NBA rumors: LeBron James and Shaq both vying for Vegas expansion
Arash Markzi of The Messenger asked LeBron James why he specifically wants an NBA team in Las Vegas.
"It just makes sense. Obviously, you have the Raiders here, the Knights here, and the Aces here. You got F1 coming very soon. All-Star weekend has been here a few times, then you have the NBA Summer League that's very popular."
In the past six years, Vegas has become the home of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, the current Stanley Cup champions; the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, the current WNBA champions; and the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, formerly located in Oakland.
"Sports is here," James said. "I think adding an NBA franchise here would just add to the momentum that's going on in this town. It's an attraction." While Lebron James is absolutely correct about the momentum in Vegas, he's not alone in thinking that. Another Lakers legend shares LeBron James' desire to add to Vegas' bustling sports landscape, that being, Shaquille O'Neal.
Shaquille O'Neal also spoke to The Messenger about his desire to own a team in Vegas. "I would like to have my own group," O'Neal told The Messenger. "I know Vegas hasn't been awarded an NBA team yet but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that. I don't want to partner up with nobody. I want it all for myself."
In his retirement, Shaq has become somewhat of a business mogul and as a result, has been living in Vegas for over 20 years. "I used to own one of the hottest night clubs, sold it and now I got 9-10 restaurants here." I'm doing very, very well and I want to continue to grow with Vegas."
LeBron ended it with, "I think it's only a matter of time." According to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the league will look at possible expansion once the next media rights deals are done in 2025. That being said, we won't have to wait too long to find out which Laker legend comes out on top in this rare off-court matchup.
NBA rumors: Luka Doncic wants to return to Real Madrid eventually
This preseason, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will play against reigning EuroLeague champion Real Madrid in Spain. Luka joined Real Madrid at 13 and, by age 19, he led Real Madrid to the 2018 title. Clearly, Real Madrid holds a special place in Luka's heart.
Before Tuesday's matchup against his former team, Doncic told reporters, "I've got a lot of great memories and I'm happy to be back. If I return to Europe one day, I'm sure it will be to Real Madrid. That's 100%." Doncic credits Real Madrid for making him the player he is today, he explained, "I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for Real Madrid. I learned everything here: speaking, studying and playing basketball."
Unlike most NBA teams, Dallas' preseason began in Abu Dhabi, where they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in a two-game series. The Mavericks lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in both contests. In Dallas' second preseason matchup against Minnesota, Luka Doncic scored 18 points, contributed six assists, and grabbed five rebounds. Now the Mavericks head to Spain and look to get back on track against a Real Madrid team that has yet to lose a game. Though this is a game that Luka's been "looking forward to" for months.
NBA rumors: Nemanja Bjelica retires
After eight years in the league, and a short stint overseas, veteran forward Nemanja Bjelica is retiring due to injury. Bjelica was most recently a member of Crvena Zvezda, after being traded from Fenerbahce. Bjelica averaged 2.7 points per game in just seven Euroleague games last season for Fenerbahce.
Bjelica has his fair share of NBA memories. He played for four NBA teams throughout his career. He won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors during the 2021-2022 season. He hit a game-winner against the Houston Rockets and delivered an all-time-interview moment while he was with the Sacramento Kings. During his time with the Timberwolves, he put Aaron Afflalo in a headlock without missing a beat.
Additionally, Draymond Green's reaction to Bjelica leaving the NBA to go overseas tells you everything you need to know about his impact and contribution during the Dubs' 2021-2022 championship run. Green said:
"He [Bjelica] is headed back to Fenerbahce in Turkey. I'm a little hurt by this one," Green admitted after a little hesitation. "I really had an opportunity to create a really great relationship with Beli and, quite frankly, one that will last further than him playing basketball or myself playing basketball."
Now, basketball must say its goodbyes to a true stretch four. A player who was perhaps a little ahead of his time. Enjoy retirement Bjelica. You earned it.
