data-mm-id=”_s23rv0z4v”>Rob Pelinka has set the bar for what the Los Angeles Lakers need in return if they decide to trade any of their first-round picks to upgrade the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.It's a prerequisite — created by the Lakers vice president of basketball operations with new head coach JJ Redick — that focuses more on the future than the present.RELATED: Jayson Tatum reveals the ‘happiest person in the world’ about his Olympic benching"I think the philosophy that JJ and I are aligned on is that we want to build sustainable Lakers excellence," Pelinka said Wednesday. "I think when you talk about moves, you can make a move that backfires. I think every GM has made a trade that they say, 'Ah, maybe that one wasn't ideal.' But every lens that we look through has to lead to sustainable Laker excellence."… Yes, we would do a trade with both picks if that would lead to sustainable Lakers excellence. We would also use one pick to make a marginal upgrade if we felt like it was the right thing to do."Pelinka said he and his front office staff "looked long and hard" at potential deals this offseason to "increase the overall roster talent," and while he didn't blame the NBA's new "limiting system for trades and moves," he did reveal that there was "less of a supply for opportunities."Rob Pelinka on trading some of their draft picks:"We want to build sustainable Lakers excellence" pic.twitter.com/AEUklwe1uR— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 25, 2024The Lakers' biggest roster decisions were the re-signing of LeBron James to a two-year, $104 million extension and the drafting of Tennessee's Dalton Knecht, one of college basketball's best shooters, in the first round. They also selected James' son, Bronny, in the second round.However, the biggest offseason move was the hiring of Redick, a former sharpshooter who played 15 NBA seasons but has no previous professional head coaching experience. The 40-year-old replaces Darvin Ham, who was fired after L.A. took a step back in 2023-24 with a first-round playoff exit.Redick revealed Wednesday that he spoke to D'Angelo Russell the most this offseason because he expects big things from the 28-year-old point guard."He's going to have a major role on this team," Redick said. "I think the thing that DLo and I have talked about a lot is just like, 'Let's put you in a position to have a career year.' His mindset, his energy, the talk that he's brought, the leadership that he's brought when he's been in the building has been excellent."So I'm thrilled, thrilled, to be coaching DLo this season. He's in a great place right now heading into training camp."JJ Redick on D'Angelo Russell: "He's going to have a major role on this team. I think the thing that DLo and I have talked about a lot is just, 'Let's put you in a position to have a career year.'" pic.twitter.com/83jAdI93Sg— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 25, 2024MORE TOP STORIES FROM THE BIG LEADNFL: ”Everything’s on the table” for struggling Jags MLB: Deion gives Shohei GOAT statusSPORTS MEDIA: FOX rejects Netflix request for Tom BradyGOLF: 2024 President’s Cup preview
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data-mm-id=”_wx42uyp7c”>Jalen Ramsey forced his way out of Jacksonville and promised to play nice in La La Land. But like the good actor he is, it was all a farce and he's back to his old ways again– which is ultimately going to cost him at the contract negotiating table. Ramsey got into a verbal confrontation with Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters on the field following the Rams beatdown loss against Baltimore on Monday night and then had to be restrained from going after Peters in the tunnel following the on-field skirmish. After the game, Rams CB Jalen Ramsey was being restrained by Rams personnel in the tunnel while shouting at Ravens players and staff going into their locker room. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/UD7j9R1ycF— Kenny Holmes (@KHOLMESlive) November 26, 2019This follows a…
data-mm-id=”_sysnd0xw2″>The Carolina Panthers seem to have made a decision about their quarterback situation. According to Ian Rapoport, new coach Matt Rhule and his coaching staff like the way Cam Newton's rehab is going and they are content waiting for him to return. #Panthers coach Matt Rhule and his staff have been encouraged with how Cam Newton has treated his rehab and how intent he is to get back to top form. He’s spent plenty of time in town. With so much to rebuild in other areas, having a legit starter in place eases the transition. https://t.co/LIvqQDj5b5— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2020This could be sincere. It's tough to find a legitimate high-level quarterback in the NFL and the Panthers have one under contract this season. If Newton will be healt…
data-mm-id=”_hgh5lob7z”>Conor McGregor is currently without an opponent to prepare for. With UFC 249 going down this weekend and the interim version of McGregor's old lightweight title on the line, it got us thinking about McGregor's future. The Irishman is keen to fight again and before the coronavirus pandemic he had planned for three fights in 2020. After a brilliant 40-second destruction of Donald Cerrone, McGregor's options looked wide-open. The 31-year-old the most interesting man in MMA and easily the biggest draw in the sport. Here's a look at five potential opponents for McGregor as the UFC ramps back up.Jorge MasvidalMasvidal appeared ticketed for a bout with UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman just a few months ago. That fight failed to materialize and…
data-mm-id=”_pkdx543qf”>At 11:54 p.m. ET Sunday night, Donald Trump took a break from whatever else he had going on to take a shot at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Twitter. Trump is clearly perturbed after Goodell essentially approved of his league's players protesting during the national anthem in a video the commissioner released on Friday.Here's the tweet:Could it be even remotely possible that in Roger Goodell’s rather interesting statement of peace and reconciliation, he was intimating that it would now be O.K. for the players to KNEEL, or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country & our Flag?— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020Trump spent much of the 2017 NFL season ripping the players who kneeled during the nationa…
data-mm-id=”_35hsv539w”>The social justice movement permeating the sports world over the last week means that everybody and anybody will be asked for their thoughts on the current state of the country. This extends to even horse trainers. Barclay Tagg, trainer for 2020 Belmont Stakes winner and Kentucky Derby hopeful Tiz the Law, was asked about the protests currently taking place across the country following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Tagg didn't have much to offer on the subject, except to say that, to him, it seems like rioters can shoot at anybody but can't be shot at. Barclay Tagg, trainer of Ky Derby favorite, asked about concerns over protests, just said: "I don’t know what these guys are going to do, these rioters, Who knows? All I know …
data-mm-id=”_uq4yz8b7u”>Rumors have been circulating for a few days connecting the New York Knicks to a trade centered around Chris Paul. Giving up anything to build around a 35-year-old point guard due to make $85.5 million over the next two seasons would be a foolish move by the Knicks. While Paul was great this season, he's not worth the money he'll be paid and New York isn't close to contention. In the scenarios being discussed, the Knicks could move multiple young players and draft picks to secure Paul. While R.J. Barrett has not been mentioned, Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina and others have been. Plus, the Thunder would almost certainly want at least one first round pick added in, which could hinder any building New York wants to do.Paul revived his career during the…
data-mm-id=”_0zy037p4p”>Editor's Note: This piece originally ran on Jan. 26, 2020Kobe Bryant seemed more alive than the average person. He approached every day and every task with a white-hot intensity that sparked all in his orbit. With a lifetime of achievement behind him, he had so much life left to live. His second act was just beginning, with real potential to become more impactful than his first.At 41, he's gone far too soon. Bryant was larger than life but constrained by its inevitable reality. We are haunted today by the reality that all lives, no matter great or small, come to the same conclusion. And that conclusion can come any time, for anyone. When the most invincible among us cease to be, our own vulnerability is deafening. Paralyzing. It stops us cold in our tr…
data-mm-id=”_ltbon4k13″>Today on The Big Lead Big Stream Holiday Podtacular, Stephen Douglas and Kyle Koster discuss one of their favorite holiday movies ever: Home Alone. We ranked the top 11 characters and discussed a violent children's film that might be the best Christmas movie ever. You know, if you think it's a Christmas movie at all. Rankings below!
11. Uncle FrankThe McCallister family is full of… difficult personalities. Uncle Frank may be the worst. A freeloading cheapskate who is shockingly rude to his youngest nephew. There's really not much to like. Unless you like free champagne and shrimp.10. FullerYeah, being attacked by two murderous criminals on Christmas Eve is bad, but so is sharing the hide-a-bed with Roman Roy after he's had his fill of soda.…
data-mm-id=”_9p1yz0738″>On Monday, Dan Le Batard ignited a debate that raged across NBA circles by expressing his firmly-held belief that Tyler Herro is better than Tyrese Maxey. The pair of Kentucky guards are currently linked through Damian Lillard trade talks as the Miami Heat have reportedly offered up Herro and boatload of draft picks in exchange for the All-NBA guard. The Philadelphia 76ers, on the other hand, have refused to include Maxey in any trade discussions.Thus the question is posed– who is better? Maxey or Herro? Liam McKeone and Ryan Phillips found themselves on opposite sides of the argument in The Big Lead's Slack chat and, at the urging of their coworkers, took things public.Ryan Phillips: Would you like to fire the opening salvo, Liam?Liam McKeone: Sure, Ryan.…
data-mm-id=”_g7mr87xry”>The Washington Commanders lost an extremely ugly game on Sunday, a sentence that has been written many times over the last few years and will continue to be written many times until there are major changes within the organization. And there appears to be nobody more sick of it than star defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. Speaking to reporters after losing 14-7 to the New York Giants, Allen's frustration bubbled over and he told the media that he's "f—-ing tired of this bullsh-t" and that it's been the same thing for all of his seven-year career with the team. He's not wrong, but still — not a great thing to hear!Jonathan Allen is not happy after Commanders loss. "They whupped our ass, plain and simple." pic.twitter.com/7…