Last season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> had an amazing run during the playoffs. Even though they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets, the future looked promising.



That’s why Rob Pelinka and the front office made big moves to sign and extend key players: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes,&nbsp;Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince,&nbsp;Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish and&nbsp;D’Angelo Russell.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-first-message-after-his-son-bronny-suffered-a-cardiac-arrest-20230727-BUS-36554.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230727_BUS_36554_lebronjames-14.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James sent a very emotional message on social media after the cardiac arrest suffered by his son Bronny. 
" title="LeBron James sends emotional message after Bronny James&apos; cardiac arrest" publication_id="BUS#20230727#BUS#36554"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="" image="" excerpt="" title="" publication_id=""></div>


Furthermore, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> confirmed he’ll return for another season making the Lakers a contender in the West against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a>, the Nuggets and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Phoenix Suns</a>.



<h2>Which will be the next team of Anthony Davis?</h2>



According to a report from ESPN, Anthony Davis will get a three-year, $186 million contract extension to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers all the way until 2028.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-announces-final-decision-between-lakers-or-retirement-20230702-BUS-22095.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230702_BUS_22095_lebronjames-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After many weeks of uncertainty, LeBron James has confirmed his final decision between the Los Angeles Lakers and retirement from the NBA.
" title="LeBron James confirms on Instagram the next team he&apos;ll play for in the 2023 season" publication_id="BUS#20230702#BUS#22095"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-lakers-make-big-moves-in-free-agency-to-retain-lebron-james-20230701-BUS-21298.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230701_BUS_21298_lebronjames.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James got much needed help with the Los Angeles Lakers during the start of free agency. Gabe Vincent leads an impressive list of names. 
" title="NBA News: LeBron James got massive help from Lakers during free agency" publication_id="BUS#20230701#BUS#21298"></div>


Now, the total agreement during the next six seasons gives Davis an astounding amount of $270 million. Undoubtedly, if LeBron James is near retirement, Davis is the future leader of the franchise. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/LeBron-James-emotional-message-for-Bronny-James-after-his-son-commits-to-USC-20230507-0010.html" image="https://bolavip.com/__export/1683473996406/sites/bolavip/img/2023/05/07/lebronjames.jpg_1890075089.jpg" excerpt="LeBron James had a very special message for his son after Bronny&amp;nbsp;announced he will play for USC at the college level.&amp;nbsp;" title="LeBron James&apos; message to Bronny after his son finally committed to USC" publication_id="BUS#20230507#CMS#0010"></div>


Furthermore, the contract extension is the biggest per year in NBA history with a spectacular average of $62 million for each of the upcoming seasons. Though Anthony Davis had two years on his previous contract, general manager Rob Pelinka didn’t take any chances to lock his star.

Anthony Davis: How much money he'll get with Lakers?

LeBron James confirms on Instagram the next team he'll play for in the 2023 season

NBA News: LeBron James got massive help from Lakers during free agency

Anthony Davis: How much money he'll get with Lakers? - Bolavip US

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> wanted to give <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> a chance to win another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>championship. They brought in Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, hoping to put together a superteam, but that wasn’t the case.



Injuries and poor chemistry derailed the Lakers‘ once-promising season, and Howard failed to live up to the standard and expectations. He ended up leaving on bad terms after just one season.



Now, looking back, the former Defensive Player of the Year acknowledged he made a mistake by leaving to join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a>, stating that he thought James Harden was like a young Kobe.



<h2>Dwight Howard Thought James Harden Was Like A Young Kobe</h2>



“I looked at him [James Harden] like a younger version of Kobe,” Howard said. “I don’t know why I was thinking that. No disrespect to James, but I was thinking that at the time that me, and James could be a new version of Kobe and Shaq— The Lakers’ decision was solely based on I felt like me and James would have been better at the time than me and Kobe.”



“If I would’ve sat down and really thought about my decisions without being in my emotions, I probably would’ve stayed in LA,” Superman added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/dwight-howard-gets-real-on-the-lebron-james-vs-kobe-bryant-debate-20230802-BUS-40024.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_40024_kobe-bryant-lebron-james.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest players ever, and Dwight Howard got to play with both of them.
" title="Dwight Howard gets real on the LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant debate" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#40024"></div>


Needless to say, things didn’t work out the way Howard expected. At least he got a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of Lakers fans, helping them win a ring in 20202.

Dwight Howard blames James Harden for leaving Kobe and the Lakers

Dwight Howard blames James Harden for leaving Kobe and the Lakers - Bolavip US

<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/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> were often portrayed as rivals. Ironically, they never squared off in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Finals and weren’t even from the same generation, so that never made much sense.



Still, for whatever reason, it seemed like you couldn’t be a fan of one without hating the other. Fortunately, that no longer seems to be the case among most fans.



With that in mind, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>guard D’Angelo Russell shed some light on the differences between playing with one or the other, as he had the opportunity to meet one when he first entered the league and then the other when he came back to Los Angeles.



<h2>D’Angelo Russell Talks About Kobe Bryant And LeBron James</h2>



“I’ll just go from an aura perspective, and Kobe was on his way out, but LeBron is more involved with everybody and everything,” Russell said on The Pat Bev Podcast.



“On the bus he’s social, on the plane he’s social, he’s just more sociable. When I was with Kobe, I sat next to him on the plane in one of the back seats. I sat next to him every time and just watched and studied him and he never talked,” Russell added.”



“He was really to himself, and at the time he was writing the book and the movie and directing and doing all this stuff so he was locked in, but with Kobe I’ve never seen anything like that. When he walked around, you know how everyone’s talking and someone enters a room and everyone goes quiet,“ continued Russell. 



“He had that about him wherever he went, it was almost weird for him. But he embraced it and that’s really the only difference. On the floor, he was on his way out so he didn’t really have that youthfulness to him where he was bouncey, he was just getting to it,” added Russell. “Bron has a different motivation, he’s still writing his [story]. Kobe already decided he was retiring that year. That team also had a lot of guys on one-year deals and there weren’t a lot of young guys so our win now moment wasn’t there.”



“It was a fun little run, but we got Kobe on the way out when he was happy-go-lucky and his spirit was a little different. Everybody always said I was lucky I got Kobe on my way out versus when he was still through the grind because he was nasty and competitive,” the former No. 2 pick concluded.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/dwight-howard-gets-real-on-the-lebron-james-vs-kobe-bryant-debate-20230802-BUS-40024.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_40024_kobe-bryant-lebron-james.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest players ever, and Dwight Howard got to play with both of them.
" title="Dwight Howard gets real on the LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant debate" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#40024"></div>


At the end of the day, both took different approaches to achieve the same, and it definitely paid off throughout the course of their careers. Russell is definitely one lucky player.

D'Angelo Russell explains the difference between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

D'Angelo Russell explains the difference between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>have added plenty of talent to their ranks. They’re one of the most stacked teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, not to mention the fact that they have <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> and Anthony Davis.



The team, however, could fare a little better, as they also have a former No. 2 pick in D’Angelo Russell, who has failed to deliver thus far, at least considering the expectations.



That’s why Stephen A. Smith believes he’s the only one to blame for hown undervalued his current contract is, as he could’ve make way more money per year.



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Calls Out ‘Undervalued’ D’Angelo Rusell</h2>



“I believe he is being undervalued,” Smith said. “Listen, D’Angelo Russell can play. D’Angelo Russell, with all of your histrionics on the Pat Bev Podcast, let me explain something to you bro. You are undervalued. You deserve more than a two-year, $36 million contract. Matter of fact, I’m of the mindset that you should be getting paid at least 25 to 27 million [dollars] per year.”



“My problem with D’Angelo Russell is this stuff: When was the last time we saw you bro? You have any idea how god awful you were,” Smith said. “Eight points, ten points, three points and four points in a four-game sweep at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, the eventual champions. Do you have any idea, do you even realize that the Lakers don’t get swept if you D’Angelo Russell show up and you play better?”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-star-puts-haters-on-notice-with-blunt-statement-20230803-BUS-40530.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230803_BUS_40530_dangelo-russell-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="D&apos;Angelo Russell knows the Los Angeles Lakers didn&apos;t finish the season on a high note, but he has some strong words about his team&apos;s new look.
" title="Lakers star puts haters on notice with blunt statement" publication_id="BUS#20230803#BUS#40530"></div>


At the end of the day, the only way Russell will earn his respect back is by showing up and performing when it matters the most, especially considering his history with the franchise.

Stephen A. Smith reveals the Lakers' most undervalued player

Stephen A. Smith reveals the Lakers' most undervalued player - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> entered the league as the most hyped prospect in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history. And even though he came out of high school, he looked like a man amongst men when he joined the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavaliers.</a>



We’ve seen way too many versions of LeBron James ever since. He’s played for three different franchises, and has led every single one of them to at least one championship.



However, if you were to pick the single best version of LeBron, it has to be during his time with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> right after losing in the NBA Finals vs. the Dallas Mavericks, according to Iman Shumpert.



<h2>Iman Shumpert Reveals The Scariest Version Of LeBron</h2>



“I think the best version I saw of Bron was…you remember the year that Dirk won?” Shumpert said. “That next year they came back. When him and D Wade vowed to not shoot, not settle for threes, and they played their whole first season and they wasn’t shooting no threes.”



“They was just, it was vicious,” Shumpert added. “I was like, ‘Bro, what the fck are we supposed to do with that? I was like, looking at the league. What am I going to do about that? Like what is that, ngga? They running fast. They big as sh*t. I’m like ‘D Wade and Bron literally passing it back and forth and just downhill, downhill, downhill. I feel like that was the scariest Bron to deal with.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-reveals-why-he-wanted-to-join-the-los-angeles-lakers-20230802-BUS-39844.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_39844_lebron-james.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though he had never played in the West, LeBron James always dreamed of being a Laker.
" title="LeBron James reveals why he wanted to join the Los Angeles Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#39844"></div>


The craziest part about this is that it actually happened 12 years ago. James has won four championships ever since, and he can still play at an elite level. That’s just insane.

Former teammate breaks down the scariest version of LeBron James

Former teammate breaks down the scariest version of LeBron James - Bolavip US

GM Rob Pelinka had gotten the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> in trouble. But he managed to right his wrong by revamping the roster before the trade deadline, swapping <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Westbrook </a>to put a better supporting cast around<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> LeBron James.</a>



D’Angelo Russell took his talents to Southern California again. And while he was far from efficient in the playoffs, he did give Darvin Ham some solid play in the regular season.



And now that the Lakers added more pieces as soon as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>offseason started, the former top-five pick believes the team can get over the hump and make some noise next season.



<h2>D’Angelo Russell Says The Sky Is The Limit For The New-Look Lakers</h2>



“I have no idea. I know we got a lot of bodies, though,” said Russell. “So trying to give the team what it needs every night to win, I think that’s gotta be our focus. Whatever or however it gets done, if everybody is locked into just giving the team what it needs that night.”



“That night might be scoring, the next night might be eight assists, the next night might be all passes because they ran you off and you made the one more to Austin Reaves in the corner, he’s hitting,” added Russell. “It’s gotta be the right play, right mentality type of energy for our group because anybody can do it. He can throw any five out there and get it done. But if we’re all committed to that I think the sky is the limit for the group, honestly.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-reveals-why-he-wanted-to-join-the-los-angeles-lakers-20230802-BUS-39844.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_39844_lebron-james.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though he had never played in the West, LeBron James always dreamed of being a Laker.
" title="LeBron James reveals why he wanted to join the Los Angeles Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#39844"></div>


On paper, the Lakers are a better team than they were last season, and they’ll have more time to develop chemistry and reach their best version. Hopefully, they’ll also get better production from him in the playoffs.

Lakers star puts haters on notice with blunt statement

Lakers star puts haters on notice with blunt statement - Bolavip US

During the last playoffs, LeBron James&nbsp;shocked the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>&nbsp;with a very controversial statement about his future after the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;were eliminated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Nuggets</a>&nbsp;in the Western Conference finals.



“We’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know.&nbsp;I have a lot to think about to be honest.&nbsp;Just for me personally going forward in the game of basketball. I have a lot to think about.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-sign-key-piece-to-retain-lebron-james-20230628-BUS-19388.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230628_BUS_19388_lebronjames-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Los Angeles Lakers have started to make big moves for LeBron James in a very crowded Western Conference.
" title="NBA News: Lakers sign key piece for LeBron James" publication_id="BUS#20230628#BUS#19388"></div>


However, the&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;believed in their project and made great moves in&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-lakers-make-big-moves-in-free-agency-to-retain-lebron-james-20230701-BUS-21298.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free agency</a>&nbsp;to convince the King. That’s why, a few weeks ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> announced his final decision and will stay with the team. Now, the legend sent an even bigger message.



<h2>LeBron James’ promise to the Lakers before the 2023-2024 season</h2>



In the start of free agency, LeBron James couldn’t hide his excitement after the Lakers were very active. Key players were extended like&nbsp;Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and&nbsp;Rui Hachimura&nbsp;and extraordinary assets arrived like&nbsp;Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince,&nbsp;Cam Reddish&nbsp;and Jaxson Hayes.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-lakers-make-big-moves-in-free-agency-to-retain-lebron-james-20230701-BUS-21298.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230701_BUS_21298_lebronjames.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James got much needed help with the Los Angeles Lakers during the start of free agency. Gabe Vincent leads an impressive list of names. 
" title="NBA News: LeBron James got massive help from Lakers during free agency" publication_id="BUS#20230701#BUS#21298"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-first-message-after-his-son-bronny-suffered-a-cardiac-arrest-20230727-BUS-36554.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230727_BUS_36554_lebronjames-14.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James sent a very emotional message on social media after the cardiac arrest suffered by his son Bronny. 
" title="LeBron James&apos; message after his son Bronny had a cardiac arrest" publication_id="BUS#20230727#BUS#36554"></div>


So, after taking some time off following his son Bronny’s cardiac arrest, James posted a video in his Instagram account made by Chris Johnson showing the legend’s preparation toward the 2023-2024 season. “Let’s get it!!! It’s just work. Prime time year coming #21”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-star-puts-haters-on-notice-with-blunt-statement-20230803-BUS-40530.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230803_BUS_40530_dangelo-russell-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="D&apos;Angelo Russell knows the Los Angeles Lakers didn&apos;t finish the season on a high note, but he has some strong words about his team&apos;s new look.
" title="Lakers star puts haters on notice with blunt statement" publication_id="BUS#20230803#BUS#40530"></div>


LeBron James is 38-years old and the promise of his best season ever with the Los Angeles Lakers immediately became a hit on social media. The King seems hungry to win a fifth championship. 



<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">Strive For Greatness 💪🏾🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingJames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jushoop?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jushoop</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/juswin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#juswin</a> <a href="https://t.co/fqyzI1uSrm">pic.twitter.com/fqyzI1uSrm</a>— Chris Johnson Hoops (@ChrisJHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisJHoops/status/1686757057050169344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>

LeBron James' special promise for Lakers' fans on social media

LeBron James' message after his son Bronny had a cardiac arrest

LeBron James' special promise for Lakers' fans on social media - Bolavip US

LeBron James' big promise to Lakers before 2023-2024 season

Some fans of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> weren’t thrilled to know that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> was going to join the team. Even if they had never faced him in the Finals, some felt like rooting for him was like betraying <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant.</a>



Their allegiance to Kobe ran deep, and still does to this day. And, as great as both are in their crafts, it’s safe to say that they couldn’t be more different in terms of their leadership.



That’s why former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> star Dwight Howard, who had the privilege to play with both of them in his two stints with the Lakers, shed some light on the differences between the two.



<h2>Dwight Howard Reveals The Difference Between Kobe Bryant And LeBron James</h2>



“LeBron’s almost at like somebody from the south side of Georgia,” Howard said on the My Expert Opinion podcast. “We actin’ kind of like twins. Joking, silly, have a good time. We get on the court, we still gonna have a good time but we’re gonna dominate.”



“Kobe, he not bullsh*tting with nobody. He might not come to the locker room to talk. So he’s just gonna walk all the way past us,” the former Defensive Player of the Year added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/kobe-bryant-explained-why-he-could-not-be-compared-to-michael-jordan-20230731-BUS-38745.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38745_kobe-bryant.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As similar as they were, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan should&apos;ve never been compared, according to the Black Mamba.
" title="Kobe Bryant explained why he could not be compared to Michael Jordan" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38745"></div>


Notably, Howard didn’t get along that well with Kobe, as opposed to LeBron. That just shows there are multiple ways to be a leader and an inspiration in this game, and both achieved legendary status in their own way.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Sixers could land a stellar defender at a reasonable price</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> have knocked on the door of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championship contention for quite a while, but not even pairing up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> with Joel Embiid has been enough to get over the hump.



Harden is reportedly looking to force his way out to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, but the latter don’t seem to be that serious about making a big offer for him.



With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s NBA staff came up with a very interesting trade idea. Given that Harden is unlikely to be traded, they could ramp up their defense with a trade for a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets </a>role player.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Sixers Could Trade For Jae’Sean Tate</h2>



(Via Bleacher Report)



“Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jae’Sean Tate



Houston Rockets Receive: Danuel House Jr., Furkan Korkmaz, Philadelphia’s 2027 second-round pick, Portland’s 2029 second-round pick



Tate’s shaky outside shot renders him less than plug-and-play, but he’s an excellent value proposition. Knee and ankle injuries limited him to 31 games last season, and he has since toppled down the Rockets’ depth chart following the arrivals of Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet and Cam Whitmore, not to mention the emergence of Tari Eason.



Landing Tate for two seconds and two fringe-rotation players is (inter)stellar business. He brings defensive pressure up and down the perimeter, some spot ball-handling and shot better than 53 percent on drives last season.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-76ers-set-their-asking-price-for-james-harden-20230802-BUS-39611.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_39611_James-Harden-76ers-vs-Celtics-2023-playoffs.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly made it clear what they want in return for 10x NBA All-Star James Harden this offseason.
" title="NBA Rumors: 76ers set their asking price for James Harden" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#39611"></div>


While this might not be the most exciting transaction, it could end up having a major impact, as the Sixers already have more than enough scoring and could use more stoppers right now.

Dwight Howard gets real on the LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant debate

Dwight Howard gets real on the LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant debate - Bolavip US

After years of struggling, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> finally seem to be in a position to succeed. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rob-pelinka">Rob Pelinka</a> stayed busy making significant moves ahead of the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season, including the re-signing of D’Angelo Russell.



The 27-year-old guard was one of the team’s acquisitions in the February deadline, helping to turn things around in the final stretch of the campaign. Though his level declined in the playoffs, Russell earned a spot in LA.



But his return was just one of the many moves the purple and gold made this offseason, as they also landed Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes. In addition, they brought back Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Therefore, Russell has nothing but optimism for the upcoming season.



<h2>D’Angelo Russell warns that sky is the limit for the Lakers</h2>



“I have no idea. I know we got a lot of bodies though, what you said, we got a lot of bodies. So trying to give the team what it needs every night to win, I think that’s gotta be our focus. Whatever or however it gets done, if everybody is locked in to just giving the team what it needs that night,” Russell said on The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone, via Lakers Nation.



“That night might be scoring, the next night might be eight assists, the next night might be all passes becayse they ran you off and you made the one more to Austin Reaves in the corner, he’s hitting. It’s gotta be the right play, right mentality type of energy for our group because anybody can do it. He can throw any five out there and get it done. But if we’re all committed to that I think sky is the limit for the group honestly.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-owner-reveals-one-condition-to-retire-lebron-james-jersey-20230728-BUS-37466.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230728_BUS_37466_LeBron-James-2-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With LeBron James entering the final years of his career, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss revealed when the team plans to retire his jersey.
" title="NBA Rumors: Lakers owner reveals one condition to retire LeBron James jersey" publication_id="BUS#20230728#BUS#37466"></div>


Of course, Russell understands there is no margin for error and it will require a team effort to succeed. However, the Lakers have definitely made a case to be seen as title contenders next year. As long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy, this team has plenty of reasons to believe.

Lakers news: D'Angelo Russell issues strong warning to the rest of the NBA

Lakers: D'Angelo Russell's strong warning to the rest of the NBA - Bolavip US

Watching <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 a strange sight at first. There were even some debates about whether <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> fans could also stan for LeBron.



It’s been quite a while since The King has been in Southern California, so most of us have already gotten used to watching him don the Purple and Gold jersey. For others, it’s still kind of odd.



Whatever the case, it seems like James was only trying to follow the steps of other <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> greats that played for the franchise, as he once said in an interview with TV host Jim Hill.



<h2>LeBron Explains Why He Wanted To Be A Laker</h2>



“I came here for one reason and one reason only, and that’s to play winning basketball and take this team back to where it should be,” said James. “I see all those banners. I see all those banners — all those championship banners — and I want to be a part of one of those.”



“And I also see all those banners with all the Laker greats: Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Elgin, Wilt, Kobe, Shaq — I want to be up there too,” continued James. “That’s my motivation, and I won’t stop until I put this franchise in a position to compete for a championship, hopefully, win a championship, and hopefully see my jersey hang in the rafters. That’s what it’s about.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-owner-jeanie-buss-reveals-how-she-dealt-with-lebron-james-potential-retirement-20230731-BUS-38566.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38566_lebron-james-12.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As worried as some Los Angeles Lakers fans were about LeBron James&apos; potential retirement, Jeanie Buss just remembered what her old man used to say.
" title="Lakers owner Jeanie Buss reveals how she dealt with LeBron James&apos; potential retirement" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38566"></div>


Four years have gone by since James arrived in Hollywood, and most fans have embraced him as one of their own. As for the rest, it feels like they will never change their minds about him.

LeBron James reveals why he wanted to join the Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James reveals why he wanted to join the Los Angeles Lakers - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>went to great lengths to pair <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis </a>with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>, and it paid off right away. Still, he hasn’t lived up to the hype as a potential alpha dog on the team.



Even so, Davis has been arguably the most important piece for the purple and gold since he arrived in Southern California. The team will go as far as he can lead them on both ends of the floor.



With that in mind, and despite all the inconsistency and how often he misses game, the Lakers are looking forward to signing him to an extension before the start of the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> season.



<h2>Lakers Will Give Davis An Extension Soon</h2>



“Ultimately, making Davis happy is something the Lakers want to continue to do as they see him as a cornerstone of this franchise presently and in the future,” reported Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation. “As it stands, Davis has an early termination option on his contract after this season, meaning he could be a free agent next summer, but expectations are that he won’t be going anywhere.”



“Recent reports suggest that the Lakers view Davis as someone who has represented the franchise extremely well since coming over and want him around moving forward, so expectations are that the two sides will agree to a contract extension before training camp begins,“ added Hansford.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-reveals-why-he-wanted-to-join-the-los-angeles-lakers-20230802-BUS-39844.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_39844_lebron-james.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though he had never played in the West, LeBron James always dreamed of being a Laker.
" title="LeBron James reveals why he wanted to join the Los Angeles Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#39844"></div>


Davis has earned the right to get paid, and the Lakers won’t risk losing him without getting anything in return, so this was a no-brainer move, even if they have to overpay for his services.

This is where the Lakers stand on Anthony Davis' contract extension

This is where the Lakers stand on Anthony Davis' contract extension - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> were one of the best teams in the second half of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> season last year. Even with a gassed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James,</a> they held their own and made the playoffs.



This team looks slightly better than last season’s. They made some minor tweaks, kept most of their core together, and look to get back to the postseason in the following campaign.



For that, they might as well rely upon one of their youngsters, as they reportedly believe that Max Christie is ready to take a leap forward and crack Darvin Ham’s rotation.



<h2>Lakers Are High On Max Christie</h2>



“His ascension is an X-factor in the rotation,” reported Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “If he can continue to develop as a shot creator and playmaker, he has a chance to carve out a significant role given his 3-point shooting and defensive ability. The Lakers are confident he can grow into being the team’s eighth or ninth man next season.”



“Christie’s spot in the rotation likely comes down to him versus Cam Reddish,” the report added. “Based on their current strengths and skill sets, Christie makes more sense. The Lakers are higher on him. He’s the better shooter and defender, with more upside.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-owner-jeanie-buss-reveals-how-she-dealt-with-lebron-james-potential-retirement-20230731-BUS-38566.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38566_lebron-james-12.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As worried as some Los Angeles Lakers fans were about LeBron James&apos; potential retirement, Jeanie Buss just remembered what her old man used to say.
" title="Lakers owner Jeanie Buss reveals how she dealt with LeBron James&apos; potential retirement" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38566"></div>


The Lakers’ player development staff has done an outstanding job as of late, and he did look ready to embrace a bigger role during Summer League, so let’s see if he can live up to the hype next season.

LeBron James' Lakers have a new secret weapon

LeBron James' Lakers have a new secret weapon - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have had a plethora of legends wear that Purple and Golde jersey. However, some tend to think that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> stands on a tier of his own.



Beyond his on-court greatness and accomplishments, Bryant truly embodied what being a superstar and the undisputed leader of one of the most storied franchises in the league meant.



That’s why former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-wizards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a> forward Rui Hachimura made the decision to honor him and his daughter Gigi with his jersey number as soon as he arrived in Los Angeles.



<h2>Rui Hachimura Chose His Jersey Number In Honor Of Kobe And Gianna Bryant</h2>



“Initially it was actually my birthday,” he said, per Lakers Nation. “My birthday is February 8, and my number’s– I’m usually number eight. ‘Hachi’ means eight in Japanese, so that’s why I wanted to wear No. 8 but that’s Kobe’s number and I knew it was gonna be hard.”



“Then I’m deciding, yeah it’s my birthday but also it’s Kobe’s number and his daughter’s number so I’m like, ‘OK, that’s gonna be a pretty big, deep meaning.’ I just liked the number, so that’s why I picked it,” Hachimura added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/jamal-crawford-explains-why-kobe-bryant-was-the-best-player-he-ever-faced-20230614-BUS-10688.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230614_BUS_10688_jamal-crawford-kobe-bryant.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jamal Crawford faced countless NBA superstars throughout his career, but no one instilled more fear in his heart than Kobe Bryant.
" title="Jamal Crawford explains why Kobe Bryant was the best player he ever faced" publication_id="BUS#20230614#BUS#10688"></div>


Hachimura became a fan favorite right away for his great play on both ends of the floor, but he’ll be even more beloved and respected by the fans as soon as the word goes out on this.

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura pays the ultimate tribute to Kobe and Gigi Bryant

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura pays the ultimate tribute to Kobe and Gigi Bryant - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> put the world on notice right after losing in the Western Conference Finals. He hinted at retiring from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, sounding the alarm among <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> fans.



However, as much as some people thought it was the end of the line for the veteran forward, most people thought he was just talking in the heat of the moment.



That includes team owner Jeanie Buss, who recently explained how her father’s philosophy helped her keep her cool and just give her superstar player some time and space to clear his mind after being swept by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Nuggets.</a>



<h2>Jeanie Buss Didn’t Believe LeBron James Was Going To Retire</h2>



“My dad [Jerry Buss] told me many times that no decision should be made after a loss in the playoffs,” Buss told Sportskeeda. “You give yourself time and space to reflect on things and not make any decisions in those kinds of moments.”



“It was exactly how we treated LeBron – it was to give him his space and time that he needed to reflect and make his decision as to what is right for him,” continued Buss.



“Again, it was about giving him his space and letting him make his decision.But with the way he played last season, there was to me no reason for him to retire,” the owner added. “But I can’t make up his mind. He has a contract. If he does play in the NBA, he’s a Laker. That part, I knew. But you can’t force somebody to play if they don’t want to play. It was really his decision to make.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/will-the-lakers-retire-lebron-james-jersey-owner-jeanie-buss-chimes-in-20230728-BUS-37014.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230728_BUS_37014_lebron-james-11.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With LeBron James approaching the end of his career, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss shared her thoughts on potentially retiring his jersey.
" title="Will the Lakers retire LeBron James&apos; jersey? Owner Jeanie Buss chimes in" publication_id="BUS#20230728#BUS#37014"></div>


You may or may not like Buss as a team owner, but she’s been around long enough to know a thing or two about business and NBA players. Simply put, there was no way James was going to retire at this time.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss reveals how she dealt with LeBron James' potential retirement

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss reveals how she dealt with LeBron James' potential retirement - Bolavip US

When <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> joined the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, it looked like a match made in heaven. The King eventually proved that right by winning the 2020 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship, but the following seasons were not easy.



However, the purple and gold seem to be on the right direction again. Rob Pelinka picked up where he left off in February, making enough moves this offseason to improve the roster.



The front office’s work comes just in time before James’ championship window closes, something no one knows when will happen yet. What we can be sure of is that the Lakers will retire his jersey in the future.



<h2>Jeanie Buss reveals when Lakers will retire LeBron James’ jersey</h2>



“The standard for having your jersey retired as a Laker is when a player is inducted into the Hall-of-Fame. I have absolutely no doubt that LeBron will make it into the Basketball Hall-of-Fame,” Buss told Sportskeeda. “When he does so, then we will retire his jersey. Knowing that he will make it into the Basketball Hall-of-Fame, he will have his Lakers jersey retired, no doubt about it.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/darvin-ham-makes-shocking-claim-about-lebron-james-retirement-date-20230720-BUS-32499.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230720_BUS_32499_lebron-james-8.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="LeBron James just confirmed he&apos;s not walking away from the NBA soon, and Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham doubled down on those comments with a blazing hot take.
" title="Darvin Ham makes shocking claim about LeBron James&apos; retirement date" publication_id="BUS#20230720#BUS#32499"></div>


What the Lakers owner didn’t reveal is whether the team plans to retire James’ No. 6 or his No. 23. When asked about the possibility of retiring both, Buss said “That’s a discussion for another time.”

NBA Rumors: Lakers owner reveals one condition to retire LeBron James jersey

NBA Rumors: Lakers owner reveals one condition to retire LeBron James jersey - Bolavip US

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