With the start of the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season still a month away from us, things are still slow around the league. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a>, however, almost pulled off a shock.



The Dubs were linked with a possible move for Dwight Howard, who is still a free agent. This rumor made noise because of his past, as the big man won the ring next to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> at the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.



The Warriors still have empty roster spots, and are expected to cover them in the next few weeks. However, it looks like Howard will not be playing next to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> after all.



<h2>Rumor: Warriors not expected to sign Dwight Howard</h2>



“The Warriors are not expected to sign Dwight Howard or another veteran center ahead of training camp, sources tell me,” NBA insider Shams Charania said. “Howard had a 2-day visit with the Warriors this week that included meetings and workouts, but the Warriors are expected now to maintain flexibility to sign a potential big man later in training camp or into the regular season.”



It’s been a while since Howard played in the NBA, as his last team in the league were the Lakers in the 2021-22 season. At 37, he’s still waiting to see if another opportunity comes his way.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-star-completely-shuts-the-door-on-joining-stephen-currys-warriors-20230919-BUS-65246.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230919_BUS_65246_Stephen-Curry-10.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Not everyone seems to be thrilled about the idea of joining Stephen Curry at the Golden State Warriors.
" title="NBA star completely shuts the door on joining Stephen Curry&apos;s Warriors" publication_id="BUS#20230919#BUS#65246"></div>


Last year, the former first-overall pick played for with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan. Will Howard have another chance to play in the biggest stage before calling it a career? Only time will tell.

The former NBA champion with LeBron at Lakers who would be overlooked by Warriors

Warriors to overlook former NBA champion with LeBron James at Lakers - Bolavip US

Warriors to overlook former NBA champion with LeBron James at Lakers

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Following years of trade speculation, Buddy Hield, one of the best shooters in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, is finally up for grabs. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana Pacers</a> have officially made the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sacramento-kings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sacramento Kings</a> shooting guard available for trade.



While not a plus-defender, Hield is a walking bucket from all three levels, and his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc ranks among the most prominent in the game.



Hield’s three-point shooting will grant him plenty of suitors around the league. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the three most logical destinations for him right now.



<h2>3 Potential Landing Spots For Buddy Hield</h2>



Los Angeles Lakers: The Los Angeles Lakers already made some big moves this offseason, but the team could get even better with this addition. Having him backing up Austin Reaves could do wonders for Darvin Ham’s team, not to mention that he’d be their best three-point shooter right away.



Brooklyn Nets: The Brooklyn Nets don’t want to tank right now, and they need to find as many mid-level talent guys as they can. That’s why Buddy Hield is a perfect fit for what they need, and he could both start or come off the bench for Jacque Vaughn’s team.



Philadelphia 76ers: Last but not least, the Philadelphia 76ers could use more firepower, especially if they lose James Harden. He could provide a solid scoring punch off the bench, which is something they’ve lacked whenever Tyrese Maxey hasn’t started.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers and potential destinations for Buddy Hield

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers and potential destinations for Buddy Hield - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have faced plenty of criticism for their 2020 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>Championship, mostly coming from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James’</a> haters. They’re perhaps the only team that gets blamed for winning.



Some fans don’t believe the bubble championship should count, and they’ve constantly discredited it for some of the performances we’ve seen. T.J. Warren looked like the second coming of Michael Jordan, for crying out loud.



Whatever the case, they still were the best team in the bubble, and they proved it by beating every rival they faced en route to that ring. That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> believes it was actually a tougher ring to win because everybody was so locked in.



<h2>Damian Lillard Disagrees With Bubble Ring Criticism</h2>



“I felt like that was the best version of me to that point, so I don’t understand what people mean,” Lillard said. “I feel like that was hard to win because people were fresh. You got people talking about mental health, we stuck on a resort, I didn’t deal with all that. Based on how my body felt, we will never see a more fresh version of the opposition than we did at the time. (…) Why doesn’t it count? Nobody else won it. Everybody had the same opportunity. Why didn’t they win it?”



Some NBA players reportedly struggled with solitude and mental health issues in the bubble, but others made the most of their time in a luxury resort and were in the best shape of their careers.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/miami-heat-have-a-plan-for-tyler-herro-and-kyle-lowry-if-they-cant-get-damian-lillard-20230915-BUS-63378.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230915_BUS_63378_Tyler-Herro-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Miami Heat star Tyler Herro could embrace a new role next season.
" title="Miami Heat have a plan for Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry if they can&apos;t get Damian Lillard" publication_id="BUS#20230915#BUS#63378"></div>


At the end of the day, it’s all about beating whoever’s in front of you, regardless of the conditions, and it’s not like the Lakers had an edge over their rivals of any sort.

Damian Lillard shares his real thoughts on Lakers' 'bubble' championship

Damian Lillard shares his real thoughts on Lakers' 'bubble' championship - Bolavip US

For years, the Los Angeles L<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">akers</a> have hoped <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a> would take a step up, as he’s been as impactful as inconsistent, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> needs as much help as he can get at this point in his career.



Davis’ inconsistency has often frustrated fans, and there have even been several reports of James not being entirely satisfied with his efforts and availability — or lack thereof.



With that in mind, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> legend Charles Barkley believes it’s time LeBron finally starts holding Davis accountable and urges him to be the focal point of Darvin Ham’s team.



<h2>Davis Needs To Step Up, Says Barkley</h2>



“At some point, LeBron gonna have to say ‘A.D.– damn, I’m 100 years old. It’s about time for you to be the best player,&apos;” Barkley jokingly said. “You are in your prime.”



At the end of the day, it’s hard to deny that Anthony Davis is one of the most impactful players on Earth, which is exactly why the Lakers can’t afford to have him show up one day and not the other.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-could-have-a-big-problem-with-anthony-davis-right-now-20230908-BUS-59663.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230908_BUS_59663_Anthony-Davis-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though the Los Angeles Lakers tried to give him some help, Anthony Davis might not be happy with their latest decision.
" title="Lakers could have a big problem with Anthony Davis right now" publication_id="BUS#20230908#BUS#59663"></div>


Davis just got a huge contract extension, and while he’s paid his dues in Southern California, it somehow feels like he still needs to earn that by finally carrying LeBron’s torch and being ‘the man.’

It's time LeBron James holds Anthony Davis accountable, claims Hall of Famer

It's time LeBron James holds Anthony Davis accountable, claims Hall of Famer - Bolavip US

Nobody in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> seems to like or respect <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a> guard Dillon Brooks. Sill, the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/memphis-grizzlies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memphis Grizzlies</a> guard was one of the best players in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.



Brooks does a whole of trash-talking, failing to back it up on the court more often than not. His antics have been so tiring that even his own home fans have booed him from time to time.



Nonetheless, the Canadian troublemaker couldn’t care less about his reputation. If anything, he claims he’s just like<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend Kobe Bryant, who created the ‘Black Mamba’ character.



<h2>Dillon Brooks Wants To Be Like Kobe Bryant</h2>



“It’s just a persona, people love it. I’ve grown to love it myself. It’s just like Kobe Bryant,” he told HoopsHype. “R.I.P. to Kobe Bryant how he had to figure out how to create a Black Mamba, a different persona when he comes out on the court.”



“So I guess that’s my persona, the villain, just on the court. But I’m a loving, caring guy who loves my kids, love my family, love my teammates,” he added.



Well, that’s one way to put it. If he talks about embracing a different personality when he’s on the court, then we get the similarity. Other than that, well, it’s a huge stretch.

Dillon Brooks compares himself with Kobe Bryant

Dillon Brooks compares himself with Kobe Bryant - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> were just four wins away from making it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>Finals, which is crazy, considering how dysfunctional they were to begin the season. Not even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> or Anthony Davis looked good early in the year.



But the team was able to rally together. Darvin Ham and Rob Pelinka made some moves, and those tweaks helped them reach the Western Conference Finals against all odds.



Nonetheless, Philadelph<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ia 76ers</a> guard Patrick Beverley believes Ham didn’t do a good job with his lineups, and he even blamed him for Russell Westbrook’s struggles.



<h2>Patrick Beverley Calls Out Darvin Ham</h2>



“They should’ve started me, Austin [Reaves], [Russell Westbrook], [LeBron James], and [Anthony Davis],” he said on Gil’s Arena. “All the beef about Russ, maybe none of that happens… It’s ways that you have to operate your team without over-managing it, or over-coaching it. Sometimes you just have to put the dominoes out there.”



“I thought it was. I thought it was bad for Russ. He was the heartbeat of the team,” Beverley added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-could-draft-bronny-james-but-theres-a-catch-20230908-BUS-60013.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230908_BUS_60013_Bronny-James.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Los Angeles Lakers want to pair LeBron James with his oldest son, Bronny, but it won&apos;t be that easy.
" title="Lakers could draft Bronny James but there&apos;s a catch" publication_id="BUS#20230908#BUS#60013"></div>


It’s hard to point the finger at just one or two players, but the Lakers did fare much better once they were both gone. It wasn’t a matter of effort; they just weren’t a good fit for the team.

Former Lakers player blames Darvin Ham for Russell Westbrook's struggles

Former Lakers player blames Darvin Ham for Russell Westbrook's struggles - Bolavip US

There has been a lot of talk about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>‘ eldest son<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bronny-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">, Bronny.</a> He’s been projected to be an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> player for quite a while, even though not many scouts have been so fond of him.



Bronny is a good defender with a high basketball IQ, but most believe he wouldn’t be a lottery pick or even a one-and-one player if it wasn’t for his father’s desire to play with him.



With that in mind, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> could even consider taking him in the NBA Draft next year, but that’ll all depend on whether they get their pick from the New Orleans Pelicans.



<h2>Lakers Want Bronny James</h2>



“I think Bronny will go in the draft because of who he is, and some team will really think LeBron will come if they draft him,” a scout told HoopsHype. “If the Lakers get a pick, they won’t pass on him. He’s a decent player. He’s better than some guys who may get picked ahead of him. He’s solid, not spectacular.”



“He knows how to play. He can handle the ball well enough. If you leave him alone, he’ll drill a three. He reminds me of Austin Rivers as a player, and he’s stayed in the league for over a decade,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-and-bronny-james-take-big-step-after-cardiac-arrest-20230809-BUS-43431.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230809_BUS_43431_Bronny-James.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Following his scary incident, Bronny and LeBron James are going to great lengths to find some answers.
" title="LeBron and Bronny James take big step after cardiac arrest" publication_id="BUS#20230809#BUS#43431"></div>


It’ll be a dream-like scenario for the James household to have both of their big men donning the Purple and Gold jersey and playing together. But we’re still a long way from that.

Lakers could draft Bronny James but there's a catch

Lakers could draft Bronny James but there's a catch - Bolavip US

Over the past couple of months, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> had been keeping tabs on former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> big man Christian Wood. While not the biggest name in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> free agency, he could give them a major boost.



Wood isn’t a good defender by any means, but he’s a very polished offensive repertoire. He can score from all three levels and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting skills.



However, and even though Jaxson Hayes will also come off the bench, Darvin Ham doesn’t want Davis starting next to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a>, and he’ll have him come off the bench instead.



<h2>Lakers Won’t Start Christian Wood</h2>



“The early expectation is that Wood will come off the bench with Rui Hachimura the likely frontcourt starter next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, according to team sources,” Jovan Buha of The Athletic wrote. 



“At a minimum, Wood will be the primary backup center behind Davis while occasionally teaming with him in two-big lineups,” he added. “He should average around 20 minutes per game when everyone is healthy.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-could-have-a-big-problem-with-anthony-davis-right-now-20230908-BUS-59663.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230908_BUS_59663_Anthony-Davis-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though the Los Angeles Lakers tried to give him some help, Anthony Davis might not be happy with their latest decision.
" title="Lakers could have a big problem with Anthony Davis right now" publication_id="BUS#20230908#BUS#59663"></div>


Of course, that could be an issue with Davis, who has made it publically known that he doesn’t like playing at the five. Of course, it could also change at some point in the season.

Lakers have a plan for Christian Wood

Lakers have a plan for Christian Wood - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> have been one of the most active teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>offseason. Rob Pelinka made plenty of moves to help <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> pursue another championship.



Following months of rumors and speculation, they were finally able to land Christian Wood. The former Dallas Mavericks big man had been on their radar for quite a while.



And while one would think he’d be their starting center to allow <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis </a>to play his preferred power forward position, an ESPN report states that’s not going to be the case.



<h2>Anthony Davis Doesn’t Want To Play Center</h2>



(Via Dave McMenamin)



“Davis was slotted at center in 99% of his minutes last season, according to Cleaning the Glass data. While Davis’ performance in the middle earned him a three-year, $186 million contract extension this summer, the Lakers’ strategy with Rob Pelinka in charge of basketball operations has been to partner with their stars as stakeholders in the process.



Davis’ desire to spend more time at power forward was heard. (In addition to Wood, L.A. also signed 7-footer Jaxson Hayes.)



(…)



Wood could become a steal coming off a season in which he averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 37.6% from 3 with the Dallas Mavericks. He could use the Lakers’ platform the same way Malik Monk and Schroder did in recent seasons to reestablish value and gain an even bigger role if James or Davis miss any significant time because of injuries.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-agent-rich-paul-reveals-why-he-left-cleveland-for-the-lakers-20230905-BUS-57368.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230905_BUS_57368_LeBron-James-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James&apos; agent Rich Paul revealed the shocking reason why he left Cleveland to join the Lakers.
" title="LeBron James&apos; agent Rich Paul reveals why he left Cleveland for the Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230905#BUS#57368"></div>


Davis has made it loud and clear multiple times that he doesn’t like playing center, and while he’s agreed to do it for the sake of the team, you don’t have to have an unhappy superstar for long.

Lakers could have a big problem with Anthony Davis right now

Lakers could have a big problem with Anthony Davis right now - Bolavip US

Ever since he was a young child, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a> had one goal and one goal only. He wanted to be the greatest player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history, even ahead of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Michael Jordan </a>and everybody else.



His drive was unmatched, and his work ethic was his cover letter, even at a young age. All he cared about was getting better, and he was literally obsessed with basketball, up to the point that he didn’t have any friends.



Back in the day, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend admitted that he wasn’t even invited to parties or to hang out on weekends, but he believed that was the best thing that ever happened to him.



<h2>Kobe Bryant Only Cared About Hoops</h2>



“I wasn’t invited to parties or friendly gatherings on a weekend,” Bryant said. “So, on Fridays and Saturdays, I would go in my rec room with my basketball and basically dribble myself to sleep and I think that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.”



“Because during those lonely hours in the rec room, I discovered the hunger, the motivation, and the desire to be the best possible basketball player that I could be,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/stephen-a-smith-puts-untrustworthy-anthony-davis-on-blast-20230906-BUS-58128.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230906_BUS_58128_Anthony-Davis.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good a player as Anthony Davis is, Stephen A. Smith believes he&apos;s holding LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers back.
" title="Stephen A. Smith Puts &apos;Untrustworthy&apos; Anthony Davis On Blast" publication_id="BUS#20230906#BUS#58128"></div>


Not many teenagers are as determined to be great as Kobe. That mentality was one of the biggest reasons why he became such a massive icon and one of the most influential athletes to ever live.

Kobe Bryant once revealed the shocking best thing that ever happened to him

Kobe Bryant once revealed the shocking best thing that ever happened to him - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> just signed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a> to a huge contract extension ahead of the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> season. On paper, that was a no-brainer move, but some fans weren’t that excited.



As talented as Davis is, his time with the Lakers has been a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes he’s great, and sometimes, he even struggles to score in double figures.



That’s why ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith recently claimed that you simply cannot trust the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-orleans-pelicans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Pelicans</a> star, calling him out and criticizing his work ethic and preparation.



<h2>Lakers Can’t Trust Anthony Davis</h2>



“I don’t believe in Anthony Davis, in terms of his availability,” Smith said on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay. “Not talking about his skill set. I’m not talking about whether he cares or not. I’m talking about injury-prone, sporadic.”



“There’s something going on with him where instead of talking about me getting in the gym, you need to be talking about him getting in the gym because it’s up and down,” he continued. “It’s like this brother sat and ate a healthy meal one day and then ate a bag of Skittles the next. It’s this plummet, you know what I’m saying. I don’t understand it and I can’t have faith in that.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-agent-rich-paul-reveals-why-he-left-cleveland-for-the-lakers-20230905-BUS-57368.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230905_BUS_57368_LeBron-James-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James&apos; agent Rich Paul revealed the shocking reason why he left Cleveland to join the Lakers.
" title="LeBron James&apos; agent Rich Paul reveals why he left Cleveland for the Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230905#BUS#57368"></div>


LeBron James shouldn’t be asked to carry the load at this point in his career, and that’s on Davis. Hopefully, this will be the year he finally steps up as a leader and allows James to stay fresh for the postseason.

Stephen A. Smith Puts 'Untrustworthy' Anthony Davis On Blast

Stephen A. Smith Puts 'Untrustworthy' Anthony Davis On Blast - Bolavip US

For decades, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> fans have debated who’s the GOAT. And while most Michae<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l Jordan</a> fans can agree that he’s the best to ever do it, some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> stans often go out of their way to try and make a case for James.



Truth be told, there’s no way to objectively know who’s the GOAT, and both sides have more than valid points. You couldn’t go wrong with one or the other, but LeBron fans often take the conversation away from the game itself.



That was the case — again — with his lifelong friend and agent, Rich Paul. In his latest public appearance, he tried to make it seem like media scrutiny should be a part of the conversation, and it would obviously favor the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>star.



<h2>Rich Paul Includes Media Scrutiny In GOAT Debate</h2>



“[Michael Jordan] transcended the game,” Paul said on Gil’s Arena. “When Kobe [Bryant] came, Kobe was a silhouette of Mike. That’s everything, which is great. But LeBron is the first player to have to deal with a 24-7-365 news cycle of sports and opinions from those that’s not even capable or carry the expertise to give a valid opinion.”



“In addition to, ‘No, I’m not gonna really do it how y’all want me to do it, I’m probably gonna do it how I decide to do it.’ We all know that don’t go over well, and so then you have this environment and this sports society that’s created, and so now you have to root against. That’s a whole another thing that Mike never had to deal with, because his hardest critic was probably Peter Vecsey,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-agent-rich-paul-reveals-why-he-left-cleveland-for-the-lakers-20230905-BUS-57368.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230905_BUS_57368_LeBron-James-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James&apos; agent Rich Paul revealed the shocking reason why he left Cleveland to join the Lakers.
" title="LeBron James&apos; agent Rich Paul reveals why he left Cleveland for the Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230905#BUS#57368"></div>


Yeah, or maybe Jordan didn’t deal with criticism because people didn’t have any reason to criticize him — at least basketball-wise. It’s not like people didn’t talk about basketball before social media existed.

Rich Paul's LeBron James GOAT case has nothing to do with basketball

Rich Paul's LeBron James GOAT case has nothing to do with basketball - Bolavip US

Years ago, the sole thought of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> wearing a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> jersey was somewhat bizarre. Now, he’s an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> champion with the Purple and Gold, and their best player since Kobe Bryant’s retirement.



James had redeemed himself in his hometown, coming back after leaving to join the Miami Heat and winning the championship he had promised those who rooted for him since day one.



That’s why it was kind of shocking to see that he was leaving again. However, in his latest appearance on Gil’s Arena, LeBron’s agent Rich Paul, finally revealed what happened and why he left the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavaliers:</a> He got bored.



<h2>LeBron Joined The Lakers Because He Got Bored In Cleveland, Says Rich Paul</h2>



“In our conversation it was – if anybody know him, he gets bored fast,” Paul said. “Right? And so, my conversation was, looking at the talent. At the time, they had – Jesse [Buss] had done a great job in the draft. Kuz (Kyle Kuzma), Brandon Ingram, Zo (Lonzo Ball), Josh Hart, the talent was young, but was there. If you’re going to leave Cleveland, where you going? Right?”



“Who climbs the mountaintop to come back down and have to climb the mountaintop again?” Paul added. “Now, obviously, if you go here and win, you’ve been to three different destinations and you’ve won three different places. No matter how many times you’ve been, you won.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/former-lebron-james-coach-criticizes-him-explains-why-michael-jordan-is-the-goat-20230904-BUS-56979.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230904_BUS_56979_LeBron-James.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="A former Cleveland Cavaliers coach took a big shot at LeBron James and talked about the GOAT debate.
" title="Former LeBron James coach criticizes him, explains why Michael Jordan is the GOAT" publication_id="BUS#20230904#BUS#56979"></div>


That’s valid, I guess. Some people get a haircut, some go shopping, some go out for a run, and LeBron moves to the West Coast. Whatever the case, Lakers fans better hope he doesn’t get bored again.

LeBron James' agent reveals shocking reason why he left Cleveland for the Lakers

LeBron James' agent Rich Paul reveals why he left Cleveland for the Lakers - Bolavip US

LeBron James' agent Rich Paul reveals why he left Cleveland for the Lakers

Historically, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t found much trouble getting the best players in the NBA. The shiny lights of Hollywood and the team’s history of success has lured superstars like LeBron James to Southern California.



That’s why as crazy as it may sound at first, one can never rule out the Lakers whenever a big-time player from a small-market team enters the trade block or is rumored to be available.



According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, that could be the case with Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, stating that GM Rob Pelinka has had him on his radar for quite a while now.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Lakers Keeping Tabs On Trae Young</h2>



“The Lakers have pursued other star guards, including Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry, and Kyrie Irving,” reported Buha. “Even into this summer, there were some in the organization, including James, who still had an interest in pursuing Irving, though the front office ultimately prioritized continuity.”



“Trae Young has long been on Los Angeles’ radar, depending on how his situation unfolds in Atlanta,” the report continued.



Young has been tangled up in multiple rumors and narratives already, and he’s also represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, just like LeBron, Anthony Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt, and even Cam Reddish.



<h2>How Many Years Does Trae Young Have Left In His Contract?</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-have-two-trade-targets-in-case-dangelo-russell-struggles-20230830-BUS-54579.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230830_BUS_54579_DAngelo-Russell-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As much as the Los Angeles Lakers seem to like D&apos;Angelo Russell, they already have a plan B for him.
" title="NBA Rumors: Lakers have two trade targets in case D&apos;Angelo Russell struggles" publication_id="BUS#20230830#BUS#54579"></div>


Young is entering the second season of a fully guaranteed, $215,159,700 five-year max contract extension. He has an early termination option for the 2026-27 season worth $48,967,380, or he could become an unrestricted free agent after the 2027-28 season.

NBA Rumors: Lakers could realistically go after Trae Young

NBA Rumors: Lakers could realistically go after Trae Young - Bolavip US

Ste<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phen Curry </a>and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James </a>have been tangled up since the moment they came into this world. As crazy as it may seem, both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> superstars were actually born in the very same hospital.



James was a confessed fan of Curry’s game during his days at Davidson, and they went on to become sworn enemies when they faced each other in the NBA Finals three years in a row.



But even though James and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> have been on opposite sides of the court more often than not, Curry wants to emulate James in one key aspect: Longevity.



<h2>Stephen Curry Wants To Play As Many Years As LeBron</h2>



“It’s somewhere in that [LeBron James] range, but I never imagined myself being the forty-plus dude trying to hold on for dear life,” Steph told Gilbert Arenas. “But who knows what my body will look like or feel like at that point? I got three years left on my deal, including at least that, and then kind of figure it out from there.”



“I am blessed to know and hope that no matter how many years I do play, playing for one franchise and being a part of that group of the legends that have accomplished that feat and won at the highest level and all that,” continued Steph. “I don’t ever take that for granted either.”



“You got the Kobe [Bryant]’s, the Magic [Johnson]’s, Dirk [Nowitzki], Tim Duncan, those guys helped establish a culture, won, did it with a lot of different roster combinations and different parts in their career,” he added. “I don’t put too much of a timeline outside of my contract now just knowing that will give me 38 and 17 years in the league. I ain’t skipping out to go play golf just yet.”



<h2>How Many Years Does Curry Have Left In His Contract?</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-could-still-trade-chris-paul-20230831-BUS-55066.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230831_BUS_55066_Chris-Paul-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Chris Paul is a Warrior now, but he might not be one by the end of the season.
" title="NBA Rumors: Warriors could still trade Chris Paul" publication_id="BUS#20230831#BUS#55066"></div>


Curry is entering the second year of a fully guaranteed four-year contract extension worth $215,353,664. He can become a free agent at age 37 after the 2025-26 season.

Warriors' Stephen Curry has an eye-opening take on LeBron James

Warriors' Stephen Curry has an eye-opening take on LeBron James - Bolavip US

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