☝ WHAT'S GOING ON WITH LEBRON? 👆 Windy analyzes LeBron's Cavs publicity stunt | First Take

ESPN
14 May 202412:07

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the recent NBA Combine performance of Bronny James, the son of LeBron James. Bronny showcased his three-point shooting skills, hitting 19 out of 25 shots, and revealed he had added muscle, weighing in at 210 pounds. However, his height of 6'1.5" without socks raised concerns for his future in the league. The script also touches on LeBron James' strategic presence at a Celtics-Cavs game, suggesting it may be a message to the Lakers to improve their roster. Speculation includes LeBron's potential free agency, his desire for the Lakers to be aggressive in the draft, and the possibility of him playing with his son in the future. The discussion concludes with the notion that LeBron is focused on winning now and would likely opt for a max contract, with the idea of playing with Bronny in the same team at some point in the future.

Takeaways

  • 🏀 Bronny James had an impressive performance at the NBA Combine, hitting 19 of 25 three-pointers in a high-intensity drill.
  • 💪 Bronny added noticeable muscle to his frame, weighing in at 210 pounds, which should alleviate concerns about his physicality.
  • 📏 Despite his strong Combine performance, Bronny's height was officially measured at 6'1.5", which may affect his draft prospects.
  • 📈 There is a general consensus that Bronny is trending towards being drafted, with scouts eager to see more of his gameplay.
  • 🗣 Bronny is set to have his first-ever press conference, which will be a significant moment for him to engage with the media.
  • 👚‍👩‍👊 LeBron James and his family were strategically present at a Celtics-Cavs game, potentially signaling more than just a casual visit.
  • 🀔 Speculation suggests LeBron's presence at the game could be a strategic move related to his future in the NBA, despite claims it was a routine visit.
  • 📝 LeBron is known for his strategic and passive-aggressive approach, especially during the off-season, which might be influencing current discussions.
  • 🚚 There's an implication that LeBron may want to send a message to the Lakers about improving the roster through trades or draft picks.
  • 👚‍👊 The possibility of LeBron playing with his son Bronny in the future is discussed, though it's noted that LeBron's immediate focus is likely on winning championships.
  • 💰 LeBron's contract negotiations are expected to be for a max deal, as has historically been the case, and any suggestion of him taking less for strategic reasons is seen as unlikely.

Q & A

  • How did Bronny James perform at the NBA Combine in terms of shooting?

    -Bronny James performed exceptionally well in shooting, hitting 19 out of 25 shots in a high-intensity drill.

  • What was the significance of Bronny James' performance from the three-point line?

    -His performance was significant because it addressed concerns about USC's poor three-point shooting and showcased his shooting skills to the scouts.

  • How much weight did Bronny James reportedly add before the NBA Combine?

    -Bronny James added noticeable muscle, weighing in at 210 pounds, which is an increase from his previous weight of around 200 pounds.

  • What was Bronny James' official height measurement at the NBA Combine?

    -Bronny James' official height without socks was measured at 6'1.5".

  • What is the concern regarding Bronny James' size for his potential NBA career?

    -The concern is that, despite his skills, his size may always be an issue in the NBA, which could affect his draft prospects and playing style.

  • Why is LeBron James' presence at a Celtics-Cavs game considered strategic?

    -LeBron James is known for being strategic in his actions. His presence at the game could be seen as a way to send a message or influence perceptions, although some argue it was simply a personal choice.

  • What is the current status of the Lakers' coaching search?

    -LeBron James is not believed to be heavily involved in the coaching search, as he typically takes a step back from such processes to avoid blame.

  • What is the likelihood of LeBron James leaving the Lakers in free agency?

    -It is suggested that LeBron James will likely remain with the Lakers, as they are expected to offer him the contract he desires.

  • What message might LeBron James be trying to send the Lakers regarding the roster?

    -LeBron James may be signaling to the Lakers that he wants them to be more aggressive in improving the roster, possibly through trades or draft picks.

  • What is the relationship between LeBron James and his son Bronny's NBA aspirations?

    -While LeBron has expressed a dream of playing with his son in the NBA, his agent Rich Paul has asked the media and fans not to connect Bronny's journey with LeBron's.

  • What are the implications of LeBron James potentially playing with his son Bronny in the NBA?

    -If LeBron James were to play with his son, it could influence his contract decisions and team choices, potentially leading him to opt out of his current contract to join a team where Bronny is playing.

  • How has LeBron James typically approached contract negotiations throughout his career?

    -Historically, LeBron James has sought the maximum contract offers, and there is an expectation that any negotiation will follow this pattern.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Bronny James' NBA Combine Performance

The first paragraph discusses Bronny James' performance at the NBA Combine, highlighting his impressive shooting during drills, his added muscle and weight, and the concern over his height and wingspan. Despite these concerns, there is a positive outlook on his potential to be drafted. Bronny's lack of a public persona is also noted, as he prepares for his first press conference, which is a significant moment for both the public and NBA teams getting to know him.

05:01

👚‍👩‍👊 LeBron James' Strategic Courtside Appearance

The second paragraph delves into LeBron James and his family's attendance at a Celtics-Cavs game, speculating on the strategic implications of this public appearance. It touches on LeBron's reputation as a strategic and brilliant businessman, suggesting that his presence at the game could be a calculated move. The paragraph also explores various theories about LeBron's intentions, including influencing the Lakers' coaching search, his upcoming free agency, sending a message about roster improvements, and the potential connection to his son Bronny's future NBA prospects.

10:03

💰 LeBron James' Contract Negotiations and Future with the Lakers

The third paragraph focuses on LeBron James' potential contract negotiations with the Lakers, the possibility of him taking less money to play with his son, and his desire for immediate help for the team rather than future picks. It also discusses LeBron's past behavior regarding contract negotiations, his preference for max contracts, and the likelihood of him negotiating a no-trade clause. The paragraph concludes with a humorous anecdote about a meme exchange with a respected general manager and a metaphorical threat to 'spin the block' if the Lakers don't meet his expectations.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Bronny James

Bronny James is the son of LeBron James and is a basketball player himself. In the script, his performance at the NBA Combine is discussed, highlighting his shooting skills and physical development. His potential future in the NBA and the possibility of playing alongside his father are also mentioned, which is a significant theme in the video.

💡NBA Combine

The NBA Combine is an annual event where top college basketball players showcase their skills in front of NBA coaches, scouts, and executives. It is a crucial step for players aiming to be drafted into the NBA. In the script, Bronny James' performance at the Combine is described, emphasizing his shooting accuracy and increased muscle mass.

💡LeBron James

LeBron James is a professional basketball player, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, and is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The script discusses his strategic approach to his career, his potential free agency, and the speculation around his attendance at a Celtics-Cavs game, which is tied to broader discussions about his influence on the Lakers' roster and coaching decisions.

💡Draft

The draft refers to the NBA draft, where teams select eligible players to join the league. It is a pivotal event that can shape a player's career and a team's future. The script mentions that Bronny James is trending towards getting drafted and that the Lakers have three tradeable first-round picks, indicating the importance of the draft in shaping team strategies.

💡Rich Paul

Rich Paul is a prominent sports agent and the founder of Klutch Sports. He represents LeBron James and his son, Bronny. In the script, Rich Paul's instructions to the media and fans not to connect Bronny's journey with LeBron's are mentioned, highlighting his role in managing the professional and public narratives of his clients.

💡Free Agency

Free agency in professional sports like the NBA refers to the period when a player is not under contract with any team and can negotiate and sign with any team willing to offer a contract. The script suggests that LeBron James might become a free agent and discusses the implications this could have for his contract negotiations with the Lakers.

💡Coaching Search

A coaching search is the process by which a sports team seeks to hire a new coach. In the context of the script, the Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing a coaching search, and there is speculation about LeBron James' potential influence or lack thereof on the process.

💡Roster Improvement

Roster improvement refers to the strategic acquisition of new players or the development of existing ones to enhance a team's performance. The script discusses LeBron James' desire for the Lakers to improve their roster, particularly in light of the upcoming draft and his own potential contract negotiations.

💡Social Media Strategy

A social media strategy involves the planned use of social media platforms to achieve specific goals, such as influencing public opinion or promoting a personal brand. The script suggests that LeBron James uses his presence at games and other public appearances as a form of social media strategy to send messages to the Lakers and the public about his intentions and expectations.

💡Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference is one of the two conferences in the NBA, the other being the Western Conference. The script discusses the potential for LeBron James to move to a team in the Eastern Conference to compete for championships, mentioning teams like the Cavs, 76ers, Knicks, and others as possible destinations.

💡Luxury Tax

The luxury tax in professional sports is a financial penalty on teams that exceed a certain payroll threshold. In the NBA, it is designed to discourage teams from spending excessively on player salaries. The script touches on LeBron James' expectations for the Lakers to manage their payroll effectively while still fielding a competitive team.

Highlights

Bronny James had an impressive performance at the NBA Combine, hitting 19 of 25 in a high-intensity three-point drill.

Bronny weighed in at 210 pounds, showing added muscle compared to his previous weight, which was under 200 pounds.

His official height was measured at 6'1.5" without socks, which is shorter than previously listed at USC.

Bronny's wingspan is reported to be around 67 inches, which could be a concern for his draft prospects.

There is a growing interest among scouts to see Bronny in upcoming scrimmages and to talk to him.

Bronny is set to have his first-ever press conference at 6:30 Central, marking a new level of public engagement.

LeBron James, his wife Savannah, and agent Rich Paul attended a Celtics-Cavs game, sparking speculation about LeBron's intentions.

LeBron's presence at the game is seen as a strategic move, possibly to send a message to the Lakers about roster improvements.

LeBron is likely to become a free agent but is expected to receive a contract from the Lakers that meets his expectations.

LeBron may be signaling a desire for the Lakers to be aggressive with their three tradeable first-round picks in the upcoming draft.

Rich Paul has requested that the media and fans should not connect Bronny's journey with LeBron's.

LeBron has previously expressed a dream to play with his son in the NBA.

LeBron's attendance at the game is likened to a social media post designed to generate discussion.

If LeBron is focused on championship contention, moving to an Eastern Conference team might be the best option.

LeBron's past behavior suggests he may be entering a passive-aggressive phase to influence the Lakers' management decisions.

LeBron is not expected to play with Bronny in the immediate future, but it could be a possibility in the later years of his career.

LeBron's history with contracts indicates he is unlikely to take less money than the maximum allowed for his next deal.

The possibility of LeBron taking a pay cut to play with his son in the future is discussed, though it is considered unlikely based on past behavior.

Transcripts

00:00

Brian windhorse in the building just got

00:03

my second wind I'm GNA say that every

00:06

time I just want you to know I'm never

00:08

going to let it go all right um we got

00:10

some things to discuss like involving

00:11

the James family so let's get this party

00:13

started quick takes uh okay Wendy

00:15

bronnie James worked out at the NBA

00:18

Combine yesterday what were the key

00:20

takeaways it was a very very good day

00:22

for bronny James yesterday first off he

00:24

shot the three-pointer extraordinarily

00:27

well going 19 of 25 in this drill which

00:29

is a high intensity drill remember USC

00:32

shot the ball terribly from three this

00:34

was really big for the scouts to see

00:35

we're going to get to see him in

00:36

scrimmages coming up secondly he weighed

00:38

at

00:39

210 they didn't put uh weights on the

00:43

USC roster but I think he was a he was a

00:46

little under 200 and if you looked at

00:47

him he's definitely added muscle

00:49

definitely been working hard looked very

00:51

good from a body standpoint now the bad

00:53

news is his official height without

00:55

socks 6'1 and a half he was listed at 63

00:59

at USC I I think anybody ever believed

01:01

that um doesn't mean you know he didn't

01:04

come in a 55 it just mean you know his

01:05

wingspan did come in I think around 67

01:08

won't stop him from doing anything but

01:10

know the size will always be an issue

01:12

here I think he's trending towards

01:14

getting drafted I think there was a

01:16

terrific first day already the scouts

01:18

are interested in seeing him play more I

01:20

also think they're interested in talking

01:21

to him Rony has not been had any sort of

01:24

public Persona the teams don't know him

01:27

they're going to go through these

01:28

meetings and tonight he is scheduled

01:30

around 6:30 Central to have his first

01:33

ever press conference he's LeBron had

01:36

made the decision not to have him to the

01:37

media we've never heard him take

01:40

question and give answers before that is

01:42

scheduled tonight so we are learning

01:44

about Brony and the teams are learning

01:46

about bronnie by the day but a very very

01:48

good

01:49

start all right uh we'll keep it rolling

01:51

with the James family so LeBron his wife

01:54

Savannah Rich Paul sitting courtside at

01:56

the Celtics Cavs game last night they

01:58

watched as dayon Tatum put on a show and

02:01

help lead the Seas to a win okay this is

02:05

where I need your help all right

02:08

everything's strategic with LeBron James

02:11

understatement all right he's a

02:13

brilliant businessman Beyond a many

02:16

other things as well do you feel like

02:17

this is something or nothing that they

02:19

were sitting courtside at this

02:21

particular game in this particular

02:22

moment okay I've there I've been they

02:25

I'm trying to get talked into it being

02:27

nothing but I can't 100% s by it so what

02:31

this this person trying to talk you into

02:33

it being nothing hold on first thing is

02:36

the first thing I thought about when I

02:37

saw this happened was 10 years ago

02:40

saduna Sil Gus's Jersey retirement

02:42

ceremony it was in the middle of the

02:44

Season LeBron left the Miami Heat showed

02:47

up there and it was like what what is

02:50

going on by the way they said that night

02:51

it was nothing don't pay attention to it

02:53

a few months later something happened um

02:56

what I have been explained to is that

02:57

LeBron and Savannah were in akan over

03:00

the weekend for Mother's Day to see

03:01

LeBron's mom and Savannah's mom this was

03:03

not a special trip they just decided to

03:06

take in a game and to that point Rich

03:07

Paul called the Lakers yesterday and

03:09

said just so you know LeBron's going to

03:11

be at the game tonight we're not trying

03:14

to surprise you okay so I'm being told

03:16

no big deal nothing right okay but

03:20

there's something he he doesn't do

03:22

anything for for for for for nothing

03:24

he's always strategic and he knows we're

03:26

going to talk about it on this show he

03:28

in fact one thing about LeBron LeBron is

03:30

always on time Molly if you want to the

03:32

fastest way to upset LeBron is to be

03:34

late LeBron was fashionably late so that

03:37

he could walk in and Camera get

03:39

everything so that he could get a big

03:41

giant Ovation maybe he just wanted to

03:43

help Jason Tatum turn it around maybe

03:45

like sat don't you think the Celtics

03:47

players were like what is what is going

03:50

on here doubt he sat across from their

03:52

bench okay so let me just real quick

03:54

there's four things I think that are

03:56

going on in Lebron world right now and

03:58

I'm going to dis I think they're all in

04:01

play but one the Lakers have a coaching

04:03

search I don't think LeBron is super

04:05

interested in influence that coaching

04:07

search I know that people think that

04:08

he's doing all the levers right he has

04:10

always taken a step back from coaching

04:12

searches because he knows he's going to

04:13

get blamed either way there are

04:15

candidates over the years who have tried

04:16

to get a hold of LeBron and he's like

04:18

I'm not talking to you okay so I don't

04:20

think that's it secondly he is going to

04:22

probably be a free agent not out of his

04:24

contract and I suppose everything is a

04:26

negotiation that said I just don't see

04:28

the Lakers not giving giving him the

04:30

contract that he wants I know they

04:31

probably don't want to give him a

04:32

threeyear $160 million deal I just can't

04:35

see at this point of his career this

04:36

being a contract negotiation so I could

04:38

be wrong but I'm going to put that aside

04:40

I do think that LeBron definitely wants

04:43

to send the Lakers a message about

04:45

improving the roster because we know at

04:47

the trade deadline he really wanted them

04:48

to improve they didn't improve and now

04:51

we come to the draft in a month they

04:53

have three tradeable first round picks I

04:54

think LeBron would like them to be

04:56

aggressive at the deadline and I think

04:58

that part of his commentary both at the

05:01

end of that game in Denver where he

05:02

didn't comment about his future and his

05:03

comments on social media and in podcast

05:05

since I don't know I think that's a

05:08

strategy play and I think it doesn't

05:09

hurt LeBron that we're now talking about

05:11

this on first take because he came to

05:12

the game and then the fourth thing is

05:14

bronnie okay now Rich Paul has made it

05:17

very clear represents both guys that we

05:19

should not in the media or the fans

05:21

connect bronnie and LeBron but I thought

05:24

that he he said publicly that that was

05:26

always his dream that he could play with

05:27

his son so why would I not connect that

05:30

well that's a fair point but riches Rich

05:33

riches Rich has made it known that that

05:35

is not you shouldn't you shouldn't Maly

05:37

connect those two things okay that that

05:39

bronnie is on his own Journey having

05:41

said that the Lakers have two picks and

05:43

LeBron came to a Cavs game that's all

05:45

I'm going to say I'm

05:46

done listen LeBron's always been passive

05:50

aggressive with his approach in season

05:52

but especially off season when he's no

05:55

longer playing and other teams are

05:57

that's when LeBron goes into passive

05:58

aggressive mode a lot of times it's

06:00

through social media I just look at this

06:02

as a giant social media post that's

06:04

basically what he did rather than go on

06:06

social media and say something that

06:08

would get your mind spinning he decided

06:10

to show up somewhere to get everybody

06:12

talking about it I will say this two

06:14

things one if he really is intent on

06:18

trying to be in situation where he can

06:21

compete for a championship the answer is

06:23

go east young man same thing I said

06:25

about Kevin Durant go east I think

06:27

that's where the opportunities are Cavs

06:29

are

06:31

Philadelphia comes to mind the Knicks

06:33

come to mind Cleveland somewhere because

06:35

here's the thing people thought this

06:37

year well as long as they don't run

06:38

Denver was the one team man they just

06:40

couldn't play Denver well I don't know

06:41

about that Minnesota is going to get

06:44

better whether they're ready right now

06:46

to take that leap you would assume

06:47

they're going to get better so is

06:50

Oklahoma City so is Dallas East would be

06:53

the answer and the second thing I will

06:54

say is I it' be inconceivable to me if

06:57

bronnie ends up in the NBA on somebody

06:59

roster that LeBron James at some point

07:02

isn't his teammate yeah doesn't

07:04

necessarily mean right away maybe he

07:06

wants to make it happen if you can

07:09

that's it would be Inc I think the thing

07:10

is LeBron wants bronnie to go somewhere

07:12

that's going to develop him coming to

07:14

the Lakers who the Lakers develop yeah

07:17

well there's a couple who Alex

07:20

Caruso he and and uh Austin Austin Rees

07:24

my goodness these are undrafted guys who

07:26

they developed yes but okay what about

07:28

Ingram what about Lonzo ball what about

07:31

DLo what about Julius Randall what about

07:34

all those number all those number think

07:36

about what you said think about what

07:37

you're saying now these are guys

07:38

everything got real quiet shanon those

07:41

are guys you don't have no expectations

07:43

for a guy you taking in the second round

07:45

or an undrafted free agent you talking

07:46

about a first round pick those are the

07:48

guys that you develop and turn into

07:50

franchise and win you championships I

07:53

believe LeBron James probably signs a

07:54

two in one plays two years that last

07:57

year I can op out C ofac Ken Griffey

07:58

Senior and junor I think if I'm not

08:00

mistaken I think Senor was on the

08:01

Rangers he asked for his release so he

08:03

can go play with his son in Seattle I

08:05

think that's more of an option than next

08:08

year LeBron James Jr and Senior playing

08:10

on the same Squad now this is not

08:12

unknown for me because I saw Tyrese Maxi

08:14

at the game last night the Mavericks and

08:16

the OK Thunder front row front row but

08:19

he don't get to shine cuz he not LeBron

08:21

James LeBron James Carmelo Anthony's

08:23

first playoff series who was in

08:24

attendance Wendy yeah that was 21 years

08:27

ago but he but y'all make it seem like

08:29

he's never gone to a playoff game in

08:31

which he wasn't in and I'm just telling

08:34

you guys do it now your other points

08:36

were

08:37

stronger but older guy but the other

08:39

guys used to show up Isaiah would go but

08:41

they would be out of the way you didn't

08:43

see them they're in the hallway they're

08:45

in the tunnel they W Front Row and front

08:47

center but I I don't think that LeBron

08:51

James is interested in playing with

08:53

bronny this year or next year I think he

08:56

does a two- one that option year whever

08:59

bronnie is that's where LeBron ends up

09:02

he could opt out of the contract say you

09:03

know what but braon don't like turning

09:06

down money Wendy so historic that is

09:09

true so historically ever since he took

09:11

a little bit less money in Miami even

09:14

though the state income tax or lack

09:16

thereof might have made up for it the

09:19

there is no negotiation with LeBron it

09:20

is Max or nothing yeah as it should be

09:23

so any he obviously could have a change

09:26

of heart I don't exactly know I haven't

09:29

had chance to specifically ask him but

09:32

the fact that the Lakers can pay him the

09:34

160 million at least 50 million this

09:36

year the idea if if if there's a concept

09:39

of you getting LeBron for some discount

09:41

that's historically been a no-o ex could

09:44

you see the Lakers taking

09:48

bronny I don't know what's the you know

09:51

what their second round pick is 55th

09:54

55th okay but this draft is very loose

09:58

you will be able to picks in this draft

10:00

yeah yeah it's not the strongest draft

10:02

class told the thing I know about guys

10:05

that that make a lot of money they like

10:07

it and so for me to say to say LeBron

10:09

James is gonna have a John Q moment

10:11

where he has to change a heart and take

10:13

less money but what if it's taking less

10:15

money to be with your son I'm GNA be at

10:17

my son I'm gonna be at my son in two

10:18

years I'm gonna get this money first

10:20

because LeBron looks at it it's not it's

10:22

not my job to be the general manager

10:24

take less money and me have to figure

10:27

out how you guys make this work that's

10:29

your your job that's what you get paid

10:30

for I get paid to get on the floor get

10:33

these five guys and the other guys ready

10:35

to play on a nightly basis now you want

10:37

me to do that and figure out a way how

10:39

you can stay up under the luxury tax and

10:40

make sure you're not a repeater LeBron

10:42

said N I ain't got no time he also

10:44

doesn't want to hear about the 2030

10:45

first round pick he wants that gone he

10:47

wants he wants help now now he's try

10:49

he's trying to win because 2031 LeBron

10:51

James gonna probably be the owner that

10:53

Vegas team yeah I I had a I had a

10:55

general manager who I super duper

10:57

respect I couldn't respect this manager

10:59

Mo he sent me two things watching this

11:01

game one he sent me my own meme back to

11:04

me what's going on in Cleveland he sent

11:07

that back to me he wasn't the only one

11:09

he also said his view this is an inside

11:11

fastball Lakers that's it not an inside

11:14

fastball how like what the message just

11:15

apply a little pressure just you know I

11:18

can't go back now hey y'all didn't see

11:20

me I will go back I will spin the block

11:23

that's a ter you y'all guys might don't

11:25

know what spin the block I know what it

11:26

means yeah bro I'll spin the block on

11:28

you means

11:30

sometimes I do it twice okay Lakers make

11:34

it right he want he's probably going to

11:36

want that no trade he can negotiate a no

11:38

trade Club

11:40

if you could represent him all the due

11:42

respect for Rich Paul you could

11:43

represent him he like listen Max

11:45

contract no trade clause call me back

11:47

when you have your answer Shannon will

11:48

do it and my

11:49

son yeah hey I'm and I've got a nice

11:52

landing spot for bronny yeah all right

11:59

[Music]

12:05

he

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