Guard Collin Sexton says his focus with the Los Angeles Lakers will extend beyond scoring, stressing that he intends to deliver consistent defensive pressure.
Lakers
Speaking Monday, Sexton told reporters he has closely watched former Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, singling out Bradley’s “relentless” approach as a model. “I feel like those two guys have been able to really lock in. I think I can bring that to this team,” he said via ESPN’s Ben Golliver.
The Lakers obtained Sexton during a busy offseason that also brought in Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili following LeBron James’s departure.
Free Agency
Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is heading back to Europe after 14 NBA seasons. Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas announced a two-year agreement with the 34-year-old shortly after his release from the Denver Nuggets became official.
Valanciunas appeared in more than 1,000 NBA games with the Raptors, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Wizards, Kings and Nuggets, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in a reserve role for Denver last season. Reports indicated he had considered a EuroLeague return last summer before opting for one more NBA campaign.
Trail Blazers
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver voiced concern over the Portland Trail Blazers’ ongoing negotiations with the City of Portland on planned renovations to the Moda Center. According to the Oregonian’s Joe Freeman, Silver said the discussions “have gone off track” and noted that several key issues remain unresolved.
The Portland City Council is slated to vote on Aug. 12 on a proposed $120 million funding package for the project, though questions persist regarding allocation of the funds. The Moda Center has served as the Blazers’ home arena since 1995.
Source: Hoops Wire
