December 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound in front of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the first half at the Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Image In NBA history, only 31 players took the court at the age of 40.
Lakers star LeBron James will soon celebrate his 32nd birthday as the 20-time All-Star celebrates his 40th birthday on Monday. Los Angeles is scheduled to face James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the following night.
Christmas has come and gone, but now a second gift is coming James’ way. Here are three things he hopes for:
Anthony Davis’ clean bill of health
December 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Davis has played in 30 of the Lakers’ 31 games this season, but has appeared frequently on the injury report. However, Los Angeles appears to have used the 31-year-old as more of a precautionary measure as he has been incredible to start the campaign (26.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.0 blocks per game). .
Still, it feels like Davis will be sidelined sooner rather than later, especially when he exited Wednesday’s meeting with the Golden State Warriors with a left ankle sprain.
Thankfully for the Lakers, Davis ended up safe. He returned to action in a 132-122 win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night and had 36 points, 15 boards and eight assists.
In the end, Davis may not be too upset, but if he can clear the reoccurring injury designation, James will certainly have a bit more peace of mind.
his son will be better at basketball
November 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) attempts a pass while Toronto Raptors guard Jacoby Walter (14) defends during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Image Imagine if Bronny James could actually hold his own at the NBA level.
Instead, every time Bronny James checks in on a game, it suddenly feels like he’s back in high school. There, I once saw the coach of a varsity basketball team that was kicked to the curb on the first day of qualifying. It was my last game of my senior year, so I had some free time.
It will be special if the day comes that Elder James gets to share the court with his child and his child actually deserves to be there.
He can wish all he wants, but LeBron James probably won’t receive this gift for another two or three years. And that may even be a generous estimate.
Dorian Finney-Smith fits the bill.
Los Angeles made a bit of noise in the trade market on Sunday, acquiring Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round draft picks.
The centerpiece of the deal was Finney-Smith, who gives West Coast defensive strength and an outstanding 3-point percentage (43.5). Finney-Smith averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 games (all starts) with Brooklyn this season.
Finney-Smith isn’t going to turn the Lakers’ defense into a brick wall the moment he gets off the plane. But he has improved in that regard, and by bringing in Finney-Smith, Los Angeles is showing that it is committed to building a better team that can help LeBron James chase another ring.
