NBA news: LeBron James backs Lakers signing, Kevin Durant told to leave, Kawhi Leonard
NBA news is coming in thick and fast and Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the very latest.
LeBron James backs new Lakers signing
LeBron James is more than happy for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign Tyson Chandler.
Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Stein claimed Chandler will join the Lakers as a free agent.
Stein tweeted on Saturday evening: “The [Phoenix] Suns are in the process of buying out veteran center Tyson Chandler to make Chandler a free agent, league sources tell @NYTSports.
“The Lakers are expected to be at the front of the line to sign Tyson Chandler once he clears waivers, league sources say.”
NBA news LeBron James Lakers signing Kevin Durant Golden State Kawhi Leonard Raptors
Wojnarowski added the 36-year-old should join the Lakers soon.
And James has backed the Lakers moving for Chandler, saying: “I love the fact that we’re going to get another veteran.
“A guy who plays hard, and a guy who’s very smart, and another champion to add to the champions that we have.
“That adds depth in our frontcourt, which we’ve had trouble with at times.”
Kevin Durant urged to leave Golden State
Kevin Durant should take his talent elsewhere, away from Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, Scottie Pippen claims.
“KD could be remembered as the greatest player, the greatest scorer to ever play the game,” Pippen said of the Golden State Warriors star.
“But because he’s playing with two of the greatest shooters to ever play the game, he’s on chill mode. That’s crazy.
“Nobody can stop this guy. He’s six foot 11, he can shoot over anyone, he can get a shot off at any time. He’s a defender.
“But he’s such an unselfish player and he plays the game the right way.
“He went into a situation where he hasn’t stepped on anybody’s toes.
“He hasn’t went there to try to be the league’s leading scorer - which, we all know, he can.
“And he’s just in chill mode. He is gonna be a guy that could have averaged 35, 40 points in this league – and he’s accepting winning over all. Nothing individual. It’s about the team.”
Kawhi Leonard to play vs Lakers
Kawhi Leonard is set to play for the Toronto Raptors against LeBron James and the Lakers tonight.
Leonard picked up a foot injury last week, however, the small forward is expected to play this evening and be rested for Toronto’s clash with the Utah Jazz.
Raptors assistant head coach Nate Bjorkgren said: “He just jammed his foot a little in Phoenix last night.
“He participated some (in practice). Everything is good, I think he’ll be ready to go.”
NBA results:
Tuesday November 6
Atlanta Hawks 102-113 Charlotte Hornets
Washington Wizards 100-119 Dallas Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets 104-82 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 103-118 Portland Trail Blazers
NBA schedule:
Wednesday November 7
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
Miami Heat vs San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls
Memphis Grizzlies vs Denver Nuggets
Indiana Pacers vs Philadelphia 76ers
Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks
Sacramento Kings vs Toronto Raptors
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves