Category: NBA

NBA Summer League is never going to make or break the career of an incoming rookie. A year ago, Cooper Flagg shot 5-of-21 from the floor in his Las Vegas debut, and failed to make my annual list of the most impressive rookies in summer league. It’s important to tell yourself not to overreact to everything you see.

The good news for this year’s rookie class is that most of the top picks absolutely delivered on the hype. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson each had flashes of brilliance that showed why the 2026 draft class was so highly regarded. Read my story on six rookies who looked underwhelming in summer league this year, but remember there’s plenty of time for them to turn things around. Jalen Brunson wasn’t very good in summer league, either.

Check out my list of the young veterans already proving to be too good for summer league this year. Now, let’s rank the most impressive rookies in Las Vegas. Apologies to Koa Peat, Labaron Philon, Cam Carr, Chris Cenac, Mikel Brown Jr., Henri Veesar, and Jack Kayil, who were all really good in their own right, but these 11 players stuck out.

11. Hannes Steinbach, F, Charlotte Hornets

Steinbach finally moved into the Hornets’ starting lineup for their fourth summer league game, and immediately showed all the things that made him special. He’s such an effective finisher (67.9% true shooting) in part because he catches everything thrown his way, and can often play through contact on his way to the basket. Steinbach’s elite hands also make him the best rebounder in this draft class, and at this point it’s possible he could be one of the best offensive rebounders in the league as a rookie after posting a comical 18.15% o-board rate in Las Vegas. His defense and three-point shooting remain a work in progress, but Steinbach is great at what he’s good at, and that should give him a foundation for success as he continues to work on his skill set over the years.

10. Bruce Thornton, G, Houston Rockets

Summer league was never going to be a big challenge for an elite college veteran like Thornton, and indeed he looked comfortable and confident from the moment he hit the floor in Vegas. Thornton has a big body for a shorter point guard, and he throws around his weight to open up offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. He’s become a really good high-volume three-point shooter over the years, and in summer league he made 43 percent from deep on seven attempts per game. He also posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is par for the course after a college career where he rarely coughed it up. There will be questions about his defense when it’s time for the real season, but Thornton has so much command over the offense and his own scoring ability that he feels like an obvious bet to be the next second-round draft hit.

9. Morez Johnson, F, Dallas Mavericks

Johnson is an absolute hoss as a 250+ pound forward with a 7’3.5 wingspan, and he’s a truly ridiculous athlete for someone with that size. The Mavs’ No. 9 overall pick hit the ground running in Vegas by doing what he does best: finishing efficiently inside, cleaning the defensive glass, and showing a rare combination of quickness and power on defense to give him premium matchup versatility. Johnson still scored a lot of his points on dump-offs and putbacks in Las Vegas, but there were also flashes of freight train drives to the hoop and short mid-range shotmaking that weren’t as prevalent on the college tape. His 69.1% true shooting in two games is about as good as it gets. Johnson’s simple-yet-effective offense set is complemented by a more wide-ranging defensive skill set, where he can protect the rim on the backline or switch onto quicker wings or guards and stick with them for a few seconds on the perimeter. He’s going to be an enforcer next to Cooper Flagg in Dallas from day one, and if his handle and shooting keeps developing, he has the potential to be a lot more than that.

8. Allen Graves, F, Toronto Raptors

#19 pick Allen Graves FILLED the stat sheet for the @Raptors in his NBA Summer League debut:

🦖 22 PTS (team-high)
🦖 13 REB
🦖 3 STL
🦖 2 BLK
🦖 3 3PM pic.twitter.com/3JC2b5SQJv

— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2026

Anyone who thought the sixth man from Santa Clara whose draft candidacy was spawned by some young online nerds was going to crash and fail in the league sure looks like they’re going to be proven wrong. Graves did his thing with disruptive defense, impressive rebounding, and a sweet three-point stroke. It seems like Graves couldn’t show the full extent of his offensive game in college, because in Las Vegas he was handling the ball on drives and initiating the pick-and-roll with a level of effectiveness that wasn’t on the Santa Clara tape. Meanwhile, Graves continues to be a monster at forcing takeaways with great hands and an elite nose for the ball. His defense is so aggressive that it’s almost easy to overlook that he shoots such an easy ball from three-point range, knocking down 44% from deep in 16 attempts. I’m already worried I had Graves too low on my board at No. 19, which is exactly where the Raptors picked him. He looks like a steal. Toronto should be feeling really good about this one so far.

7. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Golden State Warriors

Lendeborg should have been really good in summer league considering he’s already almost 24 years old, an age when most players have graduated out of this setting. Still, it was encouraging to see the former Michigan star dominate in all the ways we’ve come to expect, showing bully-ball drives, sharp connective passing, stout defense, and a sweet three-point stroke. The shooting is the headliner from Lendeborg’s five games in summer league: he hit 56.5% of his threes on the way to immaculate 68% true shooting. He also bumped Cameron Boozer to hell on one drive to the rim, and showed his ability to play through contact on both ends. I like his defensive rebounding and his ball movement, but there were some instances where his lack of agility in the middle of the floor hurt his two-point scoring efficiency. I had Yaxel at No. 5 on my board entering the draft, and he seems like he’s going to be a perfect fit in Golden State, especially if the threes keep dropping. .

6. Darryn Peterson, G, Utah Jazz

Peterson gets off his shot so easily. The No. 2 overall pick glides into stepback jumpers, turns the corner on drives to the rim, and sprints off screens to knock down threes so effortlessly that he just looks like an NBA All-Star. Peterson had some spectacular moments with a driving poster dunk against the Clippers, and some flashes of the defensive playmaking that separates him from other elite offensive guards, but he also still has some fat to trim in his game. Peterson made some puzzling decisions with the ball whether he was settling for floaters or giving it away to the defense. He doesn’t really look like a true point guard (he finished with 26 assists to 24 turnovers through five summer league games), but that should be no big deal for a Jazz team that already has Keyonte George in the backcourt. His skill set still needs some fine-tuning, but Peterson’s talent jumps off the screen, and best of all, he wasn’t slowed down by any of the weird cramping issues that plagued him in college. He’s going to be a highly productive rookie, and a major contributor to what should be a pretty good Utah team this season.

5. Meleek Thomas, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas through 3 games: 28.3 PPG/4.3 APG/4.0 RPG/2.3 SPG on 50% FG, 46% 3P, 100% FT

Who does he remind you of? 👀 pic.twitter.com/25LwNbt6PM

— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) July 14, 2026

The long history of John Calipari guards being better in the NBA than in college might have another addition with Meleek Thomas. Thomas had a solid freshman year at Arkansas, but still slipped to the No. 34 overall pick because of concerns about his frame and defensive projection. The sell was always his bucket-getting, and he basically looked unstoppable in his three games in Las Vegas. Thomas scored 85 points in 90 minutes on excellent 65.7% true shooting through three games in summer league, slicing and dicing through opposing defenses at will and splashing shots all over the court. He hit 45.8% of his threes, all of his free throws, and had no problem breaking free from the ball pressure that frustrated other guards. Thomas avoided tunnel vision despite the incredible scoring numbers, and did a good job finding teammates while avoiding mistakes with 13 assists to five turnovers. With elite quickness, a money jumper, and a pretty good feel for the game, Thomas already looks like a second round steal, and someone who should make Cavs fans very excited for his future.

4. AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa in the Summer League so far:

• 25 PTS on 64% Ts
• 5 steals, 3 blocks
• 2-0 pic.twitter.com/Ywxs6VnfZw

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) July 13, 2026

Dybantsa’s elite slashing and tough shot-making were fully on display in his two-game run in Las Vegas. The No. 1 overall pick is an absolute giant for a wing, but unlike most players his size, he already has the ball on a string. Dybantsa can turn the corner on most defenders, but when he’s shut off, he has plenty of counters to continue probing the defense until he can break free. Dybantsa’s mid-range heavy shot-selection is already drawing some consternation, but it’s hard to get too upset when he still posted blistering 63.8% true shooting despite shooting 1-of-11 from three-point range. That’s just what Dybantsa provides, relentless attacking that will keep hammering holes in the defense until he finally makes a crack. With the caveat that it’s only summer league, Dybantsa’s defense also looked much better than it did at BYU with a 26.6% defensive rebound rate, 5% steal rate, and 5.4% block rate. He’s going to need to be able to play off the ball a little bit more next to Trae Young during the regular season, but for now Dybantsa showed the special skills that made him the first pick in a loaded draft.

3. Caleb Wilson, F, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson answered his biggest question on his very first shot in Las Vegas. Wilson took a pitch from teammate Noa Essengue, drew a switch from the defense, and took one dribble before splashing a three-pointer from the top of the key. Wilson didn’t shoot much in college, which makes sense for a player who used his best-in-class explosiveness to crush 67 dunks in just 24 games. The tape was filled with tough shot-making from mid-range, but those jump shots rarely extended behind the arc. In his summer league debut, Wilson drained seven three-pointers — the same number he made all season at North Carolina. Wilson had five months off since suffering a season-ending broken thumb in his right hand, and he clearly made the most of his time by reportedly getting up 2,000 threes per day. It takes most top prospects years to address the biggest holes in their scouting report, if they ever do it at all. Wilson already proved he’s going to shoot threes as a rookie, and that’s a great sign for his long-term development as a shooter. Read my feature on Wilson’s quest for greatness here.

Caleb Wilson with a MONSTER debut!

35 points | 7-11 from three | 2 stl | 3 blk pic.twitter.com/G8bMfMhxLT

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 11, 2026

A study by Owen Phillips showed that three-point rate (percentage of field goal attempts from three) is the “stickiest” stat of summer league — the one that carries over the best to the regular season. Well, Wilson moved his three-point rate from 9.1% at UNC to 47.1% for the Summer Bulls. It feels like a thrilling development for Wilson because so many other aspects of his game are already so strong. Wilson’s defensive playmaking is outstanding, and he amassed an 8.5% block rate in Vegas with a number of impressive stuffs, including a chasedown block for the ages. He hit the offensive glass at a higher rate than Cam Boozer (9.1% offensive rebound rate), and finished well when he was set up by his teammates. His poster thrunk against the Jazz was one of the most athletic plays you will ever see. There were still two big negatives for Wilson: his terrible free throw stroke (6-of-18 from the line) and his bad turnover habit, with his giveaways (21) easily outpacing his assists (7). The assist-to-turnover ratio was a positive on his college stat sheet, but that was mostly on stationary reads, and not live dribbles. Wilson was already a great prospect, but after watching him in Las Vegas, it seems possible he’s leveling up at a terrifying rate.

2. Cameron Boozer, F, Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer’s game has always been defined by steady production that won’t knock your socks off until his team wins and he finishes with monstrous box score numbers. Boozer did it again in this setting despite being one of the youngest players at summer league in his last few days as an 18-year-old. His scoring efficiency was remarkable by shooting 53.7% on two-pointers, 45% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws for 65.8% true shooting. He continued to clean the defensive glass (18.7% defensive rebound rate), and he looked pretty quick laterally on that end even if he’s not offering much rim protection. Boozer looked a bit thinner in Vegas compared to the bulkier frame he carried at Duke, and it feels like he’s still learning how to use it. He’s not the most nimble player in the middle of the floor, but it doesn’t really matter because his passing vision is excellent and he almost always makes the right decision on time. Boozer’s top-4 contemporaries had flashier highlights, but his team impact was as great as any player in Vegas. I had Boozer as the top player in the 2026 draft in his own tier, and I think summer league only strengthened that argument.

1. Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee Bucks

Burries’ upside was up for debate as he entered the 2026 NBA Draft, but he looked like an elite connective piece on both ends of the floor during his run in Las Vegas. He shot the hell out of the ball by hitting 44% of his threes, he hit the glass hard and forced takeaways on defense, and made smart decisions every time the ball touched his hands. Burries’ floor spacing and quick trigger from three helps fill in the gaps in the halfcourt in any lineup, but he also showed an ability to use his scoring to find open passing windows to teammates (12 assists) while suppressing turnovers (only one in three games in Vegas). Burries would be a valuable player even if he was just average defensively, but he looks better than that. His 4.2% steal rate and 3.7% block rate in Vegas are excellent numbers for a guard, and the fact that he’s such a good transition player once he yanks the ball away only makes him more effective. I only had Burries at No. 16 on my final board, so he exceeded my expectations more than any player in Las Vegas. The Bucks don’t have to try to shoehorn him into being a lead creator with Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro on the roster; instead, he can be the ultimate backcourt sidekick who allows everyone else to be the best version of themselves while maximizing his own efficiency.

Make a short list of what matters for success in the NBA. Go on, do it. What did you muster? Chances are, you came up with some combination of shot creation, shooting, size, versatility, and defence. What if I told you that point guard Kasparas Jakučionis, acquired as part of the trade that sent Giannis to the Miami Heat, has them all?

Rise and fall

Born in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital and largest city, Jakučionis made his professional debut for FC Barcelona as a 17-year-old, where he played until he moved to Illinois to play under coach Brad Underwood. It wouldn’t last long. Jakučionis excelled as a freshman, putting up 15.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 4.7 APG in 31.8 MPG across 33 contests, earning a place on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and receiving second-team All-Big Ten honours.

In March Madness, Jakučionis posted a near triple-double in the Fighting Illini’s first-round defeat of the 11th-seeded Xavier Musketeers, going for 16 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists (albeit on 3/11 shooting and with six turnovers). However, in their second round 84-75 loss to the third-seeded Kentucky Wildcats, Jakučionis struggled, posting six more turnovers to go along with 13 points (5/13 FGA), five rebounds, and two assists.

Still, Jakučionis’ prospects were high—The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie had him seventh in his pre-draft rankings, ESPN’s Jonathon Givony ranked him 10th, and No Ceilings placed him 10th—and so he entered the 2025 NBA draft full of hope, only to slide all the way down to the Miami Heat with the 20th overall selection.

Not so raw rookie

Jakučionis’ rookie season was delayed before it even started. A lingering groin injury kept him out of early-season action and then he had to bide his time and earn the trust of Heat coach Erik Spoelstra before seeing meaningful minutes. It took until Game 27 for that to happen, and even then Jakučionis logged less than eight minutes of playing time, hitting his only shot attempt—a three-pointer—and adding an assist (and a turnover) in a 106-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The very next night, however, he would start, logging 38 minutes in a 129-116 loss to the Boston Celtics. Despite the loss, Jakučionis broke out: 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists, knocking down 5/8 shots from deep. It would prove a harbinger of things to come.

Jakučionis played in 50 of the Heat’s final 54 games, finishing the season with averages of 6.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 2.6 APG in 17.8 MPG, shooting .429/.423/.879. Shooting splits aside, the numbers don’t jump off the page—that will happen when you’re largely relegated to an off-ball spacer and have the third-lowest usage on the entire roster—but Jakučionis certainly had his moments. In February, he dropped a career-high nine assists in a blowout win against the Chicago Bulls. A week later, he had back-to-back 20-point outings, shooting a blistering 12/16 from three. He also finished the campaign with the fourth-best net plus/minus for Heat players who played regular minutes. So, while Jakučionis might’ve slipped in the draft and gone under the radar in his rookie season, there was certainly something there. Thankfully for Bucks fans, Jon Horst noticed.

Point of the future

While a Giannis trade might have lingered for years, the Miami Heat iteration of the saga certainly went back and forth for months. And with good reason. One, you don’t trade your franchise’s best-ever player without exhausting every possible avenue. Two, you don’t pull the trigger until you get your guy. For Horst and the Bucks, this was Jakučionis, whom the Heat reportedly withheld until the final moments.

Positionally, make no mistake, Jakučionis is a point guard. Despite his low usage and role as an off-ball spacer with the Heat, Jakučionis is at his best with the ball in his hands. According to Cleaning the Glass (CTG), his 1.21 assist to usage ratio (measuring how often players get an assist given how much they had the ball) places him on the 85th percentile—tying Kevin Porter Jr. (1.21) and ranking better than the Bucks’ other primary creators last year, Ryan Rollins (1.00) and Giannis (0.93). More specifically, he’s dynamic in the pick and roll, able to hit rollers with either hand, and uses his height—he’s a legitimate 6’5”—to see over smaller defenders and create passing angles that others can’t.

However, like any great passer, Jakučionis can be overly ambitious at times, leading to inconsistent results and the accumulation of turnovers. This has quickly become apparent in Summer League play, where he’s struggled under ball pressure. It also reared its head in the two most recent games of Lithuania’s FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers, where he got off to a blazing start, dishing out eight assists to just two turnovers against Great Britain, but then struggled against Italy, coughing up six turnovers while being limited to just one assist.

Of course, as his rookie season proved, Jakučionis’ impact isn’t limited to his passing. In a league that puts a premium on spacing, Jakučionis’ value as a shooter cannot be overstated. Last year, his 60.5% effective field goal percentage placed him in the 96th percentile for combo guards (per CTG), higher than all-timers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (59.7%) and Stephen Curry (58.6%). Truthfully, this percentage is likely inflated due to his off-ball role with the Heat, where he was assisted on 78% of all of his made shots and threes made up 60% of his shot diet. He also has some work to do at the rim (57%, 31st percentile) and in the mid-range (29%, 6th percentile), but with only 47 and 24 shots from these locations it would be unwise to put too much stock in the numbers. In all, Jakučionis’ ability to play off the ball is a testament to his offensive versatility, making him even more valuable as a potential long-term piece next to Ryan Rollins and Brayden Burries, who can both similarly create and space. He’s also a knockdown free throw shooter, hitting 85% of his free throws at Illinois and 88% of them for the Heat, so he’s a guy you trust with the ball in his hands late in games.

On the other side of the ball, Jakučionis has ideal size for a modern backcourt player. At 6’5” and 200 lbs, he has the length and bulk to switch defensively and can also help out on the boards, where his 7.6% total rebounding percentage is similar to Milwaukee’s strong rebounding guards in Porter (8.9%) and Rollins (8.0%). Last season, he was particularly handy as an offensive rebounder, with an offensive rebounding percentage of 4.7%, better than Bucks bigs Kyle Kuzma (3.6%), Pete Nance (4.2%), and Myles Turner (4.5%), per Basketball-Reference. This isn’t new, either, with NBADraft.net’s Isaiah Maldonado stating that Jakučionis “makes good use of his frame to snag boards and extend plays” in his pre-draft scouting report.   

All things considered, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Horst was adamant about receiving Jakučionis as part of the Giannis trade. With premier playmaking, elite shooting, positional versatility and size, and the ability to help out on defence, Jakučionis is an ideal prospect for a rebuilding Milwaukee Bucks team looking to find its identity. And if he puts it all together, he just might be the Bucks’ long-term answer at the point.

Now it’s time to get to work.

Fluke Deez.

Preparation finally synced up with opportunity for Dillon Brooks in his 9th season in the NBA, as he shot his way to the brink of an All-Star bid, but the naysayers in the Suns content sphere are tugging on his jersey, trying to pull the Villain back down to earth. They want to give away his shots to Miles Bridges and relegate his shine to the corner three, but nobody puts Dillon in the corner.

For the duration of his career, prior to his arrival in Phoenix, the turnaround jumper has been violently shaking the bars of its cage screaming to be unleashed, and now that it’s out in the world along with the rest of Dillon’s bag, good luck getting it back in the cage

Last season Dillon averaged a career high 20.2 points a game on 17.1 shots and finished second on the team behind Booker in both points and attempts. His 17.1 shots were the most field goals he’s ever attempted in a season, and considerably more than the 13.0 FGAs he’s averaged over his career. Comparing the stats from his career year to his career averages, that’s the biggest difference that stands out. Opportunity.

Dillon took more two-point attempts than he has in any season since he was at the height of his powers in Memphis, navigating in the space made by Booker’s gravity to convert on 49.2% of his 10.5 attempts. This ties a career high he had set in his first year under Ime Udoka in Houston. He paired that with 6.6 three-point attempts a game, a new feature of his game he picked up his last season in Memphis and carried over to Houston. Last year for the Suns, Dillon shot 34.4% from three, which is a little down from his career average of 35.3% and significantly down from his career high his last season on the Rockets of 39.5%.

None of the numbers in Dillon’s career year are significant outliers compared to his past performances except for the number of attempts. So why is there a widely held assumption that Dillon Brooks needs to take the back seat when Miles Bridges arrives? Last year was Robin to Booker’s Batman, and this season the talking heads think he’s not even going to be Alfred? Is he going to be some kinda prop on the three-point line and defensive agitator? Whatever the Suns’ intentions for Dillon Brooks next year, I don’t see that happening. Not after he’s gotten a taste. Not in his age 30 season. How many more opportunities like he had last season will he get? He’s not going to let any more slip by. Nor should he.

In the course of getting swept by the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, the Suns found some things out about themselves and about Dillon Brooks. The Thunder forced the ball out of Devin Booker’s hands and into the hands of Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green. Dillon took 21.3 shots per game during the series in which the Thunder dogwalked the Suns 4 straight games. Dillon responded by putting up 26 points a game, improving on his regular season field goal percentage and falling just a few percentage points under his regular season three-point average on a whopping 8.0 attempts. Dillon had two 30-point games that series, and finished game four with an efficient 23 pts on 10-of-19 shooting in what ended up being the Suns’ best showing.

Jalen Green finished the Oklahoma series averaging 20.6 points a game on 38.6% shooting and shot 20.9% from three.

Miles Bridges has never played in a playoff game.

Dillon Brooks doesn’t need to prove he can Robin for Book. Jalen Green does. Miles Bridges does. I expect the Suns to Robin by committee depending on which way the ball flows. I also expect Brooks to continue to see open space operating underneath Booker’s shadow. I fail to see the reasoning in removing shots from Dillon Brooks to give to other similarly flawed players. The Suns’ efficiency will need to improve from Booker down the roster. Dillon Brooks seems to have already gotten a jump on it, playing for Team Canada.

In Team Canada’s game against Puerto Rico, Dillon went 7-of-12 from the field for 15 points. Against the Jamaican team, he went 8-of-12 for 22 points. Those are the kind of nights I’m sure the Suns would love to see from Dillon Brooks next season, but he can give them more.

Dillon stepped up in big moments throughout the season. In the play-in loss that would have spared the Suns having to play the Thunder, Brooks went 6-of-10, 2-of-4 from three, for 20 points in a game where the ball went to Jalen to the tune of 35 points on 29 shots. Booker and the bench fell short that night, but Dillon did everything the Suns needed him to do. As he had done all season.

Dillon’s 2025-26 was no fluke. He’s not going to take a back seat to anybody on the offense, and as far as I’m concerned, he’s entitled to the shotgun seat to open this upcoming year. Nobody has ever gotten ahead by doubting Dillon Brooks.

He gave you fair warning: beware.

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The wait continues as the sports world anxiously awaits the next move for LeBron James.

James decided to not return to the Los Angeles Lakers and added his name in the free agency pool, which started a carousel of pitches from around the NBA trying to persuade James to join their organization.

A decision is expected to come, but it's not clear when. James said months ago that his decision would likely come in late-July to early-August. While we sit around in the middle of July, the countdown continues.

James reportedly has all the information he needs from teams and is now weighing his options, according to USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes.

Multiple reports have listed the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors as the finalists in the James sweepstakes. Each team has its own storyline if James were to commit, even for a season.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the storylines he'd be most interested in include James going back home to Cleveland or joining Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. But his main focus was James actually making a decision so the league can plan next season's schedule.

"Where LeBron plays will affect the schedule. So I would like him to make his announcement already, so we can finish the schedule," Silver said. "I need him to make a decision."

Well, Mr. Commissioner, you're going to be waiting on that decision just like the rest of us. According to James' timeline, the pick won't be revealed for another week or two. In the meantime, here's what we're hearing on James' latest iteration of "The Decision":

Dave McMenamin: LeBron decision could be early as 'next week'

08:03 AM ET, July 17 2026, Marcus D. Smith

Family is one of the most important aspects in LeBron James' decision. ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin said James' decision is very dependent on his soon-to-be 12-year-old daughter, Zhuri.

"When it comes to his family James said he has certainly weighing the thoughts of his soon-to-be 12-year-old daughter Zhuri," McMenamin wrote on X. "He made sure to tell her before he was leaving the Lakers so she heard it from him first. And he told her that her feelings of the decision would mean a lot to him I'm told that James is nearing that decision and folks around the league are hoping it comes as early as next week."

Dave McMenamin on when Lebron could decide his next team:

"When it comes to his family James said he has certainly weighing the thoughts of his soon to be 12 year old daughter Zhuri. He made sure to tell her before he was leaving the Lakers so she heard it from him first. And he… pic.twitter.com/DoUECN2WOx

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 17, 2026

Expecting a LeBron decision today? Don't.

07:36 AM ET, July 17 2026, Marcus D. Smith

Nobody knows what LeBron James will do. Well, maybe he does. However, even if he does, don't expect an answer from James today, or even this weekend.

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania alludes to James not making his free agency decision immediately. The reason for the hold up isn't widely unknown, but it's not happening today, Charania said.

"Obviously everyone's waiting on the LeBron James domino. I wouldn't hold my breath on tonight," Charania told USA TODAY Thursday, July 16 on the red carpet for the Time 100 Sports event.

"I honestly wouldn't hold my breath for the weekend either, but we'll see what happens as we get closer to next week," Charania added.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: LeBron James decision: Live updates, rumors on which team star picks

Corliss Williamson has been impressive during his time as head coach of the Spurs Summer League squad. He’s shown how he works with players as well as his ability to develop young talent. It’s a reminder that Summer League isn’t just about the players. The officiating staff are looking for positions in the upcoming year. The announcers are hoping to get noticed for job offers. And the Summer League head coaches are being watched for available coaches spots. 

Going back as far as 2013 and 2014, assistant coach Ime Udoka was at the helm of Summer League. He was with the Spurs from 2012-2019. He then spent a year in Philadelphia as an assistant coach and another in Brooklyn before landing his first NBA head coaching position in Boston in 2021. In his forst year, he coached the Celtics into the NBA Finals. He’s currently the head coach of the Houston Rockets.

Back in 2015, Becky Hammon coached the Spurs to a Summer League championship. She returned in 2016 and 2019. During her time with the Spurs, she showcased her leadership, earned herself the head coaching spot for the Las Vegas Aces, and now has lead the Aces to three WNBA Championships over the last four seasons.

In 2017 and 2018, Will Hardy coaches the Spurs for Summer League. He was with the franchise from 2015-2021 before following Ime Oduka to Boston as an assistant. The following season, Hardy became the head coach of the Utah Jazz, a role he has had for four seasons, helping the Jazz rebuild after shedding stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

In 2021 and 2022, the Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson was given the reigns for Summer League. In 2024-25, he filled in for Gregg Popovich as the Spurs head coach. He was officially named the Spurs head coach in 2025, the first new coach since 1996. In his first full season as head coach, Johnson led the Silver & Black to the NBA Finals.

While Summer League has become the place to be to witness all of the NBA’s incoming talent and the starts of tomorrow, Spurs coaches capitalize on the opportunity to show they are ready to coach at the next level.

If Corliss Williamson makes the most of this summer, he could find himself fielding offers in the future.

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In the 1980’s and into the 1990’s, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers defined and completely revived the NBA.

The primary stars of that rivalry, of course, were Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, but both teams were full of great players. L.A. had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and others, while Boston also featured Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. All of these players are in the Hall of Fame.

But there were more great players on those teams, including Michael Cooper for L.A., and the late Dennis Johnson for Boston.

In this video, Dee Brown, who joined the Celtics in 1990, talks about his teammate, Dennis Johnson, and tells Cooper something he never would have imagined.

Johnson, he explains, counted opponents dribbles, and watched how they dribbled when they were relaxed and under stress. Basically, he was applying his own form of analytics to opposing ball handlers.

Cooper marvels at this, and says that it explains why Johnson – who Bird called his favorite teammate ever – was constantly getting steals in the fourth quarter.

It’s a level of basketball intellect that, until Brown revealed it, no one knew about Johnson.

Cooper, still amazed, says that even at 70, he’s still learning things about the game that surprise him.

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Jahmir Young is making his case for a roster spot for the Miami Heat this summer.

Surrounded by teammates wearing jerseys numbered in the 60s and 70s, Young has taken the NBA Summer League by storm. His latest outing saw him drop 30 points and 12 rebounds in the Heat’s 99-90 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE ALERT 🚨 Jahmir Young WENT OFF for the @MiamiHEAT summer league squad with a game-high 30 PTS and 12 REB 👏 pic.twitter.com/6YmgdGpxEZ

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 17, 2026

Young shot 12-of-24 from the field and 5-of-13 from 3-point range while also contributing three assists, two steals and a block across 33 minutes.

However, his seven turnovers in the game also led his team, something that could hold Young back from getting on the court alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and crew come October.

Young and the Heat finished 1-3 in the Summer League, placing 22nd in the standings. They are set to next play either on Sunday or Monday, depending on the results of other games.

In other news

Maryland women’s basketball alum Chloe Bibby scored a career high 14 points in the WNBA.

Former Terp Chloe Bibby had a career-high 14 points for the Chicago Sky 🐢 pic.twitter.com/oQS6gLBjvp

— Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) July 16, 2026

We are less than a month away from college sports being officially back.

One month away from being back! ⏰

Terps season and home opener against Fordham is August 16th! 📆 pic.twitter.com/BPxreGwRKJ

— Maryland W. Soccer (@TerpsWSoccer) July 16, 2026

Former Kentucky Basketball standouts Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have found themselves in the headlines for an unexpected reason after reports surfaced of a physical altercation between the two former Miami Heat teammates in Las Vegas.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the incident occurred on July 10 after Adebayo confronted Herro over comments made on social media following Herro’s offseason trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in the blockbuster deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. The confrontation escalated, with reports stating Adebayo struck Herro before others stepped in to prevent the situation from worsening.

Days later, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that Herro is ready to leave the incident behind.

“Honestly, I’m just trying to move past all of it,” Herro told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. “I’m focused on Milwaukee and building something special.”

Herro also expressed excitement about returning to his hometown team.

“I’m ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong,” Herro said. “But just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well.”

The situation is disappointing for Kentucky fans, as both players remain among the program’s most recognizable NBA alumni. Adebayo starred on Kentucky’s 2016-17 Elite Eight team alongside De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk before becoming a multi-time NBA All-Star. Herro helped lead Kentucky to the Elite Eight in 2018-19, the Wildcats’ most recent appearance that deep into the NCAA Tournament.

While emotions boiled over following their split in Miami, Herro’s latest comments suggest he’s eager to turn the page. Kentucky fans will now hope both former Wildcats can move beyond the incident and continue thriving in their NBA careers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will wrap up what has been a successful Summer League on Friday when they take on the Chicago Bulls for their fifth and final game.

You want to see your recent draft picks flash in Summer League. Meleek Thomas has certainly done that. He proved that he can be an efficient, high-volume scorer in this environment. What that means in the grand scheme of things is anyone’s guess. Summer League success doesn’t always translate to the NBA, but it’s a good starting point as we inch closer to training camp in the fall.

Thomas didn’t play in the last game and presumably won’t be playing this one either. The main selling points to this contest will be the battle for a two-way spot. Even though all three spots are currently filled by Tristan Enaruna, Riley Minix, and Ernest Udeh Jr., two-way deals don’t count against the cap, so players can be cut at any time.

Enaruna has missed the majority of Summer League due to an illness.

Minix has struggled mightily to find his shot. He’s averaged 8.3 points on .308/.005/.667 shooting splits in four games.

Udeh has shown to be a good rim protector and rebounder, but the lack of scoring has been concerning. He’s averaging just 4.5 points per game on 40% shooting.

The latter two’s struggles have opened the door for someone else to lay claim to that role.

It’s worth mentioning here that Malaki Branham, who’s had an impressive showing this summer, isn’t eligible for a two-way spot because he has four years of NBA service time.

---

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls

Where: Thomas & Mack Center – Las Vegas, NV

When: Fri., July 17 at 7 PM

TV: ESPN

Point spread: Cavs -1.5

Cavs notable players: Meleek Thomas, Ernest Udeh Jr., Riley Minix, Tristan Enaruna, Malaki Branham

Bulls notable players: Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jaylin Sellers, Tobe Awaka

---

The Washington Wizards play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night in the NBA Summer League. Let’s preview one last game before we have no more Wizards games until the preseason.

Game info

When: Saturday, July 17 at about 7 p.m. ET

Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas

How to watch: ESPN, Monumental Sports Network

What to watch for

The Wizards finished their four game NBA Summer League record with a 2-2 record. That is clearly not enough to get to the semifinals so the consolation round it is. There’s only one consolation game based on seeding, where they will play against the Hawks who have a 3-1 record.

Atlanta’s Roster is headined by numerous rookies by Kobe Johnson, the No. 8 pick in the 2026 Draft; Zuby Ejiofor, the No. 23 pick and Henri Veesaar, all of whom are averaging double digits in scoring. Johnson and Veesaar have also played every Summer Leauge game for Atlanta.

Assuming this holds, the Hawks will likely be favored to beat the Wizards, who won’t have AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson or Will Riley. Chris Livingston, Seth Trimble, Kadary Richmond and Reece Beekman have been the only Wizards to play in all four games so far. Expect them to get significant minutes tomorrow night as they look to make one last good impression before the front office decides on training camp invites and potential G League moves with the Capital City Go-Go.

He’s not a legendary championship coach holding on too tight and for too long. Not Bowden or Beamer or anyone else in their twilight whose next move is retirement. 

Dabo Swinney’s next job could be his best job yet. 

“You get a lot of love, you get a lot of hate in this (coaching) world,” Swinney said Thursday at ACC media days. “I’ve had bunch of both, enough for a lifetime.”

And now it might be time to move on.

Let’s get something perfectly clear from the jump: this isn’t a Dabo hot seat diatribe. It’s not about how many wins he needs to feel safe (whatever that means), or how many losses he can endure in what has become a crossroads season. 

That it’s even a nonsensical narrative right now is utterly laughable. 

He’s the guy with 13 seasons of double-digit wins in 17 full seasons as coach at Clemson. He has won 11 championships in the last 15 years, including two national titles. 

His players don’t get in trouble, his program has never been in the NCAA crosshairs.

Yet there he was this entire offseason, and during his time at ACC media days, playing defense. The six losses in 2025 were his fault, he said, blame him. 

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Bad coaching, bad execution. Just bad all around. 

All that just months after staring down detractors during last year’s shocking regression, and daring Clemson to fire him. If they don’t want him, they can hire someone else.

At one point, he looked dead in the press conference cameras and declared, “I ain’t going to the beach. I gotta long way to go.”

Swinney breathes Clemson. The community, the people and what it has done for him — professionally and personally. A more than two-decade love affair as an assistant and head coach. 

But that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t end. He’s 56, he’s in fantastic health and has a plan that’s been wildly successful at the highest level of the sport.

You’ve got to be kidding if you think Swinney couldn’t take Tennessee and build an absolute monster. Or Florida State. Or North Carolina or Oklahoma. 

Or any job with the money and will to make it all happen. Any job, any year, is available in this volatile age of win or walk or leave for the NFL.   

TURNING POINT: Make-or-break seasons for six elite quarterbacks starting over

STAMPEDE: SMU and Kevin Jennings perfect fit for CFP, Heisman Trophy dreams

Now think about this: the very thing that fueled those elite Clemson teams is on the verge of circling back. If college sports legislation currently working its way through Congress leaves players with one free transfer in a five-year playing window, Swinney’s high school recruiting and development takes center stage again.

C.J. Spiller and Da'Quan Bowers. DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins. Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson ― and so many more we've all forgotten in the wake of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.

When players are given one free transfer, it’s no longer about annually turning over rosters with the transfer portal, of which Swinney has never been a fan. It’s about organic recruiting and development, about finding the best players and the best fit.

The last thing Swinney should be doing is apologizing for a six-loss season. Or letting the frustration of such a season push him to telling Clemson if you don’t want me, I’ll find the door.

“I’ve been dead, I’m gone,” Swinney said. “I think I’m still here, all right?”

But that doesn’t mean his best days aren’t still in front of him. Doesn’t mean he can’t start over at another school and take his plan and passion and beat the brakes off everyone again.

In a perfect world, Swinney gets the ship righted, the Tigers are back in the College Football Playoff and it’s Nehis and Moon Pies for everyone in Clemson. If it only it were that simple. 

When you’re a victim of your own remarkable success, there’s only one way to go. It may just be time to start over. 

That, or eventually become the guy holding on too tight for too long.    

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB. Listen to him daily on 1010XL-Jacksonville.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Clemson coach Dabo Swinney's next college football job will be his best job

The SummerKnicks wrapped up their scheduled Las Vegas slate with an 87-77 loss to the SummerWarriors, ending their Sin City run with a 1-3 record and a consolation game against the SummerMavs later today.

No recap nor scenes, so here’s a kinda sorta summary of the most important performances we watched, along with a bunch of other links and notes.

• The Knicks roster is mostly settled, but there are still a couple openings in the 15-man squad and one of those must be filled before the start of the regular season:
  • It keeps looking like Tyler Nickel has the cleanest NBA skill and could contribute buckets off the pine with gusto.
  • German will-he-won’t-he-stash Kayil has the most intriguing upside and has had the highest of highs and lowest of lows through Summer League.
  • Jaden Akins had the biggest scoring game and explosion, but that might as well had been a one-off thing.
  • Big man Liam Robbins fits the biggest positional need, but he hasn’t been any convincing.
  • Dillon Jones was already in tow last season has the Brown’s trust advantage.
  • Pacome Dadiet looked good for a minute but not so much the rest of the way, as well as having a fourth-year option deadline looming.
• Akins was the man of the minute on Thursday, coming off the bench and dumping 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting and 3-of-8 from three, but his late case for one of New York’s two-way slots might have come, well, too late. At the end of the day, Akins had scored two points in his previous appearance.
• Nickel scored nine points, all from three, and remains the most reliable shooter and perhaps even all-around player in the SummerKnicks roster at this point, even though he’s got a clear 1A skill and then a bunch of Ds elsewhere is his toolbox. The defense looks competitive enough—against similar SummerTeam opponents, mind you—but it’s increasingly likely we see Nickel here and there from October on.
• Robbins continued to make his own case to land one of the spots as the Knicks third-string center with 13 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, and two assists, in a cool performance with numbers across the board.
• Kayil came down to earth and looked like a 20-year-old second-round pick, finishing with four points on 2-of-9 shooting and missing all seven of his threes. That said, put up a solid stat line with five rebounds, four assists and one steal, but the offensive shine disappeared a bit and he committed three turnovers.
• Dadiet had another rough shooting night, scoring nine points on 3-of-12 from the field and 1-of-7 from deep. The Knicks have until Oct. 31 to decide on his fourth-year option, and the evidence so far has not exactly made the $5 million question easier. If anything, New York could pick it up to move him later if they fear/don’t want to lose him for free in free agency next July. Not sure if you can dump Paco for anything in return, though.
• Jones finished with five points, seven rebounds… and seven turnovers. Not six, seven. He remains valuable to Mike Brown behind the scenes and has two championship rings in two seasons, but Summer League point-forward Dillon Jones may need to return to the laboratory.

Greatness respects greatness 🏆 @nyknickspic.twitter.com/mTxafYZnIE

— Fanatics (@Fanatics) July 16, 2026

• Jalen Brunson spoke at a Wall Street Journal’s sports event, per the New York Post, and revealed the biggest challenge facing the Knicks as the reigning champs. Target on thy back! Also, as for Mitchell Robinson, Brunson said he will always love him, except for a very precise 192 minutes.

“How are we going to evolve as a team? How are we going to figure out what’s the next step for us? And that’s going to be a really big, important question coming in the training camp: How are we going to be better? How are we going to literally look at the trophy, know that was last year and then forget about it? And so, it’s going to be a very interesting training camp to see where our mind’s at. But I’m excited for the challenge.”

• The New York Post dropped their early NBA power rankings following the end of free agency—pending LeBron James’ decision—and ranked the Pacers as the biggest threat for the Knicks in the East… while burying the ECF Cavaliers all the down to No. 16.
• LeBron James gave the Knicks some significant praise during his live Mind the Game appearance at Fanatics Fest, naming the Knicks’ “unsung hero” of the entire championship run and giving Mike Brown big kudos for his tweaks.
• Tyrese Haliburton tried to get LeBron to announce his decision during Thursday’s live “Mind the Game” podcast, without luck.
• A Queens kid got more out of LeBron than Haliburton did.
• Adam Silver revealed why the NBA has not finished next season’s schedule.
• Pat Riley is not being subtle about Miami’s intentions.

Jon Elmore celly got me weak pic.twitter.com/ucz9dG1ma7

— … (@MindOfBron) July 16, 2026

Warriors must love the trajectory of rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's summer league originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Yaxel Lendeborg’s rapid rocket ride into the galaxy is, six games into NBA Summer League, descending back toward Earth. The Warriors could not have scripted it any better.

The rookie introduced himself with savvy passes, rebounds in traffic, forceful drives to the hoop and deep shooting that was too fantastic to sustain. He didn’t do more than enough to drizzle a fine mist of optimism over Warriors fans, who, while waiting for a LeBron James decision, are longing for any reason to cheer.

Through Lendeborg’s first four games – two in the California Classic, two in Las Vegas – the team’s 2026 lottery pick, No. 11 overall, did plenty to satisfy his new employer. His shooting was particularly impressive, as the 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward was 13 of 21 (61.9 percent) from deep.

The next two games brought a dose of reality. Lendeborg on Thursday delivered his poorest scoring performance yet: a scoreless first half, finishing with 1-of 9 shooting from the field, including 1 of 6 from deep, in an 87-77 win over the New York Knicks. He played 28 minutes, scoring three points.

Two nights earlier, the Warriors were blown off the floor by the Memphis Grizzlies. The 106-85 loss was Golden State’s worst showing thus far. Lendeborg played 29 minutes, scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 0 of 2 from distance. He had a game-high nine rebounds and a game-high four turnovers.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, in Las Vegas to witness each of the last two games, was able to witness the rookie look like a rookie. There were a few highlights – mostly on defense and passing – but enough lowlights to expose flaws to address.

Kerr surely loved what he saw. Lendeborg submitted the kind of work that puts a smile on the face of any coach because it creates a smooth runway to constructive criticism. There wasn’t much to critique when Lendeborg was the best offensive player on the floor, displaying a high hoops IQ and shooting as if in a dream. Dreamy shooting from the jump sometimes can get into the head of a rookie, convincing him that maybe the NBA isn’t so challenging.

Oh, it is.

The best thing for Lendeborg’s psyche was to have a couple games in which he makes little impact and can’t find his shot. Seeing shots go through the net is a source of energy, especially for young players. It breeds confidence that can seep into other elements in a positive way. It also can lead to overconfidence – which is the worst enemy of someone who has yet to play an official NBA game.

The early read on Lendeborg is that he is confident but not driven by ego. He listens to coaches, sees his teammates and values what they’re able to contribute. That was the case last season, too, as he led the University of Michigan to a national championship.

In his first three weeks as a Warrior, he has done nothing to alter that assessment.

Moreover, Lendeborg has been openly critical of himself. He knows his place in the league’s hierarchy – he doesn’t need reminders from new teammate Draymond Green – but also knows he belongs. Lendeborg has done enough encouraging things for the Warriors to shut him down in Vegas. There is no better way to send a rookie into a disciplined offseason program than knowing he struggled in front of live audiences.

This dip in performance gives Lendeborg plenty to study as Summer League moves into the playoffs. He wants, and knows he needs, to improve his conditioning before training camp begins in late September.

The incredible beginning, followed by a reality check, is the ideal way for a talented rookie to wade into the hardest part of his offseason.

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LJ Cryer made it to the Final Four twice in his college career, going to the finals each time. His five three-pointers lifted the Golden State Warriors to a date with the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of NBA Summer League on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

LJ Cryer is putting on a show!
He's got five from deep 👌

📺 @NBCSAuthenticpic.twitter.com/flhsuJDuww

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 17, 2026

The Warriors defeated the New York Knicks, 87-77, on Thursday, behind Cryer’s 17 points and five assists. That raised their record to 3-1 in summer contests, and earned them the No. 4 seed in the summer playoffs thanks to a +6.3 point differential (nine teams went 3-1). The second seed is the Memphis Grizzlies, who rode their roster of 23-year-old and four-year Summer League veterans to a 3-1 record and a +11.5 differential, and the third seed is the Houston Rockets (+11.0), who have gotten huge scoring efforts from No. 31 pick Bruce Thornton.

The Grizzlies handed the Warriors their only loss in Las Vegas with a dominant effort, helped in part by having a team full of players who were born while “Friends” was still on the air. Memphis suffered their only loss when Jaden Springer, who has played in the NBA for five seasons, had a big game for the Dallas Mavericks off the bench. That’s really the best way to win at Summer League: Be too old for the tournament.

That’s especially true for the top-seeded, undefeated Lakers. They overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls Thursday thanks to three three-pointers and five assists from 30-year-old Calgary Surge star Jon Elmore, who debuted perhaps the first baldness-based celebration in NBA history after one huge shot.

Jon from DOWNTOWN pic.twitter.com/DgwU7QJDSV

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 16, 2026

How did the rest of the Warriors do? Will Richard appears to have graduated from Summer League after three games, so second-round pick Lajae Jones started in his place and scored 13 points on 6-for-16 shooting, with three steals. He threw down a very nice alley-oop from Yaxel Lendeborg early in the third quarter.

Yaxel meets Lajae at the summit‼️

📺 @NBCSAuthenticpic.twitter.com/SlZQXdEs8U

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 17, 2026

As for the Warriors’ first-round pick, he had only three points and shot 1-for-9, but added six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocks. Two of Lendeborg’s misses came on chasedown blocks from Pacome Dadiet, and in our opinion the rookie gets a pass since he couldn’t see him either time.

Pacôme Dadiet with two great chasedown blocks on Yaxel Lendeborg (with replays) pic.twitter.com/F4IvMlHKX3

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 17, 2026

But he didn’t get frustrated and kept playing hard, including a number of plays where he swallowed up Knicks players. Dadiet hit the side of the backboard trying to get free of Yaxel on one play.

Replays of Yaxel Lendeborg lockdown defense.

He has 0 points on 0/5 FG, but he is doing well defensively. pic.twitter.com/vBlPgo1pO8

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 17, 2026

When Lendeborg finally hit a three in the 4th quarter, the crowd at the smaller Cox Pavilion gym went wild.

Yaxel had the arena HYPED 😮‍💨

📺 @NBCSAuthenticpic.twitter.com/l2Z4FswycS

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 17, 2026

Graham Ike continued his solid, unspectacular Summer League with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. He’s averaging 10.3 points and seven rebounds while shooting 45.2%. Malevy Leons had 13 points and six rebounds while Chase McMillian added 11 points and three triples off the bench and is now shooting 8-for-16 from behind the arc for Summer League and 57.1% in his last three games.

Deivon Smith remains a bit of a summer disappointment, going scoreless with two turnovers. He may still be coming back from a right wrist fracture that ended a short-but-stellar season with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Smith had two triple-doubles in nine game for the Sea Dubs, averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. Expect to see him back at Santa Cruz and in training camp, where he’ll be a longshot to earn a two-way contract, based on how Cryer and McMillian have shot the ball in Las Vegas (Cryer has made 13 threes in 100 Summer League minutes, tied for 5th-most in Summer League).

Now the Warriors have to get past first-rounder Cameron Carr, 2025 second-rounder Adou Thiero, and the ageless Elmore if they want to reach the Summer League promised land. As of 2022, they’ll even get rings for winning it all.

For the first time, rings will be handed out to the Summer League champions. We got an exclusive look on NBA Today. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/HovjFNXKFE

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 8, 2022

We know these are exhibition games. Still, firing up Amazon Prime on Saturday at 5:30 might be your best chance to see a Warriors team make a deep playoff run this season.

Summer League has been a tremendous success for the Lakers. In the California Classic, they went 2-1, and in Las Vegas Summer League play, they’ve won all four of their games, punching their ticket to the Semifinals.

The Lakers are set to play the Warriors on Saturday. The matchup will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center at 5:30 p.m. PT and will air on Prime Video.

🚨 The 2026 NBA Summer League schedule for July 18-19🚨 pic.twitter.com/VQU0RhxsSV

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 17, 2026

Lakers-Warriors is always a compelling game because of the regional rivalry, but add in the fact that LA lost to Golden State in the California Classic, and this game is suddenly even more interesting. The purple and gold can avenge their only loss during Summer League and by doing so advance to the title game.

This year’s Lakers Summer League squad has had a handful of players that have stood out.

Adou Thiero has scored in double figures in each contest in Las Vegas. He’s shown off his athleticism, with some monster dunks. Cameron Carr is looking like a rotational player and has shot with tremendous confidence. Arthur Kaluma has delivered some breakout performances and is making a loud case for a two-way spot.

Lakers coach Ty Abbott has had the Lakers playing well on both sides of the ball in Summer League action. Chris Mañon is leading the defense, and LA has dominated in all of their wins in Nevada. Now they are just two victories away from winning their second Las Vegas Summer League championship.

Really nice job this summer from Lakers assistant Ty Abbott and his staff. Undefeated in Las Vegas – have done it against top-line rookies like, Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz, Morez Johnson, Keaton Wagler and Caleb Wilson

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 17, 2026

LA won their first Las Vegas Summer League championship back in 2017. That roster was oozing with NBA talent as the Lakers had Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Ivica Zubac, Alex Caruso and Josh Hart on that team.

Time will tell if this team has players that will be around the NBA for years to come, but so far they’ve been an impressive group and an exciting team to watch. With the Lakers aiming to get younger and more athletic all across the board, this Summer League team is an encouraging sign for what this new era of LA basketball will look like.

If the Lakers beat the Warriors, they’ll face the winner of Rockets-Grizzlies on Sunday for a shot at another Las Vegas Summer League title.

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