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Kevon Looney hilariously recalls favorite memory from Warriors' 2022 title run

Kevon Looney hilariously recalls favorite memory from Warriors' 2022 title run originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Kevon Looney experienced a lot during his 10-year Warriors career, but one memory, in particular, will stick with him the rest of his life.

The longtime Golden State center, who reportedly agreed to sign a two-year, $16 million free-agent contact with the New Orleans Pelicans, penned a heartwarming letter to the Warriors and Dub Nation in a Players’ Tribune article posted on Sunday.

In his letter, Looney discussed his role during the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship run and why he is most proud of his accomplishments that season.

“On the court, though, when it’s all said and done, I’m pretty sure that 2022 title run will be the season I’ll remember the most from my NBA career,” Looney wrote. “Playing all 82 games. No nights off. Eighty starts. And now I’m doing it as one of the guys we really depended on. 

“Most people … I’m pretty sure what they’re gonna remember about me from that playoff run is all the rebounds. Game 6 in Memphis, 22 boards or whatever. Another 18 to close out the [Mavericks] in the conference finals. Just keeping plays alive whenever I could. Scrapping and grinding to get us an extra shot every possession. That’s probably my legacy from 2022.”

In Golden State’s Western Conference finals series against Dallas that year, Looney averaged 10.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on 70.6-percent shooting from the field in five games, including a monstrous 21-point, 12-rebound performance in the Warriors’ 126-117 Game 2 win over the Mavericks.

Looney’s performance was so electrifying, that he even received “MVP” chants from the Chase Center crowd, which he recalled fondly in his Players’ Tribune article:

But, I’m not gonna lie, you know what I’ll remember most?

Game 2 against Dallas, at home in Chase Center. Third quarter. I’m at the line shooting free throws, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, down from the rafters, here it comes….

As that’s happening, no lie, I’m basically like … I’m confused.

I’d heard MVP chants from crowds a ton over the years. For Steph [Curry], or Klay [Thompson], or [Kevin Durant], for a lot of different players. I’ve always had real MVP-type guys on my team. So I knew what I was hearing immediately. But I didn’t understand why the crowd was yelling it.

In my head I’m like: Is Steph about to check into the game? What’s going on?I definitely didn’t think it was for me. Like, seriously, that’s the kind of thing I dreamed of as a kid. It couldn’t be for me. But….

It was!

And when I realized it? I mean … that was an incredible moment right there. I’d gotten LOOOOOON chants before, which I absolutely loved. But MVP? For me? Come on now. 

That’s a moment I’ll never forget as long as I live. 

Thank God I sank the free throw, right?

Curry ultimately won Western Conference finals MVP that year. Because, of course. However, there certainly was an argument to be made that Looney was, at least, one of the three most-deserving players in that series.

He would have to settle for just another championship ring. His third with the Warriors.

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Watch 76ers' VJ Edgecombe put on a show in his Summer League debut with 28 points

NBA: Draft

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; VJ Edgecombe arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

This is why the majority of teams had VJ Edgecombe third on their draft boards, and why Philadelphia took him at No. 3.

Edgecombe put on a show in his Summer League debut, scoring 28 points, showing his explosiveness (particularly in transition), the fluidity of his game, his pull-up jumper, his playmaking, and he played good defense (for Summer League). Edgecombe's game is well-suited for the glorified pick-up game that is Summer League, and he showcased his skills.

Edgecombe outdueled the Utah Jazz's No. 5 pick Ace Bailey, who scored 8 points in 3-of-13 shooting. Bailey struggled when he had to create his own shot, but that's not a surprise, given that it was known he had to work on his handle, and he's not the athlete Edgecombe is to create space. However, Bailey looked good working off the ball, something Jazz coach Will Hardy could take advantage of during the season.

What matters most, especially for Bailey, is not this game, but how much he improves. Does he look better by Game 3 of Summer League? Is he learning?

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Lakers lose to Warriors in California Classic opener as Bronny James sits out

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Cole Swider #41 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Blake Hinson #2 of the Golden State Warrior during the second half in the California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 05, 2025 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)
Lakers forward Cole Swider goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Golden State's Blake Hinson, left, during the second half Saturday in San Francisco. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

The Lakers dropped their first game of the California Classic at Chase Center to the Golden State Warriors 89-84 on Saturday after leading by double digits in the first half.

The Lakers struggled defensively in the second half, giving up 30 points in the third quarter, when they trailed for the first time.

Bronny James traveled with the team but did not suit up.

Darius Bazley was the Lakers' only constant on defense, switching on the perimeter while contesting shots at the rim. Perimeter defense was a clear struggle for L.A., forcing late challenges by bigs leading to 25 free throws.

Read more:Bronny James, Dalton Knecht ready for second summer with Lakers

Cole Swider was a bright spot all game for the Lakers, using his ability to shoot from deep to tally a game-high 24 points on seven-for-10 shooting, including, six of eight from three. Swider, entering his fifth year in the NBA, played seven games for the Lakers his rookie season.

DJ Steward also stood out, scoring 20 points on seven-for-10 shooting. Steward’s ability to get to the rim and draw fouls allowed for catch-and-shoot threes for teammates.

“This is a good opportunity to be myself," Steward said. "There’s a lot of things [the coaching staff] wants me to hone in on, controlling the controllables, picking up 94 feet, communicating, and getting guys involved.”

In his fifth summer league appearance, Steward was the game's second-leading scorer and assist co-leader with six.

Read more:Lakers announce Summer League roster, schedule

Steward said he will push for a win when the Lakers play their next game on Sunday.

“We got to get the guys together to go out there and play harder than we did today," Steward said. "We have to make sure we're picking up 94 feet and being more physical.”

The Lakers' first round draft pick last season, Dalton Knecht, looked a bit rusty scoring only 10 points on three-for-13 shooting, missing all six shots from deep. Knecht is coming off a season for the Lakers where he averaged 9.1 points on 46.1 % shooting in 78 games.

“It took a while for me to get going; I didn’t get going at all,” Knecht said reflecting on his performance. “I just have to come out ready to play better tomorrow and shake off the rust. My teammates were great, they came out competing, picking up full court, rebounding and crashing the glass, so I’m proud of my team.”

The California Classic will continue tomorrow when the Lakers take on the Miami Heat. Tip off will be at 1:30 p.m.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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3 observations after Edgecombe scores 28 in Sixers' summer league opener

3 observations after Edgecombe scores 28 in Sixers' summer league opener  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

VJ Edgecombe was ready to roll for his summer league debut.

The No. 3 overall pick was outstanding Saturday night in the Sixers’ opening game at the Salt Lake City summer league, a 93-89 loss to the Jazz.

He posted 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. 

Kyle Filipowski led Utah with 22 points. No. 5 pick Ace Bailey had seven points on 3-for-13 shooting and seven rebounds. 

Sixers rookie two-way contract player Hunter Sallis sat with a sprained ankle and is day to day, according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones.

The summer Sixers will face the Thunder on Monday night. Here are observations on their opener: 

Broome-Bona frontcourt 

Adem Bona threw home the night’s first hoop with an emphatic dunk out of the pick-and-roll. Next time down, rookie Johni Broome sunk a pick-and-pop three-pointer assisted by Edgecombe. 

Both Broome and Bona were looking forward to playing in a double-big lineup. 

“He’s a great teammate,” Broome said Wednesday of Bona at the Sixers’ summer league minicamp. “He talks, he leads by example, he’s a willing worker. He’s going to put the extra work in. Super athletic, super bouncy. It’s going to be really fun to play with him.”

The Sixers later used Broome at center with Bona on the bench. 

Broome’s lack of vertical pop was evident on a few occasions. Adama Sanogo swatted one of his layups. However, the 22-year-old showed his physical strength and knowhow inside. Broome recognized his chances to get deep catches and score on smaller players, tallied three offensive rebounds and drew five free throws (3 for 5). He finished with 13 points in 24 minutes.

Bona played with his typical energy and explosiveness in a 16-point, eight-rebound outing.

Edgecombe dangerous in transition 

The Sixers’ starting five was Jalen Hood-Schifino, Edgecombe, Justin Edwards, Broome and Bona.

Hood-Schifino served as the starting point guard and Edgecombe received plenty of on-ball reps in the second half. Just about every perimeter player brought the ball up at times in the Sixers’ transition-heavy offense. 

Edgecombe thrived in the open floor. He scored his first basket on a tricky scoop shot that evaded Jazz big man Filipowski. The Baylor product added another fast-break highlight in the second quarter when he grabbed a defensive rebound and then glided past everyone on his way to a coast-to-coast slam. 

Though he didn’t have a good long-distance shooting night (1 for 7 from three-point range), Edgecombe swished a fluid baseline pull-up jumper late in the first quarter and generally appeared quite comfortable in the mid-range. He had no hesitation about firing up open shots both off the catch and off the dribble. 

Edgecombe’s work on the boards was also a bright spot. He displayed the traits that made him a strong guard rebounder in college and, thanks largely to hustle and athleticism, wound up leading the Sixers in that category. 

Sixers’ effort not an issue

The Sixers struggled to run productive half-court offense and shot 4 for 22 beyond the arc. Edwards began 2 for 10 from the floor. Mark Armstrong went 0 for 7.

Despite those shooting woes, the Sixers scrapped back into the game late in the third quarter. Backup point guard Judah Mintz played some pesky defense and was the Sixers’ best bench player. Edgecombe dished to Bona for a dunk that tied the contest up at 66-all early in the fourth. 

While effort level tends to understandably fluctuate at summer league, Edgecombe’s approach sure wasn’t casual. Seconds after a chase-down block on former Sixers first-round pick Jaden Springer, Edgecombe converted an and-one layup.

Utah’s execution was ultimately a bit better down the stretch.

Edwards stepped on the sideline with 12.9 seconds left, Edgecombe missed a tightly contested, game-tying jumper attempt, and the Jazz notched a home win.

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Rockets agree to trade Cam Whitmore to Wizards for two second-round picks

Cam Whitmore is going to get his chance.

Whitmore was frustrated in Houston with his lack of minutes. Part of that was that Whitmore was stuck in a logjam at the forward spot in Houston, and the addition this offseason of Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith was not going to help matters. Some around the league also said he struggled to break through because Ime Udoka was frustrated with Whitmore's levels of effort and team play. It was time for both sides to move on.

The Wizards are willing to give him a chance. That's why Houston has agreed to trade Whitmore to Washington in exchange for two second-round picks, a trade first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic and subsequently confirmed by other sources.

Whitmore, who turns 21 on July 8, is a very athletic 6'7" forward who can play the three or the four, and that athleticism would lead to some big nights and jaw-dropping highlights.

However, the Rockets were a defense-first team, and Whitmore's efforts on that end, along with his willingness to play team-first basketball, led Ime Udoka to limit his minutes.

The runway is open in Washington, but Whitmore has to prove himself. He fell to 20th in the 2023 draft, and now, after two seasons, the team that took him is ready to move on. The Wizards are trying to build a culture, a defense-first mindset and use his switchability on that end. The effort needs to be there every night. Whitmore will get his chance but he's going to have to earn it.

For the Wizards, this is a good roll of the dice for a very low price.

For the Rockets, this is about the money — Houston is hard-capped at the first luxury tax apron (due to the Finney-Smith signing) and getting off Whitmore's $3.5 million gets it below that line. The Rockets have one more roster spot to fill but can do so with a veteran minimum contract.

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Jackson Rowe fuels Warriors' summer league win in absence of 2025 draft picks

Jackson Rowe fuels Warriors' summer league win in absence of 2025 draft picks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors fans will have to wait to watch the team’s two picks from last month’s NBA draft in action for the first time. 

Alex Toohey and Will Richard did not play in Saturday’s California Classic summer league game at Chase Center against the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, they couldn’t. 

The Warriors went into the second round of the draft with one pick at No. 41 overall. Before the round even began, they traded the pick to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 52 and No. 59 overall picks. Toohey was taken at No. 52, but the Warriors weren’t done wheeling and dealing. They then moved up from No. 59 to No. 56 in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to select Richard. 

Neither trade has been made official, which is why Toohey and Richard couldn’t suit up Saturday, NBC Sports Bay Area was told. Sunday at 9 a.m. PT marks the first day of the new league year. The hope is that Toohey and Richard can play Sunday, if the trade is made official before the Warriors’ 3:30 p.m. PT tipoff against the San Antonio Spurs. 

In their absence, the Warriors started off slow and sloppy but came out roaring in the second half under Lainn Wilson in his head coaching debut to beat the Lakers, 89-84. 

“Our intensity level as a team really raised up after halftime,” Wilson said. “Their pressure, I think, threw us off a little bit in that first period. We struggled to make some open shots, but they did a really good job of speeding us up. They were a really physical team, so our guys after halftime really took it up a notch with their intensity as well and kind of exceeding that and broke the game open.” 

The Warriors trailed 19-11 after the first quarter as the Lakers pressured them all over the court. Slowly but surely, adjustments were made. Upping the ante themselves, the Warriors outscored the Lakers 28-24 in the second quarter to go into halftime down 43-39. 

At the half, the Lakers were whistled for 14 fouls while the Warriors totaled nine. The way the Lakers were hounding the Warriors defensively, however, led to eight turnovers – five in the first quarter and three in the second. 

Wilson’s halftime message was to not back down and use spacing to their advantage. Message received. 

“I think we were getting used to the 10-foul rule,” Jackson Rowe said. “Everybody kind of didn’t want to get fouled, and then we realized we got 10 to give.” 

Summer league rules are different from standard NBA rules, including how many fouls a player can have and remain in the game. Instead of fouling out at six fouls, players are can hack away until they’re called for 10 fouls, resulting in a different product much of the time. 

After adjusting to the style of play, the Warriors needed only one minute in the third quarter to regain their first lead since it was 2-0 in their favor. The Warriors outscored the Lakers 30-17 in the third quarter and held on in the fourth to come out with a win. Rowe was a major reason why. 

As the most experienced player on the Warriors’ summer league roster, Rowe is taking on a leadership role and put the team on his back down the stretch. He led the Warriors in points (13), rebounds (eight) and blocked shots (two), also adding two assists and two steals as a game-high plus-13. Rowe scored nine points in the second half, including six in the fourth quarter. 

He proved to be a big-time scorer in the G League last season for the Santa Cruz Warriors, twice scoring at least 30 points, and exceeding 20 points seven times. It was the other side of the ball he was most proud of Saturday. 

“My favorite plays were the defensive plays,” Rowe said. “Getting some blocks and trying to change the momentum of the game.” 

The Warriors signed Rowe, 28, to a two-way contract on Jan. 28. He remains two-way eligible this season, and is well aware his calling card isn’t going to be trying to take over offensively. Rowe says he has gained 15 pounds of muscle already this offseason with an emphasis on getting his body right to be relied on more defensively as someone who can do all the dirty work for Golden State. 

Like Juan Toscano-Anderson years ago, Rowe’s journey with the Warriors began at a tryout. Rowe even admitted he never expected to be in the position he is today. The Warriors saw his talent, and as his game has grown, so has his mindset. 

“If you want to make the NBA, oftentimes you’re not going to be the guy taking 30 shots a game,” Rowe explained. “You’re going to be the guy getting rebounds, playing defense and helping those main guys score. If you just watch what I’m doing, I think it’s a good example of how you can play in the NBA, or at least get as close as possible.” 

After earning his two-way contract last season, Rowe played six games for the Warriors, seeing the floor for a total of 52 minutes. He tallied 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four steals in that span. Though he wasn’t on the active roster for the playoffs, he remained with the team and continued to absorb every ounce of knowledge. 

Now, he’s the one encouraging summer league teammates for boxing out strong, running the floor and making the extra pass. Of course he’d love to drop 30 like he’s in Santa Cruz. He’d love to start the season with at least one of the Warriors’ three two-way contracts even more. 

“You’re not going to replace Stephen Curry,” Rowe said. “It’s like, big surprise, you’re not going to fill that guy’s shoes ever. You gotta think, how can you impact the game in other ways? They’ve taught me how to do that.” 

Playing and leading like Rowe did to open his summer league campaign will earn him the right to have plenty of space for his own shoes inside the Warriors’ locker room next season.

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Lonzo Ball happy to be 'just playing, competing for a ring' in Cleveland

Lonzo Ball was traded from the mid-tier treadmill that is the Chicago Bulls to a title contender in the Cleveland Cavaliers — and he couldn't be happier about it.

More than anything, Ball is happy to be playing again after missing more than 1,000 days and having three knee surgeries. Add in the chance to play for a contender and it's something more, Ball said on the “What an Experience” podcast (hat tip Clutch Points).

"Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal, I feel like that is the goal," said Lonzo Ball. "So, happy to get over there and get started. To meet everybody, get familiar with everything, and take it as far as we can.

"I feel like it's just a blessing, bro. To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I'm like, s*** I'm happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring. My whole life, I feel like I've been playing the right brand of basketball, and that's to win games, so I feel like I'm going to a great situation and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help."

Ball's presence helps the Cavaliers make up for the loss of Ty Jerome in free agency (even though they are very different players). It also can mean more rest for point guard Darius Garland, whose turf toe injury seriously hampered the Cavs' postseason run.

The Cavaliers enter next season as the favorites in the East, coming off a 64-win season where injuries — and an outstanding, very hot Pacers team — ended their playoff run earlier than expected. However, with Boston's Jayson Tatum and Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton both out for most, if not all, of next season, the Cavaliers are going to be at or near the top of every team's preseason predictions for the East winner.

Lonzo Ball is going to be right in the middle of that.

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Nets announce 2025 Summer League roster

The Nets were extremely active during the 2025 NBA Draft, as they became the first team in league history to use all five of their first-round picks last month. And in a matter of days, the newest group of rookies will get its first taste of pro competition.

With annual Summer League action scheduled to tip-off late next week in Las Vegas, the Nets announced their roster for the showcase on Saturday. The 16-player roster will be headlined by guards Egor Dëmin (selected No. 8 overall) and Nolan Traore (No. 19 overall), and their three additional first-rounders -- forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf -- are making the trip as well.

The Nets are also sending a few non-rookies to the Vegas courts, as center Drew Timme, forward Tosan Evbuomwan, and guard Tyson Etienne are featured on the roster. All three players logged minutes for the Nets last season, and two are currently signed to two-way contracts.

Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel will lead the team for a second straight summer. They're slated to play at least four games, with their first coming next Thursday, July 10, against the reigning champion Thunder (5:30 p.m.). The Nets will also battle the Wizards on July 13, the crosstown rival Knicks on July 15, and the Magic on July 16.

The Nets' entire 2025 Summer League roster can be found below.

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Why Mike Brown is a smart hire for the Knicks

Earlier this week, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks selected head coach Mike Brown as the successor to Tom Thibodeau, who was relieved days after the team’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter century. Both the firing and hiring have drawn natural anxiety from the fanbase, given Thibodeau’s historically successful tenure at The Garden and Brown’s mixed resume.

But placing aside the benefit of the doubt that team president Leon Rose has earned, this was an objectively smart hire for the Knicks as they look to take the next step forward and win a championship.

Assuming that moving on from Thibodeau was completely necessary -- despite what the national talking heads spewed -- the Knicks ran a strong and competent search to seek out Brown. It was a multi-week process that began with, as comical as it may have seemed, the savvy move of trying to poach the NBA's best employed coaches. 

In the meantime, the Knicks interviewed multiple coaches from different levels for multiple rounds, eventually leading to Brown. And of all the available coaches, there’s an easy argument to make for Brown being the best of the bunch.

Brown has coached in the NBA for 28 years, assisting under names like Rick Carlisle, Gregg Popovich, and Steve Kerr. He was at the helm for LeBron James' first tenure with the Cavaliers. He had some spotty followups with the Steve Nash-Dwight Howard Lakers, and then a return go-around in Cleveland. He also won his second Coach of the Year award with the Kings in 2023-24 before being fired last winter.

Around the league, Brown is known for being a creative schemer and strong connector to his players. Given the franchises and rosters involved, there’s plenty of gray surrounding all four of his firings.

The Knicks interviewed some other recent head coaches in James Borrego and Taylor Jenkins, but they lack Brown’s experience. Other accomplished retreads like Terry Stotts, Mike Malone, and Mark Jackson were floated by the public, but they too have their respective flaws and concerns.

The Knicks could've gambled on an untried assistant, but given the stage, expectations, and starpower surrounding the team, it may have been too big of an ask. It’s certainly possible they missed out on the next Ime Udoka or Mark Daigneault, but it's equally understandable why they didn't test this route.

Sometimes the correct answer is the simplest one -- replace the coach you fired with the best replacement available. Even if one argues that Brown wasn’t the No. 1 option, he checks plenty of other boxes as well.

As much as Thibodeau’s results spoke for themselves, they clearly didn't meet the front office’s standards, and the processes behind them left much to be desired from management, the players, and fanbase.

Few in-season practices, late to adjust, failure to experiment with schemes, and the popular minutes concern are just a few of the key weaknesses of the Thibodeau-era that led to this moment.

Naturally, in seeking out his replacement, the Knicks wanted a coach that would address these specific flaws. Reports suggested that they wanted a more collaborative coach, both with management and assistants. One with a more dynamic approach to schemes that would look to utilize the full roster, rather than rely strictly on key players.

For the most part, the Knicks got their man. If one wants to contend that Thibodeau is the better overall coach, by all means. But Brown is a different one, and different just might be what this Knicks team needs.

Brown implements motion offenses that emphasizes player and ball movement, while his defenses have featured lots of aggressive and creative coverages to make up for weak defenders. We saw the latter work to the Knicks' advantage deep in the playoffs with surprising effectiveness, given they spent little time with these schemes during the season. 

Their offense never felt truly maximized, given the personnel and individual production levels, and the unit was at its poorest in the playoffs. Perhaps Brown’s less-sticky approach to schemes and rotations can untap that potential... or will it merely expose the roster as more flawed on that end than anticipated?

Ultimately, it’s easy to see why the Knicks find the upside here. Given the roster, is what they need an effort-maximizing coach that's set in his systems, or a malleable, more strategic coach that's still extremely player-first?

Obviously, in covering up these issues, Brown’s own unique deficiencies will come out and bring their own set of problems. We’ll see how they’re addressed throughout the season and how damaging they still are in the playoffs. But the front office is betting on the team climbing higher under Brown.

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Former NBA player Ben McLemore could guilty of rape, sexual assault at 2021 party

Former NBA player Ben McLemore was found guilty on July 3 of raping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman at a party in 2021, a verdict announced by Clackamas County in Oregon.

McLemore was convicted by a jury of Rape in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. He will be sentenced on July 9.

The incident happened at a party on Oct. 3, 2021, when McLemore was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers (his last stop in his nine-year NBA career). The victim had been drinking heavily and was "hammered unconscious drunk" that night, prosecutor Scott Healy told jurors. It was the most she had ever drank and she had vomited earlier in the evening, had difficulty walking and had slurred speech, Healy said.

The victim passed out on a large living room couch around 2 a.m., and at some point, McLemore started sleeping on the same couch. While the victim was "fading in and out" of consciousness, frightened and traumatized, McLemore began having sexual intercourse with her and sexually assaulted her.

Realizing what had happened, later that day the victim sought a specialized medical examination for victims of sexual assault.

"(McLemore) needs to be held accountable for what he did. You can't do that to somebody, let alone somebody that you don't know either. You don't do that to people and just be able to get away with it. I don't care who you are," the victim said during her trial testimony.

McLemore's attorneys had argued that the victim had initiated the sexual contact and that this was consensual. The jury disagreed.

"We recognize there are those who fear individuals with celebrity status or a position of prominence can avoid prosecution. Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender's community status," said District Attorney John Wentworth.

A star at Kansas in college, McLemore was the No. 7 pick of the Sacramento Kings in 2013 and played nine NBA seasons, the first four in Sacramento, then for the Grizzlies, Rockets and Lakers before joining the Timberwolves. He had been playing in Spain starting in the fall of 2022 and was arrested in 2024 by U.S. Marshals upon his return to the United States.

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What Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele can provide to Knicks' bench this season

The Knicks entered free agency with limited avenues to improve the roster. But even with meager resources, they made two deals on the margins to add offensive versatility to their lineup.

New York agreed to a deal with guard Jordan Clarkson on the first day, and Day 2 saw the club agree on a two-year, $12 million contract with Guerschon Yabusele with a player option in the final year. The Knicks now have more shot creation and can trot out lineups with more perimeter shooting that defenses have to respect.

The two free-agent additions add scoring punch and depth to what was a limited Knicks bench. Last season, they were dead last in bench points per game (21.7) and second-to-last in the category during the playoffs.

Clarkson’s never been an uber-efficient scorer, but he’s been a consistent shot creator over 11 NBA seasons. A former Sixth Man of the Year, Clarkson has never averaged fewer than 15.0 points in the last seven seasons, despite being a full-time starter in just one of those years.

Clarkson is comfortable with the ball in his hands. He shot 36 percent on 114 pull-up three-point attempts last season, per NBA Stats. As we saw during the playoffs, the Knicks lacked perimeter shot creation outside of Jalen Brunson. The 33-year-old Clarkson is capable of being a consistent pick-and-roll ball-handler that the Knicks can go to when Brunson sits.

He’s not a very good finisher at the rim -- shooting just 58.4 percent in the restricted area over the last two seasons, according to NBA Stats -- but Clarkson’s able to get into the paint, which could provide good returns for New York’s other players.

Clarkson has also improved as a passer. He’s not a natural point guard by any stretch, but he’s averaged 4.5 assists over the last three seasons after not having averaged more than 3.5 assists in any of his first eight seasons.

Shooting upgrade

Yabusele is essentially taking Precious Achiuwa’s place on the Knicks' roster. At 6-foot-8, Achiuwa was often too small to play center, but it was also difficult to play him as a power forward, as he shot just 27.8 percent on 36 three-point attempts last season.

Yabusele’s ability to stretch the floor is one of his standout skills. The fourth-year forward connected on 104 of 274 three-pointers (38 percent) with the 76ers last season. As a stretch four, Yabusele will allow the Knicks to have size in the frontcourt, while simultaneously being able to field five-out lineups with shooters at every position.

That would be useful for Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who both saw crowds of defenders in the paint. But Yabusele’s more than just a spot-up shooter -- the Frenchman shot 71 percent in the restricted area last year.

Despite carrying a 260-pound frame, Yabusele is like a freight train, attacking on drives. He also runs the floor very well. With a full head of steam, there are not many players willing to get in front of Yabusele.

Defense second

Adding both players will not improve New York’s defense. In Clarkson’s case, the defensive end will be a concern. Much like Brunson, teams will look to force him to switch on to their best offensive players. However, the Knicks have to live with Clarkson’s weaknesses at that price point.

Defense is not Yabusele’s best skill either. With 76ers centers Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond out for large portions of last season, Yabusele was forced to play more center than expected. With the Knicks, expect him to man the four position almost exclusively. That should mitigate Yabusele’s limitations as a rim protector or a lateral defender.

Neither of these signings broke the bank or were home runs, but it was important for the Knicks to find a way to add depth. For large chunks of the playoffs, they fully trusted only seven players in the rotation. Now, new head coach Mike Brown will have more options and versatility to mix and match different lineups throughout the regular season and playoffs.

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NBA rumors: Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors, other teams to meet in Las Vegas

NBA rumors: Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors, other teams to meet in Las Vegas originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The waiting game with Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors could extend into mid-July.

With no solution in the early hours of Day 5 of NBA free agency, Kuminga and the Warriors are planning to meet during the annual NBA Summer League showcase in Las Vegas if the situation remains unresolved by next week, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing league sources.

Kuminga, his agent Aaron Turner, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy and Warriors coach Steve Kerr are the ones scheduled to meet and discuss a possible path forward, Slater added, with Kuminga’s return to Golden State still “very much on the table.”

However, if a decision isn’t made by next week, Slater writes that Kuminga and his camp also plan to hold face-to-face meetings with other potential suitors in Las Vegas.

Thus far, various teams have shown some level of interest in the 22-year-old athletic forward, including the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and, a potentially new emerging suitor per Slater, the Washington Wizards.

Summer league action in Las Vegas begins next Thursday, July 10, at the Thomas & Mack Center & Pavilion.

Should the situation prolong another week, Kuminga and the Warriors’ highly anticipated decision could be made in Sin City.

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Bronny James, Dalton Knecht ready for second summer with Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 8, 2024: Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on December 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Guard Dalton Knecht enters his second summer with the Lakers, who open play on Saturday in the California Classic at Chase Center in San Francisco. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Bronny James stood with his back to the wall with both hands buried in his workout shorts, his practice with the Lakers summer league team complete, his voice sounding more confident now that he’s entering his second season in the NBA.

He had to endure the outsized pressure and criticism of playing last season with his superstar father, LeBron James, a season in which Bronny and his dad made history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.

Now, Bronny is more assured about his talents and he’ll get to showcase what he’s worked on when the Lakers play the Golden State Warriors in the California Classic on Saturday in San Francisco.

The Lakers will play three games there and then head to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League.

That is where the most anticipated summer game could take place because the Lakers open the action against Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the June draft, and the Dallas Mavericks on July 10.

Like all last season, James knows a lot of people will pay attention to that game — to him, still, and to Flagg.

Read more:Hernández: Can LeBron James help maddening Deandre Ayton transform into a reliable center?

“Last year it was a crazy environment for me to step in and produce right off the rip, like being nervous too,” Bronny said. “So, I feel like this year, I'll be able to go out and play freely and know what I'm gonna go out and do for me and my teammates. So, yeah, I'm just really excited to be able to play nervous-free.”

Dalton Knecht got some extra shots up after practice Wednesday, his stroke looking just as impressive as it did last season when he shot 37.6% from three-point range during his rookie season with the Lakers.

Knecht, too, is especially looking forward to playing in Las Vegas.

“Vegas, I mean, I feel like all of us didn’t care who we played [last summer],” Knecht said. “It was just go out there and play. Our fans always show up. We go out there all the time and it’s pretty much Laker fans that sell out that arena and show us so much love. We’re just trying to go out there and try to put on a show no matter who we are playing.”

Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, their second-round pick (36th overall) out of Arkansas whom they acquired in a trade with the Timberwolves, is dealing with a left knee injury and will not play this summer. The Lakers said Thiero is in the final stages of his return to play and expected to be fully cleared for training camp.

For James, one year of playing in the NBA has made a difference as he approaches this summer.

He appeared in 27 games last season, starting once, and averaged 2.3 points per game on 31.3% shooting, 28.1% from three-point range.

“Yeah, it's definitely some more excitement than nervousness, for sure,” James said. “I'm just ready to go out there and play and be better than I was the last time I was playing. Just having that mindset of being ready to play and ready for whatever's thrown at me, no matter the role, what I gotta do on defense, offense, everything. Being a good teammate for my new summer league team, stuff like that.”

Besides skill work, James said his plan for the summer is to be in “elite condition” and to “be disruptive on the defensive end.”

“So that's my main focus, probably why I'm getting a little leaner,” he said. “But I still got 215 [pounds] on me still. So, I'm just running a lot, getting a lot of conditioning in. And then just staying on top of my diet, eating healthy, being a professional. It's just Year 2, so I gotta lock in on the things that I didn't know before my rookie year and being better and excel with that. Yeah, my main focus is this year, or this summer, has been being in elite condition. That's what I've been talking to my coaches about.”

Knecht played in 78 games last season, averaging 9.1 points over 19.2 minutes per game.

As the season progressed, Knecht said the game slowed down for him and that allowed him to improve.

When the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Timberwolves, Knecht said he went to work right away. In his eyes, there was no time to waste.

“Right after the [playoff] loss, I pretty much started right away. Didn’t take much time off,” he said. “So I was getting in the gym, starting at 6 a.m., going with the guys at 10 and then coming back later at night just to get as many shots as I can, just working on my game and my cuts.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Report: Wizards entering mix for Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga in NBA free agency

Report: Wizards entering mix for Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga in NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Jonathan Kuminga situation still has no resolution in the early hours of the fifth day of NBA free agency.

As expected, the Warriors are exploring all options, and it appears a new potential suitor has entered the mix.

The Washington Wizards have shown interest in the last 24 hours, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday night, citing league sources, adding that the idea of Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has “gained real momentum.”

Washington, which finished last in the Eastern Conference with just 18 wins on the 2024-25 season, is prioritizing the development of its young core around Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr. The Wizards also traded for CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton this offseason.

The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets also have expressed “varying levels of interest” in the 22-year-old forward, Slater wrote, citing league sources.

Slater also notes the Kings’ offer for Kuminga, which was reported by NBC Sports California on Wednesday, of a three-team sign-and-trade being discussed that would send Kuminga to Sacramento and Devin Carter, Dario Šarić and two second-round draft picks to Golden State. The offer was balked at what the Warriors believe was a “buy-low” attempt, Slater reported, citing sources.

As for the Warriors’ asking price for Kuminga, Slater reported they are seeking “a promising young player plus a first-round pick.”

Kuminga, who was selected No. 7 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, is seeking a situation where he can be a consistent contributor and the future of a franchise that backs and believes in him. That hasn’t been the case for Kuminga in Golden State over the last four years.

As of now, all things remain on the table — including Kuminga’s return to the team that drafted him.

Only time will tell.

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NBA free agency, offseason winners and losers

The NBA offseason moved fast this year — so fast that it started before the NBA Finals were even over with the Kevin Durant trade. Then there were a series of trades around the draft, followed by potential free agents re-signing with their teams (James Harden, Kyrie Irving) or opting in (LeBron James). Then, free agency began and we quickly saw blockbuster moves, such as the Bucks waiving and stretching Damian Lillard to make room to sign Myles Turner.

There are still moves to be made, but the dust is starting to settle. Who won the NBA offseason and free agency? Let's break it down.

WINNER: Houston Rockets

Adding Kevin Durant — at the affordable price of Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and one first-round pick (plus five seconds) — already made the Rockets winners. Everyone who watched their first-round playoff loss to the Warriors understood this team needed a combination of experience (gained in that series) and one more player who could just bend defenses and get a bucket in the half court under pressure. Kevin Durant is as good at that as anyone who ever played the game.

The Rockets did much more than that. They signed Dorian Finney-Smith (four years, $53 million), who is at least as good a defender, if not an upgrade, on the wing from Brooks, with fewer technical fouls. They signed Clint Capela to a three-year deal as a backup center. They re-signed Fred VanVleet to new contract, extended Jabari Smith Jr. on a fair deal, and re-signed Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green.

The Rockets enter next season as clear title contenders, a team that can push Oklahoma City in the West. That is the definition of a good offseason.

WINNER: Atlanta Hawks

Give new general manager Onsi Saleh credit, the Hawks have had a tremendous offseason (now Hawks fans just need to hope ownership and their family don't step in to help).

Building around an undersized point guard who is not a great defender is tricky; it requires an elite rim protector — like Kristaps Porziņģis, whom the Hawks acquired in the Boston fire sale (a bet on KP being healthy is baked into this). The Hawks poached Nickeil Alexander-Walker from Minnesota, making a fearsome defensive wing combo with Dyson Daniels. The Hawks added more shooting with Luke Kennard.

Then there was draft night, when the Hawks fleeced New Orleans, trading back 10 spots, from No. 13 to No. 23, and getting an incredibly valuable 2026 unprotected first-round pick. That could pay off big a year from now.

Whatever happens with that pick, the Hawks are going to jump from "maybe they can make the play-in" to a potential top-four team in the East next season, they certainly should be top six. That is winning the offseason.

LOSER: New Orleans Pelicans

What is the plan? What is the direction in New Orleans? If you can answer that, you're doing better than I.

There are things the Pelicans did right this offseason. They held on to Zion Williamson rather than trade him for a below-market offer (plenty of teams were interested, but only with lowball bids). They drafted Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 and Maryland's Derik Queen at No. 13 (a potentially good big man, but with a game that overlaps Zion's).

However, two things still have them as losers on this list. One is the question a couple of paragraphs up: What is Joe Dumar's plan? It's hard to see the path they are trying to walk.

The other was the draft night trade sending out a 2026 unprotected first-round pick — the most favorable of the Pelicans' or Bucks' picks, so probably the Pelicans. While they should improve on their 21-61 record from last season, in an incredibly deep West, it's very likely this is a lottery pick — and if Zion is injured again, a high lottery pick — in a very deep draft. That was a huge asset to give up and a massive bet on Queen.

WINNER: Denver Nuggets

Denver was a lot closer than people seem to recall to being in the Finals and possibly earning a second banner hung in Ball Arena — Nikola Jokić and company pushed Oklahoma City to seven games before losing.

What held the Nuggets back in that series? They needed more depth, a little more shooting, and a little more defense. Denver addressed all of that this offseason. It traded Michael Porter Jr. for an upgrade in Cameron Johnson from Brooklyn — Johnson is just as good a shooter as MPJ, a much better defender, and plays a more high-IQ game with fewer mistakes. Denver brought back Bruce Brown Jr. It added Tim Hardaway Jr. for shooting.

And they probably traded for Jonas Valanciunas, giving up only Dario Saric, who was not part of the Nuggets' rotation last season. Valanciunas would be the best backup center Denver has had in the Jokic era, helping slow the bleeding when Jokic rests. This is still on hold, however, because Valanciunas is considering walking away from the Nuggets and the NBA entirely, returning to Europe, where he reportedly would prefer to play. To do so would leave about $10 million and a chance to compete for a title on the table, but what matters most to him?

Assuming Valanciunas stays, the Nuggets will have given up two rotation players (Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook) and added four, plus it appeared during the postseason that Julian Strawther is ready to make a leap. If the Nuggets give Jokic more depth, with better shooting and defense around him, this team can do more than just push OKC to seven games.

LOSER: Indiana Pacers

It's been a rough few weeks for Pacers fans. Tyrese Haliburton tearing his Achilles in Game 7 was just gut-wrenching.

Then ownership compounded the situation by letting Myles Turner walk. The Pacers were expected to be headed into the luxury tax next season to keep Turner and the rest of a Finals team together. Then Haliburton went down, and suddenly next season looked like a gap season. Herb Simon balked at paying the tax of a gap year, the team lowballed Turner, who found a team willing to pay him the going rate for a quality starting center in Milwaukee, and he bolted. Indiana got nothing out of it. (One could argue the Pacers put themselves in this spot by overpaying Andrew Nembhard to retain their own free agent a year ago, but he lived up to the price.)

Indiana isn't done, they have a season to restock the cupboard for when Haliburty is healthy, and there are plenty of moves they can make. However, Indiana made a bad situation worse and risked turning this season into a one-time fluke.

WINNER: Orlando Magic

This is pretty straightforward, but it was long enough ago that people seem to have forgotten: Acquiring Desmond Bane was a perfect move for Orlando. They look like a top-four team in the East next season.

Orlando has an elite defense, plus star forwards in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but they needed more shooting and some shot creation from the guard spot. Bane is exactly that (career 41% from beyond the arc and an improved shot creator) who is a hand-in-glove fit at the two guard next to Jalen Suggs.

Adding Tyus Jones as a backup point guard was a smart move, too.

WINNER AND LOSER: Milwaukee Bucks

I'm not sure what to do with Milwaukee, because I don't know the answer to this question: Did the bold move to get Myles Turner make Giannis Antetokounmpo happy enough to stay and not request a trade?

My gut says yes, he's always been loyal. My bet is he plays out another season with the Bucks, but that's no sure thing. Milwaukee, as constructed, is good, but it needs another shot creator at the guard or wing to compete with teams like Cleveland and New York at the top of the East. That player will not be easy to get.

Even if Antetokounmpo stays, plays like an MVP, and the Bucks make a deep playoff run, this is a house of cards. The Bucks don't control their own first-round pick until 2031 and now have $22.5 million in dead money on their books for the next five years from the Lillard buyout. This team is not in good long-term shape, but they should be okay in the short term. As long as Antetokounmpo is happy.