Lakers, Nuggets gear up for battle of West’s best

The Milwaukee Bucks face some long odds as they seek to even up their first round series against the Indiana Pacers. Not only are the Bucks on the road while trailing 2-1 in the series, but Milwaukee will also be without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

Antetokounmpo is still out as he attempts to recover from a strained calf. Lillard is out due to a strained Achilles that he re-aggravated in the Bucks Game 3 loss.

Indiana now has a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead before things shift back to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.

The sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia is expected to become official within the next two weeks with the new owner assuming control ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to ratify the Ishbia purchase with a vote in early February.

Ishbia is buying a majority stake in the Suns at a $4 billion evaluation.

Even though Robert Sarver is suspended, he still retained the authority over the signing, acquisition or trade of any player with a salary in excess of the league-wide average player salary.

One pressing issue for the Suns is the trade of Jae Crowder. With Ishbia assuming control, that deal could be easier for the Suns to execute.

Ishbia is expected to be a hands-on owner in matters of team building.