NBA News and Updates: Bronny James delivers career-best, Stephen A. Smith reverses stance, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura injury update and more

The Los Angeles Lakers have been making waves lately, with standout performances and crucial injury updates shaping their playoff push. Even though LeBron James is sidelined with a groin injury, he’s still leading in a different way, stepping into an unexpected coaching role during their win over the Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, Bronny James is proving his doubters wrong with a career-best performance that’s turning heads. Stephen A. Smith, one of Bronny’s biggest critics, is even starting to change his tune. With the postseason approaching, the return of key players like LeBron and Rui Hachimura could be the boost the Lakers need. Head coach JJ Redick says both could be back just in time for a crucial showdown with the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, the Celtics are dealing with a major setback as Jaylen Brown’s knee injury puts both their playoff dominance and his All-NBA eligibility at risk.


In a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, March 20, the Lakers may have been shorthanded, but Bronny James still managed to make his mark. The rookie posted a career-high 17 points, along with five assists, three rebounds, and a block, hitting 7-of-10 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Bronny became the youngest Lakers rookie to reach 17 points and five assists with 70% shooting since Magic Johnson in 1979. It’s a major milestone, putting him in the same company as legends like Kobe Bryant and D'Angelo Russell.
In nearly 30 minutes of action, Bronny proved he could rise to the occasion. While the Lakers fell short, his performance hinted at bigger things to come, adding to the excitement around his future.


Stephen A. Smith hasn’t exactly been Bronny James’ biggest fan. He’s questioned whether the rookie has what it takes to make it in the NBA, and he’s never been shy about saying so. But after Thursday night’s 118-89 loss to the Bucks, Smith might be rethinking things.
Even in a blowout, Bronny stood out. He dropped a career-high 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, adding five assists, three rebounds, and a block. It was the kind of performance that turns heads—and Smith took notice.
“I might have been wrong. Are you listening, LeBron James? Are you listening, James family? Are you listening, Rich Paul?” Smith admitted on ESPN. He didn’t stop there, adding, “I’ve always believed that this kid has the potential, once I watched him, to be in the NBA.”
It’s a rare moment of backtracking from Smith, but Bronny earned it. Maybe this is the start of something bigger.

The Lakers’ season has been a mix of highs and lows, with injuries constantly pulling them back just as they seem to find their rhythm. Now, with only a few weeks left before the playoffs, every game matters. They could finish as high as the No. 2 seed or tumble into the Play-In Tournament. As forward Jarred Vanderbilt put it, “getting healthy” is their top priority.
Head coach JJ Redick remains optimistic that both LeBron James and Rui Hachimura will return for the Lakers’ matchup against the Bulls on Saturday, March 22. James has been sidelined for seven games with a groin injury, disrupting the team’s momentum after an eight-game winning streak. Hachimura, out for 12 games, had been a key player before his injury, averaging 16.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
The Lakers sit at No. 4 in the West, just 1.5 games behind the second seed but dangerously close to the Play-In cutoff. If James and Hachimura return as expected, they might have enough firepower for a deep postseason push.

Jaylen Brown’s injury puts Boston Celtics’ playoff push and All-NBA hopes at risk

Jaylen Brown’s stellar season with the Boston Celtics has hit a roadblock, as a bone bruise in his right knee threatens his All-NBA candidacy. Under the league’s new CBA rules, he must play at least 65 games to qualify for major awards, but with only 56 appearances so far and 15 games left, time is running out. Boston, leading the Eastern Conference, begins a crucial road trip against Utah, Portland, Sacramento, and Phoenix, with Brown expected to miss at least the first two matchups. His absence puts added pressure on Jayson Tatum and the Celtics’ depth as they push for playoff dominance. Can Brown return in time to secure both his award eligibility and Boston’s title aspirations?
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are both at critical turning points as the postseason nears. With Bronny James proving himself, Stephen A. Smith admitting he was wrong, and key Lakers stars on the verge of returning, the Lakers are building momentum at the right time. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown’s injury has put the Celtics’ dominance and his All-NBA hopes in jeopardy. As both teams fight for position, the final weeks of the season could determine who rises and who falls in the race for playoff glory.