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With the NBA Finals now upon us, the playoffs are the talk of the basketball world, although there is no shortage of other stories emerging from around the league.
The 2019 draft is just weeks away, and teams will be hoping to strike gold by drafting either Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis continues to be linked with a blockbuster trade, and a host of stars including Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kemba Walker are about to hit free agency.
So, with plenty happening around the NBA, here are the biggest news stories and rumors you need to know for May 24th.
All-NBA teams named; Antetokounmpo and Harden headline First Team
The 2018-19 All-NBA First Team has been announced, with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Houston Rockets guard James Harden both unanimous picks.
It is Antetokounmpo's first All-NBA First Team honor, while Harden has now made the First Team in three consecutive seasons -- and five overall. The remaining places were rounded out by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
Meanwhile, this year's All-NBA Second Team consists of Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving - and is perhaps the strongest second unit in history.
LeBron James missed a career-high 27 games through injury, although he has still landed a spot on the Third Team. This ties the NBA record for the most All-NBA selections, as James' 15 take him level with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Russell Westbrook also found a spot after averaging a triple-double for a third consecutive season, and there were also places for Blake Griffin, Rudy Gobert, and Kemba Walker.
James Harden and Chris Paul had 'tense exchange' following Game 6 defeat to the Warriors
The Houston Rockets exited the playoffs 14 days ago, as the Golden State Warriors took Game 6 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. With homecourt advantage and Kevin Durant sidelined, Houston expected to take the series to a deciding game, although Steph Curry's second-half heroics secured a 118-113 win for Golden State.
Following the defeat, the Rockets put on a united front, although Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that Chris Paul and James Harden shared a few tense moments in the locker room:
(James) Harden and (Chris) Paul had tense moments with one another throughout Game 6, culminating in a verbal back-and-forth postgame that went into the locker room, sources with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic. Sources said the verbal exchange between Harden and Paul was regarding the ball distribution throughout Game 6.
Both Paul and Harden are locked into long-term deals with the Rockets, so both players should be back for the 19/20 season.
LeBron wants Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler to join the Lakers
Following their failure to qualify for the postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are targeting a second All-Star to pair with LeBron James. Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler are two of the NBA's most in-demand upcoming free agents, and during an appearance on 'Pardon the Interruption', ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed that LeBron James was attempting to convince both players to join the Lakers:
From what I understand, he (LeBron James) has already begun the recruiting process. I've heard he has had contact with Kawhi Leonard. I've heard he has had contact with Jimmy Butler.
There is no tampering enforcement by players. The thing about it is, I don't know if texts and calls and maybe a dinner with LeBron is enough for the Lakers to overcome the hurdles that they're going to have.
Leonard is currently starring for the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals, while Butler was Philadelphia's best performer as they exited at the semifinal stage.
