LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who led Louisville to a Final Four, played 12 seasons in the NBA and then launched an even more successful career as a businessman with stakes in publishing, restaurants and the Milwaukee Bucks, died Tuesday. He was 71.

The Milwaukee Bucks announced that former Bucks player Junior Bridgeman has become a minority owner of the team.

The Los Angeles Lakers had been thriving since trading for Luka Dončić, climbing all the way to the No. 2 seed in the West. But, after LeBron James suffered a left groin strain Saturday against the Boston Celtics, the Lakers are now facing a stretch where they may be down three starters.

One former NBA player feels LeBron James' injury will be a blessing in disguise for the Lakers because it will force Luka Doncic to elevate his game.

Luka Doncic has played 12 games for the Los Angeles Lakers since getting traded (via the Dallas Mavericks) last month. In that span, they have gone 8-4. Right now, Doncic is playing without his new co-star LeBron James (who is dealing with an injury).