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

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> has recently put the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> on notice. He claimed that he wouldn’t sign a contract extension with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> unless he believed they could and wanted to win another ring.



Now, the Bucks pretty much have a season to convince arguably their best player in franchise history — granted that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left early — to stay in town.



And according to a GM who talked to NBA insider Ric Bucher, it all had to do with their first-round shortcomings vs. the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a>, as Giannis was left wondering what kind of team they actually were.



<h2>Bucks’ First-Round Exit Made Giannis Doubt His Future</h2>



“That happening to him in the first round is the reason for the stance he’s taking, which is, ‘I’m not saying I’m not coming back, but I need to see which team we are. Are we a first-round exit team? Or are we really a Finals team that just happened to lose in the first round for different reasons last year?,&apos;” the GM said.



The Bucks could’ve won that series, or at least been more competitive, had Giannis not left with an injury in the first game. Still, they failed to rally without him, and that could be a concern.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/giannis-antetokounmpo-seems-ready-to-leave-the-milwaukee-bucks-20230914-BUS-62544.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230914_BUS_62544_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Giannis Antetokounmpo might not be a Milwaukee Buck for life, and he&apos;s making it loud and clear.
" title="Giannis Antetokounmpo seems ready to leave the Milwaukee Bucks" publication_id="BUS#20230914#BUS#62544"></div>


New coach Adrian Griffin will be under a lot of pressure to deliver right away. Giannis Is one of the best players in the league, and he should have no shortage of suitors if he decides to leave.

GM reveals why Giannis Antetokoumnpo could leave the Bucks

GM reveals why Giannis Antetokoumnpo could leave the Bucks - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors </a>made a somewhat head-scratching move when they traded for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chris-paul" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Paul</a>. He’s made all<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> teams he’s been in significantly better, but he’s an odd fit for this squad.



That’s why most people speculated that Paul would have to come off the bench to find success in the Bay area. However, he didn’t seem so receptive at first, and it seems like they’ll wait until training camp to figure things out.



But if he plays his way into the starting lineup with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Curry</a>, that means someone else has got to go. According to James Salmon of ClutchPoints, that guy might as well be veteran big man Kevon Looney.



<h2>Chris Paul Could Force Kevon Looney To The Bench</h2>



“The most traditional of point guards replacing the Warriors center is, on face value, a strange move, but it’s the most likely one that Steve Kerr will opt for. As mentioned, he’s certainly not sending Curry or Thompson to the bench, and Wiggins has become a really valuable member of their starting lineup too. That leaves Green and Kevon Looney, and Green’s certainly not going anywhere either,” wrote Salmon.



Looney has been a major factor in the team’s recent success, and he’d still continue to have a prominent role off the bench, assuming Steve Kerr actually pulls this off.


 <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>


Needless to say, that’s going to hurt the Warriors’ size significantly, but it might be the only way they’re able to have Chris Paul and Stephen Curry in the starting lineup.

Kevon Looney could lose starting job to Warriors newcomer

Kevon Looney could lose starting job to Warriors newcomer - Bolavip US

Ever since they lost to Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets in the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> knew they would need another superstar to win a championship. That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> has been their priority target this offseason.



At 33, Dame is also craving for an elusive ring, which explains his decision to request a trade out of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers">Portland Trail Blazers</a>. The guard was loyal to the team since 2012, but now he finally feels that it’s time to move on.



Lillard has reportedly made it clear he only wants to be traded to Miami, but the Blazers haven’t made things easy so far. After months of negotiating, it looks like the Heat are daring Portland to get a better offer elsewhere.



<h2>Rumor: Heat challenge Blazers to find a better offer for Lillard</h2>



According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Miami Heat are challenging the Portland Trail Blazers to find a better compensation for Damian Lillard than what they have already offered.



“They want Damian Lillard. They just want him for as little as they’re going to have to give up. They’re essentially daring Portland to go out into the marketplace — which Portland is doing — and see if they can find better,” Woj said.



<h2>Will another team trade for Lillard?</h2>



Since Lillard let everyone know he only wants to play for Miami, it’s hard to believe another team will step in. His agent even warned other NBA franchises that trading for his client would be “trading for an unhappy player.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-what-the-blazers-want-from-heat-to-let-damian-lillard-go-20230918-BUS-64798.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230918_BUS_64798_Damian-Lillard-6.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Portland Trail Blazers may have finally decided what they expect from the Miami Heat to trade Damian Lillard once and for all.
" title="NBA Rumors: What the Blazers want from Heat to let Damian Lillard go" publication_id="BUS#20230918#BUS#64798"></div>


That said, Dame has three guaranteed years left on his current contract, which is a lot of time to refuse to play. Besides, at 33, he cannot spend so much time on the sidelines.

NBA Rumors: The Heat's bold decision on Damian Lillard trade talks

NBA Rumors: The Heat's bold decision on Damian Lillard trade talks - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a> continue to be one of the most dominant teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a>, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green still in the Bay area, it doesn’t look like the Dubs are slowing down anytime soon.



Therefore, moving to San Francisco could be an interesting idea for any player with championship aspirations. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a>, however, says there’s no way he would suit up for the Warriors.



“I respect what they’ve been doing over the last eight, nine years or whatever and I’m from there obviously,” Lillard said on the YouTube show It Is What It Is. “That’s home. But I can’t be a part of that. They won four championships. What I look like going to try to do that? It don’t even make sense. I never do nothing like that. I lose every year before I go.”



<h2>Damian Lillard ready to leave the Blazers</h2>



After 11 years with the organization, Damian Lillard decided to submit a trade request to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason. The team, however, has yet to grant his wish and let him go.



The Miami Heat have been heavily linked with the guard, as they look for another superstar to help Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo win the NBA championship next year. Last season, they fell just short of the ultimate glory.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-what-the-blazers-want-from-heat-to-let-damian-lillard-go-20230918-BUS-64798.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230918_BUS_64798_Damian-Lillard-6.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Portland Trail Blazers may have finally decided what they expect from the Miami Heat to trade Damian Lillard once and for all.
" title="NBA Rumors: What the Blazers want from Heat to let Damian Lillard go" publication_id="BUS#20230918#BUS#64798"></div>


<h2>How old is Damian Lillard?</h2>



Born on July 15, 1990 in Oakland, California, Damian Lillard is 33 years old.



Selected with the sixth overall pick by the Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lillard has yet to win an NBA ring. With Miami aiming to succeed in the short term, moving to South Beach could make sense for Dame.

NBA star completely shuts the door on joining Stephen Curry's Warriors

NBA star completely shuts the door on joining Stephen Curry's Warriors - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden </a>wants to leave the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a>. But with the N<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BA</a> season just around the corner and Daryl Morey reportedly not willing to meet his demands, things could get worse before they get any better.



Harden reportedly wants to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a>, but they haven’t shown any sort of willingness to meet Morey’s reportedly steep price for the former MVP.



Nonetheless, there could still be a light at the end of the tunnel for the disgruntled combo guard, as Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN reported that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-knicks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Knicks </a>reached out to discuss a potential deal.



<h2>New York Knicks Touch Base On James Harden</h2>



“He [Morey] said he would make a good faith effort to trade Harden and had initial conversations, league sources said, with Harden’s preferred team, the Clippers, as well as the New York Knicks,” said Shelbourne.



Hardes has a long and well-documented history of not being accountable, up to the point where former coach Mike D’Antoni didn’t even show him his negative plays during film sessions.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-clippers-make-final-decision-about-james-harden-20230918-BUS-64569.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230918_BUS_64569_James-Harden-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Los Angeles Clippers have made up their minds regarding trading for Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden.
" title="NBA Rumors: Clippers make final decision about James Harden" publication_id="BUS#20230918#BUS#64569"></div>


That, plus his injury history and partying habits, might scare multiple teams at this point in his career, but the Knicks could look the other way and swing for the fences anyway.

NBA Rumors: Knicks reached out about James Harden

NBA Rumors: Knicks could join the race for James Harden - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: Knicks could join the race for James Harden

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> has been the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a>’s priority target for months now, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers">Portland Trail Blazers</a> have yet to let the 7x <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> All-Star go. This move has taken so long that many even wonder if it will actually happen.



Selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft, Dame has so far spent his entire career in Oregon, staying loyal to the franchise despite its struggles to build a competitive team around him.



But after 11 years, he’s had enough. While the Blazers initially seemed to understand the guard’s decision, their actions showed they won’t move on from him so easily. In fact, it looks like they want to make sure they get everything they can from Miami before accepting his departure.



<h2>Rumor: Blazers want Heat to show same desire for Lillard than Suns did for Durant</h2>



According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Blazers want “what the Nets got from the Suns, which is the Suns literally scrounging,” whether that’s Miami or any other team.



The NBA insider adds that Portland wants the Heat “to literally scrounge into every nook and cranny and produce everything they possibly can,” but the South Florida team wouldn’t give in to those demands.



While Heat have made it clear that the likes of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are off the table, they have other assets that could be appealing. Even so, Pat Riley will be careful with what he surrenders to get the 33-year-old star.


 <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>


<h2>How many years does Damian Lillard have left in his contract?</h2>



Damian Lillard has a $63 million player option for the 2026-27 season before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2027.

NBA Rumors: What the Blazers want from Heat to let Damian Lillard go

NBA Rumors: What the Blazers want from Heat to let Damian Lillard go - 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

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> doesn’t want to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> anymore. And if the past has taught us anything, it is that Harden can force his way out of any <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> market, regardless of how long it takes.



Nonetheless, he’s facing a bit of an uphill battle right now. Sixers GM Daryl Morey is stubborn and has always stayed his ground when it comes to not making moves he doesn’t want to make.



Harden reportedly wants to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a>, and even held talks with some of their stars. However, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the Clippers are no longer interested in trading for him.



<h2>Clippers Won’t Try To Trade For James Harden</h2>



“(The Clippers) tried to trade for James Harden, and that deal didn’t happen,” Windhorst said on The Hoops Collective. “And from what I understand, it was the Clippers who said, ‘Okay, there’s no deal here. We’re gonna move on.’”



Reports show that the Clippers have been reluctant to meet Morey’s steep asking price for the former MVP, which makes sense, considering he’s entering the final year of his contract.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-suns-could-trade-for-james-harden-under-one-condition-20230912-BUS-61509.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230912_BUS_61509_James-Harden-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Phoenix Suns are already stacked with talent, but they could still add another former MVP to the mix.
" title="NBA Rumors: Suns could trade for James Harden under one condition" publication_id="BUS#20230912#BUS#61509"></div>


Harden also has a long-withstanding history of not living up to the expectations in the playoffs, getting hurt, and a questionable work ethic. That’s why he’s likely stuck in Philadelphia until the end of the season.

NBA Rumors: Clippers make final decision about James Harden

NBA Rumors: Clippers make final decision about James Harden - Bolavip US

Back in 2021, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Nuggets</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> got into a heated altercation, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikola Jokic</a> shoving Markieff Morris on the back, and Jimmy Butler and other Heat players later trying to go at him in the locker room.



Morris missed 58 games that season because of the injury, and he had several issues working his way back to the floor. Ironically, he had a bad rap in the league for being the one who did most of the trash-talking and dirty plays, not the other way around.



So, now that he’s back to full <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>shape, he made it loud and clear that he hasn’t forgotten about that incident. If anything, he’s looking forward to getting back at the two-time MVP.



<h2>Markieff Morris Threatens Nikola Jokic</h2>



“A sucker shot, that’s what we call it in our hood… The shot was it was a little hard, it was a little whiplash,” he said on All The Smoke. “So I mean to be 350 catching me off guard it really ain’t do shit but at the time I was a little off.”



“It was more so with the Miami Heat, they were just trying to protect me from myself. I was cleared to play like two weeks after that, they just held me out,” he added. “Took a sucker shot, it’s like when you get – they call it snuck – he snuck me yeah. It was a sucker shot, he gon’ get his though.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/damian-lillard-could-change-his-stance-on-trade-to-miami-heat-20230913-BUS-62196.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230913_BUS_62196_Damian-Lillard-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Damian Lillard still wants to play for the Miami Heat, but he may have to make a decision soon.
" title="Damian Lillard could change his stance on trade to Miami Heat" publication_id="BUS#20230913#BUS#62196"></div>


Maybe this wasn’t the smartest choice of words for Morris, who’ll likely have a fine coming his way. Also, we’d think twice before trying to go against a seven-foot Serbian with a temper.

Markieff Morris vows to hurt Nikola Jokic over 2021 incident

Markieff Morris vows to hurt Nikola Jokic over 2021 incident - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> are officially on the clock right now. They have one <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>season to convince <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> that Wisconsin is the place to be and to stay for many more years there.



Giannis recently stated that he wouldn’t mind taking his talents somewhere else if that meant having a better opportunity to win another NBA championship in the foreseeable future.



However, Khris Middleton believes he’s eventually going to stay, mostly because they’ve never had any sort of issue or power struggle in terms of who’s going to take a big shot or not.



<h2>Khris Middleton Says There Is No Power Struggle In The Bucks</h2>



“There’s never been a struggle about who is one and two between us,” Middleton said on The Old Man &amp; the Three. “As we got older, there was a respect that was formed and bonded between those intense practices. Then as time goes on, we realized none of this matters once we got into the games. We had our battles in practice, now our job is to go out and win. So, whoever is one, two, three, four, five, that doesn’t matter.”



“As long as we win, everything is taken care of itself, everybody gets paid, everybody is happy, and everybody gets to go wherever they wanna go. That’s just the way we learned,” he added.



“Everybody wants to be ‘the guy,’ but sometimes it’s okay not being the guy, like I have no problem not being the guy,” Middleton said. “Some nights are going to be my night, he [Giannis] has no problem with that, and I know a lot of nights are going to be his night. As long as we win I’m happy I’m good… If you realize you wanna win, you have to sacrifice something. So, I think we’ve all had this mindset that at some point we have to sacrifice something within our game, within ourselves to be on a winning team and luckily it happened organically with us.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/giannis-antetokounmpo-seems-ready-to-leave-the-milwaukee-bucks-20230914-BUS-62544.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230914_BUS_62544_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Giannis Antetokounmpo might not be a Milwaukee Buck for life, and he&apos;s making it loud and clear.
" title="Giannis Antetokounmpo seems ready to leave the Milwaukee Bucks" publication_id="BUS#20230914#BUS#62544"></div>


Giannis has made it loud and clear that he just wants to win, and he’s never looked mad or angry over Middleton or any other player taking over when need be. That’s winning basketball.

Khris Middleton opens up on power struggle with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Khris Middleton opens up on power struggle with Giannis Antetokounmpo - Bolavip US

Ever since<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Michael Jordan</a> released The Last Dance, fellow <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottie Pippen</a> has gone out of his way to try and discedit No. 23. It’s gotten sad and even lowkey embarrassing for the legendary forward.



Pippen has called Jordan a bad person, a bad teammate, and even a bad player. Perhaps he took offense at the fact that Jordan’s son Marcus is set to marry his ex-wife Larsa, as if it was Jordan’s fault.



That’s why Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins put him on blast for taking so many uncalled-for and unanswered shots at the guy who helped him win six <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championships.



<h2>Dominique Wilkins Calls Out Scottie Pippen</h2>



“When I hear him saying (that MJ didn’t win rings until he arrived)… I’m like, ‘What’s really going on with Scottie?’ (Because) Anybody who knows basketball is like, ‘You don’t win those rings without Jordan,’” Wilkins said. 



“Sometimes, everybody wants to be the king, and everybody can’t. Like I said, whatever issue that he got going, the two got going, I mean (just the) ability to make some sense,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/tracy-mcgrady-has-blazing-hot-take-on-michael-jordan-and-scottie-pippen-20230727-BUS-36514.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230727_BUS_36514_tracy-mcgrady.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Michael Jordan diehard fans may not like what Tracy McGrady had to say about his career.
" title="Tracy McGrady has blazing-hot take on Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen" publication_id="BUS#20230727#BUS#36514"></div>


Pippen had the chance to go out as the legend he was. But now, most fans will remember him as a bitter and envious man trying to take down Michael just to sell his book.

Dominique Wilkins rips Scottie Pippen for one-sided beef with Michael Jordan

Dominique Wilkins rips Scottie Pippen for one-sided beef with Michael Jordan - Bolavip US

Following Team USA’s disappointing effort in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James </a>and several <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> superstars, including <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>, will reportedly commit to play in the Olympics.



This has been a rather usual cycle for U.S. Basketball as of late. They underestimate their competition with an alternative squad in the World Cup, and then call in the big guns for the Olympics.



Nonetheless, as impressive as their squad could be, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> legend Toni Kukoc isn’t so sure about USA’s dominance over the rest of the world anymore, not even with James on the court.



<h2>Toni Kukoc Isn’t Sure About Team USA’s Chances</h2>



“Everybody plays basketball today. Germany invests a lot, it has come a long way. Gone are the days when we, the Russians, and the Americans ruled the world,” Kukoc told Index.hr. 



“That time has passed. If the Americans want to take the throne, they will have to bring the strongest forces. Even with the strongest forces, I don’t believe it will be a walk for them,“ he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-stephen-curry-and-kevin-durant-get-new-nba-rule-made-just-for-them-20230914-BUS-62511.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230914_BUS_62511_LeBron-James-and-Stephen-Curry.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and several other NBA stars will get an exemption in the league&apos;s new load management rule.
" title="LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant get new NBA rule made just for them" publication_id="BUS#20230914#BUS#62511"></div>


Of course, it’s easy to think of any team that could hold its own against the NBA’s best American players. But it’s time U.S. Basketball stops overlooking its rivals, as the gap has gotten more narrow.

Toni Kukoc explains why LeBron James won't be able to save Team USA

Toni Kukoc explains why LeBron James won't be able to save Team USA - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Phoenix Suns</a> were perhaps the biggest winner of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> offseason. On top of trading for Bradley Beal, the team surrounded <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> with plenty of depth at every position.



However, there are still some doubts about Deandre Ayton’s future with the organization, as the former first-overall pick doesn’t seem happy with the team that drafted him.



With that in mind, NBA insider Dalton Triggs reveals that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> could re-engage trade talks for Ayton, as they had already tried to get him prior to the Draft.



<h2>Mavericks Could Go After Deandre Ayton</h2>



“Given that McGee was apparently the biggest disagreement the Mavs and Suns had in their Ayton talks, wouldn’t it be feasible to envision those conversations potentially coming up again sometime before the season begins,” Trigg wrote.



“Would Phoenix take Hardaway and Holmes straight up with McGee out of the way, or would they now push for draft compensation as well,” the report concluded.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/luka-doncics-fans-should-be-worried-after-his-latest-statement-20230911-BUS-61086.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230911_BUS_61086_Luka-Doncic.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic could deal with a major issue next season.
" title="Luka Doncic&apos;s fans should be worried after his latest statement" publication_id="BUS#20230911#BUS#61086"></div>


Of course, this will all depend on Ayton’s efforts — or lack thereof — during his days with Frank Vogel, but a trade away from the Valley of the Sun shouldn’t be ruled out now.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving could steal a star from Kevin Durant's Suns

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving could steal a star from Kevin Durant's Suns - Bolavip US

H<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ouston Rockets </a>guard Kevin Porter Jr. made all the headlines again. Again, for all the wrong reasons. The troublemaking USC product can’t get out of his own way, and he went too far this time.



According to reports, Porter Jr. brutally assaulted his girlfriend, up to the point where she had to run into the hallway all drenched in blood. Apparently, he waked her up by punching her with a close fist.



That’s why the Houston Rockets are reportedly exhausting all avenues to get rid of the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> guard. However, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> might take matters into its own hands.



<h2>Rockets Want To Trade Kevin Porter Jr., But He Might Be Out Of The League</h2>



“The Houston Rockets are working to trade guard Kevin Porter Jr. in the wake of his charges of felony assault and strangulation due to an alleged attack on his girlfriend,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.



“Adam Silver could put him on administrative leave, but certainly his future in Houston is very much in jeopardy,” added Adrian Wojnarowski. “Going back a number of years to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, problems have followed him. There’s no question Kevin Porter Jr.’s future, not just with the Rockets, but in the NBA is very much in peril.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/prosecutors-reveal-gruesome-details-of-kevin-porter-jr-s-assault-case-20230913-BUS-61915.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230913_BUS_61915_Kevin-Porter-Jr.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. might never set foot on an NBA court again.
" title="Prosecutors reveal gruesome details of Kevin Porter Jr.&apos;s assault case" publication_id="BUS#20230913#BUS#61915"></div>


If the reports are true, then there’s no place for a guy like Kevin Porter Jr. here, and we don’t mean just in the National Basketball Association, but in society as a whole.

Rockets have a plan for Kevin Porter Jr. over disturbing assault case

Rockets have a plan for Kevin Porter Jr. over disturbing assault case - Bolavip US

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