The Mavericks said after the season they intended to re-sign Kyrie Irving and that’s what Heavy.com’s Steve Bulpett is hearing from rival executives. However, Luka Doncic will have to get used to not having the ball in his hands all the time and they’ve got to upgrade the roster defensively, Bulpett writes.
“Kyrie was on great behavior — like he was doing everything to try to win over Luka and be a teammate. Every single player on that team and everyone in the organization loves Kyrie from his time there so far,” one GM told Bulpett. “I do think there’s some skepticism going forward for what (the Mavericks are) going to offer him. Like, they’re not completely naïve.”
The Mavericks can offer Irving a five-year contract worth up to $272MM.
We have more from the Western Conference:
- Andrew Wiggins surprised many people by how effective he was against Sacramento despite a long layoff due to personal reasons. The Warriors forward averaged 18.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in the first-round series and told The Athletic’s Sam Amick he should be even better against the Lakers. “I feel like in Game 1, once I scored a couple points, I was like, ‘Pffft, I’m back. I’m good.’ My feel for the game was still there. My rhythm and my conditioning felt good enough to compete,” he said. “So I think I’m only going to get (better), because my conditioning still needs to get better. I feel like there’s still more. I mean, last year I was picking up full court (defensively) the whole playoffs, and I didn’t do that yet. It’s coming though.”
- In contrast, Warriors guard Jordan Poole had a rough series against the Kings, Tim Kawakami of The Athletic notes. He shot 33.8% from the field and struggled defensively against Sacramento’s guards. Poole’s four-year, $123MM extension kicks in next season and the Warriors hope he’ll pick it up against the Lakers. “Wasn’t his best series, obviously,” coach Steve Kerr said.
- Kings rookie forward Keegan Murray came away from the playoffs feeling optimistic about his future, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic writes. The lottery pick averaged 9.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in the first-round series. He’ll work with Domantas Sabonis during the offseason. “This series made me more confident than anything in my ability to move forward and my ceiling of how good I can be in the NBA,” Murray said.
Wiggins is not in gm shape yet …..
Poole the most overrated player in NBA. If he got no offense. Then what … he can’t play D. Signing this guy cost them Wiseman. They will regret that for 12 yrs …..
Warriors just lost game 1 at home against a play in team. Lebron shot 37%. Looney had 23 boards.
I cannot wait for the excuses
Lakers 29 FTA; Warriors a ridiculous 6 FTA. Rigged! NBA is a farce.
How can Warriors get fouls when they always shot the ball behind the arc for 53 times while lakers shots were mostly on the inside paint.
What excuses? Did you watch the game? Anthony Davis was amazing, shut down the lane and blocked a bunch of shots, hit the mid-range jumper all night, was perfect from the free throw line. He was in game one what everybody thought he would be the last 10 years.
What excuses? Warriors came back from down 10 and tied the game in the last minute and had a chance to win. What excuses? It was a great game, the Lakers won and played better. I can’t wait for game two, Go warriors !!
Laker’s coach went all in on game 1 by playing AD 44 of 48 minutes. Lebron 40 and Reeves almost 40. There is no extra rest games this series. Tells me that lakers will burn out in second half next game. Just hope its not a blow out by warriors which will give Ham time to rest players for game 3.
Washington, If you know the Western Conference then you know a “play in team” could go to the finals. If you know the Western Conference you know the Warriors as a six-seed only had one more regular season win than the play in lakers.
The Lakers even though they’re a play in team picked up a lot of improvements at the trade deadline and turned things around second half. They were in bad shape the first half so as a play in team they are Championship contenders. Have you been paying attention to basketball this year?
Lakers are a different team. And frankly they are still finding themselves. This is going seven imo.
Washington, Did you enjoy the exciting moments of game one Warriors Lakers or did you just wait to the final buzzer and come straight here to write your comment regarding Warriors fans, or some Warriors fans I should say? Just enjoy the series bud.
Lmao “the play in” jab was a response to the moron on thjs board who called the 3 seed Kings a “play in” team. And yes I did watch the game, thats how I knew the infowarriors would be salty. Look how mad you got over me saying I was waiting for excuses. Warriors fans egos are bigger than their maxi pads
Strong words Washington. Not necessary because you got called out that we don’t have excuses for losing game 1. It happens, it was a great game and I know Warriors fans enjoying an exciting basketball probably upsets you quite a bit.
FYI calling you out for not knowing how Warriors fans feel is not being mad. Being mad is when you get challenged over facts. Plus, please don’t group me or other Warrior fans with a certain poster who needs serious help. That’s not cool to group people together over one thing they may have in common.
Gary you are right and I apologized for grouping you with mindless posters. I respect your opinion
We’re all good. I give you thumbs up all the time. We’re on the same page with the posters from another planet. There’s a few other guys that say, “you Warriors fans” and it’s like no.., that’s not most of us.., just a couple. Thanks bro.
The NBA wants the Lakers. They robed the Pistons many years ago to give the Lakers a championship.
The Warriors draw almost as much TV revenue and jersey sales etc as the lakers. I don’t want to hear any of that. They may want this to go seven games but other than that, may the best team win.
They robed them? Like sent them comfortable robes to wear after the game? Classy move IMO.
He made a mistake it was the Kings that got robbed in the playoffs against the Lakers.
So, is everyone impressed the millionaires tried hard for one game with the spotlight on them ? I guess i understand how people can be casual fans if the Lakers are going to be casual players. Reduce the regular season games and make the league 80s intense again.
What are you even talking about?
Kyrie walks….
Perhaps so but where would he go? Dallas wants him and has the wherewithal via the salary cap rules.
Wiggins averaged 18 rebounds a game in the series!