In a surprise to some, the Hornets sacked their head coach James Borrego on Friday after the Hornets again failed to make the postseason for a sixth consecutive year. Despite more year-on-year improvement, it’s clear the franchise view themselves as much better than a play-in team, but will they get the next hire right? Frank Vogel, recently dismissed from the Lakers, and Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson are linked with the new vacancy.
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Tag: Frank Vogel
NBA news digest: Head coach movement, injury updates and more as playoffs inbound
Mere moments after the Lakers’ season-ending overtime win vs. the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, news leaked surrounding Frank Vogel’s impending sacking – just 18 months after leading LA to a title following another injury-hit campaign. Alvin Gentry won’t remain Sacramento’s head coach, while there are updates on Luka Doncic (calf) and Gregg Popovich among others. Continue reading
NBA: Storylines intensify as playoff permutations remain for multiple teams in final week
A 12-game slate overnight kickstarts a manic week across the league, as teams and their star players look to solidify strong playoff seeding. Phoenix have long tied up top spot in the West, but what about the other contenders? In a rapidly-changing East, which of the top four teams will ultimately rule the roost? Which teams will avoid the play-in, going straight to the playoffs?
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Lakers’ big man Anthony Davis recovering, hopeful of playoff return after foot issue
After sustaining a foot sprain that has sidelined him since February 16, Lakers’ All-Star big man Anthony Davis is progressing in his rehab and will be re-evaluated this coming week. The franchise are optimistic the eight-time All-Star, who turned 29 on Friday, is back to 100% before the playoffs begin – where they’re expected to be involved in the play-in tournament again. Continue reading
Lakers 106-94 Magic: LeBron levitates as Orlando blasted into submission
LeBron James scored 14 of his 30 points during a whirlwind third quarter, while also recording 11 rebounds and 10 assists to complete a productive triple-double, as the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately eased into a comfortable victory over the youthful yet struggling Orlando Magic. Continue reading
Lakers 123-110 Suns: Anthony Davis sparkles as LA ease to important win
Helped as they raced to a 22-6 first quarter run, Anthony Davis and the Lakers earned an impressive 123-110 win over the Phoenix Suns – limiting their leading scorer Devin Booker’s efficiency as Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne were key in keeping things competitive. Continue reading
Lakers’ LeBron James sidelined for 3-4 weeks with right ankle sprain
After news confirmed perennial All-Star Anthony Davis (tendinosis, calf strain) would miss at least the next fortnight as he continues to recover from troubling injuries, his star teammate LeBron James is bracing himself to also miss a large chunk of what remains in the regular season after sustaining a right ankle sprain in their loss by the Atlanta Hawks over the weekend.
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NBA Previews: Bucks host Lakers, Jazz target successive wins over Pelicans
Two NBA match previews as the Milwaukee Bucks (9-5) look to respond after a heartbreaking defeat against the Brooklyn Nets as they host the defending champion Lakers (11-4), while Stan Van Gundy’s New Orleans Pelicans (5-8) hope to avoid successive defeats against a resurgent Utah Jazz team (10-4) after a sluggish start to the regular season. Who will come out on top? Continue reading
Steph Curry praises team’s toughness as Warriors recover to beat Lakers
They might like to start sluggishly, but count the Golden State Warriors out of a game too early at your peril – nationally televised or otherwise – as Steph Curry again played a pivotal role during an unlikely comeback win at Staples Center against the defending champion Lakers. Continue reading
Pat Riley on Lakers’ NBA Finals win: There will always be that asterisk
Miami Heat president Pat Riley praised the Lakers’ title win but equally used the word “asterisk” when describing their six-game Finals victory – wondering what would have happened, had they been fortunate enough to utilise an injury-free roster during the series. Bam Adebayo (shoulder, neck) and Goran Dragic (torn plantar fascia) were sidelined, missing key minutes. Continue reading
NBA Finals – Heat 93-106 Lakers: LeBron key as LA cruise to 17th franchise trophy
Finals MVP LeBron James recorded yet another decisive triple-double en route to earning his fourth NBA title as the Los Angeles Lakers were dominant during their 13-point Game 6 win vs. the Miami Heat overnight – a side packed with plenty of promise but ultimately falling short. Continue reading
NBA Finals Preview: Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers – Title still in sight
After spoiling the Lakers’ championship coronation party in Game 5, Miami Heat hope to level the series at 3-3 during another elimination game here. LA are 48 minutes from their first NBA title since 2010 and a frenetic end to Friday’s loss will have posed questions – can they conclude the year here against a determined side hamstrung by injuries? Can LeBron James elevate his teammates again en route to a historic victory? Will Jimmy Butler and co take this to a Game 7? Continue reading