Bilal is an NBA editor at EssentiallySports. He is a reporter’s editor who fosters a collaborative environment to deliver exceptional coverage. Postgraduate in Media and passionate about NBA, Bilal has worked with some renowned publishing houses, news outlets, magazines and online platforms. He has been entrusted with leadership roles throughout his career and as a team leader, oversees projects, coordinates workflows, and mentors junior editors and writers. With his keen eye for clarity and precision, Bilal seamlessly aligns content with its intended message, consistently leaving an impact.

Ex-Lakers coach and the Miami Heat [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/miami-heat/]‘s president Pat Riley had a field day with upset Heat fans. They expected star players like Kevin Durant [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kevin-durant/] and Damian Lillard [https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.essentiallysports.com/tag/damian-lillard/amp/] on the roster this season. Not only was the Heat unable to get them, Lillard wearing the Bucks jersey became the last straw.Before trade season, Lillard opened up about wanting to sign a contract with the Miami Heat. With so much heat around this revelation, the Heat fans eagerly waited for the good news. Only to be disappointed. Since Riley is considered one of the greatest NBA figures of all time, the fans’ disappointment is understandable. UNEXPECTED SUPPORT FOR THE MIAMI HEAT PRESIDENT When the whole world turned against The Godfather or that’s what it felt like, the Heat president got support from an ex-Lakers player Kyle Kuzma. The Wizards forward shared a tweet that is surely a comfort for Riley now. Kuzma signed his rookie contract deal with the Lakers [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/los-angeles-lakers/] in 2017. He stayed with them for three years in which he won an NBA championship in 2020. Respect Couldn’t Stop a Physical Brawl Between Shaquille O’Neal and Pat Riley [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-hes-yelling-fuk-you-and-im-yelling-back-no-fuk-you-years-of-respect-couldnt-stop-a-physical-brawl-between-shaquille-oneal-and-pat-riley/] Despite signing a three-year $40 million contract extension with the Lakers, Kuzma was traded to the Wizards in a five-team deal in 2021. WHY HEAT’S RILEY IS CALLED THE GODFATHER The former Laker’s coach and a former Lakers player himself, Pat Riley is one of the most influential figures in the NBA. He has a net worth of $120 million to go with his reputation. Miami Heat president Pat Riley [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20201028093543/GettyImages-161930012.jpg]HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 16: Pat Riley attends D. Wade’s Apollo Jets All Star Luncheon on February 16, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Danny Bollinger/WireImage) Riley is the first North American sports figure to become a nine-time NBA champion across different positions he held over the years. Another feather in his cap was his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Watch This Story: Not Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, or $251,019,650 Addition Bradley Beal, Kendrick Perkins Deems 25yo Guard “Key” to Suns’ Success [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/nba-active-basketball-news-not-kevin-durant-devin-booker-or-251019650-addition-bradley-beal-kendrick-perkins-deems-25yo-guard-key-to-suns-success/] Surprisingly, these accomplishments are not what gave him the nickname “The Godfather”. He sported a slick-back hairstyle and an amazing tan to complement. This look gave him a mafioso air, earning him the famous nickname. But can his larger-than-life achievements get him back in the good graces of Heat fans? 

The $120 million rich Miami Heat President is taking the heat of not having
Lillard, Durant, Beal in the roster this season.

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$120,000,000 Rich Miami President Pat Riley Backed by Ex-Lakers Star Amid
Gigantic “Failure” to Land Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard

Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter With Arnetta Yardbourgh Defies Family Interests With
Truth About Dad’s Profession

New Chapter for Boyfriend Connor McCaffery as Caitlin Clark Has Another Reason
to Attend Butler Games

Carmelo Anthony “Had to Deliver 12 Rolexes” to Ex-Teammates After Desperate
Attempts to Backtrack on Promise

Despite $657,639 Benefit, Major Heartbreak Awaits Indiana Fever Following
Stephanie White’s Promising Gesture

‘Prayers for Tim Hardaway’: Fans Worried, Father Rushes to Locker Room as
Pistons Star Apparently Suffers Triple Head Injury

<h2><b>Everything to Know About the Los Angeles Lakers</b></h2>
<h2><b>History</b></h2>
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular sports teams in the world. The Lakers are also a very successful team, and it started right from the beginning. The franchise began in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers in the National Basketball League and won the title in 1948. The team then joined the rival Basketball Association of America, which would later become the NBA in 1948. The Lakers continued their successful run in the BAA as well. But the team struggled financially in the mid-50s and relocated to Los Angeles in 1960 as the Los Angeles Lakers.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-381910 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200918202141/lal_primary-logo-scaled-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1189" />

<strong>Read More: <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-why-did-kobe-bryant-have-such-a-disturbing-relationship-with-his-parents/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why did Kobe Bryant have such a disturbing relationship with his parents?</a></strong>
<h2><b>Who is the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers?</b></h2>
Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers along with the Forum and NHL's Los Angeles Kings for $67 million in 1979 from then-owner Jack Kent Cooke. The Lakers thrived under the leadership of Buss as he revolutionized virtually the entire league.

When Dr. Buss passed away in 2013, the ownership was transferred to his six children through a family trust. The Buss Family Trusts is the majority owner of the Lakers now with Jeanie Buss acting as the controlling owner. She became the first female controlling owner to win the title when the Lakers clinched the championship in 2020.

<strong style="font-size: 16px">Read More: </strong><strong style="font-size: 16px"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-throwback-relive-the-final-battle-between-kobe-bryant-and-lebron-james/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="internal">NBA Throwback: Relive the Final Battle Between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James</a></strong>
<div class="thb-post-title-bottom">
<h2><b>Who are the team sponsors?</b></h2>
The Los Angeles Lakers are sponsored by several major brands. Notably, the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers signed a stadium-naming rights deal with the cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com. According to reports, it was a 20-year $700 million contract. So, the Staples Center was officially renamed Crypto.com Arena.

While the official kit sponsor of the Lakers is Nike, the team signed a deal with bibigo as the official jersey patch partner in 2021. Some of the other notable sponsors of the team are American Express, Beyond Meat, BioSteel, Budweiser, Comerica, Delta and Pepsi.
<p class="thb-post-title-inline-author"><strong style="font-size: 16px">Read More:</strong> <a style="font-size: 16px" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-la-lakers-where-does-lebron-james-live-all-that-we-know-about-his-massive-and-luxurious-villa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Where Does LeBron James Live? All That We Know About His Luxurious Villa</a></p>

</div>

[caption id="attachment_1647883" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1647883" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-04-03T021203Z_617747669_MT1USATODAY20381083_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-HOUSTON-ROCKETS.jpg" alt="LeBron James and Anthony Davis" width="1920" height="1280" /> Apr 2, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forwards Anthony Davis (3) and LeBron James (6) signal to teammates against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2><b>Los Angeles Lakers roster</b></h2>
<table style="height: 742px" width="441">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">LeBron James</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Small Forward</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">38</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Anthony Davis</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Center</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">30</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Austin Reaves</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Shooting Guard</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">25</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">D’Angelo Russell</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Point Guard</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">27</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Dennis Schroder</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Point Guard</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">29</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Rui Hachimura</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Power Forward</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">25</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Lonnie Walker IV</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Guard</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">24</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Mo Bamba</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Center</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">25</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Jarred Vanderbilt</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Power Forward</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">24</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Malik Beasley</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Shooting Guard</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">26</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Tristan Thompson</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Center</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">32</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Troy Brown Jr.</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Small Forward</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">23</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<strong style="font-size: 16px">Read More:</strong> <a style="font-size: 16px" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-hilarious-when-shaquille-oneal-challenged-michael-phelps-to-a-swimming-contest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">When Shaquille O'Neal challenged Michael Phelps to a swimming contest</a>
<h2><b>Achievements and wins</b></h2>
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the two most successful teams in the league with 17 championships each. The Lakers' winning culture started right after the team was founded in 1947 as they won the NBL title in 1948. The Minneapolis Lakers continued winning titles after moving to the BAA as well. Then the BAA merged with NBL to form the NBA in 1949. So, the Lakers' 1948 title win is not considered by the NBA as an official championship. However, the 1949 championship is recognized since the team joined the BAA.

The dominance of the Lakers continued in the 50s as they won titles in 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954, led by legendary center George Mikan. However, things went south after Mikan retired in 1954 as the team struggled on and off the court. Because of the financial troubles, the franchise was relocated to Los Angeles in 1960. However, the team still found it hard to get back to its winning ways. After a dry spell that lasted years, the team won the 1972 title with the help of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. It was followed by another eight years of disappointment.

In 1979, Dr. Jerry Buss became the majority owner of the Lakers with the intention to turn the team's luck around. 1979 also marked the entry of NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson when the team drafted him as the first pick. Thus began the era of Showtime Lakers. With the help of Magic, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others, the Lakers lifted five championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. The team then lost the 1989 and 1991 NBA Finals.

The Lakers struggled again until Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant started working their magic. The duo led the Lakers to three straight championships from 2000 to 2002, a feat even the Showtime Lakers could not achieve. O'Neal, Bryant and the team dismantled their opponents on their way to all three titles, displaying utter dominance. After Shaq left the team in 2004, Kobe became the main man. He then led the team to two straight rings in 2009 and 2010. Recently, superstar LeBron James helped the team win their record 17th championship in 2020.
<h2><b>The Lakers' rivalry with the Boston Celtics</b></h2>
The Boston Celtics and the Lakers are the two most successful teams in the league with 17 championships each. The Lakers and Celtics also have one of the biggest and longest rivalries in sports history. The rivalry between the two started in 1959 when they first faced each other in the Finals. The two have battled in the Finals a record 12 times in which the Celtics mostly came out on top.

In 1959, the Celtics swept the Lakers for the title. The Celtics continued their dominance over the Lakers by winning a mindboggling eight straight Finals, winning in 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 and 1984 over the Lakers. This was a massive blow to the franchise and its loyal fans who felt that their opponents were simply unbeatable. However, the Lakers finally overcame this streak and won the championship against the Celtics in 1985 and then again in 1987.

After the 1987 Finals, the Lakers and the Celtics once again locked horns in 2008 where Boston came out victorious. The teams again clashed in the 2010 Finals with the Lakers clinching the title this time. While the Celtics have won 9, the Lakers have won 3 in their 12 Finals showdowns so far.
<h2><b>How many numbers have the Lakers retired?</b></h2>
The Lakers have always been fortunate to have some of the most storied players on their roster for a long time. Therefore, so far, the team has 14 names on their rafters. The jerseys of legends George Mikan (99), Elgin Baylor (22), <span style="font-weight: 400">Jerry West (44), Wilt Chamberlain</span> (13), Gail Goodrich (25), Kareem <span style="font-weight: 400">Abdul-Jabbar (33), Magic Johnson (32), James Worthy (42), Jamaal Wilkes (52), Shaquille O’Neal (34), Kobe Bryant (8, 24) and Pau Gasol (16) have been retired. Legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn's name is also up on the rafters.</span>
<h2><b>Laker Girls: The owner's game-changing entertainment addition</b></h2>
Dr. Jerry Buss was a visionary who revolutionized the league with his entertainment and marketing ideas. The legendary team owner wanted the Lakers to be entertaining on and off the court to bring fans to the arena and to popularize the game in the country and around the world. One of Dr. Buss' important innovations was the Laker Girls.

The late owner ordered a formation of a dance squad with highly talented female dancers. While the idea received some backlash early on, it became widely accepted. While the Showtime Lakers entertained fans with their up-tempo style of play, the Laker Girls kept the crowd going with their dances during breaks.
<h2><b>Lakers on social media</b></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lakers/"><span style="font-weight: 400">@lakers</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/"><span style="font-weight: 400">@Lakers</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/losangeleslakers"><span style="font-weight: 400">@losangeleslakers</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Website</span></td>
<td><a href="http://www.nba.com/lakers"><span style="font-weight: 400">https://www.nba.com/lakers?tmd=1</span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Founded </span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">1947</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Owner</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Buss Family Trusts</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">President</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Jeanie Buss</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Conference</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">West</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">General Manager</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Rob Pelinka</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Head Coach</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Darvin Ham</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Sponsors</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Crypto.com, bibigo, Nike, etc </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Arena</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Crypto.com Arena</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Championships</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">17</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Conference Titles</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">19</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Division Titles</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">33</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team Value</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$5.9 Billion</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Los Angeles Lakers

Everything to Know About the Los Angeles Lakers History The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular sports teams in the world. The Lakers are also a very successful team, and it started right from the beginning. The franchise began in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers in the National Basketball League and won the title in 1948. The team then joined the rival Basketball Association of America, which would later become the NBA in 1948. The Lakers continued their successful run in the BAA as well. But the team struggled financially in the mid-50s and relocated to Los Angeles in 1960 as the Los Angeles Lakers. Read More: Why did Kobe Bryant have such a disturbing relationship with his parents? Who is the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers? Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers along with the Forum and NHL&#8217;s Los Angeles Kings for $67 million in 1979 from then-owner Jack Kent Cooke. The Lakers thrived under the leadership of Buss as he revolutionized virtually the entire league. When Dr. Buss passed away in 2013, the ownership was transferred to his six children through a family trust. The Buss Family Trusts is the majority owner of the Lakers now with Jeanie Buss acting as the controlling owner. She became the first female controlling owner to win the title when the Lakers clinched the championship in 2020. Read More: NBA Throwback: Relive the Final Battle Between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James Who are the team sponsors? The Los Angeles Lakers are sponsored by several major brands. Notably, the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers signed a stadium-naming rights deal with the cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com. According to reports, it was a 20-year $700 million contract. So, the Staples Center was officially renamed Crypto.com Arena. While the official kit sponsor of the Lakers is Nike, the team signed a deal with bibigo as the official jersey patch partner in 2021. Some of the other notable sponsors of the team are American Express, Beyond Meat, BioSteel, Budweiser, Comerica, Delta and Pepsi. Read More: Where Does LeBron James Live? All That We Know About His Luxurious Villa Apr 2, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forwards Anthony Davis (3) and LeBron James (6) signal to teammates against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Lakers roster  LeBron James Small Forward 38  Anthony Davis Center 30  Austin Reaves Shooting Guard 25  D’Angelo Russell Point Guard 27  Dennis Schroder Point Guard 29  Rui Hachimura Power Forward 25  Lonnie Walker IV Guard 24  Mo Bamba Center 25  Jarred Vanderbilt Power Forward 24  Malik Beasley Shooting Guard 26  Tristan Thompson Center 32  Troy Brown Jr. Small Forward 23  Read More: When Shaquille O&#8217;Neal challenged Michael Phelps to a swimming contest Achievements and wins The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the two most successful teams in the league with 17 championships each. The Lakers&#8217; winning culture started right after the team was founded in 1947 as they won the NBL title in 1948. The Minneapolis Lakers continued winning titles after moving to the BAA as well. Then the BAA merged with NBL to form the NBA in 1949. So, the Lakers&#8217; 1948 title win is not considered by the NBA as an official championship. However, the 1949 championship is recognized since the team joined the BAA. The dominance of the Lakers continued in the 50s as they won titles in 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954, led by legendary center George Mikan. However, things went south after Mikan retired in 1954 as the team struggled on and off the court. Because of the financial troubles, the franchise was relocated to Los Angeles in 1960. However, the team still found it hard to get back to its winning ways. After a dry spell that lasted years, the team won the 1972 title with the help of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. It was followed by another eight years of disappointment. In 1979, Dr. Jerry Buss became the majority owner of the Lakers with the intention to turn the team&#8217;s luck around. 1979 also marked the entry of NBA legend Earvin &#8216;Magic&#8217; Johnson when the team drafted him as the first pick. Thus began the era of Showtime Lakers. With the help of Magic, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others, the Lakers lifted five championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. The team then lost the 1989 and 1991 NBA Finals. The Lakers struggled again until Shaquille O&#8217;Neal and Kobe Bryant started working their magic. The duo led the Lakers to three straight championships from 2000 to 2002, a feat even the Showtime Lakers could not achieve. O&#8217;Neal, Bryant and the team dismantled their opponents on their way to all three titles, displaying utter dominance. After Shaq left the team in 2004, Kobe became the main man. He then led the team to two straight rings in 2009 and 2010. Recently, superstar LeBron James helped the team win their record 17th championship in 2020. The Lakers&#8217; rivalry with the Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics and the Lakers are the two most successful teams in the league with 17 championships each. The Lakers and Celtics also have one of the biggest and longest rivalries in sports history. The rivalry between the two started in 1959 when they first faced each other in the Finals. The two have battled in the Finals a record 12 times in which the Celtics mostly came out on top. In 1959, the Celtics swept the Lakers for the title. The Celtics continued their dominance over the Lakers by winning a mindboggling eight straight Finals, winning in 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 and 1984 over the Lakers. This was a massive blow to the franchise and its loyal fans who felt that their opponents were simply unbeatable. However, the Lakers finally overcame this streak and won the championship against the Celtics in 1985 and then again in 1987. After the 1987 Finals, the Lakers and the Celtics once again locked horns in 2008 where Boston came out victorious. The teams again clashed in the 2010 Finals with the Lakers clinching the title this time. While the Celtics have won 9, the Lakers have won 3 in their 12 Finals showdowns so far. How many numbers have the Lakers retired? The Lakers have always been fortunate to have some of the most storied players on their roster for a long time. Therefore, so far, the team has 14 names on their rafters. The jerseys of legends George Mikan (99), Elgin Baylor (22), Jerry West (44), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Gail Goodrich (25), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (33), Magic Johnson (32), James Worthy (42), Jamaal Wilkes (52), Shaquille O’Neal (34), Kobe Bryant (8, 24) and Pau Gasol (16) have been retired. Legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn&#8217;s name is also up on the rafters. Laker Girls: The owner&#8217;s game-changing entertainment addition Dr. Jerry Buss was a visionary who revolutionized the league with his entertainment and marketing ideas. The legendary team owner wanted the Lakers to be entertaining on and off the court to bring fans to the arena and to popularize the game in the country and around the world. One of Dr. Buss&#8217; important innovations was the Laker Girls. The late owner ordered a formation of a dance squad with highly talented female dancers. While the idea received some backlash early on, it became widely accepted. While the Showtime Lakers entertained fans with their up-tempo style of play, the Laker Girls kept the crowd going with their dances during breaks. Lakers on social media  Instagram @lakers  Twitter @Lakers  Facebook @losangeleslakers  Website https://www.nba.com/lakers?tmd=1    Founded  1947  Owner Buss Family Trusts  President Jeanie Buss  Conference West  General Manager Rob Pelinka  Head Coach Darvin Ham  Sponsors Crypto.com, bibigo, Nike, etc   Arena Crypto.com Arena  Championships 17  Conference Titles 19  Division Titles 33  Team Value $5.9 Billion

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<h2 style="text-align: center">Who is Damian Lillard?</h2>
Damian Lillard is a sharpshooting Point Guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. He came through the ranks, playing college basketball for the Weber State Wildcats, before becoming the sixth overall pick in the 2012Â <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-2019-20-season-preview/" target="_self" rel="noopener">NBA</a> draft. He played his first 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. During the 2023 Free Agency, however, he requested a trade to the Heat after years of playoff disappointment. The Trail Blazers' ownership decided to ship him to the Milwaukee Bucks instead in a blockbuster three-team deal. He will now play alongside two-time MVP and one-time champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.

[caption id="attachment_2625318" align="alignnone" width="8256"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2625318" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-04T042810Z_633403906_MT1USATODAY22441187_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MILWAUKEE-BUCKS-AT-DALLAS-MAVERICKS.jpg" alt="Damian Lillard" width="8256" height="5504" /> Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) exchanges words with a Dallas Mavericks fan at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

He has received seven NBA All-Star selections, which makes him one of only two players in Trail Blazers franchise history to become a six-time All-Star. Only Clyde Drexler, with ten selections, finished ahead of him.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Â </b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s early life</b></h2>
Born and raised in Oakland, California, in 1990, Damian Lillard hails from a close-knit family. His parents, Houston Lillard Sr. and Gina Johnson provided him with a supportive upbringing. Lillard attended Oakland High School, where he honed his basketball skills and began to make a name for himself in the sport. Alongside his siblings, La'Nae Lillard and Houston Lillard Sr., Damian navigated his educational journey with determination, eventually earning a scholarship to Weber State University. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for his future success both on and off the basketball court.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s wife and children</b></h2>
Kayâ€™la Hanson, Damian Lillard's spouse, is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Dipped Nails in Portland, alongside her business partner Brittney Coleman. Their paths first crossed during their time as students at Weber State University. After a decade of dating, they married in 2021 and welcomed three children together. However, recent reports indicate that the couple has chosen to part ways, with Damian Lillard filing for divorce in October 2023, citing relationship incompatibility as the reason.

Damian Lillard and Kayâ€™la Hanson are parents to three children. Their eldest, Damien Jr., was born on March 29, 2018. Following him, the couple welcomed twins, a daughter named Kali Emma Lillard and a son named Kalii Laheem Lillard, on January 21, 2021.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Â Damian Lillardâ€™s Net Worth 2024</b></h2>
&nbsp;

According to recent reports, Damian Lillard's estimated net worth stands at approximately $100 million. However, predicting his exact worth for 2023 is challenging, as various factors influence it, such as his performance on the basketball court, off-court endorsements, and business ventures.

One significant determinant of Lillard's net worth is his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, which extends through the 2024-25 NBA season and pays him over $45 million annually. If he maintains his high level of performance and secures another substantial contract extension in 2025, his net worth could see a substantial increase.

[caption id="attachment_2292929" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2292929 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-10-02T221152Z_648163935_MT1USATODAY21555523_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MILWUAKEE-BUCKS-MEDIA-DAY.jpg" alt="Damian Lillard" width="1920" height="1280" /> Oct 2, 2023; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0). Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Additionally, Lillard's business ventures and endorsement deals play a crucial role in shaping his net worth. His current four-year contract extension is set to earn him a total of $176 million by 2025, translating to an average salary of $44 million per year or $3.6 million per month, a considerable leap from his rookie deal worth $13 million over four years.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s Career timeline</b></h2>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400">In January 2023, Lillard became just the fifth player in NBA history to score 60 points at least four times in the regular season, joining a group that includes Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Michael Jordan.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">During the All-Star Weekend of 2023, Lillard won the Three-Point Contest and scored the game-winning 3-pointer in the 2023 All-Star Game, giving Team Giannis their first (and only) All-Star Game victory against Team LeBron.</span>

Lillard left Portland as the Blazers' all-time leading scorer with 19,376 points, surpassing Clyde Drexler in 2022. He was also the franchise leader in 3-pointers made, free throws made, and scoring average. In the 750+ games and 11 seasons Damian Lillard has played, he has averaged 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.

He had his career-best performance during the 2022-23 season. The sharpshooter averaged a career-high 32.2 points per game. Apart from that, he collected 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. However, he played in 58 games, sitting out the last month for the 13th-placed Trail Blazers.

During the Playoffs, the Guard has averaged 25.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game in 61 games. He has hit numerous clutch shots, including iconic shots against the Rockets and the Clippers, to win the series. He last appeared in a Postseason during the 2020-21 season and hoarded a career-best 34.3 points, 10.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game

&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s contracts</b></h2>
Lillard has good earnings from his contracts with the Trail Blazers. In 2014, he signed a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers worth $3.202 million annually for four years.

In 2019, it was revealed that Damian had agreed to a new "Supermax" contract with the Trail Blazers. Last season, Lillard earned a whoppingÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/damian-lillard-10814/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$42,492,492</a>.

As a member of the Bucks now, he is set to earn $45,640,084 next season. In July 2022, Lillard agreed to a two-year extension through the 2026-27 season worth $225 million. He will make $59 million in 2025-26 and then about $63 million the next year.

Damian Lillard inked a four-year contract worth $176,265,152 with the Portland Trail Blazers, guaranteeing the full amount. This deal boasted an annual average salary of $44,066,288. For the 2023-24 season, Lillard's base salary stood at $45,640,084, carrying a corresponding cap hit and dead cap value. This contract was classified as a Designated Veteran Extension, entitling him to 35% of the Cap. Originally reported as a $196 million deal, adjustments were made due to cap constraints. Additionally, Lillard holds a player option for the 2024-25 season, with a deadline for exercise set on June 24, 2026, which he will exercise through an extension.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s partnerships and endorsementsÂ </b></h2>
Endorsement deals are a major highlight for players like Damian Lillard. Brands like Adidas and Hulu have already secured lucrative partnerships with him, and there's potential for more collaborations to come. Lillard's decade-long deal with Adidas, reportedly exceeding $100 million, has cemented his status in the endorsement world, with his shoe line, the Adidas Dame, under his belt. Among his other notable endorsements are Spalding, Panini, Foot Locker, JBL, and Moda Health. However, Lillard's financial acumen extends beyond endorsements.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s investments</b></h2>
He's made strategic investments, particularly in technology and real estate. In 2018, his investment in Biofreeze, a provider of pain relief products for athletes, paid off handsomely when the brand was acquired by Performance Health.

Real estate also features prominently in Lillard's investment portfolio, with properties scattered across the United States, including residences in Portland and California. These investments have proven astute, given the ongoing rise in property values nationwide.

Moreover, Lillard has ventured into the media landscape, securing a minor stake in PlayersTV, a streaming platform dedicated to athlete-centric content. This diversified approach to income generation underscores Lillard's understanding of the importance of building multiple revenue streams beyond his basketball earnings alone.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillard's NBA career stats </b></h2>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400">Regular season games played - 816</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Regular season points per game - 25.2</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Regular season rebounds per game - 4.2</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Regular season assists per game - 6.7</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Playoff games played - 61</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Postseason points per game - 25.7</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Postseason rebounds per game - 4.5</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Postseason assists per game - 6.2</span>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s Records</b></h2>
Holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single playoff game in NBA history

Achieved a unique feat as the only NBA player to record 50 points, 10 assists, and 10 made three-pointers in a game

Boasts the NBA's most productive 50-point playoff game in terms of Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%) and True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

Owns the highest free-throw percentage in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers

Leads the Portland Trail Blazers in career three-pointers made

Holds the highest Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers

Became the fastest player in Portland Trail Blazers history to reach 10,000 and 15,000 career points

Holds the highest average points per game in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers

&nbsp;

&nbsp;
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center">Major on-court achievements</h2>
8 NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024)

All-NBA First Team (2018)

4x All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021)

2x All-NBA Third Team (2014, 2023)

NBA Rookie of the Year (2013)

NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2023)

NBA 75th Anniversary Team

NBA Teammate of the Year (2021)

J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2019)

No. 1 retired by Weber State
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillard's charity and foundation</b></h2>
&nbsp;

Damian Lillard's impact as a conscientious individual transcends the boundaries of the basketball court through his philanthropic efforts. The RESPECT program, spearheaded by Lillard, aims to inspire and motivate young individuals to strive for excellence and become diligent achievers. Through the Lillard Foundation, Damian emphasizes the significance of education and empowers young minds to recognize their role as future decision-makers. His community outreach and social initiatives have not only inspired countless young individuals, teachers, and social workers but have also served as a source of inspiration for Lillard himself, as he witnessed their dedication and hard work.

&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s Shoe Deal</b></h2>
Damian Lillard's long-standing partnership with Adidas appears to be drawing to a close, as indicated by the release of Adidas' Fall/Winter 2024 basketball priorities deck, which notably omitted the new Milwaukee Bucks guard.

According to Instagram user yuanchengxin1, both Lillard and Derrick Rose are among the athletes who will not be continuing their collaboration with Adidas. Instead, the spotlight shifts to Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden for the new basketball sneaker line.

Lillard's most recent release with Adidas, the Dame 8 EXTPLY, hit the market, with its predecessor, the Dame 8, debuting in December 2021. However, with no reported contract extension or upcoming sneaker project in sight, and given that the typical industry standard of a maximum two-year gap between launches has passed, Lillard's future with Adidas remains uncertain.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s House</b></h2>
Dame Lillard used to reside in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a town situated near Downtown Portland. His primary residence comprised five bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, boasting amenities like a cabana, a mini swimming pool, a tennis court, a fitness center, and a state-of-the-art theater room. In total, the property spanned 15,000 square feet of space and was valued at a staggering $6,650,000. This was up for sale with his move to the Bucks and Dame has since been residing in Milwaukee.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillardâ€™s ringsÂ </b></h2>
Damian Lillard was not able to win any rings in Portland and that's primarily why he requested a trade form there. Lillard is among a very unfortunate club of players along with players like Charles Barkley to have ever won a ring.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Â Damian Lillardâ€™s Car Collection</b></h2>
If we are talking about Dameâ€™s luxury and Lifestyle, itâ€™s impossible not to talk about his obsession with the best automobiles. The car that Dame constantly drives is his much-adored Bentley Bentayga SUV. Other cars in his collection are the Bentley Continental GT and the Cadillac Escalade. All in all his luxury vehicles can be valued at about about $646K.

&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Damian Lillard's Social Media Accounts</b></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/damianlillard/?hl=en"><span style="font-weight: 400">@damianlillard</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/dame_lillard?lang=en"><span style="font-weight: 400">@Dame_Lillard</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DamianLillard/"><span style="font-weight: 400">Damian Lillard</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Website</span></td>
<td><b>N/A</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Personal Information:</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Damian Lillard</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Date of Birth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">15th July, 1990</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Oakland, California, U.S.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">33</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">6 feet 2 inches</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">195 lb</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Houston Lillard Sr. (Father)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Gina Johnson</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Lanae Lillard (Sister)</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">Houston Lillard (Brother)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">American</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">African-American</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$100 Million</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$45.6 Million</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Kay'la Hanson (Ex-Wife)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Divorced</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Basketball Player</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Milwaukee Bucks</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Rings</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">0</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"></h2>
.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"></h2>

Damian Lillard

Who is Damian Lillard? Damian Lillard is a sharpshooting Point Guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. He came through the ranks, playing college basketball for the Weber State Wildcats, before becoming the sixth overall pick in the 2012Â NBA draft. He played his first 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. During the 2023 Free Agency, however, he requested a trade to the Heat after years of playoff disappointment. The Trail Blazers&#8217; ownership decided to ship him to the Milwaukee Bucks instead in a blockbuster three-team deal. He will now play alongside two-time MVP and one-time champion Giannis Antetokounmpo. Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) exchanges words with a Dallas Mavericks fan at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports He has received seven NBA All-Star selections, which makes him one of only two players in Trail Blazers franchise history to become a six-time All-Star. Only Clyde Drexler, with ten selections, finished ahead of him. Â  Damian Lillardâ€™s early life Born and raised in Oakland, California, in 1990, Damian Lillard hails from a close-knit family. His parents, Houston Lillard Sr. and Gina Johnson provided him with a supportive upbringing. Lillard attended Oakland High School, where he honed his basketball skills and began to make a name for himself in the sport. Alongside his siblings, La&#8217;Nae Lillard and Houston Lillard Sr., Damian navigated his educational journey with determination, eventually earning a scholarship to Weber State University. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for his future success both on and off the basketball court. Damian Lillardâ€™s wife and children Kayâ€™la Hanson, Damian Lillard&#8217;s spouse, is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Dipped Nails in Portland, alongside her business partner Brittney Coleman. Their paths first crossed during their time as students at Weber State University. After a decade of dating, they married in 2021 and welcomed three children together. However, recent reports indicate that the couple has chosen to part ways, with Damian Lillard filing for divorce in October 2023, citing relationship incompatibility as the reason. Damian Lillard and Kayâ€™la Hanson are parents to three children. Their eldest, Damien Jr., was born on March 29, 2018. Following him, the couple welcomed twins, a daughter named Kali Emma Lillard and a son named Kalii Laheem Lillard, on January 21, 2021. Â Damian Lillardâ€™s Net Worth 2024 &nbsp; According to recent reports, Damian Lillard&#8217;s estimated net worth stands at approximately $100 million. However, predicting his exact worth for 2023 is challenging, as various factors influence it, such as his performance on the basketball court, off-court endorsements, and business ventures. One significant determinant of Lillard&#8217;s net worth is his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, which extends through the 2024-25 NBA season and pays him over $45 million annually. If he maintains his high level of performance and secures another substantial contract extension in 2025, his net worth could see a substantial increase. Oct 2, 2023; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0). Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports Additionally, Lillard&#8217;s business ventures and endorsement deals play a crucial role in shaping his net worth. His current four-year contract extension is set to earn him a total of $176 million by 2025, translating to an average salary of $44 million per year or $3.6 million per month, a considerable leap from his rookie deal worth $13 million over four years. Damian Lillardâ€™s Career timeline &nbsp; In January 2023, Lillard became just the fifth player in NBA history to score 60 points at least four times in the regular season, joining a group that includes Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Michael Jordan. During the All-Star Weekend of 2023, Lillard won the Three-Point Contest and scored the game-winning 3-pointer in the 2023 All-Star Game, giving Team Giannis their first (and only) All-Star Game victory against Team LeBron. Lillard left Portland as the Blazers&#8217; all-time leading scorer with 19,376 points, surpassing Clyde Drexler in 2022. He was also the franchise leader in 3-pointers made, free throws made, and scoring average. In the 750+ games and 11 seasons Damian Lillard has played, he has averaged 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. He had his career-best performance during the 2022-23 season. The sharpshooter averaged a career-high 32.2 points per game. Apart from that, he collected 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. However, he played in 58 games, sitting out the last month for the 13th-placed Trail Blazers. During the Playoffs, the Guard has averaged 25.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game in 61 games. He has hit numerous clutch shots, including iconic shots against the Rockets and the Clippers, to win the series. He last appeared in a Postseason during the 2020-21 season and hoarded a career-best 34.3 points, 10.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game &nbsp; Damian Lillardâ€™s contracts Lillard has good earnings from his contracts with the Trail Blazers. In 2014, he signed a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers worth $3.202 million annually for four years. In 2019, it was revealed that Damian had agreed to a new &#8220;Supermax&#8221; contract with the Trail Blazers. Last season, Lillard earned a whoppingÂ $42,492,492. As a member of the Bucks now, he is set to earn $45,640,084 next season. In July 2022, Lillard agreed to a two-year extension through the 2026-27 season worth $225 million. He will make $59 million in 2025-26 and then about $63 million the next year. Damian Lillard inked a four-year contract worth $176,265,152 with the Portland Trail Blazers, guaranteeing the full amount. This deal boasted an annual average salary of $44,066,288. For the 2023-24 season, Lillard&#8217;s base salary stood at $45,640,084, carrying a corresponding cap hit and dead cap value. This contract was classified as a Designated Veteran Extension, entitling him to 35% of the Cap. Originally reported as a $196 million deal, adjustments were made due to cap constraints. Additionally, Lillard holds a player option for the 2024-25 season, with a deadline for exercise set on June 24, 2026, which he will exercise through an extension. Damian Lillardâ€™s partnerships and endorsementsÂ  Endorsement deals are a major highlight for players like Damian Lillard. Brands like Adidas and Hulu have already secured lucrative partnerships with him, and there&#8217;s potential for more collaborations to come. Lillard&#8217;s decade-long deal with Adidas, reportedly exceeding $100 million, has cemented his status in the endorsement world, with his shoe line, the Adidas Dame, under his belt. Among his other notable endorsements are Spalding, Panini, Foot Locker, JBL, and Moda Health. However, Lillard&#8217;s financial acumen extends beyond endorsements. Damian Lillardâ€™s investments He&#8217;s made strategic investments, particularly in technology and real estate. In 2018, his investment in Biofreeze, a provider of pain relief products for athletes, paid off handsomely when the brand was acquired by Performance Health. Real estate also features prominently in Lillard&#8217;s investment portfolio, with properties scattered across the United States, including residences in Portland and California. These investments have proven astute, given the ongoing rise in property values nationwide. Moreover, Lillard has ventured into the media landscape, securing a minor stake in PlayersTV, a streaming platform dedicated to athlete-centric content. This diversified approach to income generation underscores Lillard&#8217;s understanding of the importance of building multiple revenue streams beyond his basketball earnings alone. Damian Lillard&#8217;s NBA career stats &nbsp; Regular season games played &#8211; 816 Regular season points per game &#8211; 25.2 Regular season rebounds per game &#8211; 4.2 Regular season assists per game &#8211; 6.7 Playoff games played &#8211; 61 Postseason points per game &#8211; 25.7 Postseason rebounds per game &#8211; 4.5 Postseason assists per game &#8211; 6.2 Damian Lillardâ€™s Records Holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single playoff game in NBA history Achieved a unique feat as the only NBA player to record 50 points, 10 assists, and 10 made three-pointers in a game Boasts the NBA&#8217;s most productive 50-point playoff game in terms of Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%) and True Shooting Percentage (TS%) Owns the highest free-throw percentage in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers Leads the Portland Trail Blazers in career three-pointers made Holds the highest Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers Became the fastest player in Portland Trail Blazers history to reach 10,000 and 15,000 career points Holds the highest average points per game in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers &nbsp; &nbsp; Major on-court achievements 8 NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) All-NBA First Team (2018) 4x All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021) 2x All-NBA Third Team (2014, 2023) NBA Rookie of the Year (2013) NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2023) NBA 75th Anniversary Team NBA Teammate of the Year (2021) J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2019) No. 1 retired by Weber State Damian Lillard&#8217;s charity and foundation &nbsp; Damian Lillard&#8217;s impact as a conscientious individual transcends the boundaries of the basketball court through his philanthropic efforts. The RESPECT program, spearheaded by Lillard, aims to inspire and motivate young individuals to strive for excellence and become diligent achievers. Through the Lillard Foundation, Damian emphasizes the significance of education and empowers young minds to recognize their role as future decision-makers. His community outreach and social initiatives have not only inspired countless young individuals, teachers, and social workers but have also served as a source of inspiration for Lillard himself, as he witnessed their dedication and hard work. &nbsp; Damian Lillardâ€™s Shoe Deal Damian Lillard&#8217;s long-standing partnership with Adidas appears to be drawing to a close, as indicated by the release of Adidas&#8217; Fall/Winter 2024 basketball priorities deck, which notably omitted the new Milwaukee Bucks guard. According to Instagram user yuanchengxin1, both Lillard and Derrick Rose are among the athletes who will not be continuing their collaboration with Adidas. Instead, the spotlight shifts to Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden for the new basketball sneaker line. Lillard&#8217;s most recent release with Adidas, the Dame 8 EXTPLY, hit the market, with its predecessor, the Dame 8, debuting in December 2021. However, with no reported contract extension or upcoming sneaker project in sight, and given that the typical industry standard of a maximum two-year gap between launches has passed, Lillard&#8217;s future with Adidas remains uncertain. Damian Lillardâ€™s House Dame Lillard used to reside in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a town situated near Downtown Portland. His primary residence comprised five bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, boasting amenities like a cabana, a mini swimming pool, a tennis court, a fitness center, and a state-of-the-art theater room. In total, the property spanned 15,000 square feet of space and was valued at a staggering $6,650,000. This was up for sale with his move to the Bucks and Dame has since been residing in Milwaukee. Damian Lillardâ€™s ringsÂ  Damian Lillard was not able to win any rings in Portland and that&#8217;s primarily why he requested a trade form there. Lillard is among a very unfortunate club of players along with players like Charles Barkley to have ever won a ring. Â Damian Lillardâ€™s Car Collection If we are talking about Dameâ€™s luxury and Lifestyle, itâ€™s impossible not to talk about his obsession with the best automobiles. The car that Dame constantly drives is his much-adored Bentley Bentayga SUV. Other cars in his collection are the Bentley Continental GT and the Cadillac Escalade. All in all his luxury vehicles can be valued at about about $646K. &nbsp; Damian Lillard&#8217;s Social Media Accounts  Instagram @damianlillard  Twitter @Dame_Lillard  Facebook Damian Lillard  Website N/A  &nbsp;  Personal Information:  Full Name Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.  Popular Name Damian Lillard  Date of Birth 15th July, 1990  Birth Place Oakland, California, U.S.  Age 33  Height 6 feet 2 inches  Weight 195 lb  Parents Houston Lillard Sr. (Father) Gina Johnson  Siblings Lanae Lillard (Sister) Houston Lillard (Brother)  Nationality American  Ethnicity African-American  Net Worth $100 Million  Salary $45.6 Million  Spouse Kay&#8217;la Hanson (Ex-Wife)  Relationship/Marital Status Divorced  Children 3  Profession Basketball Player  Team Milwaukee Bucks  Rings 0   .

Damian Lillard Archives

Damian Lillard Archives - EssentiallySports

<h2 style="text-align: center">Who is Kevin Durant?</h2>
Since entering the league as the 2nd overall pick in 2007, Kevin Durant has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers of the game. Standing at 6'10 with guard skills, his ability to get his shot off against any defender changed the dynamics and the prerequisites of the power forward position. He has won an MVP award, 4 scoring titles, with multiple deep playoff runs, and 2 Finals MVPs while winning back-to-back championships with the Warriors. Injuries, however, have plagued the past few seasons since his Achilles tear in 2019.

[caption id="attachment_2467162" align="alignnone" width="4273"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2467162" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-16T040353Z_348935045_MT1USATODAY22114761_RTRMADP_3_NBA-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS.jpg" alt="" width="4273" height="2849" /> Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) makes the pass against the New York Knicks in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

When healthy, Durant performs at an elite level: a facet of the player that was brought to light in his 2022 playoff run, when he carried the Nets without co-stars Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. Though questions linger about his health, his offensive performances have, nevertheless, secured his legacy.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's early life</b></h2>
Kevin Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington D.C. The forward spent most of his early life in Prince George's County, Maryland. From a young age, Durant was a very talented basketball star. After graduating from Montrose Christian School, he committed to the University of Texas in Austin in 2006 despite offers from multiple popular programs. After one year of college basketball, KD declared for the NBA draft in 2007. According to reports, he later earned a bachelor's in education with a minor in social work.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><strong>Kevin Durant's family and personal life</strong></h2>
Kevin Durant's parents are Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt. He has three siblings, Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne. Durant's father abandoned the family when he was an infant and his parents eventually divorced later. The two-time Finals MVP's grandmother helped Wanda in raising him. When KD was 13, Pratt re-entered his life and traveled with him around the country for basketball tournaments.

Durant was once engaged to WNBA star Monica Wright. They started dating in 2013 and were engaged a few months later. However, the engagement was called off, and they reportedly broke up in 2014. He once talked aboutÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-kevin-durant-once-revealed-why-he-broke-up-with-his-fiancee-i-love-this-girl-but-i-didnt-love-her-the-right-way/" target="_self" rel="noopener">the reason behind the failed relationship</a>.

After this, it was rumored KD dated Cassandra Anderson who is a real estate broker. She was spotted attending his games from the spouses' area during his time with the Warriors. There were multiple social media posts of the two together as well. However, the posts were later deleted. It is unclear whether Durant and Cassandra broke up or whether they are trying to keep it private.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's Net Worth in 2024</b></h2>
Kevin Durant has an estimated net worth of around $300 million, according to various reports. Durant currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, after a blockbuster trade from the <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/brooklyn-nets/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> in February 2023. He<span style="font-weight: 400">Â is set to earn</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> $46,407,433 during the 2023-24 </span><span style="font-weight: 400">NBA</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> season. The two-time NBA champion also earns tens of millions from endorsements thanks to his popularity and success on the hardwood. Furthermore, KD is also an entrepreneur who invests his well-earned money which has helped him build a business empire. In terms of being the highest-paid athlete in the world, Kevin Durant rounds out the 2023 top ten with $89.1 million.</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's career timeline</b></h2>
Kevin Durant was one of the best college basketball stars in the country while playing for the University of Texas. He led the Longhorns to a 25-10 record and clinch 4th seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a great game from Durant, the team was eliminated in the second round. For his impressive performances, KD won the National Player of the Year award along with other prestigious accolades. After one year with Texas, he declared for the NBA draft in 2007.

Even though there were some reservations about his lanky build, Durant was expected to be a lottery pick. The Seattle SuperSonics selected KD as the 2nd pick of the draft. However, many still thought that the 6'10" youngster would struggle to play against the well-built stars in the NBA. But that was far from the reality. Durant hit the ground running and won the Rookie of the Year award averaging 20 points per game.
<figure class="jsx-b9c5e7fc3c08d611">
<div class="jsx-3627078410 es-image-loader-aspect-ratio"><img id="img-tag-node--img-loader-0" class="jsx-3627078410" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210228105037/Harden-Westbrook-Durant-OKC-Thunder.jpg" /></div>
<figcaption>
<p id="node---40408-figcap">via Getty</p>

</figcaption></figure>
After his rookie year, the franchise moved to Oklahoma, rebranding as theÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. The Slim Reaper continued his ascension and dominated his opponents. The Thunder were one of the best young teams with KD, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in the lineup. Durant led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals but lost the title to LeBron James' Miami Heat.

KD was arguably in his prime during the 2013-14 season and won the NBA MVP award averaging 32 points. However, team success was still hard to come by as the Thunder were knocked out in the Conference Finals. After two more disappointing seasons in Oklahoma, Durant joined theÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/golden-state-warriors/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Golden State Warriors</a>. He received major criticism for joining the team that beat the Thunder in the Conference Finals the previous year and also for forming a super team.

Durant instantly helped the Warriors with his skill set and experience. The Dubs won two straight titles and KD won the Finals MVP award on both occasions. The Warriors' hunt for a third straight ring in 2019 came up short in the Finals against the Toronto Raptors as KD struggled with injury throughout the playoffs. After some internal issues within the team, Durant left the Warriors and joined the Brooklyn Nets.
<figure class="jsx-b9c5e7fc3c08d611">
<div class="jsx-2802443379 es-image-loader-aspect-ratio"><img id="img-tag-node--img-loader-0" class="jsx-2802443379" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1172448246.jpg" /></div>
<figcaption>
<p id="node---82746-figcap">via Getty</p>

</figcaption></figure>
This move was again criticized heavily as Kyrie Irving also joined the Nets the same year. However, because of COVID protocol, Irving missed a lot of games. Then in 2021, Durant's former teammate James Harden also joined the team. But the trio barely played together due to various reasons and Harden left after one year. In the 2022-23 season, the Nets started the season poorly but then went on a great run and looked unstoppable. But things changed after Irving requested a trade and moved to the Dallas Mavericks. Durant later joined theÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/phoenix-suns/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns</a> in a blockbuster move to play alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

In 2023, <span style="font-weight: 400">Durant announced that he would return to wearing the No. 35 jersey, which he had worn throughout his college and professional career before joining the Nets. The same year, h</span><span style="font-weight: 400">e also finished the regular season shooting over 55% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and over 90% from the free-throw line, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve those shooting splits in a season. </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Durant also passed Hakeem Olajuwon in October for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player all-time to reach 27,000 career points.</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's NBA career stats</b></h2>
<b>Regular season stats:</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Games played - 1020</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Points per game - 27.3</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Rebounds per game - 7.0</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Assists per game - 4.4</span>

<b>Playoffs stats:</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Games played - 166</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Points per game - 29.4</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Rebounds per game - 7.8</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Assists per game - 4.2</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's endorsements</b></h2>
Some of the biggest endorsements and partnerships of Kevin Durant are as follows:

Alaska Air Group

Google

BBVA

Sparkling ICE

NBA 2K

American Family Insurance

Panini

Skullcandy

Gatorade

Sonic Drive-In

Sprint

Nike
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's investments</b></h2>
Kevin Durant can be hauled as a successful investor. The 13-time NBA All-Star has reportedly made over 80 investments through his firm <em>Thirty Five Ventures</em> which operates as a venture capital firm. Some of the most important investments of KD include Postmates, Yoshi, Rubrik, Whoop, Robinhood, Pieology, etc. KD reportedly earned around $15 million after Uber acquired Postmates. Furthermore, KD has a minority stake in MLS' Philadelphia Union and the NWSL's NJ/NY Gotham FC.

In October 2022, Durant joined fellow professional athletes LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, via their <em>Thirty Five Ventures</em> firm. Under it, in March 2023, KD launched a flagship project <em>"The Boardroom"</em> that covers all these ventures and also provides news coverage.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's major achievements and awards</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— NBA champion (2017, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA Most Valuable Player (2014)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">13Ã— NBA All-Star (2010â€“2019, 2021â€“2023)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">6Ã— All-NBA First Team (2010â€“2014, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">4Ã— All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA Rookie of the Year (2008)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">4Ã— NBA scoring champion (2010â€“2012, 2014)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— 50â€“40â€“90 club (2013, 2023)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA 75th Anniversary Team</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Consensus national college player of the year (2007)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Consensus first-team All-American (2007)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Big 12 Player of the Year (2007)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">FIBA World Championship MVP (2010)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">3Ã— USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2010, 2016, 2021)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2006)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">First-team Parade All-American (2006)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Second-team Parade All-American (2005)</span>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's contract details</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">In 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year $194.22 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets with an annual average salary of over $48 million. After earning over $42 million last year, KD is all set to earn over $46.4 million over the next season, having moved to the Phoenix Suns.Â </span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's shoe deals</b></h2>
Kevin Durant and Nike have signed a lifetime contract, making him the third NBA player to sign such a deal. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the other two. <span style="font-weight: 400">This partnership</span> includes footwear, apparel, and a philanthropic collaboration that focuses on grassroots basketball. <span style="font-weight: 400">His deal with Nike also includes a $50 million retirement package. KD's relationship with Nike dates back to 2007, during which they released 15 different shoes. The 13-time All-Star has also teased a 16th pair.</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's charity and foundation</b></h2>
Kevin Durant is a philanthropist. He founded the <em>Kevin Durant Charity Foundation</em>Â in 2013. The foundation aims to help youth from low-income backgrounds across the country and internationally as well. He is also a major contributor to different charities likeÂ <em>Tulsa Dream Center</em>,Â <em>Boys and Girls Club</em>,Â <em>American Red Cross</em>,Â <em>GiveDirectly</em>,Â <em>Positive Tommorw</em>, and theÂ <em>Kevin Durant Basketball Facility for Men</em>. He reportedly donated $1 million to the Red Cross for its tornado relief fund and $3 million to the University of Texas to help its basketball program.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's car collection</b></h2>
Kevin Durant rides in style and has an impressive car collection worth over $4 million. Notably, one car alone is worth more than half of his entire collection: theÂ 1966 Ford GT40 which is worth an estimated $2.5 million. It is one of only 105 models ever made. Also,Â Durant has beenÂ spotted multiple times driving a Ferrari California, which was priced at $200,000.Â He also owns a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Rolls-Royce Phantom, etc.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's h</b><b>ouse</b></h2>
Kevin Durant not only drives in style; he lives in style as well. Durant either bought or rented mansions whenever he moved to a different team. In 2021, KD reportedly purchased a mansion worth $15.6 million located in Hidden Hills, California. The property is 10,000 square feet and sits on 1.8 acres of land with all the amenities one can expect in a luxury mansion.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9"><b>Kevin Durant's social media accounts</b></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Instagram</td>
<td><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.instagram.com/easymoneysniper/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@easymoneysniper</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter</td>
<td><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://twitter.com/kdtrey5?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@KDTrey5</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook</td>
<td><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.facebook.com/KevinDurant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@KevinDurant</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Full Name</td>
<td>Kevin Wayne Durant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Popular Name</td>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birth Date</td>
<td>September 29, 1988</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birth Place</td>
<td>Washington, D.C.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td>6' 10" (2.08 m)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight</td>
<td>104 kg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parents</td>
<td>Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Siblings</td>
<td>Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nationality</td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethnicity</td>
<td>African American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net Worth</td>
<td>$200 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Salary</td>
<td>$42 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Relationship/Marital Status</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Children</td>
<td>None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Profession</td>
<td>Basketball player</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td>Phoenix Suns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rings</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Kevin Durant

Who is Kevin Durant? Since entering the league as the 2nd overall pick in 2007, Kevin Durant has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers of the game. Standing at 6&#8217;10 with guard skills, his ability to get his shot off against any defender changed the dynamics and the prerequisites of the power forward position. He has won an MVP award, 4 scoring titles, with multiple deep playoff runs, and 2 Finals MVPs while winning back-to-back championships with the Warriors. Injuries, however, have plagued the past few seasons since his Achilles tear in 2019. Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) makes the pass against the New York Knicks in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports When healthy, Durant performs at an elite level: a facet of the player that was brought to light in his 2022 playoff run, when he carried the Nets without co-stars Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. Though questions linger about his health, his offensive performances have, nevertheless, secured his legacy. Kevin Durant&#8217;s early life Kevin Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington D.C. The forward spent most of his early life in Prince George&#8217;s County, Maryland. From a young age, Durant was a very talented basketball star. After graduating from Montrose Christian School, he committed to the University of Texas in Austin in 2006 despite offers from multiple popular programs. After one year of college basketball, KD declared for the NBA draft in 2007. According to reports, he later earned a bachelor&#8217;s in education with a minor in social work. Kevin Durant&#8217;s family and personal life Kevin Durant&#8217;s parents are Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt. He has three siblings, Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne. Durant&#8217;s father abandoned the family when he was an infant and his parents eventually divorced later. The two-time Finals MVP&#8217;s grandmother helped Wanda in raising him. When KD was 13, Pratt re-entered his life and traveled with him around the country for basketball tournaments. Durant was once engaged to WNBA star Monica Wright. They started dating in 2013 and were engaged a few months later. However, the engagement was called off, and they reportedly broke up in 2014. He once talked aboutÂ the reason behind the failed relationship. After this, it was rumored KD dated Cassandra Anderson who is a real estate broker. She was spotted attending his games from the spouses&#8217; area during his time with the Warriors. There were multiple social media posts of the two together as well. However, the posts were later deleted. It is unclear whether Durant and Cassandra broke up or whether they are trying to keep it private. Kevin Durant&#8217;s Net Worth in 2024 Kevin Durant has an estimated net worth of around $300 million, according to various reports. Durant currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, after a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. HeÂ is set to earn $46,407,433 during the 2023-24 NBA season. The two-time NBA champion also earns tens of millions from endorsements thanks to his popularity and success on the hardwood. Furthermore, KD is also an entrepreneur who invests his well-earned money which has helped him build a business empire. In terms of being the highest-paid athlete in the world, Kevin Durant rounds out the 2023 top ten with $89.1 million. Kevin Durant&#8217;s career timeline Kevin Durant was one of the best college basketball stars in the country while playing for the University of Texas. He led the Longhorns to a 25-10 record and clinch 4th seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a great game from Durant, the team was eliminated in the second round. For his impressive performances, KD won the National Player of the Year award along with other prestigious accolades. After one year with Texas, he declared for the NBA draft in 2007. Even though there were some reservations about his lanky build, Durant was expected to be a lottery pick. The Seattle SuperSonics selected KD as the 2nd pick of the draft. However, many still thought that the 6&#8217;10&#8221; youngster would struggle to play against the well-built stars in the NBA. But that was far from the reality. Durant hit the ground running and won the Rookie of the Year award averaging 20 points per game.  via Getty After his rookie year, the franchise moved to Oklahoma, rebranding as theÂ Oklahoma City Thunder. The Slim Reaper continued his ascension and dominated his opponents. The Thunder were one of the best young teams with KD, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in the lineup. Durant led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals but lost the title to LeBron James&#8217; Miami Heat. KD was arguably in his prime during the 2013-14 season and won the NBA MVP award averaging 32 points. However, team success was still hard to come by as the Thunder were knocked out in the Conference Finals. After two more disappointing seasons in Oklahoma, Durant joined theÂ Golden State Warriors. He received major criticism for joining the team that beat the Thunder in the Conference Finals the previous year and also for forming a super team. Durant instantly helped the Warriors with his skill set and experience. The Dubs won two straight titles and KD won the Finals MVP award on both occasions. The Warriors&#8217; hunt for a third straight ring in 2019 came up short in the Finals against the Toronto Raptors as KD struggled with injury throughout the playoffs. After some internal issues within the team, Durant left the Warriors and joined the Brooklyn Nets.  via Getty This move was again criticized heavily as Kyrie Irving also joined the Nets the same year. However, because of COVID protocol, Irving missed a lot of games. Then in 2021, Durant&#8217;s former teammate James Harden also joined the team. But the trio barely played together due to various reasons and Harden left after one year. In the 2022-23 season, the Nets started the season poorly but then went on a great run and looked unstoppable. But things changed after Irving requested a trade and moved to the Dallas Mavericks. Durant later joined theÂ Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster move to play alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul. In 2023, Durant announced that he would return to wearing the No. 35 jersey, which he had worn throughout his college and professional career before joining the Nets. The same year, he also finished the regular season shooting over 55% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and over 90% from the free-throw line, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve those shooting splits in a season. Durant also passed Hakeem Olajuwon in October for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player all-time to reach 27,000 career points. Kevin Durant&#8217;s NBA career stats Regular season stats: Games played &#8211; 1020 Points per game &#8211; 27.3 Rebounds per game &#8211; 7.0 Assists per game &#8211; 4.4 Playoffs stats: Games played &#8211; 166 Points per game &#8211; 29.4 Rebounds per game &#8211; 7.8 Assists per game &#8211; 4.2 Kevin Durant&#8217;s endorsements Some of the biggest endorsements and partnerships of Kevin Durant are as follows: Alaska Air Group Google BBVA Sparkling ICE NBA 2K American Family Insurance Panini Skullcandy Gatorade Sonic Drive-In Sprint Nike Kevin Durant&#8217;s investments Kevin Durant can be hauled as a successful investor. The 13-time NBA All-Star has reportedly made over 80 investments through his firm Thirty Five Ventures which operates as a venture capital firm. Some of the most important investments of KD include Postmates, Yoshi, Rubrik, Whoop, Robinhood, Pieology, etc. KD reportedly earned around $15 million after Uber acquired Postmates. Furthermore, KD has a minority stake in MLS&#8217; Philadelphia Union and the NWSL&#8217;s NJ/NY Gotham FC. In October 2022, Durant joined fellow professional athletes LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, via their Thirty Five Ventures firm. Under it, in March 2023, KD launched a flagship project &#8220;The Boardroom&#8221; that covers all these ventures and also provides news coverage. Kevin Durant&#8217;s major achievements and awards 2Ã— NBA champion (2017, 2018) 2Ã— NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018) NBA Most Valuable Player (2014) 13Ã— NBA All-Star (2010â€“2019, 2021â€“2023) 2Ã— NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019) 6Ã— All-NBA First Team (2010â€“2014, 2018) 4Ã— All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022) NBA Rookie of the Year (2008) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008) 4Ã— NBA scoring champion (2010â€“2012, 2014) 2Ã— 50â€“40â€“90 club (2013, 2023) NBA 75th Anniversary Team Consensus national college player of the year (2007) Consensus first-team All-American (2007) Big 12 Player of the Year (2007) No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns FIBA World Championship MVP (2010) 3Ã— USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2010, 2016, 2021) McDonald&#8217;s All-American Game MVP (2006) First-team Parade All-American (2006) Second-team Parade All-American (2005) &nbsp; &nbsp; Kevin Durant&#8217;s contract details In 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year $194.22 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets with an annual average salary of over $48 million. After earning over $42 million last year, KD is all set to earn over $46.4 million over the next season, having moved to the Phoenix Suns.Â  Kevin Durant&#8217;s shoe deals Kevin Durant and Nike have signed a lifetime contract, making him the third NBA player to sign such a deal. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the other two. This partnership includes footwear, apparel, and a philanthropic collaboration that focuses on grassroots basketball. His deal with Nike also includes a $50 million retirement package. KD&#8217;s relationship with Nike dates back to 2007, during which they released 15 different shoes. The 13-time All-Star has also teased a 16th pair. Kevin Durant&#8217;s charity and foundation Kevin Durant is a philanthropist. He founded the Kevin Durant Charity FoundationÂ in 2013. The foundation aims to help youth from low-income backgrounds across the country and internationally as well. He is also a major contributor to different charities likeÂ Tulsa Dream Center,Â Boys and Girls Club,Â American Red Cross,Â GiveDirectly,Â Positive Tommorw, and theÂ Kevin Durant Basketball Facility for Men. He reportedly donated $1 million to the Red Cross for its tornado relief fund and $3 million to the University of Texas to help its basketball program. Kevin Durant&#8217;s car collection Kevin Durant rides in style and has an impressive car collection worth over $4 million. Notably, one car alone is worth more than half of his entire collection: theÂ 1966 Ford GT40 which is worth an estimated $2.5 million. It is one of only 105 models ever made. Also,Â Durant has beenÂ spotted multiple times driving a Ferrari California, which was priced at $200,000.Â He also owns a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Rolls-Royce Phantom, etc. Kevin Durant&#8217;s house Kevin Durant not only drives in style; he lives in style as well. Durant either bought or rented mansions whenever he moved to a different team. In 2021, KD reportedly purchased a mansion worth $15.6 million located in Hidden Hills, California. The property is 10,000 square feet and sits on 1.8 acres of land with all the amenities one can expect in a luxury mansion. Kevin Durant&#8217;s social media accounts  Instagram @easymoneysniper  Twitter @KDTrey5  Facebook @KevinDurant  &nbsp;  Full Name Kevin Wayne Durant  Popular Name Kevin Durant  Birth Date September 29, 1988  Birth Place Washington, D.C.  Height 6&#8242; 10&#8243; (2.08 m)  Weight 104 kg  Parents Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt  Siblings Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne  Nationality American  Ethnicity African American  Net Worth $200 Million  Salary $42 Million  Relationship/Marital Status N/A  Children None  Profession Basketball player  Team Phoenix Suns  Rings 2

Kevin Durant Archives

Kevin Durant Archives - EssentiallySports

<strong>Kyle Kuzma 2021: Net worth, salary &amp; endorsements</strong>

Kyle Kuzma is an <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/">NBA</a> player currently playing for the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/washington-wizards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Washington Wizards</a>. He is the son of Karri Kuzma, who played shot put at the high school level.

Kuzma attended Bentley High School in Michigan and later played college basketball for Utah. He came into the NBA via the 2017 draft, where Brooklyn Nets selected him as a first-round pick. Kuzma, however, moved to Los Angeles Lakers in a draft-day trade. After keeping him on the roster for four seasons, the LA-based franchise then traded him to the Wizards.

Kyle Kuzma usually plays in the power forward position and has sported jersey no. 0.
<h2>Kyle Kuzma and Los Angeles Lakers</h2>
Kuzma played four complete seasons with the Lakers and represented them in two postseasons. As the Lakers were rebuilding their side, many believed Kuzma could be a future star in the team. However, his impact in purple and gold remained mediocre as he ended the 2020-21 season on a poor note.

[caption id="attachment_642903" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-642903" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-04-11T012345Z_1378777697_MT1USATODAY15878766_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-BROOKLYN-NETS.jpg" alt="Lakers key players benched against Brooklyn Nets" width="1920" height="1280" /> Apr 10, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) and small forward Kyle Kuzma (0) and power forward Anthony Davis (3) and small forward LeBron James (23) watch from the bench during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters[/caption]
<h2>Kyle Kuzma’s stats</h2>
<a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuzmaky01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kriss Kross Kuzma</a> averaged 12.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in the 2020-21 NBA season.
<h2>Kyle Kuzma’s 2021 net worth and endorsements</h2>
Celebrity Net Worth estimates the net worth of Kuzma as $3 million (updated on September 29, 2021). Kuzma signed a 3-year rookie extension contract with the Lakers. According to Spotrac, his contract is worth $39 million equally divided over three years. He will be an unrestricted free agent at a 29-YO age in 2024.

Kuzma signed a five-year sneaker deal with Puma. He also endorses the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time) app.
<h2>Kyle Kuzma charity</h2>
In August 2018, Kuzma supplied 300 backpacks and school supplies at a free basketball camp. In 2019, Kuzma contributed to building a new basketball court in Berston.

Kuzma had once acknowledged how his inspiration and teammate (now former) <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/lebron-james/">LeBron James</a> leads by example, not only on the court but also off it, with his philanthropic activities.

[caption id="attachment_520896" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-520896" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210120003045/2020-12-31T025210Z_1454692653_MT1USATODAY15379739_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-SAN-ANTONIO-SPURS-1.jpg" alt="Lakers' Kyle Kuzma" width="1920" height="1280" /> Dec 30, 2020; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Drew Eubanks (14) in the second quarter at AT&amp;T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>How to contact Kyle Kuzma?</h2>
<strong>Kyle Kuzma</strong><strong>’s Twitter: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/kylekuzma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://twitter.com/kylekuzma/</a>

<strong>Kyle Kuzma</strong><strong>’s Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kuz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/kuz/</a>
<table width="366">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Age</strong></td>
<td width="177">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Marital Status</strong></td>
<td width="177">Unmarried</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Girlfriend</strong></td>
<td width="177">Winnie Harlow</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Nationality</strong></td>
<td width="177">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Team</strong></td>
<td width="177">Los Angeles Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Rings</strong></td>
<td width="177">One</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Height</strong></td>
<td width="177">6’ 8”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Weight</strong></td>
<td width="177">100 kg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Wingspan</strong></td>
<td width="177">2.14 m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Shoes</strong></td>
<td width="177">Puma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="189"><strong>Endorsements</strong></td>
<td width="177">Puma, GOAT</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma 2021: Net worth, salary &amp; endorsements Kyle Kuzma is an NBA player currently playing for the Washington Wizards. He is the son of Karri Kuzma, who played shot put at the high school level. Kuzma attended Bentley High School in Michigan and later played college basketball for Utah. He came into the NBA via the 2017 draft, where Brooklyn Nets selected him as a first-round pick. Kuzma, however, moved to Los Angeles Lakers in a draft-day trade. After keeping him on the roster for four seasons, the LA-based franchise then traded him to the Wizards. Kyle Kuzma usually plays in the power forward position and has sported jersey no. 0. Kyle Kuzma and Los Angeles Lakers Kuzma played four complete seasons with the Lakers and represented them in two postseasons. As the Lakers were rebuilding their side, many believed Kuzma could be a future star in the team. However, his impact in purple and gold remained mediocre as he ended the 2020-21 season on a poor note. Apr 10, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) and small forward Kyle Kuzma (0) and power forward Anthony Davis (3) and small forward LeBron James (23) watch from the bench during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters Kyle Kuzma’s stats Kriss Kross Kuzma averaged 12.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in the 2020-21 NBA season. Kyle Kuzma’s 2021 net worth and endorsements Celebrity Net Worth estimates the net worth of Kuzma as $3 million (updated on September 29, 2021). Kuzma signed a 3-year rookie extension contract with the Lakers. According to Spotrac, his contract is worth $39 million equally divided over three years. He will be an unrestricted free agent at a 29-YO age in 2024. Kuzma signed a five-year sneaker deal with Puma. He also endorses the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time) app. Kyle Kuzma charity In August 2018, Kuzma supplied 300 backpacks and school supplies at a free basketball camp. In 2019, Kuzma contributed to building a new basketball court in Berston. Kuzma had once acknowledged how his inspiration and teammate (now former) LeBron James leads by example, not only on the court but also off it, with his philanthropic activities. Dec 30, 2020; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Drew Eubanks (14) in the second quarter at AT&amp;T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports How to contact Kyle Kuzma? Kyle Kuzma’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylekuzma/ Kyle Kuzma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuz/  Age 26  Marital Status Unmarried  Girlfriend Winnie Harlow  Nationality American  Team Los Angeles Lakers  Rings One  Height 6’ 8”  Weight 100 kg  Wingspan 2.14 m  Shoes Puma  Endorsements Puma, GOAT

Kyle Kuzma Archives

Kyle Kuzma Archives - EssentiallySports

<h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Los Angeles Lakers Histroy</span></h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the biggest and most decorated franchises in NBA history. With few of the most iconic players by its name, it is NBA's one of the most prestigious chapters. The Lakers' franchise initially emerged in 1947. Drawing inspiration from Minnesota's "Land of 10,000 Lakes" nickname, it paved its name. At the time, the Lakers were part of the National Basketball League. Soon, the franchise made a significant leap to the Basketball Association of America (BAA), ultimately lifting titles in the format. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">However, its charm dwindled close to the beginning of the 60s, prompting the team to relocate to Los Angeles. Regardless, the franchise's struggle stayed. Even though the Lakers reached the NBA finals six times during the 1960s, they fell short of securing the title each time. However, the Lakers' fortunes changed dramatically soon. With few of the greatest players on its roster, the Lakers paved through 8 NBA finals in the 80s, ultimately securing 5 of those. Furthermore, their dominant era marked an evolutionary checkpoint for the game of basketball. </span>

[caption id="attachment_2103185" align="aligncenter" width="1437"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2103185" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1030494274h.jpg" alt="" width="1437" height="1920" /> USA TODAY Sports-Historical Dec 1970 USA FILE PHOTO Milwaukee Bucks center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 33 against Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain 13. Unknown Unknown USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMalcolmxEmmonsx 11837264[/caption]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">After their star players in the early 90s, the Lakers again faced a challenging period. This time, they endured their longest-ever NBA finals drought. However, change came in the 1999–2000 season with their new coach and set of young stars, who clinched a three-peat in the early 2000s. After being forced to rebuild, their next congratulations came in 2010, right before marking a grim tenure for the franchise. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">After failed all-star calibre collaborations, losing their franchise player to industries, and unfruitful rebuilding, the Lakers shook up their staff. Magic Johnson took over as the president of basketball operations, and soon, good times seemed on its way. Even though Johnson resigned early, his moves are still making noise in the Lakers' success. </span>
<h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Los Angeles Lakers Owners</span></h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">As one of the oldest franchises in the league, the Lakers boast a rich and diverse history. Like any enduring empire, their story unfolds through different eras and different orchestrators.</span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">In 1947, Berger and Chalfen purchased the NBL's Detroit Gems. He transferred them to the Lakers and relocated to Minnesota. Over time, ownership changes ensued. Notable figures like Max Winter and George Mikan came into the picture. In 1957, the Lakers found themselves in the hands of Bob Short's investor group. They initially committed to keep the team in Minnesota. However, due to disappointing attendance and financial challenges, Short decided to move the team to Los Angeles in 1960.</span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Eventually, Bob Short sold the team to Jack Kent Cooke in 1965. Cooke's ownership of the Lakers continued until 1979, when he orchestrated a substantial sale. It included the Lakers, NHL's Los Angeles Kings, the Forum, and real estate to Jerry Buss for $67 million. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Under Buss's leadership, the Lakers set a precedent by introducing stadium sponsorships renaming the Forum to the Great Western Forum in 1988. In 2013, following Buss's passing, his children assumed ownership responsibilities, with Jeanie Buss taking on the role of the Lakers' governor.</span>
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup> <col width="100" /> <col width="223" /> <col width="253" /></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">YEAR</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">OWNER</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">GENERAL MANAGER</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2017-present</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Buss Family Trust</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Rob Pelinka</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2016</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Buss Family Trust</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Mitch Kupchak/Rob Pelinka</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2014</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Buss Family Trust</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Mitch Kupchak</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1994</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Dr. Jerry Buss</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Mitch Kupchak</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1982</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Dr. Jerry Buss</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jerry West</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1979</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Dr. Jerry Buss</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Bill Sharman</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1976</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jack Kent Cooke</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Bill Sharman</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1972</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jack Kent Cooke</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Pete Newell</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1967</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jack Kent Cooke</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Fred Schaus</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1965</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jack Kent Cooke</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Louis Mohs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1960</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Robert Short</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Louis Mohs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1958</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Robert Short</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">David Babcock, Odd Moe, John Scheefe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1957</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Robert Short</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">John Kundla</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1954</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Ben Berger</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">George Mikan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1948</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Ben Berger</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Max Winter</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Los Angeles Lakers retired jerseys and HOF players</span></h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">With over seven decades in basketball, the Lakers have produced some of the most illustrious superstars in the sport's history. Even in 2023, several of these players are debated for their greatness. </span>

[caption id="attachment_2202967" align="aligncenter" width="1418"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2202967" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0046312320h.jpg" alt="" width="1418" height="1920" /> January 26, 2020, Los Angeles, California, USA: Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant died in a Helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California. He was 41. FILE PHOTO: Kobe Bryant 24 of the Los Angeles Lakers attends his last press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz after their game with the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday April 13, 2016. Lakers won 101-96, with Bryant scoring 60 points in his last game of his career. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Kobe Bryant dies. He was 41. - ZUMAp124 20200126_zaa_p124_015 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx[/caption]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Collectively, the Lakers proudly boast more than 35 Hall of Fame inductees among their ranks. Additionally, they've retired a total of 13 jersey numbers, forever linking these iconic digits to the legendary players who wore them.</span>
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup> <col width="100" /> <col width="148" /> <col width="100" /> <col width="100" /> <col width="100" /> <col width="15" /> <col width="88" /> <col width="187" /> <col width="100" /> <col width="100" /> <col width="100" /></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">No.</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Name</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Position</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Tenure</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Inducted</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">No.</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Name</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Position</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Tenure</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Inducted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">17</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jim Pollard 2</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1948–1955</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1978</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">31</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Spencer Haywood</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1979–1980</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">22</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Slater Martin</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1949–1956</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1982</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">31</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Zelmo Beaty</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1974–1975</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">34
89</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Clyde Lovellette</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward/Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1953–1957</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1988</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Charlie Scott</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1977–1978</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">42</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Connie Hawkins</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward/Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1973–1975</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1992</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">12</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Vlade Divac</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1989–1996
2004–2005</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2019</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">19</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Vern Mikkelsen</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1949–1959</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1995</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Lou Hudson</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard/Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1977–1979</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2022</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">11
25</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Gail Goodrich</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1965–1968
1970–1976</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1996</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">16</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Pau Gasol</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward/Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2008–2014</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2023</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Bob McAdoo</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward/Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1981–1985</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2000</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">99</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">George Mikan 1</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1948–1954
1955–1956</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1959</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">00
42</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">James Worthy</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1982–1994</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2003</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">22</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Elgin Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1958–1971</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1977</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">4</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Adrian Dantley</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1977–1979</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2008</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">13</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1968–1973</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1979</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Karl Malone</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2003–2004</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2010</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">44</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jerry West 3 5</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1960–1974</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1980</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">73</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Dennis Rodman</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1999</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2011</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">33</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1975–1989</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1995</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">52</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jamaal Wilkes</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Forward</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1977–1985</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2012</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">32</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Magic Johnson 4 6</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1979–1991
1996</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2002</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">20</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Gary Payton</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2003–2004</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2013</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">34</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Shaquille O'Neal</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Center</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1996–2004</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Mitch Richmond</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2001–2002</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2014</td>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">10</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Steve Nash</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2012–2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">8
24</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Kobe Bryant</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Guard</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">1996–2016</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">2020</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Los Angeles Lakers' active roster for 2023-24 season</span></h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Following a stretch of impressive teamwork and growing chemistry, the Lakers have retained significant players to solidify their roster for the 2023 season. Notably, they have also secured contract extensions for their superstar players. </span>

[caption id="attachment_1639746" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1639746" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-03-30T032003Z_656778094_MT1USATODAY20345233_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-CHICAGO-BULLS.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> Mar 29, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) chats with Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">What's more, they've bolstered their squad by adding fresh talent through free agency and draft picks.</span>
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup> <col width="100" /> <col width="162" /> <col width="186" /> <col width="190" /></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">POS.</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">NAME</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">BASE
SALARY</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">CONTRACT TYPE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PF</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">LeBron James</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$47,607,350</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Vet Extension / Bird</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">C</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Anthony Davis</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$40,600,080</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent (Max) / Bird</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PG</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">D'Angelo Russell</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$17,307,693</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent / Bird</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PF</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Rui Hachimura</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$15,740,741</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent / Bird</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">SG</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Austin Reaves</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$12,015,150</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent / Early Bird</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PG</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Gabe Vincent</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$10,500,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent / NT-MLE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PF</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jarred Vanderbilt</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$4,640,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Acquired via Trade</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PF</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Taurean Prince</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$4,516,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent / Bi-Annual</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">PG</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jalen Hood-Schifino</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$3,695,040</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Drafted / Rookie</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">C</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Christian Wood</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$2,709,849</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent (Min)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">C</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Jaxson Hayes</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$2,165,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent (Min)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">SF</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Cam Reddish</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$2,165,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Free Agent (Min)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">SG</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Max Christie</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$1,719,864</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Drafted (Min)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="{">SF</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Maxwell Lewis</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">$1,119,563</td>
<td data-sheets-value="{">Drafted</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Los Angeles Lakers Histroy The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the biggest and most decorated franchises in NBA history. With few of the most iconic players by its name, it is NBA&#8217;s one of the most prestigious chapters. The Lakers&#8217; franchise initially emerged in 1947. Drawing inspiration from Minnesota&#8217;s &#8220;Land of 10,000 Lakes&#8221; nickname, it paved its name. At the time, the Lakers were part of the National Basketball League. Soon, the franchise made a significant leap to the Basketball Association of America (BAA), ultimately lifting titles in the format.  However, its charm dwindled close to the beginning of the 60s, prompting the team to relocate to Los Angeles. Regardless, the franchise&#8217;s struggle stayed. Even though the Lakers reached the NBA finals six times during the 1960s, they fell short of securing the title each time. However, the Lakers&#8217; fortunes changed dramatically soon. With few of the greatest players on its roster, the Lakers paved through 8 NBA finals in the 80s, ultimately securing 5 of those. Furthermore, their dominant era marked an evolutionary checkpoint for the game of basketball.  USA TODAY Sports-Historical Dec 1970 USA FILE PHOTO Milwaukee Bucks center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 33 against Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain 13. Unknown Unknown USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMalcolmxEmmonsx 11837264 After their star players in the early 90s, the Lakers again faced a challenging period. This time, they endured their longest-ever NBA finals drought. However, change came in the 1999–2000 season with their new coach and set of young stars, who clinched a three-peat in the early 2000s. After being forced to rebuild, their next congratulations came in 2010, right before marking a grim tenure for the franchise.  After failed all-star calibre collaborations, losing their franchise player to industries, and unfruitful rebuilding, the Lakers shook up their staff. Magic Johnson took over as the president of basketball operations, and soon, good times seemed on its way. Even though Johnson resigned early, his moves are still making noise in the Lakers&#8217; success.  Los Angeles Lakers Owners As one of the oldest franchises in the league, the Lakers boast a rich and diverse history. Like any enduring empire, their story unfolds through different eras and different orchestrators. In 1947, Berger and Chalfen purchased the NBL&#8217;s Detroit Gems. He transferred them to the Lakers and relocated to Minnesota. Over time, ownership changes ensued. Notable figures like Max Winter and George Mikan came into the picture. In 1957, the Lakers found themselves in the hands of Bob Short&#8217;s investor group. They initially committed to keep the team in Minnesota. However, due to disappointing attendance and financial challenges, Short decided to move the team to Los Angeles in 1960. Eventually, Bob Short sold the team to Jack Kent Cooke in 1965. Cooke&#8217;s ownership of the Lakers continued until 1979, when he orchestrated a substantial sale. It included the Lakers, NHL&#8217;s Los Angeles Kings, the Forum, and real estate to Jerry Buss for $67 million.  Under Buss&#8217;s leadership, the Lakers set a precedent by introducing stadium sponsorships renaming the Forum to the Great Western Forum in 1988. In 2013, following Buss&#8217;s passing, his children assumed ownership responsibilities, with Jeanie Buss taking on the role of the Lakers&#8217; governor.    YEAR OWNER GENERAL MANAGER  2017-present Buss Family Trust Rob Pelinka  2016 Buss Family Trust Mitch Kupchak/Rob Pelinka  2014 Buss Family Trust Mitch Kupchak  1994 Dr. Jerry Buss Mitch Kupchak  1982 Dr. Jerry Buss Jerry West  1979 Dr. Jerry Buss Bill Sharman  1976 Jack Kent Cooke Bill Sharman  1972 Jack Kent Cooke Pete Newell  1967 Jack Kent Cooke Fred Schaus  1965 Jack Kent Cooke Louis Mohs  1960 Robert Short Louis Mohs  1958 Robert Short David Babcock, Odd Moe, John Scheefe  1957 Robert Short John Kundla  1954 Ben Berger George Mikan  1948 Ben Berger Max Winter  Los Angeles Lakers retired jerseys and HOF players With over seven decades in basketball, the Lakers have produced some of the most illustrious superstars in the sport&#8217;s history. Even in 2023, several of these players are debated for their greatness. January 26, 2020, Los Angeles, California, USA: Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant died in a Helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California. He was 41. FILE PHOTO: Kobe Bryant 24 of the Los Angeles Lakers attends his last press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz after their game with the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday April 13, 2016. Lakers won 101-96, with Bryant scoring 60 points in his last game of his career. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Kobe Bryant dies. He was 41. &#8211; ZUMAp124 20200126_zaa_p124_015 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx Collectively, the Lakers proudly boast more than 35 Hall of Fame inductees among their ranks. Additionally, they&#8217;ve retired a total of 13 jersey numbers, forever linking these iconic digits to the legendary players who wore them.        No. Name Position Tenure Inducted No. Name Position Tenure Inducted  17 Jim Pollard 2 Forward 1948–1955 1978 31 Spencer Haywood Forward 1979–1980 2015  22 Slater Martin Guard 1949–1956 1982 31 Zelmo Beaty Center 1974–1975 2016  34 89 Clyde Lovellette Forward/Center 1953–1957 1988 11 Charlie Scott Guard 1977–1978 2018  42 Connie Hawkins Forward/Center 1973–1975 1992 12 Vlade Divac Center 1989–1996 2004–2005 2019  19 Vern Mikkelsen Forward 1949–1959 1995 23 Lou Hudson Guard/Forward 1977–1979 2022  11 25 Gail Goodrich Guard 1965–1968 1970–1976 1996 16 Pau Gasol Forward/Center 2008–2014 2023  11 Bob McAdoo Forward/Center 1981–1985 2000 99 George Mikan 1 Center 1948–1954 1955–1956 1959  00 42 James Worthy Forward 1982–1994 2003 22 Elgin Baylor Forward 1958–1971 1977  4 Adrian Dantley Forward 1977–1979 2008 13 Wilt Chamberlain Center 1968–1973 1979  11 Karl Malone Forward 2003–2004 2010 44 Jerry West 3 5 Guard 1960–1974 1980  73 Dennis Rodman Forward 1999 2011 33 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center 1975–1989 1995  52 Jamaal Wilkes Forward 1977–1985 2012 32 Magic Johnson 4 6 Guard 1979–1991 1996 2002  20 Gary Payton Guard 2003–2004 2013 34 Shaquille O&#8217;Neal Center 1996–2004 2016  23 Mitch Richmond Guard 2001–2002 2014 10 Steve Nash Guard 2012–2015 2018  8 24 Kobe Bryant Guard 1996–2016 2020     Los Angeles Lakers&#8217; active roster for 2023-24 season Following a stretch of impressive teamwork and growing chemistry, the Lakers have retained significant players to solidify their roster for the 2023 season. Notably, they have also secured contract extensions for their superstar players. Mar 29, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) chats with Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports What&#8217;s more, they&#8217;ve bolstered their squad by adding fresh talent through free agency and draft picks.     POS. NAME BASE SALARY CONTRACT TYPE  PF LeBron James $47,607,350 Vet Extension / Bird  C Anthony Davis $40,600,080 Free Agent (Max) / Bird  PG D&#8217;Angelo Russell $17,307,693 Free Agent / Bird  PF Rui Hachimura $15,740,741 Free Agent / Bird  SG Austin Reaves $12,015,150 Free Agent / Early Bird  PG Gabe Vincent $10,500,000 Free Agent / NT-MLE  PF Jarred Vanderbilt $4,640,000 Acquired via Trade  PF Taurean Prince $4,516,000 Free Agent / Bi-Annual  PG Jalen Hood-Schifino $3,695,040 Drafted / Rookie  C Christian Wood $2,709,849 Free Agent (Min)  C Jaxson Hayes $2,165,000 Free Agent (Min)  SF Cam Reddish $2,165,000 Free Agent (Min)  SG Max Christie $1,719,864 Drafted (Min)  SF Maxwell Lewis $1,119,563 Drafted

<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Inception: The Reindeer throws the league off-balance</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Milwaukee Bucks is a franchise that operates from the city of Milwaukee, which is in the state of Wisconsin. Its home floor is the Fiserv Forum which opened in 2018 via public funding. It is a part of the Central Division that also features the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls, the Indiana Pacers, and the Detroit Pistons. The franchise has been operational since 1968 and played its first NBA game in October of that year. Before the following season, because of a grueling 27-55 record, they earned the right to the first pick following a coin flip. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">On the stake was Lew Alcindor(now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), a transcendental talent who was deemed way too good for the NCAA. After winning the coin flip, the budding ABA’s New York Nets challenged them in a bidding war to bring Alcindor. But, the Bucks succeeded in bringing him into the fold. And just in his second year and the franchise’s third season, they claimed their first NBA Championship. Therefore, Milwaukee Bucks is the first expansion franchise that win a title within the first three years of its existence. Since then, it has won one more title. It happened in 2021, when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton made one of the most brilliant runs in the history of the game. They beat the Suns in six games during the championship round. </span>

[caption id="attachment_789060" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-789060" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-27T210703Z_1105838753_MT1USATODAY16841573_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MILWAUKEE-BUCKS-MEDIA-DAY.jpg" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo , Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton" width="1920" height="1389" /> Sep 27, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) pose for pictures during Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_789060" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-789060" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-27T210703Z_1105838753_MT1USATODAY16841573_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MILWAUKEE-BUCKS-MEDIA-DAY.jpg" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo , Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton" width="1920" height="1389" /> Sep 27, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) pose for pictures during Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Current Background</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">The Milwaukee Bucks’ jersey colors are Cream City cream, Good Land green, Great Lakes blue, black, and white. The Franchise is owned by Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, and Mike Fascitello. From 1984 to 2014, US Senator Herb Kohl was the longest-serving Bucks owner. It is because of his political maneuvering that the Bucks have been able to stay in Milwaukee.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">As of the 2023 preseason, their General Manager is Jon Horst. Their President is Peter Feigin. Their current head coach is Adrian Griffin who got the job after Mike Budenholzer got fired after the first-round exit in the 2022-23 Playoff. Budenholzer was at the helm when the Bucks won the 2021 ring, and he also led them to the best record in the league. However, after a first-round disappointment against the Heat, Griffin has the reins for now. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Now Griffin will have a chance to coach Damian Lillard. The team acquired him by giving up their core two-way threat Jrue Holiday who later went to the Boston Celtics, which is a Conference rival. </span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth &amp; Main Sponsorships</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Per Statista, as of 2022, Milwaukee Bucks is valued at $2.3 billion. In 2021, its value was around $1.9 billion, so it has seen a 21% rise. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Fiserv earned the rights to the newly opened Arena in 2017 and since then, it is known as Fiserv Forum. Since 2021, Motorola has been the team’s official jersey sponsor. BMO Bank has been a long-term partner and one of the founders of the Fiserv Forum. It signed a 30-year contract with the Franchise. Froedtert &amp; The Medical College of Wisconsin is the official healthcare partner of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Arena’s official smart building control partner is Johnson Control, which oversees the developments in the arena that shape technology services. </span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Lineups/Roster</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">This is what the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster looks like as of October 2023.</span>

<strong>Projected Starting Lineup</strong>

<span style="font-weight: 400">PG: Damian Lillard</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">SG: Malik Beasley</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">SF: Khris Middleton</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">C:   Brook Lopez</span>

<strong>Projected Bench</strong>

<span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Guards</strong>: Cameron Payne, Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, Ty Ty Washington Jr, Lindell Winnington, Andre Jackson Jr., Jazian Gortman</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Forwards:</strong> MarJon Beauchamp, Jae Crowder, Thanasis Antetounmpo, Chris Livingston</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Centers:</strong> Bobby Portis, Robin Lopez, Drew Timme, Marques Bolden.</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Highest Paid Players</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">As per Sporttrac, these are the top-five paid Milwaukee Bucks players for the 2023-24 season:</span>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Giannis Antetokounmpo: Cap Figure: $45,640,084</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Damian Lillard: Cap Figure: $45,640,084</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Khris Middleton: Cap Figure: $29,320,988</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Brook Lopez: Cap Figure: $25,000,000</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Bobby Portis: Cap Figure: $11,710,818</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Achievements</span></h2>
<b>NBA championships</b><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">2:1971, 2021</span>

<b>Conference Titles</b><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">2: 1971, 1974, 2021</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><b></b>

<b>Division Titles</b><span style="font-weight: 400">:</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">18</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><b></b>

<b>MVPs</b><b>
</b><span style="font-weight: 400">5: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 3, Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2</span>

<b>Retired Numbers</b><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">1: Oscar Robertson
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">2: Junior Bridgeman</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">4: Sidney Moncrief
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">8: Marques Johnson</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">10: Bob Dandridge</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">14: Jon McGlocklin
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">16: Bob Lanier</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">32: Brian Winters</span><span style="font-weight: 400">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400">33: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Overview</span></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">First season</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">1967-68 </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Owners</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitello</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">President</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Peter Feigin</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">General Manager</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Jon Horst</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Conference</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">East</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Division</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Central</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Last season record</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">58-24</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Home Arena</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Fiserv Forum</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Championships</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Conference Titles</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team Value</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$2.3 billion(2022)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Jersey sponsor</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Motorola</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Highest Paid Players</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Luxury Tax Payroll</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$183,584,668</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Official Website</span></td>
<td><a href="http://www.nba.com/bucks"><span style="font-weight: 400">www.nba.com/bucks</span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Social Media</span></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">https://www.instagram.com/bucks/?hl=en</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">X/Twitter</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">https://x.com/Bucks?s=20</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">https://www.facebook.com/milwaukeebucks/</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Milwaukee Bucks

Inception: The Reindeer throws the league off-balance Milwaukee Bucks is a franchise that operates from the city of Milwaukee, which is in the state of Wisconsin. Its home floor is the Fiserv Forum which opened in 2018 via public funding. It is a part of the Central Division that also features the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls, the Indiana Pacers, and the Detroit Pistons. The franchise has been operational since 1968 and played its first NBA game in October of that year. Before the following season, because of a grueling 27-55 record, they earned the right to the first pick following a coin flip.  On the stake was Lew Alcindor(now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), a transcendental talent who was deemed way too good for the NCAA. After winning the coin flip, the budding ABA’s New York Nets challenged them in a bidding war to bring Alcindor. But, the Bucks succeeded in bringing him into the fold. And just in his second year and the franchise’s third season, they claimed their first NBA Championship. Therefore, Milwaukee Bucks is the first expansion franchise that win a title within the first three years of its existence. Since then, it has won one more title. It happened in 2021, when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton made one of the most brilliant runs in the history of the game. They beat the Suns in six games during the championship round.  Sep 27, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) pose for pictures during Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports Sep 27, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) pose for pictures during Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports Current Background The Milwaukee Bucks’ jersey colors are Cream City cream, Good Land green, Great Lakes blue, black, and white. The Franchise is owned by Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, and Mike Fascitello. From 1984 to 2014, US Senator Herb Kohl was the longest-serving Bucks owner. It is because of his political maneuvering that the Bucks have been able to stay in Milwaukee. As of the 2023 preseason, their General Manager is Jon Horst. Their President is Peter Feigin. Their current head coach is Adrian Griffin who got the job after Mike Budenholzer got fired after the first-round exit in the 2022-23 Playoff. Budenholzer was at the helm when the Bucks won the 2021 ring, and he also led them to the best record in the league. However, after a first-round disappointment against the Heat, Griffin has the reins for now.  Now Griffin will have a chance to coach Damian Lillard. The team acquired him by giving up their core two-way threat Jrue Holiday who later went to the Boston Celtics, which is a Conference rival.  Net Worth &amp; Main Sponsorships Per Statista, as of 2022, Milwaukee Bucks is valued at $2.3 billion. In 2021, its value was around $1.9 billion, so it has seen a 21% rise.  Fiserv earned the rights to the newly opened Arena in 2017 and since then, it is known as Fiserv Forum. Since 2021, Motorola has been the team’s official jersey sponsor. BMO Bank has been a long-term partner and one of the founders of the Fiserv Forum. It signed a 30-year contract with the Franchise. Froedtert &amp; The Medical College of Wisconsin is the official healthcare partner of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Arena’s official smart building control partner is Johnson Control, which oversees the developments in the arena that shape technology services.  Lineups/Roster This is what the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster looks like as of October 2023. Projected Starting Lineup PG: Damian Lillard SG: Malik Beasley SF: Khris Middleton PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo C:   Brook Lopez Projected Bench Guards: Cameron Payne, Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, Ty Ty Washington Jr, Lindell Winnington, Andre Jackson Jr., Jazian Gortman Forwards: MarJon Beauchamp, Jae Crowder, Thanasis Antetounmpo, Chris Livingston Centers: Bobby Portis, Robin Lopez, Drew Timme, Marques Bolden. Highest Paid Players As per Sporttrac, these are the top-five paid Milwaukee Bucks players for the 2023-24 season: Giannis Antetokounmpo: Cap Figure: $45,640,084 Damian Lillard: Cap Figure: $45,640,084 Khris Middleton: Cap Figure: $29,320,988 Brook Lopez: Cap Figure: $25,000,000 Bobby Portis: Cap Figure: $11,710,818 Achievements NBA championships 2:1971, 2021 Conference Titles 2: 1971, 1974, 2021 Division Titles: 18 MVPs 5: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 3, Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2 Retired Numbers 1: Oscar Robertson 2: Junior Bridgeman 4: Sidney Moncrief 8: Marques Johnson 10: Bob Dandridge 14: Jon McGlocklin 16: Bob Lanier 32: Brian Winters 33: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Overview  First season 1967-68   Owners Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitello  President Peter Feigin  General Manager Jon Horst  Conference East  Division Central  Last season record 58-24  Home Arena Fiserv Forum  Championships 2  Conference Titles 3  Team Value $2.3 billion(2022)  Jersey sponsor Motorola  Highest Paid Players Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard  Luxury Tax Payroll $183,584,668  Official Website www.nba.com/bucks  Social Media  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bucks/?hl=en  X/Twitter https://x.com/Bucks?s=20  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/milwaukeebucks/

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