LeBron James has made his decision on playing in the FIBA World Cup this summer, while Kristaps Porzingis is highlighting the news for the wrong reasons. All that and more in today’s top NBA news.
LeBron: Pass on World Cup, ’20 Olympics in play | ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James announced that he will miss out on the opportunity to represent the United States in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China this summer.
James added that he didn’t even intend to play in China despite the fact that the team will be coached by Gregg Popovich, one of LeBron’s favorite coaches. “I love everything about Pop, obviously, but this is not a good summer for me,” James said.
However, a two-time Olympic gold medalist didn’t rule out playing for the national team in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan. “Yeah, that’s a possibility,” James said. “It depends on how I feel. I love the Olympics.”
LeBron's not playing for Team USA this summer, and never intended to, even after he learned he was out of the playoffs. But the 2020 Olympics are still on the table https://t.co/rCy6QdISVE
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) April 1, 2019
A woman wanted Knicks to ‘mediate’ with Porzingis | ESPN
The 29-year-old woman who accused the NBA star Kristaps Porzingis of rape, contacted the New York Knicks’ legal department after eight months, seeking a payment of $68,000, according to emails obtained by ESPN.
Roland G. Riopelle, Porzingis’ attorney, said: “Mr. Porzingis denies signing the alleged contract, which we believe is a forgery. When asked to produce the original contract for handwriting analysis, the complainant declined to do so.”
Although the woman asked the Knicks to keep the matter between her and the organization, the Knicks stated that they will not have any further involvement on Kristaps’ behalf after ending communication with the woman in early November.
Kristaps Porzingis' attorney Roland G. Riopelle tells ESPN: "We have been contacted by (New York County) the District Attorney's office and we are cooperating fully with their investigation. We have agreed to provide the District Attorney's Office with the materials…" (more)
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 1, 2019
Grizzlies’ Valanciunas (ankle) done for year | ESPN
Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas will miss the remaining five games after suffering a Grade 2 ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Clippers.
Nasty-looking ankle injury for Jonas Valanciunas, who was helped off the floor. Hope it isn't too bad, but there's probably a decent chance that's it for him for the season. https://t.co/JMbKPs0kkx
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) April 1, 2019
Stackhouse in talks with Vanderbilt, sources say | ESPN
According to ESPN sources, Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse is in talks with Vanderbilt to become the Commodores next head coach. Stackhouse is first in the line to replace Bryce Drew, who was fired in March following three years at Vanderbilt.
Stackhouse worked as the head coach of the Raptors 905 G League team for the last two years and was named D-League Coach of the Year after leading the team to a championship. During his time in the G League, Stackhouse established a relationship with then the G League president Malcolm Turner, who is now the Commodores athletic director.
Sources: Memphis Grizzlies assistant Jerry Stackhouse is in contract negotiations to become the next head coach at Vanderbilt. Emerged as a primary candidate in the last 24 hours. Nothing final yet, but the two sides are headed towards a marriage.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 1, 2019
Walton: Lakers convinced LeBron to shut it down | ESPN
Even though LeBron James wanted to finish the season playing, Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton said that the team convinced him to give it a go and start focusing on the next campaign.
“He wants to play,” Walton stated prior of the Lakers’ 130-102 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans. “But it’s one of those things where the medical staff just finally said, ‘Look, it’s just not worth it anymore. Let’s make sure you have a healthy summer.’ So that’s the decision that was made, and we’ll move forward without him on the floor for the final six.”
LeBron ended his first season with the Lakers averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in just 55 games.
