In L.A., Arash Markazi wrote under the header, "Clippers Shed 'Little Brother' Status While Lakers Lean On Legacy." Markazi: "When someone who grew up in Los Angeles wonders why a free agent would ever sign with the Clippers over the Lakers, it’s important to understand these players are making a decision based on current circumstances, not old stereotypes that are no longer relevant." The Clippers "might always be the 'little brother' to the Lakers in the eyes of history and longtime Lakers fans." But free agents "aren’t tying their future to history books; they’re tethering it to those people currently running the team." They will make their decision "based on the people in the room recruiting them, not the old banners and jerseys hanging on the walls" (L.A. TIMES, 6/9).
GUT CHECK: In N.Y., Mike Vaccaro notes the Knicks and Nets must now "wonder if their own futures ... weren't given a sharp jolt" last night when Warriors F Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks and Nets were "primed to initiate borough warfare to bring the game’s signature player East." But those plans might have just "taken a hit" (N.Y. POST, 6/11).
BUCKS ARE FOR KIDS: In Milwaukee, Jordyn Noennig noted the Bucks are introducing Fawn Fest, a "new series of weekly kids' activities, at the plaza in front of Fiserv Forum on Wednesdays" from 10:00am-2:00pm CT during the Summer. Fawn Fest will "begin June 19 with a big slide, a giant Kerplunk game, an inflatable wild animal zoo bounce house and a 3-play sports inflatable carnival game." The fests will be "held each Wednesday" until August 28. There will be "kid-friendly food and beverages" available for purchase, along with the "Bucks Entertainment Network, a DJ and free activities" (JSONLINE.com, 6/10).
