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Alex Cameron understands the importance of getting into character. For each one of his records, Cameron adopts a different musical alter ego. For last year’s Miami Memory record, the Australian singer took on the guise of a sleazy failed entertainer. A year later, the musician is giving fans a taste of his unrefined Miami Memory songwriting sessions with a collection of demos.

Aptly tilted Miami Memories, Cameron announced the collection of demos with the stripped-down track “Gaslight.” About the original album as a whole, Cameron said his inspiration came from real lived experiences though they are still dominated by his alter ego: “When you listen to these songs, and you’re waiting for the twist, or the joke, or any kind of discomfort, I can assure you none of those things were there when I wrote them. These are true stories, of actual events. Specific but never esoteric. And graphic but never offensive. Miami Memory is the story of a couple balancing sex with contemporary family values…It’s my gift to my girlfriend, a symbol to hoist on the totem of love.”

Listen to “Gaslight (Demo)” above and see Cameron’s Miami Memories cover art and tracklist below.

1. “Far From Born Again (Demo)”
2. “Gaslight (Demo)”
3. “Miami Memory (Demo)”
4. “PC With Me (Demo)”

Miami Memories is out 8/21 via Secretly Canadian. Pre-order it here.

Alleged Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell is languishing in jail right now, and she’s not happy about it. That’s to be expected after her jet-setting lifestyle, which the socialite maintained for decades, but Maxwell’s unhappiness was forecast by The Independent, which wrote about the Brooklyn federal prison where Maxwell awaits trial until July 2021 after being denied bail. It’s the same facility that has housed both pharma bro Martin Shkreli and R. Kelly, and consultant Michael Frantz told the publication that her “life is going to basically be hell there” due to uncleanliness and power outages and “a lot of guard-related incidents.” However, Maxwell’s citing a different guard-related complaint, according to NBC News.

Much of what Maxwell is complaining about has to do with Epstein’s own reported suicide behind bars and the feds wanting to prevent a repeat. So, the alleged ringleader of the duo’s sex trafficking ring has been on suicide watch until recently. NBC News now reveals that Maxwell’s quite upset about “uniquely onerous conditions” like 24-7 surveillance and body scans, and her defense attorneys have filed a request to have her moved out of solitary confinement and, uh, into general population. Via NBC News:

“It has become apparent that the BOP’s treatment of Ms. Maxwell is a reaction to the circumstances surrounding the pretrial detention and death of Mr. Epstein…

Maxwell’s lawyers say she’s under surveillance 24 hours a day “by security cameras and by multiple prison guards, many of whom do not appear to be regular MDC personnel … These prison guards constantly observe Ms. Maxwell and take notes on her every activity, including her phone conversations with defense counsel,” the filing says.

To be fair, Maxwell might not be happy about surveillance, but the facility where she’s at doesn’t sound nearly as bad as the “worse than Guantanamo” Manhattan facility that freaked out El Chapo.

Meanwhile, Maxwell’s notoriety has only grown while she remains behind bars. Recently unsealed and explosive documents have revealed allegations against Bill Clinton (who was photographed with Maxwell on Epstein’s jet, known as the “Lolita Express”), Alan Dershowitz, Prince Andrew, and more. She’s recently been discovered to have a secret husband, whose name she will not reveal, and alleged victim Virginia Giuffre told CBS This Morning that Maxwell is “a monster… she’s worse than Epstein.” She also called Maxwell “vicious” and “evil” and reprehensible on another level as a woman who (allegedly) actively participated in the sexual abuse of other women.

(Via NBC News & The Independent)

Sylvan Esso, the duo composed of couple Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, are gearing up to release their third record, Free Love. The group originally announced the effort with the single “Ferris Wheel,” saying the album’s idea revolves around “being increasingly terrified of the world.” Now, Sylvan Esso turns that theme on its head with their carefree “Rooftop Dancing” video.

In a statement, Meath said they infused the single with the energetic hum that comes with living in a big city: “Rooftop Dancing is about the excitement of being part of a collective humming whole — a city that contains multitudes — with your small story shining softly amidst it. Cheryl Dunn was a natural first choice to make the video since she has been so brilliantly capturing the spirit of NYC for years. We are so grateful to her for collaborating with us and giving us a beautiful slice of what the city feels like today,”

Directed by Cheryl Dunn, the “Rooftop Dancing” video follows and optimistic roller skater on a joyful ride around New York City. About the visual, Dunn said it nods to the resilience of New Yorkers during the pandemic: “To me this song reflects the social climate of NY right now, with its historical resilience to re-invent – to create new things from the discarded, to take back the streets, to not dwell on what you can’t do but to get excited about what you can do… like riding bikes en masse, making guerrilla art shows by the river, making more art and music – and yes – dancing on the roof tops!”

Watch the “Rooftop Dancing” video above.

Free Love is out 9/25 via Loma Vista. Pre-order it here.

Indie music has grown to include so much. It’s not just music that is released on independent labels, but speaks to an aesthetic that deviates from the norm and follows its own weirdo heart. It can come in the form of rock music, pop, or folk. In a sense, it says as much about the people that are drawn to it as it does about the people that make it.

Every week, Uproxx is rounding up the best new indie music from the past seven days. This week we got a new Bon Iver track featuring Bruce Springsteen, another excellent single from Beabadoobee as part of an album announcement, and an epic 10-minute album-closer from Young Jesus. Check out the rest of the best new indie music below.

While we’re at it, check out Indiecast, our new weekly podcast hosted by Steven Hyden and Ian Cohen, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Washed Out — Purple Noon

Some of the best records are ones that you can throw on in the background and go about your day, only to realize later that every beat and lyric is ingrained in your memory. (Yes, this is how I studied for my Bar Mitzvah.) Washed Out’s latest is exactly this type of record, which marks Ernest Greene’s return to Sub Pop records. Purple Noon is a perfect soundtrack to any type of situation, with beats and jams that will rarely make you stop what you’re doing, but instead encourage you to keep going.

Baseball Game — Baseball Game EP

We’ve been following this Los Angeles/Nashville duo during the rollout of their self-titled debut EP, and now the four-track effort is finally here in all of its hazy, blissed-out glory. In a statement, the band called the EP “a collection of songs about nostalgia, desire, melancholy, and loss,” and you can hear the longing in the music before even digging into the lyrics.

Bon Iver — “AUATC”

Fresh off his appearance on Taylor Swift’s Folklore, Justin Vernon has dropped another track that showcases his increasingly impressive rolodex: “AUATC” features vocal contributions from Bruce Springsteen, Jenny Lewis, Phil Cook, Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner, and more. Based around a rolling piano refrain, the track takes musical cues from the synthetic vocoder of 22, A Million and the sparse arrangements of i, i, heralding in a new era for Bon Iver that edges closer to superstar status than indie hero.

Beabadoobee — “Sorry”

Something about Beabadoobee’s music brings about a sense of nostalgia, but I can’t figure out exactly what I am feeling nostalgic for. “Sorry” is the second single from the 20-year-old’s forthcoming debut album Fake It Flowers, following “Care.” Both tracks take influence from ’90s alternative rock and are extremely good. “Starting softly with just her guitar, ‘Sorry’ erupts into a cascade of revved-up alt-rock chords and thundering drums,” writes Carolyn Droke for Uproxx. Beabadoobee is about to be a full-fledged rock star.

The Microphones — “Microphones In 2020”

The new song from The Microphones is longer than most albums. Clocking in at about 44 minutes, “Microphones In 2020” finds a middle ground between music and biographic recollection, with the music rarely shifting as Phil Elverum recalls moments from his life and career. The YouTube description even calls the video a “powerpoint karaoke slideshow/lyric demonstration/music display/photo flip/audio book.” It’s a very interesting project, to say the least.

Kelly Lee Owens — “Corner of My Sky”

With her new album Inner Song out in just a few weeks, Kelly Lee Owens has teamed up with former Velvet Underground member John Cale for a droning, electronic invitation into another world. Cale sings in both English and Welsh over Owens’ pulsing synths, making for an experimental affair that sounds, in some ways, like a modern interpolation of a Velvet Underground track.

Tim Heidecker — “Fear Of Death”

The ever-prolific Tim Heidecker is once again refocusing his attention from insane alternative comedy to non-comedic music. “Fear Of Death” is the first taste and title track of Heidecker’s forthcoming album, which features vocals and piano from Weyes Blood. “This record is a dream come true for me,” Heidecker said in a statement. “I got to work with some of the best, and nicest, musicians in town who helped me take some shabby, simple tunes and turn them into something I’m really proud of.”

Young Jesus — “Magicians”

Two years removed from the release of 2018’s The Whole Thing Is Just There, Young Jesus is back with Welcome To Conceptual Beach, an eight-track effort that invites listeners into vocalist/guitarist John Rossiter’s personal mental refuge, an idyllic spot where all of his needs are met, that exists only in his imagination. “Magicians,” the final track on the album, is a ten-minute epic that takes you on a journey through genre boundaries, blending post-rock and emo and math rock to create something vibrant and beautiful.

Kate Bollinger — “Feel Like Doing Nothing”

Later this month, Charlottesville singer/songwriter Kate Bollinger will release her new EP A World Becomes Sound. “Feel Like Doing Nothing” is the latest sampling from the effort, a low-key, breezy folk track that features sparse instrumentation and hazy vocals. The track is “meant to feel playful and like an abandonment of all responsibility, but it’s also supposed to feel a little uneasy,” Bollinger said in a statement. “It’s a song about avoidance and escapism at its heart.”

Narrow Head — “Hard To Swallow”

While previous singles from Narrow Head’s new album 12th House Rock has incorporated big riffs and hooks, “Hard To Swallow” takes on more of a wall of sound approach. The track is the heaviest that we’ve heard so far, and “was inspired by Helmet and Quickness-era Bad Brains,” according to vocalist/guitarist Jacob Duarte. Sounds about right.

Del Water Gap — “Mariposa”

Del Water Gap’s approach to indie pop feels refreshing, with modern synth soundscapes acting as a foundation upon which more traditional instrumentation can float and move. While not part of a larger project, “Mariposa” is the type of standalone single that generates attention; it’s a love song that finds S. Holden Jaffe recalling that “the first time i was alone with you/i knew.”

Total Revenge — “The Fair”

You might be familiar with Ryan Pollie from his work as Los Angeles Police Department and as a solo artist. Now, he is back with a new project called Total Revenge, which shakes up his typical formula by adding on an aggressive layer of distortion to very bare-bones instrumentation. “The Fair” is what a statement calls “Lo-Fi to the point of sounding like a blown out speaker.” It’s pretty awesome!

Coupons — “Moz Disco”

Albany, New York rockers Coupons are set to release their sophomore album in September. “Moz Disco” is a fun dance number that features disco drum beats and a fun bridge that slows down the whole track for extra impact. Pick up the album on Bandcamp, where all proceeds will be donated to The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

With just two games left for most teams in the NBA’s seeding round, the drama almost completely lies in the Western Conference. With the Wizards eliminated from playoff contention in the East and the top three seeds all locked into place, the only room for movement is from 4-6 and while that can matter some for who faces Boston in the first round, it isn’t the most compelling race between Philly and Indiana.

In the West, however, there is likewise seeding to be finalized in the middle, but the best race is for the play-in series (which is now guaranteed to happen). Memphis, after a dismal 1-5 start, is just a half game ahead of Portland for the all-important 8-seed (because the 9-seed has to win two games over the 8 to make the playoffs, while the 8 only needs to win one). Phoenix and San Antonio are both just a half game behind Portland for ninth — with the Suns owning the tiebreaker between those two — and with all teams set to play two games, chaos may be afoot.

All four teams are in action on Tuesday, which means we may have more clarity depending on the outcomes of these games.

Rockets v. Spurs (2 p.m. ET)
Suns v. Sixers (4:30 p.m. ET)
Celtics v. Grizzlies (5 p.m. ET)
Blazers v. Mavericks (6:30 p.m. ET)

The simplest way for this to be decided today would be for the Spurs and Suns to lose and the Grizzlies and Blazers to win. That would lock us into Portland-Memphis in the play-in round, with their Thursday games deciding who has what position — Memphis can also be guaranteed a spot if Phoenix and San Antonio lose, even if they also lose as they own tiebreakers over both. However, with Philly without its top three stars, the expectation is that the Suns will have a great chance to move to 7-0 and things will not be so tidy — also the Celtics and Mavs figure to be anything but pushovers, pending Dallas resting players.

Here is Thursday’s schedule for these four teams as well.

Bucks v. Grizzlies (4:00 p.m. ET)
Mavs v. Suns (4:00 p.m. ET)
Spurs v. Jazz (6:30 p.m. ET)
Blazers v. Nets (9:00 p.m. ET)

With that in mind, here are the various scenarios for each team making the play-in series.

Memphis: Win two games, and you’re in and guaranteed the 8-seed. Win one game, and you’re in. Lose two games but have Phoenix and San Antonio each lose once, and you’re in.

Portland: Win two games, and you’re in (earn the 8-seed if Memphis loses a game). Win one game and have Phoenix and San Antonio lose one game, and you’re in (earn the 8-seed if Memphis loses two games). Lose two games, but have Phoenix and San Antonio lose two games, and you’re in.

Phoenix: Win two games and Portland loses one game, and you’re in. Win two games and Memphis loses two games, and you’re in (both of these happen together, and earn the 8-seed). Win one game, Portland loses two games, San Antonio loses one game, and you’re in.

San Antonio: Win two games, Portland and Phoenix both lose one game, and you’re in. Win two games, Memphis loses two games, Phoenix loses one game, and you’re in (earn 8-seed if Portland also loses one game in this scenario). Win one game, Portland and Phoenix both lose two games, and you’re in.

On a more specific note, here is how each matchup can happen for this weekend’s play-in series.

Memphis (8) v. Portland (9): Memphis and Portland each win two games. Memphis wins two games, Portland wins one, Phoenix and San Antonio each lose at least one game. Memphis, Portland, Phoenix, and San Antonio each lose one game. Memphis, Portland, Phoenix and San Antonio each lose two games.

Memphis (8) v. Phoenix (9): Memphis wins at least one game, Phoenix wins two games, Portland loses at least one game. Phoenix wins one game, San Antonio loses at least one game, Portland loses two games.

Memphis (8) v. San Antonio (9): Memphis wins at least one game, San Antonio wins two games, Portland and Phoenix each lose at least one game. San Antonio wins one game, Portland and Phoenix each lose two games.

Portland (8) v. Memphis (9): Portland wins two games, Memphis wins one game. Portland wins one game, Memphis loses two games, Phoenix and San Antonio each lose at least one game.

Portland (8) v. Phoenix (9): Portland and Phoenix win two games, Memphis loses two games.

Portland (8) v. San Antonio (9): Portland and San Antonio win two games, Memphis loses two games.

Phoenix (8) v. Memphis (9): Phoenix wins two games, San Antonio loses at least one game, Memphis and Portland lose two games.

Phoenix (8) v. Portland (9): Phoenix wins two games, San Antonio loses at least one game, Portland wins one game, Memphis loses two games.

Phoenix (8) v. San Antonio (9): Phoenix and San Antonio win two games, Memphis loses two games, Portland loses at least one game.

San Antonio (8) v. Memphis (9): San Antonio wins two games, Memphis and Portland loses two games, Phoenix loses one game.

San Antonio (8) v. Portland (9): San Antonio wins two games, Portland wins one game, Memphis loses two games, Phoenix loses one game.

It’s going to be a furious finish in the West and this afternoon’s action will determine who is still in the race. Wins by all four would keep everyone in it for Thursday. A San Antonio loss coupled with either a Phoenix or Portland win will eliminate them. A Memphis win locks them in. Phoenix is eliminated with a loss and a Portland win. Portland cannot be eliminated, but can lose the chance for the 8-seed with a loss (and lose control of their destiny).

Nas — whose as-yet-untitled new album is coming August 21 — has long employed a new executive producer for his long-awaited return to rap’s spotlight: The Inland Empire’s own Hit-Boy, the producer responsible for Jay Electronica’s “The Blinding,” Nipsey Hussle and Roddy Ricch’s “Racks In The Middle,” and Big Sean and ASAP Ferg’s “Bezerk.” The announcement suggests that Nas is looking for more hits out of his next project after the lukewarm reception for his last two releases, Nasir and The Lost Tapes 2.

They gave a preview of what their pairing has to offer in July with Nas’ appearance on Hit-Boy and Dom Kennedy’s “City On Lock,” from the latter two artists’ latest Half-a-Mil collaboration, Also Known As. While Nas only provided the hook on that track, it showed that Hit-Boy’s versatile production style could mesh well with Nas’ East Coast traditionalist rap approach, although it remains to be seen whether Hit’s production can bring enough energy out of the veteran rapper to carry a full project.

Earlier this year, Nas credited Big Sean with pressuring him to do another new album when the younger rapper put him “on blast” via an Instagram story post from the studio. Big Sean’s collaboration with Hit-Boy last year may have provided the catalyst, although Sean has been working on his own Detroit 2 comeback for even longer. Nas’ next project will be his second in recent years to employ one main producer, although the haphazard rollout for his Kanye West-produced Nasir — and Kelis’ accusations of domestic abuse — likely sapped some of the excitement for that album. Hopefully, this project with Hit-Boy returns the vet to his former glory.

The to-be-titled album from Nas and Hit-Boy is due 8/21 via Mass Appeal Records.

Kerwin Frost got his start in the NYC streetwear scene and rose to entertainer status with a hit YouTube channel, eventually scoring him the opportunity to interview some today’s biggest stars like SZA and Tyler The Creator. The entertainer is now putting his connections to use in order to benefit a good cause. Frost has curated a masterful lineup of musicians to join him in a livestream telethon event.

For the performances, Frost tapped an array of artists. Titled The 1st Annual Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow, headliners include Anderson .Paak, Kehlani, Beck, Mac DeMarco, DMC, Major Lazer, Lil Yachty, Sheck Wes, Jpegmafia, and many more.

The 12-hour event aims to raise money for charity, and they’ve set a hefty goal. Frost hopes to raise an impressive $5 million to donate to the Know Your Rights Camp, an organization aimed to ensure the well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, and mass-mobilization in order to elevate the next generation of change leaders. In a statement, Frost said he was inspired to host the event through “his personal desire to develop a meaningful response to the current national crises and bring the community together.”

Donating to the livestream isn’t the only way fans will help reach the show’s optimistic monetary goal. Frost has also dropped a line of merch with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Know Your Rights.

Check out the list of headliners above.

The The 1st Annual Kerwin Frost Telethon Supershow kicks off 8/16 at 9 a.m. PDT. Watch it here.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

This week’s best new pop music saw releases from both up-and-comers and seasoned stars alike. Joji tapped Diplo for a moody tune, Robyn hopped on a song with SG Lewis and Channel Tres, and Troye Sivan shared another slow-burner.

Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop music. Listen up.

Joji — “Daylight” Feat. Diplo

Though it may not be immediately evident through his down-tempo music, Joji’s sense of humor is apparent in his videos. The same can be said about Diplo, making Joji’s collaboration with him a highlight od this week’s best new pop. About “Daylight,” Joji said he wrote the song to inspire warmth in his listeners: “It might be nice for people to hear a song about daylight, especially when we don’t get as much of it as we used to.”

SG Lewis — “Impact” Feat. Robyn and Channel Tres

While clubs may be closed for the foreseeable future, SG Lewis tapped pop icon Robyn and Channel Tres for a dance floor-ready anthem. “The chemistry between Channel and Robyn is so powerful,” producer SG Lewis said about the track, “and creates something so unique.”

Troye Sivan — “Rager Teenager!”

Troye Sivan is just a few weeks away from debuting a new EP, In A Dream. Offering another taste of the lovelorn effort, Sivan shared “Rager Teenager!” which recounts the swell of pubescent hormones that presents itself as an urge to wild out with a love interest.

Omar Apollo — “Stayback”

Following a handful of singles and EPs, Omar Apollo is finally gearing up to release his debut album. With “Stayback,” Apollo further teases the wistful mood of the record. Speaking about the track, Apollo said: “‘Stayback’ is a song about being in love for a long period of time. After years of being hurt emotionally, I moved on and decided to treat the relationship as a memory instead of fantasizing about it and trying to make it work.

Kai — “In The Now”

With the immensely lush production on “In The Now,” Kai officially breaks out onto the scene with her debut solo single. Originally obtaining a Grammy nomination for her Flume collaboration “Never Be Like You,” Kai said her new track is about “the desire to be truly present with someone, instead of fearing the end and wondering, ‘What if I hurt you?’ or ‘What if you hurt me?’”

Duckwrth — “Quick” Feat. Kian

Duckwrth has been steadily releasing disco-inspired tunes and with “Quick,” it’s all coming into focus. The single arrives alongside a major-label debut record announcement and features an off-kilter beat and smooth harmonies from Duckwrth and his new labelmate Kian.

Alec Wigdahl — “Summer Is Over”

Rising singer Alec Wigdahl has proven a knack for soaring pop melodies with his recent singles and now the singer is back with the exuberant “Summer Is Over.” Over a driving beat, Wigdahl’s expertly captures the impending end-of-summer nostalgia with a distinct airiness.

Victoria Monet — “Jaguar”

Monet shared her shimmering record Jaguar this week, which Uproxx’s Wongo Okon aptly labeled “polished, provocative, and worth paying attention to.” With the album arrived the irresistible smooth title track. Over a jaunty rhythm, Monet croons feel-good lyrics about a new love interest.

Shy Martin — “Are You Happy?”

Prolific Swedish songwriter Shy Martin has proved her talent for crafting earworm pop singles but with her new EP Sad Songs, the singer is pivoting towards a stripped-down sound. “Are You Happy?” showcases Shy Martin’s immaculate production and captivating vocals. “The song is about looking back at an old relationship appreciating that it happened even though it didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to,” the singer said in a statement. “The ending of one relationship is often the start of a new one.”

Brevin Kim — “Manzanita St.”

Hailing from Boston, brother duo Brevin Kim shares another hit. Over a rolling beat and cathartic electric guitar riffs, the duo mourns a lost love with a slight auto-tuned edge. The brothers have been making music for years and uploading the tracks to SoundCloud, but their recent singles mark a big break for the pair.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

2020 has been a huge year for Hamilton (though not without controversy) thanks to its premiere on Disney+. It was announced in February that Disney had acquired a filmed version of the Broadway show for $75 million, which resulted in a significant payday for creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda. He made so much from the sale, in fact, that for the first time, he is in the top 10 of Forbes‘ list of the highest-paid actors of the year.

For 2020, Miranda ranks at No. 7 thanks to $45.5 million in earnings. The publication notes that Miranda should expect another influx of cash in 2021 when the film adaptation of his musical In The Heights is released.

Some other music-related folks made the list as well: The rankings feature Mark Wahlberg (fka Marky Mark) comes in at third with $58 million and Will Smith places eighth with $44.5 million. Other folks who made it include Dwayne Johnson (No. 1, $87.5 million) Ryan Reynolds (No. 2, $71.5 million), Ben Affleck (No. 4, $55 million), Vin Diesel (No. 5, $54 million), Bollywood star Akshay Kumar (No. 6, $48.5 million), Adam Sandler (No. 9, $41 million), and Jackie Chan (No. 10, $40 million).

Aside from the Disney payday, Hamilton also performed quite well on the music charts: In July, the soundtrack album achieved a new peak at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting Broadcast cast album in over 50 years.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The Los Angeles Lakers have not looked their best in the NBA bubble, as they’re off to a sluggish 3-4 start to the seeding round that, admittedly, became mostly meaningless once they locked up the top seed in the West early on. That makes evaluating what’s going on with L.A. a bit difficult, because their struggles have been real but so has the general malaise of their top players being stuck in Orlando with nothing real to play for yet.

It’s possible all this is fixed by simply being dropped into playoff action, particularly the uneven playing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the shooting woes from the rest of the Lakers are of serious note. Kyle Kuzma has been a bright spot of the supporting cast, as he’s hit 44.4 percent of his threes in the bubble, most notably drilling a game-winner over the outstretched arm of Bol Bol with 0.4 seconds to go against the Nuggets on Monday.

That led to Kuzma proclaiming he’d shoot the ball even if Jesus himself was guarding him — which led to some hysterics in the TNT NBA studio — and while LeBron James wasn’t too keen on addressing that comment, he did speak on the importance of Kuzma to L.A.’s title chances.

With their roster situation as it stands, there’s little debating this proclamation from James, but it does lay bare just how thin the margin is for the Lakers even with two of the NBA’s best players. LeBron is always capable of spectacular things in the postseason and Davis has shown in a couple massive scoring outbursts in the bubble what he can do to lift the team, but when defenses spend their energy trying to contain those two, the Lakers could use a third scorer and the most likely player on the roster to fill that role is Kuzma.

What remains to be seen is whether that’s a tenable situation deep in the playoffs against other top teams, but Kuzma’s play thus far in Orlando is encouraging. He has seemingly made some adjustments to shot selection, taking better shots and not forcing quite as much has he has in the past. This quote seems to be both LeBron encouraging Kuzma to continue to be aggressive (in a smart way) when he gets looks, but also applying a bit of pressure to the young forward by ensuring everyone knows what the internal expectations are for him. The next two months we’ll find out if Kuzma sinks or swims — and, by proxy, if the Lakers do too.