LeBron James chase for the NBA scoring title and other milestones

 Following yet another defeat in the middle of a lost season, LeBron James was asked a question at Miami's FTX Arena that invited him to escape the losing moment to broaden and brighten his view.

What did James think about being within striking distance of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's heralded all-time NBA scoring record of 38,387 points?

LeBron James

"As I've continued to climb the ranks, it's natural, human, to look at it and see where you are and see if it's even possible," the Los Angeles Lakers star said in January. "We'll see what happens. I've never chased a record in my life. I've never sat down and said, 'OK, let me see if I can get this record, let me see if I can get that record .' ...

"It's one of those things that you never think could possibly happen."

Abdul-Jabbar has held the torch as the league's top scorer since April 5, 1984 -- nearly nine months before James, who will turn 38 in December, came into the world.

In other words, even though James says he never imagined he would pile up more points than The Captain, maybe he was born to do this.

While James' march toward the scoring crown will attract the biggest spotlight in his 20th season, there will be plenty of other ways he can elevate his place in the NBA record books.

Here's a look at all the statistical superlatives James is approaching in 2022-23:

The big one

James comes into the season with 37,062 career points, needing 1,326 points to pass Abdul-Jabbar's mark.

If he averages 27.1 points per game -- his career average -- and doesn't miss any games, James would set the record in the Lakers' 49th game on Jan. 25 at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

Adding time for rest or the inevitable injury or two considering how the past several seasons have gone for James -- plus an expected dip in his scoring average with Anthony Davis back healthy -- it's more feasible that James would catch Abdul-Jabbar later in the campaigns. 

If he averages a more modest 24 points per game and misses 15% to 20% of the season, James would be nearing the plateau somewhere in the range of Game Nos. 65 to 68.

That coincides with a homestand in early March when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors (March 5), Memphis Grizzlies (March 7), Toronto Raptors (March 10) and the New York Knicks (March 12).

The question is, can James reach the apex in a win? James eclipsed the past four scoring legends on the all-time list -- Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone -- during losses by the Lakers, putting a damper on the individual accomplishment.

James also can pass Wilt Chamberlain for the second-most 30-point games in league history by topping 30 seven times to bring his career total to 515. Jordan has the most with 562.

Longevity looms

As the No. 1 pick straight out of high school in 2003, James' career achievements were often accompanied by the youngest ever to do so. As his time in the league approaches two decades, that has flipped. He often is the oldest to reach these feats.

"I literally try to prepare my mind and my body and my soul on how I can stay young in a young man's game," James said last season. "The people that's always trying to chase you or people that kind of say that you're too old to be at this [level] still. So, it's just always a daily reminder, and sometimes you do have to remind people that you can still do what you do at a high level."

James can continue to climb the ladder in two accumulation categories this season. He entered the campaign third all time in minutes played with 52,139, needing 2,714 more to pass Malone for second. He would have to be in the lineup for around 75 games to do that. Abdul-Jabbar tops the list with 57,446 minutes.

Speaking of games played, he is 14th on the all-time list with 1,366. If he plays in 59 contests this season, he would move up to eighth, passing Clifford Robinson, Reggie Miller, Jason Kidd, Tim Duncan, Jason Terry and Kevin Willis.

Another Lakers legend in sight

James' game has often been compared to Magic Johnson's because of his potent combination of size and court vision. And all of James' pinpoint passing over the years has him in position to pass Johnson on the all-time assists list.

James is seventh with 10.045, just 97 assists behind Johnson for sixth.

Already the only player in league history to rank in the top 10 in total points and assists, James would become the only player to rank in the top five in those categories with 291 assists to move him past Mark Jackson in fifth place and Steve Nash in fourths.

3s and frees

James averaged 30.3 points last season -- the second-highest scoring average of his career -- thanks in large part to his contributions on the stripe and beyond the arc.

His 75.6% mark from the free throw line was his best clip since 2011-12, and his 161 3-pointers were the most he has ever made in a season.

He is fourth on the all-time freebies list with 7,836 and needs 543 more to pass Bryant for third, which will likely take a couple of more seasons considering he had 254 makes from the line in 2021-22.

James could move past Paul Pierce for No. 10 on the all-time 3s list as soon as opening night on Oct. 18, as he is just four behind his longtime on-court rival.

If he hits 151 3s on the season, James would also pass Jamal Crawford, Jason Terry and Vince Carter on the all-time list.

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Lakers advantage take dennis schroder

 Dennis Schroder's career is like a roller coaster in the 2021-2022 season. Because, after rejecting the contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, he was even threatened with not playing in the NBA. Luckily there was the Boston Celtics who accepted it. Although in the end, the Celtics didn't really want a Schroder. But now, Schroder is about to start a new chapter with the Lakers. Forgetting disputes, and trying to rise from the slump. 

When reading the story about Schroder's contract extension offered by the Lakers, it was as if the player was the wrong one. Because he refused US$84 million worth of money for four years, just because Schroder felt that he could get a high contract from other teams. It turned out to be just an empty patch, which was not proven. 

On the contrary, the Lakers can also be said to regret not keeping Schroder. Because after that, they actually fell into a slump in the 2021-2022 season. So it can be said that both of them have suffered losses. Schroder's return to the Lakers, however, will give the Lakers an advantage. There are three things that are the core discussion. 

First, Schroder did not put the Lakers' finances at risk. This means that this one-year contract will not burden the Lakers at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Because at the end of the season, Schroder's status will be a "free agent" again, and he has no player options. 

Schroder will not ask for a salary increase in the next season. So that the Lakers don't have to worry about their finances. If Schroder plays well, it is obviously very profitable for the Lakers. On the contrary, if he plays poorly, then there are still Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, or Austin Reaves. There is no need to be ashamed to put Schroder on the bench, because he is a player who is "cheap". 

Speaking of the "price" or value of this contract, the Lakers were stuck with the word last season. Of course, in this discussion, it has something to do with Dennis Schroder. 

Last season, Russell Westbrook's presence on the court made the Lakers' statistical record always negative in some aspects. Westbrook's ability to play the ball is not good, making the Lakers' turnover rate the highest in the NBA. Especially in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Westbrook has a high ego in playing. 

Ironically, because Westbrook was hit by a player with a "high price", then the Lakers had no other choice. It's a bit embarrassed for the Lakers to make a player with a salary of US$44.2 million a year sit on the bench. The Lakers had to miss Out on Rajon Rondo, Isaiah Thomas, D.J. Augustin, Darren Collins and a string of other major guards in the transfer market, simply for retaining Russell Westbrook. 

Schroder's presence will make the Lakers feel safe game-wise. So if they have to lose Russell Westbrook, then they could be replaced by Schroder or Patrick Beverley. The right strategy for the Lakers, although they have to find a profitable deal. Because there are indications that the player swap scheme involving Westbrook will not be profitable for the Lakers. 

The third thing that the Lakers gain is from the defense side. The Lakers were already careless by releasing Alex Caruso. Though he is a good defensive player in the perimeter area, as well as a player who can bring the bench to life. The contract value is only US$15 million for two years. The Lakers instead gathered veteran players who probably wouldn't like to defend. They prefer to show the ability to attack and enter points. This is what makes the Lakers' defense drop drastically.

Therefore, the inclusion of Dennis Schroder will provide a change from the defensive side. In terms of age and play, Schroder can prove that he is capable of strengthening the Lakers' defense. Meanwhile, in terms of attack, Schroder is no less good. there was a 2019-2020 season, Schroder was able to give up 343 shots (166 two-pointers and 177 three-pointers). Then while playing on the Lakers, he fired 283 shots in four minutes per game

So it can be concluded that The return of Dennis Schroder to the Lakers will provide many advantages for the team. On the other hand, Schroder will play all out to prove that he is worthy of a long-term contract with the Lakers. (*)

Photo: Silver Screen and Roll

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Dennis schroder returns to lakers

 The Los Angeles Lakers announced the return of the main guard Dennis Schroder. The German player will receive a one-year contract with a value of US$2.6 million. Schroder's return makes Russell Westbrook's fate on the Lakers even more unclear.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dennis Schroder back to the Lakers," Rob Pelinka, Vice President of Basketball Operations and Lakers General Manager told ESPN. "Dennis and coach (Darvin) Ham don't just have a historical bond, they can build a new story on the Lakers next season. 

Schroder played for the Lakers in the 2020-2021 season. He averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game. But Schroder moved away from the Lakers because of his own mistakes. It should be that he received a contract extension from the Lakers worth US$87 million for four years. But he opted out, and was left out of the "free agent" player exchange. Until finally the Boston Celtics wanted to give him a chance, and then exchanged to the Houston Rockets. 

"Dennis will add depth and an on-ball defensive presence to our core in the main guard position. He's also a good points scorer and playmaker. We are very happy that Dennis can return to camp and return to work in Los Angeles after his great game with the German national team at EuroBasket," Pelinka added.

Meanwhile, Schroder's return, coupled with the signing of Patrick Beverley, makes Russell Westbrook's future with the Lakers even more uncertain. Westbrook is still on the Lakers' shortlist. It's just that, no team has dared to take it away yet. (*)

Photo: Lakers Daily

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Carmelo Anthony Is Not The First Priority To Replace Danilo Gallinari at Celtics

 On September 2, 2022, the Boston Celtics announced that Danilo Gallinari would miss all NBA games for the 2022-2023 season. The cause was an ACL injury to his left knee, while playing for the Italian national team. The Celtics can only resign themselves to the state of the newly signed player on July 12, 2022.

Gallinari signed a two-year deal worth US$13.3 million with the Celtics. Unfortunately not having had time to play for the club, he suffered an ACL injury. Eventually some observers tried to find a suitable player to replace Gallinari. Until finally the name Carmelo Anthony appeared, who is now a "free agent".  

Carmelo Anthony is seen as a potential replacement for Gallinari. The veteran player, who has been an NBA All-Star 10 times, is still able to contribute over the past few seasons. He scored 13.3 points per game with 44.1 percent of shots off the field and 37.5 percent of three-pointers off the bench with the Lakers last season. A year earlier, Anthony scored 13.4 points per game off the bench with the Portland Trail Blazers.

But it appears the Celtics are not interested in the 38-year-old. The news was relayed by Brian Robb of MassLive. Anthony doesn't seem to be an option for the Celtics to replace Gallinari. But the name sam hauser appears, the player the Celtics took from the undrafted list of 2021. This player got a two-way contract from the Celtics, so he could play for the first team in the NBA, and the Maine Celtics in the NBA G League. 

The 24-year-old looked promising with a statistical record specifically in long-range shots. Hauser made 43.2 percent tripoin in 26 games with the Boston Celtics in the 2021-2022 NBA regular season. He also scored 20.2 points per game with 40.7 percent tripoin in 13 NBA G League regular season games with the Maine Celtics.

The proof that the Celtics prefer Hauser is to provide a raise and a longer contract. The Celtics signed him for a three-year duration of US$6 million in July 2022. When Hauser's deal was signed, then the Celtics had enough pay room for Gallinari and Malcolm Brogdon. Unfortunately, Galinari can't play.

While according to a report by Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the Celtics did lose Gallinari. But they still have Sam Hauser in the rotation of players. So there is no need to sign new players, let alone veteran players whose contributions are still in doubt. The Celtics currently have 12 players on the roster. They still have three unfilled player slots

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Russell Westbrook Wants to Be the "Lead Actor" Again

 It's interesting to follow Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers' drama these days. Amid concerns about not getting a new club, Westbrook even said that he wanted to be the "main actor" again. He wants to play like in the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, or Washington Wizards. But on the other hand, Westbrook is worried that no team is willing to give him this position. 

Westbrook's move to the Lakers at the break of last year's competition season, took the NBA players market by storm. Because Westbrook is considered to be going to make the Lakers superior. But the reality is reversed, the Laker didn't even make the playoffs. Until finally, rumors of "throwing away" Westbrook have started to blow since the end of the 2021-2022 season. 

Rob Pelinka as general manager of the Lakers is already "peddling" Westbrook to almost every team in the league. The package offered is Westbrook with two NBA Draft tickets for 2027 and 2029. It turns out that until now no one wants to accept the offer. Some teams instead consider that Westbrook's performance is far below the salary he received. Westbrook next season receives a salary of US$47 million. In fact, there are teams that are asking for more players from the Lakers to add added value from Russell Westbrook.

Knowing this difficult situation, Westbrook responded with two different attitudes. The first attitude as expressed by Brian Windhorst. Westbrook sought to seek the attention of the management. Then be kind to all the Lakers players. Including the newly arrived Patrick Beverley. Even though everyone knows that Westbrook and Beverley are like mortal enemies. 

Then, the second attitude as reported by ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne. Westbrook did not ask for himself to be sent to another team. That is to say, Westbrook is actually still at home in the Lakers. Unlike the situation facing Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets. Westbrook can play in the Lakers next season, if this team can't find a profitable deal. On the contrary, if anyone is willing to exchange it, then Westbrook asks that the new team can restore its role to the way it was.

"He hasn't asked for a player swap yet. I'm already convinced of that. But he's willing to move if any team wants him. It's just that, Westbrook wants him to be the main player. He wants to go back to being the Russell Westbrook he used to be," Shelbourne said. 

The last time Westbrook played the lead actor was when Bradley Beal was injured. He became the fulcrum of the Washington Wizard team, which appeared in 65 games, contributing 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game. In the Lakers, his status is indeed a supporter of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Like it or not, Westbrook was forced to do the task, if he didn't want to lose a big fee.

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Luka Doncic Gets Into Legal Dispute with His Mother

 Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has to deal with a legal case. This time the opponent is Mirjam Poterbin, who is none other than his own biological mother. This civil law case arose after his mother refused to hand over the trademark "LUKA DONCIC 7".

Luka Doncic, who is focused on participating in EuroBasket 2022, has started a legal dispute with his own mother. Quoted from Elmundo.es media, Doncic wants to take control of the trademark rights he created. But Mirjam Poterbin would not hand it over. 

According to Marc Stein, Doncic's side has filed a petition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The purpose is that the trademark "LUKA DONCIC 7" was cancelled, and it was no longer allowed to make goods under its name. The lawyers of the Slovenian player filed a lawsuit to remove his mother's trademark.

"I have a lot to learn as a player and as a person. Then it's important for me to control my own brand," Luka Doncic was quoted as saying by Stein Line.

Doncic initially allowed his mother to register his name as a trademark in 2018. At that time he was still a first-year player in the NBA. But last year, Doncic requested that the company take off the trademark. It turned out that the request was rejected by his mother. 

This case arose after Doncic got signature shoes from Jordan Brand. Doncic seems to want to step up the deal with Jordan Brand to create a new brand. But it's stuck because there is already a trademark that uses its name. When he tried to register a new trademark under the name "Luka Doncic", it was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

"This is a last-ditch effort to gain complete control of its name, brand, charitable foundation and business dealings," Marc Stein said, mimicking Doncic's remarks.

"I have a lot to look forward to because I continue to grow as a player and personally and it's important that I control my own brand and focus on giving back to my community," Doncic told Stein.

Jordan Brand and Luka Doncic's contracts began in 2019. Although there is no mention of the indigo, this contract is touted as a mega-deal. Because it is said to be worth tens of millions of United States dollars. Quoted from republikworld.com, if Zion Williamson alone receives US$75 million, then Doncic is estimated to be higher than that. Meanwhile, if you look at Doncic's efforts to get to the realm of law, it seems that he sees an opportunity to get big money from Jordan Brand. But first Doncic had to remove the trademark held by his mother.

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