LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to media during the game against the Miami Heat on July 13, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 90-73 in their first win of the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League. They were led by rookie Meleek Thomas, who was on fire from start to finish and ended the game with 35 points.
Thomas set the tone early by scoring 11 points in the first seven minutes. His on-ball shot-creation is a standout. Thomas has looked comfortable navigating the floor and dribbling into some supremely confident jumpers. This pull-up from near the logo is an example:
Thomas continued to dig deeper into his bag as the game went on. He nailed a flurry of floaters and mid-range jumpers in the second half. These shot attempts offer a valuable counter for when defenses are packing the paint.
You never want to rely entirely on the mid-range, but a skilled shooter can punish teams that make it too easy for them.
Thomas tied the franchise record for points in a summer league game and fell just seven points shy of matching the overall record of 42 points in a single game. He didn’t seem to care, however.
“Just get a win, that’s all,” said Thomas, who had 21 points at halftime. “Not really worried about the accolades, if it happens it happens, I wanna win this game.”
This has been a strong summer for Thomas. The 34th pick has shown elite scoring touch and a level of playmaking that I didn’t know he had. Of course, we take all of this with a grain of salt. But you have my permission to get carried away and start buying as much Thomas stock as you can.
Other standouts from tonight include Ernest Udeh Jr, who played his best game of the summer. Udeh was highly active, scoring 8 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and blocking 4 shots.
Jaxson Robinson and Malaki Branham also contributed double-digit scoring figures. Robinson had 13 points and 6 rebounds while Branham scored 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
The Cavs closed the door early in the fourth quarter and earned their first win of the tournament. They’ll play again on Wednesday, this time against the New Orleans Pelicans at 5:30 PM. This is their last game before the knockout round begins.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 13: Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu #42 of the Dallas Mavericks converts an alley-oop dunk over Olivier-Maxence Prosper #18 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 13, 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Summer League game on Monday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 96-88. Sergio De Larrea led a very balanced effort from Dallas with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Darin Green Jr. was the Dallas high scorer with 18 points. Third overall pick Cameron Boozer ground his way to a 21-point, eight-rebound effort for Memphis in defeat.
With the Mavericks electing not to play both Ryan Nembhard and Morez Johnson Jr (illness and calf soreness, respectively), Dallas went with an all-overseas-born lineup. Memphis forced the ball to Boozer early and, with Vsevolod Ishchenko drawing that defensive assignment, it looked like it might be a rough game for Dallas. However, the Mavericks played strong team defense and pushed after missed Memphis shots to tie the game at 10 halfway through the period. Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu had a surprising impact early, scoring six points via dunks as he flew toward the rim with authority. Dallas grew the lead to double digits before a flurry of Taylor Hendricks threes closed the gap. Dallas led 24-19 after one period.
The Mavericks blitzed the Grizzlies in the second, pushing off of misses and Memphis turnovers, leading to repeated three-point looks on the break. Dallas knocked down shot after shot and rebuilt their double-digit lead from the first period. Back-to-back threes from former Maverick Olivier Maxence-Prosper cut the lead to single digits with two minutes remaining in the half. Memphis cut the lead down to four and entered halftime down 50-46.
The Memphis rally continued to start the second, tying the game a few minutes into the third quarter. The two teams then exchanged baskets, ties, and leads. Strong shooting from Dallas helped them hold off Memphis and the Mavericks entered the fourth quarter up 68-65.
De Larrea’s flashy passing paired with Maverick shotmaking helped Dallas hold off the Grizzlies for much of the period. Memphis closed the gap to tie the game at 77 with five minutes remaining. Dallas exploded out of the next timeout, scoring seven straight, including another rim-rocking dunk from Akobundu-Ehiogu on a putback. Boozer connected on a corner three to give Memphis a chance, but a De Larrea and Darin Green Jr. hit threes in the ensuing possessions to effectively end the game. Dallas walked away with their first win in Vegas, defeating the Grizzlies, 96-88.
Sergio De Larrea, Vsevolod Ishchenko make for a fun backcourt
Some may quibble with this subheading, noting that Ishchenko is kind of omni-positional at the moment, but bear with me. These two, dribbling and initiating the Dallas offense, were a delight against a Memphis team that looked ready to be done with Summer League basketball.
De Larrea’s playmaking chops and vision are obvious. The question becomes how he deals with NBA physicality and I think that he’ll be just fine over the long haul. It helps when teammates make shots, of course, and the Mavericks fulfilled my summer league wish of putting the ball in the basket.
Ishchenko’s more of a mixed bag, but the fearlessness was on full display as he guarded Boozer and put regular pressure on the rim. He really loves a right-handed over-the-head pass when a simpler one will do, but his downhill mindset is more enjoyable than Nembhard’s mechanical implementation of the Dallas offense. He’s got to get much, much better about finishing, but getting there is hard enough, so I suspect the strength will come where he’s able to lay the ball in through contact.
We know De Larrea is on the Mavericks next season; Ishchenko is still up in the air. I suspect this might be the last time we see Sergio for a while, so I encourage people to seek out this game if they missed it.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Kobe Bufkin #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans plays defense during the game against the Phoenix Suns on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Two of their unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), which were the last two first-rounders they had full control over to trade.
It’s no secret how badly the Lakers wanted – and needed – Walker Kessler. AP Photo/Anna Fuder
Two first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
In addition to the four-year, $130 million contract Kessler signed with the franchise that starts with a salary of $30.1 million for 2026-27, which makes him the 10th-highest paid center in the league (restricted free agent big man Jalen Duren’s 2026-27 salary from his contract will likely surpass Kessler’s).
A significant investment for a player who hasn’t made an All-Star, All-NBA or All-Defense team, and is coming off of playing five games after having left shoulder surgery in November.
Kessler is honored by the investment. And ready to prove the Lakers right.
“It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said on Monday during his first media availability since joining the Lakers. “And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and compete for a team.”
It’s reflected in not just what various Lakers have said about Kessler since acquiring him from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade. Getty Images
Doncic made it clear entering the offseason he wanted the Lakers to acquire a high-level center who fits into the archetype he usually thrives alongside: A lob-catcher, rim-runner and rim-protector.
And the Lakers got the job done by adding Kessler, whose jobs will be made easier because of Doncic.
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Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes across 201 regular season games since the Jazz drafted him with the No. 22 pick in the 2022 draft.
“Passing the ball, he’s pretty good,” Kessler quipped. “He has such a big presence on the court, it makes every guy, all four guys around him, it just makes it a lot easier for them to do what they need to do.”
Kessler added: “I’ve never played with a point guard of that kind of size and stature to where he’s just a matchup nightmare.”
And Kessler will look to make Doncic, as well as the rest of his Lakers’ teammates, life jobs easier on the court, too.
He’s been one of the NBA’s best rim protectors since entering the league out of Auburn
“What I can do for [Doncic] is obviously play defense for him, set great screens,” Kessler said. “Get him some assists. It’s gonna be gonna be a lot of fun.”
Even on a Lakers roster that has already added eight players, Kessler still has familiar faces around him.
A significant advocate for Kessler in the Lakers’ pursuit of the 24-year-old center was franchise superstar guard Luka Doncic. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“I would say his mindset and being able to come in and give it his all each and every night,” Sexton said of why Kessler will be a good fit for the Lakers. “And he’s one of those people that’s very competitive, and I feel like the culture here is trying to bring good guys in who are ready to compete each and every night and give it their all.”
“He’s a big, goofy dude that just enjoys life and has fun,” Reaves said of Kessler. “Obviously you see what he does basketball wise and how he impacts the game. He’s good defensively, good in the pocket. Just a smart player. So I’m happy to have him on the team and get to play with him.”
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds (4.6 offensive rebounds), 3 assists and 1.8 blocks across five games (30.8 minutes per game) during 2025-26 before suffering a season-ending torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery.
He said his shoulder “feels better than it’s ever felt in my life” and that he’s “100% cleared” after sitting most of last season. Kessler shared that he originally suffered the injury in college but played through it before it got worse over the previous year.
“I’m just excited to play again,” Kessler said. “Sitting out a whole year definitely puts a lot of things in perspective. The heart grows fond in absence. I think falling in love with this game again and just realizing I just want to go win. I just want to play to win. And obviously still being able to do the stuff that I kind of showed in the first five games, it’s just going to be fun to play.”
Before his injury, Kessler further experimented with expanding his shooting range with a higher frequency, attempting 1.6 3-pointers per game compared to 0.3 3s per game in his first three seasons. He made 6 of those 8 attempted 3s last season after making 6 of 34 in 2024-25, 4 of 19 in 2023-24 and 1 of 3 in 2022-23.
“Coach JJ [Redick] is obviously hyper intelligent,” Kessler said. “Obviously, being a shooter himself, we’ve talked about it and he wants me to be able to do that. Because I think for a big to be able to stretch the floor like that or even have the threat of it, I think it makes other teams’ scouts really difficult. [Because] whether I can do that on the pop or catch on the pop, go second side or be able to roll. Both those things are gonna be really important.”
A July 13 article from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that Green’s recent conversations with James, which took place while the two close friends were vacationing in Puerto Rico together, “have left [James] giving even stronger consideration to the idea than before.”
LeBron James and Draymond Green were vacationing in Puerto Rico together, as the latter reportedly made a face-to-face pitch to join Golden State. Getty Images
The report adds that Green was constantly pitching the Warriors to James during the vacation, selling him on the storyline of finishing his career by winning a championship alongside Stephen Curry. What’s more, Green was selling the idea that regardless of whether they won another NBA title, the 22-time All-Star would surely be able to enjoy his final few NBA season in Golden State.
It has been reported that Curry and James have been in contact as well. The sources Siegel spoke with didn’t confirm whether Curry and James spoke directly when the latter was in Puerto Rico with Green, but he said, “it’s not crazy to believe Green and LeBron spoke with Steph” during the trip.
Green reportedly told James he could cap off his career by winning a championship alongside Stephen Curry (left). NBAE via Getty Images
The Warriors have always been seen as one of several favorites to land James in free agency this offseason. Now Green’s face-to-face recruiting pitch to the future Hall of Famer appears to have increased their chances of actually signing him.
It’s also worth noting that the Warriors just hired Frank Vogel to be their associate head coach under Steve Kerr. Vogel was the Lakers’ head coach from 2019 to 2022, including when they beat the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Finals.
James has yet to select a team after his shocking decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. APGreen and the Warriors appear to be making their push at the perfect time, as James’ decision seems imminent. Getty Images
This was the only championship James won with the Lakers, and Golden State bringing Vogel on board would appear to be another factor that could compel James to join them.
The belief is that James’ hotly anticipated decision could be coming within the next week. Green and the Warriors appear to be making their push at the perfect time.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards shoots a free throw during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 12, 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A potential battle between top-4 picks looms for the Washington Wizards on Tuesday as they take on the Chicago Bulls in their third NBA Summer League game.
Game info
When: Wednesday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas
How to watch: NBA on Prime, Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
What to watch for
The names on the marquee for this one are obvious: AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson. The biggest question mark is whether or not the Wizards opt to keep Dybantsa out for this one.
Washington’s No. 1 overall pick poured in 23 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in his team’s 104-85 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. Will Riley caught fire in the contest, with 32 points on 6-of-8 shooting from beyond the three-point arc.
But nobody was hotter than Wilson on Friday, when the Bulls’ No. 4 overall pick broke the record for the most points in an NBA Summer League debut. The North Carolina alum erupted for 35 points on a 12-of-21 clip, and looked really comfortable shooting from deep with seven triples.
Dybantsa and Wilson did not face off during their one year of college, but they did play against each other in a preseason contest. Dybantsa paced BYU in scoring with 18 points and eight rebounds in a 78-76 win, while Wilson led all scorers with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Chris Cenac Jr. #12 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on July 13, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics lost 102-90 to the Atlanta Hawks in the team’s first loss of the Las Vegas Summer League, notably without 2025 draftees Hugo Gonzalez or Amari Williams.
Both teams were 2-0 and part of a six-member group of undefeated LVSL teams heading into the game. Following the loss, the Celtics are 2-1, and only the Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers remain undefeated.
The Celtics started 2025 draftee John Tonje, 2026 first-rounder Chris Cenac Jr. and second-rounder Dillon Mitchell, Curtis Jones, and Tucker DeVries. Boston did not play Gonzalez or Williams, who started both of the team’s first two games but watched from the bench today on the back end of a back-to-back.
The Hawks starters included Isaac McKneely, Gabe Madsen, Isaiah Wong, Devon Higgs, and Henri Veesaar.
Unlike the Celtics’ first two games in Vegas, they got off to a hot start against the Hawks.
DeVries, a 6’7” forward who went undrafted this year, immediately hit a pair of three-pointers to put Boston up before Atlanta even scored. John Tonje also hit a couple shots in the first quarter, including one from distance, for 5 early points. Celtics rookies Cenac and Mitchell also got a pair of buckets between them.
However, the Hawks kept pace and took a 20-17 lead with about three minutes left in the opening quarter, thanks to 9 points from Kobe Johnson (who hit all of his first four shots), 8 points from Veesaar (who hit his first three shots, including two three-pointers), and 6 points from Higgs.
Milos Uzan, one of Boston’s best Summer League players so far in Vegas, came off the bench again and scored a couple buckets to help keep it close.
Nevertheless, the first quarter ended with the Hawks ahead by 4, 29-25.
Mitchell got the second quarter scoring started with a nice dime to Hank Morgan, then hit a 14-foot jumper to briefly tie the game up at 29-29.
Unfortunately, Boston’s offense fizzled out in the second frame, while Atlanta’s remained hot. Veesaar hit his third three-pointer to give the Hawks a lead again, then Johnson cut into the paint for a layup to put them up by 5 points, 34-29.
Cenac hit a midrange jumper of his own, then blocked Johnson soon after using his length, but Atlanta recovered the ball and Johnson ended up hitting a three-pointer out of the scramble. Johnson hit another shot from distance only a minute later, giving him 17 points on 7/8 shooting from the field.
Behind Johnson and Veesaar, the Hawks’ lead ballooned to 15 points, 46-31, with about 3 minutes left to go in the half.
That lead got up to 19 points with about a minute to go in the half, but Boston was able to cut into the deficit with an Alondes Williams three-pointer, a DeVries putback layup, and a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Kyle Mangas to cap off a rough second quarter.
At the half, the Hawks led Boston by 13 points, 52-39, with three double-digit scorers (Johnson with 19 points, Veesaar with 13, and Higgs with 10). DeVries led the Summer C’s in scoring at the half with 8 points. The team as a whole shot only 41.2% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.
As the third quarter began, Cenac’s hands were all over the game, for better or for worse. He fouled a Hawks shooter, gifting Atlanta a free throw that it hit for its first points of the second half, and set an illegal screen a couple minutes later. However, Cenac also scored the first 8 points of the half for Boston and became the team’s first double-digit scorer of the night. He hit a couple impressive shots in the paint, a free throw, and an emphatic putback dunk.
Cenac was subbed out for a quick breather after he missed a thunderous dunk attempt. He was subbed back in after less than a minute on the bench, but did not have the same impact on the rest of the game as he did to open the third.
DeVries hit another three-pointer to bring the lead to 10, 60-50, but the Celtics were unable to build on that momentum as they could not find a way to slow down Johnson and Veesaar. With less than 3 minutes to go in the third quarter, the pair had 42 points between them and the Hawks had a commanding 20-point lead, 75-55.
It wasn’t all negative, though. Cenac had an impressive block (his fourth of the night) that led to an easy Mitchell layup, then a dunk a minute later. Mitchell continued to show a willingness to shoot from the perimeter and buried an open three-pointer to end the quarter.
At the end of the third, the Hawks led 83-62.
Mitchell opened up the fourth quarter with a slick turnaround fadeaway jumper, but the Hawks kept up their pace and hit a pair of three-pointers and a layup over the first two minutes of the frame to take a 91-67 lead.
Johnson continued his hot night, hitting a three-pointer and a layup to get up to 30 points, and helped keep Atlanta in control for the remainder of the game.
With about 5 minutes to go, Boston emptied the bench, and the move seemingly reenergized the team. The bench players narrowed the lead to 14 points after Morgan hit a three-pointer and a free throw, but the bench burst came too late to make the game a real competition.
Overall, Cenac led the way for the Celtics with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 blocks on 46.2% shooting from the field. He also had 5 turnovers and 5 personal fouls.
Mitchell and DeVries tied as the team’s second-leading scorers with 11 apiece. It was the first Summer League game where Mitchell did not record a block or steal.
On the other side, Johnson and Veesaar combined for 50 points.
The Celtics’ next Summer League game will be at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, against the Sacramento Kings and the seventh pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Darius Acuff Jr. It will be broadcast on ESPN2.
LeBron James’ roots in Akron, Ohio run deep. Can they be deepened?
The recent time James has spent in his hometown only has heightened excitement about him possibly rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Listen, this is an exciting time for us, right?’’ Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson told Sirius XM NBA Radio on Sunday, July 12. “Like we’re in the mix for the greatest player of all-time.’’
(No, Atkinson was not referring to Michael Jordan.)
It’s customary for James to spend time in the offseason in Akron, which helped launch him into basketball stardom. But it seems ever more meaningful as he searches for what likely will be the final destination of his celebrated NBA career two weeks after informing the Lakers he will play elsewhere next season.
If you’re reading tea leaves, James has posted on his Instagram page twice in about the last two weeks. The first was about a custom 1,200-square-foot putting green that’s been installed at the LeBron James Family Foundation headquarters.
The second was of James standing inside “Buckets Restaurant,’’ where chicken is served in buckets. Of course, what everybody really wants to know is, where will James be scoring buckets next season?
ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania addressed the timing of James' decision on NBA Today.
“It’s decision time for LeBron James,’’ Charania said. “Because all of the information for the most part is in. GMs, presidents, owners, they’ve all been heard from. They’re continuing to have conversations with agent Rich Paul here this week as well. Players have also reached out to LeBron James to recruit him.’’
According to Charania, the leading suitors have been Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia and Minnesota.
What Polymarket says
The Polymarket prediction market posts by percentage the chances of James signing with the following teams:
Cleveland Cavaliers (45%): It’s the one place James could chase another ring (his fifth) and not be derided as a ring chaser. In Cleveland, he’ll always be the prodigal son.
Golden State Warriors (25%): It’d be a blast to watch James team up with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. But their collective gas tank might be empty when the playoffs start.
Miami Heat (18%): Could anyone fault James for taking his talents back to South Beach, where he won his first two NBA titles? Well, of course they could!
According to Polymarket, it's also still too early to count out the Philadelphia 76ers (7%), not to mention the Minnesota Timberwolves (3%), San Antonia Spurs (1%) and Denver Nuggets (1%).
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts after LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) was called for an offensive foul in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Once again, Austin Reaves is showing how badly he wants to win with the Lakers.
Prior to the start of free agency, Reaves agreed to a reported four-year, $185 million deal to stay in Los Angeles. However, with some time for the Lakers to plan for the future after agreeing to other deals, the two sides adjusted the contract with Reaves taking less money to help the team’s flexibility.
Update on Austin Reaves’ contract with the Lakers: Final terms are four years, $180 million, with a player option in 2029–30, league sources tell me. Reaves agreed to a lower amount than the previously reported $185 million to help give Los Angeles more future flexibility.
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have gotten creative with a contract this offseason. Sandro Mamukelashvili’s contract features a dip in the second year as well.
The rationale? Well, it appears the Lakers are looking to create enough cap space to use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception next summer.
Reaves’ decision, sources told ESPN, will give LAL more financial flexibility moving forward – making it possible to pursue a player with the non-taxpayer midlevel exception next summer. https://t.co/7AHGDG2Pbu
The Lakers are going to operate as an over-the-cap team not just for the rest of the summer, but likely for the rest of the Luka Dončić era. That means they’re going to have limited means to notably upgrade the roster.
One of those means, if they navigate things correctly, would be the non-taxpayer MLE next season. It will give LA a big contract they can offer in free agency next year and a real big way to upgrade the roster.
The non-taxpayer MLE not only would allow them to sign a player to a deal with an AAV of roughly $15 million, but it would also allow them to trade for someone in that range. LA will be a contending team with the ability to make an attractive offer to free agents next summer.
To ensure the ability to offer that type of deal and make that upgrade to the roster, though, Reaves had to skim a little bit off his deal. Ultimately, it’s a millionaire making a few less millions, so there’s only so much credit he’s going to get, but it’s not common for player to do what he did, so he does deserve some praise.
Jan 22, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin (0) stares down Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images | Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
The Spurs have filled at their required 14th roster spot, and it’s with another returning face. For the second year in a row, Jordan McLaughlin is returning on a minimum deal worth $3.3 million for one year, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Free agent guard Jordan McLaughlin has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, agent Greg Lawrence of THE•TEAM tells ESPN. McLaughlin appeared in 44 games for the Spurs last season and now enters his ninth campaign. pic.twitter.com/o2srVy0psO
McLaughlin came to San Antonio with De’Aaron Fox from the Kings in February of 2025 and has been a valuable veteran off the bench for the Spurs. He appeared in 44 games last season, and although he only averaged 2 points and an assist in 6 min per game, he was always ready when called upon, including in the few instances he got rotation minutes when any combination of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper were out.
The signing fills out all the Spurs’ required roster spots, although they can still sign a 15th player if they choose. They also still have one two-way slot they can fill. With the returns of McLaughlin, Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie, the Spurs are returning their top 11 players in games played, and the addition of veteran forward Tobias Harris and drafting of big men Tarris Reed and Jayden Quaintance shores up what were considered the only weak areas in the rotation. In other words, the Spurs are running back a team that made the finals and were a few blown leads from winning it all, and they still managed to get better despite limited resources (barring a massive trade, which wasn’t needed).
The San Antonio champion, who was part of the team’s title-winning team in 2014, sounded off on the firing of team play-by-play man Jacob Tobey amid his alleged affair with Loren Waters — the sister of Spurs player Lindy Waters III.
While Tobey has been in the headlines for his behavior, Green called him a “really good dude” and said his private decisions did not merit the Spurs firing him.
“I love everything the Spurs do and how they operate as an organization,” Green said on his “No Fouls Given” podcast. “They run a tight ship. They don’t deal with no BS, and they don’t like drama, so I understand certain issues. They’re going to be like, ‘No, we can’t allow this.’ To me, this was not one of those issues.”
Danny Green is disappointed by the Spurs decision to fire Jacob Tobey over cheating allegations:
“First and foremost, I want to say I love everything the Spurs do and how they operate as an organization. They run a tight ship, they don’t deal with no BS, and they don’t like… pic.twitter.com/IEnBMB74zJ
Green, who spent eight years with the Spurs, added that he was “really disappointed” by the decision.
“This is not a domestic violence case,” he continued. “He didn’t beat anybody up. He wasn’t loitering or DUI or anything crazy. You know he has a relationship that is behind closed doors, this is his personal life.”
Tobey’s personal life became public when his now ex-girlfriend appeared to take over his Instagram account and exposed his alleged relationship with Waters on his Instagram story.
“This is my girlfriend of six years,” the post read. “But I cheated on her with Loren Waters. So feel free to continue following me if you really think I’m a good guy because I’m not. :)”
Spurs champion Danny Green felt that the firing was unfair on Tobey, NBAE via Getty Images
Tobey’s ex-girlfriend then shared a photo, which appeared to show the broadcaster and Waters kissing.
Green, though, wasn’t sure the Spurs followed the fairest process in Tobey’s dismissal.
“We don’t know what the timetable of it was, if he was with this girl or not, or if he was even dating his girl at the time while he was with this girl,” the former sharpshooter said.
“His girl could have made it up, and she hacked his social media, and she wanted to ruin his life, and you allowed that to happen.”
Tobey has not yet commented on the situation and has made both his Instagram and X accounts private.
Everything has changed for Austin Reaves. NBAE via Getty ImagesHe signed the richest contract in NBA history for a player who went undrafted. He’s no longer playing with LeBron James, who championed him during their five seasons together. Lu Chau/Photagonist/Shutterstock
He was never supposed to be here.
‘I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to play in the NBA,” Reaves said Monday while speaking to reporters at a hotel in Las Vegas during Summer League. “I was telling a story the other day: I didn’t even think I was going to play Division I basketball.
“For a long time I thought I would just go play Division II basketball at Central Missouri with my brother. And whatever happened there, probably go play overseas and just have fun with basketball. But there were different plans and I took advantage of a couple opportunities and we’re sitting here today.”
Things didn’t turn out as planned for Reaves in the best way possible.
He’s now a headliner on one of the most heralded franchises in the league. He’s the Lakers’ second option on offense. He signed a four-year, $180 million contract earlier this month.
Reaves not only surprised all of the teams that overlooked him in the 2021 NBA draft, he stunned himself.
In a way, that’s a gift.
Things didn’t turn out as planned for Reaves in the best way possible. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
While someone like LeBron James would’ve been viewed as a failure if he didn’t become one of the greatest players of all-time, Reaves wasn’t even a blip on the radar. He couldn’t have failed because he was never supposed to succeed.
There’s no pressure because this is all gravy. There’s no angst because this was never supposed to happen. There’s no anxiety because this is all a stunning surprise.
Reaves clawed his way into the NBA. He had to earn every moment on the court. He was fearless because he had no phantoms chasing him, whispering in his ear that he’d be a disappointment if he didn’t shatter the glass ceiling.
He could just play. There’s a freedom to that. A purity.
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The noise has arrived. Fingers will be pointed if he doesn’t become an All-Star. He’s earning the big bucks, so he better prove he deserves them.
But Reaves is as unbothered as ever.
He showed up to his first team-sanctioned media availability since penning his new deal with a noticeably longer beard than usual. When a reporter jokingly asked him if he couldn’t find a razor this morning, he quipped, “Can’t afford it.”
But Reaves is as unbothered as ever. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
When he was asked why he chose to return to the Lakers after declining his $14.9 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, he talked about his lighthearted relationship with Luka Doncic.
“He’s one of my best friends on this planet,” Reaves said. “Talk to him almost every single day. He sends me videos of his golf swing and asks me what he can do to get better. And I tell him I’m not a coach.”
For Reaves, this is still fun.
He’s a guy from Newark, Arkansas, which has a population of fewer than 2,000 people. He has never cared about the spotlight. He just loves basketball. He’s embracing the ride.
This isn’t life or death. This isn’t become a star or you’re a loser. This is just a roller coaster he’s grateful to be riding.
Funny enough, James always saw Reaves’ potential. James watched his college highlights. He took him under his wing. He gave him confidence as he blossomed into one of the league’s biggest surprises. He was Reaves’ biggest advocate before leaving the Lakers in free agency earlier this month.
He’s a guy from Newark, Arkansas, which has a population of fewer than 2,000 people. He has never cared about the spotlight. He just loves basketball. He’s embracing the ride. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
“He’s kind of all I’ve ever known,” Reaves said. “Just him being around, joking around, acting like he’s 15. But that’s his decision and like I said [during a golf tournament] in Tahoe, anytime I’ve talked about it, I got nothing but love and respect for him, and, yeah, let’s play some golf soon.”
Reaves went from being shocked that he got to share the court with James to becoming one of the team’s biggest stars.
He has arrived.
And even though he’s under a different type of pressure than ever before, it’s obvious that’s more thrilling than daunting.
This was never supposed to happen.
And he’s going to enjoy every moment of it.
“It’s been fun,” Reaves said. “I don’t really look back and reflect that much because I kind of just live in the moment, but one of these days I’ll sit down and really think about what all has actually happened because it’s kind of insane.”
Boston, MA - October 29: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell on the court in the first quarter at TD Garden on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe 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 Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are all in on the Donovan Mitchell business. They’ve shown a total commitment to Mitchell as their franchise cornerstone, inking him to a max contract extension worth nearly $300 million dollars.
We want to hear your reaction.
Mitchell is set to make $272 million dollars during his four-year extension, which starts in 2027. He’ll make more than $60 million a year, with a gargantuan $75.5 million dollar player option for the 2031-31 NBA season.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of the deal.
2027-28: $60.9 million
2028-29: 65.8 million
2029-30: $70.6 million
2030-31 (player option): $75.5 million
Mitchell will be 34 years old by the time he reaches that player option. Causing some to question if this deal could have a bittersweet ending with an undersized and aging guard.
Nonetheless, Cleveland isn’t surprising anyone with this decision. They’ve held Mitchell as their most important asset for years, prioritizing his needs above everyone else on the roster. He’s their guy, and this extension is another sign of commitment.
Mitchell’s value speaks for itself. At face value, you’re looking at a player who could finish his career as the second-best Cavalier in franchise history. That’s the type of guy you don’t want to lowball. Cleveland hasn’t had many superstar athletes who have embraced the city more than Mitchell himself.
Finally, there’s one more thing for you to take into account before answering our question.
Mitchell could have waited one more year to sign this extension. In that case, he could have secured a fifth year of the deal worth $80 million dollars. I don’t want to predict the future, but I doubt Mitchell can negotiate his way to an $80 million dollar payday in 2032. So, you can argue he took a significant pay cut in the backend of this extension to grant stability and peace of mind to everyone involved.
Mitchell didn’t delay. He signed the extension as soon as possible, and saved the Cavs money in the long run. That’s important to remember.
Now, I leave the decision in your hands, Fear the Sword reader. Was this the right move for Cleveland?
Austin Reaves says he still is processing LeBron James' decision to leave the Lakers but is happy with the offseason moves the team made. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
From the time Austin Reaves joined the Lakers in 2021 as an undrafted prospect, his basketball life centered around playing with a savant in LeBron James.
Reaves was stunned when he heard about James’ decision while playing golf in Lake Tahoe. Nearly two weeks later, Reaves says he still is trying to process the development.
“I kind of was thinking about it last night when I got here,” Reaves said Monday in his first news conference since re-signing. “Starting the season without him being on the team is going to be different for me. He’s kind of all I’ve ever known. Just him being around, joking around, acting like he’s 15. But that’s his decision and like I said in Tahoe, anytime I’ve talked about it, I got nothing but love and respect for him and yeah, let’s play some golf soon.”
The contract Reaves signed was the richest in NBA history for an undrafted player. At 28 and entering his sixth season, Reaves wanted to stay in L.A.
“I wanted to be a Laker the whole time. We had that period from when the season ended until the first [of July] to get something done and we figured it out before then,” he said. “My heart was in L.A. the whole time.”
Reaves will become one of the de facto leaders of the Lakers along with Luka Doncic. The two once again will be one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA.
“Obviously my relationship with the guys that were on the team last year,” Reaves said of why he wanted to stay. “And then Luka. I mean, he’s one of my best friends on this planet. Talk to him almost every single day. He sends me videos of his golf swing and asks me what he can do to get better and I tell him I’m not a coach.”
The Lakers have overhauled the roster: All the players who started alongside Reaves in the playoffs last spring are gone. With the signing of former Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams on Monday, the Lakers have eight new players, all of them arriving either via trades, free agency or the draft.
“They’re good,” Reaves said of the moves. “Obviously, I’ve been with the guys that are leaving for a couple years and with Bron for five years and I hate to see guys like that go. But the pieces that are coming in, I’m very excited about and I’m happy to get started today and see where it goes.”
Walker Kessler dunks during a game between the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers on March 23. (Rob Gray / Associated Press)
One of those new players is Walker Kessler, a 7-foot-2 center the Lakers felt fit best around Doncic and Reaves because he’s a lob threat, rim-protector and good defender and is developing his three-point shooting.
The Lakers got him from the Utah Jazz in a trade and then signed him to a four-year, $130-million contract. The Lakers sent out two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030).
Kessler, who played only five games last season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, is aware the Lakers paid a big price to get him.
“It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said Monday in his introduction. “And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and compete for a team.”
Power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili could become a fan favorite, in part because of the tattoo he has on his lower left leg — a No. 24 in honor of Kobe Bryant.
Mamukelashvili, who signed a four-year, $52-million deal, averaged 11.2 points last season with the Toronto Raptors and shot 52.3% from the field, including 38.9% from three-point range.
“I got a Mamba Mentality tattoo. I just love his mindset,” Mamukelashvili said. “Growing up, I used to always say, “Mah-moo Mentality!’ So, I know it’s a little far from each other. But we are getting closer.”
When guard Collin Sexton, another new Laker, was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, James left and signed with the Lakers. When Sexton signed a two-year, $19-million deal with the Lakers this month, James left again.
Sexton could only laugh about missing out on playing with James.
“He’s just leaving every time I arrive,” Sexton said, laughing. “That’s what it is. No, but one of the other coaches made the same joke yesterday. It’s cool, I know. I’ve always wanted to team up with him for sure, but it’s definitely cool knowing him and just having normal conversations and stuff, so that’s cool.”
Sexton averaged 15.4 points and shot 48.5% last season with Chicago and Charlotte. He’s ready for whatever role coach JJ Redick and the Lakers want for him.
“They believe in me,” he said. “And I just feel like at the end of the day, whenever a coach believes in you and like he said, he’s going to be hard on me and yelling and screaming at me. So, I like that. I think that’s what gets the best from me.”
LeBron James’ free agency has spent weeks in rumor purgatory. Now, it may finally be nearing decision time.
After weeks of pitches, recruiting calls, golf sightings, and prediction-market chaos, ESPN’s Shams Charania said Monday on NBA Today that James is inching closer to choosing where he will play in his 24th NBA season.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the second half Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“Every day LeBron James inches closer and closer to a decision,” Charania said. “It’s decision time for LeBron James because all the information, for the most part, is in.”
According to Charania, the major voices around the league have already made their case. General managers, presidents and owners have been heard from. Players have reached out directly to recruit James.
Rich Paul is still having conversations with teams in Las Vegas, but the big-picture recruiting phase appears to be near its end.
“And yes, all the voice notes have also been listened to,” Charania said. “And rosters have been set around the league. The decks have been set.”
That marks a shift from Paul’s message from last week, which was basically: relax.
Shams Charania says it is decision time for LeBron James after suitors made their pitches and all information is in. Getty Images
“There is none. I wish I knew,” Paul said. “He’s taking his time. He’s really evaluating things. I’ve really left him alone. Play golf, do the things you need to do. He understands where things are. When he’s ready, he’ll let me know.”
Shams Charania commentates during the 2026 NBA Draft NBAE via Getty Images
Now, it sounds like James may finally be getting closer to that point.
Charania reiterated that five suitors remain: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Cleveland remains the prediction markets favorite. A third stint with the Cavaliers would let James close his career where it began, back in his home state, with a franchise and a fanbase he knows intimately.
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Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers’ AP
James next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State would be one of the strangest and most compelling late-career superteams in NBA history. The Warriors have also added another wrinkle by hiring Frank Vogel, James’ former Lakers coach, as associate head coach under Steve Kerr.
Miami offers another familiar landing spot. James won two championships with the Heat and has long praised the franchise’s structure and culture.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, left, passes around Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James AP
Philadelphia can offer a star-heavy roster with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Minnesota, meanwhile, is the wild card built around Anthony Edwards.
Charania made clear that money isn’t the largest motivating factor in the decision.
“What we know definitively is LeBron James has made it clear privately that he wants to go somewhere where he can compete for a championship,” Charania said. “Somewhere where he feels like he finds that happiness from a team environment and culture that he feels he can uplift.”
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors NBAE via Getty Images
That lines up with what Paul has said early in the process. James is not simply chasing the biggest number. He is chasing “complete happiness,” a championship chance and the right environment for the final chapter of his career.
For now, the waiting game continues.
But according to Charania, the decks are set, the pitches have been made and the voice notes have been heard.
