April 2020 Los Angeles Lakers Wiretap

Kings Offered Lakers Nemanja Bjelica, Draft Pick For Kyle Kuzma

Jan 30, 2020 11:55 PM

The Sacramento Kings offered the Los Angeles Lakers a package of Nemanja Bjelica and a draft pick for Kyle Kuzma, league sources told Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.

The Lakers countered by asking for Bogdan Bogdanovic, which the Kings refused.

The Ringer adds that the Kings have declined other offers for Bogdanovic.

Bogdanovic, a restricted free agent this summer, is averaging 14.6 points and 3.3 assists on the season.

Kevin O'Connor/The Ringer

Tags: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nemanja Bjelica, Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor

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Lakers Release Statement On Passing Of Kobe Bryant

Jan 30, 2020 2:28 PM

The Los Angeles Lakers released the following statement on the passing of Kobe Bryant on Wednesday evening.

"We are devastated and have been forever changed by the sudden loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. We send our love to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and to the families of the other passengers. Words cannot express what Kobe means to the Los Angeles Lakers, our fans, and our city. More than a basketball player, he was a beloved father, husband, and teammate. Their love and light will remain in our hearts forever.

"The Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to support the families affected by this tragedy. To help, please visit MambaOnThree.org. For those who are inspired to continue Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org"

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Tags: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Mitch Kupchak: Lakers' Trade With Hornets For Kobe Bryant Nearly Fell Apart

Jan 30, 2020 10:45 AM

Mitch Kupchak revealed on Wednesday that the Charlotte Hornets were far closer to keeping Kobe Bryant than the public originally thought.

The Hornets had second thoughts about the trade that would have sent Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

“There was such excitement around the pick that Charlotte actually didn’t want to go through with the deal,” Kupchak said. “There was a time there, whether it was Vlade (Divac threatening to retire) or just pressure on the franchise, where the deal was actually in jeopardy.”

The Hornets drafted Bryant 13th overall with the intention of trading him to the Lakers for Divac.

“There was a strong possibility then that it might not happen,” Kupchak said.

“I think we always felt that we’d get the deal done. Certainly, history would have been a lot different, at least from a Lakers point-of-view. Kobe would have been great no matter where he was.”

Rick Bonnell/Charlotte Observer

Tags: Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Frank Vogel Says Lakers 'Want To Represent What Kobe Was About'

Jan 30, 2020 2:55 AM

Frank Vogel said that the Los Angeles Lakers have become even closer as a team following their response to the passing of Kobe Bryant.

"It's just strengthened what we've felt all year about our current group, which is we've become a family in a very short time. And it's something you talk about in the NBA with your teams, but this group in particular has really grown to love each other very rapidly. And we understand the importance and the opportunity that we have this year, and this has just brought us closer together," said Vogel.

Vogel told his players to address the media only when they feel ready. He added that the team will continue to try and make Bryant proud. 

"We want to represent what Kobe was about more than anything. We've always wanted to make him proud. And that's not going to be any different here," said Vogel.

The Lakers will play the Blazers on Friday night.

Vogel said that getting back on the court will be therapeutic for his team.

"Any time you can get out and take your mind off something like this, there's no doubt it will be therapeutic and just help with the process of us moving forward."

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Tags: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Quinn Cook Switches From No. 2 To No. 28 To Honor Kobe Bryant, Gianna

Jan 29, 2020 11:09 AM

Quinn Cook will change his number from No. 2 to No. 28 to honor both Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant.

Gianna Bryant wore the No. 2 on her basketball team.

Bryant famously wore No. 8 during the first part of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cook is in his first season with the Lakers.

“No. 2 is Gianna’s number. I feel it should be retired. It’s hers,” said Cook.

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Tags: Quinn Cook, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Lakers Gather At Practice Facility, Share Favorite Stories Of Kobe Bryant

Jan 29, 2020 2:09 AM

Los Angeles Lakers players and coaches gathered for a light workout on Tuesday that turned into an impromptu storytelling session about their favorite memories of Kobe Bryant.

It was the first time that the team had met since Bryant's passing.

LeBron James recalled of story of Bryant knocking down Pau Gasol during a game between Team USA and Spain in the 2008 Olympics, according to a source. Dr. Judy Seto, the director of sports performance, said that it was a calculated move to get Gasol thinking of where he had to improve before joining the Lakers the following season.

The stories, seen as a "centering" moment, were the first step to a return to normalcy for the team.

"Everybody in the company has a Kobe story or their version of a Kobe story," a team source told Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Tags: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

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LeBron James Posts Tribute To Kobe Bryant On Instagram

Jan 28, 2020 8:24 AM

LeBron James posted a tribute to Kobe Bryant on Instagram on Monday evening.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! 😢😢😢😢💔. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation💜💛 and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤️🙏🏾 #Gigi4Life❤️🙏🏾

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) onJan 27, 2020 at 6:43pm PST

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Tags: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Gordon Hayward Says Lane Violation In Kobe Bryant's Final Game Was Unintentional

Jan 28, 2020 2:08 AM

Gordon Hayward took to Twitter to clear up a story about his lane violation late in the fourth quarter of Kobe Bryant's final game in 2016. The Lakers beat the Jazz 101-96 to close out the season.

Mike Tirico recalled Hayward intentionally stepping into the lane as Bryant shot his second free throw to potentially score his 60th point, ensuring that Bryant would get another free throw if he had missed.

Hayward said his lane violation was unintentional. 

"It has also come to my attention that there is a story going around tonight about an intentional lane violation that I took to ensure Kobe would get his 60th point in his final game and many are applauding me for the gesture. The fact of the matter is that is not true," tweeted Hayward, who finished with 17 points in the game.

Hayward added that he didn't give Bryant anything for free during the game.

"He got 60 on me and I didn't give him anything free all night. What happened on the free throw line was not intentional. Kobe would have lost respect for me if I gave him something free. That’s what made him so very special!"

Gordon Hayward

Tags: Gordon Hayward, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

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Nike Suspends Online Sales Of Kobe Bryant-Related Products

Jan 27, 2020 9:51 PM

Nike has suspended the online sale of all Kobe Bryant-related products following his death.

The company would prefer to limit resellers buying existing products in bulk to sell them on the secondary market at an elevated price.

Nike joined the brand in 2003.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe, especially his family and friends," Nike said in a statement. "He was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sports and the community of basketball. He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever."

Nick DePaula/ESPN

Tags: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Lakers-Clippers Game Postponed Due To Kobe Bryant's Passing

Jan 27, 2020 5:52 PM

The Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers have postponed their game scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Staples Center. 

The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

The game will be rescheduled at a later date.

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Tags: Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

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Ettore Messina On Kobe Bryant: 'He Was A Supernatural'

ESPN

Kobe Bryant Among Those Killed In Helicopter Crash

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

LeBron James On Passing Kobe Bryant In All-Time Scoring: 'The Universe Just Puts Things In Your Life'

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Frank Vogel Will Coach Team LeBron In All-Star Game

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Lakers, 76ers Express Interest In Trading For Derrick Rose

Chris Haynes/Yahoo! Sports

Anthony Davis Could Return To Lakers' Lineup On Saturday

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

LeBron James Considers Jason Kidd The Only Person Alive Who Sees The Game At His Level

Kevin Arnovitz/ESPN

Paul George: Trade To Clippers Was A Lot Deeper Than Basketball Reasons

Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

Anthony Davis 'Taking It Slower' To Return Due To Lakers' Success

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Rajon Rondo Out 4-5 Days With Fractured Finger

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Rob Pelinka Willing To Trade Anyone Other Than LeBron James, Anthony Davis

Tania Ganguli/Los Angeles Times

LeBron James, Danny Green Out Versus Thunder

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

LeBron James Passes Michael Jordan For All-Time Field Goals Made

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Lakers Sign Rob Pelinka To Contract Extension

Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

Lakers Anticipate Anthony Davis Signing Shorter Deal In Offseason

Bill Oram/The Athletic

Rob Pelinka Initiated Trade Discussion With Kings On Kyle Kuzma

Tania Ganguli/Los Angeles Times

Anthony Davis Diagnosed With Bruised Gluteus Maximus

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Anthony Davis To Undergo MRI, Expected To Miss Upcoming Road Trip

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Anthony Davis Declines Four-Year, $146M Max Offer From Lakers

Chris Haynes/Yahoo! Sports

Lakers Expected To Guarantee Dwight Howard Contract

Dave McMenamin/ESPN