Latest news with #Cavaliers
New York Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
How Mike Brown's straight talk has won over — and worn out — the superstars he's coached
Kobe Bryant once famously said that he expected Mike Brown to be 'a pushover' based on previous reputation, but that he was pleased to quickly discover that was not the case. This was early in the 2011-12 season, Brown's first with the Lakers after spending five years coaching LeBron James with the Cavaliers, including one trip to the NBA Finals. When Brown publicly called out Bryant — a five-time NBA champion and former league MVP — for a defensive mistake following one December defeat, Kobe shrugged and made it clear he was on board with such criticism. 'What I've heard about him was he was a pushover, he doesn't say what he's thinking and all this other sorts of stuff. I haven't seen that at all,' Bryant said. 'He's been the complete opposite. He's been detail-oriented, he's been up front and open and honest. He praises guys when they do well, he jumps on them when they're messing up right away.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jeff Teague quickly walked back on his baseless LeBron steroid accusations
LeBron James is set to enter his 23rd NBA season, and at 40 years old, he's still an All-Star caliber player. It's an astonishing career that spans multiple eras. But instead of choosing his favorite LeBron era, former NBA guard Jeff Teague sent a podcast discussion off the rails with a wild PED accusation about James. In the latest edition of the Club 520 Podcast, Teague was asked to choose the best version of James. And he said "Miami Heat 'Bron" without hesitation. And then to back up his argument, he went on to claim that James was using steroids. Like, out of nowhere. Teague said that once the league started testing for HGH, James suddenly had to sit out for multiple weeks with a mysterious back ailment only to come back skinnier. Teague told the story and was like, "I was in the league. I remember." Except none of that happened. The NBA didn't start testing for HGH until the 2015-16 season, and James was already back on the Cavaliers at that point. In his entire time with the Heat, LeBron never missed more than six games in a given season. LeBron did miss eight games in 2014-15 due to a back issue, but he was on Cleveland at that point. And, again, the injury predated the league's HGH testing program. Shortly after the comments went viral, Teague took to his Instagram to clarify that he was just joking. Yeah, safe to say that Teague heard from his agent or lawyer after that one. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jeff Teague walked back on his baseless LeBron steroid accusations
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Jeff Teague quickly walked back on his baseless LeBron steroid accusations
LeBron James is set to enter his 23rd NBA season, and at 40 years old, he's still an All-Star caliber player. It's an astonishing career that spans multiple eras. But instead of choosing his favorite LeBron era, former NBA guard Jeff Teague sent a podcast discussion off the rails with a wild PED accusation about James. In the latest edition of the Club 520 Podcast, Teague was asked to choose the best version of James. And he said "Miami Heat 'Bron" without hesitation. And then to back up his argument, he went on to claim that James was using steroids. Like, out of nowhere. Teague said that once the league started testing for HGH, James suddenly had to sit out for multiple weeks with a mysterious back ailment only to come back skinnier. Teague told the story and was like, "I was in the league. I remember." Except none of that happened. The NBA didn't start testing for HGH until the 2015-16 season, and James was already back on the Cavaliers at that point. In his entire time with the Heat, LeBron never missed more than six games in a given season. LeBron did miss eight games in 2014-15 due to a back issue, but he was on Cleveland at that point. And, again, the injury predated the league's HGH testing program. Shortly after the comments went viral, Teague took to his Instagram to clarify that he was just joking. Yeah, safe to say that Teague heard from his agent or lawyer after that one.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LeBron James Has Had No Buyout Or Trade Talks With Lakers, Expected To Be Available For Training Camp
LeBron James Has Had No Buyout Or Trade Talks With Lakers, Expected To Be Available For Training Camp originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Despite a frenzy of offseason speculation, LeBron James is not headed anywhere, at least for now. According to a detailed report by The Athletic's Dan Woike and Joe Vardon, James has not engaged in any buyout or trade conversations with the Los Angeles Lakers. There is no indication from either camp that such talks have taken place, and all signs point to James reporting to training camp ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The 40-year-old superstar, who recently opted into the final year of his $52.6 million deal, is still expected to wear purple and gold this fall. James' decision not to pursue an extension after opting in to his player option sparked immediate buzz around the league. Combine that with Rich Paul's cryptic statements about evaluating what's best for LeBron "at this stage in his life and career," and rumors swirled about a possible split between the NBA's all-time leading scorer and the Lakers. But reality, as it turns out, is far more stable than the headlines suggest. LeBron has been active and visible with the team throughout the summer. He was seen shaking hands with Rob Pelinka, exchanging laughs with head coach JJ Redick, and supporting his son Bronny at Summer League games in Las Vegas. All of it pointed to one conclusion: James is still fully invested in the Lakers. Some of the confusion began when it became clear that James would not be the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward. That title now belongs to Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old superstar the Lakers acquired in a blockbuster midseason deal. Yet rather than fueling division, Doncic's arrival may actually be extending LeBron's championship window. As long as James continues to perform at a high level, pairing him with Luka could give the Lakers a legitimate title shot. From a business standpoint, the Lakers have no incentive to rush LeBron out. They want to keep their books clean for next summer, and James' expiring contract gives them maximum flexibility. Trading him for another star would commit them to long-term salary, something they've been trying to avoid. A buyout, meanwhile, makes even less sense. If they cut him before training camp, Cleveland, one of LeBron's rumored suitors, could sign him. But if they wait until after the season starts, the Cavaliers (currently over the second apron) would be ineligible to pick him up due to the NBA's new CBA rules. Those hoping for a dramatic exit should temper their expectations. League sources have consistently stated there's been no pressure from LeBron's camp to push a move. Scoop B reported that four teams, the Clippers, Mavericks, Warriors, and Cavaliers, had reached out to Rich Paul regarding James, but none of that has translated into anything substantial. James also holds a full no-trade clause, so any deal would require his full approval. There's also the sentimental aspect. This season could be LeBron's last in the NBA, and he's made it clear how much playing alongside his son Bronny means to him. Bronny, who is under contract for three more years with the Lakers, has been improving steadily under the organization's development plan. LeBron recently called it the most gratifying experience of his career. In the meantime, James is staying busy off the court—golfing, vacationing, and rehabbing his left knee. So until further notice, the King stays in Los Angeles. He may no longer be the singular face of the franchise, but alongside Luka Doncic, he still has a chance to author one more magical story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
LeBron James Next Team Odds: Lakers Clear Favorites, But Odds Shifting
At DraftKings, the Lakers remain the betting favorites to keep LeBron James through at least the start of the upcoming season, but the Mavericks and Cavaliers are both now listed at 6-to-1 or shorter. At DraftKings, the Lakers remain the betting favorites to keep LeBron James through at least the start of the upcoming season, but the Mavericks and Cavaliers are both now listed at 6-to-1 or shorter. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. There has not been much in the way of news, per se, from either the Lakers or LeBron since he opted in to his contract for 2025-26 in a move that sparked speculation about where he'll finish his career. The biggest move the Lakers made in the last 48 hours was their signing of veteran guard Marcus Smart to a two-year deal. With Smart, forward Jake LaRavia and center Deandre Ayton now in the fold, the Lakers have addressed a few of their main weaknesses from a year ago. At the moment, the upcoming season still marks the final year that James will be on L.A.'s books. James, however, hardly squashed trade rumors with his response when asked by ESPN's Dave McMenamin about his future during a Summer League game on July 12. With LeBron James at the Lakers game tonight, I asked him if he would like to speak to me about his future with the franchise. 'I ain't got nothing to talk about,' he said. My report for ESPN from Las Vegas. — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 13, 2025 That comment did not result in any substantial odds movement last weekend. There has been substantial recent movement in DraftKings' "LeBron James Next Team" market over the last few days, though, as we'll detail below. NEWSWEEK SPORTS BETTING 📩 NOW LIVE: In our new newsletter, Newsweek Sports Betting Editor Tyler Everett delivers his weekly takes on what to bet on during the upcoming weekend -- and why -- ➡️ to your inbox every Friday. If you're enjoying our sports betting content, here's your chance to get all of our latest analysis and picks in your inbox every Friday morning. SIGN UP NOW LeBron James Next Team Odds At DraftKings The odds below come from DraftKings (as of July 21). In addition to each team's betting odds, we're also listing the implied probability that those odds carry. And for reference, this table also notes what each of these teams' odds were on July 4. Fine print, from DK: "First Regular Season minute played to be for which NBA team? [2025-26 only]" Current DK odds (implied probability %) July 4 DK odds, implied probability Lakers -340 (77.3) -1000 (90.9) Mavericks +300 (25) +600 (14.3) Cavaliers +600 (14.3) +1000 (9.1) Heat +1500 (6.3) longer than +5000* Knicks +2000 (4.8) +3000 (3.2) Clippers +2000 (4.8) +3500 (2.8) *The Heat were longer than 50-to-1 when we broke down this market on July 4, so we didn't list their exact odds. LeBron James Next Team Analysis, Prediction Before we go any further, keep in mind that for a bet on any team besides the Lakers to cash, a deal for LeBron would have to happen before the 2025-26 season begins in October. I still don't think there's a realistic chance of James being dealt before the season, but the Lakers now being listed at -340 should not be ignored, especially given where their odds were when this market opened. Now, let's briefly break down whether -- and how -- the Mavericks, Cavs, Heat, Knicks and Clippers could make a deal for LeBron. Could Dallas (+300) or Cleveland (+600) Land LeBron James? If Dallas were to offer No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, the Lakers would certainly be all ears. We shouldn't necessarily rule out anything where Nico Harrison is involved, but swapping a 40-year-old for a young potential star like Flagg is unimaginable right now. The Cavaliers and Heat strike me as more intriguing and realistic possible James suitors due to his ties to both franchises, but let's start with Miami. The Heat don't have much in the way of proven commodities besides Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, making them almost as unrealistic as the Mavericks. If the Cavaliers were to consider shipping out one of their 2024-25 All Stars (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland or Evan Mobley), they could make a compelling offer -- and the chance to make noise in the injury-depleted East this year could be tempting for James. Knicks (+2000) Or Clippers (+2000) To Pull Off Shocking James Blockbuster? Let's close with the Knicks and Clippers. New York will always be mentioned as a contender for James because of the market, but it's hard to see Leon Rose blowing up an established roster with a real chance to win the East for a player with a year (or two at the most) left in his career. The Clippers have had a solid offseason, adding Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez and Chris Paul to complement Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac. They are now well positioned to contend in the West (especially if Leonard can stay healthy), not send away a haul for James' final season or two. This market has been interesting to talk about during a quiet time of year for hoops fans, but that doesn't make any of these options remotely tempting (and the Lakers' deal for Smart this weekend only made a big James trade seem even less likely). If you are determined to place a bet on someone coming up with a blockbuster deal out of nowhere for James, I'd recommend looking at the Cavaliers. Still, staying away from this market was the smart move in early July, and that remains true despite the recent odds movement. Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
