Fresh off his arrival in Ann Arbor, a highly touted Michigan football recruit has already stirred the pot in the storied rivalry with Ohio State, engaging in playful banter with NBA superstar and fervent Buckeyes fan LeBron James.
Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top recruit in the 2024 class, encountered James at a Los Angeles Lakers game on March 3 and didn’t miss the opportunity to playfully jab at the Wolverines’ arch-rival.
Underwood, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, said:
“We started talking, and then I said, ‘Before this all starts, just had to let you know, I go to Michigan,” Underwood said (14:42). “It’s over for Ohio State.”
Michigan has dominated Ohio State recently, winning four straight, including last season’s victory in Columbus. Despite that loss, the Buckeyes still made a national title push.
Now, both teams face quarterback transitions. Julian Sayin, last year’s backup, is the frontrunner for Ohio State, while Michigan’s battle features top prospect Underwood and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene.
Meanwhile, the NBA world is watching LeBron James’ status and its impact on the Lakers. The team, riding high after landing Luka Doncic, looked like a serious contender until James suffered an injury against the Celtics. Expected to miss one to two weeks, James had been in top form, scoring 30-plus in two of the last three games and helping the Lakers win eight of nine with him in the lineup.
LeBron James’ absence is taking a toll on the Lakers
Since LeBron James has been out, they’ve dropped two straight games, including a 126-106 loss to the Bucks. Even Luka Doncic’s 45-point effort and Austin Reaves’ solid 28 weren’t enough to mask the team’s lack of depth.
The Lakers still hold the No. 4 spot in the West but have just a one-game cushion over Houston, with Golden State closing in. As they brace for matchups against Denver and another clash with Milwaukee, questions linger: How will they fare until James returns, and what impact will his absence have on their season?
The Lakers’ upcoming schedule faces Phoenix on Sunday, March 16, followed by Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 18, and Denver on Wednesday, March 19.
On the flip side, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook could team up again in Los Angeles. Westbrook, a former MVP, bounced around from the Thunder to the Rockets and Wizards before joining the Lakers in a massive 2021 trade.
According to reports, if he skips his player option and hits free agency, he could bring a steady, seasoned hand to the Lakers’ backcourt.
Amid this, Michigan’s freshman quarterback took a playful shot at the sidelined NBA star, blending college football rivalry with the Lakers’ ongoing struggles.
READ: LeBron James Returns to Los Angeles Following Medical Advice
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
