NBA rumors: LeBron responds to gambling scandal

LeBron James found himself tangentially connected to a Federal gambling probe. James' business partner and manager, Maverick Carter, was interviewed once by federal agents in November of 2021 over placing illegal bets with Wayne Nix, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

Adam Mendelsohn, a spokesperson for Carter and James, told the Post, "In 2021 and before 38 states and the District of Columbia legalized sports betting, Maverick Carter was interviewed a single time by federal law enforcement regarding their investigation into Wayne Nix." Carter cooperated with the investigation, was not the target of the Federal probe, and was never connected again, according to Mendelsohn.

Over the course of a year, Carter allegedly placed around 20 bets, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, with Nix on football and basketball games. While the NBA and NBAPA prohibit players, executives, team and league officials, and agents from placing bets on NBA games, there is no language excluding business managers from placing wagers.

James wasasked about the investigation following the Lakers' Thursday night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, saying, "Maverick's his own man and at the end of the day, gambling is legal," He added, "I mean, you can go on your phone right now and do whatever you want. And he has no affiliation with the NBA or NFL, so, he can do what he wants to do."

With the spread of legal gambling across the country, Carter's conduct is far less scandalous today than it was two years ago. In April 2022, Nix, a former minor league baseball player, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an illegal sports gambling business and filing a false tax return.

NBA rumors: Cool trade market for LaVine

The most prominent name on the NBA trade market remains Zach LaVine, but a deal for the Bulls' All-Star guard may take time to materialize. December 15th is the unofficial start of NBA trade season, as teams can trade players signed in the offseason. The Lakers reportedly are interested in LaVine, but there remain questions over how significant the Bulls' return will be for LaVine.

Former Knicks General Manager Scott Perry isn't convinced LaVine's salary matches his impact on winning. He cites LaVine only appearing in four career playoff games as evidence that his admittedly excellent scoring doesn't translate to the win column as it should, saying LaVine as a third option, "I think is the best fit."

With how much LaVine is owed, $40 million this season, $43 million in 2024-25, $46 million in 2025-26, and $49 million in 2026-27, he would be the most expensive third option in the NBA behind only Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns.

LaVine's health is also a significant concern. He had his left ACL reconstructed and follow-up surgeries performed to reduce discomfort. LaVine is also currently expected to miss a week with a sore foot. The injury is clearly not significant, but any team inquiring about LaVine will need to believe the injury isn't chronic.

For a player as reliant on athleticism, a potentially troublesome left knee combined with a massive long-term salary commitment could scare away bidders due to the perceived risk. The Bulls, if they move LaVine, should be entering a full-on rebuild and will prioritize maximizing their return for LaVine. With the questions over LaVine's health, salary, and impact on winning, the Bulls may be left waiting for a deal that satisfies them.

NBA rumors: Warriors gush over rookie standout

Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski has head coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green gushing over his performance, especially late in games. Podziemski played 31:15 minutes in the Warriors 120-114 win over the Los Angeles Clippers and all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter. Kerr said of the rookie, "He's gonna be on the floor late game for us the way he recognizes stuff."

Green went a step further, saying, "Every time his number has been called, he has stepped up." Adding, "He's all over the place, he reads the game, he's solid, doesn't make mistakes, and that shows in him blowing up a play as a rookie. Rookies don't blow up plays, rookies f*** up plays, and he doesn't."

Podziemski's statistics don't jump off the page. He's averaging 6.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, but he's only averaging 17.4 minutes and has been super efficient from 3-point range, 41.9 percent. His on-court net rating and on-off splits suggest his impact goes beyond the box score. With Podziemski on the court, the Warriors have a plus-10.2 net rating, and his on-off net rating is plus-12 12.7.

With Chris Paul out and Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins mired in early-season funks, the Warriors will need to lean on Podziemski to claw their way back into the playoff picture. Now that Kerr and Draymond have expressed their confidence in the rookie, look for him to have an expanded role.