokic in the MVP conversation.

“If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs and I put Player A and Player B on paper, and you had no idea that the guy that’s averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top-three in the three major statistical categories things that no one’s ever done he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10,” Malone said.

Then, with added emphasis, he continued: “And if you don’t think so, then I think you guys are all full of s—.”

Despite Jokic’s brilliance, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award.

However, Malone was quick to praise the Thunder star, acknowledging his greatness while also standing firmly behind his own player.

With a significant portion of the season still to play, Jokic and the Nuggets have a chance to maintain their momentum.

If they continue their red-hot form, voters may reconsider and ultimately decide that the Serbian big man deserves a fourth MVP instead of crowning a new face.

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Wizards Rookie Matches Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic With NBA Milestone

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Wizards Rookie Matches Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic With NBA Milestone

Washington Wizards’ rookie Carlton “Bub” Carrington has etched his name into NBA history, joining an exclusive club alongside legends Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic.

In Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Carrington became just the third player in league history to record over 250 assists and 100 three-pointers before turning 20 years old.

Despite the Wizards’ 104-119 loss in Toronto, the 19-year-old added to his impressive resume by dishing out five assists and knocking down a three-pointer in 26 minutes of action.

His latest feat not only places him in elite company with Bryant and Doncic but also cements his place in Wizards history. Carrington is now the second-fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 100 three-pointers, achieving the milestone in 62 games.

The only player to do it faster? Bradley Beal, who hit the mark in 60 games during the 2012-13 season.

Carrington was originally selected 14th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft before being traded to Washington, along with Malcolm Brogdon, in exchange for Deni Avdija. Since joining the Wizards, he has steadily carved out a key role on the team.

So far this season, Carrington has played in 62 games, starting in 42 of them. He is averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 29.3 minutes per game, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.

For a young player still finding his footing in the league, Carrington’s rapid rise and record-breaking performances suggest a bright future ahead in Washington.

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Steph Curry Makes History With Unprecedented Career Move

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Steph Curry Makes History With Unprecedented Career Move

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has once again made history, this time off the court.

On Monday, March 10, Davidson College announced that Curry has taken on a new role as one of the assistant general managers for their basketball program, alongside fellow alumnus Matt Berman.

Curry’s decision is unprecedented, making him the first active player in major U.S. professional sports to accept an administrative position with an NCAA team, according to ESPN.

“The Davidson experience is top notch,” Curry said in a statement released by the school. “My journey from when I got to Davidson in 2006 to now demonstrated that I had the opportunity to play basketball at the highest level, got a great education, an amazing network through the Davidson alumni and continue to wave the Davidson flag. I want very talented, high character student-athletes to have that same experience.”

Assistant GM Role and the NIL Era

With the rapid evolution of college sports under the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules, Davidson is looking to leverage Curry’s influence and leadership to strengthen their basketball program within the competitive Atlantic 10 conference.

As part of his commitment, Curry, along with his wife Ayesha and longtime Davidson supporters Don, Matt, and Erica Berman, will launch an eight-figure initiative known as the Curry-Berman Fund, designed to support both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

In his new advisory role as assistant general manager, Curry will provide guidance to Davidson’s basketball teams, offering mentorship and strategic insights.

“The goal for this is to invest in the next student-athlete that’s coming into Davidson today,” Curry said. “They don’t have to take cuts on what the market says they deserve to be part of the brand of what it means to be a Davidson scholar-athlete with integrity in your academic experience.”

He emphasized the importance of education and long-term opportunities for student-athletes, adding: “The commitment to a four-year graduation process provides countless opportunities professionally in sports or as a game changer in life. And that leads into my role as an assistant GM with Matt Berman – our ability to be a resource and a sounding board for the program, but also support each student-athlete, to develop personal relationships with each of them to help guide them every step of the way through their Davidson experience.”

A Full Circle Moment for Curry

Davidson College played a crucial role in Curry’s rise to basketball stardom after he was overlooked by the bigger ACC programs in the region.

During his time at Davidson, Curry set the NCAA single-season record for three-pointers as a sophomore and won conference player of the year honors twice before declaring for the NBA Draft after his junior year.

Selected by the Warriors with the No. 7 pick in 2009, Curry has since built a legendary career, winning four NBA championships, an Olympic gold medal, and earning recognition as the greatest shooter in basketball history. Despite his immense success, he never forgot his roots.

A testament to his dedication, Curry kept a promise to his mother to finish his studies. In 2022, he completed his undergraduate degree as part of Davidson’s class of 2010, taking online courses to fulfill his academic requirements.

Now, Curry has officially come full circle, returning to Davidson not just as an alumnus but as an active leader, working to shape the next generation of Wildcats.

His involvement is a game-changer, setting a new precedent for how professional athletes can give back to their collegiate programs while still playing at the highest level.

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