The Lakers GM made it clear the Lakers are done with LeBron James, and Auburn’s Bruce Pearl just pulled off the ultimate nepotism move: handing his son a top coaching job.

Doug Kezirian dissects what Rob Pelinka’s press conference really revealed about LeBron’s future: the Lakers are building around Luka Doncic, keeping their books clean, and looking ahead to possible superstar trades like Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Which means LeBron enters this season on an expiring deal for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile, over in college basketball, Steven Pearl’s fast-tracked promotion is being called the ultimate act of nepotism. Doug breaks down how Pearl used timing and leverage to force Auburn’s hand, and why this move echoes the Bronny James saga.

From NBA front office maneuvering to college hoops politics, this episode of HARD PASS pulls no punches on how power, family ties, and money shape the game.

“The Lakers are done with THIS version of LeBron James.” – Doug Kezirian

#Lakers #LeBronJames #BrucePearl #NBA #HARDPASS

HARD PASS Ep. 45

On Today’s Episode:

00:00 - Intro

00:24 - Hoop Scoop

🏀 Lakers GM Rob Pelinka signals the Lakers are moving on from LeBron James after this season.

02:51 - The Video

🎥 Doug dissects Pelinka’s body language during the press conference. What he DOESN’T say speaks volumes.

06:11 - Hoop Scoop: Nepo Coach

🏀 Auburn coach Bruce Pearl retires and passes the head coaching job to his son Steven, sparking a heated debate on nepotism in sports.

07:24 - Heat Check

🔥 Bruce Pearl himself retweets Stephen A. Smith’s rant from last year, about critics of the LeBron/Bronny nepo draft, and #SportsTwitter gets fired up.

12:30 - Fans in the Stands

📣 “Bad Beat” is relative… especially if you win instead. Other fans weigh in on what really ranks as the “Worst”. Join the conversation!

#BasketballNews #SportsDebate #SportsPodcast #viralbasketball #BasketballTalk #SportsCommunity #NBAnews

Welcome to HARD PASS with veteran sports analyst Doug Kezirian, your stadium seat to everything football, and your courtside ticket to everything basketball! From buzzer-beaters to behind-the-scenes drama, scorching hot takes, and sharp analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Brought to you by the Doug Kezirian Sports Network (DKSN).

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