Michael Sprague’s Post

LA Lakers and the key to greatness No doubt, La Lakers is one of the greatest NBA teams of all time and sports team. But the real question is how they achieve this greatness. The key to greatness is three elements 1- Discipline 2- Passion 3- Love Now in your mind is how or why and. This is a good question, let me answer it for you. Because with discipline, you commit to your goals, and that is what La Lakers did, 75 years of discipline, 17 NBA champion titles, and 1 NBL title in 1984, their discipline and commitment to be Champions are what made them one of the greatest teams. With passion, you give everything to your goals, you give all your power and your ability to win and to be a champion, and if you fall once or twice, you stand up and keep playing as all you can, because this is your goal, and they did this 17 times in 75 years they didn't give up in 50 s or 60s or 70s they played to win, no matter what happens, what is matters to them is to be a champions, and this is the passion. With love you gives your heart, your mind to your goals, you need to love your goal and what you to be great at it, because this what champions do, lakers players loved the team, the city , the meaning of be a champion, that's why they got, miken and west, chammberlain, Kareem and a lot of great player there is end of the list, they loved the city and the team and the game and this why we love the game. This why Lakers is unique team, their mentality is to be a champion, to be no_1 In NBA and sports history, they wrote their name with gold, this why we love this team, it's a big example of success and greatness, they won in the past and they are going to win the future, because champions dosen't give up, they have discipline and passion this all what they need this there fuels for success. if there is anything I would finish this article with is thanks for Laker, and thanks for NBA, for this compitation And thanks for reading this. #lakers Los Angeles Lakers #losangeles #nba National Basketball Association (NBA) #inspiration #great

Age ain't nothing but a number. Just ask LeBron James, who continues to defy the odds and be the standard bearer of excellence in the NBA despite being the eldest player in the league today. LeBron James embodies this philosophy like no other in the world of sports. The King 👑 who turns another year older on December 30 is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. He continues to redefine what's possible on the court. His enduring dominance challenges the conventional narrative about age and athletic performance. With each game, he not only showcases his unparalleled skills but also serves as an inspiration for all of us to push our boundaries. After winning the inaugural in-season NBA Tournament and being crowned MVP, 38-year old LeBron and the LA Lakers are title contenders once again, with their eyes firmly set on the prize: another NBA championship in June 2024. Why does LeBron matter in the context of age? He possesses a consistency in excellence - day in, day out, his love for the game never waivers and always puts on a show for the fans. He added new elements in his 20 years playing pro ball - his adaptability and commitment to staying at the top of his game serve as a masterclass in navigating change. Beyond the stats and dunks, LeBron is a leader both on and off the court. His leadership qualities and commitment to teamwork are timeless, setting an example for aspiring athletes globally. Lastly, LeBron's journey isn't just for athletes in their prime. It's a beacon of hope for anyone striving for greatness, reminding us that our potential knows no age limit. Let's take a cue from LeBron James and apply his mindset to our own endeavours. Whether in the boardroom, on the field, or pursuing personal goals, let's embrace the belief that age is not a barrier but a badge of experience and wisdom. Keep pushing, keep growing, and remember: Age ain't nothing but a number. LeBron James is living proof that the best is yet to come! We've never met (but I would surely love to someday Los Angeles Lakers), but I carry that mentality as I prepare for another big year in 2024. #AgeAintNuthingButANumber #LeBronJames #Inspiration #Resilience #Excellence #Coinchella #Community #Basketball

The day when women are seen as equals in sports, it will be one of the biggest steps toward equality ever taken. You can say what you want about the ball and lines, if you watch Sabrina Ionescu shoot and don't see the absurd level of skill needed to perform at that level you are just choosing to be blind. She is a heck of a shooter. Elite level. Even Curry won't deny it. Watch him on court watching her shoot, he knows she's killing it. And he knows he needs to be at his best to beat her best. What's more, any competitive person knows that the joy is in competing, challenging yourself to always be better, and never backing down from a new challenge or challenger. In Curry's own words: "However this plays out, it's what sports is about, right? Competing, whatever the format is. She's the champ, so I'm the contender. Let's lay it out on the line." (https://lnkd.in/eu9rX_Xv) If after watching the videos, seeing what Curry said (doesn't get any more expert in shooting than this in basketball), and seeing their interactions during the contest people still want to talk about the differences in the WNBA, consider this: The 3-point contest this All-Star weekend was played from the NBA 3-point line (chosen by Ionescu for herself.) The WNBA shoots from a little closer to the hoop. Even though Ionescu said she practices from the NBA line, it's got to be a challenge in itself to adjust for competition shooting from a different line, so arguably she had the toughest challenge, to adjust to a different condition - and still pulled out that insane performance. And at the end of the day, it's about letting people dream, and dream BIG. To have their skills recognized, to be respected, to be believed in. And that, in every industry, every aspect of life, not just in sports, much less just among the international elite athletes.

Bronny James Drafted by Lakers, Setting Historic Father-Son NBA Moment Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James, has been drafted by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Selected 55th overall in the second round,… #BronnyJames #FatherSonNBAMoment >>>>> Full article in the link below

#BronnyJames being picked as the 55th pick overall in this year's National Basketball Association (NBA) draft is one of the best Win-Win-Win-... stories ever: - A young athlete fulfills his dream to play in the best basketball league globally and to make a name on his own (given his dad's legacy it's not about filling such shoes, it's about writing an own story). And boy, given his dad's status, Bronny has come a long way already (incl. health challenges) - LBJ keeps on fueling such #GOAT debate by adding "the icing on the cake": first father/son duo sharing the floor in #NBA history. Plus keeping the family in #LA (not another move), playing for most prestigious club in one of the coolest city's (a stage he keeps on leveraging for a multitude of side projects). - The Los Angeles Lakers keep their biggest (yes ageing, but still performing!) star/ face of the franchise and the core of the team together. It's not time for a rebuild yet. LBJ's new 2y max contract does not help to improve the team roster - but that has nothing to do with Bronny. Plus: if the currently circulating numbers on #9 jersey sales are at least distantly correct (contemplated 500k jersey sold within 24h - sources shaky though), at 80$ a piece the deal already more than refinanced (7.9$m over 4y) and provides salary space for new players on its own. - NBA fans love it or hate it - but they enjoy the show, either way. - Media & sponsors: Well... Love is in the air (eyeballs = $). - The #NBA could not have scripted that any better... First father/son duo playing (see above), great media coverage, high fan engagement, more sponsor interest, next streaming doku coming, ... simply next level! Views? Sven Schmidt Philipp Westermeyer Mario Götze Jan Frodeno Mario Konrad Boris Radke Eun-Kyung Park Katja Hofem Toni Kroos Marc Zwiebler Ole Bischof Daniel Wentzel Prof. Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt Lea-Sophie Cramer

As Brad Fougere noted in his latest post, the NBA dunk contest continues to lose its entertainment value and the 3 point contest is becoming the main event of the skills challenges on All-Star weekend. https://lnkd.in/ehR9-7VK. The inclusion of the new NBA vs WNBA 3 point contest between Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu was the one that really caught my attention. Sabrina set a high standard for Curry to beat with 26 points after making her first 7 shots in a row but cooling off with her final rack. Curry only beat Sabrina’s score by going 4/5 on his final rack to narrowly win it 29/26 showing there isn’t much of a gap between the male and female athletes. The narrative changed in the studio following the conclusion of the contest to the fact that Sabrina was shooting with a WNBA ball but on the mens NBA 3 point line and a debate began about which ball Sabrina should use to “make it fair for her” with some suggesting that she should have shot with the NBA ball to see how she really would have done on an even playing field. Even though that is the ball she uses for her league games and training leading up to the contest. This for me is the negative narrative that has plagued womens sports for years. Even when a female athlete does something impressive they are met with “but”, “it wasn’t fair”, etc… Steph curry is the greatest shooter of all time. Period. For Sabrina to come so close to beating him says everything you need to know about her pedigree. If we want to stop making excuses we need more equitable playing fields/conditions that won’t allow such comparisons to stop muting celebrating the successes of female athletes. Well done to Sabrina Ionescu once again showing how capable and qualified women are when given an opportunity to compete against their male counterparts. What are your thoughts?

🏀🔥 Exciting NBA Update: Witnessing Greatness on the Court! 🔥🏀 Hey #NBA enthusiasts, are you ready for some thrilling basketball action? 🤩🏀 The NBA season is in full swing, and the hardwood is sizzling with electrifying performances from the league's finest players. 🌟 Let's take a look at the latest jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable highlights that have left us in awe! 🔹 Rising Stars: The future of the NBA is in safe hands, as a new generation of superstars emerges. We've seen explosive performances from young talents who have been setting the league on fire. From gravity-defying dunks to clutch three-pointers, they continue to push the boundaries of what's possible on the court. Keep an eye on these phenoms as they shape the league's landscape. 🔹 Surprising Upsets: Who doesn't love an underdog story? The NBA has witnessed some breathtaking upsets this season, with unexpected teams taking down established powerhouses. It's a testament to the competitiveness and parity of the league. Every game brings its own surprises, making it impossible to predict the outcomes. 🔹 Battle of Titans: As always, the titans of the NBA are putting on a show for their fans. The seasoned veterans continue to prove why they are considered some of the greatest to ever grace the hardwood. The matchups between top-tier teams have been nothing short of epic, providing edge-of-your-seat entertainment. 🔹 Inspirational Comebacks: Sportsmanship and resilience are on full display in the NBA. Several players have returned from injuries and setbacks with a determination that is awe-inspiring. Their comeback stories remind us of the human spirit's strength and passion for the game. 🔹 Unmatched Teamwork: Success in the NBA isn't just about individual talent; it's about teamwork and chemistry. The teams that communicate seamlessly and trust each other on the court are the ones making waves this season. It's a reminder that together, we can achieve greatness. Join the conversation and share your favorite NBA moments in the comments below! 📢🗣️ Let's celebrate the spirit of basketball and cheer on these incredible athletes as they continue to redefine the game we love. 🙌🏼🏀 #NBASeason #BasketballPassion #Sportsmanship

According to the NBA site, Michael Jordan is "the greatest basketball player of all time." Ironically enough...Michael Jordan has LOST more basketball games than I ever have! I have NEVER lost as many games as he has. He claims to have lost OVER 300 basketball games over his lifetime. Turns out.... You have to play at least 300 games to be able to claim having lost over 300 games!!! (I may have played a total of....20 basketball games in my life? LOL) AND ... you have to play again after having lost to earn the level & quality of wins Michael Jordan has. When I was growing up, there was a commercial that promoted, "Be like Mike." It made kids want to grow up to be successful like Michael Jordan. They did not advertise his many losses. But to be successful like Mike, you have to lose ALOT more than most are willing to play, like Mike did....and yet Keep. Coming. Back.... like Mike. You have to lose ALOT to get to the point of being known for winning. The people you see winning at life.... Don't wish for their success unless you are willing to go through the losses they were will to endure to achieve their success. Don't wish for their success unless you are willing to keep playing the game...even after losing. And if you happen to be going through a season that feels like you are "losing," DO. NOT. GIVE. UP. THE. GAME. If you want to be known for winning, celebrate adding the losses to your story because that means... 1) You keep coming back and keep getting better, and 2) You use those losses as stepping stones to your success. Never give up. ❤️Donni

Who Has the Second Most Rings in the NBA? A Deep Dive into Basketball History https://lnkd.in/gaH4CNev When it comes to the National Basketball Association (NBA), one of the most frequently asked questions is, "Who has the most championship rings?" While the answer to that question is widely known – it's Bill Russell with 11 rings – the player with the second most rings is not as commonly known. Let's delve into the history of the NBA and uncover the player who holds this prestigious title. Invoice Russell The NBA: A Brief Overview The NBA is the premier professional basketball league in the United States, and it's one of the major professional sports leagues in North America. It's also considered the premier men's professional basketball league in the world. The NBA consists of 30 teams and follows a regular season and playoff format to determine the annual champion. The league has been home to some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. The NBA has a rich history, with the first season taking place in 1946. Since then, the league has grown in popularity and has become a global phenomenon. It's not just about the games; it's about the players, the rivalries, and the iconic moments that...

🏀🌟 Excitement is in the air! 🌟🏀 Tonight, basketball fans unite as the NBA kicks off its 2023-2024 season!   In the season’s opening games, we'll witness incredible talent, with players from the newly released SportsPro 50 Most Marketable Athletes List taking the court. The first game tonight will feature the 2nd ranked Most Marketable Athlete in the world, LeBron James, with the Los Angeles Lakers facing the defending champion Denver Nuggets and 2-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, who was ranked 122nd this year. Then later tonight, 13th- ranked Most Marketable Athlete, Stephen Curry, and the Golden State Warriors take on the Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant, who placed 73rd on this year’s Most Marketable Athletes list.  The excitement will just be beginning on Tuesday, as the 4th ranked Most Marketable Athlete in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Milwaukee Bucks will be starting their season on Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, playing against the 82nd Most Marketable Athlete, Joel Embiid.  In total, 11 NBA players made this year’s top-125 list of SportsPro’s Most Marketable Athletes in the world, and we are excited to see them in action! We extend our best wishes to all the players and teams, wishing them good luck and, most importantly, good health as we embark on the 78th season of the NBA. This year, we're looking forward to witnessing the inaugural In-Season Tournament, adding a new layer of excitement to the game.  The season is going to be action-packed, and we can’t wait to see who hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June 2024!  #SP50MM #NorthStarSG #sportsbiz #sportsmarketing #sportsindustry #NBA