NBA Notes: Lakers, LeBron James, Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Knicks

Lakers

The Lakers are heading into a familiar place with LeBron James. Only this time, it is more complicated.

James is approaching free agency with priorities that go beyond money. As noted in recent reporting, there is a growing sense around the league that his next contract will be tied directly to winning, even if that means taking less than the maximum.

That puts pressure on the Lakers to deliver more than just a number, writes Sam Quinn of CBS Sports.

“The Lakers can’t just offer James a number. They have to offer a why,” one agent told ESPN.

Los Angeles can technically pay him anything up to the max. The real question is whether the roster matches his championship expectations. If not, the idea of a pay cut becomes far less appealing.

James has used short-term deals to maintain leverage before. That leverage is still there now.

Bucks

The Giannis watch is on. The rest of the league is already lining up.

Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the biggest potential trade domino, with Milwaukee expected to either extend him or seriously explore deals around the draft.

Teams across the league are evaluating what it would take.

The checklist is steep. A contender-level roster. Young talent. Draft capital. And most importantly, a place Giannis would be willing to stay long term.

Eastern Conference teams are widely viewed as having an edge, Quinn writes. The Celtics, Cavaliers and Knicks are among those often mentioned, though nearly every franchise would make a call.

This is still early. The groundwork is already being laid.

Knicks

The Knicks are exactly where you want to be this time of year. Rested and waiting.

After sweeping Philadelphia, New York has been off while the Cavs and Pistons battle it out. That could matter more than anything once the conference finals begin, writes CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney.

The Knicks have played fewer games and avoided the grind. Their starters are logging manageable minutes. Their opponents are not.

There is also the home-court angle.

If Cleveland advances, New York gets the edge. If Detroit pulls it off, the Knicks hit the road to open the series.

Either way, the Knicks have momentum. Seven straight wins. Comfortable margins. A team that looks fresh.

Now they wait to see who walks into it.