Giannis Antetokounmpo Says Lakers' LeBron James Remains Face of NBA
Nov 14, 2022
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #6 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of Team LeBron celebrate after defeating Team Durant 163-160 during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and an NBA champion, but the Milwaukee Bucks star still thinks the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is the preeminent name in the league.
Asked by teammate Serge Ibaka whether he's the face of the NBA, Antetokounmpo said he believes he's one of the faces but that he's not the face.
"LeBron's still playing," he said (6:59 of the video below) on Ibaka's show How Hungry Are You?
Antetokounmpo also listed the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokić, Dallas Mavericks' Luka Dončić and Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid as worthy competition based on their profiles.
To Giannis' point, James arguably remains in a class by himself into his 20th season.
Through the first half of the 2021-22 season, James had the highest-selling jersey in the league and stayed there through the second half of the campaign. That was despite the Lakers losing 49 games and missing the playoffs.
Los Angeles also got the second-most national television games when the NBA rolled out its 2022-23 schedule, which is owed partially to James' star power.
Sooner or later, LeBron will walk away from basketball. When that happens, Antetokounmpo is a natural candidate to succeed him as the NBA's biggest headliner.
Report: NBPA Could File Grievance If Kyrie Irving Suspension Isn't Resolved with Nets
Nov 14, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets brings the ball up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving has not yet been reinstated by the Brooklyn Nets, which could lead to an intervention from the players' union, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.
"Word is Irving is itching to get back on the floor and there have been rumbles for days that the National Basketball Players Association, at some stage, could move to file a grievance on Irving's behalf if the various parties involved can’t reach a resolution on a return timetable," Stein wrote.
Irving was suspended by the team for a minimum of five games for his failure to disavow antisemitism after sharing an antisemitic film on social media. The Nets also provided a list of tasks for the veteran guard before he can return to the team:
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie - $500K donation to anti-hate causes - Sensitivity training - Antisemitic training - Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders - Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
Irving has now been out for six games, with head coach Jacque Vaughn confirming that the guard would not return for last Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Irving met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who said he had a "direct and candid conversation" with the player. He also met with team governor Joe Tsai.
Clara and I met with Kyrie and his family yesterday. We spent quality time to understand each other and it’s clear to me that Kyrie does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group.
The 30-year-old still has yet to return to the team, which could lead to action from the NBPA.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, the NBPA's vice president, told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe last week that he believed the steps to return were too harsh:
He made a mistake. He posted something. There was no distinction. Maybe we can move forward, but the terms in which he has to fulfill to return, I think not just speaking for me, speaking as a vice president from a lot of our players, we didn’t agree with the terms that was required for him to come back and we’re waiting for this Tuesday meeting to happen to see what comes of it.
NBPA president CJ McCollum had said it was important that Irving apologized and hoped it could be a "learning experience."
The players association will keep a close eye on the situation as the seven-time All-Star looks to return to the floor.
NBA Trade Rumors: Teams Eye Pistons' Bojan Bogdanović; Lakers, Suns Linked
Nov 14, 2022
Detroit Pistons' Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanović is reportedly expected to be a popular trade target for teams in need of shooting.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on the Please Don't Aggregate This podcast (h/t Jacob Rude of Silver Screen & Roll) that the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are expected to have interest:
"He's a player that I think a lot of winning teams, a team looking to get to the second round that's never gotten there or a team that wants to push their way to really be a title threat (would want)... Phoenix was at the top of everyone's list in terms of suitors that have capital to pay in addition to talent and the salaries that made sense... The Lakers were obviously involved. I got a list of other teams that I think have called and contacted, but nothing too crazy at this point in terms of actual conversations that are still ongoing. I do know Detroit is getting calls on him just like any team (when) we're getting close to the Dec. 15 area where a lot of players who signed (in free agency last summer) are going to be eligible (to be traded)."
Bogdanović, 33, has played well for the 3-11 Pistons after being acquired in an offseason trade, averaging 20.3 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 43.0 percent from three. The team even signed him to a two-year, $39.1 million extension in late October.
But the Pistons are rebuilding around an intriguing young core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren and Killian Hayes, among others. That makes dealing Bogdanović for draft capital or younger players a logical option, especially if contending teams come calling.
Both the Lakers and Suns would make a lot of sense as suitors.
The Lakers desperately need shooting, though finding a way to match his $19.3 million salary could be tricky unless it gets folded into the seemingly inevitable Russell Westbrook trade the team will need to make.
Bogdanović isn't the perfect fit for the Lakers—he's more of a stretch 4, a position both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are best suited to playing, and he won't help plug the defense's holes—but his shooting would work wonders for the team's spacing.
He's a better fit for a Suns team that is without wantaway forward Jae Crowder and the injured Cameron Johnson. Pairing Crowder with another contract and potentially a draft pick would be an easy move from a trade perspective.
While the 3-10 Lakers are looking to salvage a season that is teetering dangerously close to being lost, the 8-4 Suns would be upgrading a championship-contending roster.
Both teams will feel a level of desperation to improve: the Lakers to end their free fall, the Suns to maximize the remaining window they have with Chris Paul. The situation is far less dire in Phoenix, however.
Kevin Durant Praises Russell Westbrook, Calls LeBron James a Top 2 or 3 Player Ever
Nov 14, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Brooklyn Nets Forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on before a NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 12, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Nets forward Kevin Durant had nothing but praise for LeBron James and Russell Westbrook following the Los Angeles Lakers' 116-103 win over Brooklyn on Sunday.
"Top-two player to ever play, top-three player to ever play. It's always going to be excitement when he steps on the floor," Durant said of James, who sat out Sunday's game with a groin injury. "We've been around for so long that people have seen so many battles between us too at a high stage that people look forward to it. It's cool that we're still relevant at an old age."
Nets’ Kevin Durant on Lakers’ LeBron James: “It’s just cool that we’re still relevant at an older age.” pic.twitter.com/SXRsjEFpxx
Durant also threw a good-natured barb at Westbrook, who finished with 14 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and one viral first-quarter block of his former teammate.
"He's just going to hack me the whole time," Durant joked of Westbrook's defense. "We've been doing that s--t since we was 18, 19. But more than anything, to see the role Russ is playing right now, he's just affecting the game in so many different ways. Twelve assists tonight, four turnovers, 14 points, he came in and put his imprint on the game, so it's always fun playing against him, regardless of what setting it is. It's always been like that between us."
Nets’ Kevin Durant on being defended by Lakers’ Russell Westbrook: “He’s just going to hack me the whole time. He’s been doing that s—- since we were 18 or 19.” pic.twitter.com/gQftOpeb90
The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Lakers, who entered Sunday night as one of the two worst teams in basketball. They are now just the fourth-worst team in the sport, which is faint praise for a roster featuring three bona fide Hall of Famers.
Durant has spent the early part of his Nets season embroiled in controversy, some of which (the lingering effects of his trade request) was his own doing but most of which (Kyrie Irving's sharing of an antisemitic movie and subsequent fallout, the firing of coach Steve Nash) was not.
The Nets are 6-8 on the season but 4-2 in their last six games.
Lakers' Anthony Davis Scores 37, Draws Rave Reviews from Twitter in Win Over Nets
Nov 14, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a five-game losing streak on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena with an 116-103 win over the Brooklyn Nets, improving to 3-10 on the season.
While LeBron James was sidelined with a left adductor strain, Anthony Davis took command of the Purple and Gold offense, finishing with 37 points, 18 rebounds and two assists, outdueling Kevin Durant, who finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Davis made 15-of-25 shots from the floor in 34 minutes to help lift L.A. to victory.
Lonnie Walker IV also had an impressive performance, finishing with 25 points and one rebound in 30 minutes.
The Lakers have struggled mightily this season, but seeing Davis take command to lift the team to victory on Sunday night earned him some rave reviews on Twitter:
Anthony Davis is annihilating the Nets. Best game I’ve seen from AD in a minute.
Anthony Davis, @uncledanny24's favorite player, has 35 points and 17 rebounds tonight. Just put the Lakers up 17 with a putback dunk. Nets have had no answer for him tonight.
It will be interesting to see if Davis and the Lakers can keep the momentum once James returns to the lineup, whenever that might be.
At this point, the Purple and Gold are far from being playoff contenders, but Sunday's game is at least a sign of life. They'll look to post their second straight win when they host the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
Joel Embiid Drops 59, Amazes Twitter with Historic Stat Line in 76ers' Win Over Jazz
Nov 14, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 13, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid had been slowed by an illness earlier this season, but the big man proved he's fully recovered with his most dominant performance of the year Sunday.
Embiid poured in 59 points while adding 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocks to lead the Sixers to a 105-98 win over the Utah Jazz. He shot 19-of-28 from the field and 20-of-24 from the free-throw line. The win improves Philadelphia to 7-7.
The Sixers needed every bit of Embiid's scoring outburst for the victory. Tyrese Maxey was the team's second-leading scorer with 18 points, and no other player reached double figures.
Social media was full of praise for the five-time All-Star for his dominance Sunday:
This is one of the most dominant performances of Joel Embiid’s career
Per @StatsWilliams, Joel Embiid is the first person to have at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game since stats became an official stat 50 years ago.
Joel Embiid: 59 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocks in 76ers’ 105-98 victory over Jazz. 26 points and 5 blocks in the fourth quarter. Embiid drops 101 points inside 24 hours in victories over Hawks and Jazz.
this is maybe the single-best game I've ever seen Embiid play (at least on offense) and they are up 2 with 8:22 to play, free throws pending. Would be an all-time carry job if he can get them this one. 43-9-8 and counting
Embiid has scored 24 points in the fourth quarter on 7-for-8 shooting. He made his first seven attempts. His lone miss came on a three-point attempt. He also blocked five shots in the quarter.
Embiid's incredible performance is a follow-up from his 42-point, 10-rebound effort in Saturday's win over the Atlanta Hawks. He has scored 101 points in a 24-hour span, shouldering the scoring load in the absence of Sixers guard James Harden.
Embiid will get some much-needed rest as the Sixers have time off before returning to action Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: NBA Exec Says 'No Doubt' 76ers Have Asked Nets About Star
Nov 14, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the LA Clippers on November 12, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Rumors are beginning to swirl once again that the Brooklyn Nets could end up trading star forward Kevin Durant, and a rival Eastern Conference contender is reportedly interested in acquiring him.
Per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com (h/t Thomas Darro), an NBA executive believes the Philadelphia 76ers have inquired with the Nets about Durant's availability and will continue to be aggressive in their pursuit of the 12-time All-Star.
"There is no doubt the Sixers have asked on Durant, they did in the summer, and will keep asking about him," the executive said.
The executive noted that the recent history between the two teams could create some hesitancy by the Nets. Last season's blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons and James Harden hasn't worked out at all for Brooklyn, which could rule Philadelphia out of the Durant sweepstakes.
"The Nets are going to be a little put off by them already because of the Ben Simmons thing, because they feel like they were set up to give away James Harden all along," the executive said. "So the Sixers burned them once. Do the Nets want to go back and say, 'OK, sure, we’ll do a KD deal, too.'"
The Sixers have a strong combination of young players to offer the Nets, as the executive believes a package of Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle would be enticing because Brooklyn "might not get a better young player" than Maxey in a deal for Durant. However, Philadelphia isn't able to offer any draft picks in a trade right now, which would likely cause Brooklyn to pass on the package of players.
Darro noted that the possibility of a deal for Durant will increase as more players become trade-eligible closer to the trade deadline in February. Many believe the team is looking to move on from point guard Kyrie Irving following his suspension for posting a link to an antisemitic film on social media, and parting ways with Durant as well would be a complete reset for the franchise.
The Nets (6-7) will go for their third straight win when they face the Los Angeles Lakers (2-10) on Sunday night.
76ers' Joel Embiid: 'Some Days I Can’t Lift My Arm Up' Due to Shoulder Injury
Nov 13, 2022
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on October 26, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid told reporters he has been limited by a shoulder injury.
"I don't know what happened. But some days I can't lift my arm up. And when I go block shots, I really feel it," he said Saturday, per Sam DiGiovanni of Clutch Points. "I don't know what’s going on. But it's whatever."
Embiid has missed time due to a knee injury and illness this year, although the shoulder issue appears to be a new problem.
The 28-year-old has suffered a number of ailments over his seven-year career, and he has never appeared in more than 68 games in a season, which came during the 2021-22 campaign.
Embiid is off to a solid start this season, averaging 29.3 points, 10 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in nine games while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor. However, his numbers have dipped from the 2021-22 season, in which he averaged 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 49.9 percent from the floor.
When Embiid is sidelined, P.J. Tucker sees time at center for the Sixers. In addition, Montrezl Harrell is called upon to handle a heavier workload.
The 76ers will need Embiid to remain healthy if they want a chance to contend for an NBA title this year. However, even when he has been healthy, Philly has struggled, posting a 6-7 record through 13 games.
Lakers 'Need to Think About' Trading LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Says NBA Exec
Nov 13, 2022
From left to right, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, forward Anthony Davis and forward Troy Brown Jr. sit on the bench in the closing minutes of a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA basketball game Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The walls are closing in on the Los Angeles Lakers, and NBA executives are starting to wonder if it's time to move on from Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
"They need to think about moving LeBron and Anthony Davis," an executive told Ric Bucher of Fox Sports. "They just have too many holes to fill."
The Lakers cannot trade James until after the 2022-23 season because of the two-year extension he signed in August. Davis is eligible to be moved now, though the Lakers have given no indication they're considering such a drastic step.
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report reported the Lakers have not had any conversations with teams interested in Davis. Any consideration of trading James would be a moot point during this season, but it's unlikely the Lakers would move on unless the four-time MVP requested a deal.
While James is adamant he wants to compete for a championship in his 20th NBA season, there are extenuating circumstances that make him want to remain on the West Coast. His business ventures are based in Los Angeles, and his family has put down roots in the city since he signed with the Lakers in 2018.
The Lakers are losers of five straight games and sit at 2-10. The Houston Rockers are the only team with a worse record, and the Detroit Pistons are the only team with a worse point differential.
Father Time has, to some extent, caught up to James as he approaches his 38th birthday. His per-game numbers remain spectacular (24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists), but he's shooting just 45.7 percent from the floor and getting to the line a career-low 4.8 times per game. It was clear James' athleticism had waned even before he suffered a groin injury in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers.
Davis, meanwhile, is not a player capable of single-handedly carrying a team to greatness. The Lakers hoped he would be able to bridge these final years of James' career to a new generation of competitiveness, and it's become clear Davis does not have the necessary next gear. He's a stellar second option but not a guy who will carry a team far as the 1A option.
The Lakers are at a crossroads with no good options in front of them.
NBA Exec Thinks Chris Paul, Suns Win NBA Title If They Trade for Lakers' LeBron James
Nov 13, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stand on the court during a break in the second quarter of their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
With the Los Angeles Lakers limping to a 2-10 start, the trade rumors have begun in earnest, and not just involving Russell Westbrook.
One Western Conference scout told Ric Bucher of Fox Sports that the Phoenix Suns would be the perfect landing spot for LeBron James should the Lakers blow things up at some point.
"It’s the one place he’d be welcome with open arms," the scout said. "In Phoenix, with LeBron, I think Chris [Paul] would finally get his ring."
It's hard to imagine the Lakers dealing James without him requesting a trade, though perhaps that isn't farfetched given the team's awful start to the 2022-23 season.
The Western Conference scout who spoke with Bucher believes the Lakers need some sort of foundational trade, and trading James isn't the only one he'd consider.
"They need to think about moving LeBron and Anthony Davis," he said. "They just have too many holes to fill."
The Lakers, however, are rarely in the business of trading away star players. Traditionally, they have been the franchise that adds them, either via free agency or trade. It would go against character for the Lakers to move James and AD unless both requested a new destination.
And the Suns would have to send back close to $46.9 million in salary to match James' contract next offseason (James isn't eligible to be traded this season). Would the Lakers be interested in a deal centered on Deandre Ayton ($32.4 million), additional salary and draft considerations?
If they are in full rebuild mode, getting back an appealing young player like Ayton and a few first-round picks wouldn't be a bad place to start.
It's just hard to imagine the Lakers punting on the duo of James and Davis. It still seems more likely, even with the giant hole the team has dug for itself, that they'll look to make a move to trade Westbrook first and add more shooting around their two stars.
Perhaps the Lakers should be considering a rebuild—but that just wouldn't be like the Lakers.
