Warriors
The Warriors have been loosely tied to Giannis Antetokounmpo ideas. Do not expect them to rush into anything.
Speaking on NBA Today, Andscape’s Marc J. Spears said Golden State is more inclined to keep the No. 11 pick than move it in a blockbuster scenario.
“From what I’m being told… the Warriors would like to keep that pick,” Spears said.
The pick is Golden State’s first lottery selection since 2021. A rare chance to add a young piece to an aging core.
Lakers
The Lakers want LeBron James back. The number is the issue.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst laid it out clearly. Los Angeles is hesitant to commit $50 million per year. James is not likely to see himself as a $30 million player.
“The Lakers have a problem,” Windhorst said. “They don’t want to lose LeBron… but they don’t want to pay $50 million.”
There is leverage on both sides. There is also risk.
“If you force LeBron to leave, he’ll go somewhere else and play for less money,” Windhorst added.
That is the balance the Lakers are trying to strike.
Jazz
The Jazz are not hiding how they feel about their direction.
Guard Keyonte George said Utah views itself as a playoff team, especially with the No. 2 pick on the way.
“On paper, we are definitely a playoff team,” George said, via ESPN. “There is just a different versatility that we have.”
He pointed to roster flexibility and coaching under Will Hardy as reasons for optimism.
“It’s just a lot of things going right for the group right now,” George said.
Utah believes it is closer than people think.
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