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Stephen A. Smith makes big proposal to LeBron James
Is a LeBron James trade on the horizon?
Rumors are swirling around the NBA about the potential for a blockbuster trade involving Los Angeles Lakers superstar James. Davis Pingalore of KTLA in Los Angeles reported Thursday night that James is at "the top" of the Lakers' trade list.
"[Lakers GM Rob] Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance and is close to a suitor," Pingalore wrote on X. One prominent personality in sports media then took the rumor and ran with it.
"I'm going to make a proposal to LeBron James to virtually guarantee him a trip to the NBA Finals if not a championship," ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Friday morning on "First Take." "Get traded to the New York Knicks."
.@stephenasmith makes a BIG proposal to LeBron
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 2, 2024
"If LeBron James wants to put himself in position to win a championship, get traded to the New York Knicks." pic.twitter.com/zosIyXg0s0
This speculation might be more of a fantasy and wishful thinking by Smith, a longtime Knicks fan. James' agent, Rich Paul, publicly denounced any trade possibilities Friday morning.
"LeBron won't be traded, and we aren't asking to be," Paul said per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Yet, the concept remains compelling and would potentially give James a superior opportunity to win his fifth NBA championship compared to his current prospects with the Lakers.
The idea of James donning a New York Knicks (32-17) jersey and joining forces with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle is tantalizing. Such a move would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the NBA and shift the landscape, firmly positioning the Knicks as a formidable championship contender.
This powerhouse trio – bolstered by New York's depth, defensive prowess and leadership of Tom Thibodeau – would elevate the team to elite status, rivaling even the Boston Celtics (37-12) in the Eastern Conference hierarchy, something which the Celtics currently have an iron grip on.
More must-reads:
- LeBron James' agent makes clear statement on Lakers trade rumors
- LeBron James blasts media members for questioning Joel Embiid's injury status
- The '10 or more NBA All-Star Games' quiz
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Russell Westbrook's Two-Word Reaction to Viral NBA Post
Last offseason, the Denver Nuggets signed 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, and the veteran point guard exceeded expectations in his lone year with the franchise. Westbrook, 36, made a huge on-court impact last season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, becoming one of the team's top defenders and cementing himself as one of the top hustle players in the league. Still, some of his greatest impact came off the court. Westbrook became a fan favorite in Denver for his high intensity and his reciprocated passion toward the fanbase and organization, and it was showcased with an incredible moment with a Nuggets fan last season. The NBA's official account shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) to remember the heartfelt moment Westbrook had with a fan who traveled from South Korea to see him play in Denver. Via NBA: "'The happiest man in the building, Kim from South Korea.' @russwest44 had one of the feel-good moments of 2024-25, making dreams come true for an fan who traveled from South Korea to Denver to watch him play " Westbrook responded to this viral video that the NBA posted, with his simple two-word slogan. Via Russell Westbrook: "WHYNOT?" Westbrook has always been an incredible role model for his fans, and moments like this are why he is such a beloved player by plenty of fans.
Maple Leafs continue to play moneyball: Three big names in play
With Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights closing a major chapter in Toronto, GM Brad Treliving made a series of moves to replace his production. He might not be done. Three may be even bolder moves on the horizon. We’ve heard the names Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf before. However, the Maple Leafs are actively fielding and exploring trade scenarios as they look to reshape their roster — and according to Nick Kypreos, a handful of intriguing names are emerging in trade chatter: Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, and former Leafs fan-favorite Nazem Kadri. The most surprising name still generating buzz is Rielly. Despite being a longtime cornerstone on Toronto’s blue line, his $7.5 million cap hit and no-move clause complicate matters. Yet with the team needing help up front, and possible interest in offensive defensemen like Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Rielly could become part of a larger plan if he’s open to waiving. Also surprising is the talk surrounding Carlo. A recent addition to the Leafs’ defense corps, he is already being talked about behind the scenes as a potential trade piece. If he were made available, there is interest around the league, as the 6-foot-6 shutdown defender has a team-friendly cap hit and strong penalty-killing ability. Trading Carlo could get the Leafs a top-six forward. Finally, reports on the availability of Kadri remain conflicting. Some say he’s not available, while others suggest that the Calgary Flames would consider the idea. The former Maple Leaf would be a welcome addition back to Toronto, but there isn’t much of a reason for the Flames to trade him unless the return is outstanding. Kadri reportedly would consider waiving his no-move clause for a reunion. That said, getting a deal done won’t be easy, especially with Montreal also rumored to be on his short list. Whether any of these deals come to pass or are just pure speculation, one thing’s sure: the Maple Leafs aren’t standing still. Treliving is trying to get his roster to score more goals. He seems willing to entertain any idea and play Moneyball with the roster if it will help.
Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft Tries New Position on Day 1 of Camp – Just for Fun or Smidge of Serious?
The Green Bay Packers started training camp Wednesday, and on at least one rep, the kickoff went to an unexpected returner: tight end Tucker Kraft. Whether or not they plan to seriously evaluate him as an option, it’s a development that caught the eye of reporter Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Green Bay Packers shake it up to kick off camp with Kraft, Melton updates Earlier this afternoon, Scheidman shared his observation to the bewilderment of fans on social media. Until further notice, it seems safest to assume that the guys are just having fun. Kraft lacks a kick returner’s build and sprint speed, but at 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, he’s been dubbed a “human monster truck” for his ability to absorb contact and break tackles after the catch. Most likely, that’s not a skilll that would translate from Kraft’s capacity as a passcatcher to a receiver of kicks. There’s a reason teams rarely plug tight ends in that role. One notable exception is New Orleans’ do-everything weapon Taysom Hill, who also plays quarterback and frequently runs the ball. He’s also returned 20 kickoffs in his career, but only six since his rookie year in 2018. Last season, the Packers relied on cornerback Keisean Nixon for most kickoff opportunities. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was the main man on punts, returning 14 times for 110 yards. Nixon amassed 576 yards between both return types. Schneidman’s Kraft news comes alongside Bo Melton’s more surprising, now-official position switch from receiver to cornerback. Fans aren’t sure what to think. Most aren’t taking Kraft’s rumble too seriously. At South Dakota State, Kraft returned two kickoffs for 34 yards. He has not run back an NFL kick. The former third-round pick enjoyed a highly successful second season: 50 catches, 707 yards, and seven touchdowns. Seeing Kraft tuck it and truck should be a common sight in 2025, just not, most likely, as a returner.
Could this young forward answer multiple questions for the Rangers?
Through much of his time with the New York Rangers, Mika Zibanejad has been too good to be a second-line center, yet not quite a top liner for a contender. Now aging out of his prime, his play has dropped off the past two seasons, only rebounding when moved to the wing next to midseason acquisition J.T. Miller. That presents a problem for New York. The Rangers are not deep down the middle. Moving Zibanejad back to center provides that depth, putting Vincent Trochek back in his appropriate 3C role. But does Zibanejad again suffer without Miller? It also leaves the Blueshirts thin on the right side. Zibanejad can’t play two positions at once and the Rangers cannot rob Peter to pay Paul. There is a solution, however: Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. Anaheim and New York already have strong front office ties, with a pair of trades in the past eight months. The cross-continental line should be open. McTavish is precisely the player archetype that Rangers general manager Chris Drury has sought in this past year. The 22-year-old possesses good size (6-foot-1, 219 pounds) and plays with a grit that Drury adores. An old-fashioned power forward in the making, McTavish hunts bodies, making life miserable for defenders on the forecheck and finds pockets of space when off the puck, where he unloads a cannon of a shot. An all-situations player, McTavish digs in the corners and is developing nicely as an offensive driver. McTavish is a hard worker who shows leadership traits. New Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan loves to play with speed and relentless pressure, a mantra that suits McTavish down to the ground. For a second-line center, McTavish’s numbers don’t exactly pop off the page, but 52 points (22 goals) in 76 games for a bad Ducks team is nothing to sneeze at. In New York, he would also presumably get to play with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. Given the playmaking ability of those wingers and McTavish’s heavy shot, 30-plus goals could be on the cards. Bleacher Report has stated that the Ducks are unlikely to extend McTavish an offer sheet, instead willing to match whatever offer comes his way. Does that mean he is on the trade block? At the very least it means that Anaheim will likely be willing to listen to offers. That said, it would take an almighty package to pry the former No. 3 pick out of Orange County. The Ducks would rightly command a first-round pick — if not two — and a highly-rated prospect. New York has its own first-rounders in store, as well as a, likely, late first-rounder next year, with second-round picks each year except 2027. Would New York part with a first, a second and a pair of its top prospects? The Rangers are loaded with left wing prospects. Whilst Gabe Perrault is likely off the table, Brennan Othmann, Adam Sykora and Brett Berard should be discussed, as should defenseman E.J. Emery. Would picks and a pair of prospects be enough for Anaheim, though? Here’s a thought experiment: a deal centered around Will Cuylle. As mentioned, the Rangers have a raft of left wingers coming through and Lafreniere is also a natural left winger. Would trading Cuylle for McTavish solve the Rangers' issues at the pivot, allowing Zibanejad to help fix the right-hand side and give the team room to develop more youngsters on the left? Could this solve three issues in one swoop? It would be a, potentially, seismic move, but it might just make sense for both teams, especially if the Ducks are not looking to keep McTavish around long-term. It would complete a remarkable offseason for Drury.
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