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Warriors present JaVale McGee with championship ring ahead of Lakers game
Brian Witt,NBC Sports BayArea 12 hours ago
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Warriors present JaVale McGee with championship ring ahead of Lakers game originally appeared on nbcsportsbayarea.com
OAKLAND -- Lakers center JaVale McGee was supposed to receive his 2017-18 NBA Championship ring on Christmas Day, but an illness prevented him from making the first of two trips to the Bay Area this season to face his former team, the Warriors.
He didn't miss the second.
McGee received his championship ring just prior to the start of the game between Golden State and Los Angeles at Oracle Arena on Saturday night. Unless the two teams face off in a playoff series, it represented McGee's final chance this season to make an appearance in front of the crowd he called home for the last two years.
"Winning a championship is the most difficult thing to do in the NBA, and it requires an entire team effort," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said prior to the game. "Everybody's got to be on board, everybody's got to make sacrifices, everybody has to contribute. And JaVale was a big part of the last two championships, so it's only right to honor him, to present him his ring, and to give him his moment in front of our fans, for them to say thank you."
Just prior to tipoff, McGee was presented his ring by none other than his former teammate, Andre Iguodala. When Iguodala opened the box containing the ring wide enough for McGee to see its contents, the 7-footer couldn't help but blush.
McGee played a critical role on Golden State's most recent title team, even if it wasn't always a frequent one. One of several big men on the roster to form a center-by-committee, McGee was a constant source of energy and activity, and certainly had several big moments throughout his tenure with the team.
"You probably remember, I mean, you look back a year ago, four playoff series," Kerr said. "I think the playoff run epitomized JaVale's time here. Played a key role in the first round guarding LaMarcus Aldridge -- we really needed him. Didn't play much the next two rounds, then he started against Cleveland, played a huge role.
"So to be able to count on JaVale during the last couple years, whether he was playing or not, and the professionalism he showed, and the patience he showed when he wasn't playing -- that's what it takes," Kerr continued. "It takes everybody's commitment, whether they're on the floor or not. And he earned those two rings, and we're excited to present him that second one tonight."
Based on the standing ovation McGee received from the Oracle crowd, safe to say they appreciate his time in Golden State.
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Yahoo Sports
Report: Lakers veterans had 'emotionally charged' verbal confrontation with Luke Walton after Warriors loss
Yahoo Sports Ryan Young,Yahoo Sports 8 hours ago
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Many veteran Lakers players were involved in an “emotionally charged” verbal confrontation with Luke Walton on Saturday night. (Noah Graham/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that they want to trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.
As next week’s trade deadline rapidly approaches, it seems the uncertainty surrounding the potential blockbuster trade isn’t sitting well with certain players on the team.
Following the Lakers’ 115-101 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in Oakland, several veteran members of the Lakers had an “emotionally charged” verbal confrontation with coach Luke Walton in the locker room, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
That confrontation, which included Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee, stopped just short of becoming physical.
In the meeting, which was described to Charania as a “heated scene,” Walton “preached to players on playing unselfishly.” That’s when multiple players “snapped back.” Those involved were separated before it escalated further.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, McGee, Stephenson and Beasley were the focus of the “playing unselfishly” message, which they clearly didn’t take well.
The Lakers have reportedly made a “lowball” offer for Davis already, which included Beasley and Rajon Rondo, among others.
The fight on Saturday wasn’t limited to the trade, however.
Players “raised their voice on topics of Walton’s playing time distribution and rotations,” per Charania.
McGee scored just nine points in 10 minutes on Saturday, and Beasley scored just six points in seven minutes. Stephenson finished with 10 points in 24 minutes. All three of them came off the bench.
The Lakers have gone just 7-12 since Christmas Day — when LeBron James suffered a groin injury. James missed the next 17 games before returning on Thursday, though he didn’t play on Saturday. The loss to the Warriors marked their fifth in their past seven games.
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NBC Sports BayArea
Warriors vs. Lakers live stream: How to watch NBA game online
NBC Sports Bay Area staff,NBC Sports BayArea 14 hours ago
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Here's how to watch Warriors vs. Lakers streaming live online.
Warriors vs. Lakers live stream: How to watch NBA game online originally appeared on nbcsportsbayarea.com
For the second straight time, LeBron James will watch from the sideline as his Lakers take on the Warriors.
Yahoo's Chris Haynes is reporting that LeBron will sit out Saturday's game due to load management.
The last time the Warriors and Lakers played, LeBron witnessed the champs routed his undermanned squad.
The Warriors are trying to get back on the winning track after seeing their 11-game winning streak come to an end on Thursday night against the 76ers.
Klay Thompson missed the game against Philadelphia but is expected to play in Saturday's game against the Lakers.
Before the Warriors and Lakers tip off at 5:30 p.m. PT on ABC, watch SportsNet Central: Warriors Edition at 4:30 p.m. PT and immediately after the game.
Here's how to watch Warriors-Lakers online.
When: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. PT