NBA issued a $50,000 fine to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule. According to the reports, NBA fined the Lakers following the comments of team’s president Magic Johnson about Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking with ESPN in a recent interview, Johnson praised Antetokounmpo, saying the player may lead the Bucks to a championship.
“Oh yeah,” – said Johnson when he was asked whether he sees similarities between his and Antetokounmpo’s game. “With his ball-handling skills and his passing ability. He plays above the rim; I never could do that. But in his understanding of the game, his basketball IQ, his creativity of shots for his teammates … that’s where we [have the] same thing. Can bring it down, make a pass, make a play.“
“I’m just happy he’s starting in the All-Star Game because he deserves that.” – Johnson added. “And he’s going to be like an MVP, a champion. This dude, he’s going to put Milwaukee on the map. And I think he’s going to bring them a championship one day.“
Although these comments may seem like straightforward thing and simple praise, NBA doesn’t tolerate when team’s officials comment about the players who are under contract with another team. While NBA didn’t appreciate Magic Johnson’s comments about Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks sure did.
This isn’t the first time that the Lakers have been fined for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule under Magic Johnson’s regime. The team also received a $500,000 fine in August after NBA’s investigation “produced evidence of contact” between the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka and the agent of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George, even after a warning about tampering.
