There's been a lot made about LeBron James desire to play with his son Bronny in the NBA. The elder James once said that was a goal of his before his career ends. Now, it seems like both father and son, and their representatives, are focused on each having success independently.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that after conversations with Rich Paul, he no longer believes that LeBron James is insisting he has to play with Bronny.

"The idea of them playing together is not a priority, it's not foremost, at least any longer, in LeBron James' mind," Wojnarowski reported.

That seems to indicate that LeBron James and his agent Rich Paul will do what's best for him without forcing a team to draft his son in the 2024 NBA Draft.

As for Bronny James, the priority is to get him in the best situation for his own development.

"Rich Paul's goal here in the pre-draft process for Bronny James is to see if there's the right developmental system or organization, a place that can take a young player like Bronny James, who went five months without playing after his heart episode certainly limited him in his season at USC," Wojnarowski said. "If he does go in the draft, he very likely would spend next year in the G League."

Mike Conley has been named the 2023-24 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year.  Conley has won the annual award for the second time, having previously earned the honor in the 2018-19 season. 

The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team.

Conley finished first ahead of Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson.

Jrue Holiday had won the award three out of the past four seasons.

The Detroit Pistons would have interest in Tim Connelly as their new president of basketball operations should Connelly opt out of his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Connelly is currently in the second year of a five-year deal.

The Pistons are also interested in Dennis Lindsey, currently a Mavs consultant, for the role.

JJ Redick is also a name to monitor for the open position, sources told Stein.

The new president of basketball operations would make the final decision on Troy Weaver's future with the Pistons next season.

The Milwaukee Bucks staved off elimination in Game 5, beating the Indiana Pacers 115-92. The Bucks won the game without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who are both currently injured. The win was the first in NBA history for a team without their two top scorers from the regular season.

Antetokounmpo and Lillard have a chance to return for Game 6 at Indiana.

Doc Rivers said both players are scheduled to work out on the court during the off day Wednesday.

"I think they're very, very, very close," Rivers said.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is ruled out for Game 5 on Wednesday due to a strained right hip flexor.

Jacquez had started all four games in the series, averaging 12.8 points.

The Heat are down 3-1 in the series. 

Last season was a nightmare for Zach LaVine. The Chicago Bulls star guard played in only 25 games. LaVine initially missed time with knee soreness, before a right foot injury knocked him out for the season in mid-January.

The good news is that LaVine is ahead of schedule in rehabbing from what has been termed a non-union Jones fracture. The All-Star guard had a piece of bone removed from his right foot in order to promote recovery. The Bulls put a four- to six-month timeline on LaVine's recovery. He's now progressing towards on-court work at the three-month mark, which should allow LaVine to have a normal offseason training regiment.

Lithuania will be with two of their biggest stars as they attempt to qualify for the Olympics this summer. Both Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas will play for Lithuania, first in qualifiers in early-July, followed by the Olympics in Paris.

Lithuania is in a qualifying group that will play a tournament in Puerto Rico from July 2 through July 7. Lithuania will play in an initial group that includes Ivory Coast and Mexico. The second group will see Bahrain, Italy and host Puerto Rico battle for spots in the knockout phase. One of the six teams will claim a spot in Group C at the Olympics, which already includes the United States, Serbia and South Sudan.

Valanciunas has been a mainstay of the Lithuanian team in recent years. Sabonis did not play in last summer's FIBA World Cup. Head coach Kazys Maksvytis said that Sabonis sitting out the World Cup was due to coming off a long season with the Sacramento Kings, but that he's confirmed he'll play this summer.

In addition to the two NBA veterans, Lithuania hopes to have youngster Matas Buzelis on the roster.

"Matas is ready to participate already this year. We hope he will. It will be very interesting how this situation will turn out if he’s drafted. Will his next team let him play with the national team? Victor Wembanyama did not play with the French national team last year", Maksvytis said.

Buzelis is a projected lottery pick at the 2024 NBA Draft, which will take place on June 26 and June 27.

Host Danny Leroux and Rob Mahoney of The Ringer break down the NBA playoffs.

They discuss their biggest takeaways from the first round so far, Mahoney’s excellent Point Guard Field Guide, the 2024 offseason, teambuilding and much more.

Subscribe to RealGM Radio on Apple Podcasts or via the RSS feed. 

Brad Stevens has been named the 23-24 NBA Executive of the Year.

Stevens received 16 out of 29 possible first place votes, six second place votes and three third place votes for a total of 101 points.

Sam Presti finished second ahead of Tim Connelly, Leon Rose, Nico Harrison and Rafael Stone.

During the past year, Stevens acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday via trade while the Boston Celtics had the best record in the NBA.

Bojan Bogdanovic will undergo season-ending surgeries to repair foot and wrist injuries. 

The New York Knicks acquired Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons at the deadline.

Bogdanovic exited New York's Game 4 win with his foot injury.

Bogdanovic's $19 million salary for 24-25 is partially guaranteed for just $2 million.