PUMP Newsletter

NBA

Defying Age, Redefining Legacy

LeBron James is rewriting the record books, again. At 39, he just became the oldest player in NBA history to notch three consecutive triple-doubles. And who held that record before him? That would be LeBron James himself. Because of course.

But after Wednesday’s performance against Memphis, LeBron let the basketball world in on something he rarely discusses, his timeline.

“I’m not going to play that much longer. One year, two years, whatever the case may be. I’m not playing until the wheels fall off.”

LeBron James

It’s a stark reminder that even the greats can’t outrun time. But the numbers argue otherwise, LeBron is still a top-20 scorer, fourth in assists, and leading the Lakers to a 7-4 start under coach JJ Redick.

He is also on pace for his 21st All-Star selection but as he eyes the twilight of his career, LeBron has made it clear he’s not sticking around just for show.

The Mavericks' Heartbreaking Buzzer-Beater Blues

If close calls counted as wins, the Mavericks would be cruising. Instead, Dallas dropped their fourth consecutive game, losing 115-113 to the Utah Jazz after yet another missed buzzer-beater, this time, Naji Marshall’s corner 3-pointer.

Luka Dončić led the charge with 37 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, but his clutch struggles continued. A defensive lapse allowed John Collins to score the game-winning dunk, capping a frustrating night for Dallas.

For context, this marks their fourth straight loss by a combined total of just eight points.

Dallas ranks among the worst teams in clutch situations this season, especially on defense. While Kyrie has been sharp in crunch time, Luka's shooting has been inconsistent, and defensive breakdowns have been costly. There’s hope that these close losses will eventually turn into wins as the season progresses, but for now, Mavs fans might want to invest in stress balls.

Boston’s Secret Weapon Nearing Return

The Boston Celtics are preparing for a new beginning, with Kristaps Porzingis. After offseason surgery to repair his ankle, Porzingis is ramping up on-court workouts. And the signs are promising.

Boston has thrived without him, sitting at 10-3 and overcoming some early-season struggles on the glass and in paint defense. Yet, the prospect of Porzingis’ versatile skill set, rim protection, rebounding, and an offensive arsenal, is tantalizing. Coach Joe Mazzulla won’t rush it, but when Porzingis does step back on the court, expect the Celtics to look even scarier.

Can Bronny Strike a Balance Between G-League and NBA?

The Los Angeles Lakers are walking a fine line with Bronny James' development plan. Splitting time between the South Bay Lakers and the big club, Bronny is taking an unconventional path to NBA readiness. But is it the best one?

So far, Bronny’s G-League journey has been limited to home games. In his debut, he logged 31 minutes, scoring six points on 2-of-9 shooting while showing glimpses of solid defense and ball-handling. Critics, like ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, argue that this approach might not benefit Bronny’s long-term growth or help South Bay fully integrate him.

On the other hand, the Lakers face logistical and celebrity-related challenges with Bronny, whose unique position as LeBron James’ son means traveling with a G-League team could be disruptive.

For now, the Lakers seem focused on keeping Bronny close while giving him a taste of both worlds. Whether this approach gets him closer to becoming a rotation player or simply keeps LeBron happy, only time will tell.

WNBA

A Free Agency Journey Begins For Kelsey

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell is entering uncharted territory this offseason, free agency. After seven seasons with the team that drafted her second overall in 2018, Mitchell is exploring her options for the first time.

Mitchell’s partnership with rookie phenom Caitlin Clark gave the Fever one of the most electric backcourts in the WNBA this season. The duo ranked among the league’s best 3-point shooters and helped the Fever recover from a rocky 1-8 start to post a .643 winning percentage after the Olympic break.

The Fever also broke attendance records, drawing 340,715 fans this season, a testament to Clark’s star power and Mitchell’s consistency. But the increased spotlight brought its challenges, including toxic online hate targeting players. Mitchell addressed this with grace:

“Our team doesn’t condone racism, sexism, homophobia, or hate against any group. That has no place in our fanbase. Period.”

Kelsey Mitchell

While Mitchell’s future with the Fever is uncertain, her legacy in Indiana is secure. As the team rebuilds under a promising young core, her decision will shape both her career and the Fever’s trajectory for years to come.

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That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you on Monday!

— The Players Unlimited Team