It’s in the best interest of the Lakers to give LeBron James input on all decisions, Frank Isola of The Athletic opines. While the Lakers don’t normally take that approach with a star player, no one running the club has proven they can build a winner, Isola notes. When they signed James last summer, they knew they had to let his voice be heard, Isola continues. The expected hiring of his former head coach in Cleveland, Tyronn Lue, is an example of James’ already exhibiting his influence, Isola adds.
We have more from around the Pacific Division:
- Kevin Durant‘s praise of Monty Williams has led to speculation that the Warriors star might consider the Suns in free agency, Jeremy Cluff of Arizona Republic writes. While Cluff acknowledges that scenario is unlikely, Durant gushed about Williams’ character and coaching ability. “He’s a leader and a teacher,” Durant recently told the media. “I’m excited he’s back into coaching and walking those sidelines again. … Especially when you’re talking to him on the basketball court, you have a group of guys that will get better.” Williams was an assistant with the Thunder during the 2015/16 season when Durant played there.
- Numerous draft pundits and NBA analysts believe Ja Morant would be a perfect fit for the Suns, Cluff relays in a separate story. The Murray State point guard is expected to be a top-three selection and Phoenix has an obvious need for a floor leader.
- Lonzo Ball said that former business manager and Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster took advantage of his mother’s illness for financial gain, Arthur Weinstein of Sports Illustrated relays. Ball said on James’ TV show ‘The Shop’ that Foster took over the family’s finances after Tina Ball suffered a stroke two years ago. Ball sued Foster last month for more than $2MM in damages, claiming that Foster embezzled $1.5MM from his personal and business accounts.
I’m thinking of changing jobs. Does anyone know when the appropriate time to tell LeBron would be?
Doesn’t matter; he’ll whine either way.
Dream on Phoenix writers…
So you know. Who are you?
Right? So pathetic…
What’s their to dream about? He will probably be there at the 2nd or 3rd spot. Suns will likely be picking top 3. I assume they would take Zion if at #1 tho.
Maybe if one person in the Ball family could have made it through college, they might not be as susceptible to people like Foster. This is a very big reason why athletes should increase their knowledge instead of rushing for the quick millions. Because there are a ton of people out there looking to take those quick millions away from you.
Yeah, because that degree (Don’t Get Conned) exists…
Obviously you never went to college, because you learn a lot more than just the subject on your diploma.
Obviously you never went to college because there are no classes called Identifying Embezzlement 101. Do you really think a college degree would help him from getting conned? Bernie Mahdoff’s clients all had college degrees, some even advanced degrees, and were successful wealthy business people…how’d that work out for them? This guy played the long con, ingratiated himself with the family, earned their trust, and took advantage of them. That’s not something you learn to identify in school
I don’t think it’s their lack of an education at a level above high school that was the issue. Manny athletes entrust their business and finances to others. His dad likely had some relations to the crook. If anything, papa Ball’s hubris was the culprit. Sometimes you have to go outside the circle and hire qualified people with a long resume of success and professional standards rather than looking to handle within. Some shoes aren’t meant to be filled by your family or friends.
Staying in college while you are projected to be a top 3 pick is way dumber than anything else you could do
Bro 1 had to bring some bank for the fam.
Bro 3 is the college prospect.
Actually, Durant to the Suns is not that far fetched.
Trade TJ, Okabo, 2019 1st for Holiday at PG.
Trade Jackson for a PF.
Warren can anchor the bench and be a smal PF for added firepower.
Just add fill in players from there and it’s Playoffs.
Durant is a West Coast type person and it’s a short hop to his new home from Phoenix. Plus he wants to build something new.
The issue for Durant will be the Suns Owner. Even that could get ironed out with a little luck.
Actually, KD isn’t going to a massively loser franchise like Phoenix…who wants to live in Arizona anyway? He’s staying with GSW whether you like it or not :)
You really think Durant wants to spend what will likely be his prime years to a rebuilding franchize? They may have a lot of talent but Boston is a perfect example of how having tons of talent alone doesn’t make for a winner. I also think that coach Brad Stevens is showing that being a great Xs and Os wizard is only half of what’s needed to manage those talents who all feel that they should be the guy. In Irving you have a special situation. He’s a great player and likely a good person but he’s mercurial by nature and, in his career, has been little brother to both LBJ as a teammate and Kobe as a mentor. In addition, while I’m sure his dad has nothing but the best of intentions, parents whose children have followed a vocational path same as their parent tend to weigh in heavy on all decisions.
Durant is a bit mercurial in a sense too. An amazing talent. Likely a good person but not the most adept at handling adversity nor the media.
I’m not sure of their salary cap status but I think a dark horse that I could absolutely see as a fit for almost every FA, and especially Kyrie and Durant would be the San Antonio Spurs. I think Paps tenure and legacy of success would temper the personalities of most stars as they would defer to his leadership and probably do a great job protecting them from the media. Add to the fact that San Antonio isn’t exactly a media capital yet a team with a history of stability and success helps.
Why shouldn’t Durant join the Suns? Ayton and Booker will be top 5 players at their respective positions over the next 8-10 years. If they draft Ja Morant I don’t see a better situation for KD, he loved Morant’s game and complimented him months ago.
A lineup of Morant-Booker-Durant-Oubre-Ayton is top 3 in the West.
lol keep dreaming, KD is staying with Steph and winning 5+ more rings…
Yeah the T-Wolves and Celtics had a great collection of talent yet weren’t able to cohesively mesh those talents together.
On the Suns, Durant would be the one who gets stuck playing defense. That would end the honeymoon.