Category: NBA

NBA News

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Brandon Clarke's estate will receive full $12.5 million life insurance

The estate of late Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke will receive a life insurance disbursement for his full $12.5 million salary that was owed next season.

Agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, who represented Clarke, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports Friday, Aug. 14 that Clarke’s contract was fully protected for death through a life insurance policy purchased by the Grizzlies. The full $12.5 million amount will be disbursed to Clarke’s estate tax-free.

There are multiple ways players and their representatives can negotiate life insurance policies and post-death protections in player contracts. From no coverage whatsoever, to standard death protections that count a player’s salary as a taxable event, agents can also negotiate to have the player’s team purchase the life insurance policy. This last option allows for a player’s full salary to be paid out tax-free, providing a massive benefit to the player’s estate.

As for the remaining portion of Clarke’s $12.5 million salary for the 2025-26 season that had been owed at the time of his death, Bartelstein confirmed that amount is being paid out to his estate through October 2026; NBA contracts are paid in installments, so the remaining amount will be disbursed in those regular installments.

There had been conflicting reports concerning the remaining salary on Clarke’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season. Front Office Sports reported Thursday, Aug. 13 that Clarke’s estate would not receive the $12.5 million that had been owed to him next season.

On May 12, the Grizzlies and Clarke’s representatives at Priority Sports each issued separate statements announcing Clarke’s death. He was 29 years old.

On Friday, Aug. 7, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office announced that Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine and ruled the death an accident.

Clarke was pronounced dead by authorities on May 11 after being found unresponsive in his bedroom, according to the announcement. A deputy medical examiner conducted an examination of Clarke at the DME’s Forensic Science Center on May 12 and the cause and manner of death were certified Aug. 7.

Clarke was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga and enjoyed initial success in the league, earning all-rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with Memphis in 2022.

Clarke's sudden death happened almost six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance. He had just finished his seventh NBA season, all of which he spent with the Grizzlies.Clarke allegedly led Cross County Sheriff's Office deputies on a miles-long chase on April 1, with speeds reaching over 100 mph, and was found with over 230 grams of kratom in his possession, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Clarke's career had been derailed in recent years by injuries. He played in just six games during the 2023-24 season due to a torn Achilles and missed all but two games this past season due to calf and knee ailments.

Contributing: Mark Giannotto

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandon Clarke's estate will receive full $12.5 million life insurance

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San Diego Padres at Cleveland Guardians

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 12: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Petco Park on August 12, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres (65-57) at Cleveland Guardians (59-63), August 14, 2026, 4:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Progressive Field – Cleveland, Ohio

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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CSR Weekend Warriors: 8/14-8/16

Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to the weekend.

Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.

You know the drill.

This is now an open thread

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Cleveland fans like the Sirens name

A general overall view of the branding announcement for the new WNBA team the Cleveland Sirens at Rocket Arena on August 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Picking a name for a new professional sports team is tricky. You want to do something creative, but also tie into the fabric of the city. Cleveland’s new WNBA team tried to do that when they unveiled their name as the Sirens. And according to those we surveyed, they were successful.

Earlier this week, we asked people to grade the name of the Sirens. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed gave the new team name either an “A” or “B” grade, with 39% giving it an “A.”

It’s worth pointing out that 21% gave the Sirens name a “D” or an “F” grade.

Doing something new and creative is a risk. Resurrecting a name like the Rockers or one that ties closely into the Cleveland Cavaliers would’ve been safer. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there were a number of people who didn’t like the bold choice.

Overall, it’s hard to criticize the Cleveland WNBA team for their brand rollout. They’ve done an excellent job of messaging their position and explaining why they went in this direction. They’ve made it clear that they want to be their own team, separate from the Cavs. And they’ve done that in an interesting and creative way.

The Sirens will start playing at the start of the 2028 season.

The Cavs open up their regular season in just about two months. FanDuel currently gives them the sixth-highest odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1000. They’re behind the New York Knicks (+300), Philadelphia 76ers (+400), Boston Celtics (+500), Detroit Pistons (+800), and Toronto Raptors (+1000).

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DeMar DeRozan will not be a Toronto Raptor, signs with Golden State

Apr 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors’ all-time leader in games played, minutes, played, and points scored, will not be making his way back to Toronto, after all. DeRozan parted way with the Kings and there was wild speculation as to where he might end up. Rumours abounded that he was destined for a return to the 6ix, or perhaps headed to Miami, but in a cruel twist of irony, he is going to join the team that the Raptors beat for the 2019 Championship to play alongside Stephen Curry, as DeRozan enters his 17th season in the league.

Shams Charania reported the news today on August 13th, conveying information from DeRozan’s agent. The 8.4 million dollars is far from the veteran’s minimum, but is a far cry from the more than 24 million he earned last year. This will be his lowest earning year since the 2012-13 season when he was on the Raptors.

This fresh start for DeRozan will see him stay in his home state of California, close to his native Los Angeles. While I personally believe that it’ll be good for the shooting guard to be both close to his roots and in a new city, it stings that we won’t see him play in Toronto at this juncture. Am I blaming the Kawhi uncertainty for this? Yes, and no. I don’t think it helped the Raptors’ position that they don’t have any clear idea of whether or not they’ll have a starting small forward in Leonard this season, but regardless, I didn’t see DeRozan playing a massive role in Toronto — at most, leading the bench mob — so it certainly makes sense that the wing would be happier in some different pastures.

While it’s currently unknown what type of role he’ll play in Golden State, the Warriors are indeed in need of some veteran presence and a baseline level of competency, considering how rough things were last year when Stephen Curry was out, a disadvantage even more pronounced now that Jimmy Butler remains out with a torn ACL. It’s likely that DeRozan will be in a starting role, one where he’ll be able to play off against Curry, his best teammate in years, and certainly his most pedigreed co-star.

I’d like to see DeMar get back to a 20+ppg form on the Warriors, even if he’s not with us. I think legacy is what comes to mind the most in the latter years of NBA stars, so I wish DeRozan the best in the twilight years, even if they’re not in the red and black.

At least, yet.

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Cleveland to trade Dennis Schroder to Charlotte for Tre Mann, cash

Cleveland has been flirting with a sign-and-trade for either Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson, but they needed more cap space to bring one of them (or anyone else of note) in, as well as re-sign James Harden. Which leads us to Friday's news.

The Cavaliers are trading veteran point guard Dennis Schroder to the Hornets for Tre Mann and cash, a deal first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Charlotte will be Schroeder's 12th NBA team, tied for second most in league history (Ish Smith is at 13). Charlotte's head of basketball operations, Jeff Peterson, has a long history with Schroeder dating back to when both were in Atlanta at the same time.

The Cavaliers free up about $6.8 million in cap space in this deal, reports Keith Smith of Spotrac, putting them approximately $29.6 million below the first apron of the luxury tax (and by extension about $40.3 million below the second apron). That's still not enough room to trade for Watson or Kuminga and re-sign Harden, so either Max Struss' salary will have to go out in any deal, or he would be traded elsewhere (Mann also could be moved again). Cleveland has more options now.

Cleveland has remained in contact with Harden and his camp throughout the summer, Charania notes. Harden opted out of his $42.3 million player option for this season to give the franchise room to chase players like LeBron James (who chose Philadelphia), or make a move for a player like Watson or Kuminga. Harden will re-sign with Cleveland for less per year but more total money across the multi-year contract.

The Hornets moved on from LaMelo Ball this offseason, now have Coby White running the point and were looking for a steady backup for him (Mann was not that guy). Schroeder will step in and be solid, he averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 assists per game last season, splitting time between Sacramento and Cleveland.

Schroeder is a force in FIBA games (under international rules) and has played for the German national team this offseason as it works to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

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Devin Booker’s overall NBA 2K ranking might be surprisingly accurate

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns ties his shoes before the game against the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It’s NBA 2K ranking conversation time once again. Nothing gets the juices flowing quite like debating where Devin Booker ranks in a video game, does it?

Last week, we talked about how NBA 2K completely missed the mark when it came to Booker’s midrange shooting, which is arguably his most elite trait as a player. The game gave him an 86 rating there, the same rating it assigned to his three-point shooting, which is certainly not something he does at an elite level.

Now, as NBA 2K continues rolling out its top 100 players, we finally know where Booker stands in the overall hierarchy of the league. I’ll also note that only one other Phoenix Suns player made the top 100, and that’s Dillon Brooks, who came in at No. 84 and as an 82 overall. So that gives you a pretty good idea of how the game makers currently view the Suns. Miles Bridges and Jalen Green didn’t even crack the top 100.

But Booker? He comes in at an overall rating of 91.

There’s always going to be a conversation about where Book ranks among the elite players in the NBA. I’ve consistently said that he qualifies as a star, not a superstar. I believe there are roughly 8 to 12 superstars in the league at any given time based on skill set, the ability to take over games, the ability to win games, and the ability to elevate both themselves and those around them when the moments get tough.

Booker, to me, is a star. That puts him somewhere after that top 12 range, probably between 13 and 25. And that lines up pretty closely with where NBA 2K has him. Booker is ranked the 19th-best player in the NBA, which I actually think is pretty reasonable and realistic. He’s certainly capable of being the alpha on a team and has proven in the past that he can be the best player on a contender.

He also possesses the ability to elevate himself back into that superstar conversation and potentially back into the top 10. He simply didn’t play at that level last season. My assumption is that the rankings are built largely on what happened last year, with a little projection toward what could happen next season.

Some people might view No. 19 as disrespectful. I think it’s pretty spot on. Which is surprising, because I also think NBA 2K completely botched other aspects of his ratings. But in terms of where Booker currently stands in the overall NBA hierarchy, No. 19 feels about right.

And that’s probably the proper perspective to have with Booker entering next season. No. 19 isn’t an insult, nor is it a permanent address. It’s a reflection of where his game currently sits after a season that didn’t meet the standard he previously established. The opportunity to climb is there. If Booker wants to move back into that top 10 conversation, the formula is fairly simple. Play more efficiently, win more games, and make NBA 2K adjust accordingly.

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Cavs trade Dennis Schroder to Hornets for Tre Mann

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Tre Mann #23 of the Charlotte Hornets drives by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Dennis Schroder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for 6’4” guard Tre Mann.

Mann is 25 years old and has played five seasons in the NBA, including a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists last year for Charlotte.

The Cavs accomplish a few goals here.

First, they get off of Schroder’s $14.8 million contract. Something they’ve been looking to achieve all summer. Charlotte has been linked to Cleveland throughout the process as a team that both has the cap space to absorb Schroder, but could also use his veteran experience on the bench.

Trading Schroder has been on Cleveland’s checklist. They need financial flexibility more than they need a backup point guard. It was assumed that the Cavs might need to attach a pick to Schroder just to get off of his deal.

Getting off of Schroder’s deal without giving up a pick and while receiving an asset in return is a better outcome than expected.

The Cavs save $6.8 million by trading for Mann. They push themselves $29 million under the first apron and $42 million below the second apron.

This gives the Cavs enough wiggle room to pursue Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson on the sign-and-trade market while also keeping space for James Harden to return to Cleveland on a team-friendly deal.

Mann comes with flaws. He shot just 36% from the floor last season and 32% from downtown. That’s a huge concern for a backcourt player in 2026. His athleticism can only make up for so much.

There is reason to believe in Mann’s development. He has shot better from deep in previous seasons, including a 40% season just a year ago. He’ll get better opportunities in Cleveland and might even slot in as a point-of-attack defender.

Then, of course, there’s the potential that Mann doesn’t even suit up for Cleveland.

The Cavs remain engaged in talks for Watson and Kuminga. Mann may factor into this as a trade chip or someone who could be stretched and waived to clear up additional cap space.

Cleveland’s next move is unknown. For now, they’ve taken the first step towards making other things happen. Buckle up and prepare for more.

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Boston Celtics Daily Links 8/14/26

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 20: A view of the Kyrie x ANTA shoes of KJ Simpson #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the 2025 NBA Summer League Championship game against the Sacramento Kings at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Kings 83-78. 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 Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Herald17 must-see games on Celtics’ 2026-27 schedule

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‘I’m a Boston Celtic. I’ll never not be’: Doc Rivers, coach of 2008 NBA champs, enters the Hall of Fame

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5 takeaways from the Celtics 2026-27 regular season schedule

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The 10 Most Underrated Games on the Celtics Schedule

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Mass LiveCeltics Mailbag: Who is a breakout candidate for next season?

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The Brooklyn Podcast: Dog Days 1.0 & Mailbag SPECIAL

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the California Classic at Golden 1 Center on July 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re now in the dog days of summer with little-to-no Nets related news to chat about. So, this week, we turned our attention to you, the fans and listeners of the show. In this MAILBAG SPECIAL, we answer a variety of fan-submitted questions, naming our favorite Nets we’ve gotten to interview on the beat, MPJ’s future with the team, Drake Powell’s positioning on it, and the potential of a Durant, Irving, and Harden reunion in Brooklyn…sort of.

In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we also touch on:

  • The newly dropped 2026-27 season schedule
  • What needs to happen for this year to be a “success”
  • The appeal of a Michael Porter Jr. extension

You can also check out the episode for free on Spotify and Apple Music. Make sure to follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok as well. Our Rajon Rondo signature giveaway is still live, but will close next week, so make sure to like and follow to enter!

We also recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers on YouTube. Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far!

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Lakers will be good this year regardless of ownership

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 22, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Things are never boring regarding the Lakers, even in the summertime.

With the franchise overhauling most of its roster this offseason and suddenly being sold to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, the future is as unknown as ever.

Even before the shocking sale of the Lakers, experts have been low on the expected 2026-27 roster. FanDuel has the Lakers’ win total set at over/under 44.5 wins. That places the Lakers as closer to being a play-in team than a title contender.

Some of the questions about the on-court product are justifiable.

LeBron James is gone, and the Lakers have taken some chances. They are betting on Walker Kessler to be a star center and have made long-term commitments to role players like Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

None of these players are proven stars, and while the Lakers clearly believe in them, that doesn’t mean it will work out.

So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey, we asked fans if the Lakers would win at least 45 games. The response was an emphatic yes.

For whatever reason, the Lakers are constantly being undervalued. Well, minus the financial assessment of what they are worth.

Last year, NBA GMs had LA as a play-in team. Clearly, that didn’t happen, as they won 53 games and finished as the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They ultimately beat the Rockets in the opening round of the playoffs before getting swept in the second round by the Thunder.

Why they are constantly being viewed as a play-in team is anyone’s guess. Luka has proven in both Dallas and LA that he consistently gets teams to winning records.

Sure, LeBron is gone, but Luka is still here, and Austin Reaves is flirting with All-Star-level play. If he takes another leap forward, LA’s backcourt pairing will be one of the best in the league.

Injuries can always impact things, but at this point, given that head coach JJ Redick has had two years where he easily passed the 45-win mark, NBA experts should rank them higher.

So yes, Lakers fans should be a bit nervous with how uncertain things are regarding ownership and their plans, or lack thereof, for the future. But for now, things will be fine. This Lakers team will still win a ton of games.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.


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Latest fallout from shocking Lakers sale: Would LeBron have stayed? Chris Paul into front office?

The NBA — and Lakers fans — are still reeling from the shocking sale of the iconic franchise for the second time in 14 months this week. Nobody saw this coming, including the league office.

There's been a lot of fallout from the news of the sale, here are some of the latest reports.

Why is Walter selling now?

That remains the $12.5 billion question, but the answer is coming more into focus:

Money. It's always about the money.

There are a lot of ideas and White House-tied conspiracy theories floating around about what motivated Walter to sell the Lakers 14 months after agreeing to purchase them, but the answer may be the most obvious one. Walter is facing twin federal and SEC investigations into potential fraud tied to the valuation of insurance companies he owns through Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global, and in the wake of that, needed cash fast to pay down debts.

Then Joshua Kushner called, and his venture capital firm Thrive had the cash (they were looking into getting an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, plus they were the primary buyers in the now-scuttled FIFA plan to sell rights to the World Cup and other events, so they were ready to spend). It came together quickly.

One other note: Walter Mark Walter could save roughly $425 million in taxes if the Board of Governors approve the sale and it goes through by November, according to tax calculations in an article at Sportico.

Would LeBron have stayed?

LeBron James left the Lakers this offseason in an amicable divorce, as the franchise reshaped itself around Luka Doncic's playing style. Might LeBron have stayed in Los Angeles if the Lakers had different ownership? ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked that of a source close to LeBron.

"Maybe. But that's tough to answer. Communication could have been better [with Iger and Kushner, compared to with Walter]. Just a different relationship. But the basketball piece was the most important, so maybe not from that standpoint."

From my perspective, I don't think new owners would have changed anything. First, the vibe that LeBron wasn't returning was evident around the team by midway through the season — the Lakers needed to pivot to a team built around Doncic, and everyone understood that. New ownership doesn't change that.

Plus, LeBron landed in a very interesting place — with a better chance of getting another ring — in Philadelphia.

Chris Paul to have role

David Stern famously nixed Chris Paul being traded to the Lakers in 2011, but could the future Hall of Fame point guard have a role with the team's front office under new ownership?

It's been speculated about because CP3 and new owner Bob Iger are so close, reports ESPN’s McMenamin.

...multiple sources around the league suggested to ESPN that recently retired Chris Paul could have a role. Paul and Iger became close while the point guard played for the Clippers and Iger was a season-ticket holder."

How do Lakers fans feel?

Like everyone else, Lakers fans are shocked. Part of what helped grow the Lakers into a global icon was stability — the Buss family owned and ran the team for 46 years.

Lakers fans understood the sale of the team to Walter. The era of mom-and-pop family ownership of major American sports franchises is over, it takes deeper pockets to compete. Walter had those, and had a track record of spending and success in Los Angeles with the Dodgers — and he was bringing the beefed-up scouting staff and analytics bent of the Dodgers to the Lakers.

Now? Lakers fans I have spoken to in the last 48 hours (I live in the greater Los Angeles area with a lot of Lakers fans as friends) are both shocked, and there is an air of trepidation. Walter was a known quantity, but the Kushner/Iger team has never been the primary owners of a major sports franchise. Nobody knows what their ownership style will be, what this will look like. What does this mean for Rob Pelinka as the head of basketball operations?

Magic Johnson tried to calm Lakers fans' fears.

It's going to take more than words — and Iger will be the one doing the talking. While Kushner is the money behind this and will be the controlling owner, Iger will be the face of ownership. It's going to be about actions. The Lakers began a needed retooling this offseason to build a team around Doncic, but this is very likely not a championship team as constructed (not in the West with two juggernauts at the top). There is a lot of pressure on Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves to live up to massive new contracts. When things go wrong, as they inevitably will on some level, how will the new ownership handle the situation?

The new owners will have to win over Lakers fans. That may take time.

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Dallas Mavericks fans are confident in this year’s team

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Cooper Flagg attends a game between the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Earlier in the week I was somewhat aghast when clicking through the win totals over at our partner FanDuel. The Dallas Mavericks have an over/under of 32.5! What in the WORLD. Dallas won 26 games last season and didn’t have Kyrie Irving or any other actual NBA level guards.

So this week’s poll question was easy: Do you think the Mavericks will win at least 33 games this year?

9 in 10 voters think Dallas is going to beat that win total. I agree and am one of them. This sort of thing is so baffling to me; I am grumpy about the team because Cooper Flagg is a future superstar and the team is going to be hard pressed to make even the play-in. But they’re still WAY better than last season!

Kyrie Irving exists, what in the world is happening here? Other books have them between 32-36 wins. I am setting my win total for Dallas at 37, an 11-game improvement. I’ve been scoffed at when talking with non-Mavericks fans friends, but I don’t see why that’s unreasonable.

Perhaps it has to do with the schedule for the Mavericks. Dallas has both a brutal start and brutal close to the 2026-27 regular season. And while it’s perhaps silly to be concerned about March and April games on paper now, the opening to the season is no joke.

And yet, 32 wins as a maximum ceiling seems ridiculous. What do you think happens? Would you make a bet on this team? I think I would, which is saying something.

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Timberwolves to retire Kevin Garnett's No. 21 jersey (finally!) on Feb. 28 vs. Celtics

Kevin Garnett is the greatest player in Timberwolves franchise history. The 2004 MVP when with the team was a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA player while in Minnesota, and remains the franchise leader in points, rebounds, blocked shots, assists, and steals. His Timberwolves team was the first in franchise history to reach the Western Conference Finals.

His jersey retirement is long overdue, but it will happen on Feb. 28 against the Boston Celtics — an NBC Sunday Night Basketball game, which will have plenty of coverage of the event.

"Minnesota is home. That's never changed," Garnett said in a statement announcing the retirement. "This is where it all started for me, so seeing No. 21 go up in Target Center and sharing that moment with the fans, my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who's been part of this journey means everything.

"But I don't see this as the end — I see it as a new beginning. Retiring the jersey is just the start of the next chapter in Minnesota, about building something that lives beyond the game... But 21 being retired is forever — and it's also just the beginning of something new. I can't wait to be back in that building, feel that energy, and celebrate it with everybody. Let's get it."

This should have happened long ago for the Hall of Famer, but Garnett's feud with former Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor ran so deep that he wasn't around the team and wasn't honored. That strain in the relationship started around Garnett's trade to Boston, where he did go on to win a ring (the Celtics have retired his No. 5 in green).

One of the things new Minnesota owners Mark Lore and Alex Rodriguez did was patch up that relationship.

"Over the course of his career, Kevin Garnett became much more than the greatest player in Timberwolves history. He became the embodiment of what it means to compete, to lead and to represent Minnesota," Timberwolves & Lynx Co-Chairmen Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez said in a statement. "Bringing Kevin back to the organization as Team Ambassador has allowed us to celebrate his legacy in a new and meaningful way, and retiring No. 21 is the ultimate recognition of everything he has meant to this franchise and our fans. We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible moment with Kevin, his family, our fans and everyone who helped make his legacy possible."

It may have taken a while to get here, but this is finally getting done, as it should. And it's happening on a night with what should be an entertaining matchup, with Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards going head-to-head.

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Knicks lose valued assistant and challenges guru Jordan Brink to Bulls

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jordan Brink, Image 2 shows Jordan Brink

The Knicks are losing a valued member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff. 

Jordan Brink, an assistant who served as the team’s director of video services and player development, was hired by the Bulls to be an assistant on Tiago Splitter’s staff, The Post confirmed.

Brink was notably in charge of the Knicks’ challenges the past two years (under both Tom Thibodeau and Brown) – an area in which they were incredibly successful and often held a clear edge over opponents. 

Jordan Brink (L.) spent the last three years as an assistant with the Knicks — and was in charge of their challenges the last two years. NBAE via Getty Images

It’s a significant loss, as they’ll now need someone else to fill that role. 

“Jordan, he’s been a master at this,” Brown said previously.

Fans will remember his effect on Game 2 of the NBA Finals, when Brink instructed Brown to challenge a call late in the fourth quarter of their dramatic 105-104 win over the Spurs at Frost Bank Center.

The Knicks were crumbling and had rapidly blown a 14-point lead, and with the game tied 97-97 with 2:37 left, refereess had ruled that the ball went out of bounds off OG Anunoby.

But under Brink’s instruction, Brown challenged that Anunoby had been fouled while attempting a 3-pointer on the play. 

After a review, the call was reversed and Anunoby received three free-throw attempts. He made all three – instead of the Spurs having possession with a chance to take the lead, the successful challenge re-established the Knicks’ lead and halted the Spurs’ momentum. 

“He’s been doing this now two years in a row,” Brown said of Brink after that game. “I rely totally on him. Every once in a while I lose my mind, get emotional, and try to stick it to the refs, even though I like all of them. But that never works. So, I try like heck to follow Jordan’s lead, and it was 100 percent his call.”

Brink’s contract was up, and the Bulls’ job will represents a promotion.

The Knicks’ coaching staff is crowded, and there is no room at the moment for a promotion. 

The Post previously reported that his Knicks’ future was uncertain, though Brown’s front-of-the-bench assistants are expected to be back.

The Knicks also lost a lower-level assistant, Carson Shanks, earlier this offseason, as his contract was up.  

Jordan Brink (R.) was the Knicks’ Summer League coach last year. NBAE via Getty Images

Brink has ambitions of becoming a head coach, and this move presents a clearer path toward that goal than staying with the Knicks would have. A Dyer, Ind. native, it also brings him closer to home. 

He played collegiately at Calvin College and got his NBA coaching start as an assistant for the Pistons under Dwane Casey.

Brink joined the Knicks in 2023 on Thibodeau’s staff and was retained by Brown when he took over last year.

He spent three years with the Knicks – the past two in charge of their challenges. He was also the Knicks’ Summer League coach last year. 

Brink leaves the Knicks as a champion – and with an important role they’ll now have to replace.