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Malik Beasley: I wish I had played better with the Lakers. I was going through a lot of mental sh*t though at that time. Neon: It's like, what is the hardest part mentally while you're in the NBA? Beasley: People don't even think about that. All the outside noise, like your regular life outside of basketball. Like for me, I didn't know where to live. So, I lived in Beverly Hills, but it was like 40 minutes away from the arena and 40 minutes away from the practice facility. So, you had to pick which one either you wanted to live close to the arena or close to the practice facility. You go to Utah, it's everything right in the same gym. So, it was just like, that part and then obviously public issues with my teammates and other stuff like that. Neon: Seriously? Beasley: So that was tough and then my own issues at home with my girl, well, my ex. So it just wasn't the best mental situation.
Luka Doncic revealed that family remains his primary focus this summer, while also expressing confidence in Slovenia’s chances despite his absence and confirming that his injury issues are now behind him. “We already know that I won’t play for the national team. The main reason is my daughters. Everything else is pretty much the same. I’m doing individual workouts, training in the gym, and also playing other sports. This year golf has become part of the routine, so it’s a little different. Golf is amazing. We played a lot with the team before. Now we can’t because we’re apart. It’s really relaxing—you’re out in nature, away from your phone, at peace. It’s one of the best things,” Dončić told per Siol.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals, claiming their first championship since 1973. Brunson was named Finals MVP after averaging 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the series. However, because of the time difference in Slovenia, Luka Doncic admitted he did not wake up in the middle of the night to watch the games live. "It's all too early for me, waking up at three in the morning, so I didn't watch," Doncic said with a smile, via Siol.net.
NBA Courtside: Matt Barnes on when he fake threw the ball in Kobe Bryant face in the finals: “The Orlando sh*t I told him in our last interview like bro I was ready to fu*king like I was ready to go, like fu*k basketball. Was ready to throw that ball in your face. Because he gets like he’s already so good but then he’ll elbow you and grab you and I remember I caught a dunk tip off the rim because he was guarding me and he tried to block Dwight shot and it fell of perfect and I put that b***h down and that motherfu*kers elbowing me from like my waist to my chest to like my chin and the ref was right here and didn’t say nothing. I was ready to go. He had already elbowed me in my sternum and knocked the wind out of me that game. It was just who he was, you know what I mean? And it was after the game and be you good, it was that line of respect.” (Via @OutTheMudTL)
"Do you have a sense for who those teams are, who are the real contenders if LeBron doesn't come back?" Ramona Shelburne: "For me, it's pretty simple. It's either the Lakers, Cleveland, or Golden State. I would be really surprised if it's not one of those three. I think there's other teams that would make sense, but I don't see those as realistic."
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Luka Doncic: "I always need shooters around me because normally they double me quite a lot, so I think that I need shooters and some centers that jump a lot, defend, and put up blocks."
Luka Doncic on the possibility of participating in a 1-on-1 tournament: "They say that in the All-Star there could be one, so if they put it, it would be great."
San Antonio could use a backup stretch big as it reloads for next season, and a combo stretch big man who can start and possibly play alongside Wembanyama in bigger lineups such as Rui Hachimura. The opportunity to play alongside Wembanyama, the franchise's success, its culture and collective youth make San Antonio a preferred destination, sources said, adding that multiple big men are already trying to get to south Texas.
NBA Courtside: Paul Pierce says whatever the Lakers do this offseason, they have to get more athletic: “Because you’re looking at OKC and the Spurs, their perimeters, their centers. Like, you have to get more athletic and you have to get faster. Like, you can’t be an old team. You need somebody that can get up and down the court and pick up. Because it’s major guard play in the West. You got to focus on your guard play. Do you see what’s running the league right now? Brunson just won MVP. You got to have major guard play.” (Via @NFGShow)
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League sources say Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart is available. The Pistons, in search of additional shooting and playmakers, appear ready to rely on seventh-year big man Paul Reed in an increased role. Stewart has two years and a combined $30 million left on his deal (team option in the second season). Detroit, which is believed to be among the suitors for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves if he makes it to unrestricted free agency, is also said to be interested in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Joe.
Oh No He Didn't: "Every conversation I have had with the Lakers, I felt like the option of using the cap space for a trade is very much in play" - @ramonashelburne
Run It Back: On a 1-10 scale, Sam Amick thinks the Lakers' chances for bringing back LeBron & Reaves are a 6 👀 "If Austin gets paid... then there's not enough money for LeBron to feel respected, and then I could see him going up the coast to the Warriors."