While there was skepticism both inside and outside the Lakers‘ organization about how genuine the team’s pursuit of Dan Hurley earlier this month was, team owner Jeanie Buss was “highly motivated” to land the UConn head coach and was “genuinely disappointed” when it didn’t work out, sources tell Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha of The Athletic. After missing out on … [Read more...] about Pacific Notes: Lakers, Kings, Siakam, Gordon, Suns
LeBron James Reportedly Expected To Decline Player Option
Lakers superstar forward LeBron James is expected to decline his $51.4MM player option for 2024/25 to become an unrestricted free agent, according to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times. The four-time MVP faces a June 29 deadline to finalize that decision. Woike’s report isn’t surprising. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, James’ agent, referred to his longtime friend and client as an … [Read more...] about LeBron James Reportedly Expected To Decline Player Option
Atlantic Notes: Van Gundy, Brunson, Harden, George, Hartenstein, Raptors’ Draft
Jeff Van Gundy and the Celtics’ brass mutually agreed it would be better for him to become the lead assistant with the Clippers than taking a similar job with Boston, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. Van Gundy was a candidate to replace associate head coach Charles Lee, the Hornets’ head coach. But the Celtics were somewhat uneasy about the prospect of Van … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Van Gundy, Brunson, Harden, George, Hartenstein, Raptors’ Draft
International Notes: Giannis, Team Canada, Hezonja, Clarkson, Vildoza, Ataman, Team China
Giannis Antetokounmpo is looking forward to participating in Greece’s training camp, though he’s still dealing with the injury that short-circuited the Bucks’ playoff run. Milwaukee’s superstar will look to help Greece advance out of the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus early next month. “I have not practiced yet, but I feel better. I cannot wait to join the … [Read more...] about International Notes: Giannis, Team Canada, Hezonja, Clarkson, Vildoza, Ataman, Team China
Lakers To Hire J.J. Redick As Head Coach
2:30pm: Redick will receive about $8MM per season on his four-year contract, sources tell Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Jovan Buha of The Athletic. 2:09 pm: The Lakers are hiring J.J. Redick to be their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports that Redick will receive a four-year deal. According to Woj, head of basketball operations Rob Pelinka … [Read more...] about Lakers To Hire J.J. Redick As Head Coach