Lakers forward Arthur Kaluma, shown here defending against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz in an NBA Summer League game on Friday, scored 34 points in a 91-70 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
The door opened for Arthur Kaluma to show his worth for the Lakers in the NBA Summer League on Saturday night.
He did so in a big way.
Kaluma had 34 points and five rebounds during the Lakers’ 91-70 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the Thomas & Mack Center.
He was 11 for 16 from the field and six for 10 from three-point range.
Late in the fourth quarter, Kaluma lined up a three-pointer, setting his feet and scoring from 29 feet out. He flashed three fingers and smiled. His teammates on the bench stood and cheered, as did the fans.
Kaluma played for the South Bay Lakers last season. He averaged 14.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and shot 55% from the field, 37% from three-point range.
Kaluma wasn’t alone in helping the Lakers improve to 2-0 in Summer League play.
Adou Thiero ran the court, took a lob pass from Chris Mañon and threw down a two-handed dunk. He had another solid outing with 15 points and four rebounds. He shot just four for 12 from the field, but was a plus-15.
Lakers rookie guard Cameron Carr was unable to get more reps because of a right thumb contusion that kept him sidelined.
Carr, the 24th pick in the NBA draft, is averaging 17 points per game.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Damion Baugh #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On a blisteringly hot Saturday night in Las Vegas, the Minnesota Timberwolves took on the Denver Nuggets for their second game of 2026 Summer League.
The Wolves were a bit shorthanded in this one. Joan Beringer did not play in the game as he was out due to back tightness. Trey Kaufmann-Renn also left the game in the first half with what the Wolves called a mouth contusion and did not return. Enrique Freeman also left the game for some time after hitting his head on the floor, but eventually returned.
With the LaMelo Ball trade getting finalized on Friday, Timberwolves second-round pick Isaiah Evans made his Summer League debut. He struggled to get his shot to fall, making just two of his 15 shots. While he did take some good shots, he was not able to get a 3-pointer to fall, missing all nine attempts.
Zyon Pullin was great again for the Wolves, leading them with 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He went 8-16 from the field while knocking down a pair of 3-pointers.
Rocco Zikarsky struggled again offensively, putting in just three of his 11 shots, including four misses from beyond the arc. Zikarsky did utilize his size to protect the rim with five blocks in the game.
Jaylen Clark, newly signed to a three-year contract, was one of the Timberwolves players in attendance for the game and spoke to Chris Hine of the Star Tribune about his new deal, among other topics.
Jaylen Clark, fresh off getting some Dippin’ Dots, talks his new three-year contract with the Timberwolves, LaMelo Ball and how his recovery from an Achilles tear might be different from Donte DiVincenzo’s pic.twitter.com/AXQD4W2WWQ
The Wolves eventually fell 101-82 for their first loss out in Vegas. For those interested in the Summer League playoffs, the Wolves will likely need to win both of their remaining games by a wide margin to make the semifinals.
Up Next
The Timberwolves continue their Summer League journey on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a late-night tip-off in Vegas with the game beginning at 10 PM CT.
In his second game in the summer league, Knicks second-round pick Tyler Nickel impressed, but New York fell to the Spurs, 70-49.
The loss drops the Knicks to 0-2 in the young summer league season, but there were some positives to glean from the game.
The aforementioned Nickel scored a team-high 16 points on 6 of 14 shooting and 4-for-11 from three. While he wasn't as accurate from the field as he was in the Knicks' summer league opener, the Vanderbilt product earned the start. He also added two rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in his 30 minutes on the floor.
Alongside Nickel in the starting lineup was Pacome Dadiet, who led the Knicks with 20 points in Friday's loss. However, he wasn't as effective, scoring 13 on 4 of 12 shooting -- just 1-for-6 from three -- along with three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block in his 23 minutes on the floor.
Mohamed Diawara's early struggles in the summer league continued. After scoring just seven points in 23 minutes on Friday, the second-year Knick was held scoreless on 0-for-5 shooting, including 0-for-3 from downtown. He did give five rebounds, an assist and a block in 26 minutes.
Center Liam Robbins was also held scoreless in his 13 minutes while Dillon Jones started as the Knicks' point guard. Jones scored six points on 2 of 5 shooting while dishing three assists, coming down with a rebound, a block and two steals in his 20 minutes on the floor.
Another notable performance from the Knicks was rookie Jack Kayil's debut. The second-round pick played 21 minutes and posted 12 points -- on 5 of 14 shooting -- five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
On the defensive end, the Knicks had a hard time stopping third-year forward Carter Bryant, who scored a game-high 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting. UConn product Tarris Reed Jr. scored five points in his 23 minutes while Ja'Kobi Gillespie contributed 14 points as the team's starting point guard.
The Knicks will look to get into the win column when they take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
West All-Stars North Carolina State Quadir Copeland (14) rushes up the court Friday, April 3, 2026, during the Reese's DI College All-Stars game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Rockets Vs Raptors
Time: 8:30 PM CST
Watch: Prime Video, not sure if VSL is on SCHN?
Location: Vegas
And we’re back! NBA Las Vegas Summer League, the NBA’s trade convention plus basketball exhibition rolls on, with the 1-0 Rockets playing the 0-1 Raptors.
Tonight’s big question is whether #31 pick Bruce Thornton can continue to keep up his scoring pace with top NBA draft picks in game two of VSL. Thornton matched the 27pts of AJ Dybantsa, but the Bulls Caleb Wilson scored 35pts on 12-21 shooting and 7-11 from three point range. Wilson, if he hadn’t been injured might well have been picked ahead of Daryn Peterson and Cam Boozer, or he might not have. Going #4 is nothing to be ashamed of, and we’ll see if the three point shooting holds at a high (but not 7-11 high, most likely) level.
This really does look like a great class so far, but it’s always worth remembering: this is Summer League. It might tell you something about the players, and their core skills, strengths and weaknesses. It’s also low stakes and fun. What it doesn’t tell you is how a young draftee will hold up against NBA players on an NBA team. Summer League amounts to GLeague pick up basketball, with a sprinkling of top prospects, and notional organization. It’s useful for evaluation to a degree. Looking terrible in summer league is rarely a great sign, but isn’t necessarily fatal, especially for players that rely on others to set up their scoring.
It’s a low stakes way for players to be introduced to a higher level of professional basketball (because if we’re paying NCAA players, it’s professional basketball, isn’t it?). And it is, of course a hoops trade show, not just for the NBA, but for the world. Players will be signed to contracts in other countries out of VSL, and a few might make their way into the NBA or GLeague from VSL, as well.
Anyhow the Rockets are playing again. The Raptors, unlike Denver where we didn’t see #26 pick Taris Reed play, should have their #19 pick, Alan Graves, out of Santa Clara available.
Of the Rockets with a good +/- from last night, all three are the players you might expect to get some minutes, or stick around as two way players or as Rio Grande Vipers: Thornton, Quadir Copeland, and Isaiah Crawford. Undrafted Purdue center Oscar Cluff (at 6’11” and at least 255) had a nice game, controlling the boards, and might stick around with the Rockets in some fashion as well, though he’s not super athletic or mobile.
The Rockets main attraction remains Thornton, and I’d urge some patience. Of course the smallest guy on a defense is going to be attacked. That’s pretty much going to happen with any player. As the New York Knicks amply demonstrated, whilst nearly sweeping the final three rounds of the NBA playoffs, a good coach, and team defensive structure can compensate for that, and if it can’t, then at least one of the coach and structure isn’t good.
Also, ESPN’s generative AI recap of the previous Rockets game gave us this gem:
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Labaron Philon #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
If you’re the Sixers, the thing you most want to see throughout the Vegas Summer League is the duo of Labaron Philon Jr. and Johni Broome stand out.
So far, so good.
The 2026 first-rounder and 2025 second-rounder were the Summer Sixers’ best players as they narrowly took down the Pacers 100-93 in overtime Saturday. Philon led all scorers with 24 points and added six assists and three rebounds, while Broome finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Here are a few takeaways from the victory.
First quarter
More impressive stuff from Philon to start this one. He hit a pair of middies off the pick-and-roll. I’ve been most impressed by his passing reads. He found Saint Thomas with a beautiful pocket pass (Thomas missed the layup).
I didn’t know much about Dante Maddox Jr. coming in, but he can really shoot it. He nailed a pair of threes in the first quarter. He might deserve a look on an Exhibit 10 deal.
I still don’t know what to make of Johni Broome. He was productive in the first game and had nine points in the first on Saturday, but the lack of athleticism is so obvious.
Holy shit … Gerald Ayayi? Don’t know much about him, but he threw down one hell of a dunk. He’s French, he’s 6-foot-5 and apparently capable of some things.
Matt Rogers with a couple nice cuts and a three in the first. He seems like a smart offensive player. He’s a 6-foot-9 forward from American University. He led the Sixers with 11 points through one.
Second quarter
Philon continued to show off his extensive bag in the second. He made a gorgeous Euro-step teardrop finish. He then found Taye Fields with another gorgeous bounce pass which led to a foul. He only had one assist in the first half, but his passing skills were front and center.
Philon and Broome were working the pick-and-roll well. One action led to a Broome layup, the other a Philon three. The Summer Sixers extended the lead to 12.
Again, I knew nothing about Ayayi before this game, but this kid has some juice. He had another nice finish and was picking up full court, playing Purdue legend Braden Smith tough.
This was a dominant first half for Philon (13 points, three boards, two assists) and Broome (17 points, seven boards, two assists). It’s exactly what you want to see if you’re the Sixers. They led 59-45 at the half.
Third quarter
Broome opened the quarter with a nice baseline jumper and then buried a contested three. He’s been awesome since he checked back in for his second stint.
And another three from Maddox. Shooting is not easy to find. I know he’s 6-foot-2, but he’s the kind of guy you’d probably like to keep around the organization in some capacity.
Credit to T.J. DiLeo who is coaching the summer league team. These guys are locked in. They’re flying around, playing team basketball and dominating. They built a 20-plus-point lead.
Man, Philon talks, but he walks the walk, too. He told Chris Haynes there’d be “more cookin’” in the second half during his interview. He buried a three as the Sixers were leaking oil a bit towards the end of the third and then shushed the boisterous Pacers’ veterans who were in attendance. He had 18 through three and the Sixers held a 80-67 lead.
Fourth quarter
Another trait Philon seems to have is just knowing when his team needs a bucket. It was another slick drive which temporarily kept the lead at double-digits.
For as good as Broome has been, the lack of athleticism still shows up. He had a particularly rough sequence where he went up weak on a roll, was blocked by Jalen Slawson and then was beat down the other end by Slawson for a transition dunk. The Pacers cut the lead to six.
Credit where it’s due, Broome shook off a tough stretch and muscled his way to a bucket when the Sixers desperately needed it. Philon followed up with another strong finish.
It was an ugly, ugly close for the Sixers. Indiana tied things up on Braden Smith free throws with 5.7 second left. The Sixers got the final possession, but Philon stumbled during a dribble handoff with Broome and couldn’t get off a clean look. Summer league overtime. Yay.
Overtime
Just like in regulation, Broome and Philon came through with buckets — the only two field goals scored in OT for either team.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 29: Gary Trent Jr. #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Folks, it happened. The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to re-sign free agent guard Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year, $64m deal, per ESPN insider Shams Charania.
According to Charania, “The Bucks and Trent’s reps worked through negotiations since the NBA Finals ended in mid-June while also sorting through sign-and-trade possibilities from interested teams over the last week. The sides moved toward completing a new deal together Saturday.”
The news shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. While reporting broke of Trent declining his player option in late June, rumour widely spread that Trent would return to the Bucks on the back end of handshake deal that kept him in Milwaukee on a team-friendly contract last season. Needless to say, Bucks fans weren’t particularly enamoured with the idea of giving him one more chance.
This is obviously just “the price of doing business” with Klutch Sports. Though we will never know for sure, it certainly seems this was predetermined after Trent re-signed on another small contract following the 2024-25 season (and a terrific playoff run), presumably to gain Bird rights with the team. The issue is that his 2024-25 performance was clearly an outlier, as he averaged his second-lowest PPG since his second year last season.
Yup, this is a bad contract the moment the ink is dry—and it’s fully guaranteed. Sigh. The roster now sits at 17 standard contracts.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While things have gone well for Carr so far, he knows improvements and development are needed. Carr has shown some good shooting ability, and while all teams want more of that, the Lakers really need him to grow into his body so he can be a top perimeter player.
“First things first, got to put on some weight,” Carr said at his introductory presser. “That’s gonna be an emphasis, being in a weight room as much as possible. It’s going to be like my second home. And then, of course, just, I mean, having great vets in front of you just to look up to and learn from and follow in their footsteps and take little things away from them and implement it into your life.
“Overall, I think it’s, it’s gonna be exciting. I know I keep saying it. It’s repetitive, but man, y’all don’t understand how much of a joy it is and a blessing to be here in this situation. So just learn and, and follow in their footsteps.”
Carr is listed at 6’5” and 184 lbs. That’s a very light frame, even for a perimeter player. He wants to be great, but he has to bulk up so he doesn’t get pushed around or bullied on the court, particularly on defense.
The good thing is that he’s well aware of these perceived weaknesses and is prioritizing addressing them. Now that he’s a pro with the Lakers, he’ll have all the resources he needs to build up his body and become a great guard.
The weight room being his new home is the quickest way to make his desired outcome a reality.
While Carr is particularly light, it’s not uncommon for rookies to start much smaller than they’ll ultimately be. With years of work and training, players typically gain weight and figure out the weight they need to be at to maximize their talent.
This is what the goal should be for Carr, and as long as his words match his actions, he’s well on his way.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Chaney Johnson #31 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Nets opened their Las Vegas Summer League with a 91-65 blowout victory over the Knicks on Friday, fueled by an encouraging glimpse of Brooklyn’s future backcourt. Egor Dëmin and rookie Mikel Brown Jr. each dropped 20 points to power a decisive second-half surge after a slow start from both.
We’ll see who suits up tonight against the Hawks. It is, after all, a back-to-back. Eight overall pick Kingston Flemings leads the way for Atlanta.
🏀 Key Info
Who: Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks
When: 8:00 PM ET
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
TV/Stream: ESPN, YES/Gotham
💬 Discussion
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Danny Wolf #2 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks have gotten every last say against the Nets and its fans this past year, but not Summer League. Nope. Nets were not having that. They defeated the defending champs in Las Vegas 91-65 with Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin each scoring 20 points in the victory.
Brooklyn moves onto face Atlanta on Saturday, a team boasting No. 8 pick Kingston Flemings. By little surprise, Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin are out tonight (second night of a back-to-back). The rest will play and Joshua Jefferson (28th pick) will make his Nets Summer League debut.
With or without the main acts, there will be plenty of minutes to be earned for the others. Enjoy!
📺 Watch
Who: Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks
When: 8:00 PM ET
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
TV/Stream: ESPN, YES/Gotham
🏀 The Game
The Nets finished with a 2-1 record in the California Classic, and they defeated the Knicks on Friday without any problem. Things are looking good for the guys in black-and-white. Truly. The fanbase is slowly coming around to the new backcourt — two interchangeable guards who seemingly get along with one another.
That’s what it’s all about in Brooklyn. Plenty of losses the team can dwell on but right now the focus is on the good, it appears. We’ll see if that sentiment remains during the regular season, but again, it’s fun right now.
Unfortunately we won’t get primetime Mikel Brown Jr. on ESPN against Kingston Flemings and the Hawks. Brown Jr. of course was taken two picks ahead of Flemings in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Otherwise, keep an eye on the other guys. There are three games left and it’s crucial for young players like Drake Powell to step up. He hasn’t shot the ball particularly well this summer, nor has he done enough to crack a spot in a rotation that’s running deep — and now is evaluation time.
In a poll surveying fans on NetsDaily, the community voted that Powell has the most to prove entering the season. Here’s the good news: he’s still only 20.
💪 Yay, Gore.
It’s no secret that Egor Dëmin is looking stronger and playing like it, too. He was asked about it on Friday night (via Erik Slater).
“I got so much stronger, and that gave me more confidence. The next step is trying. The more I try it, I think it gets better and better. So I’m very excited about all the work that I’ve done, and it’s gonna keep growing.”
It’s worth noting how Egor barely attacked the rim at Summer League last year. Now he’s a menace in that area. Hopefully we’ll get to see him on Saturday — it’s becoming clear that his days playing in Vegas are numbered, until an expansion team arrives, of course.
🫡 The Randle Effect
If you’ve been around long enough then you’ll know how much Sean Marks appreciates his guys going out to Summer League and supporting one another. Not all are in attendance, but a newcomer arrived and his presence is already being felt.
That guy is the newest acquisition: Julius Randle. Whether you like him or not, he’s someone who instills positive values into teams. He spoke on being a leader for Mikel Brown Jr.
“I just told him I was excited to help him. I really wanna that vet he can come and talk to. I know how it is early in your career… I can be that veteran shoulder he can lean on every single day, whether it’s frustration, the highs and lows, teaching him how to work every single day, weight room, whatever it is. Or if he just needs to talk about life, I wanna be that vet for him and help him out. But he’s great. He’s got a steady head on his shoulders. You can just tell he’s a good kid who comes from a great family.”
Randle did tremendous things with the Knicks before they shipped him to Minnesota. He was right at the forefront of their culture shift with a bunch of young players. He’s a former All-Star and he still put up 21 points and eight rebounds in a tough Western Conference last season.
We know Brooklyn loves their high character vets, but Randle will be more than that for Brooklyn.
🎞️ From the Vault
Exactly 10 years ago today, the Nets and Hawks faced off in Summer League. This was Marks’ first summer as GM, and Chris McCullough led the Nets with 16 points and seven rebounds in a seven-point win. That Nets team had Isaiah Whitehead, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Sean Kilpatrick all playing for the Summer League team.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Morez Johnson #14 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks play their second NBA Summer League contest on Saturday night, this time it’s the late game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas was waxed by the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, 101-90. The Lakers played their first game on Friday night, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 96-84. Dallas fans will get a look at how Baylor product Cameron Carr looks in purple and gold. Here’s the other main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers
WHAT: NBA Summer League, Game 2 for Dallas
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
WHEN: 9:00 pm CST
HOW: ESPN
At the moment, I’m not able to find any injuries or reasons why players from either team would miss the game. Dallas came out of last game with no one getting beat up in a significant way. The Lakers did play last night, so I wouldn’t be shocked if any Lakers players are out (including Carr) since they did play in the California Classic. But hopefully we see everyone who can suit up and play.
Look for Morez Johnson to asset his will again if he gets the ball near the basket. I am curious to see if the game play encourages more three pointers from him, just because I want him to be a long ball threat eventually. Defensively, hopefully he won’t be asked to clean up everyone else’s mistakes again.
Sergio De Larrea having a better shooting game will assuage some concerns. But as we can see here, the Mavericks aren’t concerned so we shouldn’t be either.
I asked Mavs summer league coach Joe Boylan in a @DLLS_Mavs exclusive about Sergio De Larrea:
“The shot selection was great so I’m not worried about how many shots he made or missed.” pic.twitter.com/j5iYi1wQaz
Personally, I would like to see him have a tighter handle. He plays so upright at times and if he doesn’t have top tier control, he’s going to lose that ball often.
I also hope Vsevolod Ishchenko gets more burn as the play initiator. Dallas looked away from him often, even when he was open, in the third and fourth quarters Thursday. Then he seemed to get irritated, went and got the ball himself, then started whipping the ball around.
There’s plenty more to watch, so tell us in the comments what you’re looking for.
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers embraces P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks after the game at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers’ flurry of activity early in free agency covered a variety of holes on the roster, but left one gaping one.
Sandro Mamukelashvili was signed to replace Rui Hachimura, but he’s not a locked on starter. Most would assume that he’s a backup big man, able to spell either the starting power forward or center.
Obviously, the team is chasing Jonathan Kuminga, but that fills a hole more on the perimeter than at the four. Other names have come up in the search across the league as potential options at the four, including a former teammate of Luka Dončić.
During their relatively brief time together, PJ Washington shined bright alongside Luka. It helped him revive his career after toiling away in Charlotte. It also helped him get a hefty contract as he signed a 4-year, nearly $90-million deal.
When Luka was on the Mavericks, that contract felt fine. When Luka was dealt, that contract looked a lot more like an albatross. It would be easy, then, to assume that, perhaps, the Lakers would be interested in him.
However, for now, it doesn’t look like the Lakers are interested in Washington because of his deal, as reported by Khobi Price of the California Post.
The Lakers have long been tied to trade rumors with Mavericks forward PJ Washington, a former teammate of Doncic’s in Dallas, but the fully guaranteed $88.8 million Washigton’s owed over the next four years isn’t appealing to the Lakers.
There’s always the chance this is posturing, which surely would come into play at least somewhat here. The Lakers handed out four-year contracts like candy this summer. It’s hard to imagine them drawing a line on Washington, who has a proven track record of producing alongside Luka and fills a hole in the roster.
For now, it seems like the full-court push is on for Kuminga and it’s basically impossible to acquire both he and Washington. But, should Kuminga go elsewhere, it would be interesting to see if the focus shifts to Dallas.
Washington could start at the four, but also could play as a spacing five as well. It would give the Lakers lots of versatility alongside Mamu in the front court. He likely again wouldn’t be much of a defensive signing, which does fit the profile of player the Lakers signed this offseason.
The Lakers aren’t in much of a position where they can be picky, but there is a hierarchy of who they prefer right now, it seems. There aren’t going to be many other suitors for Washington, if any, so the Lakers likely don’t feel much urgency on that option.
It feels like at least one more notable player will be added to the Lakers this free agency. It’s just a matter of who they choose and who chooses them.
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 31: Gary Trent Jr. #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 31, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
Good news for Gary Trent Jr., as the former Blue Devil signed a huge contract to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks.
By NBA standards, Trent was not really making very much the last few years. He had the league minimum in 2024, and then signed a two-year deal for $7.5 million.
Now, he’s got a four-year deal for $64 million, thus moving from $3.75 million per year to $16 million.
Not many people get to quadruple their salary, so congratulations to Trent. That’s amazing.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Fresh off a four-point win over the Utah Jazz to open the 2026 NBA Summer League, the Washington Wizards take on the Sacramento Kings squad Sunday night at 7 p.m. Eastern.
The Wizards got just about everything they could have hoped for in the opener. AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley all impressed while also showing areas for improvement. Aided by the league’s nonsensical foul rules (players get 10 before being disqualified despite the game being eight minutes shorter — if anything, they should be given five like college), Jamir Watkins harassed No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson into nine turnovers and a 6-18 shooting night.
First overall pick AJ Dybantsa scored 27 points in his NBA Summer League debut. | Getty Images
Seth Trimble wasn’t bad in 12 minutes of action, but otherwise no one else did much in the opener. That’s fine, though — the Wizards aren’t counting on any of them to be part of the rotation. Best case, they might have one or two on the roster, and others might be part of their G League roster.
The Kings are also 1-0 in summer league — powered by 21 points off the bench from second round pick Emanuel Sharp and solid performers from young players with NBA experience (Jonathan Mogbo and Dylan Cardwell), they beat the Los Angeles Clippers.
What to Watch For
Dybantsa — Build on the strong opener by hitting a three or two and using his athletic tools and considerable skills to create easier shots.
Johnson — Show more dimension than taking shots. Set up some teammates for scores, get a few rebounds.
Will Riley — Fewer turnovers, stronger defense.
Felix Okpara — Six boards in 20 minutes was fine. Let’s see more at-rim defensive presence, a blocked shot or two, and better screens.
Jamir Watkins — Take (and make) some threes. Defend without committing nine fouls in 20 minutes.
Seth Trimble — More minutes, strong defense. Let’s see him channel his inner Jalen Suggs.
For Sacramento, I’m interested in seeing Darius Acuff Jr., a talented guard who ranked sixth in YODA this year. The Kings hope he’ll be a long-term driver of high-level offense.
Need to Know
Start time: 8 p.m. Eastern
Where to watch: Monumental Sports Network or Amazon Prime.
LAS VEGAS — It's always interesting to see the reaction in the media seats at NBA Summer League when news breaks. When the news came down about Gary Trent re-signing with the Bucks for four years, $64 million (a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN), the reaction was something like this.
This is a fully guaranteed contract, no options. The Bucks and Trent's representatives looked at sign-and-trade options before settling on this deal, reports Charania. It seems like a lot of money for Trent and his production, although this is the size of contract that falls right into the sweet spot for potential trades.
Last season, Trent was on a minimum deal with the Bucks and averaged 8.1 points per game, shooting 36% from 3, playing about 21 minutes per night.
The Bucks have all the guards, it seems. We'll call Trent 6'5" a wing, and in the mix for that role is Tyler Herro, Caris LeVert, Jamie Jaquiez Jr. and just drafted Brayden Burries, who has looked pretty good at Summer League. The Bucks are stockpiling talent and picks in the hope of drafting or trading for their next star in the coming seasons as they move on from the Giannis Antetokounmpo era.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs walks on the court during a break in the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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It’s not exactly a rematch, since only Carter Bryant was on the team that played the Knicks in the NBA Finals last month, but maybe this is a little bigger than your average Summer League game. The Spurs lost by 27 to the Hawks in their first game, and the Summer Knicks got blown out by 26 by the Nets, so both teams are looking for their first Las Vegas win today. Like all Summer League games, the final score is meaningless, but it sure would be nice to see the Spurs look like a team that has seen a basketball before in today’s game after a cruel summer so far. A win over the Knicks, even their summer squad, would take a little of the edge off.
After today, there are two more scheduled games left in Vegas—one on Sunday at 8:00PM against the Bucks and again on Wednesday at 8:30 against the Jazz. Also, there will be a consolation/playoff game next weekend. Frankly, if you watch all of the games, you’re probably a real sicko. Welcome sickos!
Game Prediction:
There will be at least one quarter where neither team scores a point.
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks (Las Vegas Summer League) July 11, 2026 | 5:00 PM CT Streaming: ESPN TV: ESPN Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
