Former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry dismissed claims that L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer tried to evade the NBA salary cap by secretly paying Kawhi Leonard through a third-party company. Leonard reportedly signed a $28 million deal with Aspiration, in which Ballmer invested $50 million. The NBA has launched an investigation into the matter.

Lasry emphasized the importance of following the rules in the NBA to avoid severe consequences, despite the pressure to win. Ballmer and the Clippers have refuted the allegations of salary cap manipulation. Aspiration, the company involved, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and its co-founders face fraud charges. Lasry believes there may be smoke but doubts there’s a substantial issue.

Lasry is set to sell his stake in the Bucks to Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam for $3.5 billion in 2023. Lasry expressed confidence in Ballmer’s integrity, stating he trusts him to comply with league regulations. Lasry’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the alleged attempts to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap, emphasizing the importance of fair play in professional sports.

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