Category: Basketball

Natalia Bryant has made her debut as a creative director with a short film that features a subject matter with which she's very familiar.

The 70-second piece is called "Forever Iconic: Purple and Gold Always," and it's all about the worldwide impact of the Lakers — something Bryant has experienced throughout her life as the oldest daughter of one of the Lakers' great icons, Kobe Bryant.

The film, posted online Wednesday by the Lakers, is a fast-paced tribute to the team and its fans. It features a number of celebrity cameos — Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani takes batting practice wearing a Lakers cap; current Lakers star Luka Doncic yells "Kobe!" as he shoots a towel into a hamper; fashion designer Jeff Hamilton creates a number of Lakers jackets; actor Brenda Song obsessively watches and cheers for the team on her computer; Lakers legend Magic Johnson declares, "It's Showtime, baby!"

Read more:Natalia Bryant honors dad Kobe during USC graduation and A-listers turn out with congrats

Mixed in are shots of regular fans paying tribute to the team in their own ways.

“This project was an amazing, collaborative environment with such creative people and we all came together to try and portray the Lakers’ impact, not only in L.A. but around the world," Natalia Bryant said in a statement released by the Lakers. "Everyone has their own connection to the Lakers. I hope those who already love this team watch this project and remember what that pride feels like. And if you’re not a Lakers fan yet, I hope you watch this, and it makes you want to be.”

Bryant, who graduated from USC's School of Cinematic Arts in May, included some famous Lakers clips, such as LeBron James arguing, "It's our ball, ain't it?" and her father hitting a buzzer-beating shot against the Phoenix Suns during the 2006 playoffs.

"Such an honor to be apart of this project!" Bryant wrote on Instagram. "Thank you @lakers for having me join as creative director💛lakers family forever"

Lakers controlling owner and president Jeanie Buss also posted the video on Instagram.

"Cheers to the millions of fans around the world who make the Lakers the most popular team in the NBA!!" Buss wrote. "You are the best fans in the league. Congratulations and huge thanks to the amazing @nataliabryant who helped bring this film to life for her creative director debut."

Read more:'We wanted to throw a twist on it': Why an iconic Kobe Bryant image was altered for a Dodger-themed mural

Lakers superfan Song also posted a number of photos related to the project on Instagram, including one of herself with Bryant.

"Lake show for life," Song wrote.

Bryant responded in the comments, "For life!"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee, for now.

The two-time MVP reiterated his commitment to the Bucks on Wednesday, while reports on Tuesday made waves that the Knicks discussed a potential trade for the superstar in August after he singled out New York as "the only place" he wanted to play outside of Milwaukee.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley confirmed that the Knicks and Bucks had cursory talks about an Antetokounmpo deal at the time, but they didn't reach an advanced level. Begley noted that Antetokounmpo sees the idea of winning a title in New York appealing. 

Antetokounmpo made it clear he believes in the Bucks and his main goal is to win another championship. Although he left the door open to a potential trade down the road, saying it's "human" to change your mind.

"I've said this many times: I want to be in a situation that I can win," Antetokounmpo said. "I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I'm here to lead this team to wherever we can go. It's definitely going to be hard. We're going to take it day by day, but I'm here. So all the extra stuff does not matter.

"I've communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love, that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter. I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that's human, too."

When asked about rumors that circulated during the offseason that he wanted to leave Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo called it "temptation," but that's now in the past and he's ready for the start of the season with his current team.

"It's temptation. That starts when the season ends until the season begins," Antetokounmpo said. "There's going to be a lot of people that are going to approach me or approach my agent and they're going to say this is a possibility, that's a possibility ... but at the end of the day, ultimately, I'm going to make a decision. And my decision today is that I'm here and I'm committed to this team."

Antetokounmpo, who'll turn 31 on Dec. 6, signed a three-year, $175 million contract extension with the Bucks in October 2023. He's set to make $54.12 million this season, $58.45 million next season, and holds a player option for the 2027-28 season with a cap hit of $62.78 million before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2028.

The Bucks went 48-34 last season and lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round (4-1). They made major changes to the roster during the offseason following Damian Lillard's Achilles injury in the playoffs, waiving and extending him in a rare move, and then signing former Pacers big man Myles Turner. If Milwaukee gets off to another slow start or appears to be on the outside of the postseason looking in by the time of the trade deadline (Feb. 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.), it's possible Antetokounmpo's mind will have changed about Milwaukee and he's ready for a new team.

Steve Kerr's starting Warriors lineup is logical, but still a work in progress originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors are two games into the NBA preseason, and as they glance ahead they can see at least one caution light blinking.

The light that gauges the effectiveness of their perimeter defense, particularly at the point of attack.

That element is one of several essentials to Golden State’s success, and it has been considerably less than stellar. Opposing guards, some speedy and others shifty, are penetrating with regularity, resulting in paint points, free throws or kickouts to open shooters behind the arc.

That was visible Wednesday night in the first half – with all minutes going to starters and rotation players – of a 129-123 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It took a massive fourth-quarter comeback by the far end of the bench to wipe out a 16-point halftime deficit.

Moses Moody started in the role of primary POA defender against Portland, with coach Steve Kerr pairing him with Stephen Curry in the backcourt. This vulnerability also was visible last Sunday, when Brandin Podziemski started alongside Curry in a 111-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

While it’s unreasonable to expect fantastic defense in the first week of the preseason, the Warriors can’t be delighted with a defense that allowed 39 points in the first quarter and 73 in the half.

“They were flying by us,” Kerr said. “And then we were collapsing, probably too much.  And then they had a ton of threes. I think they made 10 threes in the first half.”

Wrong, coach. The Blazers drained 12 triples in the first half. They also posted a 24-16 edge in paint points.

This was Golden State’s first look at a starting lineup that might start the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Curry and Moody in the backcourt, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green at forward and Al Horford at center. All five posted negative plus/minus numbers in the first half.

“I didn’t think we were ready to play,” Kerr said. “I don’t know that we got a good enough look at that lineup to really know. It should fit, with Al’s shooting and we have a lot of length. Moses on the ball. They took it to us right away.”

Starting Moody against the Blazers was logical because he’s a rangy defender (6-foot-5, 7-foot wingspan) and a good 3-point shooter. The possibility of him as lead bird dog emerged late last season, after the Warriors traded Andrew Wiggins as part of the deal to acquire Jimmy Butler III, as Kerr explained before tipoff.

“He got to guard the ball,” Kerr recalled of Moody. “He got to be in the starting lineup, and he became our point of attack defender, like Wiggs was before. And so, with Wiggs leaving, that opened a void on this team, because Jimmy’s not that.”

Moody has the potential to be all of that, but it’s clear he’s still trying to master the art of staying in front of quick guards. It’s a tough assignment. He has made 74 starts over four NBA seasons, but starring in that role took Klay Thompson about 300 starts.

“They came out and hit us early,” Moody told NBC Sports Bay Area. “It felt like a different game than [against the Lakers]. “We didn’t do much game planning and preparation. But I think their speed, especially in transition, got us.”

Portland guard Shaedon Sharpe finished with a game-high 22 points in 23 minutes, on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep. He was plus-14 for the night. Backup guard Blake Wesley, blasting into the paint with relative ease, finished with nine points and six rebounds.

Three nights earlier, four Lakers scored in double figures on Sunday – and all were guards: Gabe Vincent (team-high 16 points), Dalton Knecht (12), R.J. Davis (11) and Jack LaRavia (10). Along with their 49 combined points, they accounted for 12 assists.

Golden State’s POA defense so important because there is no Victor Wembanyama waiting at the rim. There is no Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert or Chet Holmgren. Not even a Donovan Clingan

The preseason is a time for experimenting, for seeing what might work and what shouldn’t even be tried. It’s a work in progress, and there is plenty of time to patch it. But the early returns are worth watching.

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What we learned as Quinten Post, LJ Cryer fuel Warriors' comeback preseason win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

• BOX SCORE

SAN FRANCISCO – The NBA preseason is a learning experience for youngsters and veterans alike, and the Warriors will have plenty of positives and negatives to review after what turned into a wild 129-123 win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night at Chase Center.

Behind the 3-point prowess of Quinten Post (20 points) and LJ Cryer (14 points), and rookie Will Richard’s constant activity, the Warriors rallied for a spirited comeback where they outscored the Blazers 51-26 in the fourth quarter.

Steph Curry in his one half of action played 16 minutes and scored 11 points, going 3 of 7 overall and 2 of 5 on threes. Draymond Green also played 16 minutes, and also hit a pair of threes on his way to nine points. Jimmy Butler was the leading scorer of the three, and the only to have a positive plus/minus. 

Butler, a plus-3 in 17 minutes, scored 12 points to go with two rebounds, three assists and two steals. He was 3 of 6 from the field, and 6 of 8 on free throws.

The Warriors again play the Blazers in the preseason next Tuesday, as well as the third game of the 2025-26 NBA regular season in what will be the second night of a back-to-back.

Here are three takeaways from the Warriors’ second win to start their five-game preseason schedule. 

Horford Gets Starting Nod

After opening the preseason with a small-ball lineup in the Warriors’ first game, coach Steve Kerr switched gears and went big against the Blazers. Al Horford moved into the starting lineup, with the real decision being Moses Moody staying and Brandin Podziemski coming off the bench. Horford and Moody accompanied Curry, Butler and Green. 

“Al gives us the ability to play bigger with shooting,” Kerr explained at his pregame press conference. “Portland’s got a pretty big team and I would anticipate they’ll start [Donovan] Clingan. I think I mentioned last game, I don’t want to throw Draymond out there constantly against these big centers. So this is a good night to take a look at that lineup and see what we do.”

The Warriors trailed 18-15 when Kerr first turned to his bench, replacing Moody and Horford with Buddy Hield and Post with a little more than five minutes left in the first quarter. Moody blocked two shots in the first minute, and Horford already had two rebounds and one assist. He should have had two assists by then if Moody would have converted an open layup. 

But Horford’s first assist was an eye-opening dime. The 39-year-old center grabbed a defensive rebound and went coast-to-coast, finding Butler in transition for an easy layup at the rim.

The starters didn’t play together again all night. Like the preseason opener, Curry, Butler, Green and Horford all sat the second half. Horford was scoreless in 11 minutes while missing his four shot attempts. Moody didn’t start the second half and was a minus-10 in 20 minutes, scoring 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

Second Unit Struggles

Once Kerr turned to his bench, the game flipped in favor of the Blazers. The Warriors used a 10-man rotation in the first quarter, using Podziemski, Hield, Post, Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II off the bench. That unit lost its run 19-4 in the first quarter alone. 

The Blazers’ bench outscored the Warriors’ reserves 18-7 in the first quarter, and Portland went on a 13-0 run to hold a 14-point 39-25 lead going into the second quarter. 

By halftime, the Warriors were losing the bench battle 25-20. All of the Warriors’ bench players had a negative plus/minus, and Deni Avdija, who was up to 13 points, was the lone Blazers bench player in the negative. 

Seth Curry eventually will be an option off the bench for Kerr, and should at least provide more outside shooting. Curry “is still ramping up,” per Kerr, and has yet to play in the preseason. He will be waived by Oct. 18 and is eligible to be re-signed starting Nov. 11. 

Podziemski and Kuminga each were a game-low minus-17.

Defensive Work In Progress

If Toumani Camara starts making threes like he did against the Warriors, the rest of the league could have a problem on its hands. The Second Team All-Defensive selection from last season was part of the reason the Warriors were buried from long distance on their home court. 

Camara went 4 of 7 from 3-point range in the first half before missing his two attempts in the second half. Shaedon Sharpe also was 4 of 7 beyond the arc in the first half as the Blazers went 12 of 28 on threes through the first two quarters. The Warriors were losing the long distance battle, and were being beaten by speed. 

Most of the Blazers’ threes were open shots, and the Warriors were late to rotate. The Blazers shot 46.3 percent in the first half, including a 42.9 3-point percentage. The Warriors also only had two steals compared to six by the Blazers going into halftime, and they turned the ball over three times more than them – 12 to three.

Effort and resiliency from the back of the bench deserves tons of positivity. First, the defensive miscues will have to be cleaned up ahead of Sunday’s game in LA against the Lakers.

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‘The world is soft': Mazzulla, Boucher hilariously recall 2023 altercation originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Let’s just say Joe Mazzulla and Chris Boucher have met before.

Boucher, who signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics in early August, spent the previous seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors, which means he’s seen plenty of his Atlantic Division foe over the years. And during a Celtics-Raptors matchup at TD Garden on April 5, 2023, Boucher actually made contact with Boston’s head coach, bumping into Mazzulla as he walked back to Toronto’s huddle during a timeout.

Mazzulla was incensed in the moment; he started barking at Boucher and needed to be restrained by then-Celtics big man Robert Williams III. But when asked to reflect on the incident more than two years later, Mazzulla gave a very on-brand response.

“That was cool. I appreciated that,” Mazzulla told Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg at Celtics Media Day. “In the arena, we’re all competing to win, so I love that.”

Mazzulla admitted he probably wouldn’t have escalated the situation if Williams didn’t restrain him — “It’s a classic hold-me-back moment,” Mazzulla told Forsberg — but Boucher says he was ready for whatever the C’s head coach had in store for him.

“It probably would’ve gotten real,” Boucher told Forsberg at Celtics Media Day.

“To be honest with you, I probably would do that again and again and again,” Boucher added about his bump of Mazzulla. “I mean, it’s just who I am.”

For some head coaches, Boucher’s apparent willingness to make physical contact with them might be a red flag. Mazzulla, of course, isn’t like most head coaches — in fact, Boucher’s mindset was part of what made him appealing for this Celtics roster.

“The world is soft. The league is soft. And when you can have interactions and moments, I think those things test your competitive nature,” Mazzulla said.

“So, I appreciated the fact that he did that. I respect that he did it, and when we signed him I told him that, ‘We only signed you to get payback for what you did two years ago — and to watch your back.'”

Boucher confirmed that, yes, their 2023 run-in was one of the first things Mazzulla mentioned to him when he joined the Celtics in August.

“Yeah, that was the first thing he said,” Boucher recalled. “He was like, ‘I remember when you bumped me. And I didn’t know where he was taking it from, but he said that’s like the type of guy that he likes. He wants the guys (who are) like, ‘It’s us against everybody,’ and I think that it is just like a mentality that I have, and I think Joe has it too.”

“We’re not here to make friends. We’re not here to be buddy-buddy with anybody. We’re trying to win, we’re trying to get to the goal.”

If you know anything about Mazzulla — who once advocated for making fighting legal in the NBA — you know that answer is likely music to the Celtics head coach’s ears.

Mazzulla and Boucher will partake in their first game together on the same sideline Wednesday night when the Celtics take on the Grizzlies in their preseason opener (8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston).

What is considered a good season for Kings in 2025-26? Answering this and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

You asked, and we answered.

Coming off an adverse 2024-25 NBA season full of change and instability, the Kings are excited to get the ball rolling with welcomed change under new general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie.

But with newness comes a level of uncertainty, as questions and concerns likely will continue to be addressed throughout the preseason and over the course of the 2025-26 regular season.

In the latest edition of “Ask Tristi,” we address Kings fans’ biggest questions entering Wednesday night’s preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center.

What’s your biggest concern for the season? (@BrookeUhlenhop)

The addition of Dennis Schroder took care of Sacramento’s biggest issue since trading De’Aaron Fox last season. He instantly fills the point guard void and will help facilitate the offense.

But it’s to be determined how Schroder — and the rest of the starting five — will mesh together as an offense.

The combination of Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis simply didn’t work in the life-after-Fox experiment. Keon Ellis replaced Monk in the starting lineup toward the end of the regular season, and that didn’t work either.

While Schroder will do his job to fly the plane safely, there still is plenty of turbulence in the way of Sacramento’s offense. Aside from the point guard position, the other four presumed starters still don’t seem to make sense together, at least to seriously compete in the Western Conference.

On the other hand, a full offseason, training camp and preseason together could help with off- and on-court chemistry, rather than the position they were in last season of trying to figure it out on the fly.

Only time will tell.

Who is your pick for a breakout season? (@motiong0d)

Entering a pivotal Year 4 and contract season, all eyes will be on Murray — both in Sacramento and around the league.

After Sacramento selected the Iowa product No. 4 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Murray had a phenomenal, record-breaking rookie season, averaging 12.2 points on 45.3-percent shooting from the field and 41.4 percent from 3-point range.

Defensively, the 25-year-old has blossomed into the team’s best all-around defender, earning himself the tall task of defending the opposing team’s best player on most nights.

Offensively, however, he hasn’t been able to build upon his impressive rookie showing. At least not consistently. Part of that is due to who he shares the majority of the time on the court with, and part of it is him having to be more aggressive in creating his own shot.

Since LaVine entered Sacramento’s lineup on Feb. 5, Murray’s field-goal attempts went down by nearly five attempts per game. That’s not a knock on LaVine, who continued one of the best campaigns of his career with the Kings last season, but more so the reality of having multiple guys who need the ball in their hand on the floor at the same time.

All that to say Murray needs to have a breakout season, and the Kings need him to, too.

Even if that means fewer touches for themselves, the Kings’ offensive stars know how vital Murray is to their overall success.

“A key component to our success is Keegan — on both ends of the ball,” DeRozan told reporters after practice last week. “We won’t be able to go nowhere if we don’t get the best out of him every single night.”

Murray said his agent will take care of the business side of things throughout his contract year, while his focus will remain on playing the best basketball he can as he aims for two-way stardom in the league.

That time could come sooner than some might think.

** Honorable mention: Isaac Jones

What would you consider to be a “good season” for the Kings in your eyes? (@gullyblanchard)

No one likes moral victories. No one likes liars, either.

Sacramento likely won’t finish as a top-six seed in the stacked West, but the Kings are the only ones in the Kings’ way of finishing just below there.

The No. 7 to No. 10 seeds could be up for grabs for Sacramento.

The Kings finished 48-34 (third in the West) during their magical “Beam Team” 2022-23 season. They finished with two fewer wins (46-36) the following year and dropped all the way to ninth, which is the same place they finished last season with a 40-42 record.

The West is weird, we know that. But that’s why Sacramento must attack every game — whether it’s versus a No. 3 seed or No. 13 seed — with the same aggressive, disciplined approach.

So, if we want to talk wins, 40 seems doable and fair. In terms of standings and the bigger picture, a NBA play-in tournament spot — with a play-in win and then whatever happens thereafter — would feel like a good season given Sacramento’s circumstances of incorporating all the newness.

Some fans and media view this season as the beginning of a rebuild for Sacramento. While the Kings likely won’t be hoisting the Larry O’Brien in June, I think they also might surprise a lot of people.

Who is the X-factor for the Kings this season? (@deucemason on IG)

This could go a lot of different ways.

But the obvious answer feels like it should be the team’s big offseason addition.

Schroder won’t ever replace what Fox did in his eight years with the Kings. But he doesn’t have to.

LaVine helps close the gap on that offensive void, while Schroder does everything else that Fox did well, plus maybe a little bit more.

Schroder is a 12-year veteran with plenty of playoff experience. He’s fresh off leading Germany to EuroBasket gold and was named the EuroBasket MVP for his efforts. He was hand-selected by Christie and Perry this offseason, and the Kings are thrilled they got their guy.

The 32-year-old is exactly the kind of player Christie wants on his team, with certain traits and characteristics that are reminiscent of the coach during his playing career.

Schroder won’t have flashy stat lines every night, but his presence alone can help elevate this team after a down year last season.

What’s the vibe been like at media day and training camp? (@momoragan on IG)

When the media were let into the first practice on Day 1 of training camp, the sound of sneakers squeaking, aggressive clapping and loud cheering were echoed on the Kings’ practice facility walls.

But don’t take my word for it.

“Fun” and “energetic” were the words consistently repeated by several players throughout the first week of camp, who credited the atmosphere Christie and Perry have established heading into the new season.

The new pair, in a short time together, already have made major changes within the organization — both on and off the court.

Players seem to be well-receptive to those changes thus far.

More than anything, players appear to be committed to Christie and his coaching style, largely due to his relatability as a former player.

Few people love the city of Sacramento and Kings organization more than Christie. Winning is important to him, but so is remembering to have fun.

That mentality hopes not to get lost in the mix of the season.

After giving away Fox last season, I’ve lost a lot of interest in this team. Is there anything to truly be excited about this season? (@Steve_Tuck)

Short answer: YES.

I know, I know. If there’s anything worse than losing, it’s watching others do it, repeatedly.

But there is plenty to look forward to in Sacramento this season. Key players such as Murray and Ellis enter contract seasons, so it will be interesting to monitor how they handle that “pressure” and grow throughout the season.

Both players should be instrumental to Christie’s rotations.

Also, if you watched summer league, you would know that the Kings rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud could make an impact with Sacramento sooner rather than later.

Clifford’s versatility should earn him a role, or at least an opportunity to play with the big boys in Year 1. Meanwhile, Raynaud’s 7-foot presence could be a welcome sight for Sacramento’s center depth.

Isaac Jones isn’t a rookie, but his dominant summer league showing could set him up for a big 2025-26 season.

Finally, if Doug Christie and his smelling salt rituals don’t excite you, I don’t know what will. Christie is entering his first full year as the official coach of the team he loves and adores. He won’t be perfect, no coach is, especially not in Year 1. But his passion and love for the game — and city — will at least be worth the watch.

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Al Horford reveals two key traits that attracted him to Warriors in free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Even as an opponent in the NBA Finals, Warriors center Al Horford was a fan of his new team.

Speaking to assembled media on Tuesday, Horford expressed his longtime admiration for the Warriors’ organization and explained what drew him to sign with Golden State in the offseason.

“The two things that I saw [were] consistency—with this group, they’ve been great for so long—and then just the way that they play,” Horford said. “You know, that ball movement…and how these guys are getting to their spots, their positions, and really trying to play team basketball. It’s something that I’ve always respected and enjoyed watching them.”

No NBA team has recorded more assists since the start of Steve Kerr’s tenure as coach than the Warriors. Having lost the 2022 NBA Finals to Golden State in six games while playing for the Boston Celtics, Horford knew how effective that approach could be.

“It’s so difficult to defend, that type of style,” Horford said. “And that’s the one thing that really got my attention here.”

Of course, it isn’t just the offensive system itself that Horford feels is a fit. It’s also the players that make the system go.

“When you have guys that are just such smart basketball players…Draymond [Green]…Steph [Curry]…making reads and the passes, they’re already anticipating before the defense is even [ready],” Horford said. “Just all those things, it was really attractive to me to come here.”

Horford, a 6-foot-10 center who can pass and shoot well from 3-point range, is expected to play a significant role in Kerr’s motion offense this season, which tips off Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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