Tag: Anthony

  • Lakers’ LeBron James, Anthony Davis receive serious Skip Bayless message


    The Los Angeles Lakers have little else to play for other than a championship at this point. Yes, young talents like Dalton Knecht and Max Christie can continue their development and evolve into difference-making role players, but time is not on the organization’s side. The ongoing presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis requires LA to move with purpose, hence why the NBA trade deadline is such a pivotal occasion.

    Both stars have either directly or indirectly communicated their desire for general manager Rob Pelinka to add some reinforcements. Davis specifically wants a new center, that way he can slide over into the power forward position on a regular basis. James, on the other hand, mentioned a couple of weeks ago how the Lakers have little room for error because of how the roster is constructed.

    Fans themselves also clamor for organizational action. So, one can argue that Pelinka is feeling some degree of pressure, or at least urgency, from all sides. Longtime columnist and television personality Skip Bayless does not think an impactful deal is necessary, however. He is calling for James and Davis to fully embody their superstar nature.

    Skip Bayless weighs in on Lakers’ trade deadline situation

    “The trade deadline is February 6, Thursday and LeBron and AD have both taken turns saying they need help,” Bayless said on his weekly podcast, via ClutchPoints. “And I’m calling BS on both of them. Even their agent Rich Paul dropped hints with the media– LeBron and AD, they’re a player or two players away from being contenders. Seriously? The Lakers have two of the best players in basketball.”

    “They are complaining about needing more help,” he said. “Stop it you don’t need any help. You just need to play. Just be you, you guys are blessed… You got two top-10 players on your team. You got something nobody else has.”

    Related Los Angeles Lakers NewsArticle continues below

    Can LA really contend without making moves?

    While fans can and will quibble about player rankings, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are undeniable powerhouses. The former is scoring nearly 24 points on 51.2 percent shooting while dishing out 9.0 assists and grabbing 7.5 rebounds per contest in his 22nd NBA season. The latter is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 boards and 2.1 blocks through 42 games.

    Davis’ abdominal injury, which he suffered versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 28, will likely cost him a couple of more games. Given the relatively short recovery length, this development might not do anything to incentivize Rob Pelinka at the trade deadline. Bayless believes the burden will always fall on the top guys’ shoulders, anyway.

    He is right in asserting that these two future Hall of Famers must carry much of the workload if the Lakers are going to make everyone nervous in the West. An additional All-Star is probably not bursting through Crypto.com Arena this year. But, there are certainly areas of need that could be addressed in the coming days.

    Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick can use another big man, one he can trust more than some of the current options. Another shooter couldn’t hurt, either, as the team ranks 19th in 3-point shooting percentage (35.3).

    Regardless of what transpires between now and Thursday, James and Davis are expected to carve out a favorable path for the Lakers. The franchise is ahead of where it was last season, residing in fifth place with a 27-19 record. But if this group slips up in the second half of the campaign, fans will also look back to Pelinka’s deadline activity. A pivotal stretch awaits.



    Skip Bayless has never been one to shy away from controversial opinions, and his latest message for Lakers’ superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis is no exception.

    In a recent segment on his show, Bayless had some strong words for the dynamic duo, criticizing their performance in the recent game against the Phoenix Suns. Bayless called out James and Davis for what he perceived as lackluster effort and poor decision-making on the court.

    “I don’t know what was going on with LeBron and AD in that game, but they were seriously lacking in energy and focus,” Bayless said. “They need to step up and show why they are considered two of the best players in the league.”

    The outspoken sports commentator also went on to question the chemistry between James and Davis, suggesting that they need to work on their cohesion as a team in order to achieve success in the playoffs.

    While Bayless’ message may be harsh, it certainly serves as a wake-up call for the Lakers’ star duo. With the playoffs just around the corner, James and Davis will need to step up their game if they want to lead their team to another championship.

    It remains to be seen how James and Davis will respond to Bayless’ criticism, but one thing is for certain: the pressure is on for the Lakers’ superstars to prove their doubters wrong and show why they are considered two of the best in the game.

    Tags:

    1. Lakers LeBron James
    2. Lakers Anthony Davis
    3. Skip Bayless message
    4. LeBron James news
    5. Anthony Davis update
    6. Lakers NBA
    7. Skip Bayless criticism
    8. Lakers superstars
    9. LeBron James response
    10. Anthony Davis reaction

    #Lakers #LeBron #James #Anthony #Davis #receive #Skip #Bayless #message

  • Timberwolves, with Anthony Edwards ill, flop against Washington


    Their lead didn’t last, not after the Wolves finished off the first quarter with a 9-0 run of their own, led by the energy — and playmaking — provided by new supersubs Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark.

    That brought them within 27-26 at quarter’s end before …

    The Wizards countered by punching back, building back a quick 38-31 fueled by more three-pointers. They led 50-43 midway through the second quarter before the Wolves, with Ingles on the floor, answered back to pull within 52-50 with less than 2 ½ minutes left before halftime.

    When the Wolves took a very brief 57-56 lead with 56 seconds before halftime, the Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly drew two free throws and made both with 7.7 seconds left for a 58-57 halftime lead.



    In a disappointing turn of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell short against the Washington Wizards as rookie sensation Anthony Edwards was sidelined due to illness. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Timberwolves were unable to secure a victory, ultimately succumbing to a 115-107 defeat.

    The absence of Edwards, who has been a key contributor for the Timberwolves this season, was sorely felt as the team struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the court. Without his scoring prowess and energy on the floor, the Timberwolves were unable to keep pace with the Wizards, who took advantage of their depleted roster.

    While it was a tough loss for the Timberwolves, they will need to regroup and bounce back quickly as they look to make a push for the playoffs. With Edwards expected to return to action soon, the team will be hoping to get back on track and continue their pursuit of a postseason berth.

    Despite this setback, the Timberwolves remain a team on the rise, with a promising young core led by Edwards. Fans can expect to see more exciting performances from this talented squad as they look to make their mark in the competitive Western Conference.

    Tags:

    1. Timberwolves basketball
    2. Anthony Edwards injury
    3. Washington Wizards
    4. NBA game recap
    5. Minnesota Timberwolves
    6. Anthony Edwards health update
    7. Timberwolves vs Wizards
    8. Basketball news
    9. NBA match analysis
    10. Minnesota Timberwolves defeat

    #Timberwolves #Anthony #Edwards #ill #flop #Washington

  • Anthony Edwards added to Timberwolves injury report with illness


    There’s a bug making its way through the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room and it has apparently invaded Anthony Edwards’ immune system as he’s been added with a questionable status for Saturday’s game against the woeful Washington Wizards.

    Edwards joins Mike Conley (sprained thumb) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot) on the injury report with questionable tags, while Julius Randle (groin strain) and Donte DiVincenzo (big toe sprain) are also ruled out for the game.

    Before Minnesota’s game Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns, both Rob Dillingham and Naz Reid played after being listed as questionable with an illness.

    The Wizards have dropped 16 consecutive games for a second time this season and they have not won since beating the Bulls on New Year’s Day.

    If Edwards and Conley are ruled out, the Timberwolves might be rolling with a starting lineup featuring Dillingham, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert.





    The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced that star rookie Anthony Edwards has been added to the team’s injury report due to an illness. This news comes as a blow to the Timberwolves, who are already dealing with injuries to key players such as Karl-Anthony Towns.

    Edwards, the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has been a bright spot for the struggling Timberwolves this season. His scoring ability and athleticism have provided a spark for the team, and his absence will surely be felt on the court.

    It is unclear how long Edwards will be out due to this illness, but the Timberwolves will need to find a way to adjust in his absence. With the team currently near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, every game is crucial as they look to turn their season around.

    We wish Anthony Edwards a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the court soon. In the meantime, the Timberwolves will need to rally together and find a way to compete without one of their key players.

    Tags:

    Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves, injury report, illness, NBA, basketball, Minnesota Timberwolves, sports, illness update, player update, Anthony Edwards news

    #Anthony #Edwards #added #Timberwolves #injury #report #illness

  • Luke Kennard, Cole Anthony, Guerschon Yabusele, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr.


    Jan 22, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
    Jan 22, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

    At the start of the 15th week of the fantasy basketball season, let’s look at the top-dropped players.

    These players were all taken from the most dropped waiver trends section, which can be found on any FantasySP fantasy basketball page.

    Explore the best in-season tool to manage lineup/start decisions including waiver pickups, projections, trade suggestions, trade value charts, rest of season rankings, power rankings, and tons more with Fantasy Assistant. Use our fantasy basketball trade analyzer and the Trade Value Chart to break down trade scenarios.

    Fantasy Outlook

    Kennard is down 7%, bringing his total mark to 37%. His own percentage ebbs and flows depending on how he’s scoring, and after a poor shooting performance over the weekend, Kennard is down several percent.

    Kennard was 1-of-7 shooting in his last game. In 21 minutes, he had four points, three assists and one rebound, steal and block.

    In the two games before that, Kennard combined for 50 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals – he played 26 minutes off the bench in one game and started and tallied 27 minutes in the other game.

    Kennard is simply a streaky shooter, and unless he’s shooting well, you can expect his own percentage to be falling rather than rising or remaining steady. It’s hard to predict what kind of performance he might have, and fantasy owners often prefer to look elsewhere for fantasy help after he delivers a down showing.

    For the season, Kennard is averaging 9.8 points, 3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.1 blocks across 21.7 minutes in 33 games and two starts. He’s shooting 47.8% overall and is 48.7% from behind the 3-point line. 

    He’s scored over 10 points in 18 contests, with two games over 20 points. Kennard also has nine games under five points scored, so some of his down games are really rough ones.

    Kennard needs to be rostered in a decent amount of deeper leagues still, but there’s better options out there for those of you playing in slightly deeper than standard leagues. He can be streamed in most deeper leagues when he’s hot from the floor.

    You can try to play matchups, but really, the best course of action with Kennard is to add him after a big scoring performance, as another couple are probably to follow.

    Fantasy Outlook

    Anthony has been dropped in 6.5% of leagues and is now rostered in 31% of leagues. He saw his role diminished in his last contest, so you can understand why fantasy owners want to move off him.

    After starting or playing at least 26 minutes in nine straight games, Anthony came off the bench and played just 19 minutes in the team’s past game. He missed the two games before that.

    For the season, Anthony is averaging 8.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks across 16.3 minutes in 42 games and eight starts. Those numbers aren’t special, and he boosted them while starting and getting more minutes of late.

    Orlando got a bit healthier in the past week, and it seems to have knocked Anthony back into his reserve role. He’s still contributing enough at his season averages to own and start in some deeper leagues, but he probably should be owned in less leagues than his current own percentage.

    I’d keep Anthony on your watch list in case his role changes again, or if the Magic shakeup their roster and it gets Anthony into a better role. Right now though, I think Anthony’s own percentage should continue to fall, and think he should only be rostered in around 20% of leagues, at most.

    Fantasy Outlook

    Yabusele is down 6.1% and sitting at 43% overall. He continues to play a big enough role because of so many injuries in Philadelphia, but some poor performances of late has him being dropped.

    Over the past four games, Yabusele has scored in single figures twice. He was 3-of-10 shooting in his last game, but still had six rebounds and four rebounds to be a decent fantasy asset.

    Until the Sixers get healthy, which honestly I don’t think happens consistently all season, Yabusele is worth rostering and playing in a good amount of deeper leagues. He averages 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks across 26.1 minutes in 42 games and 20 starts this season. That’s enough production to utilize him in a few leagues.

    I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Sixers looked to sell high on Yabusele. He hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2018-19 season, but a contending team in need of another big man could definitely be intrigued by Yabusele. His role might diminish a bit on a new team, but a better team around him might also help him be more efficient and a pretty solid fantasy player still.

    I’d drop him in standard leagues and any deeper leagues that are only slightly deeper than standard ones. He still has enough value to roster in 40% of leagues or so, as long as his numbers don’t fall off consistently.

    Fantasy Outlook

    Jerome was dropped in 5.3% of leagues and now has an own mark of 30%. He’s had a wild couple of box scores of late, but a bad showing in his last game has fantasy owners ready to move on.

    Jerome had just six points, four rebounds and three assists across 18 minutes in the team’s most recent game. He shot 1-of-8 in that game. Jerome was 11-of-14 shooting the night before, tallying 33 points, three rebounds and assists and two steals.

    Jerome isn’t going to score 30 points a night, but he’s averaging 10.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals across 8.3 minutes in 42 games and two starts this season. The scoring and other few averages he owns are solid enough to roster him in a decent amount of deeper leagues. You could also stream Jerome when a couple regular Cavalier contributors are out for a game.

    His own percentage should hover around that 30% most of the season, probably not dipping below 25% or going over 40% ever. Jerome is a player to keep tabs on in case a big-time Cleveland player were ever to go down.

    Jan 25, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) and Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
    Jan 25, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) and Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

    Fantasy Outlook

    Pippen is down 5% and sits at 33% overall now. He’s struggled to score of late, and that’s probably the biggest reason behind him being dropped.

    Pippen scored 13 points on January 24, but is averaging 4.9 points over the past nine games. In 16.6 minutes over that stretch, Pippen owns other averages of 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals.

    His averages in rebounds, assists and steals aren’t too shabby, but if he can’t even average five points a game, there’s no point in rostering Pippen outside really deep leagues and dynasties. There has to be some better options out there on the waiver wire.

    His season averages of 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.3 blocks across 21.6 minutes in 46 games and 16 starts are much more respectable. I’d put Pippen on my watch list if you decide to drop him, or he gets dropped in your league.

    He might heat up again later in the season, at which point he could be worth adding and playing for several weeks at a time. Right now though, there’s not many leagues I’d want to start Pippen in – if you aren’t ready to drop him, don’t be afraid to just bench him for a while.



    Luke Kennard, Cole Anthony, Guerschon Yabusele, Ty Jerome, and Scotty Pippen Jr.: Rising Stars in the NBA

    In the fast-paced world of the NBA, young talent is constantly emerging and making a name for themselves. Luke Kennard, Cole Anthony, Guerschon Yabusele, Ty Jerome, and Scotty Pippen Jr. are five rising stars who have been turning heads with their impressive performances on the court.

    Luke Kennard, a sharpshooting guard for the LA Clippers, has been showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills, quickly becoming a key player for his team. Cole Anthony, a dynamic point guard for the Orlando Magic, has been making waves with his electrifying style of play and clutch performances.

    Guerschon Yabusele, a versatile forward for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association, has been dominating the competition with his athleticism and scoring ability. Ty Jerome, a young guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been impressing fans and teammates alike with his basketball IQ and defensive prowess.

    Lastly, Scotty Pippen Jr., the son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, has been making a name for himself at Vanderbilt University with his scoring prowess and leadership on the court.

    These five young players are just a few examples of the bright future of the NBA, and fans can expect to see them continue to shine as they carve out their own legacies in the league. Keep an eye out for Luke Kennard, Cole Anthony, Guerschon Yabusele, Ty Jerome, and Scotty Pippen Jr. as they continue to make their mark on the basketball world.

    Tags:

    1. Luke Kennard
    2. Cole Anthony
    3. Guerschon Yabusele
    4. Ty Jerome
    5. Scotty Pippen Jr.
    6. NBA prospects
    7. Basketball players
    8. College basketball
    9. NBA draft picks
    10. Basketball prospects

    #Luke #Kennard #Cole #Anthony #Guerschon #Yabusele #Jerome #Scotty #Pippen

  • $27M Smith Emerges As Ideal Player To Fill Anthony Davis Void


    The Los Angeles Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference with a 26-19 record. Despite their strong record, they have a negative point differential, raising concerns about their overall consistency. The team now faces an even bigger challenge. To overcome this challenge, the Lakers could turn to Jalen Smith on the Chicago Bulls. 

    $27M Jalen Smith Emerges As Ideal Player To Fill Anthony Davis Void

    Anthony Davis suffered an abdominal strain in the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers. He immediately left the court, leaving fans worried about his availability. The Lakers confirmed that Davis underwent an MRI scan, which ruled him out for at least a week. He will be re-evaluated before any return timeline is finalized.

    The Lakers announced Davis will not travel with the team for the remainder of this road trip. This decision further underlines the severity of his injury. His absence leaves a massive void in both scoring and defense.

    JJ Redick Faces Tough Decisions

    Davis’ injury puts first-year head coach JJ Redick in a difficult position. The Lakers have struggled with inconsistency all season and need stability. Losing their best defender and leading scorer only adds to their problems.

    Redick must decide how to replace Davis in the starting lineup. He has options, but none are perfect. Jaxson Hayes has size and athleticism, but lacks Davis’ defensive presence. Two-way player Christian Koloko is inexperienced and unproven. Another possibility is going small with Dorian Finney-Smith at center.

    However, none of these options provide the interior dominance the Lakers need. They must consider external solutions, especially with the trade deadline approaching.

    Jalen Smith Could Be the Answer

    One player the Lakers should target is Jalen Smith of the Bulls. Smith, 24, signed a three-year, $27 million deal in free agency. His contract carries an $8.57 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season, making him an affordable trade target.

    Smith fits what the Lakers need. He is a strong roll man on offense and a reliable rim protector on defense. He averages 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and shoots 64.4% on true shooting, ranking in the 93rd percentile. Defensively, he blocks 3.4% of the shots he faces, putting him in the 85th percentile. Opponents score 2.9 fewer points per possession when he is on the court.

    Smith’s 6’9″ frame may not be overwhelming, but his 7’2″ wingspan allows him to contest shots effectively. He would provide much-needed size and length in Davis’ absence.

    How Smith Would Fit in Los Angeles

    The Lakers have been searching for a reliable backup big man all season. Smith would step in immediately, helping to stabilize the frontcourt. He could start while Davis recovers, then shift into a backup role.

    Redick has recently experimented with two-big lineups, playing Davis alongside Hayes. Smith could fit into a similar role. His defensive versatility and rebounding ability make him a valuable asset.

    Smith’s contract also makes him a low-risk acquisition. If he does not fit, the Lakers can easily move off his deal. The Bulls are likely sellers at the trade deadline with all the rumors swirling around the team, making a deal realistic.

    What a Trade Could Look Like

    The Lakers have the assets to acquire Smith. They could build a package around Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt, and draft picks.

    Chicago has won just two of its last ten games and may look to offload contracts. A trade would allow the Bulls to gain assets while clearing cap space.

    For the Lakers, Smith represents a short-term solution and a long-term investment. His skill set complements Davis, and he provides insurance in case of further injuries.

    Lakers Must Act Before the Deadline

    Davis’ injury highlights the Lakers’ lack of depth in the frontcourt. Waiting for his return without reinforcement could hurt their playoff positioning.

    Jalen Smith provides the Lakers with an ideal mix of size, defense, and efficiency. His contract is affordable, and his impact could be immediate. If the Lakers want to remain competitive, they must act before the trade deadline.



    The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealt a tough blow with Anthony Davis sidelined due to injury, but the emergence of young talent Jalen Smith has given fans hope for the future.

    With Davis set to miss significant time, the Lakers have been searching for a player to fill his void and provide much-needed production on both ends of the court. Enter Jalen Smith, the 20-year-old forward who has been turning heads with his impressive play.

    Selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Smith has quickly proven himself to be a valuable asset for the Lakers. In his second season in the league, he has shown significant improvement in his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities.

    Smith’s versatility and athleticism make him an ideal candidate to step up in Davis’ absence and provide the Lakers with the much-needed depth in the frontcourt. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and protect the rim on defense make him a perfect fit alongside LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers’ roster.

    With a contract worth $27 million over the next three years, Smith has already shown that he is worth every penny. As he continues to develop and grow as a player, the Lakers can rest assured that they have a promising young talent who can help carry the team to success in Davis’ absence.

    So, while the Lakers may be missing their star forward in Anthony Davis, they can take solace in knowing that they have a rising star in Jalen Smith who is more than capable of filling his shoes. With Smith in the lineup, the Lakers have a bright future ahead of them.

    Tags:

    • NBA trade rumors
    • Anthony Davis replacement
    • NBA star player
    • $27 million contract
    • Smith basketball player
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • NBA trade deadline
    • Potential trade targets
    • NBA salary cap
    • Player statistics

    #27M #Smith #Emerges #Ideal #Player #Fill #Anthony #Davis #Void

  • JJ Redick Hopeful Anthony Davis Will Be Back Next Week


    Anthony Davis has taken the mantle as the face of the franchise for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 season as head coach JJ Redick envisioned when he took the job this past offseason.

    Redick noted he wanted to make Davis the focal point of what the Lakers do on both ends of the floor, and he’s done that as the star big man has assumed more responsibility overall. Thanks to Davis, Los Angeles currently sits in fifth in the Western Conference midway through the regular season though there’s still an opportunity to move up a couple of spots assuming the team can string together more wins.

    Unfortunately, the Lakers were dealt a huge blow when Davis suffered an abdominal injury in the loss against the Washington Wizards. Davis didn’t return after the first quarter and it was later announced that he would be re-evaluated in one week.

    While Davis is set to miss at least the next week of games, Redick said he and the team don’t expect him to miss extensive time, via Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group:

    It’s encouraging to hear Redick say that he hopes Davis returns next week as abdominal strains can linger longer than some might expect. It sounds like Davis will only miss a few games, though he’ll still need to clear the team evaluation once the time comes.

    Without Davis, the need for a true center becomes even more apparent as the trade deadline approaches. Davis’ injury reportedly doesn’t change the front office’s approach to the deadline, though they’ve been linked heavily to several big men on the market.

    Whether or not Los Angeles pulls the trigger on a deal is anyone’s guess, but in the meantime Jaxson Hayes is expected to start while LeBron James and Rui Hachimura are likely to see some extra minutes at center. The team could also turn to two-way players like Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III to fill the void, though they would be backups off the bench.

    Anthony Davis named reserve for 2025 NBA All-Star Game

    Anthony Davis has arguably been the best two-way big in the league this season and for his efforts he was named a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. The Lakers star is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals this season.

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