By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
LeBron James all but rejected conversations about being the face of the league.
After posting a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a win, 111-102, over the Minnesota Timberwolves in crypto.com Arena, the four-time NBA champion talked about responsibilities between the players and those covering the action.
“Why do you wanna be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day to day basis shit on everybody? That responsibility is just weird,” the 40-year-old combo forward said during a media session following Thursday’s game.
“I have always taken that seriously and understood from the beginning what being a professional was all about and being a role model was all about. So, try to hold that with the most respect and honor,” he added, “This is a weird energy when it comes to that.”
Even Luka’s dad couldn’t believe Luka made that shot at the buzzer!
UNREAL 🪄
pic.twitter.com/KTRAzm6BNz— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) February 28, 2025
“He probably said, ‘he finally made a shot,’” Luka Doncic commented on the reaction of his father to a spectacular three-pointer, his only make from beyond the arc over nine attempts. Helping the Lakers jump to 36-21 in the 2024-25 Regular Season, the Slovenian sensation combined a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double with five assists. He played for nearly 36 minutes. In contrast, Ukrainian Alex Len stayed on the bench, and German Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery) was on the injury list.
“It’s a big challenge for me, just getting back into my rhythm, making those easier shots for me,” Doncic described his efforts to counter shooting woes, “I’m looking forward to it.”
The starting center of the Wolves, French Rudy Gobert (low back spasms), remained sidelined. Dutch Jesse Edwards suited up but did not play. However, Bosnian Luka Garza logged five minutes, tallying one point, one block, one steal, one assist, and one rebound.