LeBron makes a vow to Lakers fans, James Wiseman is ready to prove himself, and Kawhi is happy to be back from "devastating" injury.

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LEBRON JAMES

LeBron James Makes Vow to Lakers Fans

LeBron James is 0-4 for the first time since his rookie year and has promised to play better. James said that he “wasn't aggressive enough in a lot of my turnovers” but that it’s an easy fix for him, and he’ll “be much better on Friday [against the Timberwolves] with that.”

While LeBron James hasn’t been his usual self, *only* averaging an impressive 25.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, the Lakers' problems extend way beyond his play. The biggest issue plaguing the Lakers is their abysmal shooting. In their loss to the Nuggets, the Lakers shot 8-for-30 from three for 26.7%, making them the worst 3-point shooting team through four games with at least 100 attempts in league history.

Thankfully Anthony Davis had a solid showing with 22 points and 14 rebounds, but with the roster’s current construction, it’s hard to see this Lakers team as a contender.

JAMES WISEMAN

James Wiseman is Ready to Prove Himself

James Wiseman has all the physical traits necessary to thrive in the NBA, all he needs is a chance. Due to a series of injuries and an NCAA probe in college, the 21-year-old Wiseman shockingly hasn’t played a full season of basketball since his senior year of high school!

In a recent interview, Wiseman admitted that playing only 39 games his rookie year and missing all of last season has delayed his development, but also believes that this adversity “made [him] stronger as a person.” Coach Steve Kerr sees the improvement in his game, especially after strong showings in the 2022 NBA Summer League and a quick stop in the NBA G League.

Currently, he’s backing up Kevon Looney while averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and one assist in less than 18 minutes per game. It’s a nice start, although backup center certainly wasn’t what the Warriors envisioned when drafting him second overall, one spot ahead of Rookie of the Year and All-Star LaMelo Ball.

Regardless, Wiseman isn’t dwelling on the past and is putting in the work on and off the court. If he can be what the Warriors envisioned on draft night, it will have massive implications for the Warriors in the short and long term.

KAWHI LEONARD

Kawhi Leonard is Very Happy to be Back from "Devastating" Injury

It had been 493 days since Kawhi Leonard played in an NBA game, but the wait is finally over, and he couldn’t be happier. Leonard gave his first exclusive interview since tearing his ACL in the 2021 playoffs, and the usually reserved and quiet superstar was uncharacteristically forthcoming. Kawhi told Fox Sports that his playoff injury was “devastating” and that the mental toll of being away from the game was worse than any physical pain of his injury.

Kawhi learned a lot about himself in his time away from the game and isn’t taking this opportunity for granted. Case in point, Leonard showed up to training camp looking noticeably more muscular, something his former trainer believes was done to protect his knees.

Leonard isn’t quite back to his superstar form, averaging 12.5 points on 44% shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.5 steals in only 21 minutes per game, but he has complete confidence he’ll get there in time, and doubting Kawhi Leonard would be foolish. After all, this is a man who went from averaging 7.9 points per game as a rookie to becoming a two-time Finals MVP. If there's anyone who's up for this arduous task, it's Kawhi Leonard.

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