DeMar DeRozan, 34, becomes the first player since LeBron James (33) in 2018 to lead the league in minutes in his 30s. Before that, Elvin Hayes (31) in 1976-77 was the last player to lead the NBA in minutes in his 30s. DeRozan’s 2,988 minutes also are the most since Bradley Beal finished with 3,028 in 2018-19.
May 1, 2024 | 5:17 am EDT Update
Playing with Bronny no longer a priority for LeBron James?
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has frequently expressed his desire to play on the same team as his son, USC freshman guard Bronny James. However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday’s episode of NBA Today (2:30 mark) that conversations with James’ agent Rich Paul lead him to believe “that the idea of them playing together is not a priority; it’s not foremost, at least any longer, in LeBron James’ mind.”
Devin Booker wants to stay in Phoenix
There may come a day where Booker is convinced he can no longer win with the Suns and decides to pursue titles elsewhere. But that day isn’t here yet, according to the source within Booker’s camp. As a student of the game and its history, Booker understands the value of sticking with one franchise for his entire career, following in the footsteps of guys like his idol Kobe Bryant. So even after a disappointing first-round sweep, the source says Booker is steadfast in his desire to get over the hump in Phoenix, stating bluntly: “This is his city.”
According to that source, the Knicks have been interested in Booker dating back to Leon Rose’s instatement as team president back in 2020. Rose, a former CAA player agent prior to being hired by New York, once served as Booker’s representation, and other Knicks personnel with connections to the 27-year-old Suns star recently put out feelers about his potential interest in coming to New York.
Knicks would would be willing to offer almost anything for Devin Booker
Adding a young superstar with four All-Star selections and one All-NBA selection (and possibly a second to follow soon) like Booker to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference makes sense from the Knicks’ perspective. He and Jalen Brunson would form an electrifying, high-scoring backcourt for one the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, and according to a source, New York would be willing to offer almost anything to make that pairing happen.
However, the Knicks’ interest in Devin Booker is one-sided, and the source was adamant about squashing this latest, unfounded rumor. Booker has remained loyal to the Suns franchise through some of its darkest days and has talked about bringing the super-team to him in Phoenix. Year 1 of his first super-team didn’t go according to plan, but Booker has succeeded in attracting established superstars like Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to join him on the Suns.
Tyrese Maxey credits Buddy Hield for picking him up during a down moment in the fourth quarter: “I was on the bench and really upset. Really upset with myself, missed three free throws. Turned the ball over. Buddy Hield just kind of grabbed me and said listen dude, you know what you can do. Go out there and make up for it.”
Lauren Rosen: Kelly Oubre Jr. on playing through illness today: “I feel like dog water right now. But dogs drink it.” 🤣 “I’m going to give it my heart and soul every time I go out.”
Mann discussed guarding the Slovenian during a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment. “Sh*t, it ain’t easy. I’ll tell you that,” Mann said. “I think it is more mental than anything with me because he’s going to make the tough shots. He’s going to take the tough shots and you see them go in, you think you playing good defense, you see them go in. It’s just tough. “The pump fake he going to get you a couple times in the series. He got P [Paul George] a couple times. I don’t know why he got P, after I told him to stay down on the move but he still jump. But yea, I think mentally it’s just taxing, but a lot of film is helping me out and the coaches for sure.”
Joey Mistretta: PJ Washington responds to Paul George stealing his pose. “It’s just part of the playoffs… If you do stuff, you gotta be able to watch them do it as well.”
Zach LaVine ahead of schedule
The good news is LaVine is well ahead of the four- to six-month timeline the Bulls placed on his recovery from what LaVine called a “non-union Jones fracture.” Sources said his goal was to be doing on-court work at the three-month mark in order to have a relatively normal offseason. That’s because he isn’t letting a bone heal; the surgery removed a piece of bone that chipped off. He essentially is healing soft tissue around a tendon.