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With the Los Angeles Lakers having locked up a playoff spot, they felt more than comfortable holding several mainstays —namely LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves —out of their regular season finale. As common as a practice as it is, this came as no shock, especially given their opponent was the Portland Trail Blazers. However, few could have predicted rookie Bronny James earning his first start of the season.
Bronny James will be making his first career NBA start vs. Portland. pic.twitter.com/K6NtLcYs6v
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 13, 2025
Lakers’ Bronny James’s First Career Start Spoiled
In what was a microcosm of his path to this point, James had an up and down performance. He went just 2-10 from the field, including 0-2 from 3, finishing with four points. However, he was a two-way playmaker, tallying six assists and four steals.
Bronny James full highlight vs Trail Blazers pic.twitter.com/lXD2MBczzB
— NBA Showtime (@NBAShowtime12) April 13, 2025
The start was a tremendous milestone for James considering the trials and tribulations that he’s faced. It was also a stark reminder of how far he has and can go.
James has been the subject of much debate this season, a fair amount of it being criticism about his father’s perceived influence in him being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. As he continues his roller coaster basketball journey, he’s gone from a prospect who was considered to be in over his head to a quality NBA player. In a general sense, there’s been merit to these assessments.
Right now, his best skill is his feel for the game but he’s grown more comfortable as a ball-handler over the course of the season. Blending his basketball IQ, ball-handling, and passing ability allows him to make an indelible impact even if he isn’t scoring. Factor in his agility and tenacity at the defensive end and there’s plenty to like about his game.
His 3-point stroke, ability to create separation, and ability to finish through contact all need work though. Theoretically, as his body matures, his game will naturally evolve. In the meantime though, honing in on his jumper could make him a true scoring threat regardless.
Knecht 4
The Lakers’ Walk of Fame didn’t just feature James on Sunday, as fellow rookie Dalton Knecht started in his 16th game of the season.
Dalton Knecht in a 109-81 loss @ the Trail Blazers : 27 points (9-21 shooting, 5-12 from 3 & 4-4 from the FT line), 8 rebounds & 2 blocks in 37 minutes pic.twitter.com/D3bxpT6dmc
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) April 13, 2025
In 37 minutes, the 2024 No. 17 pick recorded 27 points (5-12 from 3), eight rebounds, and two blocks. It’s the seventh time this season that Knecht’s scored 20 more points. His 3-point shooting hearkens back to the preseason, when Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he was in the 99th percentile of shooters. Given how prolific a 3-point shooter that Redick was, the comment was particularly poignant.
JJ Redick says Dalton Knecht “is in the 1% of shooters” and has a good chance to earn a rotation spot
He also stated that JHS and Max Christie made huge leaps this summer
(Via The Lowe Post)
— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) September 25, 2024
The Lakers may have wanted a center to pair with Doncic, but they should be happy they kept Knecht. Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams may be better than anyone in their stable of big men. However, L.A. has few reputable off-ball shooters despite having three starters who have a penchant for playmaking.
As a result, Knecht might be one of their most important players in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
More must-reads:
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TODAY'S BEST
Luka Doncic snubbed Austin Reaves during postgame interview
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have both gotten off to career-best starts with the Los Angeles Lakers this season, and their relationship off the court appears to be thriving as much as it is on it. Just don’t expect Doncic to admit that. Doncic and Reaves have what has been described as a “bromance.” The two hit it off almost instantly after the Lakers acquired Doncic in a stunning blockbuster trade last season. The brotherly dynamic between the two was on full display after the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 140-126 on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. As Doncic was being interviewed on the court, Reaves came over and patted the five-time All-Star on the back. Reaves sarcastically told Doncic, “Good job, friend.” Doncic kept a straight face and looked at the camera and shook his head. Doncic was then asked if the two are friends. He said Reaves wants to be friends with him but that he is “not allowing it.” Doncic also said there is “nothing” Reaves can do to earn his friendship. Doncic and Reaves have bonded over their competitive spirit and love of trash talk, among other things. In a feature he wrote earlier this month, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said several Lakers sources told him that Doncic and Reaves have a “bromance” and are always giving one another a hard time. The dynamics of the relationship have also become evident during interviews. If jokingly snubbing Reaves is what works for Doncic, the Lakers are probably hoping it continues. Both Doncic and Reaves are off to outstanding starts to the season, with Doncic averaging 34.6 points per game and Reaves averaging 28.1. If they can both sustain that pace, they might wind up competing with one another for various NBA honors.
New Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez reveals interesting health update after Orioles trade
Acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, new Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez believes there is a big reason why he is ready to put his injury history behind him in Anaheim. Just three days after turning 26 years old, Rodriguez is now a member of the Angels after a one-for-one trade that sent outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore. He is also hoping that a new location means an end to injuries that have limited him to 43 starts over the past three seasons. That includes zero starts and innings in 2025 because of an elbow issue in spring training, followed by a right lateral strain in April. More elbow problems popped up for Rodriguez in July before he underwent debridement surgery on his elbow in August, officially ending his season. That surgery, however, is, Rodriguez believes, the key to his return to the mound in 2026 as well as his ability to stay on it. Angels' Grayson Rodriguez said bone spurs have been an issue for a long time In a Zoom meeting with Angels reporters on Wednesday, Rodriguez said the bone spurs that were removed had been a problem for years. "That was something that's kind of lingered with me for about three or four years now," Rodriguez said. "I've had them for a while and kind of just got to the point where I couldn't really pitch through it. Pretty sure that's kind of what was causing some of the lat injuries." If that's the case, it could unlock a pitcher who has logged a 4.11 ERA in 238.2 innings over those 43 starts. He has also registered 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings while issuing just 2.9 walks. Getting those kinds of numbers would be a big boost for an Angels rotation that finished 28th out of MLB's 30 teams last season in ERA at 4.91. It would also represent a missed opportunity for an Orioles team that has stated it is looking for another front-line starter. Rodriguez said on Wednesday he would be ready for spring training, giving hope to the Angels that they have found a pitcher who can be a long-term answer for them on the mound. Rodriguez is not scheduled to be a free agent until the 2030 season. If Rodriguez can stay healthy and produce in Anaheim, it would be a gut punch for an Orioles team that is looking to get back into the postseason conversation in 2026. However, time will tell if those bone spurs are truly the answer to Rodriguez staying healthy and on the field.
Packers Receive Disappointing Injury News Before Vikings Matchup
Jayden Reed’s anticipated return to the practice field for the Green Bay Packers will have to wait a little longer. Despite some growing hope earlier this week that the dynamic wide receiver could begin the next phase of his recovery, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Wednesday that Reed will not open his 21-day practice window yet. “He’s not practicing today,” LaFleur said ahead of Sunday’s critical matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. When pressed for a clearer timeline on the second-year standout, who remains on injured reserve with collarbone and foot injuries, LaFleur deferred to the medical staff. “I don’t know. As soon as medical clears him, he’ll be out there,” LaFleur said. “I know he’s excited to get back. As am I.” The optimism had spiked in recent days. On Monday, LaFleur indicated there was a chance Reed and/or rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd could start their practice windows this week. Reed himself fueled the excitement Tuesday by sharing a photo of himself dressed in full uniform on social media. Those plans, however, are now on hold. Reed’s surgically repaired foot seems to have healed satisfactorily, but the collarbone—fractured on a diving attempt during the first half of Green Bay’s Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders—still needs additional time. For a wide receiver whose job involves regular physical contact and the risk of landing hard on the shoulder, the medical staff is requiring clear imaging evidence that the bone is strong enough before green-lighting a return. The cautious approach echoes the Packers’ handling of Aaron Rodgers’ similar collarbone injury in 2017, when the former quarterback sat out seven games while waiting for full healing. Nearly 10 weeks removed from the injury and having already missed eight contests, Reed could still require another one to two weeks before doctors are comfortable clearing him for football activities. That timeline keeps a potential return for the Thanksgiving night clash with the Detroit Lions or the following week against the Chicago Bears realistically in play. Before the injury, Reed had established himself as Green Bay’s top receiving weapon. He paced the team in receiving yards in both 2023 and 2024, and in the two games he played this season while managing the foot issue, he recorded three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. The Green Bay Packers will continue their Week 12 preparations without their leading wideout on the practice field, with LaFleur and the organization prioritizing full recovery over a rushed comeback.
Aaron Rodgers explains his criteria for playing Sunday vs. Bears
Aaron Rodgers has always been a tough quarterback. He has dealt with several injuries throughout the course of his career, but he's always done everything he could to see the field. That's no different now that he's with the Pittsburgh Steelers and dealing with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist. Rodgers injured himself against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but he's already talking about trying to get back for Pittsburgh's Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears. In fact, he revealed on Wednesday that he will try things out at practice before this week is over. "It feels better than it did Sunday, that's for sure," Rodgers said Wednesday afternoon, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "... Was thankful to get today to work with [head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for today. Trying to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do." Aaron Rodgers going to test out his wrist injury on Thursday Rodgers wants to be able to play against the Bears, a team he has owned throughout the years, but he's also saying that he'll be cautious. Remember, he is just weeks away from turning 42. A fractured wrist would be tough to play with at 24. As anyone who has ever gotten older would attest, things tend to hurt even more as you age. Throw in the fact that Rodgers is playing perhaps the most physical sport on Earth, and it makes sense that he does have a very specific standard that he must meet before he decides if he can play — and it has nothing to do with pain. "It's a safety thing," Rodgers said. Rodgers has played in 29 regular-season games against the Bears in his NFL career. Including two playoff wins, he boasts a 26-5 record against them. Since he last squared off with Chicago as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers in 2022, he had won nine games in a row against the Bears. If he feels he can keep himself safe on Sunday, you can bet he's going to try to play.
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