LeBron moved to tears in Cleveland; Sabonis addresses trade buzz; Suns unlikely to shake up roster; Clippers eye backcourt help
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January — A tribute video honoring LeBron James’ 2007 playoff heroics left the Lakers star visibly emotional during the first quarter of Wednesday’s lopsided loss in Cleveland.
The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse video board replayed Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals, when James scored 48 points—including Cleveland’s final 25—in a double-overtime win. “I was just more present today than I’ve been on past trips,” James said afterward. “It definitely got to me a little bit.”
Following the defeat, the 39-year-old admitted he is unsure whether he will play in Cleveland again. “I’m just trying to take everything in and not take the moments for granted, because it could be my last season,” he said. “I obviously haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.”
Kings: Sabonis tries to ignore rumor mill
Domantas Sabonis acknowledged that his name has surfaced in trade speculation but said he is focused on Sacramento’s present. “There’s nothing you can do. You just try to ignore it,” the three-time All-Star told The Sacramento Bee. Married with three children and a Napa Valley home and wine label, Sabonis said the chatter feels different now. “I’ve got kids, so you’ve got to think about that, but on the court it’s the same thing. I forget everything once I’m between those lines.”
Suns: Minimal movement expected before deadline
Phoenix does not anticipate major changes ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, citing strong locker-room chemistry under first-year head coach Jordan Ott. “We love our group,” Ott said, according to The Arizona Republic. “Our big piece we’re going to get back is Jalen Green, and that’s what we’re excited about.” Green returned Friday against Cleveland after missing three games with hamstring tightness.
Clippers: Playmaking guard tops wish list
The Clippers are evaluating options for a combo guard who can penetrate, score and push the pace while holding his own defensively, The Athletic reported. If Los Angeles seeks a substantial upgrade rather than merely freeing roster spots for two-way players Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders, potential trade targets could include Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanović and Cam Christie.
Source: Hoops Rumors
