What happens to Jeanie Buss after Lakers sale? Governor status explained

With the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire businessman Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger for a reported $12.5 billion, the question remains about the status of team governor Jeanie Buss.

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As Lakers governor, Buss serves as the main decision-maker in all business matters and represents the team at the NBA's Board of Governors meetings. Team governors must maintain at least a 15% ownership of a franchise to continue in the governor's role.

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Buss remained a team governor despite the 2025 sale of the team to Mark Walter, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea soccer team owner, for $10 million.

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Buss, 64, has been governor of the team since 2013, when her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, died, leaving the franchise in the hands of his six children. Buss was then named controlling owner of the team in March 2017.

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Jeanie Buss status with Lakers

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According to the terms of the sale of the team to Walter, it stipulated that Buss would remain the team's governor for at least the next five years. This continues the family's involvement with the team since Dr. Buss first bought the team in 1979.

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How much were Lakers sold for?

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The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

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The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happens to Jeanie Buss after Lakers sale? Governor status explained

Luka Doncic shares reaction to news of Los Angeles Lakers' $12B sale

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be sold for the second time in less than two years.

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The organization is being sold to American businessman Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking price that is expected to be over $12 billion, according to ESPN.

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The Buss family had provided a level of stability for just over four and a half decades before selling the team to Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.

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Lakers star guard Luka Doncic has witnessed some changes in his short stint in L.A. He was traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers in 2025 in a deal that also involved Anthony Davis.

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Doncic shared his thoughts regarding the sale with a statement on X.

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"Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA," Doncic said. "I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together."

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It was reported by The Athletic earlier this year that Doncic had been "impressed with the level of communication" with Walter.

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It remains unclear whether Doncic had any prior knowledge of the sale this week.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic shares reaction to news of Los Angeles Lakers' $12B sale

Oilers Add to Busy Crease, Sign New Goaltender For Their AHL Club

The Edmonton Oilers have added to an already crowded crease situation in Bakersfield, signing goaltender Eemil Vinni to a one-year, two-way American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 season.

Vinni was selected 64th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 NHL Draft after being ranked the top European goalie by NHL Central Scouting. The 6-foot-3 netminder missed much of 2024-25 with an injury but returned last season, splitting time between JoKP and Ketterä in Finland’s Mestis league. He posted an 8-5-4 record with a .884 save percentage for JoKP before being loaned to Ketterä, where he excelled with a .951 save percentage and 1.23 GAA in four regular-season games. He also went 4-2 with a .943 save percentage and 1.52 GAA in six playoff appearances.

The question now becomes, what happens with the rest of the netminders in Bakersfield? 

The Oilers already have Matt Tomkins, Connor Ungar, Samuel Jonsson, Nathaniel Day in their system. Tomkins and Ungar were likely the next in line to get an NHL shot. 

Like they intend to do at the NHL level this season, the Oilers farm team must be planning on three goalies. Alternatively, the organization might be thinking about including one of the goalies in a future trade. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest newsgame-day coverage, and moreAdd us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

When does 2026 NBA Cup start? League unveils full tournament schedule

The Emirates NBA Cup is returning for a fourth season, with the league announcing the slate of games on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The league's 30 teams are each placed into groups of five within their conference, based on their win-loss records from the 2025-26 regular season.

Each team plays four group stage games against each team in their group, with two two home games and two on the road. Eight teams (group stage winners and two wild cards) move on to the single-elimination knockout stage.

Every NBA Cup game, except the championship, will count toward the regular-season standings.

Group Play starts Oct. 30 with a full slate of games, featuring a doubleheader on Amazon Prime with the defending NBA Cup and Finals champion New York Knicks against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors.

NBA Cup Schedule

Group Play: Oct. 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20, 24, 25 & 27

The quarterfinals will take place Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, with the semifinals being played Dec. 8 and Dec. 9.

The championship will be played Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Oct. 30

All times eastern.

Nov. 6

  • Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:30 p.m., Prime
  • Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers – 10 p.m., Prime
  • San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings – 10 p.m., NBA League Pass

Nov. 13

  • New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers – 7 p.m., Prime
  • Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets – 8:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs – 9:30 p.m., Prime
  • Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings – 10 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Oklahoma City Thunder at LA Clippers – 10:30 p.m., NBA League Pass

Nov. 20

  • Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons – 7:30 p.m., Prime
  • Orlando Magic at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz – 9:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets – 10 p.m., Prime
  • Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Lakers – 10 p.m., NBA League Pass

Nov. 24

  • Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards – 8 p.m., NBC
  • Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets – 10 p.m., NBC

Nov. 25

  • Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers – 5 p.m., ESPN
  • Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:30 p.m., ESPN
  • Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets – 8:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers – 10 p.m., ESPN
  • Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors – 10 p.m., NBA League Pass

Nov. 27

  • Miami Heat at New York Knicks – 7 p.m., Prime
  • Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Milwaukee Bucks at Detroit Pistons – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics – 8 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns – 9 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs – 9:30 p.m., Prime
  • Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz – 9:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Clippers – 9:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
  • Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers – 9:30 p.m., NBA League Pass

NBA Cup Groups

Western Conference

West Group A

  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Houston Rockets
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Utah Jazz

West Group B

  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • Oklahoma City Thunder

West Group C

  • Golden State Warriors
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs

Eastern Conference

East Group A

  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Orlando Magic
  • Toronto Raptors

East Group B

  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Miami Heat
  • New York Knicks
  • Philadelphia 76ers

East Group C

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Washington Wizards

NBA Cup Champions

  • 2025-26 - New York Knicks; MVP: Jalen Brunson, New York
  • 2024-25 -  Milwaukee Bucks; MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee
  • 2023-24 - Los Angeles Lakers; MVP: LeBron James, Los Angeles

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does 2026 NBA Cup start? League unveils full tournament schedule

NBA MLK Day, President's Day slate of games on NBC features LaMelo Ball returning to Charlotte, much more

Schedules have dropped for some of the NBA's flagship days — a blockbuster Opening Day triple-header on NBC and Peacock, a five-game showcase of the NBA’s best on Christmas Day — and now we have even more news.

We also have the schedule for the four games on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and four more on Presidents Day in February — which will include one of the most anticipated games of the year: LaMelo Ball's return to Charlotte. All of these games will be available on NBC and/or Peacock.

Here is the full broadcast schedule for those days.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It's one of the most meaningful days on the NBA calendar, one where players are quick to talk about how proud they are to be taking the court — and there are some must-watch matchups that day.

The four games on Jan. 18, 2027 are:

• Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers (12 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren lifted the Pistons to the No. 1 seed last season, but they were bounced in the second round of the playoffs by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers. Detroit wants to take the next step forward this season, and this is a good measuring stick.

• Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Atlanta traditionally hosts a game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — it is the city where the civil rights leader was born, raised and started his ministry. To celebrate him, what should be an improved Hawks team this season will be put to the test as they host LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers.

• Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks (5 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). The athletic, high-flying backcourt of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball travels to Madison Square Garden to take on Jalen Brunson and the defending champion New York Knicks in what should be a highly entertaining showdown.

• Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies (7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock). Memphis also traditionally hosts a game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is the city where he supported striking Black sanitation workers in 1968, and also where he was assassinated. The Grizzlies feature potential Rookie of the Year Carlos Boozer and company hosting Kevin Durant and the Rockets.=

President’s Day

There is a much anticipated slate of games on Presidents' Day, Feb. 15, 2027, including one everyone will have circled on the calendar. The games are:

• Minnesota Timberwolves at Charlotte Hornets (12 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). LaMelo Ball returns to Charlotte, the only team he had known in the NBA until this summer, and a place where he was a fan favorite. Ball will feel the love from the Hornets fans (he did not ask out), but will that propel him to a win? Ball returns with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and a Timberwolves team looking to get back to the top of the Western Conference. Charlotte flipped this offseason to a team based around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.

• Philadelphia 76ers at Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). LeBron James faces his former teammate Kyrie Irving as the new-look 76ers head to Dallas to take on Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks. While LeBron vs. Irving grabs the headlines, on the court, Tyrese Maxey vs. Irving will be the matchup to watch.

• San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat (5 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Victor Wembanyama vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo. A showdown of two of the best players in the league, although how Bam Adebayo and the rest of the Heat front line deal with Wemby may determine the game.

• Indiana Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors (7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock). Fans entering the season may be sleeping on a Pacers team that, with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton back at the point, could be better than the team that reached the NBA Finals two years ago. This is Haliburton's one trip to the Bay Area this season to face Stephen Curry and company.

Ben Simmons showed off improved shooting in NBA comeback run, and this time it’s definitely real

Ben Simmons is trying to make an NBA comeback at 30 years old after injuries kept him out of the league last season. The forward is training with the Australian national men’s basketball team in private runs this week with the hope of making the 2028 Olympic roster, and as videos from those sessions start to circulate, it’s time for one of modern basketball’s greatest late offseason traditions.

It feels like every offseason features videos of Simmons showing off an improved outside shooting stroke. This of course never actually holds when the games matter, as Simmons has made just five three-pointers in 383 career NBA games. I was worried that we’d never get another mid-August video of Simmons stroking jumpers in a pickup run again after his career stalled out last year, but I was wrong! Watch a shirtless Simmons connect from deep in the video below:

Simmons has legitimately never recovered from refusing to take an open dunk during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons was named an All-Star for the third consecutive season that year, but his body started to break down after repeated back and nerve injuries, and he’s never been able to rediscover his best level.

Videos of Simmons ripping jumpers in pickup runs have been circulating for a decade. Here’s a video from July 2019:

Here’s Simmons ripping jumpers in offseason training sessions from 2021:

Fans clown Simmons for his broken jumper, but he was still a special talent at his peak. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons was 2018 Rookie of the Year, earned two First-Team All-Defense nods, one All-NBA team, and three All-Star bids during his short prime. He was an elite defensive forward with incredible passing ability who could score in the open floor as well as any player in the league. His athleticism waned as the injuries piled up, and eventually he started to play scared offensively because he didn’t want to go to the free throw line. Still, Simmons ranks No. 2 in BPM and No. 4 in win shares per 48 minutes from the 2016 draft class to this day.

I wouldn’t count out a Simmons comeback. He could make sense on a team like the Boston Celtics that can surround him with shooters, using him as a passing hub, and unleash him on defense. While videos of made jumpers in an empty gym will always go viral for Simmons, the big question for his potential comeback is if he can get healthy enough to defend at a high level again.

Lots has changed in the NBA over the last decade, but Ben Simmons is still going viral for making threes in pickup runs. It’s kind of beautiful if you think about it.

10 most expensive pro sports franchise sales: Lakers top list

The Los Angeles Lakers' proposed sale for more than $12 billion would set a record for a North American sports team. But it would only be the latest example of the rapid increases in the value of pro franchises.

As leagues have become more welcoming to large ownership groups and venture capital firms joining their ranks, the dollar figures have skyrocketed.

In Forbes' latest ranking of the 50 most valuable sports franchises, the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL topped the list − worth an astounding $13 billion. The Lakers, second among NBA teams to the Golden State Warriors, ranked fifth at $10 billion.

Most expensive sports teams

In terms of their most recent sale prices, here are the most expensive professional teams among the four major North American pro sports. The Lakers, at their proposed sale price of more than $12 billion, would go to the top of this list:

(Note: The Seattle Seahawks announced last month that a group led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla will purchase the team for $9.6 billion. That sale still must be approved by the NFL.)

  1. $10 billion, Los Angeles Lakers. (To Mark Walter in 2025)
  2. $6.1 billion, Boston Celtics. (To BIll Chisholm in 2025)
  3. $6.05 billion,Washington Commanders. (To Josh Harris in 2023)
  4. $4.65 billion, Denver Broncos. (To Walton-Penner family in 2022)
  5. $4.25 billion, Portland Trail Blazers (To Tom Dundon in 2026)
  6. $4 billion, Phoenix Suns/Mercury. (To Mat Ishbia in 2022)
  7. $3.5 billion, Dallas Mavericks. (To Adelson, Dumont families in 2023)
  8. $3 billion, Charlotte Hornets. (To Gabe Plotkin, Rich Schnall in 2023)
  9. $2.475 billion, New York Mets. (To Steve Cohen in 2020)
  10. $2.35 billion, Brooklyn Nets. (To Joe Tsai in 2019)\

Mark Walter, here celebrating the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series victory with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, purchased the L.A. Lakers last year for $10 billion.

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 most expensive pro sports franchise sales: Lakers top list

Ex-Disney head Bob Iger partners with Josh Kushner to buy Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $12.5 billion

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (left) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner (right) are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion  (Getty)

Billionaire Mark Walter is reportedly selling the Los Angeles Lakers to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner for a record-breaking $12.5 billion.

"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss," Kushner and Iger told ESPN in a statement Wednesday. "Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

The pair had been involved in the NBA’s expansion process in Las Vegas before unexpectedly shifting their focus to the Lakers and making an aggressive offer to buy the team, sources told ESPN.

The shocking sale comes just one year after Walter, the CEO and chairman of diversified holding company TWG Global, acquired a controlling stake in the Lakers from the Buss family for an estimated $10 billion valuation, setting a record at the time.

“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,” Walter, who purchased the franchise just last year, said in a statement to ESPN. “I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (pictured) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (pictured) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. His brother is Jared Kushner (Getty Images)
Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. His brother is Jared Kushner (Getty Images)

Walter, 66, has investments across several professional sports teams. Through TWG Global, he has ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Premier League soccer club Chelsea and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. He also owns several auto racing teams through TWG Motorsports, including Cadillac’s Formula 1 team.

The reported deal involves only Walter’s ownership of the Lakers, according to ESPN.

Walter built his fortune in the insurance industry and is also facing federal investigations into alleged tax fraud at other companies he runs.

Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. In April, Thrive Eternal, a permanent investment vehicle from Thrive Capital, acquired a minority, non-controlling stake in the San Francisco Giants.

The deal would be the highest paid for an American sports franchise (Getty Images)
The deal would be the highest paid for an American sports franchise (Getty Images)

He is also the younger brother of Jared Kushner, a former adviser to President Donald Trump who is married to Ivanka Trump. Josh Kushner is married to supermodel Karlie Kloss.

Iger, 75, meanwhile, recently ended his second stint as Disney CEO, handing the role to Josh D’Amaro in March. Iger also has experience in professional sports ownership, as he and his wife, Willow Bay, became controlling owners of the National Women's Soccer League club Angel City FC in July 2024.

Iger and Kushner would take over the Lakers as the franchise enters the post-LeBron James era.

James left in July for the Philadelphia 76ers after eight seasons in LA and one NBA title, leaving Luka Doncic as the team’s new centerpiece. The Lakers have also added big man Walker Kessler and re-signed guard Austin Reaves.

GM Mike Dunleavy says Warriors can compete with any team if healthy

The Golden State Warriors still believe they can compete with any team the league, but one thing stands in their way: their health.

Injuries have been a frequent opponent in recent years, and last season was no exception: Season-ending injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Stephen Curry missed a chunk of time just before and after the All-Star break.

Health is everything for the Warriors, who are running it back – along with the addition of 2026 draft picks Yaxel Lendeborg and LaJae Jones.

General manager Mike Dunleavy said in an Aug. 11 virtual call with media members there were "a myriad of reasons" why the roster returns familiar faces and expressed confidence for next season.

"I think in terms of coming back this year with a similar group, I think the two areas I discussed were obviously the injuries, which you can control some, (some) you can't," Dunleavy said. "Then some internal improvement stuff which we we need to be better. We need to be better taking care of the basketball. We need to be better executing. We need some better game plan stuff. So I think we looked at it in terms of how do we put the best, most talented roster out there, and it ended up being bringing back a lot of the guys that that we believe in, (that) we like, and we just need them to be healthy."

For what it's worth, Dunleavy was high on the last year's team, which finished with a 37-45 record before the Warriors' season ended in the play-In tournament.

"We did believe in the roster going to the season," he said. "Then (if) you told me at the beginning of the season we were going to add (Kristaps) Porzingis (in February) to that group, and the year before we went to the, you know, Western Conference semifinals and our best player was hurt for four of the games? We felt really good about the team."

After missing out this offseason on big swings for LeBron James or Jaylen Brown, Dunleavy concluded he didn't want to disrupt the team's continuity.

"I wanted to be careful about just switching things up to switch things up, and then you end up with maybe lesser players, not as good of a team, not as good of potential, and that's, I think, that's where you can go wrong," he said.

Golden State Warriors championship expectations

The Warriors' expectation are to reach the playoffs, and even make a deep run. There's not a team in the league they feel they can't matchup against.

"I think from our standpoint going into the year, I think you go down and ask every coach and player on the team. I mean, we fully expect to be in the playoffs. I mean, that would be an expectation and a goal," Dunleavy said. "I think we feel like if we get in the playoffs, we would be a tough out. We would be a tough out with Steve (Kerr) coaching, Steph, Draymond (Green), Jimmy, or the team we have, and whatever we can do. It's hard for me to say exactly what our team will be come come April, but you know, if we have our cornerstone pieces are healthy, and Steve Kerr is our coach, our goal is to get into the playoffs and see what happens."

Kerr once used the phrase "fading dynasty" to describe the state of the Warriors. Aging, yes. But franchise won four NBA titles in an eight-year span with those "cornerstone pieces" – Curry and Green, coached by Kerr.

Their presence alone gives Dunleavy, the team and their fans hope that they're not done yet. Dunleavy denounces the doubters. He sees a path back to top of the mountain.

"I see a path because you have Steph Curry, Steve Kerr is a proven championship coach. We've got really good players. We need to get healthy. We need to stay healthy, and then we need to evaluate and see where we're at and if we need to get better. I know we can get better. So there's a path. It may not be clear to a lot of people, but there's a path," he said.

Warriors road to getting healthy

The first step on that path is getting everyone back. The Warriors open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21. They will make their 14th consecutive Christmas Day appearance when they host the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Dec. 25.

Dunleavy expects to open the season without Butler and Moody as they return from season-ending injuries they sustained last campaign.

Dunleavy said there is no timeline for their return but they are doing well in rehabbing from their injuries.

"Yeah, guys are in a good spot with the rehabs. They're doing well," he said. "We haven't even gotten to the point of kind of readiness, availability, when they may be back. We just know, like night one, Oct. 21 against the Lakers, those guys won't be available. And they won't be available in the in the near term after that. So we're prepared for it, and we look forward to getting them back when we can. But we haven't even nailed down a timeline yet."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: GM Mike Dunleavy says Warriors can compete with any team if healthy

LA Lakers to be sold in record $12.5bn deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are to be sold for a reported record-breaking $12.5bn (£9.3bn) - less than a year after Mark Walter took a majority stake in the NBA franchise.

Josh Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger are buying the controlling interest in one of the world's most iconic sports teams.

Walter bought his share, reportedly worth an estimated $10bn (£7.45bn), from the Buss family in a deal that was unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors in October 2025.

Kushner and Iger said in a statement: "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world.

"We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss.

"Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

More to follow.

Is Josh Kushner related to Jared Kushner? What to know about new Lakers owner

The Los Angeles Lakers will embark on a new era of ownership under Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, marking a shift for one of the league's most iconic franchises.

Josh Kushner’s last name might sound familiar due to his familial connections. He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

Although Josh is the son of prominent real estate developer Charles Kushner, he chose to forge his own path outside the family’s real estate empire. Instead, he has focused on innovative ventures in technology and healthcare.

Kushner is the founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a technology-focused venture capital firm he launched in 2009. Thrive Capital has been an influential investment firm, backing high-profile startups such as Instagram, Spotify and Slack, among others.

In addition to his achievements in venture capital, Kushner co-founded and currently serves as vice chairman of Oscar Health, a technology-driven health insurance company. The company primarily offers individual and family health plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Josh’s brother, Jared Kushner, is known for his roles in both politics and business. He is part of Trump’s administration as a senior advisor and is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Josh Kushner related to Jared Kushner? What to know about new Lakers owner

Former Sabres Still Unsigned Free Agents – James Reimer

 As the National Hockey League enters the second month of free agency, a number of former Buffalo Sabres still remain unsigned. At this point of the offseason, players who have not latched on with an NHL club might consider playing in Europe, or taking a short-term deal or professional tryout to earn a one-year deal. 

It appeared at the beginning of last season that Reimer’s long career had come to an end. He was brought in late in the preseason by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the club that drafted him in 2006, as a possible stop-gap backup to Anthony Stolarz with Joseph Woll on a leave of absence from the club. That possibility lasted one period in the exhibition finale against Detroit, after which he was let go. 

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The 38-year-old has played for eight NHL clubs (Toronto, San Jose twice, Florida, Detroit, Carolina, Anaheim, Ottawa, and Buffalo). He was signed by the Sabres in 2024 as a third goalie behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, but when the Sabres tried to sneak him down to the AHL, he was claimed by the Ducks to fill in while John Gibson was injured. 

Buffalo reclaimed Reimer when Gibson returned and sent Levi to Rochester. He was dependable as a backup to UPL, playing 22 games for the Sabres, most of his work at the end of the season when Lindy Ruff was not pleased with Luukkonen’s consistency. Last season, he was signed by the Sens in January to backup Linus Ullmark with youngster Leevi Merilainen struggling. 

The Sens went 7-4-2 in his 13 starts, which helped Ottawa get into the playoffs.    

Outlook: Reimer has not announced his retirement, and like last season, he may be waiting until training camps open to get signed to a PTO in hopes of latching on for one more campaign. There are enough clubs out there looking for an adequate #2 or #3 between the pipes, so there is a chance that we could see Reimer again. 

 

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Spurs draw winnable group as Emirates NBA Cup schedule announced

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs posts up against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on February 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s day two of the NBA’s schedule drop for the 2026-27 season (why is this necessary?), with the Emirates NBA Cup groups being announced today. The Spurs wound up in Group C, along with the Lakers, Warriors, Kings and Trail Blazers. After seemingly always ending up in the “Group of Death” in past years, this is a relatively friendly one that the Spurs should be favored to advance out of.

As a reminder, each team will play each other once during the regular season between October 30 and November 27, and the winners of each group will advance, along with a wildcard team from each conference. As always, the quarterfinals and semifinals count as regular season games, while the final does not count in any way other than towards the 65-game rule. (Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama thanks you!) The 22 non-qualifying teams play two standard regular-season games during the knockout rounds to fulfill the 82-game schedule, and losers of the quarterfinals play one regular season game.

A new change this season is like the quarterfinals, the semifinals will be hosted by the higher-seeded team, while the Final will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 11. In the past, the semifinals and final were held in Las Vegas, but relatively low attendance due to short turnaround notice for fans to travel played a role in moving the event back to home arenas.

Last year was the first time the Spurs won their group and advanced, and they surprisingly beat the Lakers in Los Angeles in the quarterfinals without Victor Wembanyama to advance to Vegas. Wemby then returned from his 12-game absence due to a calf strain but played limited minutes off the bench as the Spurs got their first of what would become three surprising beatdowns of the Thunder across 12 days before falling to the Knicks in the final: a surprising precursor to what would come in the playoffs. (This was also the first time the Cup winner went on to win the NBA Championship.)

Below is the Spurs’ Cup schedule. You can also click here to get more information about the Cup itself. Are you starting to like this event now that the Spurs are more competitive?

Group Play

  • Friday Nov. 6 — at Sacramento Kings, 9:00 PM CT (broadcast TBD)
  • Friday Nov. 13 — vs. Golden State Warriors, 8:30 PM CT on Prime
  • Wednesday Nov. 25 — at Portland Trail Blazers, 9:00 PM CT on ESPN
  • Friday Nov. 27 — vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30 PM CT on Prime

Knockout Rounds

  • Quarterfinals — Friday Dec. 4 and Saturday Dec. 5, hosted by higher seeded teams.
  • SemifinalsTuesday Dec. 8 and/or Wednesday Dec. 9, hosted by higher seeded teams (I’m guessing the uncertainty of date is due to not knowing the teams and locations, and if a double-header is feasible or not).
  • Final — Friday, Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
  • Regular season games for the disqualified teams will take place on the other days during this time frame.

The NBA will release all 30 teams’ complete regular season schedule tomorrow at 2:00 PM CT.

Former Penguins Prospect Signs In The KHL

A former Pittsburgh Penguins prospect is heading to the KHL.

The Shanghai Dragons have signed former Penguins prospect defenseman Calen Addison to a one-year contract.

Addison was selected by the Penguins in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, 53rd overall. He was once considered one of the Penguins' top prospects, but he never ended up playing a game for Pittsburgh. This is because the Penguins traded Addison to the Minnesota Wild in February 2020 as part of the the trade that brought forward Jason Zucker to Pittsburgh. 

Addison played in three games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2018-19, however, where he posted two assists. 

After being traded by the Penguins, Addison played four NHL seasons from 2020-21 to 2023-24. In 152 career NHL games over that span, he posted six goals, 44 assists, 50 points, and 96 penalty minutes. His best season in the NHL was in 2022-23, as he set career highs with three goals, 26 assists, and 29 points in 62 games. 

Before signing this new deal with Shanghai, Addison spent each of the last two seasons exclusively at the AHL level. In 65 games last season with the Utica Comets, he recorded six goals and 31 points.

Coachella Valley Firebirds Sign Defenseman Gustav Olofsson

The Coachella Firebirds, the American Hockey League (AHL) Seattle Kraken affiliate, announced on July 29th that the team had signed defenseman Gustav Olofsson. ​

Olofsson appeared in 48 games last season for the Firebirds, recording four goals and 28 assists.

​The defenseman was drafted 46th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild. he has appeared in 63 NHL Games with three teams: the Minnesota Wild, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Seattle Kraken.

​Firebirds General Manager Troy Bodie spoke about the signing. ​

“Gustav has been a part of this organization since day one, and that says a lot about the person and player he is,” said Bodie. “His leadership, professionalism, and consistency have helped establish the culture we’ve built in Coachella Valley. Gustav brings valuable NHL experience and continues to set an outstanding example for our younger players. We’re excited to have him back for another season.” ​

Olofsson joined the Firebirds in the 2022-23 season and is entering his fifth season with the team. ​He has appeared in 414 AHL regular-season games and 69 Calder Cup Playoff games.

​The Firebirds signed Olofsson to a one-year AHL contract. The 2026-27 season will kick off on October 2.  

Visit The Hockey News Seattle Kraken team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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