NBA Swing: A Statue for the Kobe, FIBA World Cup Basketball, and Lillard & Harden Rumors

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Kobe Bryant to Receive Statue Outside Crypto Arena

In a video released by the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday, the wife of the late great Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, revealed that the Lakers and Bryant family will unveil a statue of Bryant on February 8th, 2024. Kobe’s statue will join the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Eligin Baylor, who also have statues outside of Crypto Arena. Kobe played his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five championships. He leads the Lakers in numerous stats including games played, points (fourth all-time in the NBA), three-pointers, free throws, and more, having both his number 8 and 24 jerseys retired by the organization. Kobe is still one of the most talked about players for his drive and love of the game, inspiring numerous players on the court today. Bryant passed away in January 2020 in a helicopter crash that took his life, his daughter Gianna, and seven others. He would’ve turned 45 on Wednesday.

FIBA World Cup Preview

On Friday, August 25th, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will begin. Over the course of the last few weeks, teams have been competing in exhibition games, with the USA showcasing their squad in five games. In their five games, the US has had wins over Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, and Germany, with Germany being the closest game (99-91). Starting Saturday, August 26th, Team USA will begin playing their World Cup group games, playing New Zealand on Aug. 26, Greece on Aug. 28, and Jordan on Aug. 30. The World Cup will finish September 10th.

Team USA’s roster has surprised many, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards being one of the standouts on the team. After a couple of 15-point performances, Edwards erupted in the last two games, putting up 21 against Greece and 34 against Germany in a late-game comeback. In addition to Edwards, the Team USA roster has multiple stars including Mikal Bridges, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson, just to name a few. Being the only FIBA team to feature all NBA players, they do have a slight advantage over the field. But with basketball becoming more popular across the world, playing for a gold medal will not be an easy task. When the last FIBA World Cup took place in 2019, Team USA finished seventh while Spain would win the gold. Team USA’s 2019 performance is the team’s worst showing in a world tournament since NBA players first joined the Olympics in 1992. Notable teams to look out for in addition to the US include Slovenia (led by Luka Doncic), Germany, and Canada.

Damian Lillard and James Harden Rumors

With training camp about a month away, rumors regarding several superstars are circulating. Since he requested a trade at the beginning of July, Portland Trailblazers superstar Damian Lillard has stood by his decision to request a trade, specifically to the Miami Heat. Many reports into early August suggested the Blazers were not interested in what the Heat were offering, and that Lillard would go to training camp for Portland. A recent report from the Miami Herald suggested talks between the two teams could pick up as training camp grows nearer. Blazers GM Joe Cronin previously stated that they would take as long as it takes. Lillard’s agent pushing other teams from trading for him has not helped the situation either.

In Philadelphia, the James Harden situation has only seemed to have gotten worse with time. Last week, Harden called Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey a liar before saying he would never play for an organization Morey is a part of again. Since then, the league has fined Harden $100,000 for his words while Harden has doubled down on what he’s said and the NBAPA has planned to fight the fine. Recent reports have noted the Sixers are now more focused on first-round picks for Harden and are not interested in the Clippers’ offer including Terance Mann. In a podcast appearance, NBA insider Howard Beck said several teams could have interest in Harden besides the Clippers. The three other teams he mentions are the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls. For Miami, Harden could be a secondary prize if they do not land Damian Lillard. For Brooklyn and Chicago, a trade would not make much sense due to Harden’s history with Brooklyn and Chicago being in a messy spot with their roster. With Harden planning on skipping training camp, it’s likely Harden will be traded in the next month.