Sources: Hornets to meet Messina, Fizdale
Spurs assistant Ettore Messina and former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale will interview for the Hornets job, league sources told ESPN.
Spurs assistant Ettore Messina and former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale will interview for the Hornets job, league sources told ESPN.
Kobe Bryant was asked on Twitter if he's ever considered becoming a coach. The former Lakers star said he's "coaching" via his new video-breakdown series, "Detail", available exclusively on ESPN+.
ESPN Insider Bobby Marks is breaking down the moves each eliminated team can and should make in the offseason.
Russillo on the start of the NBA Playoffs, plus he throws Kawhi Leonard trade scenarios at Amin Elhassan.
Magic Johnson says he won't have to monitor LaVar Ball despite the fact that LaVar was outspoken and critical earlier in the season about Luke Walton. "No. I think that we talked to him, Rob [Pelinka] and I have a good relationship with LaVar," Johnson said. "He wanted to have updates on his son and we wanted to tell him how we felt Lonzo was performing. And so we were able to really have positive communication… you have to understand that our main concern is Lonzo. That is who we are going to spend the most time talking to. But we only had two conversations with LaVar, and they were both good, and we moved on. I don't have to monitor LaVar. He loves his son and cares about his son and wants his son to be better and that is what we want. We want him to be better and so I am not going to monitor him."
When a reporter started to ask Magic Johnson if the Lakers might consider trading one of their young prospects like a Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram if an opportunity arises to make a big move this offseason, Johnson quickly cut off the question. "We are not going to talk about that," Johnson said. "We are not going to talk about that."
Fully aware of past failures in previous free agency forays, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka say they're serious about maintaining cap flexibility even if it means coming up empty-handed and not making a splash this July. Pelinka said July 2018 will not be a "litmus test of success" and that it is not this summer or bust. "We are not going to give money away just to say we signed somebody," Johnson said. "We are not going to do that."
Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka joins John Ireland and Ben Lyons to share his thoughts on the season, upcoming free agency and the future of the coveted young core.
Magic Johnson shut down any questions about any possibilities of trades this offseason. Johnson said he won't address any speculation about that.
Magic Johnson reiterated he does not have to monitor LaVar Ball despite LaVar being critical earlier this season of Luke Walton. Johnson said the team only talked to LaVar twice and Johnson didn't sound too concerned about any future issues with LaVar.
Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are making it clear that their free agency plans and flexibility are for the next two summers in case they don't get what they want this July. Magic said the Lakers are not going to "give away money" just to do it. They're not going to sign someone who is not one of their top targets just to come away with something. Pelinka said this July "is not a litmus test" for their ultimate success.
Magic Johnson said Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma will not play in summer league. Josh Hart will play some in Las Vegas.
Magic Johnson says Lakers have challenged Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram to get stronger to be able to play more games. He has challenged Ball to change his body and Ingram to consistently score. Johnson says he is extremely excited about the potential of the young core.
Luke Walton said Luol Deng was never a negative influence despite not playing this season. Walton said if Deng is still on roster for next season, there won't be an issue.
Luke Walton reiterated what Lonzo Ball said about the Lakers not tinkering with his shot mechanics this summer.
Luke Walton said he told Lonzo Ball how mature he is and how he exceptionally handled all the attention and distractions this season. Walton also said that he will play fast again next year and the Lakers young core works and wants to work and that should be appealing to free agents.
The Hornets announced Friday that they have fired coach Steve Clifford after a 36-46 season.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tonya Harding and Josh Norman are among the pro athletes and Olympians appearing on Season 26 of 'Dancing With the Stars.'
Lonzo Ball on how he will improve his 36% shooting, how he won't be altering his shooting form and whether he told LaVar Ball to tone things down.
TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Golden State | 58 | 24 | .707 | - | L1 |
LA Clippers | 42 | 40 | .512 | 16 | L4 |
LA Lakers | 35 | 47 | .427 | 23 | W1 |
Sacramento | 27 | 55 | .329 | 31 | W1 |
Phoenix | 21 | 61 | .256 | 37 | W1 |
RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
---|---|---|---|
1(2) | Lonzo Ball | PG | UCLA |
1(28) | Tony Bradley | C | North Carolina |
YEAR | W | L | PCT |
---|---|---|---|
2017-18 | 35 | 47 | .427 |
2016-17 | 26 | 56 | .317 |
2015-16 | 17 | 65 | .207 |
2014-15 | 21 | 61 | .256 |
2013-14 | 27 | 55 | .329 |