Basketball

Rui Hachimura claims Dillon Brooks is desperate to become famous off LeBron James

Published

1 week ago

November 20, 2023

darragh

The Lakers beat the Rockets by a single point on Sunday after an impressive display from LeBron James. Once again, Dillon Brooks played his part in trying to frustrate the 38-year-old, but it only increased the veteran star’s competitiveness throughout the contest.

Once the game was over, the press asked the Los Angeles squad about the rivalry between James and the Houston guard. However, most of them don’t even believe he’s much a rival to begin with. Rui Hachimura expressed this perfectly.

“I don’t know what’s the beef between those two guys, I know they’ve been doing it for a while now, especially last year in the playoffs,” he said. “For LeBron, it’s nothing. It’s actually good for him. He needs that motivation. It brings him more into the game. As you guys have seen, whatever (Brooks) is doing, it doesn’t do anything to (LeBron). He scores more, he gets rebounds more and we’re winning. Dillon Brooks, he just wants to be part of his legacy.”

It’s clear that Brooks and LeBron don’t really like each other, and proof of this is how intense their clashes have been. Even though the Lakers forward received a technical foul for shoving his opponent, he was polite after the game and admitted feeling impressed by how well Dillon performed.

“He’s a great competitor,” the veteran said of his rival. “I like going against him. And he was hooping tonight, too, for sure. He was shooting the ball exceptionally well, kept them in the game. So, that’s competition. Those young guys, they get me going. So, I need that.”

After the game, teammate Austin Reaves opened up about LeBron and praised the kind of environment he brings to the L.A. locker room. The 25-year-old explained why James’ attitude is one of the biggest reasons why he’s dominated the league for almost two decades.

“The one special thing about Bron is… I’ve never really seen him in a bad mood. He’s always got great energy,” Reaves shared. “He’s the oldest player in the NBA but still acts like he’s 20 every day… I think he plays the game the same way, regardless of who he’s playing.”

After his 37-point display, LeBron revealed he’s been struggling through injuries ever since the start of the campaign

James finished the match vs. Houston with a free-throw point in the final seconds that added to his total 37 points, eight assists, and six rebounds on 14-19 shooting from the field.

Even though he produced one of his most-impressive performances of the current campaign, the 38-year-old admitted that he’s been fighting through some injuries, which made this victory bittersweet.

LeBron James Claims He’s Playing Through Injuries After 37-Point Night Against The Rockets https://t.co/MhK48PIR1A

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 20, 2023

“I’m in a really good groove right now. I don’t feel that great right now, dealing with a couple of injuries, little bit under the weather right now… the competition got me going a little bit,” he revealed after beating Houston.

James also reminded himself of the reasons why he wishes to compete basketball at the highest level despite his old age. As his financial future and career accomplishments are already secured, he wants to keep going for as long as his body can endure. “Just trying to push the limit,” he said. “See how far I can take this thing. I don’t know. I mean, it’s me vs. Father Time.”

Source link

Basketball

Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Contract, Salary, Net Worth, and more

Published

47 mins ago

November 28, 2023

darragh

After missing the entirety of last season with a suspension and losing his gig with the Boston Celtics, Ime Udoka has turned the downtrodden Houston Rockets into a true playoff contender.

But how much is Udoka making to revitalize the Rockets? In this post, we discuss Udoka’s contract, his net worth, his coaching record, and more.

Ime Udoka Contract And Salary

This offseason, Udoka signed a four-year contract to become the 16th head coach in Rockets history. Udoka is set to earn 28.5 million dollars over the lifespan of that deal. That means he’s earning roughly 7.1 million dollars annually.

Udoka’s contract is on the higher side for NBA head coaches. At 7.1 million, Udoka is right outside the top five. Rick Carlisle, the coach with the fifth-highest annual salary among NBA coaches, makes about 7.25 million dollars per year.

Ime Udoka Net Worth

According to the website Celebrity Net Worth, Udoka’s net worth is estimated to be around six million dollars. Most of Udoka’s wealth has been amassed through his time as an NBA player and coach.

Udoka spent seven seasons in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. He also spent time playing overseas in Spain and France. Unfortunately, Spotrac’s database does not provide Udoka’s earnings during his time as a player.

In 2012, Udoka started his coaching career as an assistant coach on the Spurs. He stayed with them until 2019 before doing a single season as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers (2019-20) and Brooklyn Nets (2020-21). In 2021-22, he got his first head coaching job with the Celtics, and from there, the rest is history.

Ime Udoka Head Coaching Record

Udoka hasn’t spent too much time as a head coach. So, he doesn’t have that many games under his belt. In 96 regular season games, Udoka has a record of 59-37 (win percentage of 61.5%). Udoka has also been the head coach for 24 playoff games. He holds a 14-10 record in those games (58.3%).

Ime Udoka Wife

Udoka was engaged to actress Nia Long. However, the couple split up in 2022 after Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for a “role in an intimate relationship with a female member of the franchise’s staff.” The couple met in 2010. They got engaged in 2015. In 2011, Udoka and Long had their first and only child together, Kez Sunday Udoka.

Source link

Basketball

Lakers vs 76ers Odds, Picks, & Predictions (Nov. 27)

Published

2 hours ago

November 28, 2023

darragh

On Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers (10-7, 7-10 ATS) square off against the Philadelphia 76ers (11-5, 11-5 ATS) in the first meeting of the 2023-24 NBA season; preview, odds, picks, predictions, and injuries for the Lakers vs 76ers matchup are here. Sportsbooks show the Sixers as 6-point favorites at home. BetOnline odds are below.

Lakers vs. 76ers Game Preview

Click the Jazz Sports link below to watch the free live stream.

🏀 2023-24 NBA Regular Season Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers @ Philadelphia 76ers
📅 2023-24 NBA Regular Season Game Date: Monday, November 27, 2023
🕙 What time is Lakers vs. 76ers Game: 7 p.m. ET
🏟 Where is Lakers vs. 76ers Game: Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📺 TV Channel(s): NBA TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Spectrum SportsNet
💻 Free 2023-24 NBA Season Game Live Stream: Jazz Sports
🎲 2023-24 NBA Season Game Odds: Lakers +6 (-110) | 76ers -6 (-110)

Lakers vs. 76ers Odds

Lakers vs. 76ers Predictions

Entering tonight’s nonconference showdown, the Lakers have won their last three straight road games. Through eight away games this season, Los Angeles is 3-5 overall.

Plus, the Lakers rank fourth in scoring, averaging 55.5 points per game in the paint. Los Angeles is averaging 10 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 fewer made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the 76ers allow.

LeBron James is averaging 25.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. Anthony Davis is also logging 18.7 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 54.5% over the past 10 games as well.

Meanwhile, the 76ers are 6-3 at home this season. Philadelphia sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing the Boston Celtics (13-4), Orlando Magic (12-5), and Milwaukee Bucks (12-5).

The Sixers are averaging 53.6 points per game in the paint. Not to mention, Philly’s averaging 118.2 points, 46.3 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 7.5 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field.

Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Sixers have a 79.7% chance of defeating the Lakers. However, Philadelphia is 6-4 in its last 10 games. As long as Joel Embiid stays healthy, the 76ers should win at home against an injury-riddled Lakers team.

Lakers vs. 76ers Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report

SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (ribs; out indefinitely) | SG Danuel House Jr. (quad; downgraded to out) | SG Jaden Springer (illness; downgraded to out)

2023-24 NBA Betting Trends

The Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last five games.
Los Angeles is 3-7 ATS in its past 10 road games against Philadelphia.
Next, L.A. is 0-6 SU in its previous six meetings with the Sixers.
As for the 76ers, they’re 11-5 ATS in their last 16 contests.
The point total has gone over in six of Philadelphia’s past eight games.
Also, Philly is 11-4 SU in its previous 15 contests.

Projected Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG D’Angelo Russell | SG Max Christie | PF Taurean Prince | SF LeBron James | C Anthony Davis

Projected Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup

PG Tyrese Maxey | SG De’Anthony Melton | PF Tobias Harris | SF Nic Batum | C Joel Embiid

Free NBA Expert Picks

Through 17 games this season, the Lakers are 8-3 as favorites, 2-4 as underdogs, 4-4 ATS away, and 3-5 over/under away. On the other side, the Sixers are 10-2 as favorites, 1-3 as underdogs, 6-3 ATS at home, and 6-3 over/under at home. L.A. hasn’t beaten the 76ers since March 3, 2020, when the club won 120-107.

Our betting experts here at Basketball Insiders are projecting the 76ers to win, the Lakers will cover the spread, and the point total is expected to go under 231. The Sixers are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games against Pacific Division opponents. Philadelphia has fewer injuries as well.

Pick the 76ers to win! Six Lakers are listed on the injury report. Since LeBron James is listed as questionable, it might be better to stick with the home team in this matchup. One of the most accurate predictions includes L.A. covering. If you are new to sports betting, check out our handicap betting guide.

More NBA picks and predictions are on the main page.

Source link

Basketball

Suns Coach Frank Vogel Contract, Salary, Net Worth, and more

Published

3 hours ago

November 27, 2023

darragh

Before he got his current gig with the Phoenix Suns, Head Coach Frank Vogel was sitting at the front of the bench for two title-contending teams (the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers).

So, how much is this accomplished coach making with his new team? In this post, we discuss Vogel’s salary, his net worth, his coaching record, and more.

Frank Vogel Contract And Salary

This offseason, Vogel and the Suns agreed to a five-year, 31-million-dollar contract. For the math wizards out there, that is an annual value of 6.2 million dollars.

That yearly figure puts him above less experienced head coaches like Adrian Griffin. However, it is a notch lower than more renowned coaches like Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr.

Interestingly enough, Vogel is making less per year than Ime Udoka (about 7.1 million dollars per year), who also signed his new deal this offseason but does not carry the same championship pedigree that Vogel has (Vogel won the 2020 NBA title as the head coach of the Lakers).

Frank Vogel Net Worth

According to the website Celebrity Net Worth, Vogel has an estimated net worth of about eight million dollars. While we do not know for certain, it is likely that most of Vogel’s wealth has been amassed from his time as an NBA coach.

Vogel started out as an assistant with the Boston Celtics in 2001. He stayed there until 2004, when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers staff. After one year there, he spent two years as an advanced scout before taking a job as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers in 2007.

In 2011, he was promoted to head coach by Indiana. He was their head coach until 2016. He then did a two-year stint with the Orlando Magic (2016-18), a three-year stint with the Lakers (2019-22), and a one-year sabbatical (2022-23) before taking his current role with the Suns.

Frank Vogel Head Coaching Record

In 837 career games, Vogel’s regular season head coaching record currently sits at 442-395 (win percentage of 52.8%). With those marks, Nurse sits at 46th all-time in wins and 88th in all-time in win percentage.

In terms of the playoffs, Nurse’s record sits at 49-39 (55.7%). That gives him the 27th most wins in playoff history and the 28th-best win percentage.