In a league that thrives by pitting up greats against greats, Michael Jordan and LeBron James have been the recurring names. But beyond these debates, the story has always been different.
Officiating was a big topic of discussion following Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when reacting to Skip Bayless’ latest all-time ranking, making it clear that even he could not defend what he called an outrageous take on LeBron James.
The availability of Luka Doncic is triggering discussions in the community once more as the Lakers prepare for Game 3 of the semifinals. Everyone is asking the same question, but the answers coming out of the locker room remain vague.
Injuries are a part of professional sports, but the Los Angeles Lakers sustained them late in the regular season with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves going down.
Success in the regular season doesn’t always carry over to the playoffs. The difference is bigger than ever, as lower seeds are advancing more often. The games get tougher, players play harder and defenses focus for all 48 minutes.
No team has given the Los Angeles Lakers more problems this season than the Oklahoma City Thunder. The defending NBA Champions have owned the Lakers this year, winning all six matchups so far and now holding a 2-0 series lead in their second round playoff series.
The Los Angeles Lakers did some good things in Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they also struggled in other important areas. That ultimately saw them come up short again and they now face a 2-0 series deficit.
JJ Redick has had the Los Angeles Lakers as prepared as possible for their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. L.A. has played two strong games and have held up well against the best team in basketball, but it hasn’t mattered toward the final result, as the Thunder hold a 2-0 series lead heading to L.A.
LeBron's career can't go on forever, can it? If it were to end tomorrow, it would be the greatest run of sustained excellence the league has ever seen.
Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James have never been close. But in March 2025, things went from quiet tension to a full-on courtside confrontation, and over a year later, Smith is still telling his side of the story.
When Caitlin Clark sat down with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, she pulled back the curtain on one of the more unexpected mentorships in professional sports, and it comes with a golf bucket list item.
Sitting courtside has its own advantages, especially when you are a senior NBA reporter like Sam Amick. The 48-year-old revealed that the media seats gave him the best view of the “crazy” drama between Austin Reaves and the officiating crew.
Stephen A. Smith has found himself defending LeBron James on the GOAT list against Skip Bayless. On Friday, his former rival arrived on ‘First Take’, and the ESPN analyst had to sit on his show and fight for the Los Angeles Lakers star’s position in the top-10 list. In his first appearance on the show in a decade, Bayless made a surprising claim.
Jarred Vanderbilt got a significant update regarding his injury status ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 3 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Austin Reaves felt disrespected and summoned the referees straight after the final whistle, while JJ Redick blasted their officiating decisions. The Los Angeles Lakers had more than a few calls against them, but here is why the complaining won’t work in their favor.
Consecutive 18-point losses haven't zapped the Los Angeles Lakers of their belief they can recover to make it a series with the Oklahoma City Thunder. But a third straight setback would undoubtedly feel like a near-knockout punch.
The Los Angeles Lakers return home and will look to get back in their second round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers trail 2-0 in the series and will need the entire roster locked in if they plan on turning things around and while there are no new additions to the injury report, the status of one player remains up in the air.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn't mince words about the officiating after a 125-107 setback to the Oklahoma Thunder on Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
James had a solid game and even notched more NBA history, but it wasn't enough, especially with the team not having star guard Luka Doncic, who's out with a hamstring injury.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick sharply criticized the officiating following his team’s 125-107 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday.
The Lakers are heading home down 0-2. They are also not happy with the whistle. Frustration spilled over after a 125-107 loss to the Thunder in Game 2, with multiple players lingering at midcourt to talk with officials.
It did not take long for JJ Redick to get upset with the officiating during Game 2. The Los Angeles Lakers head coach Redick picked up an early technical foul on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.