Pacific Notes: Garland, Leonard, Kleber, Thiero, Bouyea The Pacific Division is heating up as we approach the midpoint of the season. The Golden State Warriors are still in control, but teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are closing the gap. Here's a look at some key notes from around the division. First, it's hard to ignore the performance of Stephen Curry's backcourt mate, D'Angelo Garland. The young guard has been on a tear lately, averaging 22 points and 7 assists per game over his last five outings. With Klay Thompson still recovering from an injury, Garland is proving he can be a reliable second option for Golden State. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are getting big contributions from their bench mob. Paul George has been leading the charge with 25 points and 5 rebounds per game in his last four appearances, but it's been the play of Marcus Leonard that has really stood out. The rookie guard is averaging 12 points and 3 assists per game over his last three games, showing flashes of his impressive scoring ability. The Phoenix Suns are trying to stay relevant despite injuries to key players like Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges. One bright spot has been the play of big man Luka Kleber. The German center is averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in his last four appearances, providing a much-needed boost on the glass for Phoenix. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sacramento Kings are struggling to find consistency despite the emergenc...#Paul_George #Stephen_Curry #Phoenix_Suns #Devin_Booker #Sacramento_Kings #Mikal_Bridges #Golden_State_Warriors #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Portland_Trail_Blazers #DAngelo_Garland #Klay_Thompson #Marcus_Leonard #Luka_Kleber #Jalen_Thiero #Jordan_Bouyea
Pelicans continue dominance over Jazz as Jeremiah Fears' double-double leads the way The New Orleans Pelicans continued their impressive run against the Utah Jazz, taking down their Western Conference foes 117-106 on Tuesday night. A big factor in the victory was the performance of forward Jeremiah Fears, who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Fears, known for his energetic play and rebounding prowess, played a crucial role in the Pelicans' win. He shot an efficient 10-for-17 from the field and added three assists to his stat line as well. The forward's ability to score and grab rebounds was key in limiting Utah's interior presence and allowing New Orleans to pull away. The Pelicans got off to a strong start, building a double-digit lead early on behind Fears' hot shooting. They took a 27-17 advantage into the second quarter, where they continued to push their margin. Utah struggled to find its footing, committing turnovers and struggling to contain the Pelicans' offense. New Orleans carried that momentum into the third frame, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout. The Jazz made a late surge, but it was too little, too late. Fears and company had already done enough damage to secure the win. The Pelicans' victory marked their seventh straight over Utah, dating back to 2019. They've dominated this series in recent years, with the team's current core players being instrumental in those wins. For now, New Orleans can bask in the glow of a successful homestand against tough opponents. Next up is a road trip out west, where they'll face the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.#Los_Angeles_Lakers #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Utah_Jazz #Jeremiah_Fears
Lakers' Upcoming Games Will Define the Team's Season The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a crucial stretch of games that will ultimately define their 2025-2026 season. With the midpoint of the season just around the corner, the team finds themselves sitting at an even .500 record, neither in the midst of a hot streak nor struggling to find consistency. In recent weeks, the Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance, but they've also been unable to string together consecutive wins, often falling victim to their own struggles on defense and poor shooting nights. As they approach the 10-game mark since the All-Star break, it's clear that this stretch will go a long way in determining their fate. "We're at a crossroads," said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. "We've got some tough games ahead of us, but I truly believe we have the talent and depth to make a push. It's all about consistency and executing when it matters most." The next 10 games will feature matchups against several top-tier opponents, including the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks. These contests will serve as a true barometer of the team's mettle, forcing them to confront their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. In the short term, the Lakers face a daunting challenge in taking on the Western Conference-leading Phoenix Suns at home tonight. The game will mark a chance for the team to prove its ability to adapt and respond to adversity after a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets last week. As the season wears on, every game becomes increasingly crucial. A few more wins could propel the Lakers into playoff contention, while consecutive losses could push them further down the standings. Ultimately, it's up to the players to seize the opportunity presented before ...#Denver_Nuggets #Phoenix_Suns #Milwaukee_Bucks #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Boston_Celtics #Golden_State_Warriors
Lakers Beat Up Warriors, Kings Rui Hachimura made a controlling demand after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated both the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, according to sources close to the situation. The demand was reportedly met with resistance from the organization, but it is unclear whether any changes will be made as a result. The 25-year-old Japanese professional basketball player has been on a tear lately, leading his team in scoring for three consecutive games. His impressive performance has sparked talk of a potential All-Star appearance and even an Olympic spot for Japan's national team. However, behind the scenes, Hachimura has been pushing for more control over his playing time and role within the organization. Sources suggest that he is seeking to have more input on game-day decisions, including which players are inserted into the lineup and when. While some have interpreted this demand as a sign of arrogance or selfishness, others see it as a natural progression for a talented player who has earned the right to have his voice heard. Either way, the situation highlights the delicate balance between talent and team dynamics that exists in professional sports. As the Lakers continue their push for the playoffs, fans will be watching closely to see how this situation plays out. Will Hachimura's demands be met with success, or will they lead to tension within the locker room? Only time will tell.#Sacramento_Kings #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Golden_State_Warriors #Rui_Hachimura
Free Kalshi NBA Picks, Predictions: Target LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan on Tuesday with Promo Code CBSSPORTS The NBA season is in full swing, and the excitement only continues to build as teams jockey for position atop their respective conferences. As we head into another thrilling week of action, our friends at Kalshi are here to help you make the most of your betting experience by offering a selection of free picks and predictions. This Tuesday, Kalshi is highlighting two must-play games that feature some of the league's biggest stars. First up, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a highly anticipated showdown between two Western Conference powerhouses. Kalshi experts are backing the Lakers to cover the spread as -4 favorites, citing LeBron's incredible all-around game and the team's ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. With James set to face off against his former teammate Curry for the first time since leaving Golden State, you can bet he'll be motivated to come out on top. In another highly competitive matchup, DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls are set to take on Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies in a Central Division showdown. Kalshi is backing the Bulls to pull off the upset as +3 underdogs, citing DeRozan's clutch shooting and the team's ability to get hot from beyond the arc. To make the most of these picks, be sure to use the promo code CBSSPORTS at checkout to receive your exclusive 10% deposit bonus. Don't miss out on this opportunity to boost your bankroll and make some money off the NBA action!#LeBron_James #Chicago_Bulls #Stephen_Curry #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Golden_State_Warriors #DeMar_DeRozan #Memphis_Grizzlies #Ja_Morant
NBA Teams' Regrets: One Trade Each Wishes It Could Make Right Now The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, leaving some teams feeling regretful about the moves they didn't make. With hindsight being 20/20, it's easy to imagine which trades each team would wish they could redo right now. Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks traded away their first-round pick in the 2021 draft for the rights to acquire Cam Reddish from the New York Knicks. They'd be happy to get that pick back and rework their roster around Trae Young. A trade for a young talent like Jalen Green or Jonathan Kuminga would give them a much-needed boost on the wing. Boston Celtics: The C's traded away the 2019 first-round pick they acquired from Sacramento, which became Tyler Herro, to the Miami Heat. They'd love to have that pick back and pair it with their current core. A trade for someone like Jarrett Allen or Bam Adebayo would give them a dominant big man to anchor their defense. Brooklyn Nets: The Nets traded away Jeremy L...#NBA #Charlotte_Hornets #Denver_Nuggets #Detroit_Pistons #Chicago_Bulls #Indiana_Pacers #Cleveland_Cavaliers #Orlando_Magic #Toronto_Raptors #Phoenix_Suns #Milwaukee_Bucks #Sacramento_Kings #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Boston_Celtics #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Atlanta_Hawks #Brooklyn_Nets #Houston_Rockets #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Memphis_Grizzlies #Miami_Heat #Minnesota_Timberwolves #New_York_Knicks #Oklahoma_City_Thunder #Philadelphia_76ers #Portland_Trail_Blazers #San_Antonio_Spurs #Utah_Jazz
Lakers' Marcus Smart Signing Looks Brilliant After Incredible Night The Los Angeles Lakers made a shrewd move this offseason by signing free agent guard Marcus Smart to a four-year contract worth $52 million. And after an incredible performance in the team's season opener against the Golden State Warriors, it's clear that the Lakers' front office knows a thing or two about making smart moves. Smart, who was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans, showed why he was so coveted on the market with a 30-point, seven-rebound, and five-assist night. He shot an impressive 12-of-20 from the field and added four three-pointers to his stat line, helping the Lakers to a convincing 123-110 win over their Western Conference rivals. The 29-year-old guard's all-around game was on full display as he attacked the basket with ease, drew fouls, and even showed off his defensive prowess by blocking two shots. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has already made him a fan favorite at Crypto.com Arena, and it's easy to see why. "It's an incredible feeling knowing that I can make a difference on both ends of the floor," Smart said after the game. "I'm just trying to bring energy and enthusiasm every time I step onto the court." The Lakers' signing of Smart has drawn comparisons to their acquisition of point guard Lonnie Walker IV last season, who also made an immediate impact after being traded from the San Antonio Spurs. Like Walker, Smart is expected to be a key contributor off the bench for the Lakers, and his performance in the opener only adds to the excitement. With Smart on board, the Lakers have added another layer of depth to their roster, which already boasted a strong starting five fe...#LeBron_James #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Marcus_Smart #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Lonnie_Walker_IV #Anthony_Davis #Russell_Westbrook
