LeBron James has no issues with Lakers power structure

In terms of the James factor, and the question of whether he has an issue with the Lakers’ power structure that is so often questioned by others, sources close to him continue to insist he does not. But the voices that still matter, as we’ve been reminded of late, don’t stop there. As Jeanie told our Bill Oram recently, she still relies on Johnson in the kind of way that surely impacts her view of this team and the uncertain future ahead. “To me, he’s still working with us,” she said. “In terms of his support, his wisdom, his insight, I freely call on him as needed.”
Source: Sam Amick, Bill Oram, Sam Amick and Bill Oram @ The Athletic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Tas Melas @TasMelas
New pod! NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Whoa Boy Box Scores! (Tatum, Jokic, LeBron, etc.)
📼: https://t.co/s4FmazxvcH
🍎: https://t.co/XjSclyJYjS
✳️: https://t.co/YpCkqbnDWC
🅰️: https://t.co/v1qudKTb56 pic.twitter.com/ORKBeY2CqF – 12:01 PM

Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Using 538’s minute projections for full strength playoffs, the Celtics are currently projected as the best team in the East using LEBRON (just this season), the 2nd best team in the East using DRIP and DPM (behind the Bucks). See more here: bball-index.com/team-strength-… – 11:23 AM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Evan Mobley last night:
✅ 20 PTS
✅ 17 REB
✅ 3 BLK
✅ 9-15 FG
Mobley is the first @Cleveland Cavaliers rookie to record at least 20p/15r in a game since LeBron James on Nov. 29, 2003. pic.twitter.com/lELtWVoVkk – 9:41 AM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette hotline is LIVE @TwitterSpaces presented by @UnderdogFantasy
• Jokic explodes to MVP lead
• Celtics resurrection
• Middleton just like old times
• LeBron Sat night
• Nets Defcon 2
• 1883 Finale
• Op. Eisenhammer
Taking your calls⬇️ twitter.com/i/spaces/1LyGB… – 12:45 AM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
There are amazing players around the league. It’s in a very good place with the post-Bron generation stepping up. But there is no one I’d rather have as my star than Nikola Jokic. Every game is a gift in Denver. Looking forward to the rest of this decade as a basketball fan. – 11:05 PM

Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Nikola Jokic is the first player to record a 40-point triple-double and 4 blocks in a game since LeBron James in 2010 vs the Nuggets.
LeBron also did this in OT. – 10:56 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Evan Mobley tonight:
20 PTS
17 REB
4 AST
3 BLK
9-15 FG
He is the first Cavs rookie with a 20/15 game since LeBron. pic.twitter.com/reZLzhXB5j – 10:07 PM

Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
After LeBron James dropped 56 points to serve the Warriors their fourth consecutive loss, NBA Twitter exploded with reactions on Saturday. warriorswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-twit… – 10:00 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The consistent year-by-year averages suggest LeBron James’ game is unchanging.
But that actually undersells the incremental changes he’s made as a shooter to put up similar numbers as well 10 years ago in a completely different way: ocregister.com/2022/03/06/ana… – 9:49 PM

Vincent Ellis @AlabamaScribe56
Did Osman play for the Cavs during Lebron’s first stint?
I’m always surprised he is still on their roster when I see the Cavs. – 8:31 PM

Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
LeBron James’ best performance with the #Lakers
suggests disaster ahead.
#LakeShow #NBA
sportscasting.com/lebron-james-b… – 7:27 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Special @LockedOnLakers mini-podcast for a Sunday! We reacted to the Lakers’ win over the Warriors, LeBron putting up 56, and his postgame thoughts about scoring. @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
linktr.ee/LockedOnLakers – 4:15 PM

Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Can we have a moment for this 50-point @NBA week:
Monday: Ja Morant had 52pts
Saturday: LeBron James w/ 56pts
Sunday: Jayson Tatum finishing w/ 54pts – 3:43 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Nets note Kevin Durant today became 23rd player in NBA history to score 25,000 career points. Durant did so in 7th-fewest games (922) in NBA history, BKN notes. Players ahead of Durant on that list:
Wilt (691)
Jordan (782)
Kareem (889)
LeBron (915)
Oscar (917)
Jerry West (920) – 3:21 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Jayson Tatum’s up to 45. One day after LeBron’s 56-point masterpiece, Tatum is knocking on the door for 50. – 3:15 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
If Giannis and Bron got the whistle KD gets 😂😂😂 – 2:45 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James is indisputably one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. But James doesn’t feel some people give him the recognition he deserves.
Saturday, he gave another reminder of his scoring pedigree, pouring in 56 as LA snapped a four-game skid.
theathletic.com/3165300/2022/0… – 2:29 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls could always reach pick for Bronny James, and get LeBron on a take-it or leave-it deal after ’23. I’d cover that … not a winner, but I’d cover that. – 1:51 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron James had his first 50-point game when he was 20 years, 80 days old.
He had his last 50-piece when he was 37 years, 65 days old.
LeBron’s prime has lasted for 16 years, 11 months, 13 days. pic.twitter.com/ZmBjC9jOvS – 1:05 PM

Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
After LeBron James dropped 56 points to serve the Warriors their fourth consecutive loss, NBA Twitter exploded with reactions on Saturday. warriorswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-twit… – 1:00 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James’ brilliance this season has not translated into many wins. My post on LeBron’s 56-point masterpiece vs the Warriors, and how it kept their playoff hopes alive https://t.co/uOnpKuA6rd pic.twitter.com/CSS32nhVtR – 12:43 PM

More on this storyline

How does his stated desire to play with his son, Bronny, at the end of his own career come into play? There’s no way of knowing just yet, if only because there are so many unknowns on that front. He’s a junior at Sierra Canyon High in Los Angeles at the moment, one who is ranked 43rd in ESPN’s 2023 recruiting database. Based on current league rules, he’ll be draft-eligible in 2024 (the Lakers have no first-round picks that year, but do have a second-rounder). From Buss’ perspective, sources say her focus is on the macro elements of the partnership with James. His happiness matters a great deal, but so does his trust. Hence the reason you saw such staunch support from Paul in his post-meeting statement. -via The Athletic / March 7, 2022

Sources say Jackson, the Lakers legend and ex-fiancé of Buss, whose presence at Saturday’s win against Golden State was highlighted by the team’s Twitter account, has been in frequent contact with Buss about team matters all season long. The complicated and often uncomfortable dynamics surrounding the Westbrook situation, in particular, are known to have drawn his interest. As unofficial consultants go, they don’t get much more experienced or credible than Jackson. Truth be told, Buss’ desire to hear Jackson’s point of view on this team should surprise no one. Especially because of his close ties with Rambis, who — like Pelinka with Bryant — has the kind of close connection with Jackson that has long been considered a factor when it comes to his own stature. -via The Athletic / March 7, 2022

Marc Stein: Certainly people around the league are wondering and asking the question, ‘Is Rob Pelinka in some sort of jeopardy?’ But from my vantage point, I don’t think he is. I think he will continue to be in charge of this front office. -via marcstein.substack.com / March 7, 2022