Ru<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-if-donovan-mitchell-joins-knicks-lakers-might-move-for-julius-randle-2448-20220803-SPD-2448.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ssell Westbrook</a> and Frank Vogel have a running spat about how late in games he should be playing. Westbrook was benched a couple of times by Vogel, who thought other players had earned the right to close out games for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-lebron-james-not-close-to-contract-renewal-agreement-2456-20220805-SPD-2456.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers.</a>



The 33-year-old veteran was not happy about it. In the aftermath of one of these incidents, he said, “I earned the right to be in closing lineups.” Soon enough, Vogel was fired from his position.



Darvin Ham, Vogel’s successor, seems to have been given carte blanche to use Westbrook any way he sees appropriate. Hammer has “greater authority to sit Westbrook down the stretch of games” and that “power might ultimately extend to eliminating Westbrook from the starting lineup,” according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. 



<h2>Russell Westbrook-Lakers: Inevitable split?</h2>



According to reports from last season, Vogel was on the verge of making this move, but he held off because he was afraid of losing Westbrook permanently. All indications are that Westbrook and the Lakers are looking to split. 



The Los Angeles Lakers have been publicly trading him for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-have-other-targets-besides-kyrie-irving-2269-20220719-SPD-2269.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a>. As of today, any possible trade is stalling. There is nothing the New York Knicks can do to compel a deal for Irving until the issue with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn is settled.

Lakers' coach Darvin Ham to have authority to bench Russell Westbrook - thesportsdrops NEWS

Lakers' coach Darvin Ham to have authority to bench Russell Westbrook

destacadas

There is no immediate deal between the Lo<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-if-donovan-mitchell-joins-knicks-lakers-might-move-for-julius-randle-2448-20220803-SPD-2448.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s Angeles Lakers</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lebron-james-not-expected-to-depart-the-lakers-anytime-before-2024-2405-20220729-SPD-2405.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>, according to ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin, who spoke on NBA Today to discuss the situation. Since he’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of June, there’s theoretically no need for James to sign a contract extension before then.



Rob Pelinka met with Lebron James’ counsel Rich Paul on Thursday, but no deal has been reached. James’ agency hailed the discussion as “constructive.” Talks will continue between the two parties, according to McMenamin.



Since his kid, Bronny, will be able to join the NBA Draft by 2024, a new claim from Marc Stein suggests that James is content in Los Angeles and has no intention of leaving until that time has passed. In the past, James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son.



<h2>LeBron James’ future yet to be decided</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Sources briefed on the matter stress that James is extremely happy in Los Angeles despite the Lakers’ back-to-back rocky seasons. He and his family, by all accounts, have grown increasingly entrenched in Southern California since James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. “The prevailing thinking in league circles holds that only the chance to play elsewhere alongside son Bronny James, who will be eligible for the 2024 draft and continues to develop as an NBA prospect, would spur LeBron to push for an L.A. exit”, Marc Stein writes.</blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Lakers and LeBron James not close to contract renewal agreement - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Lakers and LeBron James not close to contract renewal agreement

A player who last played for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lebron-james-not-expected-to-depart-the-lakers-anytime-before-2024-2405-20220729-SPD-2405.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> in 2018 looks to be of interest to the team, according to reports. There is a possibility that the Lakers would enter into the picture if the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-have-other-targets-besides-kyrie-irving-2269-20220719-SPD-2269.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Knicks</a> manage to get <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-heat-in-need-of-third-club-to-get-donovan-mitchell-2242-20220718-SPD-2242.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donovan Mitchell</a>.



If NBA insider Marc Stein is correct, Darvin Ham’s side would have no problem taking on <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bam-adebayo-willing-to-devote-whole-professional-career-to-heat-in-spite-of-trade-rumors-2419-20220731-SPD-2419.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julius Randle</a>‘s $117 million deal he signed in 2021. Since his contract expires at the end of the 2022-23 season, he will get $23.7 million in pay for the following two seasons.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“A very plugged-in person in the league told me… If Donovan Mitchell were to end up with the Knicks, there could be talks between the Knicks and the Lakers involving Julius [Randle],” Stein said on Spotify Live.</blockquote>



<h2>Julius Randle to return at Lakers?</h2>



Randle was drafted seventh overall by the Lakers in the NBA draft in 2014. L.A. served him well for the first four seasons and allowed him to continue to progress. He inked a two-year contract for $24 million with the New Orleans Pelicans after ending his time in Los Angeles.



He spent the 2018-19 season in New Orleans and chose not to exercise his player option for the 2019-20 season. Then, the 27-year-old moved to the Knicks and was supposed to lead the Knicks into the playoffs, but he had a poor season. As a consequence, the New York Knicks are now thought to be open to revamping their squad.

NBA News: If Donovan Mitchell joins Knicks, Lakers might move for Julius Randle - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: If Donovan Mitchell joins Knicks, Lakers might move for Julius Randle

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-hold-out-hope-that-kevin-durant-would-revoke-trade-request-2410-20220730-SPD-2410.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>‘s trade request on June 30 included the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-caleb-martin-returns-to-heat-to-sign-new-three-year-contract-2054-20220706-SPD-2054.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> and the Phoenix Suns among the teams he wanted to play for. This prompted both teams to investigate potential trade deadline deals to obtain him. 



The Heat would have to trade All-Star forward <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lebron-james-not-expected-to-depart-the-lakers-anytime-before-2024-2405-20220729-SPD-2405.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bam Adebayo</a> in order to get Durant since Adebayo meets the requirements that the Brooklyn Nets have set forth for the players they are looking to acquire in order to compete immediately.



Despite trade rumors surrounding him, the three-time All-Defensive center would want nothing more than to finish his career in Miami, much as Udonis Haslem did before him.



<h2>What Bam Adebayo said about his possible future away from Miami</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“If I could, I would. Just to have that opportunity to be around this community for my whole career. A lot of the community has seen me grow up. Going from a random 14th draft pick to being a cornerstone in this organization and to become something bigger. It’s just one of those things that’s dope when people grow with you.”<cite>Adebayo told the Miami Herald</cite></blockquote>



Trade negotiations have reportedly included Adebayo, but the Heat are “disinclined” to include him in a deal to obtain Durant. Both Adebayo and Ben Simmons are on designated rookie extensions, meaning neither can be moved to Brooklyn while Simmons is still a 76er.

Bam Adebayo willing to devote whole professional career to Heat in spite of trade rumors - thesportsdrops NEWS

Bam Adebayo willing to devote whole professional career to Heat in spite of trade rumors

Perhaps <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> was hoping for a speedy resolution to his trade request back in June. After a turbulent season that they do not look interested in repeating, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> were inclined to comply with his request. 



His quality would have warranted many massive bids, from which Brooklyn could have picked the best. Unfortunately, a month after making the request, there still is no offer in sight. 



Given that DeAndre Ayton has signed an offer sheet that prevents him from being traded until January, it’s unlikely that Durant’s favored Phoenix Suns will be able to give him a contract. While the Boston Celtics have emerged with a stunning offer centered on Jaylen Brown, the Miami Heat are equally low on assets, and a deal between the two teams has not yet been reached. Those deals aren’t going to get better before training camp starts.



<h2>Could Kevin Durant change his mind and stay in Brooklyn?</h2>



However, ESPN‘s Zach Lowe reports that the Nets are still holding out hope that Durant would rescind his trade request once he realizes he has no realistic options. They also believe that there’s still a chance he will alter his mind if he goes without a trade for a little longer.



To what extent the forward would be open to that possibility is now unknown, but Marc Stein claims he is still trying to be traded away. In any case, returning to Brooklyn would put the veteran on a competitive squad with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.

NBA Rumors: Nets hold out hope that Kevin Durant would revoke trade request - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Nets hold out hope that Kevin Durant would revoke trade request

miniaturas

While the Los Angeles Lakers did indeed win the NBA championship in 2020, their road to glory has been everything from easy. The Lakers were eliminated from post-season action in the first round in 2021 and did not even make the cut this past season. 



Yet, according to Marc Stein to Substack, even with the team’s recent troubles, superstar player LeBron James is still dedicated to the club and has no plans to depart until 2024. In answer to your question: In that year, James’s kid Bronny may join the NBA draft. James has stated his wish to play on the same team as his son in the past.



Starting on August 4, the veteran will be able to sign an agreement with the Lakers before he becomes an unrestricted free agency next summer. Although, he need not hurry to sign an extension since he may do it at any time during the forthcoming season or later. It appears probable that the 37-year-old will agree to continue his career in Los Angeles, as reported by Stein since James is “very” satisfied there.



<h2>LeBron James to remain in Los Angeles at least until 2024</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Sources briefed on the matter stress that James is extremely happy in Los Angeles despite the Lakers’ back-to-back rocky seasons. He and his family, by all accounts, have grown increasingly entrenched in Southern California since James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. “The prevailing thinking in league circles holds that only the chance to play elsewhere alongside son Bronny James, who will be eligible for the 2024 draft and continues to develop as an NBA prospect, would spur LeBron to push for an L.A. exit.”<cite>Marc Stein of Substack</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: LeBron James not expected to depart the Lakers anytime before 2024 - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: LeBron James not expected to depart the Lakers anytime before 2024

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> have a history of spending heavily in pursuit of championships. They have done very well considering they have had some of the most expensive lineups in NBA history, as seen by their four titles in the previous eight years and two more trips to the NBA Finals.



The problem is that things have the potential to become more costly than ever in the not-too-distant future. It is mainly because of the team’s senior core and their newer, younger players who have bloomed into crucial players for the future.



While Steph Curry’s future is assured until the 2025–2026 season, the Warriors still face a number of major choices in the near future. One involves <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-nets-acquire-ex-pacers-duo-t-j-warren-and-edmond-sumner-2038-20220706-SPD-2038.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draymond Green</a> and his upcoming $25.8 million salary and a player option for $27.6 million in the following season.



<h2>Draymond Green set for Warriors’ exit?</h2>



Green has shown interest in signing a new maximum contract with the Warriors, as reported by Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. His free agency period begins on August 3. The problem is that the Warriors don’t appear interested in giving him one.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">All indications, though, are that the Warriors have no plans to offer Green a maximum extension, and there isn’t any current traction on any type of extension. The typical pattern of this Golden State front office is to extend with one year remaining. Even Stephen Curry waited until one year remained before signing his max extension last offseason. Green has two years remaining on the maximum extension he signed in 2019. While he could opt out a year earlier, the Warriors’ current preference is to talk extension with Green next summer.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">While his desire is to remain with the Warriors, Green is said to be willing to explore his outside options to get the kind of contract he wants. That’s a risk Warriors’ management appears willing to take. Green playing this season with a chip on his shoulder, motivated by proving to the league he deserves a max contact, could have a positive on-court impact.<cite>Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic says</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Draymond Green could leave Warriors if not offered maximum contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Draymond Green could leave Warriors if not offered maximum contract extension

Several recognizable names are being considered by the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Hornets</a> as they attempt to enhance their point guard depth. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the club is contemplating re-signing <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-suns-tie-coach-monty-williams-down-to-new-long-term-deal-2356-20220724-SPD-2356.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kemba Walker</a> and/or <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-darvin-ham-says-he-wants-lebron-james-to-have-the-ball-basically-all-the-time-2374-20220727-SPD-2374.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isaiah Thomas.</a>



Both players are experienced and capable of contributing to the team, yet they are currently without a team. The 32-year-old Walker, spent the first eight years of his NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s success and was recognized with three All-Star nods.



He holds the franchise record for both points and minutes played. Walker has played for the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks since becoming a free agent in 2019, but he hasn’t been able to replicate his success with the Hornets. 



<h2>Thomas and Walker could return in Charlotte</h2>



Since Thomas, 33, spent some time with the Hornets during the conclusion of last season, he is also somewhat acquainted with the squad. Thomas played in 17 contests with the Hornets, averaging 8.3 points, 1.4 assists, 1.2 boards, and 12.9 minutes per game.



In Charlotte, they would be playing behind LaMelo Ball, thus neither player would be expected to start. However, they may still be useful in a restricted backup position. When Walker played for the Hornets, he quickly became a fan favorite, therefore a reunion between the two teams would be warmly embraced by Hornets fans.

NBA Rumors: Hornets contemplating reunion with Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Hornets contemplating reunion with Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas

Since he took the reins of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-not-willing-to-trade-talen-horton-tucker-for-patrick-beverley-of-jazz-2216-20220715-SPD-2216.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, Darvin Ham has spoken highly of his players. Not only he was full of praise for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/report-russell-westbrook-will-opt-into-47m-option-to-return-to-the-lakers-1842-20220628-SPD-1842.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Westbrook</a>, whose future is still in doubt after a poor season, but also for Anthony Davis and LeBron James.



The Purple and Gold come from a terrible year in which they didn’t even make the play-in tournament. That being said, these players have already proven what they’re capable of before.



Ham has proven to be <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/new-lakers-coach-darvin-ham-content-with-current-roster-in-spite-of-recent-trade-rumors-2112-20220710-SPD-2112.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a huge admirer</a> of the three of them, and he’s particularly looking forward to see the best version of The King. In fact, he admitted that he expects LeBron to have the ball as much as possible.



<h2>Darvin Ham doesn’t want LeBron to give up the ball too much</h2>



“I don’t really know what sacrifice means for LeBron James on this Lakers team because if it means giving the ball up to other people, I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Ham said, via Fadeaway World. “I kind of want LeBron to have the ball basically all the time, every possession, run the show.”



What Ham says actually makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day, we’re talking about one of the greatest, if not the greatest player of all time. With him, the Lakers will always have reasons to be optimistic.

NBA News: Darvin Ham says he wants LeBron James to have the ball basically 'all the time' - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Darvin Ham says he wants LeBron James to have the ball basically 'all the time'

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-took-pay-cut-to-help-76ers-compete-for-a-championship-2298-20220720-SPD-2298.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collin Sexton</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-suns-tie-coach-monty-williams-down-to-new-long-term-deal-2356-20220724-SPD-2356.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> have not yet agreed on a new contract. There have been reports that the No. 8 selection in the 2018 NBA Draft is seeking an enormous deal for approximately $80 million, but it seems that the Cavs are unable to commit to such a large sum of money for the young guard.



It has been claimed that Sexton is disappointed with the team’s current offer. With no serious suitors in sight, the restricted free agent has been on the market for close to a month. 



Reports stated that he had hoped for a $20 million annual agreement before the season started. Not one of them has come to fruition. 



<h2>Cavaliers make three-year offer to Sexton</h2>



According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers have made an offer to keep Sexton, but he is unlikely to take it. This was discussed on the Wine &amp; Gold Talk Podcast. Fedor claims that Cleveland have made an offer worth around $40 million over the course of three seasons.



Although Sexton would be compensated more than the mid-level exemption under such an agreement, his salary would still be far below the average for point guards. At $13.3 million annually, he would be the 30th highest-paid point guard in the NBA, behind stars like Markelle Fultz and Tyus Jones.

NBA Rumors: Collin Sexton rejects initial contract extension offer from Cavaliers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Collin Sexton rejects initial contract extension offer from Cavaliers

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-deandre-ayton-and-pacers-agree-four-year-contract-suns-have-48-hours-to-match-2209-20220715-SPD-2209.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a> had been in the lottery for the better part of a decade before <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monty Williams</a> became their head coach. His leadership transformed them into a legitimate contender in the NBA almost overnight. 



He finished his first year with a perfect record in the Orlando area. His Suns went 64-20 and reached the second round before falling to the Dallas Mavericks, and he was named Coach of the Year for his efforts in both of those years. He’s done everything possible in his three years at the company except win a title. And the Suns have finally come to terms with it.



According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the 50-year-old agreed to a multi-year agreement with the Phoenix Suns. Williams had originally signed a five-year contract with the Suns, which is unusual for new hiring, and thus he still had two years remaining on his contract. 



<h2>Monty Williams to continue in Phoenix</h2>



This extension of his contract should make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Williams has had a significant effect on the Suns club, leading them to the 2021 NBA Finals and to a franchise record of 64 wins in the regular season last year.



The Suns finished last season tied for first with the 1969-70 New York Knicks as the only teams in NBA history to finish with a greater road win % than the sum of all other teams’ home win percentages. Since the introduction of the shot clock, the Suns have never lost a game while leading after three quarters.

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