The median (not mean because some players make bank) NBA salary is 4.3 million, that’s before taxes. Half the league makes 4.3 mil or less. 500k is a lot of money. Even if you make 10 mil, 500k is a lot of money. It’s like a 5% bonus. Every superstar has a cool teammate whose making alot less, bench boys deserve to get paid.

Also it counts to record. Why do players care about the regular season? They get paid to, it’s their job, and they want to win. No player WANTS to lose.

Plus, if it does well, it boosts ratings, which boosts profits, which boosts salaries in the future.

More money in the future or it mattering for the playoffs or the tournament itself getting prestige would make more people care about it.

TLDR: Desire to win + Money is cool

It’s not bad that they are homers, it’s bad that they are delusional and ruin the game with their whiney commentary.

Take the Hornets announcers. They can be “homers” but I love them because they’re fun; the Warrior announcers aren’t fun.

There’s an area between the three point line and the paint called the midrange. You’re allowed to score there.

You could say that about literally any player though.

Also, I’ve seen mentally weak and Luka is anything BUT that. I think you’re confusing that with “settling” for bad shots/what isn’t working. 90% of all time greats “settled” for those kind of shots regularly. They make them. Luka makes them.

As a Celtics fan, the best copium is giving him the Kobe Bryant Treatment. He’s a top player, but there are just better, more deserving players in the league rn. He’s entering his prime soon, on a great team no less; hopefully he’ll win one in the near future.