Ring didn't lie: Anthony Edwards married girlfriend Shannon Jackson

The rumors that Anthony Edwards could officially be off the market were true.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star will begin his seventh NBA season in 2026 as a married man after tying the knot with his longtime girlfriend earlier this month, according to a Minnesota records search instigated initially by the curiosity of fans. The Minnesota Official Marriage System's website confirmed multiple reports that Edwards and Shannon Jackson were issued a marriage certificate on July 16.

Edwards' relationship status became a talking point again when he was spotted at Fanatics Fest in New York last week wearing a black band on his ring finger. He did not, however, bring it up during appearances in which Edwards gave his thoughts on the Timberwolves' pursuit of LeBron James and the team's new addition of LaMelo Ball, among other topics.

Anthony Edwards, Shannon Jackson relationship history

Edwards and Jackson have reportedly been dating since 2020 and they have a 2-year-old daughter named Aislynn together. Their relationship was previously featured on the Netflix reality series, "Starting 5" in 2024 when Jackson was pregnant.

Anthony Edwards stats

Edwards averaged a career-best 28.6 points and set career highs in field goal percentage (48.9%) and 3-point percentage (39.9%), while averaging 5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game during the 2025-26 regular season. He appeared in 61 games. His scoring average dropped to 21.6 points per game on 42.8% shooting in the playoffs as he battled through a knee injury.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ring didn't lie: Anthony Edwards married girlfriend Shannon Jackson

How does the Knicks championship still not feel real?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 18: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2026 NBA Finals on June 18, 2026 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA Championship in 53 years. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I woke the other day to a text from Collin Loring, a friend and one of my favorite Knicks writers, asking, “How does the championship still not feel real?” Good question. Here are three theories.

IT’S SOMETHING YOU ATE

In August of 1951, doctors in and around Pont-Saint-Esprit, France, were confronted with a tsunami of locals becoming violently ill all at once. Their initial symptoms — nausea, chills, diarrhea — progressed to convulsions and hallucinations. One man decided he was an airplane, jumped out a second-story window and died. A mother’s 11-year-old son tried to strangle her. Turned out an unscrupulous baker bought some shady flour infested with a fungus whose effects resemble those of LSD.

We know our planet grows increasingly hostile to most of the life it supports (you know why). We know there’s been a steep drop in food regulation the past few years. While you’re reading this, half the country is on the toilet care of corruption and cyclosporiasis. Maybe seven weeks ago there was a hallucinogenic fungus in your Cheerios. Or you ate a three-egg omelette and only two of ‘em were good eggs. Someone might’ve spiked the raw milk and infected us all with Mad Wow disease, deluding ourselves into thinking the Knicks won the title. Moo.

Think about it. The most dominant run of play in THE LITERAL ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE NBA? And the greatest and arguably second-greatest comebacks in playoff history?! And Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby morphing into Michael Jordan, Nikola-Jokić-meets-Kevin-Durant and Kawhi Leonard?!? Evel Knievel thinks that’s over the top.

YOU’RE NOT BUILT TO COMPREHEND IT

On Wednesday I woke and opened the curtains to a dusty orange sky. I closed them. Hard to breathe on the orange days. Harder on Thursday, when skies were mostly blue but the air reeked of burning. On Saturday we got our second “100-year storm” in 10 days. Spent eight hours baling water and sewage out of a flooded basement. Thankfully didn’t lose the hot water heater like last time. Lost the furnace then, too. Mighta lost it again.

Climate change, at least for me, now, is all at once grounded and surreal. While the new normal feels increasingly normal, it’s hard to shake the old one. When I was a kid in western New York, we could go a whole summer not hitting 90 degrees and it’d snow anytime from October to May. Now the heat index tops 100 for days and there’s rarely if ever a white Christmas.

The Knicks are champions of the world. Their Finals MVP conducted a closeout game that sits at the same table with the best of Clyde, Magic, Michael and Giannis. They did it while out-dominating the ’90s Bulls, the Shaq/Kobe Lakers, the Hamptons Five Warriors and the ‘90s Bulls. Yes, I listed them twice; if you lived through that time you understand why I’ll never get tired of writing it.

I watched it happen! I know that it’s real. Still, I have no frame of reference for such a dramatic shift. What once grounded me no longer exists; what grounds me now is something alien. Linsanity made more sense. Doctor said to take two Wemby fails and see how I feel in the morning.

NOTHING IS REAL AND NOTHING TO GET HUNG ABOUT

The last possibility is surely the darkest, and comes from a story I read once and could never forget, though I have never been able to remember who wrote it or find it since. Read on at your peril.

A man closes his eyes and dies. When he opens them, he is back in his house, with his loved ones. He doesn’t remember dying. Everything inside the house is so familiar, so mundane and perfect, down to the smallest detail, that he simply slips back into everyday life, as it were, as if nothing has changed. That evening, he opens a drawer in search of a key and realizes something is missing from inside the drawer. But he can’t remember what.

The next day, it happens again, this time a book from a shelf. The next it’s a bottle of wine, saved for a special occasion, though he can’t say what it was. Every day, something new disappears, and he can never remember what.

Then one day, one of his children is gone. He suspects it, knows deep inside something is terribly wrong, but he has no memory of them; just the brutal, unspeakable awareness that he can’t properly mourn whomever he’s lost. The next day it’s another child. The next it’s his wife.

The revelation at the end is that the man is in Hell, suffering through this pattern over and over, forever. Maybe Swedenborg wrote the story. Maybe no one did; maybe it’s mine. I can’t remember.

Remember this?

What if Hart missed that bunny, and the Knicks went on to lose Game 4 by one? And then the series? What if we’re is Hell? And we’ve all forgotten that he missed, and reality seems to carry on as normal, only little things keep on disappearing. Mitchell Robinson. Brunson’s healthy left wrist. Maybe Jeremy Sochan. Maybe Chris Jent.

So, in summation: maybe we’re hallucinating. Maybe the world stopped adding up long before we learned math. Maybe we’re damned. Either way, the Knicks are NBA champions. Whatever this is, don’t wake me.

LeBron James’ top three free agency priorities revealed

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James points to a fan during a Los Angeles Lakers game, Image 2 shows LeBron James speaks at Fanatics Fest in New York City

Multiple reports have indicated that LeBron James is prioritizing happiness when choosing his next NBA team.

While being happy is a great trait to pursue, happiness is a broad term that can manifest in infinite different ways. Therefore, it was hard to gauge what happiness meant to the 41-year-old as the basketball world awaits his free agency decision.

LeBron James speaks at Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania shed some light on this during an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday.

After explaining that the Warriors’ unwillingness to do what it takes to trade for Anthony Davis means they’re unlikely to land LeBron, Charania said, “Sources tell me LeBron James… [is] not waiting for another domino right now. They’re not waiting for Anthony Davis to get traded anywhere.”


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LeBron James points to a fan during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“The teams—Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia, and Minnesota, they’re set,” Charania added.

“LeBron James was very clear from the very beginning: This is going to be based on happiness—in terms of chances to contend for a championship, a chance to compete at a high level, [and] join a culture,” he continued.

LeBron James walks off the stage after filming a live podcast at Fanatics Fest. BACKGRID

Therefore, James’ “happiness” comes down to three things: being a championship contender, competing at a high level, and joining a positive team culture.

Unfortunately, these three things offer much insight into where James might sign, as all five of the teams in contention will be championship contenders if they add James to their roster, if they aren’t already.

Plus, all of them seem to have solid cultures, or else James probably wouldn’t be considering them at a potential home.

The hope is that LeBron will announce his decision soon, so that speculation about where he’ll go can end.

Alex Karaban reflects on Summer League success and his fit with Sacramento

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 15: Alex Karaban #33 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the second half of the 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Boston Celtics at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 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 Louis Grasse/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Alex Karaban sat down with NBC Sports California’s Deuce Mason following being drafted 29th overall to Sacramento in this year’s draft.

He revealed that the number-one ingredient in winning that most people overlook is accountability.

“If we’re hard on each other and we’re holding each other accountable, it’s going to make us closer… I think now people could be afraid to say what’s on their mind, and if someone is messing up, people just don’t want to critique people anymore.”

He continued the interview, talking about how Dan Hurley “completely changed my life” and how he would not be the person he is today without Hurley.

“He’s the best college basketball coach. He’s going to make you a better player,” Karaban said. “I wouldn’t talk to people; I was super quiet. I wasn’t confident, and he really changed me to be more outgoing.”

In terms of changing the winning culture in Sacramento, Karaban said that his time with UConn will help make a difference with the Kings.

“Coach was the same person on a daily basis, no matter how we felt, win or loss; he was the same. He expected the same standards every single day, not just on the court, but who we are off the court, being on time or carrying yourself the right way.”

Karaban is bringing that same mindset to Sacramento: the intensity, the passion, and the foundation for the organization to have for the future.

The Kings traded up to draft Karaban at 29th overall. When asked about how that feels, he said, “It means everything to me. I was super excited. The energy that Scott [Perry] Head Coach Doug Christie had and how excited they were… For them to have the belief in me gives me all the confidence to come in here and be myself and make an impact.”

Karaban suffered an ankle injury just before heading to Las Vegas and started off the Summer League a bit slow, going against the Clippers on 0-for-6 shooting and a 4-point outing against Brooklyn. He followed those games up with a great performance, putting up a team-high 21 points and eight rebounds in an 82-76 loss to Boston on Wednesday night. Karaban shot a great 5-for-7 from downtown in the loss. Karaban’s three-point numbers towards the end of his final season were lower than usual, so it is great to see the former Husky back on track from three-point land.

In the following game against Charlotte, Karaban contributed 14 points, making a pair of triples in the 92-90 win.

Karaban finished the Summer League averaging 10 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in an average of 27.5 minutes per game. While the early games presented a learning curve, Karaban’s response down the stretch showed the composure of a seasoned performer. By regaining his stroke from beyond the arc and contributing across multiple categories, he proved he can adapt quickly when given the opportunity. As he moves forward, this Summer League stint serves as a promising stepping stone toward carving out a reliable role in Sac Town.

SCOREBOARD: Brooklyn Nets Social Media Round-up | July 23rd Edition

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Keon Ellis #14, Michael Porter Jr. #17, Terance Mann #14 and Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets attend the game between the Brooklyn Nets and 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 dog days of summer, and those of the NBA offseason, are officially upon us. While the World Cup gave general sports fans a longer lease on that golden spring-to-early-summer stretch where playoff basketball and hockey run wild, baseball returns, and dew points are manageable, we’re now well past that.

The Brooklyn Nets also concluded their Summer League run last week. From this point and until training camp in late September, most access to the team’s players will come via the various social platforms they’re active on.

But First, a Farewell

Before we get into the current Nets, a former one had some goodbyes to say this week. Nic Claxton’s fiancé, Mariah Castro, posted a farewell message to the Nets and Brooklyn on Instagram not long after Clax’s trade news broke. However, the big man posted his own on X earlier this week.

“Through the ups an downs this city watched me grow into a man,” he wrote. “I will always cherish my time spent there. I created so many beautiful memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I will forever be grateful I was able to call Brooklyn home. With all of that being said, it was time to move on. Thanks again for rocking with me. I will see y’all again.”

We wish Nic and his family all the best going forward.

Workout Time

Workout videos are a common find on NBA social feeds this time of year. Development coach Tyreek Dupree recently tagged Day’Ron Sharpe in one. Footwork, ball-handling and post-move drills were largely on display.

Terance Mann and Noah Clowney recently got some work in as well with NBA and WNBA development coaches Cory Smith and Chris Johnson. They’ve trained with LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Johnson, and countless other pros before.

To no surprise, Egor Dëmin has also been in the lab with long-time trainer Zack Gonzalez. When he’s not with Dëmin or fellow BYU product AJ Dybantsa, Gonzalez works as a trainer/coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Summer Camps

The Nets still haven’t announced the Moe Wagner signing yet. They’re likely trying maintain flexibility as they look leverage their remaining $11 million in cap space. However, Wagner hasn’t been sitting around, waiting for the checks to hit. He, his brother Franz, and Adidas hosted a youth basketball academy in Berlin this week.

Other Adventures

Michael Porter Jr. spent a large part of his summer’s first half with his current teammates, but now looks to be off hanging with some old friends, and maybe, just maybe, recruiting. We wrote extensively about Porter Jr. and all the posts featuring him and Peyton Watson earlier this week. The two were seen enjoying a beach, some wine and at the World Cup across a variety of social accounts last week.

Dëmin seems to have followed MPJ into the vlogging sphere as well. He dropped two videos last year, one during the team’s preseason trip to Macao, and another during All-Star weekend. He’s kicked up posting cadence recently, however, dropping a “Summer Side Quests” episode last month and one from the Summer League yesterday.

On the topic of Dëmin and the SL, Terance Mann also gave him a shoutout on X earlier this month, to which Egor responded to by calling TMann his “big brother.”

Julius Randle also came home yesterday. He got his first look at his new threads and the home locker room in Brooklyn this week.

“Great opportunity ahead. Great organization. Made me really comfortable to start,“ Randle said earlier this month. “So, you know, got a lot of young talent. Got some good vets. Excited to see what we can put together.”

Miles Bridges believes in Devin Booker, but is belief enough?

Miles Bridges thinks Booker deserves a ring, and he’s ready to go to war to get one. We can all agree on that. The Phoenix Suns fans deserve a Booker ring, too. The entire Valley, from the transplant Bulls fans to the born Phoenicians with closets full of Lakers gear, deserves a Booker ring, but did the Suns front office put enough around Booker to truly contend for one?

Brian Gregory couldn’t be more excited about adding Miles Bridges. There was a defiant sparkle in his eye as he sat next to Bridges at the introductory press conference. To me, he clearly thinks he got away with something when he finally managed to pry Bridges away from the Hornets. Gregory confidently took every question that was asked regarding Miles Bridges’ history with domestic violence, acknowledged it, and explained what the Suns liked about Miles from a basketball fit. He has a long history with Miles Bridges going back to MSU.

Miles Bridges answered every question thrown his way as well. He spoke on his off-court issues but also talked about how he can help the Suns as a basketball player and that he might surprise fans who aren’t familiar with his game. He mentioned that he’s an underrated playmaker, he emphasized defense and rebounding, and acknowledged that part of his role is to get Booker his points. He saw the Suns’ playoff series against the Thunder and clearly came away with some of the same takeaways the rest of us did, as to where the Suns need to improve moving forward.

Everything Miles Bridges said about his game is everything I wanted for this team as a Suns fan. A physical four who can body someone up on the boards, and get his offensive game off without stopping the ball. That’s not the Miles Bridges that Charlotte got, but the second-chance theme is a big part of the Miles Bridges trade, whether talking about the off-court issues or the basketball fit. I believe Miles Bridges when he says he’s ready to go to war to win a championship with this Suns team. 

Is Booker?

Whether or not you think Booker is a superstar on the court, he’s unquestionably a superstar off the court. He’s involved with the Kardashians, gets his name dropped in Drake lyrics, has his own signature shoe, and is respected by every player around the league. He’s been to the doorstep of greatness and was turned away. It’s not an easy road to get back. It’s a battle, or as Bridges said, a war. Does Booker, who has already achieved so much in basketball and in life, have the edge to claw his way back?

I understand roles change with age and I think Book’s game is evolving in a way that could be beneficial for the Phoenix Suns, but watching Booker make right play after right play in the playoffs as the Thunder funneled the ball to Brooks and Green to the tune of forty plus shots, makes me wonder if the Booker who was so comfortable deferring on the playoff stage, still has that desire to lead a contender in a league that continues to add more young talent every year.

Miles Bridges, as described in the press conference, is going to improve the Suns but the question of contending, of getting Book that ring everyone thinks he deserves, still comes down to the Phoenix Suns being able to optimize the production of Devin Booker. It’s my personal opinion that, in order for the Suns to do that, there needs to be a second All-Star next to him. It’s the only way he’s going to get the space he needs to get his shot off.

Is Miles Bridges a capable third or fourth option on a potential championship team? I could be talked into that. I just don’t think the Suns’ biggest hurdle to securing a championship is their third- or fourth-option players. The Suns’ problem is at the top of the roster. Is Jalen Green the number two that the Suns need to pull defenders off of Booker? He wasn’t in the Thunder series. Does Devin Booker still have an appetite for the work it will take to add a championship to his already impressive resume? He didn’t play the Thunder series like a superstar desperate to survive.

I don’t think the Suns have a championship team as currently constructed, but I don’t think that has anything to do with whether they have Miles Bridges on the team. The Suns’ ceiling will be set by the performance of the players at the top of the roster.

So welcome to the Valley, Miles Bridges. We think that Booker deserves a ring, too. I just don’t know if the Suns have the team to do it. Yet.


Steve Kerr still has no interest in Warriors trade for polarizing star

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr on the sideline during a game, Image 2 shows Two basketball players on the court during an NBA game, one in a red and blue letterman jacket and the other in a black hoodie

Considering that LeBron James doesn’t seem likely to choose the Warriors in free agency, it feels like Golden State still is one key roster move from contending in the Western Conference.

That roster move will not include a trade for Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. if Warriors coach Steve Kerr has anything to do with it.

This sentiment stems from a report that Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor made Wednesday regarding what moves the Warriors could make if and when James signs elsewhere.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr reportedly doesn’t want to add Michael Porter Jr. to his roster. for the NY POST

“Sources say that Steve Kerr didn’t want MPJ in February, and there is little reason to believe he would want him now,” O’Connor wrote.

O’Connor didn’t add why Kerr didn’t want Porter back then. But the fact that Porter is a versatile, athletic wing who averaged 24.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Nets last season indicates that it likely isn’t because of what Porter can do on the court.

Michael Porter Jr. (right) averaged more than 24 points for the Nets last season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Michael Porter Jr. doesn’t look like he will be part of the Warriors’ plans. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Instead, perhaps it is because Porter is known for saying outlandish things and has become one of basketball’s most polarizing players because of it. His ex-girlfriend Madison Pettis called him a “psychopath” earlier this year, and he called out teammate Cam Thomas for not talking to anybody in the Nets’ locker room.

Kerr has done a great job managing the big personalities in the Warriors’ locker room since he became their head coach in 2014, which is a huge reason they’ve been so successful. Perhaps he views Porter as a liability in that regard.

Regardless of Kerr’s reasoning, it doesn’t sound like Porter will be the Warriors’ back-up plan once the James sweepstakes ends.


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Ex-NBA star Ty Lawson’s sad vodka shoplifting arrest mugshot released

Former NBA star Ty Lawson was none too pleased about getting arrested last week.

His mugshot, obtained by The California Post on Thursday, shows he had a stoic look on his face as he was being booked in a Douglas County, Colo. jail on a shoplifting charge.

The ex-Nuggets point guard, wearing what appeared to be a jail-issued top, blankly stared at the camera while gray was visible in his beard.

Ty Lawson was arrested on July 16 after allegedly stealing a bottle of vodka. Sheriff of Douglas County

The 38-year-old was taken into custody by the Castle Rock Police Dept. at around 8 p.m. on July 16 after a liquor store worker accused him of drunkenly stealing a $34 bottle of vodka.

Ty Lawson #3 of the Denver Nuggets looks for a pass with pressure from Brook Lopez #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on December 3, 2013. Getty Images

Lawson, who allegedly took the bottle to a nearby restaurant, was confronted by police and thrown in handcuffs after he smelled “of an unknown alcoholic substance,” according to the arrest affidavit.

While in police control, Lawson was accused of being a nightmare to his arresting officer.

Lawson screamed and called the cop “bitch” repeatedly and a “white bitch” during the pre-booking process, the arrest affidavit stated.

Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena on Dec. 7, 2014. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He “at times” kicked his cell’s glass wall and yelled “stop” repeatedly, according to the arrest affidavit.

He did ultimately calm down and apologize for his behavior, the report stated.

Lawson addressed the incident on his X page on Thursday morning, writing, “Being black in America is tough…. Being lied by a pasty face white woman wild… stay outta castle rock Colorado!!!!”

He later added, “This the wildest and more racist s—t I been thru.”

Lawson is facing one charge of theft of less than $300 shoplifting and is due in court for a pretrial conference on Aug. 13.


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Where will LeBron James play next season? Next team odds, predictions, best fits including Cavaliers, Warriors

It's been more than three weeks since LeBron James formally told the Los Angeles Lakers he was not returning, and while he said from the start he would take his time with this decision, how long this has dragged out has become the story.

Where do things stand with LeBron's decision? Where is LeBron going and when will he make his announcement? Here is all the latest information.

Where will LeBron James play next season?

Only one person knows that, and he's not talking. Yet.

This is LeBron's call, and his friend and agent Rich Paul has said publicly — echoing what some teams in the mix have said privately — that even he doesn't really know where LeBron is going. Or when the decision is coming. This is all on LeBron, and he had his circle keep things tight and don't leak info. Even his son and teammate in Los Angeles, Bronny James, doesn't know.

LeBron has talked about weighing a lot of factors — family, the chance to compete for a title, his fit with the players on said teams — while trying to make this call.

What we do know is five teams are in the mix:

• Miami Heat
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Golden State Warriors
• Minnesota Timberwolves

The front offices of all those teams have made their pitch to LeBron through his agent Paul, as well as many making a more public appeal as well. Players from each of those teams have reached out to LeBron directly, including LeMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards from Minnesota.

It should be noted that NBC Sports has been told by sources these teams aren't looking to make another move right now to impress LeBron — no Anthony Davis to the Warriors is on the horizon — and ESPN’s Shams Charania echoed that on Thursday.

Who is the frontrunner in this race varies depending upon who you talk to and when. That's because nobody knows. Except LeBron, and he's not talking. Yet.

When will LeBron James make his decision?

Soon. Or soonish. There's not really a better answer, unfortunately.

LeBron said on July 16, "I won't hold you guys up too much longer." Then a few days later, his agent and friend Rich Paul said, "We're not going to be rushed. It's his choice to make, and when he makes the choice, he'll make it."

Right now, a lot of league business is being held up waiting on LeBron: Free agents James Harden (Cleveland) and Draymond Green (Golden State) have opted out of their contracts to give their teams financial flexibility to sign LeBron and others, and they won't re-sign until LeBron makes his call. Then there are free agents like DeMar DeRozan, or players looking for sign-and-trades like Jonathan Kuminga, whose markets are stalled out until LeBron decides (then the losers in the sweepstakes may chase those two). Whenever LeBron announces, there will be a second wave of free agency to follow.

Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver got in on the act, saying the league can't finish its schedule for next season until LeBron makes his call because where he lands will have a big impact on things like which teams might be playing opening night or on Christmas Day. Siver got pushback for this — and maybe it caused LeBron to drag this out even longer according to some speculation — but he's also right. Whatever team LeBron lands on will have more nationally televised games, including likely opening night.

LeBron James next team odds

After the Miami Heat accidentally leaked a link to a LeBron introductory press conference on Tuesday night (more on that below), the Heat instantly shot to be the betting favorite, odds via our partners at DraftKings.
LeBron starts next season with team odds:

Miami Heat -200
Cleveland Cavaliers +225
Golden State Warriors +450
Philadelphia 76ers +700
Minnesota Timberwolves +4000
After those five, the Washington Wizards are +5000 (due to the Anthony Davis connection) and every other team is +10000.

Did Miami leak LeBron’s decision?

Tuesday night (July 21), someone connected with the Miami Heat posted a link to a YouTube stream titled "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference | July 27, 2026."

It doesn't take much imagination to picture how that exploded on social media.

The Heat quickly denied everything, saying that their social media team was only preparing for the possibility of LeBron choosing the Heat, and they accidentally put the link live for a little while. The Heat said this had no meaning, and that every team is doing this. Okay. But only one put it live.
That said, read into it what you want. This really could be nothing. Or, it could be everything.

LeBron James next team predictions

Kurt Helin, NBC Sports lead NBA writer: Cleveland Cavaliers

I feel the need to emphasize this: Nobody knows for sure what LeBron is thinking or going to do, outside of LeBron. However, the most informed people I talk to around the league about this point to a third stint in Cleveland, and that makes the most sense to me on a few levels.

First, if competing for a title is what matters most, LeBron is going to go East — this year's East is deeper than it has been (and maybe deeper than the West), but it lacks the juggernauts at the top the West does. There is a much clearer path to the Finals from the East. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference Finals a season ago, and what LeBron brings to the playoffs — where he has a long history of stepping up in big moments — is exactly what a team with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell needs. Leading the Lakers past the Rockets last playoffs, LeBron showed he can still take over stretches of a game or a series, and with that Cleveland has a chance to advance.

Second is the comfort level — LeBron knows Cleveland, the franchise and the city. While his family would still be a long way away in Los Angeles (a big thing Golden State has going for it in this race), this is still home. Third is the narrative — this will play well with casual fans. That matters to LeBron, who has a film crew following him around this season to make a documentary about his journey and final(?) season. He knows the Cavaliers will give his crew the access it needs, and going home one final time is a universal story arc that plays well.

Jay Coucher, NBC Sports Lead Betting Analyst: Golden State Warriors

The Warriors were the frontrunner when free agency opened and the reasons why still remain persuasive. Of the teams in consideration they're the closest to LeBron's family and home base in Los Angeles. LeBron has long talked about his admiration for Stephen Curry and how "perfect" playing with Curry at the 2024 Olympics was. His fit with Curry on the court would be seamless and LeBron would get more ballhandling responsibility than he did in LA, or would in Cleveland, Philadelphia or Miami (people tend to forget how much Giannis loves playing de facto point guard).

LeBron's friendship with Curry and Draymond Green is well documented. Steve Kerr is a veteran friendly championship coach. A Curry-LeBron partnership would be box office, the story of the season. The Warriors may not give LeBron the best chance at a title but they seem to tick the most boxes overall.

Raphielle Johnson, NBC Sports Fantasy basketball lead analyst: Philadelphia 76ers

With the World Cup completed and NBA commissioner Adam Silver making it clear that the league is waiting for LeBron to make his plans known before finalizing the 2026-27 schedule, this has become the dominant storyline in American sports. Add in the recent video mishap by the Miami Heat, and it is once again "tinfoil hat" time in the NBA.

So, where does James, who turns 42 in December, land? While the Warriors appeared to be in the mix early on, it seems that the future Hall of Fame forward is most likely headed East. While the circumstances are different in Cleveland and Miami than they were for each of LeBron's previous stints, he's "been there, done that." So, why not Philadelphia? Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid have led the way in recent years to no avail, and the franchise has reeled in another former champion in Jaylen Brown. If the goal is to add to his title haul, Philadelphia appears to be the best option, even though the Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

Plus, if the Knicks were to be part of the conversation before ending their 53-year title drought, wouldn't this argument work in Philadelphia's favor? The 76ers have not won an NBA title since 1983; the Phillies and 76ers have hung banners in the City of Brotherly Love since then. With players like Maxey, Embiid, Brown and VJ Edgecombe on the roster, LeBron won't have to do as much heavy lifting over the course of the season, which is key given his age. Philadelphia feels closer to a title than any of the other options on his supposed list, so that's my pick.

Why is it taking so long for LeBron James to decide?

That's the question everyone around the league is asking. Nobody has an answer. LeBron put it this way at a CNBC/Boardroom event at Fanatics Fest last week in New York.

"There's so many other factors that I'm factoring in right now: What best fits me as a player, what best fits me as a person, what best fits me and my happiness and also my family as well. I won't hold you guys up too much longer, but the family portion is huge for me."

With a vacuum of information, speculation and rumors about what is dragging this out fill the void.

For example, Cleveland radio host Andy Baskin said a source told him that LeBron and his camp were ready to announce last week at Fanatic Fest in New York but were annoyed with Adam Silver pushing them to make a decision, so they decided to wait longer. Maybe. Also, that could be just someone projecting what they expected onto LeBron because — as said from the outset of this piece — nobody really knows except LeBron and his wife (and maybe some of his inner circle).

Another theory is that LeBron is waiting for another shoe to drop — the Warriors to trade for Anthony Davis or another team to land Kyrie Irving. That's not what NBC Sports heard from teams involved, and ESPN’s Shams Charania said the same thing on Thursday: "My sources tell me that LeBron James isn't waiting for another domino right now... They're not waiting for anybody else to move around."

One popular theory bouncing around in Summer League was that LeBron was enjoying basking in the free agency spotlight one last time and is in no rush to end that. Rich Paul pushed back hard against that idea, but it still persists around the league. If true, it's worth noting that the vibe is shifting in league circles about this — everyone is done with the drama.

How old is LeBron James?

LeBron is 41 years old, having played 24 NBA seasons — he has played more minutes, regular season and playoffs, than any other player in NBA history.

LeBron will turn 42 just after Christmas (Dec. 30), and the question is how much longer he is going to play. Will this coming one be his final season? Or, if he feels pretty good at the end of it and has a positive experience wherever he chooses, does he come back for one more season?

That's the next LeBron drama, but we need to get through the current drama first.

Lamar Odom learns fate in DUI case as judge sets laundry list of requirements for ex-NBA star

Los Angeles, CA – April 18: Former Lakers player Lamar Odom attends the Lakers-Rockets game during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Crypto.com...

Lamar Odom formally reached a deal with prosecutors this week to close out his DUI case.

Court records viewed by The California Post on Thursday show the former Los Angeles Lakers star pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of DUI of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance, first offense at a hearing in Las Vegas on Tuesday, and in exchange, officials dismissed the speeding and improper lane change charges he had been facing.

Following Odom’s plea, a judge ruled the DUI charge will be amended to a reckless driving count if he completes a laundry list of conditions over the next three months.

Former Lakers player Lamar Odom attends the Lakers-Rockets game during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Odom must stay out of trouble, attend DUI school, complete a victim impact panel, pay a $1,000 fine and perform 67 hours of community service.

Officials wrote in the court records that if Odom “picks up a new DUI during this case, or is arrested or cited for Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License,” he will be sentenced to 180 days in jail.

Additionally, if Odom does not satisfy the conditions of his agreement with prosecutors, the records show he will be convicted of the misdemeanor DUI.

“I think it was a fair resolution given the facts of the case,” Odom’s attorney, Kevin Coburn, said of the deal to KSNV.

Lamar seen at a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League Semifinals this month. NBAE via Getty Images

The case stems from a run-in Odom had with the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol on Jan. 17.

Odom was pulled over for allegedly driving over 100 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on a Vegas highway. Police stated in an incident report that he smelled of marijuana and failed field sobriety testing.

Odom, Khloe Kardashian’s ex who played in the NBA from 1999 to 2013, said in May he began a lengthy sobriety streak in the days following the arrest.


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Boston Celtics Daily Links 7/23/26

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 18: A detail view of a pair of Nike shoes worn by Michael Foster Jr. #43 of the Houston Rockets against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League semifinal game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 18, 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 Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images

HeraldCeltics reportedly signing wing to team-friendly contract extension

Globe Celtics, Jordan Walsh reportedly agree to three-year contract extension

CelticsBlogThe Celtics just signed a key player to a great long-term deal

CLNS MediaBob Ryan & Jeff Goodman Expect Good Reception for Jaylen Brown at TD Garden

NBC Sports BostonBrad Stevens locking up Celtics’ fleet of young wings

NESNCeltics’ Jordan Walsh Gets $15 Million Contract Update

If Celtics Are Considering Bradley Beal, They Should Actually Sign This Future Hall Of Famer

Mass Live Celtics sign Jordan Walsh to 3-year contract extension

Celtics WireCeltics reportedly sign Jordan Walsh to a 3-year contract extension

Today in Boston Celtics history: Fred Roberts lost to Heat; Gary Payton, Javonte Green born

Report: Don’t rule out Boston Celtics as Bradley Beal landing spot

The AthleticNBA Summer League review: 1 quick thought about every 2026 draft pick

Boston Sports JournalCeltics Summer League round-up: Whose stock is up? Whose is down?

Hardwood Houdini Jordan Walsh extension will prove to be another bargain for the Celtics

Despite constant change, Celtics’ roster leads NBA in longevity

Red-hot Red Sox have entered a place Celtics are all too familiar with

Collin Sexton keeps up odd trend of Lakers comparing themselves to excellent Celtics

Mitchell Robinson is already winning over Celtics fans before even playing a minute

2 major plot twists could shake up Celtics’ two-way roster battle

Celtics get surprising source of support for Jaylen Brown trade

Chowder and Champions All the pressure is on Jordan Walsh after Celtics’ latest move

Celtics could be on verge of making massive Bradley Beal mistake

CLNS Media/YouTubeBREAKING: Celtics Sign Jordan Walsh to Long-Term Extension | LIVE You Got Boston

Breakout Candidates for Celtics Next Season | Still Poddable

Locked on Celtics WRONG TIME for Bradley Beal in Boston | Mitchell Robinson SHOULD START

The Sports HubCeltics shouldn’t be ‘ruled out’ to sign Bradley Beal

Celtics Roundtable Why Would Boston Celtics Have Interest in Bradley Beal?

76ers Roundtable 76ers Receive Disrespectful Record Prediction Despite Acquiring Jaylen Brown

SI .comThis is the Wrong Time for the Boston Celtics to Sign Bradley Beal

ESPNWhat we’ve learned about all 30 NBA teams this offseason

HeavyFormer First-Round Pick Named ‘Hidden Gem’ for Boston Celtics

Clutch Points 2 hottest Chris Cenac Jr. overreactions from 2026 Celtics Summer League

Celtics hand out 3-year contract extension to 2023 diamond in rough draft pick

Fan Recap Celtics Free Agency Twist Could Put Tatum In A Tough Spot

Basketball Network “It’s the norm” – Jaylen Brown reveals people in Boston tried to “assassinate” his character

The Big LeadNBA offseason report card grades for all 30 teams

Fansided 5 revenge games every fan should circle on next season’s NBA schedule

Cavaliers continue to be linked to multiple forwards

MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 02: Mario Hezonja, player of Real Madrid, receives the MVP award at Movistar Arena on June 02, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sara Gordon/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the running for LeBron James, but are making other plans in case that falls through. In his latest batch of reporting, Marc Stein updated the status of a few players the Cavs are targeting.

One of which includes former number five pick Mario Hezonja. It appears Hezonja, who hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2019-20 season, is attempting a return to the league. The Cavaliers, according to Stein, are one of the interested teams.

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Hezonja has spent four of his past six seasons abroad with Real Madrid. He currently posted averages of 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his latest run in EuroLeague. Stein also noted that teams who are interested in the Real Madrid forward include other teams pursuing LeBron.

Stein highlighted that once James signs with his next team, sources have noted to him that “we’re going to see eight or nine players sign right after LeBron makes his choice. Maybe more.”

Another familiar name in the rumor mill for the Cavaliers has been Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga and the Cavaliers have been constantly linked throughout this free agency cycle. It appears that the process of acquiring Kuminga might be more convoluted than previously anticipated.

Stein wrote how “he’ll (Kuminga) need help from Atlanta on a sign-and-trade to come anywhere close to last season’s $22.5 million salary, but the latest indications we’ve received suggest that the Hawks are likely to be pretty choosy”.

Stein also went on to state how Kuminga has shown more of an openness to returning to the Atlanta Hawks on a “short-term deal”. However, with the acquisition of Lu Dort, it appears the roster configuration in Atlanta isn’t as straightforward as it was a week ago.

The Cavaliers’ number one priority has been to attract LeBron to come home a third stint. However, it seems like they still are cognizant of the idea that it is not a guarantee and are doing their due diligence on adding other options in case their golden goose doesn’t come to fruition.

A Reason For The Rangers To Be Patient For Now

Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Danny Wild-Imagn Images

There are many ways to use the Knicks' success story to the Blueshirts advantage.  Ticketholder Mark Linde writes from his New Jersey estate with insightful ideas.

"The big lesson for the Rangers from the 'Down The Hall' Knicks is NOT TO RUSH THINGS. Here's the genuine reason why:

"A few years ago the Knicks had a good nucleus of young players. But instead of building on that growing foundation, they blew it upon a trade for an aging star Carmelo Anthony. The

Rangers now have a nice, young, promising group.

"That tells me that management should stay the course and build around it – even if it takes a few more years than you like.

-"The obvious, larger question is whether or not Chris Drury is the right man to remodel this franchise and whether Mike Sullivan is the coach to mold a new winner?"

Rockets Chip Engelland hire could change the team

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 30: Assistant Coach Chip Engelland of the Oklahoma City Thunder before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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

If Amen Thompson could shoot. If Alperen Sengun could shoot. If pigs could fly…

Well, that wouldn’t benefit the Houston Rockets in any immediate way.

It’s been one of the two biggest questions surrounding this team. If you’re talking Rockets, it’s “do they have a franchise player?”, and it’s “Can Thompson and Sengun co-exist if neither is a strong three-point shooter?”. Those are closely related questions, in that if either of the two did develop into a reliable shooter, they’d likely be an unimpeachable franchise-caliber guy.

Luckily, the Rockets just gave them the best possible chance of making it happen by hiring famed shooting coach Chip Engelland.

Rockets hire league’s most esteemed shooting coach

Look at this glorious post from my dear internet friend Paulo Alves.

That’s as close to proof of concept as you’re going to get. Either it’s a remarkable coincidence, or Engelland has methods for teaching basketball players how to improve their three-point shooting that are better than the other available methods.

I am no shot doctor. To my eye, Sengun’s form on standstill jump shots is fine. He doesn’t have the fluidity to hit contested, off-the-dribble threes, but that’s not the goal. The goal is for defenses not to want him to be open from beyond the arc. That should be low-hanging fruit for Engelland.

Thompson shoots threes like a petulant child eating broccoli. He doesn’t want to, but he knows he has to. He deserves (a sliver of) credit for willingly putting up threes instead of Ben Simmons-ing his game, but he’s got a long road to three-point respectability. If Engelland can get him there, it’ll be his crown jewel.

Hey, you know what else? Everyone on this roster would benefit from being a better shooter. Everyone in the NBA could benefit from being a better shooter. It’s unlikely that Engelland will waste any time (for varying reasons) on Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, or Steven Adams, but everyone else is fair game.

Jabari Smith Jr. is good, and a few percentage points away from excellent. Tari Eason is…eh?, and a few percentage points away from good.

How about Reed Sheppard? He hit 39.4% of his 7.0 threes per game last year. If he could hover around 45% on comparable volume, he’d be among the best shooters in the NBA.

The Houston Rockets are winning the 2026-27 NBA championship, correct?

Rockets will benefit from hire

Jokes aside, expectations should be slightly tempered.

The process of rebuilding a jump shot is presumably tedious. The Rockets may reap more rewards in 2027-28.

Moreover, we can’t attribute every improvement under Engelland’s watch to Engelland alone. Every player in the NBA wants to improve their shot and is trying to do so whether they’re working with him or not. Some of these guys would have improved anyway, although I do think it’s fair to point to the mountain of evidence as near-proof that Engelland does something.

This is a fantastic hire. It’s encouraging that Tilman Fertitta was willing to shell out. Engelland was presumably expensive. Once the Rockets start to see results, it could have a profound impact on the team.

Imagine if one of their two best young players could shoot.

Sabrina Ionescu teases 3-point contest rematch with Warriors star Steph Curry

Sabrina Ionescu teases 3-point contest rematch with Warriors star Steph Curry originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

If there is one thing Warriors star Steph Curry and four-time WNBA All-Star selection Sabrina Ionescu have in common, it would be their elite shooting prowess from 3-point range.

The two sharpshooters previously faced off in a 3-point competition during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, where Curry slightly edged out Ionescu with a 29-26 final score.

The New York Liberty star won the 2025 WNBA 3-Point Contest the following year, but told the New York Post’s Madeline Kenney that she is uncertain about participating in the competition during this season’s WNBA All-Star Weekend.

However, Ionescu teased she would consider a rematch with Curry for another NBA-WNBA cross-league 3-point contest.

Curry widely is considered as the greatest shooter in NBA history, holding the all-time league record for the most career 3-point shots made in the regular season with 4,248. Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden is the closest player to Curry’s total with 3,390 career 3-point field goals made.

Throughout his 17-year NBA career so far, the four-time NBA champion is shooting 42.2 percent behind the arc, making him one of the best 3-point marksmen the game of basketball has ever seen.

Ionescu, a Bay Area native, also is considered one of the best 3-point shooters in the WNBA. Throughout her seven-year career so far, Ionescu is averaging 34.8 percent from 3-point range, as well as 16.6 points per game.

The four-time All-WNBA selection missed the first two weeks of the 2026 WNBA season due to a left ankle injury she sustained during a preseason game, but since then, Ionescu has appeared in 15 contests, averaging 14.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.

It remains uncertain whether or not Ionescu will defend her 3-point title, and whether or not a rematch between the 2024 WNBA champion and the Warriors star is on the horizon. But if both events were to come to fruition, fans undoubtedly would be tuning in.

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