Category: Basketball

As LeBron James departs the Los Angeles Lakers, two of the franchise's key figures – Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson – shared their thoughts on the impact he's had the club.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,’’ wrote Buss, the team’s governor and controlling executive. “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.’’

Magic Johnson also had a key role in the Lakers signing LeBron James in 2018.

"I want to thank LeBron James and his super agent Rich Paul for taking a meeting with me back in 2018 when I was President of the Lakers and deciding to sign with us,'' Johnson wrote. " He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the milestones he surpassed in a Lakers jersey. I’ll always love and be grateful for him and wish him all the best in the next phase of his life, on and off the court!"

LeBron leaves Lakers: LeBron James breaks silence on leaving Lakers, 'Hope I made a few proud'

The Lakers had failed to make the playoffs for five straight seasons before James arrived. The Lakers ended that drought in James’ second season with the team and reached the postseason in seven of his last seasons with the Lakers.

Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers midway through the 2024-25 season, posted a photo of himself and James hugging with the caption: “An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James exits Lakers as Buss, Magic praise his legacy

Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to one of the most improbable championships in NBA history back in 2019 during his only season with the franchise. Leonard would leave for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency weeks later, and ever since both parties have failed to recoup the same level of success they enjoyed together.

The idea of Leonard returning to Toronto felt like it was never going to happen, but things can change fast in the NBA. Six years after they teamed up on an unforgettable run to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Kawhi and Raptors are together again.

Toronto acquired Leonard from the Clippers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks, according to Shams Charania. We’ll update this post when the exact details on the picks are announced.

The Raptors believe they can compete to win the East again with Leonard in tow. The Clippers are rebuilding. Let’s grade this trade for both sides.

Raptors grade for Kawhi Leonard deal

Toronto returned to the playoffs last year after three years in the wilderness, and pushing an eventual conference finalist in the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first-round. The Raptors mostly did it with defense, riding a top-5 unit to 46 wins while the offense was league-average. If Toronto wanted to improve this year, they had to boost the offense without sacrificing the defense, and they did exactly that by landing Leonard.

Kawhi immediately fixes a lot of Toronto’s biggest issues if he can stay healthy. He gives them half-court shot creation, three-point shooting, and another ferocious wing defender who can roam off the ball as his younger teammates take on tougher assignments. Leonard quietly had one of the best years of his career at 34 years old last season, putting up a career-best 43.3 points per 100 possessions while also rebounding the ball as well as ever. He graded out as the fifth-best player in the league last season by EPM, and finished even better than that in a lot of other all-in-one advanced metrics.

You don’t need a fancy algorithm to tell you Kawhi is really good at basketball when he’s on the floor. He’s a super efficient scorer from all three levels who doesn’t turn the ball over, rebounds well, and can still be a terror defensively. It’s pretty amazing that Toronto was able to land him without really giving up much value.

Ingram had a nice year last season, but he was absolutely not on a team-friendly contract with $82 million owed to him over the next two seasons. Dick has mostly been a bust. This is all about Toronto giving up two future first-round picks and a pick swap. You can argue the Raptors are mortgaging their future to chase a championship right now with Kawhi, but he’s worth it as long as he can stay on the floor. It’s wild that the Raptors gave up more draft capital to get Kawhi in 2026 than they did in 2018.

The only risk here for the Raptors comes with Kawhi’s looming contract extension. He’s 35, and obviously he has a long history of not being healthy before this past season. Judging this move in a vacuum, though, it’s a home run for Toronto. I don’t know why other possible contenders didn’t get in on the bidding.

Raptors grade: B+

Clippers grade for Kawhi Leonard deal

It’s understandable that the Clippers didn’t want to give Kawhi a contract extension, and that made trading him an easy choice. His value was never going to get higher than it is right now after a terrific season. I’m just not sure the Clippers got the best deal they could have.

The bidding for Kawhi seemed like it was a bit depressed because he indicated he was only willing to sign an extension with the Raptors or San Antonio Spurs. My response to that: who cares! Leonard is so good that other contenders should have been trying to trade for him. We’ve already seen him lead a championship run as a rental, and it might actually be a good thing for another team that he won’t take a contract extension right now if his body breaks down again. I think Denver, Boston, Detroit, Philly, and more should have gotten in on the bidding. The Raptors’ offer wasn’t that strong.

My guess is the Clippers flip Ingram either at the trade deadline or next summer as an expiring contract. The two first-round picks are the real prize here, and the Clippers did well to also get a future pick swap.

The Clippers’ future rests on the shoulders of No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, with Darius Garland as a sub-headliner, and now they have more future assets to continue to build around them. LA has a lot of work to do, but getting out of the Kawhi business is a smart move because they couldn’t compete for a title with him. They did well in this trade for an expiring contract.

Clippers grade: A

All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is on the move.

The Los Angeles Clippers traded the 14-year veteran to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks ahead of the start to NBA free agency, according to multiple reports on Tuesday, June 30.

Leonard, 35, had expressed a desire to stay with the Clippers, with whom he first signed with as a free agent before the 2019-20 NBA season. However, the Clippers had been reluctant to make a long-term commitment to the seven-time All-Star.

Leonard averaged a career-high 27.4 points per game last season and finished seventh in the NBA MVP voting. However, the Clippers finished with a 42-40 record and lost to the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.

Kawhi Leonard trade details

• Raptors receive: Kawhi Leonard
• Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks

Kawhi Leonard age

Kawhi Leonard turned 35 years old on June 29, 2026.

Kawhi Leonard contract

Leonard has one season left on his contract, which is scheduled to pay him $50.3 million.

The trade immediately makes him eligible to sign up to a two-year, $123.7 million extension with his new team, according to ESPN.

Kawhi Leonard's history with Raptors

This move reunites Leonard with the Raptors. Leonard played just one season in Toronto, but it was a memorable one.

After spending the first seven seasons of his pro career and winning a championship in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard was traded to the Raptors in 2018. He led the team on a historic run to the franchise's first-ever NBA title, defeating the Warriors in six games in 2019.

Leonard was named the NBA Finals MVP for the second time in his career but left at the end of the season to sign with the Clippers.

What teams has Kawhi Leonard been on?

Kawhi Leonard has played for three teams during his 15-year NBA career. He played seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs to start his career and then spent the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Raptors. He has played for the Los Angeles Clippers since the 2019-20 season.

Kawhi Leonard stats

Leonard averaged a career-best 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Clippers during the 2025-26 season.

Kawhi Leonard Aspiration scandal

Though Leonard is leaving the Clippers, his legacy will remain behind in the form of the NBA's pending investigation into the franchise's conduct related to an endorsement deal Leonard signed after joining the Clippers. Leonard and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer have reportedly been interviewed as part of the investigation.

Leonard is alleged to have sign a no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration, a company that sponsored the Clippers, as a way to circumvent the NBA's salary cap and collective bargaining agreement. Though Ballmer has admitted to introducing Leonard to Aspiration's leaders, the Clippers have denied any allegations of illegal behavior concerning the NBA's CBA.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the NBA Finals that the league is close to wrapping up its investigation into the matter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard back to Raptors in franchise-shifting deal

The Dallas Mavericks will exercise point guard Ryan Nembhard’s $2.2 million team option for the 2026-27 season, according to Marc Stein.

In his rookie season, he averaged 6.6 points on a shooting split of 41.5 field goal percentage/35.6 three-point percentage/80.6 free throw percentage, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across 60 appearances. Nembhard set an NBA rookie record with 23 assists in Dallas’ 2025-26 season finale against the Chicago Bulls.

The floor leader will play for the Mavericks during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting on July 9 against forward Graham Ike and the Golden State Warriors.

We have exercised our team option on Ryan Nembhard 👏@chime // #MFFLpic.twitter.com/r8ZbRMNfYe

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 30, 2026

That wasn’t the only recent news regarding the Nembhard family. Both Ryan and Indiana Pacers combo guard Andrew Nembhard, plus Italy’s Reyer Venezia forward Kyle Witjer, were named to the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team’s 16-man training camp roster before the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Canada will host Puerto Rico on July 3 and Jamaica on Jul 6 at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario.

Canada basketball reveals its training camp roster for FIBA World Cup qualifiers in July.

Notable NBA guys:
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
– Dillon Brooks
– Nickeil Alexander-Walker
– Kyshawn George
– Andrew Nembhard
– Ryan Nembhard pic.twitter.com/Y8PWcq1Vv0

— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) June 29, 2026

At the conclusion of this third qualifying window for Canada, Ryan will then make his way to Sin City to join the Dallas organization.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

The cat's out the bag. LeBron James is not returning to the Los Angeles Lakers for his 24th NBA season. And the King has spoken.

The four-time NBA champion first joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018. Eight summers later, James is hanging up his Laker jersey for a new basketball home in the twilight of his career.

His agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul informed ESPN that the Lakers can begin their offseason plans without James in mind, deciding to test free agency at age 41.

The sports world reacted. Many were shocked. Some saw it coming. Others didn't think it would actually happen. Yet, here we are.

James responded on an X (formerly Twitter) post.

"No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint," James wrote back.

Heartfelt messages of gratitude have poured in on social media, thanking James for what he brought to the game, particularly for the Lakers. He received messages from Lakers legend Magic Johnson, now-former teammate Luka Doncic and team president Jeannie Buss.

Buss's message spanned across eight lines in a post describing what the four-time MVP has meant to the franchise since arriving in 2018.

"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family," Buss wrote.

James will continue to decipher what his next journey in the league will look like. The NBA free agency period opens June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: LeBron James breaks silence on leaving Lakers, 'Hope I made a few proud'

The LeBron James sweepstakes are off and running. Naturally, the Cleveland Cavaliers are right in the mix to bring the 41-year-old superstar back home. They have some housekeeping to do before that happens, though.

The Cavs are reportedly looking to trade Dennis Schroder and/or Max Strus in order to open space for James to sign in Cleveland, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.

“The Cavs are trying to trade forward Max Strus, so they could sign LeBron or another player into that mid-level exception,” said Vardon.

Yahoo’s Jake Fischer confirms the report, adding that a salary dump would also give the Cavs a better chance at retaining forward Dean Wade.

Cleveland is in a tough spot financially. As of writing, they could only offer James the veteran minimum to wear the wine and gold again. But, if they can consolidate some of their talent for additional cap space, the non-taxpayer mid-level exception could become available to them.

Dumping Strus’s or Schroder’s salary is one way they can get closer to that.

Strus is set to make $16 million next season. Schroder will make $14.8 million. Unloading both would give them access to the NTLME. Moving one while negotiating a discounted deal on James Harden’s next contract could achieve the same result.

A few things are working in Cleveland’s favor. Not only are they the most storybook ending location for James to complete his career, but reports have already suggested that money will not be the deciding factor in where James lands this summer. That benefits the Cavs, as they simply don’t have much money to offer James. But there’s no place like home.

Strus and Schroder both aided Cleveland in their run to the Eastern Conference finals last season. Strus, especially, has been a fan favorite for his hustle and playoff intensity over the years. The Cavs would have to trade either of them without taking any salary back to unlock the NTLME. But if landing James is the final result, it would be worth it.

No one knows where James will take his talents next. All the Cavs can do is clear the way for the easiest landing possible if James decides that he wants to end his career at home.

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A pair of Atlanta staples are teaming up as official partners in a landmark first.

Key Takeaways

• PrizePicks announced its first NBA team partnership with the Atlanta Hawks.
  
  
• The deal includes branding at State Farm Arena, broadcast integration, and new fan experiences.
  
  
• The partnership expands PrizePicks' growing sports portfolio that also includes the Atlanta Braves and the NBA at large.

Daily fantasy sports operator PrizePicks announced a new partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, marking the first NBA team partnership for the prominent sports entertainment brand.

The partnership further cements PrizePicks' presence in Atlanta's sports scene, with the company headquartered in the Peach State’s capital city. PrizePicks additionally has long maintained a partnership with MLB’s Atlanta Braves dating back to 2020.

ATL runs deep in our DNA ‼️🍑 Excited to partner with our hometown team @ATLHawkshttps://t.co/IuCD5VcKNY

— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) June 29, 2026

"PrizePicks was born in Atlanta and basketball has always been part of our soul, so we couldn’t be more excited that our first NBA franchise partnership is with our hometown team,” said Joey Molko, PrizePicks' senior vice president of partnerships. “The Hawks share our obsession with bringing fans closer to the game, and we can’t wait to join them in making every game more fun to watch and to celebrate basketball culture in THE A."

Major integration on game days

The move will see PrizePicks partner not only with the club but with its home, State Farm Arena, with PrizePicks branding set to feature across the club’s game-day experience both in-person and on broadcasts.

“We are thrilled to be the first NBA franchise to partner with PrizePicks,” said Andrew Saltzman, president of business enterprise for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “As two organizations with deep roots in Atlanta, we look forward to building something truly special together and creating new opportunities to deliver unique and engaging experiences to our fans."

The integration will also see the utilization of “certain groups of Atlanta Hawks players throughout the local market to appeal to the growing fan community on PrizePicks.”

The deal also introduces the PrizePicks Party Deck within State Farm Arena, where fans will be able to “enjoy elevated Hawks game-day experiences,” as well as other events hosted in-arena. PrizePicks will also serve as a presenting sponsor across multiple Hawks initiatives including Hawks AF (And Friends) and the club’s internally produced podcast series.

“Earlier this year, PrizePicks was named an Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner of the National Basketball Association,” the company noted. “Together, these partnerships reinforce the company’s commitment to professional sports and its continued focus on delivering innovative, fan-first experiences.”

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Welcome to The Decision 4.0. LeBron James is a free agent once again, and he’s about to switch teams for the fourth time in his career. James announced he’s done with the Los Angeles Lakers moments after Bronny James’ contract hit its guarantee date. LeBron stated he isn’t going to retire, which means he’ll have a new home for the 2026-27 season.

There’s already rampant speculation on where LeBron will land. The Golden State Warriors want to sign him immediately to pair him with Stephen Curry. The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in a third reunion. You can bet there will be a couple of darkhorse teams James will seriously consider.

No one knows where LeBron will eventually end up, but my best prediction is that he’s going to drag this out for a little bit. While we wait on the legend’s latest decision, let’s rank the best possible landing spots for him next season.

9. Toronto Raptors

Bring back LeBronto!

Congrats on the name change, Raptors 😂 pic.twitter.com/WSA31zdKby

— SB Nation (@SBNation) May 4, 2018

Toronto already landed Kawhi Leonard via trade this summer. Why not add LeBron, too? It could potentially help LeBron’s business interests in his post-playing career to play in a diverse international market like Toronto, and he probably thinks him and Kawhi could win the East right away when flanked by Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles, and others. I really just wanted another excuse to say “LeBronto.”

8. Boston Celtics

LeBron is a history buff, and the Celtics have a case as the most historic franchise in the NBA. Watching Joe Mazzulla coach LeBron would be absolute cinema, and I think he would appreciate playing with Jayson Tatum. The Celtics need a power component to their chucking threes offense, and that’s one thing old man LeBron can still do.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder

If LeBron wants his fifth ring, OKC is probably his best bet to get it. The Thunder really needed another ball handler and isolation scoring threat last season as they fell short in the Western Conference Finals. Going to OKC would allow LeBron to chill for most of the regular season, and then empty the tank for the playoffs. Everyone would hate it if this happened, but it would be must-see hoops.

6. New York Knicks

LeBron flirted with signing with the Knicks in 2010 before deciding on the Heat. I’m sure there’s part of him that always dreamed of playing in New York at Madison Square Garden, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got swept up in Knicks fever during their 2026 championship run like everyone else. Push Josh Hart to the bench and let LeBron rock out as the Knicks try to go back-to-back.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

I love the basketball fit here. The Wolves need a bigger wing that can connect Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. There’s no better option than LeBron. I know what you’re thinking: LeBron doesn’t want to babysit LaMelo. I get it, but Ball is an elite playmaker who could set up LeBron for a lot of easy buckets, and that team would be ridiculous in transition. Take the Wolves seriously, LeBron!

4. Miami Heat

Everyone is talking about the Cavs reunion, but what if LeBron wants to team up with Pat Riley one more time on his way out the door? LeBron had the best years of his career in Miami, and he still has a strong relationship with Erik Spoelstra. With Giannis and Bam locked in, the Heat just need to add depth. LeBron is a pretty great depth piece, in my humble opinion.

3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are one of the great adversaries LeBron has faced in his career, and he’s always had a ton of respect for the franchise. LeBron loves Gregg Popovich, who is still hanging around the franchise. Going to San Antonio would give him an elite chance to compete for a championship while also helping mentor Victor Wembanyama. I doubt LeBron or Wemby really wants this outcome, but it’s fun to think about.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron has to end his career with the Cavs. He just has to. The retirement tour wouldn’t feel right anywhere else. So why is Cleveland at No. 2 on this list? Well, it’s because this won’t be LeBron’s final season.

1. Golden State Warriors

Apparently there are a lot of people that think LeBron going to Golden State to play with Steph Curry would be lame. Those people are bozos and cannot be trusted. LeBron and Steph were fantastic together at the Paris Olympics, and I’d love to see them team up for a season before he bolts again for Cleveland for the 2027-28 retirement tour. I do not think the Warriors could win a title with the world’s oldest superteam, but every game would feel like a marquee event. This needs to happen.

It's official - LeBron James is leaving the Lakers. The one thing he still isn't leaving, however, is the league.

His record-setting NBA career has already rewritten the history books and redefined longevity, and it all started decades ago in a way that most NBA careers do not: right after high school graduation.

In the elite group of NBA players that have made the jump straight from high school to the NBA, there have been a number of successful careers – and, with James as a prime example, a number of pretty lengthy ones. 

Here are the five longest NBA careers by players drafted straight out of high school:

1. Lebron James

Seasons in the NBA: 23 and counting

Of course, the king himself tops this list. Drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers right after graduating from St.Vincent-St. Mary high school in Akron, Ohio, James has become a face of the league. His NBA career has spanned the Cavs, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers – and now, with his recent announcement, it could be landing him somewhere new yet again. 

2. Kevin Garnett

Seasons in the NBA: 21

One of the first players to make the jump directly from high school, Garnett made his mark on the league and on future high school draftees during his two decades of play. After graduating from Farragut Career Academy in Chicago, the 15-time NBA All-Star was taken fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1995 draft and went on to become MVP in 2004 and a champion in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. He retired in 2016 and recently joined the Timberwolves as a “team ambassador.”

3. Kobe Bryant

Seasons in the NBA: 20

Always in the GOAT conversation, Bryant’s jump from Lower Merion high school in Pennsylvania to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 proved to be the best decision he could have made. He played his entire 20-year career in LA, becoming a Lakers legend and leading star-studded rosters to five NBA championships – with a couple of statues to boot. He retired in 2016 and remains an international basketball icon. 

4. Tyson Chandler

Seasons in the NBA: 19

Drafted straight from Manuel Dominguez High School in California to the Chicago Bulls in 2001, Chandler played for eight different teams throughout his nearly two decades in the league, winning a title with the Mavericks in 2011. He recently retired in 2020 and returned to work as a player development coach for the Mavs.

5. Jermaine O’Neal

Seasons in the NBA: 18

Although a championship ring evaded him, O’Neal’s 18-year career still speaks for itself. After being drafted 17th overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1996 NBA draft – just a few picks after Bryant – straight from Eau Claire high school in South Carolina, O’Neal went on to become a six-time All-Star and a franchise cornerstone for the Indiana Pacers. He retired in 2014 and now runs Dynamic Prep, a high school basketball academy in Texas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James isn't the only high school draftee with a long NBA career. Who else did?

There's never a right time to say goodbye because it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

After eight seasons, one NBA title and countless of memories, the Los Angeles Lakers are saying farewell to LeBron James, who opted to gauge interest in the free agency market.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the Lakers had interest in bringing him back, but James did not reciprocate that sentiment. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told Charania that James informed the Lakers that the organization can move on without him, deciding to play his 24th season elsewhere.

Lakers president and governor Jeannie Buss released a farewell statement in a tribute to James and his tenure in Los Angeles.

"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family," Buss wrote.

A look back at LeBron James' tenure in LA

James joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018, where he joined a team comprised of young talent including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso. The team had a top-4 record in the Western conference by Christmas Day, but it was short lived after injuries sustained by James and Ball derailed the remainder of the Lakers season. They missed the playoffs and went back to the drawing board.

The following season, a blockbuster move was made by bringing in Anthony Davis and sending Ball, Ingram and other pieces to the New Orleans Pelicans.

LA was the best team in the NBA in 2019-2020. The season was memorable for many reasons. It was the year we lost an icon and Laker legend in the passing of Kobe Bryant and when the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe and caused worldwide shutdowns. The NBA resumed in Orlando, Florida for the remainder of the 2020 season, referred to as the "Bubble Season."

That year, James and Davis brought home a championship, tying the then-NBA record with the franchise's 17th championship.

More: Sports world reacts as LeBron James won't play for Lakers in 24th season

The following season, LA looked like they would repeat as champions but injuries to James and Davis shot those chances down. The Lakers were bounced in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, losing to the eventual Western conference champions Phoenix Suns.

Another franchise altering move was made when the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook. It seemed perfect on paper, but it didn't pan out on the court. They missed the playoffs in 2022.

LA went back to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but lost to eventual champions Denver Nuggets after being swept in a series where each game came down to the final moments of the game. In 2024, they faced the defending champions in the first round and lost in five games.

For the 2024-2025 season, LA brought in James' former podcast co-host JJ Reddick as a coach and drafted his son, Bronny. But the biggest headline of that year was the shocking trade to deal Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. The Lakers were then eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.

In James' final season with the Lakers, he helped them advance to the playoffs as a No. 4-seed, where he led them to a first round series win against the Houston Rockets without Doncic. LA was hobbled going into the second round against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who then swept them.

James was named an All-Star every season he played in a Lakers' uniform. In eight seasons in LA, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game on 51.3% field goal shooting and 35.6% 3-point shooting.

LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers tenure:

◽️️ 8 seasons
🏆️ 2020 NBA champion
🏆️ 2020 Finals MVP
◽️️ 8x All-Star
◽️️ 7x All-NBA nods
👑 Broke the NBA's all-time scoring record pic.twitter.com/yWk9jemobN

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 30, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: LA Lakers say goodbye to LeBron James after he opts for free agency

NBA superstar LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and will continue his career with another team.

James, 41, has spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers and helped the franchise win the 2020 NBA title.

He has played alongside his son Bronny, 21, since 2024.

Media reports suggest the league's all-time leading scorer is a target for the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers said: "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history.

"We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers - including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.

"We wish him the best in his future, both on and off the court. He will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family."

James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season with the Lakers. The 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion is the all-time leader in games (1,622) and points (43,440).

He was selected with the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft ⁠by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent seven seasons before announcing during a live TV special titled 'The Decision' that he was leaving for the Miami Heat.

James then ​returned to Cleveland and in 2016 rallied the team from a ‌3-1 series deficit in the NBA ⁠Finals to stun Golden State and make good on his promise ⁠to deliver the Cavaliers their first championship.

He helped the Lakers win the NBA title in 2020, nine months after legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash.

According to team sources who spoke to The Athletic on Monday, Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has activated his $25 million player option for the 2026–27 campaign. He signed a three-year, $130 million contract to join the Rockets in 2023, then in the summer of 2025, he signed a two-year, $50 million extension.

The seasoned point guard could have become an unrestricted free agent by rejecting his option. Vanvleet decided to stay for one more season and continue to play a significant role in Houston, both on and off the court. Before the previous season, the Rockets already held VanVleet, 32, in high regard. But after he missed the 2025–26 season due to a torn right ACL sustained at a team minicamp in the Bahamas shortly before the preseason began, his significance became more apparent. Despite adding Kevin Durant last summer, the Rockets had trouble with guard play throughout the season and fell in the first round of the playoffs.

VanVleet established himself as a big-shot creator and dependable on-ball presence by playing in at least 50 games in eight of his first nine NBA seasons before his ACL injury. Houston had lost at least 55 games in the preceding three seasons; thus, VanVleet’s arrival in 2023 signaled a shift in course. After helping the Rockets finish 41-41 in his rookie campaign, VanVleet was a key member of a team that won 52 games and went into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals during the 2024–25 campaign. He also shot 37.8 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three. As Houston and the Golden State Warriors engaged in an intense series that ultimately resulted in Houston losing Game 7 at home, he assumed an even greater role throughout the playoffs. VanVleet averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during that series.

Last season, the Rockets had to rely more on second-year guard Reed Sheppard and third-year guard Amen Thompson to play point guard in the absence of VanVleet. Because Thompson and Sheppard found it difficult to handle the demands of managing a team, the outcomes were frequently unequal. When the game slows down, having a healthy VanVleet back could help the Rockets stay among the top contenders in the West and will probably make things easier for Alperen Şengün and Durant.

The Rockets will also benefit greatly from VanVleet’s return from the 3-point line, which will give some much-needed spacing for an offense that was occasionally difficult to watch last season, particularly in late-game situations. VanVleet has made 386 3-pointers in his two seasons with the Rockets.

Almost all of Houston’s key rotation players have contracts for the 2026–2027 season, including VanVleet. Fourth-year forward Tari Eason’s restricted free agency is currently the Rockets’ biggest problem.

After VanVleet’s $25 million contract expires, Houston will have roughly $20 million to re-sign Eason and complete the roster before the first apron. There will be a severe financial crisis, yet fans and front office alike are optimistic about a Tari Eason return.

With all that said, what do you all think? Do you like Fred deciding to stick around for the future? Why or why not? Let us know, and as always, be sure to check back at The Dream Shake for all your Houston Rockets news!

Remember when I said Dub Nation didn’t need to gloat back in February, that we could just quietly nod and smile as Memphis flew too close to the sun? Well, the wax just hit the ocean. Ja Morant is a Portland Trail Blazer now, traded for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, and the last remaining pillar of that 2021-23 Grizzlies core is gone.

Memphis wasn’t some plucky upstart back then. This was the No. 2 seed in the West and a 56-win team. A franchise that genuinely believed it had stopped chasing Golden State and started replacing them. Four years later, the final cornerstone of that era just got shipped out for a wing on the decline and a prospect who, per Blazer’s Edge’s own breakdown of the return, “seemed to run from the ball.” Call it what it actually is: an estate sale.

Ja is gone.
Bane is gone.
Melton is gone.
Tillman is gone.
Konchar is gone.
Tyus Jones is gone.
Dillon Brooks is gone.
Taylor Jenkins is gone.
Kyle Anderson is gone.
Ziaire Williams is gone.
Steven Adams is gone.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is gone.

What happened to the Grizzlies ???

— Sam Block (@theblockspot) June 29, 2026

I wrote in June of 2018 that the Warriors’ dynasty operated as a “Path of Destruction,” a running tally of franchises that crumbled simply from existing in proximity to Golden State’s gravity. Memphis wasn’t on that list back then because they hadn’t earned it yet. But go back and look at what Draymond Green told GQ in 2017, the swagger, the certainty that the league knew it didn’t stand a chance. That’s the energy the 2021-22 Grizzlies tried to step to. Morant talked like someone who believed the future had already arrived. And after that 2021 play-in win, the “Whoop That Trick” celebrations from Memphis fans weren’t just noise. That was a fanbase genuinely convinced the torch had passed.

Golden State answered the old-fashioned way by beating Memphis in six games during the 2022 playoffs and winning the championship. Order restored. They then knocked them out of the play-in tournament in 2025. But here’s the part that should actually sting for Grizzlies fans: those losses weren’t the death blow. The franchise just gave up on their guys. Jaren Jackson Jr., a Defensive Player of the Year, shipped to Utah. Desmond Bane, gone to Orlando. Marcus Smart, gone. Taylor Jenkins, the coach who actually built something real in that locker room, fired with nine games left in a season. Nine games!

Jaren Jackson Jr. & Desmond Bane trades = 7 1st-Round Picks

Ja Morant trade = 0 1st-Round Picks

Crazy. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sVw6MRRpFS

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 29, 2026

What if Ja Morant didn’t get hurt against Golden State?

What if Steven Adams didn’t go after that loose ball vs the Suns in Jan. 2023?

What if Morant had more chances to play with Zach Edey and Cedric Coward?

An era defined by what-ifs comes to an endhttps://t.co/MKmzaTN9XP

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) June 30, 2026

Twelve first-round picks over the next seven seasons sound impressive until you remember Memphis already hit on Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. Draft picks aren’t the goal. They’re what you hope eventually becomes another Ja Morant. Memphis just traded the real thing for the hope of finding a copy.

Does this graduate Memphis to the Path of Destruction? The case is stronger than Cleveland’s or Oklahoma City’s ever was, and those teams only made my “Imminent Implosion” tier back in 2018. The Grizzlies get the full treatment now, the same shelf as the Spurs and the Clippers in my original Maximum Destruction tier. The difference is the Spurs and Clippers got there losing to Golden State on the floor. Memphis got there by trying to become the anti-Warriors and detonating themselves in the process.

The Warriors didn’t pull the trigger folks, they just kept raising the standard until other franchises started pulling it on themselves. Memphis wanted the dynasty before it had built one. Four years later, the dynasty is gone and the estate sale is complete. Dub Nation doesn’t need to clap; the auctioneer already did.