The Lakers this season seem more promising than it has in recent years. With the recent addition of Luka Dončić, the fans were hopeful about a great season for the team. The team backed up expectations with an eight-game winning streak. They appeared formidable, but recent developments have raised concerns about the team’s trajectory. With LeBron off the court because of a groin injury, the Celtics outlasted them in the fourth quarter. Moreover, they lost another game against the Nets, despite Doncic pulling a triple-double.
While the Lakers battle injuries, the Warriors face their own uncertainty, making the Western Conference race more unpredictable. Although the recent acquisition of Jimmy Butler has revitalized the team, Steve Kerr’s hints about retirement cause concern. Moreover, in the long-term view, the team does not have a successor for Stephen Curry.
But those are concerns for the future; the team, for now, is doing great. They have already claimed to be 6th in the Western Conference. Despite that, the Lakers and Warriors face challenges, teams like the Thunder and Timberwolves are surging, posing new threats in the Western Conference
Amidst these developments, former NBA player Jeff Teague has voiced intriguing observations regarding the league’s promotional focus. He suggests that the NBA is shifting attention towards newer teams and players. He claimed, “the NBA know they gotta—push a new team because they know LeBron got a year or two left.” Teague further elaborates on the league’s emphasis on Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets, noting their increased television presence. “That’s why they be pushing Jokić and them so much. That’s why you see the Nuggets on TV so much”, he claimed
Teague, a former All-Star who spent 12 years in the NBA, understands how media narratives shift around star players.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 11: Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates after hitting a shot against the Washington Wizards during the second half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on May 11, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Atlanta Hawks won, 106-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Reflecting on past patterns, Teague recalls how the Warriors’ rise to prominence led to heightened media attention, indicating a deliberate strategy by the NBA to spotlight emerging teams. He observes, “When the Warriors and their folks started winning, it was like, ‘Oh shit, we put them back on TV.’”
Not only that, but he also pointed out that there was a time when Thunders used to get such attention as well: “they used to get a lot of games when KD and them was there.” But he added that now they don’t get such attention because they don’t have enough star power anymore. Teague believes Jokić will take center stage once LeBron retires. Teague’s perspective shows how the league balances the spotlight between veteran franchises and rising contenders. Is he revealing Adam Silver’s plans, or is it just a hot take? We will only understand the truth with time.
Jeff Teague’s unexpected take on Magic Johnson and the Lakers’ iconic look
Magic Johnson is a name that defines the Lakers’ history. Five championships, a legendary career, and a style that set trends. But for Jeff Teague? Not so much. Beyond team performances, Teague also shared an unexpected opinion on Lakers’ history and aesthetics
During a recent Club 520 Podcast episode, Teague made a surprising confession. “The Lakers are good, but I just hate their jersey,” he admitted. The purple and gold? Not his thing. The only Lakers jersey he liked was the black alternate.
But then, he took it a step further. He brought Magic Johnson into the conversation. “Ever since the Magic (Johnson) wore them knee pads or whatever I was just….” Teague trailed off, making his thoughts clear. His criticism didn’t stop there. He continued, “Swag was a–, shorts was little… I just never was a fan.”
For Lakers fans, this isn’t just a hot take but a blasphemy. Magic Johnson is basketball royalty. Even NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have been full of praises for him. So, was this just Teague expressing an opinion, or was he looking for controversy? Only time will tell.
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