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

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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

For years, the never-ending <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> GOAT debate has given us some rather controversial lists and rankings. Some believe <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jordan</a> is the best ever; others say it’s<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> LeBron James</a>, and others tend to go a little backwards.



Old-school NBA fans often lean towards the players from their era, and while it’s easy to understand where that bias is coming from, it’s hard to make an argument for those players sometimes.



At least, that’s what former NBA star Gilbert Arenas thinks, as he recently went on a full rant to diss those who still believe that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a> legend Bill Russell is the greatest player in NBA history.



<h2>Gilbert Arenas Mocks Bill Russell Fans</h2>



“When people have Bill Russell in their top 10, I gotta question your basketball knowledge,” Arenas said. “I’m sorry. Because him and Wilt (Chamberlain) played in the same era. One averaged 50 and 30 rebounds, the other one averaged 16 and 20 rebounds.”



“Which means one was just a hustle player,” continued Arenas. “Like, you hustled against white folks. All you can score was 16 points a game. You couldn’t even break 20 and you want me to put you in the top 10? Everybody’s 5 f***ing 10 and there’s only eight teams and you’re playing against the White folks, right?”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-or-michael-jordan-stephen-curry-weighs-in-on-goat-debate-20230731-BUS-38775.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38775_Stephen-Curry-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With many people still comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry revealed what he really thinks of the GOAT conversation.
" title="LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Stephen Curry weighs in on GOAT debate" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38775"></div>


Truth be told, Bill Russell’s era was undeniably the least talented and least professional ever. He was a priviliged athlete, though, and the ultimate winner, so he shouldn’t be blamed for the poor competition he had to face.

Gilbert Arenas destroys Bill Russell's fans in an epic rant

Gilbert Arenas destroys Bill Russell's fans in an epic rant - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> did everything he could to help the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a> succeed last year, but it wasn’t enough. Therefore, the front office has made sure to give Steph a better chance to win in the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season.



The Dubs have re-signed Draymond Green, keeping the Big Three and Curry form alongside Klay Thompson. In addition, they traded Jordan Poole for Chris Paul and made other interesting additions to boost the rotation.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-has-an-important-warning-for-his-warriors-teammates-20230802-BUS-40148.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230802_BUS_40148_Stephen-Curry-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors aim to come back stronger in the 2023-24 NBA season.
" title="NBA News: Stephen Curry has an important warning for his Warriors teammates" publication_id="BUS#20230802#BUS#40148"></div>


However, Mike Dunleavy still has work to do as there are a few open roster spots. The Warriors were reportedly saving a place to bring back Andre Iguodala, but it looks like someone else will take his spot.



<h2>Andre Iguodala may not return to Warriors this season</h2>



“We’ve communicated some this summer already,” Dunleavy said about the 39-year-old, via Monty Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. “We’ll see. We’re not going to close the door on anything. But my guess, and my belief, is that he won’t be back…”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-gets-real-on-his-retirement-date-20230801-BUS-39587.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230801_BUS_39587_Stephen-Curry-7.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though he&apos;s got a lot left in the tank, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry had something to say about the timeline for his retirement from the NBA.
" title="NBA News: Stephen Curry gets real on his retirement date" publication_id="BUS#20230801#BUS#39587"></div>


Iguodala had already flirted with retirement last year, but the Warriors waited for him and he eventually decided to come back. This time, however, it looks like someone else will complete the Dubs’ roster.

NBA Rumors: Stephen Curry may lose another Warriors teammate this season

NBA Rumors: Stephen Curry may lose another Warriors teammate - 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/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls </a>made a big splash when they acquired <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/demar-derozan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeMar DeRozan</a>, and the pairing with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/zach-lavine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zach LaVine</a> was quite promising, at least from an offensive standpoint.



But — as has happened throughout most of his career — DeRozan’s proficient bucket-getting has led to virtually no success as a team. The Bulls are stuck in a mediocrity spiral, even despite his big numbers.



With that in mind, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>insider Tim Bontemps claimed it would be best for them to try and move him now while they still can, as he’s going to make a lot of money and isn’t getting any younger.



<h2>Bulls Should Trade DeMar DeRozan, Says Tim Bontemps</h2>



“I mean truthfully, if I was the Bulls, I’d be trying to trade DeMar DeRozan,” Bontemps said on The Hoop Collective. “As great as he has been for them, this is; I think they’re in a no-win situation here.”



“I don’t want to be paying DeMar $35-$40 million a year into his late 30s,” the analyst continued. “I just don’t really know what your goal is if you’re doing that, and they’re not really going anywhere as it is. They’re just in a really tough spot. I’m not sure what the right answer is – honestly, I really don’t. I would probably try to trade him.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-knicks-could-trade-for-zach-lavine-but-theres-a-catch-20230721-BUS-33238.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230721_BUS_33238_zach-lavine.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Chicago Bulls could look to move Zach LaVine, and the New York Knicks have shown an interest. However, it won&apos;t be an easy deal to make.
" title="NBA Rumors: Knicks could trade for Zach LaVine, but there&apos;s a catch" publication_id="BUS#20230721#BUS#33238"></div>


The Bulls are in desperate need of a shake-up, and if they’re going to part ways with one of their stars, it might as well be the one entering the backend of his prime.

This is why the Bulls must trade DeMar DeRozan now

This is why the Bulls must trade DeMar DeRozan now - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> has been with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> for only a year and a half, but it looks like he’s made up his mind: The Beard submitted a trade request ahead of the 2023-24 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season.



At 33, Harden doesn’t seem to be interested in running things back with the Sixers and instead looks determined to join the Los Angeles Clippers, who also aim to contend next year.



But of course, Philly reportedly had no intention of parting with Harden this offseason. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the 76ers are only accepting Harden’s desire because of his great relationship with Daryl Morey, but only if his suitors meet their demands.



<h2>Sixers let Harden’s suitors know their asking price</h2>



(Transcript via Sixers Wire)



“I think the Sixers have been pretty clear in that they’re going to entertain conversations for James Harden because he has asked them to and Daryl Morey’s relationship with James Harden goes back so far and they’ve done a lot of things together in this league that he feels like he owes it to him to entertain trade conversations.



But he’s also made it very clear we’re not going to trade James Harden for anything less than a player that they think puts them on the same percentage to win a championship and in Philly, they have this ‘What is your percentage to win a championship with the roster that you have?’ So that’s either a player comes back for James that helps them get there or a package that they can then use to get a player like that. And as you know, that’s hard to get. I don’t think they’re in any hurry to do that when they have interest from the Clippers and a couple other teams, but nothing that’s blown them away.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-tracy-mcgrady-weighs-in-on-james-hardens-future-20230726-BUS-35667.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230726_BUS_35667_Tracy-McGrady-during-2023.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="It is not the first time that someone has given an opinion on the situation of James Harden, but when someone like McGrady gives his opinion on any NBA player, it is important to pay attention to it. Check here what he said.
" title="NBA: Tracy McGrady weighs in on James Harden&apos;s future" publication_id="BUS#20230726#BUS#35667"></div>


Harden is still the kind of player that is hard to replace, which is why the Sixers won’t let him go so easily. Maybe it’s just a matter of time before the guard gets what he wants, but it won’t come cheap for his suitors.

NBA Rumors: 76ers set their asking price for James Harden

NBA Rumors: 76ers set their asking price for James Harden - Bolavip US

One of the things that make <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> so great is his ability to defy Father Time. At 35, it is clear that while the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a> star is not getting any younger, he is not slowing down either.



The two-time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> MVP continues to perform at an incredible level for the Dubs, who are doing everything they can to maximize Steph’s championship window before it’s too late.



However, it doesn’t look like it will close anytime soon. Even if Curry himself realizes this won’t last forever, he definitely feels that there’s still a long time to go before he hangs them up.



<h2>Stephen Curry makes it clear that retirement can’t wait</h2>



“You do start thinking about, the thoughts do creep in of what that timeline really looks like”, Curry told Willie Geist of the Today Show, via FanSided. “I’m doing all those things to give myself a chance to be successful, but you know the ball’s going to stop bouncing at some point, I just don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-or-michael-jordan-stephen-curry-weighs-in-on-goat-debate-20230731-BUS-38775.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38775_Stephen-Curry-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With many people still comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry revealed what he really thinks of the GOAT conversation.
" title="LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Stephen Curry weighs in on GOAT debate" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38775"></div>


Curry still has enough left in the tank to continue finding success in San Francisco. The team has just re-signed Draymond Green, making sure to keep the core that already brought multiple championships to the Bay area. Clearly, Steph believes there’s more history to be written.

NBA News: Stephen Curry gets real on his retirement date

NBA News: Stephen Curry gets real on his retirement date - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> are without any doubt two of the greatest players not only this century, but in the entire history of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>. After all, their résumés speak for themselves.



The King holds the record for beign the all-time top scorer in the league, and he also boasts four rings with three different teams. Steph, meanwhile, has the most three-pointers in league history and also won four championships, all of them with the Golden State Warriors. 



Needless to say, they made a strong case to be considered among the greatest players the game has ever seen. Even so, Julius Erving didn’t include them in his top 10 players of all time.



<h2>Julius Erving doesn’t name LeBron or Curry among his all-time top 10 players</h2>



Erving, who won an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983, revealed his top 10 players of all time in an interview with Joy De’Angela – leaving a number of superstars out:



<ul><li>Bill Russell</li><li>Wilt Chamberlain</li><li>Michael Jordan</li><li>Jerry West</li><li>Oscar Robertson</li><li>Elgin Baylor</li><li>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</li><li>Magic Johnson</li><li>Karl Malone</li><li>Nate “Tiny” Archibald</li></ul>



The Sixers legend suggested that he didn’t name any current players because they’re careers aren’t over yet. Even so, the absence of LeBron, Steph, Kobe Bryant or Shaq has given a lot to talk about on social media.

Former NBA champion snubs LeBron James, Stephen Curry from his top 10 players of all time

Former NBA champion snubs LeBron, Curry from top 10 players of all time - Bolavip US

Ever since Mat Ishbia took over as the owner of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a>, his team has been one of the most aggressive in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, trading for both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> and Bradley Beal.



The Suns have had an excellent offseason, rounding up their roster around their stars, adding defenders and shooters, and it seems like they should be the team to beat next season if they stay healthy.



But even good things could be better. With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s NBA staff proposed a trade to swap Deandre Ayton for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana Pacers </a>star Myles Turner.



<h2>Suns Could Go After Myles Turner</h2>



(Via Bleacher Report)



“Phoenix Suns acquire Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell from the Indiana Pacers for Deandre Ayton.



The Pacers are natural partners here, considering they inked Ayton to the $133 million offer sheet Phoenix matched in 2022. Though depth is less of an issue now than it was before the Suns’ ridiculously successful minimum-signing bonanza, getting multiple players in exchange for Ayton should still be a priority.



Here, Phoenix gets a floor-spacing center in Turner who’ll block more shots than Ayton, plus a point guard in McConnell. (…)



Of their extremely limited options, the Suns could do a lot worse than Turner, McConnell and a little under $3 million in salary savings this season.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/bradley-beal-gets-real-on-kevin-durant-devin-booker-and-the-new-look-suns-20230727-BUS-36458.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230727_BUS_36458_bradley-beal.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Phoenix Suns will have to make some tweaks to coexist on the court, but Bradley Beal is confident in their ability to pull it off.
" title="Bradley Beal gets real on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the new-look Suns" publication_id="BUS#20230727#BUS#36458"></div>


Of course, this would only make sense if Ayton is once again unwilling to play ball and embrace his role in the desert. But should this move go down, it would be hard to think of a team more stacked with talent than them.

Kevin Durant's Suns could trade for another star

Kevin Durant's Suns could trade for another star - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> continue to try and find ways to get <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a>. However, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> don’t seem interested in cooperating, and haven’t been impressed by their current offers.



The NBA even sent out a memo warning all parties involved about a potential veto, granted that Lillard’s agent had reportedly reached out to teams warning them against trading for his client.



Nonetheless, it seems like Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley are still adamant about trading for Lillard, with Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania shedding more light on the situation.



<h2>This Is Where Things Stand With Lillard And The Heat</h2>



“Miami remains a team most motivated that has enough assets to eventually, perhaps, outbid the market,” Woj said on ESPN. “The problem is: Portland looks at what Miami has, doesn’t love it, and keeps hoping something better is going to come along. It may or may not.”



“I’m told the Heat have been preparing a trade package around 3-4 first-round draft picks, potential draft swaps, as well as second-round picks, a young player potentially. We see right there what the framework of a deal could look like,” reported Charania.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-heat-could-trade-for-another-star-instead-of-lauri-markkanen-20230731-BUS-38710.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38710_jimmy-butler-duncan-robinson.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With Damian Lillard&apos;s availability still on the fence, the Miami Heat could pursue another target.
" title="NBA Rumors: Heat could trade for another star instead of Damian Lillard" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38710"></div>


As of now, it doesn’t seem like this story will end any time soon, and Lillard could still be on their roster by the start of next season. If so, the Heat might need to look somewhere else for another star.

Woj and Shams reveal the Heat's latest offer for Damian Lillard

Woj and Shams reveal the Heat's latest offer for Damian Lillard - 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

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> legend Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving recently got himself into some dangerous waters. He made a list of the top-10 greatest players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NB</a>A history, an ever-debated subject.



The legendary forward chose Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Karl Malone and Tiny Archibald as the best ever.



That’s why ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith put him on blast for snubbing the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> from that list, even if he only meant to make it about retired players.



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Rips Julis Erving’s Top-10 List</h2>



“[Julius Erving] didn’t choose any active players. He’s entitled to his own opinion, I just think he’s wrong,” Smith said. “You cannot have an all-time top 10 list without LeBron James. I’ve got LeBron James as a top-two player all time, what do you mean he’s not on the list?”



“You talk about Steph not being on the list. Steph has been in the league for over a decade, he’s got four championships. LeBron James has been in the league for 20 years. He played more years than most of the players Dr. J had on the list, so certainly experience is not an issue there,” continued Smith.



“LeBron James for what he brings to the table, is one of the top two or three players in the history of basketball,” Smith added. “Anyone that knows basketball knows that.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-or-michael-jordan-stephen-curry-weighs-in-on-goat-debate-20230731-BUS-38775.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38775_Stephen-Curry-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With many people still comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry revealed what he really thinks of the GOAT conversation.
" title="LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Stephen Curry weighs in on GOAT debate" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38775"></div>


Even the greatest LeBron James hater knows he’s a top-10 player at worst, and era bias aside, Erving should’ve known what he was getting into with this controversial list.

Stephen A. Smith rips Julius Erving's basketball knwoledge over now-infamous top-10 list

Stephen A. Smith rips Julius Erving's basketball knwoledge over now-infamous top-10 list - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Butler</a> faced some mockery and backlash when he left the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> to join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat.</a> Some claimed he’d never win a ring in South Beach with that roster.



But Butler has actually gone further into the playoffs than the Sixers since he arrived in South Beach, even making it to the NBA Finals twice in just four years with the team.



Butler is the undisputed alpha dog in Erik Spoelstra’s team. And as such, he’s going to demand a steep payday, with Heat writer Ira Winderman predicting that he could ask for more money than Jaylen Brown got from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics.</a>



<h2>Jimmy Butler Could Fetch Historically Lucrative Deal</h2>



“And what likely will have Jimmy Butler asking for an extension soon enough, in essence asking for something even beyond Jaylen Brown money,” Winderman wrote.



“The numbers are numbing: $52.4 million in 2024-25, $56.6 million in 2025-26, $60.8 million in 2026-27, $64.9 million in 2027-28 and $69.1 million in 2028-29,” Winderman wrote. “So, yes, the 82-game NBA is on the brink of $1 million per-game salaries.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-heat-could-trade-for-another-star-instead-of-lauri-markkanen-20230731-BUS-38710.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38710_jimmy-butler-duncan-robinson.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With Damian Lillard&apos;s availability still on the fence, the Miami Heat could pursue another target.
" title="NBA Rumors: Heat could trade for another star instead of Damian Lillard" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38710"></div>


At the end of the day, that’s just the way things go in the league. What looks like a crazy deal one day it’s a bargain the other. It won’t be long before that happens with Brown’s contract.

Jimmy Butler could slap the Heat with massive request

Jimmy Butler could slap the Heat with massive request - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> shocked the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> when they decided to move on from Jordan Poole. Swapping him for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chris-paul" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Paul</a> was a rather surprising trade, all things considered.



Multiple reports surfaced of Poole not getting along with his teammates and being isolated even way before his now-infamous altercation with Draymond Green.



However, for GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., sending him to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-wizards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a> was mostly about getting their books straight financially and making a run at a championship right now.



<h2>Mike Dunleavy Jr. Talks About The Jordan Poole Trade</h2>



“I think the deal for us accomplishes two things,” Dunleavy said on The Jim Rome Show. “One, it helps our team next season, and two, it helps our team down the road financially kind of even some things out for us.”



“For us to turn around next year and go back out and feel like we have a chance to compete for a championship with whatever it is, five, six, seven teams, that’s all you can ask for and we feel like Chris enhances that,” Dunleavy added. “So to make the move made a ton of sense, and it helps free up some stuff financially.”



“So, for that regard, it was a big swing you could say or whatever, but for me, it was honestly a pretty easy move,” Dunleavy continued. “Hate to see Jordan Poole go, love the guy, I was a big part of drafting him. But it was what is best for the franchise.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/warriors-hated-jordan-poole-claims-nba-legend-20230726-BUS-35814.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230726_BUS_35814_JORDAN-POOLE-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Hall of Famer Charles Barkley shared his thoughts on Jordan Poole&apos;s situation and how things fell off with the Golden State Warriors.
" title="Warriors hated Jordan Poole, claims NBA legend" publication_id="BUS#20230726#BUS#35814"></div>


Even so, people will mostly think it had to do with Poole’s altercation with Draymond and how he wasn’t that beloved in the locker room. Whether the move will pay off or not remains to be seen.

Warriors GM explains why he traded Jordan Poole

Warriors GM explains why he traded Jordan Poole - Bolavip US

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