The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> went the extra mile to make sure<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyrie-irving" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Kyrie Irving</a> would stay. They signed him to a huge contract at the beginning of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA’s</a> offseason to shut down all doubts about his future with the team.



Needless to say, the Mavs continue to be Luka Doncic’s team, but Mark Cuban knows no one can win on his own. That’s why he wanted to take some major pressure off his shoulders.



However, as good as both players are on their own, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend Byron Scott still isn’t sold on how they could mesh and be at their best together on the court.



<h2>Byron Scott Doesn’t Think Doncic And Kyrie Can Coexist</h2>



“I think Dallas has got a really good team but I still think it’s going to be hard for J-Kidd to kind of figure out how to use Kyrie and Luka together,” Scott said. “Both guys are very dominant with the ball, so it’s going to be really hard for him to figure out how to play those guys together, as a team, but they got some talent.”



“Dallas is going to be a good team this year,” Scott added. “I don’t think they’re going to be a force in the West, it’s just too many great teams. But Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/mark-cuban-makes-bold-admission-about-kyrie-irving-luka-doncic-20230724-BUS-34717.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230724_BUS_34717_kyrie-irving-luka-doncic.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Dallas Mavericks have their two stars locked up for the future, and they better know their role.
" title="Mark Cuban makes bold admission about Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic" publication_id="BUS#20230724#BUS#34717"></div>


Of course, that’s what most analysts seem to think about this team, but we’ve seen what talented duos are capable of when they’re at their best, so it’ll be interesting to see how they respond.

Lakers legend throws shade at Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks

Lakers legend throws shade at Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks - Bolavip US

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For the first time in years, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are going into an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season with serious aspirations. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> ready to run things back, the purple and gold seem to have reasons to believe.



Rob Pelinka finally fixed the roster at the February trade deadline, and this offseason he kept up with the good work by making more moves that put the Lakers in a position to succeed.



But of course, it’s still too soon to tell how far they can go next season. According to Charles Barkley, the Lakers will only have a chance to win if <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a> plays at an MVP level throughout the year.



<h2>Charles Barkley says LeBron’s Lakers depend on Anthony Davis to win</h2>



“Sometimes, when sports and the games are close, you are like, man, we are close, but the Lakers aren’t. Now, it will be interesting about all the stuff they did; as I said last season, it will all come down to Anthony Davis,” Chucky said on the Bill Simmons podcast, via Lakers Nation.



“If Anthony Davis, as much as I love LeBron, I said last season and two seasons before. The Lakers are not going anywhere if Anthony Davis is not an MVP candidate. The Lakers were lucky to have a great draw in the playoffs, but AD does not have a MVP caliber season; the Lakers are going nowhere.”



<h2>How old is Anthony Davis?</h2>



Born on March 11, 1993 in Chicago, Illinois, Anthony Davis is 30 years old.



<h2>When does Anthony Davis’ contract with Lakers expire?</h2>



Anthony Davis agreed on a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, keeping him with the team through 2028.

LeBron James, Lakers success hinges on one key factor, Charles Barkley says

Charles Barkley claims LeBron James, Lakers success hinges on one key factor - Bolavip US

Charles Barkley claims LeBron James, Lakers success hinges on one key factor

Last season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James </a>accomplished what most <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> fans and players thought was impossible: Breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record and becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer.



James has been one of the most consistent and durable superstars in major sports history, but even for him, getting to Kareem’s mark seemed like too much, considering not even Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant did it.



That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend Byron Scott believes that record will stand forever, as he just doesn’t see any other player balling out at such an elite level for that much time.



<h2>Byron Scott Says No One Will Break LeBron James’ Scoring Record</h2>



“No, I don’t [Think the record will be broken],” Scott said. “And I think that the reason why is the consistency.”



“LeBron has played 20 years in the NBA and has never really been fully hurt and when he gets hurt, he comes right back; he keeps himself in unbelievable condition, he’s going to play another year or so and I think that he’ll get to the point where he’ll have over 40,000 points in this league and I don’t think that it will be broken especially in our lifetime,“ Scott added.



<h2>How Many Career Points Has LeBron James Scored?</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/robert-horry-explains-why-the-lakers-cant-retire-lebrons-number-20230828-BUS-53578.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230828_BUS_53578_LeBron-James-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good as he&apos;s been in the NBA, LeBron James shouldn&apos;t be ahead of another Lakers great in terms of his jersey being retired, says Robert Horry.
" title="Robert Horry explains why the Lakers can&apos;t retire LeBron&apos;s number" publication_id="BUS#20230828#BUS#53578"></div>


As of August 8, 2023 and before the start of the 2023/24 season, LeBron James has scored 38,652 points in the regular season and 8,023 points in the playoffs.

Former player shares the reason why LeBron James' scoring record will hold on forever

Former player shares the reason why LeBron James' scoring record will hold on forever - Bolavip US

The N<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BA</a> is a global league. They know Michael Jordan,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james"> LeBron James</a>, Kobe Bryant, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Curry</a> in every single corner, and the league keeps adding more international players by the year.



However, just like track and field star Noah Lyles pointed out, there’s no need to say the NBA champion is the World Champion, especially considering the N in NBA literally stands for NATIONAL.



Stephen A. Smith called Lyles an ignorant, Tyrese Haliburton said his comments weren’t intelligent, and NBA players as a whole rallied to bully Lyles. However, 13 years ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Antonio Spurs</a> coach Gregg Popovich said exactly the same thing.



<h2>Gregg Popovich Rips The ‘World Champion’ Distinction</h2>



“There are no world champions in the NBA, so anybody that has the flag up that says world champions is not correct. It’s not appropriate,” Popovich said. “The world champions, I believe, are the Spanish team right now. USA is the Olympic champion. The Lakers are the NBA champion.”



“It doesn’t make sense for an NBA team to call themselves world champions. I don’t remember anybody playing anybody outside our borders to get that tag. Isn’t that true? I keep waiting for somebody to tell me I’ve missed something,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/jaren-jackson-jr-takes-a-shot-at-draymond-green-and-warriors-20230829-BUS-54022.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230829_BUS_54022_Jaren-Jackson-Jr-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jaren Jackson Jr. may not be a fan of Steve Kerr and the Warriors.
" title="Jaren Jackson Jr. takes a shot at Draymond Green and Warriors" publication_id="BUS#20230829#BUS#54022"></div>


There you go. NBA players mocked Noah Lyles, but you better believe they won’t say anything to or about Popovich. No one’s saying you’re not the best players in the world, so there’s no need to get your sensitive egos hurt, guys.

Gregg Popovich explains why NBA champions aren't actually world champions

Gregg Popovich explains why NBA champions aren't actually world champions - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> has become one of the biggest talking points in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> circles right now. His words about not signing an extension with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> led to all kinds of speculation.



The Greek Freak made it loud and clear that he doesn’t plan to sign an extension unless he feels like everybody’s on the same page. Moreover, he stated that he won’t do it this season because it just doesn’t make sense financially.



However, despite all speculation about the New York Knicks an<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">d Los Angeles Lakers</a> being ready to jump the gun and make a move for him, a Western Conference executive explained to Heavy why that’s simply not possible.



<h2>Knicks And Lakers Can’t Trade For Giannis</h2>



“They will need to get lucky somewhere along the line if there is going to be a trade, and the fact is, it’s always a trade now, it’s never really free agency,” the GM said. “But everyone talks like the Knicks have this giant pile of picks. They don’t. They have three heavily protected picks and probably none of them get you in the Top 10. Those are nice, but that kind of protection is not going to get you Giannis.”



“If LeBron decides to stay with the Lakers and he’s there past 2025–which is probably going to happen–you really can’t get Giannis to the Lakers in that situation,” the GM continued. “It’d be tough.”



“Another executive, with a Western Conference team, pointed out that Antetokounmpo is less enamored of big markets than other major stars, and that the teams poised to make a trade for him – if it comes to that point – are not in places NBA fans might normally expect a star trade,” the report added.



<h2>When Does Giannis Contract Run Out?</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/giannis-antetokounmpo-threatens-to-leave-the-milwaukee-bucks-20230825-BUS-52260.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230825_BUS_52260_Giannis-Antetokounmpo.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though it seemed crazy years ago, now it seems like the Milwuakee Bucks could lose their best player.
" title="Giannis Antetokounmpo threatens to leave the Milwaukee Bucks" publication_id="BUS#20230825#BUS#52260"></div>


Giannis Antetokounmpo is entering the third season of the five-year, $228 million extension he signed, so he still has two years left under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded but not to Lakers or Knicks

Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded but not to Lakers or Knicks, says executive Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded but not to Lakers or Knicks - Bolavip US

Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded but not to Lakers or Knicks, says executive

Not long ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ben-simmons">Ben Simmons</a> was one of the most dominant players in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>. However, his career took a huge twist in the summer of 2021, when he decided to leave the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>.



Following a painful loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs, the Australian submitted a trade request but it wasn’t until February 2022 that he got what he wanted and joined the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brooklyn-nets">Brooklyn Nets</a>.



Even so, Simmons struggled to get back to his best as injuries also stood in his way. However, the 27-year-old is preparing to come back stronger as he still feels like he has a lot left in the tank.



<h2>Ben Simmons determined to get back to All-Star level</h2>



“I’m excited because I know I can do it,” Simmons told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. “I get to do something I love to do at a high level. Regardless of what people say, I’m a three-time All-Star, All-NBA player, [All-] Defensive Team. I’ve done things. I’m not somebody that hasn’t done anything.



“For me to come back and dominate people will be great. I don’t intend to come back the same player I was last [season], because that’s not even close to where I am. I get excited because I’m like, ‘I would [expletive] on the player I was last year.’



“I don’t think people realize how bad it was in terms of physically how I was feeling and what I was able to do on the floor,” he added. “Being able to sit down now and not have to lean or slouch one way, it’s kind of crazy for me. But I feel I’m at 100% now.”



<h2>When did Ben Simmons make the All-Star game?</h2>



Ben Simmons made the All-Star game on three occasions as a Philadelphia 76ers player: 2019, 2020, and 2021.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nets-teammate-makes-bold-admission-about-ben-simmons-20230814-BUS-46164.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46164_Ben-Simmons.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The 2023-24 season might give us the best version of Ben Simmons, at least the best we&apos;ve seen in quite a while.
" title="Nets teammate makes bold admission about Ben Simmons" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46164"></div>


<h2>What’s Ben Simmons’ contract in Brooklyn?</h2>



Ben Simmons is entering the fourth season of a five-year, $177m contract originally signed with the Sixers in 2020.

NBA News: Ben Simmons issues strong warning to his doubters

NBA News: Ben Simmons issues strong warning to his doubters - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/zion-williamson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zion Williamson</a> is a special and unique kind of player. His physical dominance and grace remind us of a shorter Shaquille O’Neal, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-orleans-pelicans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Pelicans </a>sure hoped he turned out similar to him.



But Zion has played in less than 50% of the games since he entered the league. Off-court scandals, rumors, speculation, reports about his weight, and a never-ending string of injuries have made people question his future in this league.



However, former<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA </a>champion John Salley believes people should just give him a break already, and he went as far as to blame the league for his injury and weight issues.



<h2>John Salley Defends Zion From Criticism</h2>



“Well, when you become a professional athlete, everything becomes a part of that profession: your intake of food, your workout regimen, your hangout regimen, your mentality of study. When you’re an NBA player, the only thing that you should do is is think about advancing as being an NBA player,” Salley said on The Inside Scoop.



“It wasn’t Zion’s fault with the weight gain,” he added. “The reason why he was going to get hurt was because we play 15 games a month in the NBA. They play 30 games a year in college. So in two months he played a college career/season and he’s played against heavier opponents. The flights are different, the environment is different.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/anthony-edwards-addresses-brandon-ingrams-terrible-slump-20230828-BUS-53704.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230828_BUS_53704_Brandon-Ingram-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Brandon Ingram just needs to get his shot to go in, says Anthony Edwards.
" title="Anthony Edwards addresses Brandon Ingram&apos;s terrible slump" publication_id="BUS#20230828#BUS#53704"></div>


Even so, Zion isn’t the only player who entered the league after one year in college, yet he seems to be one of the few who can’t shake off injury issues. At the end of the day, all we can hope for is that he’ll one day be able to stay on the court.



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



Zion just signed a five-year contract extension worth $197,230,450. The fully guaranteed deal makes him $39,446,090 per year, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent by the end of the 2027-28 NBA season.

Former champion defends Zion Williamson amid never-ending woes

Former champion defends Zion Williamson amid never-ending woes - Bolavip US

K<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obe Bryant</a> changed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> forever. Even fi they were already one of the biggest powerhouses in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, he made them their team, and became arguably the best player in franchise history.



Kobe won five rings with the organization, staying relevant for almost two decades. He did it while wearing two different hairstyles, two different jersey numbers, and alongside two different big men.



That’s why former NBA champion Robert Horry had a fitting idea for his long-awaited statue outside of Crypto.com Arena. Per Horry, Kobe’s statue should actually have two faces.



<h2>Robert Horry Says Kobe’s Statue Should Have Two Faces</h2>



“It’s going to be the most unique statue there is,” Horry told Sportskeeda. “You think about Kareem’s skyhook, Shaq’s dunk and Magic’s passes. But whoever designs this one has a lot of pressure (laughs). That thing has to be perfect. You’ll have young Kobe on one side and the older Kobe on the other side. 8/24. It’s fitting. Since he has two jerseys retired, it will almost have to be like Two-Face. You have to think about the young and hungry Kobe as well as the wise and mature Kobe.”



“There are so many iconic moments that he has,” Horry added. “He didn’t have one patented move. He had fifty of them. It’s going to be hard. If I had the choice, it would be something with his fist balled up. The picture that people love the most is of Kobe standing on the table with his arms stretched out [after the Lakers beat the Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals]. But for me, anytime he had his fist pumped, it meant that he was fired up or the job was done.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-could-realistically-get-giannis-antetokounmpo-20230829-BUS-53972.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230829_BUS_53972_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Los Angeles Lakers could add another big name to their huge list of superstars.
" title="Lakers could realistically get Giannis Antetokounmpo" publication_id="BUS#20230829#BUS#53972"></div>


Well, this is definitely a unique idea, but Kobe was also a unique player with a unique mindset and a unique career, so maybe Jeanie Buss will like to take a couple of notes here.

Robert Horry has perfect idea for Kobe Bryant statue

Robert Horry has perfect idea for Kobe Bryant statue - Bolavip US

Dwight Howard was never the most mature player in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA,</a> but there was a time when he was one of the most dominant. His days with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/orlando-magic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando Magic</a> shouldn’t be overlooked.



Howard infuriated pretty much every fan base he played for, and he burned a lot of bridges throughout the course of his career. It wasn’t until the final stage that he was able to redeem himself.



Even so, the former Defensive Player of the Year and NBA champion with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> holds a special place in his heart for Orlando, and he admitted he would love to retire with the Magic.



<h2>Dwight Howard Wants To Retire In Orlando</h2>



“I really missed this beautiful city,” Howard said on social media. “I appreciate all the amazing moments that make this my home, despite the miscommunication or trials we’ve been through. I am grateful for my lessons and what they have taught me.”



“And I value them. Orlando I value you. I value the moments we had good and bad. Wins and losses. The s*** was still the best. Blue and white will always ignite,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/dwight-howard-blames-james-harden-for-leaving-kobe-and-the-lakers-20230804-BUS-41206.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230804_BUS_41206_Dwight-Howard-and-James-Harden.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant could&apos;ve been a great duo, but the big man had different plans.
" title="Dwight Howard blames James Harden for leaving Kobe and the Lakers" publication_id="BUS#20230804#BUS#41206"></div>


Whether the Magic will have any sort of interest in his services at this point remains to be seen. But there’s no doubt that they should retire his jersey once he’s done playing.

Dwight Howard has one petition before retirement

Dwight Howard has one petition before retirement - Bolavip US

Team USA features some of the best young talents in the N<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BA</a> right now. But as much as some players get along just fine, others can’t shake off their rivalries from the league. That could be the case with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/memphis-grizzlies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memphis Grizzlies</a> star Jaren Jackson Jr.



Coach Steve Kerr recently called him out for getting into foul trouble, rolling with Paolo Banchero in crunch time instead. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t exactly care for those comments.



Now, in his latest statement, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year may have clapped back by taking a shot at the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> and some of their players.



<h2>Jaren Jackson Jr. Takes A Shot At The Dubs</h2>



“Coach Kerr is using his system. It’s just more or less what Draymond [Green] would have ran or [Kevon] Looney, and just with better players,” Jackson told Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer. “A lot of delay actions and stuff like that.”



It’s not a secret that the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors don’t get along. Klay Thompson has openly mocked them and called them out in the past, and vice versa.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/jaren-jackson-jr-didnt-like-steve-kerrs-take-about-his-defense-20230828-BUS-53603.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230828_BUS_53603_Jaren-Jackson-Jr.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jaren Jackson Jr. may not be a fan of coach Steve Kerr and his role with Team USA.
" title="Jaren Jackson Jr. didn&apos;t like Steve Kerr&apos;s take about his defense" publication_id="BUS#20230828#BUS#53603"></div>


But Jackson will have no choice but to play along and be a team player. Otherwise, Kerr will have more than enough options on the bench to use instead of him.

Jaren Jackson Jr. takes a shot at Draymond Green and Warriors

Jaren Jackson Jr. takes a shot at Draymond Green and Warriors - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have always been on the market for the best players in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a> From Elgin Baylor to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James,</a> most great hoopers in league history have worn the Purple and Gold.



The Lakers are currently one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference. Even if LeBron isn’t getting any younger, GM Rob Pelinka has put together a very solid squad.



But all great things could be even better, which is why they’re reportedly keeping tabs on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s</a> situation with the Milwaukee Bucks, especially after hinting at leaving the team in the future.



<h2>Lakers Will Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>



“The Lakers and the Knicks are already being mentioned as franchises presumed to interest Antetokounmpo down the road if he does decide to move on from Milwaukee,” reported NBA insider Marc Stein. 



“Which just made a slew of moves (re-signing Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez and replacing Mike Budenholzer as coach with Adrian Griffin) to try to appease its face of the franchise,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/giannis-antetokounmpo-threatens-to-leave-the-milwaukee-bucks-20230825-BUS-52260.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230825_BUS_52260_Giannis-Antetokounmpo.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though it seemed crazy years ago, now it seems like the Milwuakee Bucks could lose their best player.
" title="Giannis Antetokounmpo threatens to leave the Milwaukee Bucks" publication_id="BUS#20230825#BUS#52260"></div>


Of course, this is all speculation and Giannis is still under contract. But if he refuses to sign an extension as he hinted at, expect the Lakers to be heavy players in their pursuit of the Greek Freak.

Lakers could realistically get Giannis Antetokounmpo

Lakers could realistically get Giannis Antetokounmpo - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers </a>struggled to be at their best at the beginning of the last <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> season. They needed players who were a better fit next to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James </a>and Anthony Davis.



GM Rob Pelinka found the squad he was looking for, and he was able to make some major moves to help the team compete at the highest level in the second half of the campaign.



One of the most impactful moves was having D’Angelo Russell back on the team. In a recent interview for Patrick Beverley’s podcast, the former lottery pick claimed that he took it upon himself to bring back ‘fun’ to the team.



<h2>D’Angelo Russell Wanted To Bring Back Fun To The Lakers</h2>



(Via Lakers Daily)



“Honestly, it was fun man cause of the buzz around the team, the Lakers was being talked about, you know what I mean? It was kinda like, like everybody was laughing at the Lakers cause we were losing at the time. So, for me it was kinda like let’s bring this new energy and we came with some guys I already knew, that were happy go lucky guys. 



Teams need those energy guys, not energy on the court, but energy like in the locker room, make guys laugh, make guys… you need that offset. With the Vando’s, the Beas’, we came with that energy that we just wanted to make everybody smile again, let’s make this fun again. I don’t know what it was before we left, before we got there. 



Not fun? Y’all were getting your ass kicked. It was fun, it was fun though, getting there and bringing that new energy, we started winning and looked up we had a chance to make a run. We had a successful little run, then we had a chance to make it to the playoffs and go further, we did that. You look up man and we’re in the Western Conference Finals and it’s like, ‘let’s keep going, let’s keep going!’ But, obviously we lost to the champions, it is hard to show up and win it all like that in this league. So, I was more than happy with our success.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/robert-horry-explains-why-the-lakers-cant-retire-lebrons-number-20230828-BUS-53578.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230828_BUS_53578_LeBron-James-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good as he&apos;s been in the NBA, LeBron James shouldn&apos;t be ahead of another Lakers great in terms of his jersey being retired, says Robert Horry.
" title="Robert Horry explains why the Lakers can&apos;t retire LeBron&apos;s number" publication_id="BUS#20230828#BUS#53578"></div>


At the end of the day, the fans would’ve taken a good game in the playoffs over that ‘fun’ he brought, but there’s no denying that the team chemistry was day and night after that trade, and that also counts.

D'Angelo Russell had one plan for the Lakers

D'Angelo Russell had one plan for the Lakers - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> offseason talk now has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> making headlines for a potential departure of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. Even though his deal doesn’t expire until 2025, his future already looks up in the air.



The Greek Freak is about to enter his third season of a five-year, $228,200,420 contract signed in 2021. In the summer of 2025, Antetokounmpo will have a player option.



But the player has recently admitted he would consider playing elsewhere if he’s not convinced about the franchise’s direction. Therefore, two teams have already emerged as possible suitors.



<h2>Which NBA teams are reportedly interested in Giannis</h2>



According to NBA insider Marc Stein, both the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks are two teams to watch on a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.



“The Lakers and the Knicks are already being mentioned as franchises presumed to interest Antetokounmpo down the road if he does decide to move on from Milwaukee, which just made a slew of moves (re-signing Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez and replacing Mike Budenholzer as coach with Adrian Griffin) to try to appease its face of the franchise,” Stein wrote.



<h2>What did Giannis say about his Bucks future?</h2>



“I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do,” Antetokounmpo told the New York Times. “And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.



“The real question’s not going to be this year — numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense. But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-trading-for-damian-lillard-could-prevent-heat-from-landing-another-star-20230828-BUS-53798.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230828_BUS_53798_Damian-Lillard-3-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="While Damian Lillard seems to be their priority target for the 2023-24 NBA season, the Miami Heat also look interested in another star.
" title="Trading for Damian Lillard could prevent Heat from landing another star" publication_id="BUS#20230828#BUS#53798"></div>


This has obviously made a lot of noise around the league, as Giannis seemed to be destined to lead the Bucks for many years. However, it looks like this season could be crucial for his future.

NBA Rumors: Two teams mentioned as possible suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo

NBA Rumors: Two possible suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> seem to be just another star away from winning an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship. That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a>, who wants out of the Portland Trail Blazers, has been heavily linked with a move to South Florida.



Last season, Jimmy Butler and company went further than predicted by becoming Eastern Conference champions, but that’s not enough. This team may have what it takes to succeed, but it’s safe to say it needs a player of Dame’s caliber to do so.



The Heat have been patiently waiting to make this deal happen, as the Blazers haven’t made things easy so far. In the meantime, it looks like they also keep an eye on Giannis Antetokounmpo — but getting both is very unlikely.



<h2>Rumor: How Heat landing Lillard would rule out hypothetical trade for Giannis</h2>



“Make the move for Lillard, and it could mean moving off Tyler Herro, who just happens to be a native of the Milwaukee area and potentially could be put into play for a potential trade for Antetokounmpo (yes, a lot of ‘potentially’ in there),” Ira Wunderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. “A deal for Lillard also likely would cost the Heat potential future first-round picks and prospects that could be put into an alternate (Antetokounmpo?) deal.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-5-reasons-damian-lillard-wants-to-join-the-heat-20230824-BUS-52057.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230824_BUS_52057_damianlillard-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Damian Lillard let the Portland Trail Blazers know he wants out ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season, and the Miami Heat seem to be his preferred landing spot for many reasons. 
" title="NBA Rumors: 5 reasons Damian Lillard wants to join the Heat" publication_id="BUS#20230824#BUS#52057"></div>


Tyler Herro is widely seen as the most valuable trade asset the Heat have in any trade talks as long as Butler and Bam Adebayo are off the table. But for obvious reasons, for most teams it would come down to either Lillard or Giannis. If getting one of them is difficult, let alone to land both.

NBA Rumors: Lillard trade could prevent Heat from landing another star

NBA Rumors: Trading for Lillard could prevent Heat from landing another star - Bolavip US

Trading for Damian Lillard could prevent Heat from landing another star

NBA Rumors: Trading for Damian Lillard could prevent Heat from landing another star

There were plenty of expectations about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-orleans-pelicans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Pelicans</a> star Brandon Ingram leading Team USA. He was the most experienced among this roster of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> players, and was supposed to be their go-to guy.



However, the former Los Angeles Lakers forward has looked out of sorts since they started their scrimmages. His shot isn’t falling, and he hasn’t done a lot to help his team.



That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota%C2%A0timberwolves" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> star Anthony Edwards had to address the situation, but he was still confident in his teammate’s ability to get over the hump sooner rather than later.



<h2>Team USA Needs Brandon Ingram, Says Anthony Edwards</h2>



“He gets paid the big bucks; like, he’s one of the best players in the NBA,” Edwards said per Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “He’s a superstar in the league, so he can figure it out on his own, but it’s nothing like somebody staying your ear.”



“They stay in my ear. So, just keep talking to him, ’cause you know, a couple shots might not go his way,” he added. “He might get a couple turnovers and get down. I mean, I get down sometimes because I turn it over or miss a couple shots.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/jaren-jackson-jr-didnt-like-steve-kerrs-take-about-his-defense-20230828-BUS-53603.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230828_BUS_53603_Jaren-Jackson-Jr.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jaren Jackson Jr. may not be a fan of coach Steve Kerr and his role with Team USA.
" title="Jaren Jackson Jr. didn&apos;t like Steve Kerr&apos;s take about his defense" publication_id="BUS#20230828#BUS#53603"></div>

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


Not all NBA players are suited for FIBA basketball, and he wouldn’t be the first to find that out the hard way. Even so, he’s good enough to turn things around; he just needs a couple of lucky bounces to go his way.

Anthony Edwards addresses Brandon Ingram's terrible slump

Anthony Edwards addresses Brandon Ingram's terrible slump - Bolavip US

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