Back in April, long-time Milwaukee Bucks part-owner Marc Lasry decided to sell his stake in the organization. This came as quite a surprise to more than a few folks out there as the billionaire entrepreneur opted to sell his 25-percent stake in the Bucks to Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who also happen to own the Cleveland Browns franchise.
The rather unexpected turn of events led to widespread speculation that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team played a key role in Lasry’s decision to jump ship.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Claps Back at Rumors Surrounding Milwaukee Bucks Sale
It only makes sense that Lasry would opt to cash in on his investment if he had the slightest hint that the team’s biggest asset was going to be gone in a year or two. After all, that’s just sound business sense.
For his part, however, Antetokounmpo was quick to shut down any and all rumors about the supposed role he played in Lasry’s major decision:
“It’s false,” Giannis said, via Sam Amick of The Athletic. “I want to stay. But I want to stay in a winning organization. That’s false. But I get it, because he’s a businessman.”
Then again, Antetokounmpo also understands why Lasry decided to sell. In fact, Giannis admits that he would have probably done the same if he were in Lasry’s shoes:
“That’s what business people do,” Antetokounmpo continued. “There were a lot of bills coming. The salary cap was going up. And at the end of the day, s—, if I (buy in) on a team (and) you sell to get (that kind of return), I’d probably do the same thing. It’s business.”
You also have to note that Lasry was/is close to Antetokounmpo and his family. This man played a pivotal role in Giannis’ development into the superstar that he is today. The billionaire also had primary control of the team when they won the championship in 2021.
Given all this, it must not have been easy for Lasry to come to the decision that he did. It must have stung for Antetokounmpo quite a bit as well.
That’s now all water under the bridge, though, and there appears to be no bad blood between all parties. After all, at the end of the day, the NBA is indeed a business.
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