Love him or hate him,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Stephen Curry</a> has become the most influential player in recent <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> star changed the way the game is played, for better or worse.



Of course, he’s by no means a traditional point guard. He’s never been a pass-first kind of guy, even though he’s an elite playmaker and passer with outstanding court vision.



That’s why some people have still deemed him the greatest point guard of all time, even ahead of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend Magic Johnson. Notably, in a recent interview with Gilbert Arenas, he seemed to agree with that statement.



<h2>Stephen Curry Says He’s The GOAT Point Guard</h2>



“Are you the best point guard ever?” Arenas asked



“Yes,” Steph replied. “It’s me and Magic, is that the conversation?” 



“Obviously I have to answer that way. But to your point, Magic’s resume is ridiculous so the fact that we’re even having that conversation that’s a place I never thought I’d be in,” Curry added. “But to your point of how you grade it and the whole conversation, that’s why we have that conversation, it’s fun. And it’s measuring eras against each other. I love it. Put me on my own team, I’m going to rep myself for sure.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-explains-why-hes-not-satisfied-with-his-success-yet-20230822-BUS-50392.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230822_BUS_50392_stephencurry-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has already won it all in the NBA, but he refuses to stop.
" title="NBA News: Stephen Curry explains why he’s not satisfied with his success yet" publication_id="BUS#20230822#BUS#50392"></div>


Of course, it’s not like you could go wrong with either choice in this debate, and everybody’s entitled to their own opinion, but this will fuel an interesting debate online, that’s for sure.

Lakers fans will not like Stephen Curry's take on Magic Johnson

Lakers fans will not like Stephen Curry's take on Magic Johnson - Bolavip US

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;legend&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Kobe Bryant</a>&nbsp;made a name for himself for being one of the&nbsp;best players in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">NBA</a>&nbsp;for almost two decades. However, besides his great play on the court, he was also sought after for his wisdom.



Bryant was always quite mature, even when he entered the league. And even though he faced plenty of backlash for his infidelity scandal, he was with&nbsp;his wife Vanessa&nbsp;since they were 21 years old, so he knew a thing or two about couples.



With that in mind, someone one asked the&nbsp;five-time NBA champion about gold diggers. And as per usual, Kobe was right on point and rather philosophical with his answer.



<h2>The Day Kobe Bryant Talked About Gold Diggers</h2>



“You can ask me anything, man,”&nbsp;Bryant said.&nbsp;“Well, you really can’t differentiate. It’s really, really difficult to tell. What I learned throughout the years. Hmm. So what?&nbsp;Just roll the dice.”



“I think God has a plan for us all,”&nbsp;the shooting guard continued.&nbsp;“If she’s the one that’s meant to be, then that’s what is gonna happen. I think it’s going to be a gut feeling that I’ll have. I’ll just know she’s the one.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pau-gasol-pays-heartwarming-tribute-to-kobe-bryant-in-hof-speech-20230814-BUS-46136.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46136_Pau-Gasol.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Pau&apos;s unbreakable bond with Kobe Bryant is bigger than basketball.
" title="Pau Gasol pays heartwarming tribute to Kobe Bryant in HoF speech" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46136"></div>


Well, there you have it.&nbsp;The Black Mamba might have been a hopeless romantic, but trusting his gut often led him to do great things, so young and single guys out there should take notes.

Kobe Bryant's priceless advice for single, wealthy NBA players

Kobe Bryant's priceless advice for single, wealthy NBA players - Bolavip US

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> fans never truly embraced <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>. They felt like rooting for The King was like betraying their allegiance to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>, even though they were never actually rivals.



Diehard Kobe fans wouldn’t give James his flowers, and some even vandalized his murals when he first arrived in Southern California. And while that’s no longer the case for the most part, some will never change his mind.



That’s why a little portion of Lakers fans might not be thrilled to know that Austin Reaves has changed his mind, stating that he considered LeBron to be the greatest player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history.



<h2>Austin Reaves Makes GOAT Case For LeBron James</h2>



“I would start off by saying in my personal opinion, even being a Kobe guy, he is the greatest player to ever play,” Reaves said. “How good he is at all facets of the game. I don’t think anybody’s been that good at everything… Not even basketball-wise.”



“I can pick up the phone and call him whenever… so that’s super cool… On the court, that’s really where it all started,” added Reaves. “We connected early on an IQ level, just playing the game the right way.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/austin-reaves-reveals-the-lakers-goal-for-the-season-20230816-BUS-47056.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230816_BUS_47056_Austin-Reaves-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Los Angeles Lakers fell short of their goal last season, and they don&apos;t want to happen again.
" title="Austin Reaves reveals the Lakers goal for the season" publication_id="BUS#20230816#BUS#47056"></div>


Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, and James has more than enough going on to be considered the best ever. But fans are often irrational, and some may not like this at all.

Some Lakers fans won't like Austin Reaves' take on LeBron James

Some Lakers fans won't like Austin Reaves' take on LeBron James - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have gone through a lot in recent years, but good things finally seem to be on the horizon for them. The 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season is drawing nearer, and the expectations in LA are through the roof.



Rob Pelinka had already improved the roster in February, which ended up saving the season as the team made a surprising run to the Conference Finals. But now, the goal is to go even further.



The purple and gold made a number of moves this offseason to continue improving the roster, including giving Anthony Davis an extension. According to Kevin Garnett, the big man will prove his doubters wrong in the next two seasons.



<h2>Kevin Garnett expects Anthony Davis to be NBA MVP in 2023, 2024</h2>



“Guess what? I’m expecting Anthony Davis to be MVP in these next two years,” Garnett said, via Showtime Basketball. “It’s time bro. It’s time. You can’t let Joker [Nikola Jokic] come in the league and surpass – nah, nah, nah. Anthony Davis can do everything they can do. 



“Anthony Davis can do everything that Joker can do. He can do everything [Joel] Embiid can do. I’m expecting him to be MVP if not this year, definitely next year, straight up. And he’s going to take the reins of, ‘Yeah, I’m the best player in the league.’



AD has certainly proven what he’s capable of on the court. The problem is he struggled to stay healthy in the last few seasons. When injuries don’t catch up to him, Davis definitely has what it takes to play at an MVP level.

It's not LeBron James: Former NBA champion says Lakers star will be MVP the next two years

Not LeBron: Former NBA champion says Lakers star will be MVP the next two years - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> got off to a terrible start to the last<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> season, and not many people thought that they were championship material, not even with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> on the court.



But they were quick to right their wrong, making some major moves to revamp their roster ahead of the second half of the season, and they were the second-best team in the league during that stretch.



So, now that they’ve doubled down on that investment, surrounding James and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a> with plenty of depth, coach Darvin Ham is quite confident in their ability to get the job done this season.



<h2>Darvin Ham Praises The Lakers’ Depth</h2>



“Absolutely [I think we’re close to a championship team],” Ham told ESPN. “We have leadership like LeBron James and Anthony Davis; some of the talent we were able to bring back in Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.”



“Then, you think about the guys we added in Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes. I think the sky is the limit for what we will be able to do,” he added. “I think we added a lot of depth, a lot of guys that have skill, size and athleticism, so I look forward to all of that coming together.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/insider-explains-why-anthony-davis-didnt-deserve-that-extension-20230815-BUS-46516.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230815_BUS_46516_Anthony-Davis-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis got way overpaid, according to Stephen A. Smith.
" title="Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn&apos;t deserve that extension" publication_id="BUS#20230815#BUS#46516"></div>


We still have to see how these new pieces gel with their current roster. But barring a major disaster, this Lakers team could fare much better and raise banner No. 18.

Darvin Ham explains why this Lakers team is better than last year's

Darvin Ham explains why this Lakers team is better than last year's - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> couldn’t get the job done last season. They were close to another trip to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Finals, but<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> LeBron James</a> was gassed out, and the Denver Nuggets were just too much to handle.



But GM Rob Pelinka has made some interesting moves this offseason. Besides keeping their core together, he brought in some reinforcements that could help this team go the distance.



And with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a> locked up with a contract extension, Austin Reaves says that the Lakers have set one goal and one goal only for the upcoming campaign, which is raising banner No. 18.



<h2>Lakers Want To Win The Championship Next Season</h2>



“I feel really, really good about what we did,” said Reaves. “You bring back the core that went to the Western Conference Finals and those pieces fit really well with what we kinda need because we lacked that last year. Overall, everybody’s competitive, and we kinda got that taste last year of running it back and trying to win a championship.”



“The main goal for the Lakers is to win a championship. All I care about, all we care about, is to raise another banner in the rafters,” added Reaves.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/austin-reaves-talks-about-the-best-part-of-playing-for-team-usa-20230811-BUS-44774.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_44774_Austin-Reaves-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is loving every minute of his time with Team USA.
" title="Austin Reaves talks about the best part of playing for Team USA" publication_id="BUS#20230811#BUS#44774"></div>


Of course, that’s the goal every season, but it feels like the Lakers finally have more than enough to get it done. That’s of course, barring yet another major injury to one of their stars.

Austin Reaves reveals the Lakers goal for the season

Austin Reaves reveals the Lakers goal for the season - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> finally seem to be in a position to succeed after so many years. Darvin Ham didn’t have an easy job at the beginning, but eventually, he came close to taking the team to the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals.



The purple and gold struggled to get results in his first months as head coach, until Rob Pelinka fixed the roster at the February trade deadline. The GM continued to make changes this offseason and it looks like the chances to win are real.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> is staying, Anthony Davis signed an extension and other key contributors are back. The Lakers have more depth now, which is why Ham believes they can win the championship.



<h2>Darvin Ham says depth could be key for the Lakers</h2>



“Absolutely [I think we’re close to a championship team],” Ham told ESPN. “We have leadership like LeBron James and Anthony Davis; some of the talent we were able to bring back in Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.



“Then, you think about the guys we added in Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes. I think the sky is the limit for what we will be able to do. I think we added a lot of depth, a lot of guys that have skill, size and athleticism, so I look forward to all of that coming together.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/insider-explains-why-anthony-davis-didnt-deserve-that-extension-20230815-BUS-46516.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230815_BUS_46516_Anthony-Davis-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis got way overpaid, according to Stephen A. Smith.
" title="Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn&apos;t deserve that extension" publication_id="BUS#20230815#BUS#46516"></div>


The Lakers have interesting options behind their starting lineup, which is always necessary for a team with serious aspirations. The season is still a few months away from us, but it’s safe to say James and company have reasons for optimism.

Darvin Ham explains why Lakers can finally win the NBA championship

Darvin Ham explains why Lakers can finally win the NBA championship - Bolavip US

For years, people have talked about who’s the greatest player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history. And while most people will agree that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jordan</a> should lead the voting, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.



That includes ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith, who has addressed this subject multiple times. Per him, Jordan is the undisputed GOAT, but LeBron is a close second.



That’s why superagent Rich Paul claimed he was disrespecting the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>star, to which Smith didn’t mince his words when firing back at the Klutch Sports CEO.



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Puts Rich Paul On Blast</h2>



“I got him as the second-best player in the history of basketball,” Smith said. “I got him, ahead of Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar). I got him behind no one but (Michael) Jordan and I said to Mr. Chirper himself, Rich Paul – my boy – and I said, you act like that’s an insult. This dude [said] ‘It is an insult.’ I said ‘Get the f*** out of my face.&apos;”



“Exactly what I said to him,” Smith added. “I don’t want to talk to you no more. When you gonna treat me like I’m disrespecting a man by calling him, in the history of the game that started in 1947, you gonna tell me that I’m disrespecting a man by having him No. 2 all-time, you’ve lost your damn mind. I’m not talking to you.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/michael-jordan-or-lebron-james-dwyane-wade-picked-his-goat-20230814-BUS-46177.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46177_LeBron-MJ.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade addressed the never-ending debate about who’s the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
" title="Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Dwyane Wade picked his GOAT" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46177"></div>


Simply put, you’re not going to intimidate Stephen A. Smith. He’s gonna tell it as it is, and having James as a close second, considering how many legends have played this game, is far from disrespectful.

Stephen A. Smith rips LeBron James' agent over alleged disrespect

Stephen A. Smith rips LeBron James' agent over alleged disrespect - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> needed to lock up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a> for the future<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">. LeBron James </a>won’t play forever, and he’s inching closer to retirement as the seasons go by.



Davis has been a pivotal part of the team’s success. Nonetheless, as good as he’s been when they’ve fared well, he’s also been quite unimpressive when things don’t go their way.



That’s why Stephen A. Smith doesn’t seem to agree with the contract extension he just got, citing that you need to be consistent in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> to get that kind of money.



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Anthony Davis’ Extension</h2>



“I love AD; love him as a person and a player,” Smith started. “$62 million, though? His talent is worth it, but his consistency isn’t. He’ll show up one day and not show up the next day. He’ll drop 40 in Game 1, 11 in Game 2. I’d much rather have you average 28 night-in night-out rather than each and every night; it’s a damn rollercoaster.”



“You had Charles Barkley calling him street clothes,” continued Smith. “I never called him that; I call him Six Flags because it’s a rollercoaster ride. He’s up and down. I’ve got mad respect for his game. I know he’s one of the elite players in this game today, but the consistency is not there.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-lakers-didnt-extend-anthony-davis-because-of-his-play-20230814-BUS-45968.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_45968_Anthony-Davis-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good as Anthony Davis is as a player, that wasn&apos;t the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a big contract extension.
" title="The Lakers didn&apos;t extend Anthony Davis because of his play" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#45968"></div>


At the end of the day, Davis has more than enough talent and resources to prove the critics wrong. But he’ll have to work very hard to pay back that confidence the team put in him.

Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn't deserve that extension

Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn't deserve that extension - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have had more legendary players than any other franchise in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a> But among the many greats we’ve seen donning the Purple and Gold, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> stands on a tier of his own.



But just like Michael Jordan before him or LeBron James after him, Kobe couldn’t win on his own. He needed someone to complement him and help him be the best version of himself.



Likewise, the Black Mamba was that same person for that sidekick. That’s why Pau Gasol honored him in his Hall of Fame induction speech, stating that he wouldn’t have reached his peak without Kobe’s leadership.



<h2>Pau Gasol Thanks Kobe In Hall Of Fame Speech</h2>



“That’s where (Lakers) I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other,” Gasol said. “Who taught me what it took to win at the highest level. Who showed me how hard you have to work and the mentality you needed to have in order to be the best. The commitment you had to make, what it meant, and what it took to be a leader, Kobe.”



“I wouldn’t be here without you brother,” Gasol continued. “I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us. I miss you and love you.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-lakers-didnt-extend-anthony-davis-because-of-his-play-20230814-BUS-45968.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_45968_Anthony-Davis-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good as Anthony Davis is as a player, that wasn&apos;t the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a big contract extension.
" title="The Lakers didn&apos;t extend Anthony Davis because of his play" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#45968"></div>


This was one of the most emotional ceremonies in Hall of Fame history, and it would’ve been nice to see Kobe introducing his best friend. It still doesn’t feel real that he’s not around anymore.

Pau Gasol pays heartwarming tribute to Kobe Bryant in HoF speech

Pau Gasol pays heartwarming tribute to Kobe Bryant in HoF speech - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> isn’t getting any younger, and chances are he’ll need more help as the years go by. No team in today’s<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> can win with at least two stars, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>aren’t the exception to that rule.



Rob Pelinka has been adamant about giving James an elite sidekick and someone who could carry the torch once he’s long gone from the team. And he locked that sidekick up for years to come.



However, as good as<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Anthony Davis </a>obviously is as a basketball player, his character was what actually drove the team’s brass to sign him to that big contract extension.



<h2>Lakers Extended Davis Because Of His Character, Says GM</h2>



“Jeanie [Buss], Darvin [Ham] and I were just probably the most excited to just get Anthony’s perspective about what it means to do an extension like this and to become a leader of the Lakers for years to come,” Pelinka told Spectrum Sportsnet. 



“For us, in our conversations with him, it was really centered around his character, who he is as a person, how he treats his teammates. His commitment to being the hardest worker and helping establish our culture with that,” Pelinka added. “Clearly he is one of the game’s most dominant two-way players, but to see his desire to take on those leadership reigns was significant for us to have those conversations with him.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/rob-pelinka-reveals-anthony-davis-failed-desire-with-the-lakers-20230809-BUS-43356.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230809_BUS_43356_Anthony-Davis-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good as Anthony Davis has been in Los Angeles, he still hasn&apos;t achieved his biggest goal there.
" title="Rob Pelinka reveals Anthony Davis&apos; failed desire with the Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230809#BUS#43356"></div>


Hopefully, Davis will have an injury-free season, although that seems very unlikely, given his history. Also, he’ll need to be more consistent if he intends to lead this team as James keeps getting older.

The Lakers didn't extend Anthony Davis because of his play

The Lakers didn't extend Anthony Davis because of his play - Bolavip US

<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/watch-pau-gasol-honors-lakers-legend-kobe-bryant-in-hof-speech-20230813-BUS-45591.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230813_BUS_45591_kobe-bryant.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Pau Gasol was one of the many players that were enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, and he made sure to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, his former teammate at the Los Angeles Lakers.
" title="Watch: Pau Gasol Honors Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant in HOF Speech" publication_id="BUS#20230813#BUS#45591"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-message-to-dwyane-wade-for-his-hof-induction-20230813-BUS-45586.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230813_BUS_45586_LeBron-James-9.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James shared another message congratulating his longtime friend Dwyane Wade, a former teammate with whom he won two championships at the Miami Heat.
" title="LeBron James’ Message to Dwyane Wade for his HOF Induction" publication_id="BUS#20230813#BUS#45586"></div>


Plenty of Western Conference teams have enough firepower to make a championship run and dethrone the Denver Nuggets. Therefore, everyone needs to add as many pieces as possible to reach far in the postseason.



An obvious title candidate is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, as any team that has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> in the lineup can be. Having a healthy <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a> could go a long way in their success, but they must be prepared in case injuries harm them again.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-reason-why-lebron-james-and-dwyane-wade-didnt-team-up-with-the-bulls-20230808-BUS-42825.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230808_BUS_42825_Dwyane-Wade-and-LeBron-James.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James and Dwyane Wade could&apos;ve dominated the Windy City, but Derrick Rose&apos;s dominance drove them away.
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The Lakers have a solid rotation with talents like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura among others. Regardless, reliable role players such as Christian Wood are never too many when it comes to winning a championship.



<h2>Christian Wood May be Seeking a Contract with Miami Heat</h2>



Almost the entire offseason there have been rumors about a potential signing of Wood by the Lakers. However, the veteran is still available as a free agent. This means any team in the league with a decent cap space could get him.



Another team where he could land if the Lakers don’t sign him is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a>. Wood likes the idea of joining the Heat, especially if they trade for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a>, as was reported by Jovan Buha of The Athletic.



Wood can be a good option for teams looking for an offensive piece that fits their mold. He can be that at a fairly productive level if he is in a loaded lineup, but he lacks defense so much that he might not receive a great contract despite having a free path to sign anywhere.

Lakers Target Christian Wood Might Land in Another Contender

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Lakers Target Christian Wood May Prefer Another Contender - Bolavip US

<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-christmas-day-who-joins-lebron-james-and-stephen-curry-20230812-BUS-45136.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230812_BUS_45136_lebron-james-6.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The NBA Schedule now has some matchups confirmed, including the Christmas Day lineup. Headlined by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, five games are set to highlight the date.
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 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/austin-reaves-talks-about-the-best-part-of-playing-for-team-usa-20230811-BUS-44774.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_44774_Austin-Reaves-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is loving every minute of his time with Team USA.
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Saturday was an opportunity to see more important people becoming part of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Among the players that received the honor were Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade, but Pau Gasol was also a recipient of the recognition.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a> made an impact on countless people around the world. However, players who had the chance to spend more time with him might have been the most influenced ones. Playing his full career at the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, he had multiple talented teammates around.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/paul-george-reveals-how-its-like-to-play-for-the-clippers-in-a-lakers-town-20230811-BUS-44646.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_44646_Paul-George.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As much as the Los Angeles Clippers keep trying to make a name for themselves, L.A. is all about the Lakers.
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Gasol had a successful career in the league, winning two championships with Kobe on the Lakers. However, his contributions to the sport are linked to the Spanish national team as well, where he was a standout player being the MVP of the 2006 World Cup conquest.



<h2>Former Laker Pau Gasol Thanks Kobe Bryant</h2>



His career changed when the Lakers traded for him from the Memphis Grizzlies. Going to a contending team next to Bryant gave Gasol the chance to compete for titles every season. He was able to finish with two rings, so he paid his respects to Kobe in his speech.



“Feb. 1, 2008. (MEM GM) Chris Wallace calls me into his office and gives me the news that I was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, that obviously changed my life and my career. That’s where I got to know the person that elevated my game like no other; who taught me what it took to win at the highest level. Who showed me how hard you have to work,” Gasol stated.



“The mentality that you needed to have in order to be the best. What it meant, and what it takes to be a leader. Kobe “I wouldn’t be here without you brother. I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here with us. I miss you and love you. Thanks Vanessa for being here tonight. I’m proud to be your brother. And an Uncle to your wonderful girls. I love you guys so very much.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Teammates. Friends. Brothers. Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. <a href="https://twitter.com/Hoophall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hoophall</a> inductees. 📺: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/23HoopClass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="https://t.co/lGWKjKwBYS">pic.twitter.com/lGWKjKwBYS</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1690530927112318976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>

Austin Reaves talks about the best part of playing for Team USA

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Watch: Pau Gasol Honors Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant - Bolavip US

<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/giannis-antetokounmpo-has-big-news-for-bucks-about-2023-fiba-world-cup-20230811-BUS-45050.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_45050_giannisantetokounmpo.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Giannis Antetokounmpo just made a huge decision regarding his future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
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 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/klay-thompson-makes-shocking-claim-about-stephen-currys-workouts-20230811-BUS-44849.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_44849_Klay-Thompson-and-Stephen-Curry.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Stephen Curry never ceases to amaze, not even his Golden State Warriors co-star Klay Thompson.
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In the NBA there is one particular date that every player wants to be a part of. That’s what happens in the league on Christmas Day, a moment when five fascinating matchups take place. And this year won’t be an exception.



Watching <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> play on December 25th is something normal now, regardless of the team he is playing for. This season, it was even more obvious he was going to play on that day, considering the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are a historic franchise.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/tracy-mcgrady-explains-why-victor-wembanyama-could-struggle-20230811-BUS-44811.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_44811_Victor-Wembanyama.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady wants people to pull the brakes on the Victor Wembanyama hype.
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LeBron is set for a rivalry game that nobody wants to miss, as the Lakers are facing the Boston Celtics. Another recurring team playing in that iconic situation lately are the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a>, who are a prime-time attraction with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> starring.



<h2>NBA Christmas Day 2023-2024 Season</h2>



The five matchups that are going to captivate basketball fans everywhere have been revealed, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. Celtics at Lakers is definitely the most historic one, but there are other great matchups.



Curry and the Warriors are travelling to Denver to encounter the defending champions Nuggets. Having two former MVPs like Curry and Jokic makes for a big game. However, the other three matches should give fans a lot to expect.



Dallas Mavericks against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Phoenix Suns</a> is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed, considering it features Luka Doncic visiting <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a>. Also, Milwaukee Bucks are heading to New York to play the Knicks at the Madison Square Garden and Miami Heat have a home game v Philadelphia 76ers.

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Christmas Day: Who joins LeBron James and Stephen Curry? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> found a diamond in the rough when they got Austin Reaves. He wasn’t even taken in the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft, and he’s now playing for Team USA.



Reaves’ rise to stardom is no coincidence. He’s put in a lot of work to go from a two-way player to secure a big contract in the offseason, and he’s just getting started.



That’s why he’s loving his time with the national team so much. In a recent interview for NBA.com, he opened up on how much he’s learned from every single one of his teammates thus far.



<h2>Austin Reaves Thriving With Team USA</h2>



“A lot, honestly [learning with new teammates], I feel like we’ve gelled really fast as a team,” Reaves said. “I think it shows the way we play the game and you know that’s going to continue to grow as far as we go.”



“That’s the main thing, we know we have a lot of talent, we know what we could do a lot of great things offensively and defensively, but it’s all about becoming one unit and really just going and playing with one another,” he added.


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Reaves has made the most of every learning experience in his career thus far, so he should be poised for another breakout season in 2023-24 after getting to work with some of the best young guys in the game.

Austin Reaves talks about the best part of playing for Team USA - Bolavip US

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