On April 30, Beijing time, in an NBA playoff game that ended today, the Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 114-106 and successfully advanced to the Western Conference semifinals. Since then, the first round of this year's NBA's playoffs has all ended, and the remaining 8 teams will compete for this year's championship, and for those teams that have already been out or missed the playoffs, they may need to take the lead in considering offseason work.
It's not just the team's management that's thinking about the future, but so are the players, with Bulls star Zach Lavin, who just led the Bulls to the playoffs, in an interview today. Speaking of the free agent market, LaVine said it was exciting, he knew his relationship with the Bulls, he would keep an open mind and enjoy the whole free agent market process, it should be noted that LaVine did not promise that he would definitely renew his contract with the Bulls.
Talking about summer plans, LaVine said the team would talk to his agent. When asked if bulls are their first choice? Lavin said he had to make a business decision to keep an open mind. Lavin said: "I don't plan to make a quick decision, I've been here for the last 5 seasons, I have to make a business decision, I'm a full free agent and for me and my family, I have to be open.' ”
In addition, Two passages from Lavin's interview are very noteworthy. Asked if he would meet with other teams, LaVine said: "I plan to fully enjoy free agent status. We're going to have to go through the process from A to Z and won't be in a hurry to make a decision. I think that's going to be the process that Richie and I'm going to go through. ”
Speaking about his free agent decision, LaVine said: "It was a big decision, not only for me, but for my family as well. Obviously, I'll take the time to investigate everything and talk to my agent (Richie Paul). I think it's an opportunity, and a lot of people in my position don't have that opportunity, and I find it exciting. I'm looking forward to it. ”
Here LaVine reveals two key messages, he does not exclude meeting other teams, nor does he exclude joining other teams, and his agent Rich Paul may play a very important role in this, even deciding where LaVine will end up. As we all know, these Rich Pauls have been trying to let their players play with LeBron James, using James's exposure to give these players more spotlight and commercial value, and maximize profits.
In fact, when LaVine and Rich Paul signed with Klutch Sports Agency last year, many people believed that it was only a matter of time before LaVine and Rich Paul's other two superstars, James and Davis, joined forces. What's more, LaVine himself once said he wanted to play with James.
In an Interview with the All-Star Weekend in the 19-20 season, speaking about his ideal partner, Lavin said: "I would like to play with many players, but not all of them are realistic candidates. Everyone wants to play with the best players in the world, and I'd love to play with a player like LeBron James, but you don't get that chance. I also want to play as a point guard so I can run back and forth on the field and pass the ball. Playing with a big, dominant man inside is sometimes fine, and you can pass it to them when you're caught. ”
Obviously, the configuration and teammates that LaVine wants, the Lakers can meet, and James and Thick Brow are the kind of partners he has longed for. After tasting the playoffs, LaVine clearly wants to go one step further and compete for the championship. But it must be admitted that the current Bulls want to rush out of the East is still very difficult, and once LaVine and James, Davis team up to form a big three, then the Lakers will immediately rise back in the West, LaVine will be more likely to win the championship.
Of course, the biggest problem for the Lakers now is the salary space, but with Rich Paul in it, as long as the Lakers really intend to operate, whether it is through the trade of Westbrook or other ways to sign first and then change, if the Lakers can really get LaVine, then this little Kobe may be the most suitable player to inherit Kobe's mantle in the future.