LeBron James had some fun with his time at Michigan after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 122-119 on Friday night.
When talking to reporters after the game, James joked that the Lakers were able to steal signals from the Suns because they were familiar with Frank Vogel’s system:
“I think we know something about coach (Frank) Vogel and his coaching staff. We know he’s going to change the defense, he’s got a lot of defensive packages, a lot of schemes. So just trying to read the game and see at what point, No. 1 Quarter, second quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter, where are they? We have some history with Coach Frank so we’re able to have that blueprint and be able to steal some signals okay.
“So that’s the key to our success and the best thing tonight is we were able to get those signals and we’re still able to play on Sunday. We’re not going to be suspended like North.”
Vogel served as the head coach of the Lakers for three seasons from the 2019-20 season to the 2021-22 season. He won the NBA championship in his first season with the team.
James, who is from Ohio and has a long-standing relationship with the Ohio State Buckeye athletic program, almost certainly relishes the opportunity to spy on their biggest rival.
The Big Ten announced Friday that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been suspended for the final three games of the regular season under its athletics rules. Harbaugh can coach the team during the week, but he is banned from the sidelines on game days.
The decision follows an NCAA investigation into sign-stealing allegations centered on Michigan staffer Connor Stallions, who resigned on Nov. 3.
Michigan filed an emergency temporary restraining order against the Big Ten in an attempt to prevent the conference from suspending Harbaugh’s eligibility.
If the suspension is in effect, Harbaugh will not play in the Wolverines’ game against Ohio State in the Big House on Nov. 25. The winner will likely represent the Big Ten East in the conference championship game.
While James was obviously joking, the Lakers may have an idea of what Vogel likes to do. After losing their first three games and starting 0-5 on the road against the Suns, they needed to make changes.