Lakers
Collin Sexton built his reputation as a scorer. Now, he wants Lakers fans to know he plans to bring plenty on the defensive end, too.
Speaking Monday, Sexton said he has studied former Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, pointing to Bradley in particular as someone whose relentless defensive style he has long admired.
“I watched a lot of the playoffs,” Sexton said, via ESPN’s Ben Golliver. “I watched a lot of Marcus Smart over the years. I watched a little bit of Avery Bradley as well. … I feel like those two guys have been able to really lock in. I think I can bring that to this team.”
The Lakers acquired Sexton as part of a busy offseason that also included the additions of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili following LeBron James‘ departure.
Free Agency
Jonas Valanciunas is officially returning to Europe.
Lithuanian powerhouse Zalgiris Kaunas announced it has signed the veteran center to a two-year contract after his release from the Nuggets became official.
Valanciunas had been linked to the EuroLeague club for weeks and reportedly explored returning overseas last summer before remaining in the NBA.
The 34-year-old spent 14 seasons in the league, appearing in more than 1,000 games with the Raptors, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Wizards, Kings and Nuggets. He averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in a reserve role for Denver last season.
Trail Blazers
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed concern over the Trail Blazers’ ongoing negotiations with the city of Portland regarding renovations to the Moda Center.
According to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian, Silver said discussions have “gone off track” and noted that several outstanding issues still need to be resolved.
The city council is scheduled to vote Aug. 12 on a proposed $120 million funding package for the project, though questions reportedly remain about how the money would be used.
The Moda Center has been the Blazers’ home since 1995. Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report has more details.
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