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With the series turning back to the Motor City and all knotted up at 2-2, our NBA player prop projections are ready for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, with the model highlighting several high-value spots.

By analyzing the data against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges exist.

These Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions are driven by numbers instead of guesswork.

If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Wednesday, May 13.

Cavaliers vs Pistons computer picks for Game 5

Cavaliers	Pistons
Harden o19.5 points -105	Cunningham u26.5 points  -105
Mitchell o3.5 assists -120	Robinson o2.5 3-pointers  -140
Mobley o7.5 rebounds  -125	Duren o9.5 rebounds -125

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Cavaliers Game 5 computer picks

James Harden Over 19.5 points (-105)

Projection: 22.11 points

The Detroit Pistons present a favorable matchup, allowing the second-most points per game to opposing starting point guards this season (21.2).

That sets up well for James Harden, who cleared this scoring line in Game 4 and will be counted on to deliver again for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a pivotal Game 5.

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Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 assists (-120)

Projection: 4.46 assists

Fresh off a dominant 43-point showing in Game 4, Donovan Mitchell heads into Game 5 on the road with momentum on his side.

While he’s only surpassed this assists line once — in Cleveland’s Game 3 win — he may need to lean more into his playmaking to keep the offense balanced and avoid carrying the scoring load alone.

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Evan Mobley Over 7.5 rebounds (-125)

Projection: 8.57 rebounds

The Cavaliers have been one of the league’s most effective offensive rebounding teams over the last five games on the road, ranking third overall in that span. Evan Mobley has been right in the middle of it, clearing this rebound line in every game of the series except Game 2.

Consistent on the glass throughout Cleveland’s playoff run, Mobley should continue to make his presence felt on the boards and help tilt the possession battle in the Cavaliers’ favor.

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Pistons Game 5 computer picks

Cade Cunningham Under 26.5 points (-105)

Projection: 26.25 points

Cade Cunningham has only cleared this points prop once in the series against the Cavaliers, coming in Detroit’s Game 3 loss where he finished with 27 points.

A return home could help him get back closer to his usual scoring output in this matchup, but Cleveland will continue to make him work and try to keep his offensive production in check the same way they have for most of the series.

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Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 3-pointers (-140)

Projection: 3.24 3-pointers

Duncan Robinson has been a steady threat from deep in this series, shooting 50% or better from three-point range throughout.

Back in front of the home crowd, where he’s already posted strong shooting nights — going 5-for-8 in Game 1 and 5-for-9 in Game 2 — he tends to elevate his offensive output. Expect him to lean on that rhythm again and push past this prop line once more for the Pistons faithful.

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Jalen Duren Over 9.5 rebounds (-125)

Projection: 11.58 rebounds

The Pistons have been one of the league’s best on the offensive glass over their last 10 games, ranking second with 13.6 offensive rebounds per contest. However, Jalen Duren has struggled to make his usual impact on the road, managing just four rebounds in one game and two in another during the series in Cleveland.

Back in Detroit, he’ll look to reestablish himself on the boards and get back to the dominant presence he’s shown all season, shaking off the recent stretch where the Cavaliers have limited his production.

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How to watch Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 5

Location	Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date	Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Tip-off	8 p.m. ET
TV	ESPN

Not intended for use in MA.
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Step aside, Jalen Brunson.

Josh Hart may have a new best friend.

Hart brought a friend’s dog to practice Wednesday, and Bucky the Bernedoodle came into the interview room with him afterward.

“We’re a dog-friendly establishment. It’s good vibes around here,” Hart said. “Whatever makes good vibes, we’re good.”

The Knicks have been off since completing a series sweep of the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. They are still awaiting their next opponent, either the Cavaliers or the Pistons. The two teams were tied 2-2 in their best-of-seven series entering Wednesday.

The earliest the next round could begin is Sunday.

The Knicks seem pretty relaxed. They are even bringing dogs with them to work.

“Every day, we’re focused on ourselves,” Hart said. “Obviously, we don’t know who we’re going to play. If we continue to just focus on ourselves and take care of the things that we can take care of, we’ll be in a good position. So that’s all today was — the next couple of days — until we figure out who we’re going to play.”

Putting together any pre-draft content that doesn’t drag on about the latest bone-shattering shot Brooklyn took on Saturday will be quite difficult for us here at NetsDaily. Like legendary Scott Sterling, we’ll be up to the challenge, but it’s not going to feel good.

Yes, the Nets will be picking sixth overall in this year’s draft. They fell back three spots while a handful of other teams, already with blue chip talent, lallygagged past them. With the Houston Rockets possessing swap rights over Brooklyn’s first next year, the team will almost surely have to wait two more years before getting another shot at a top three daft pick.

But while the Nets may not have the pick, but they do have a lottery pick, and it’s already time to address how the guys being mocked in their selection area are looking. The NBA Draft combine is currently taking place. Here’s how popular Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown Jr. have done thus far.

Anthrometric Measurements

These measurements were taken on Monday. Here’s how each prospect stacked up. If you’d like to check out hand sizes and weight, you should be able to see results on here on NBA.com

Height with Shoes

• Wagler: 6’5.”
• Brown Jr.: 6’3.5”
• Flemings: 6’2.5”
• Acuff Jr.: 6’2.”

Standing Reach

• Brown Jr.: 8′ 4.5”
• Wagler: 8′ 4.”
• Acuff Jr.: 8′ 2.5”
• Flemings: 8′ 2.5”

Wingspan

• Brown Jr.: 6′ 7.50”
• Acuff Jr.: 6′ 6.50”
• Wagler: 6′ 6.25”
• Flemings: 6′ 3.50”

No surprises here, although Acuff’s wingspan helps compensates for his height. Brown Jr. and Wagler have both been touted for their positional size, while Acuff, and especially Flemings, have not. If you’re in the business of putting together mock drafts, know that Brooklyn largely prioritized positional size with their picks last year.

Brian Lewis reported that Wagler will meet with the Nets on Thursday. Brown Jr. said playing for Brooklyn a “great opportunity.”

And Acuff wants you to know what you’ll be getting if you take him.

Lewis also reports Aday Mara, the 7-footer from Spain and Michigan who’s rocketing up mock drafts and local Zuby Ejifor of St. John’s, a projected second rounder, will meet with Brooklyn on Thursday.

Strength & Agility

Official metrics for all these players have yet to be posted on the NBA’s official site. However, we were able to gather a few from what’s been reported on X (formerly Twitter).

Shuttle Run

• Flemings: 2.69 seconds
• Brown Jr.: 2.89 seconds
• Acuff Jr.: 2.93 seconds
• Wagler: 3.00 seconds

Three Quarter Sprint

• Acuff Jr.: 3.06 seconds
• Flemings: 3.07 seconds
• Brown Jr.: 3.24 seconds
• Wagler: 3.27 seconds

Standing Vertical Leap

• Flemings: 33.5 inches
• Brown Jr.: 33.5 inches
• Wagler: 33.0 inches
• Acuff Jr.: 31.5 inches

Max Vertical Jump

• Flemings: 40.5 inches
• Brown Jr.: 39.5 inches
• Acuff Jr.: 36.5 inches
• Wagler: 36.0 inches

I’d argue Flemings is the big winner here. His athleticism is why he’s just as much in Brooklyn’s pick range as the aforementioned larger prospects. His original max jump was reported at 41.5, but later dropped to 40.5. Nevertheless, the kid can get up.

Shooting Drills

Shooting drills often garner the most attention during the NBA combine. The Nets would wise to pay attention here as well. Last season, Brooklyn posted the league’s worst field goal percentage. They also averaged the 11th most threes per game, yet ranked last in 3-point percentage as well.

Spot-up shooting

• Acuff Jr.: 18/25 (72%)
• Brown Jr.: 18/25 (72%)
• Flemings: 15/25 (60%)
• Wagler: 11/25 (44%)

Shooting off the dribble

• Wagler: 25/30 (83%)
• Acuff Jr.: 24/30 (80%)
• Flemings: 21/30 (70%)
• Brown Jr.: 18/30 (60%)

3-point Star Drill

• Flemings: 19/25 (76%)
• Brown Jr.: 16/25 (64%)
• Acuff Jr.: 13/25 (52%)
• Wagler:12/25 (48%)

Free throw attempts

• Wagler: 10/10 (100%)
• Brown Jr.: 10/10 (100%)
• Flemings: 8/10 (80%)
• Acuff Jr.: 7/10 (70%)

Side-mid-side

• Flemings: 18/28 (64.3%)
• Acuff Jr.: 13/26 (50%)
• Wagler: 12/28 (42.9%)
• Brown Jr.: 19/27 (70.4%)

As you’ll see, the shooting talent is pretty widespread, arguing there’s no clear winner hear. With offense being the lead selling point for Acuff, I think it’s fair to say it would have been nicer to see him shoot better during the 3-point star drill.

And while these metrics are fun to compare, I’d like to echo what Sam Vecenie of The Athleticsaid earlier this week. When you’re evaluating a player, game tape and stats from the previous NCAA season should trump this week’s combine results. At the end of the day, it’s a game, not a test you’d take in gym class.

• Nets’ 5 best options with 6th pick in 2026 NBA Draft – Erik Slater – Clutch Points
• Breaking down the guard options for Nets at No. 6 in NBA draft after close-up combine look – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr. and the 5 guards who fit different Nets priorities ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Potential Nets 2026 NBA Draft pick Darius Acuff Jr. talks future fit – Sharif Phillips – USA TODAY

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, the team announced on Wednesday.

The Bulls said he will be sidelined from basketball activities for three months. Giddey averaged career-highs in scoring (17 points), assists (9.1) and rebounds (8.3), though hamstring and right ankle injuries limited him to 54 games — his lowest total since his 2021-22 rookie season with Oklahoma City.

The Bulls finished 12th in the Eastern Conference at 31-51 while missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. But they will have a different look next season.

Chicago hired Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations to replace the fired Arturas Karnisovas. The team is looking for a new coach after Billy Donovan opted to resign against ownership's wishes and avoid a potentially awkward situation with the new front office.

Chicago has nearly $60 million in salary-cap space and two first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

The Lakers got a lot of things right with how they constructed their 2025-26 roster.

One of those players who worked out so well was Marcus Smart.

Luka Dončić, heavily recruited him and other Lakers players spoke glowingly about Smart the moment he was signed.

Even with the high expectations about what he could be for this team, Smart somehow overachieved.

He was an elite backcourt defender for the purple and gold and proved that he could once again be a durable player. Smart played in 62 games, the most he’s participated in since the 2021-22 season, when he was with the Boston Celtics and was the Defensive Player of the Year.

In the postseason, he was invaluable. Smart started in every playoff game and had played great defense on superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Now Smart has a decision to make. He has a player option, so he can either return at $5.3 million or test out free agency. According to reporting by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers would like their partnership with Smart to continue.

Smart, whom Dončić recruited in free agency, could opt out of his deal and seek a longer-term contract. The Lakers have interest in retaining him.

It makes sense for the Lakers to want Smart back. He played well above even the rosiest of expectations of him. If he accepts his player option, it’s a no-brainer for him to return.

Now, if he does opt out and another team gives him an offer he can’t refuse, he might be gone regardless of the Lakers’ desires. But that’s part of the business, that is the NBA. Even teams can’t fully control what happens to the players they like.

The good thing is that the 2025-26 season was a success from the Smart perspective. He started for the Lakers, the superstars loved him and his play helped them beat the Rockets and advance to the second round of the playoffs.

If he wants to run it back, he can just opt in. And, even if he doesn’t, the Lakers have an interest in bringing him back and making him a core part of their team.

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

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Cade Cunningham took over late in the first round to propel the Detroit Pistons past the Magic in seven games. But life has been even harder against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

These Cade Cunningham picks do not expect the Pistons’ star to erupt in Game 5, but that is somewhat a compliment to the Cavaliers and somewhat a recognition that defense tends to rule the day the further you get in the postseason.

Make sure to also check out our complete Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions for May 13.

Cade Cunningham prop pick

Cade Cunningham best bet: Under 9.5 assists (-130 at bet365)

Yes, Cade Cunningham has cleared this prop twice in this series through four games, but each of those successes came by just the hook, while when he fell short, he did so with just seven assists in Game 1 and six in Game 4.

There is a reason oddsmakers are juicing this Under. The Over might be the more fun bet, the one encouraged to the casual viewer, but it is also the distinctly less likely winner.

The Under is even more likely in the postseason. The pace grinds to a halt.

In the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers averaged 100.7 possessions per game; in the postseason, that has fallen to 95.91. The Detroit Pistons averaged 99.88 possessions per game in the regular season, now 94.82 in the postseason.

Do not be scared of Unders in the postseason; they are more likely than ever.

Cade Cunningham same-game parlay

Do not consider this shade toward Cade Cunningham. He has played very well this postseason. But each of these props has been elevated further than they should have in this series. Do not take the bait.

The pace is only going to slow down further. Cleveland’s defense is only going to become more physical. And Cunningham is going to have to work harder on his own defensive responsibilities, too.

Cunningham has already topped out at 27 points in this series, cracking that prop just once, and he has hit three 3-pointers in a game only once. In fact, he has taken only 5.5 threes per game in this series — compared to 7.6 per game in the first round.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The offseason has just started for the Philadelphia 76ers, but we’ve already seen a major shakeup, with Daryl Morey out as President of Basketball Operations. Whoever Bob Myers selects to fill the position will inherit some promising pieces, especially the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, but also some challenges. Something that slants more towards the challenges category will be what to do with veteran forward Paul George.

The 36-year-old George is set to make $54.1 million next season with a $56.5 million player option in 2027-28, which we can all but guarantee he picks up. The least tricky way to handle the situation would be to ride out the remaining two years and then have a bulk of cap space open up during the summer of 2028, a portion of which could go towards a contract extension for Edgecombe.

Following his 25-game suspension, George played very well, as he purportedly allowed his body to heal from the knee injury that had been hampering him. During the Boston series, he averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 49.3 from three and played excellent defense on Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and company. His game on both ends complements the backcourt beautifully, which should really be the franchise’s focus moving forward. From his perspective, George is optimistic about getting to move forward without having to worry about dealing with an injury:

“This summer, the rehabbing phase is kind of behind me, so I can, you know, have a real summer of improving. Feel like it’s been stagnant the last couple years because of surgery here or surgery there, the past couple summers. So this summer should be a better summer in terms of working on my game.

…

I mean, for me, I think it’s just figuring out if I can get that explosiveness back. You know, I thought it limited me a lot this year, with the ability to be explosive going towards the basket, which I’ve been my entire career, being able to not have to heavily rely on my jump shot, but the jump shot kind of being the jab to set up the drive to the rim. And I just felt like that wasn’t there this year. So I think just trying to find and see if there is that explosion. So that’ll be my challenge for the summer.

The flip side of the “Paul George looks to be better” coin is that he likely isn’t viewed as one of the absolute worst contracts in the league anymore. Could the new executive look to move off George then? Maybe it’s to get multiple players back and improve the depth of the roster. Maybe it’s to be able to bring in younger players that could match up better with the Maxey and Edgecombe long-term timelines. Regardless, it’s good that George’s improved health and play down the stretch potentially opens up different avenues for the organization.

Following the season, George had only kind words to say about his experience in Philadelphia thus far:

“I mean, it was great. It was great fans, the support, I think through the ups and downs, through everything we’ve been through, through my situation, they’ve been supportive. They supported me through it, and to have an opportunity to play in the postseason, given everything that went on, especially last year, how much of a struggle last season was to give them a postseason this year was I think the positive and the highlight of it all, but my experience with the fans has been amazing. You know, it’s definitely love here. I think for us, we got to get better, for sure. Not quite sure what those answers are right now, but in terms of, you know, my viewpoint on the city of Philadelphia and their support, man, it was awesome.

Again, I think the likeliest scenario is George remains in a Philadelphia uniform with the hope that we see more of the PG from the last couple months. However, a new executive will be making determinations of everything across the roster, and with moving George back on to the trade block, such a move could be a way the Sixers reshape the team in the coming years.

Coming off a tough loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves this past Sunday, the Spurs returned to the Frost Bank Center for Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. With the series tied at 2-2, the winner of this game would dramatically increase their chances of winning the series. After having an early ejection in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama returned in a big way. He scored 16 points in six minutes to start, and finished the first quarter with 18. The Spurs led by 15, but Minnesota cut the lead to four heading into the second quarter. After a low-scoring quarter by both teams, the Spurs took a 12-point lead into halftime. Early in the third, Minnesota quickly cut the deficit and tied the game at 61 apiece. From that point on, the Spurs pressed on the accelerator. They embarked on an 18-6 run and took an 18-point lead into the fourth. The Wolves chipped away bit by bit, but only got within 11 points before the Spurs put them away for good. The Spurs ultimately won 126-97.

Victor Wembanyama led the way with 27 points (9-16 FG, 7-9 FT), 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. After being ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Game 4, Wemby was a man on a mission in Game 5. After setting the tone by having an explosive first quarter, Wemby got others involved and continued to dominate the glass. Wemby also became the third-youngest player in NBA history to drop 25+points, 15+rebounds, and 5+assists in a playoff game (Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic were younger). Ever since the rough offensive performance in Game 1, Wemby has been dominant in Games 2, 3, and 5 by averaging 28.3 points per game, 15.6 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, with 59% shooting from the field. It is safe to say, Minnesota has not figured out how to answer the Alien’s invasion on the court.

CAUTION: UFO APPROACHING. Wemby’s first quarter highlight reel consisted of putbacks, lob slams, threes, and putting Rudy Gobert in a blender!

When in doubt, pass it out! Wemby gets doubled and drops it off to a wide-open Carter Bryant, who then swishes the three!

REJECTED! Wemby and Julian Champagnie pull off a combo block on Gobert!

Impossible to box out! Wemby gets the tip-in through contact for the and-one!

Made you look! Wemby fakes out Gobert and finds an open Champagnie under the basket for two! Gobert was lost and kept spinning!

Keldon Johnson came alive for the first time in this series with 21 points (8-11 FG, 4-5 FT), two rebounds, two steals, and a block. After struggling from the field all series, KJ finally had his best playoff game. He was an extra boost for the offense, especially when Wemby was not on the court. He was also active on defense, racking up three stocks. The 6MOTY is the heart and soul of this team, and he showed out in front of the Spurs faithful.

CLEANUP ON AISLE 3! KJ slams home the missed three with a putback jam!

NOT IN HIS HOUSE! KJ steps up in a big way by blocking Gobert’s dunk attempt, and it results in a turnover!

HEART AND SOUL! This bucket embodies KJ to a tee. Fighting for position inside, finishing, and celebrating in front of the home crowd!

Two-way play! KJ picks up the loose ball on one end, and finishes with a layup on the other end!

De’Aaron Fox dropped 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Fox, dealing with ankle soreness, powered through and provided early scoring. He also dished out several dimes and had an impact on offense throughout the game. Fox has caught a bit of flak this postseason despite having solid games throughout the series. Nonetheless, he continues to do whatever the team requires of him, and having several other star guards, plus one of the league’s greatest players, makes his job a bit easier.

RONDO FAKE! Fox gets Gobert in the air and spins away for the floater!

FOX LOB! Fox drives into the paint and finds an open Wemby, who slams down the alley-oop finish!

Stephon Castle dropped 17 points (8-11 FG), six assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block. Steph came alive in the second half, providing a spark when the game was deadlocked at 61 apiece. He played determined to get the cup by any means necessary, and played with a swagger that allowed the Spurs to build their lead. Whether he is playing alongside Fox, Dylan Harper, or as the lead guard, Steph has shown that he will make a play on either side of the floor. The 21-year-old continues to be a special two-way player for the silver and black.

FASTBREAK AND-ONE! Steph runs downhill and finishes through contact for the floater and-one!

Blow-by! Steph blows by Terrence Shannon Jr. for the slam dunk!

Spin cycle! Steph puts the moves on Anthony Edwards, including a spin move, and finishes off the glass!

WE HAVE LIFTOFF! Steph spins out of a possible double team, drives in, hopsteps, and launches for a two-handed jam!

THE GAMBLER! Steph intercepts the pass from Edwards and slams it home on the other end!

Dylan Harper dropped 12 points (5-10 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Dylan once again played like a seasoned veteran in another playoff game. His handles and finishing at the rim are so elite that it has many Spurs fans and NBA fans wondering how it’s possible that this will be the worst version of him? He also became the youngest guard ever to record multiple double-doubles in the playoffs, passing Derrick Rose. The rookie has become the Spurs’ secret weapon in these playoffs and seems to have no issue playing his game, regardless of his matchup.

BIG GUARD THINGS! Dylan snatches the offensive board and finishes back at the rim over Julius Randle!

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT! On the fastbreak, Dylan goes behind the back not once, but twice on Ayo Dosunmu for the breakaway slam!

Another look with slo-mo on the behind-the-back moves! Also, Manu Ginobili approves!

All in all, this was a much-needed win to tilt the series back in the Spurs’ favor. They held multiple double-digit leads throughout the game that were evaporated, but they took care of business from the middle of the third quarter till the end of the game. Wemby definitely played like he owed his team this game, and the supporting cast also stepped up when needed. Honorable mentions: Devin Vassell dropped 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a block. CB also played lockdown defense on Edwards that forced an 8-second violation. This team has ultimate confidence for Game 6. The question is, will they take care of business with a two-day rest?

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

The Spurs look to move on to the WCF with a Game 6 win this Friday at 8:30 P.M. (CST) on Prime Video.

When it comes down to choosing how the GOAT of basketball is, the debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James comes down to a matter of preference.

Do you prefer winning championships? Or do you prefer longevity?

It appears that Dave Portnoy has made his stance known.

Following comments made by Nick Wright, sportscaster and personality for Fox Sports 1, the Barstool Sports President responded to Wright by absolutely annihilating James’ legacy with the Lakers.

“I’ve never been the biggest Lebron fan but anybody saying his career as a Laker so far hasn’t been a major flop is doing a disservice to LeBron. Obviously we’re not counting the micky mouse And 1 Bubble tournament as a real title. So we’re judging him on just his ability to make the playoffs for a cup of coffee? To never be a real threat?” Portnoy said on Twitter.

The most damning thing Portnoy said was blasting James’ 2020 NBA title alongside Anthony Davis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the resumption of the NBA season at the Disney Resort in Florida where everyone was sheltered, James and Davis led the Lakers to a title over the Miami Heat by winning 4-2, a series in which James averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists.

However, Portnoy didn’t stop there.

“Meanwhile MJ and Russell were winning titles at his age not just being cannon fodder for their opponents. So out of respect for LeBron and his legacy I refuse to describe his time in LA as anything other than a complete and utter failure. After all this was his longest consecutive tenure with any team and he didn’t win a title. He’s basically Clyde Drexler or Karl Malone Great players in their own right that never won.”

Calling James’ legacy in Los Angeles as a “complete and utter failure” is a hot take.

After missing the postseason in his first season, James led the Lakers to the playoffs in six of the next seven seasons. They were eliminated three times in the first round, lost in the Western Conference finals to the Nuggets (who would later win the title that season), won the title in 2020 and fell this season in the Western Conference semifinals.

Again, Portnoy didn’t stop there.

I’ve never been the biggest Lebron fan but anybody saying his career as a Laker so far hasn’t been a major flop is doing a disservice to LeBron. Obviously we’re not counting the micky mouse And 1 Bubble tournament as a real title. So we’re judging him on just his ability to… https://t.co/OQjuNsnzu8

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 12, 2026

He finished his rant when said, “LeBron doesn’t even make the roster of all time Laker greats. It’s an insult to his legacy and the legacy of a top 5 player of all time to say his tenure in LA was successful. Although I suppose if he truly was a top 5 all time player would have probably won in LA right? Hmm. Tough to wrap my brain around it.”

Portnoy’s blasting of James comes on the heels of Wright saying that James’ legacy in Los Angeles is certified and can’t be deemed anything other than successful.

“LeBron the record is 8 years with the Lakers, 7 trips to the playoffs. 2 seasons where they made a conference finals and 1 championship. And you’re going to have folks today earnestly genuinely try to argue that LeBron Lakers tenure was a failure. To which I would simply say or ask and don’t even add I’m not even asking you to add any age related qualifiers to it. Has Giannis 13 year Bucks career been a failure? Because in those 13 years, Giannis has 1 trip to the finals, 1 championship, and 1 trip to another conference finals and that’s the exact same thing as Bron in his 8 with the Lakers.”

James remains undecided about his future with sources telling the California Post that retirement remains an option. However, most believe that he will not retire — not after playing at such an elite level in the postseason and dragging his undermanned Lakers squad to a series victory over the Rockets in the first round.

Whether James elects to return to Los Angeles or not is up for debate. But it’s hard to challeneg the legacy of him as a Laker after he’s spent 8 seasons in Hollywood, his longest single-tenure with any team throughout his career.

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Former Santa Clara forward Allen Graves revealed he had conversations with LSU and Duke and will still consider transferring, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. Borzello also reported Kentucky reached out to Graves’ agents to gauge interest, but LSU and Duke are the top two.

However, Graves is still in the NBA Draft process at this time. According to Borzello, Graves would prefer to stay in the NBA Draft if he’s going to be a first round selection.

OG Anunoby, who missed the last two games of the Knicks' four-game sweep of the 76ers in the second round of the playoffs due to a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Wednesday. But he's not all the way back yet.

"He practiced today in some aspects of it," head coach Mike Brown told reporters. "Some parts of practice. When we went live, he didn't go live."

As part of his work on Wednesday, Anunoby spent time hoisting three-pointers and taking free throws.

When asked if Anunoby had started sprinting yet, Brown would not divulge. 

Brown noted that the Knicks will continue to rely on the medical staff to determine what Anunoby will be cleared to do each day, and what his status for the start of the Eastern Conference Finals will be.

The Knicks are off on Thursday. 

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reported last week that Anunoby's hamstring strain was minor and truly a day-to-day thing, adding that the general feeling about it was "optimism."

Begley reported at the time that it was possible Anunoby would suit up for Game 3 or Game 4 against Philadelphia. However, once the Knicks took a 3-0 series lead, it made little sense to have Anunoby play in Game 4. 

With Anunoby out for the final two games against the Sixers, Deuce McBride slid into the starting lineup. 

The Conference Finals are expected to start this coming Sunday or Tuesday, with the exact date depending on how many games the series between the Pistons and Cavaliers goes.

That series is tied, 2-2, with Game 5 set for Wednesday night in Detroit. Game 6 will be Friday in Cleveland.

When Luka Dončić initially went down with his hamstring strain, the Lakers ruled him out indefinitely, putting no clear timetable on his return.

While some people speculated that a Grade 2 hamstring strain meant he could return after a month or so, none of them were privy to his MRI results. In the end, Luka missed the next five and a half weeks of Lakers games and never came back.

In an article written by Dan Woike of The Athletic, which was released on Tuesday morning after the Lakers were eliminated, he reported that Luka’s injury was even more serious than originally believed.

Dončić didn’t play again after suffering his hamstring injury. While an MRI conducted in Dallas originally showed a Grade 2 lower hamstring strain, further medical evaluation in Spain showed a deeper and more severe hamstring injury, according to a league source.

Luka went to Spain for special treatment after suffering his hamstring strain, and it sounds like that helped him better understand how injured he actually was. Dončić spoke to reporters after a Lakers practice in OKC and made it clear that his actual timeline was at least eight weeks.

The Lakers tried to win enough games for him to return, but that didn’t happen. Now, as Woike reports, Luka will hit the ground running with his offseason regimen.

He’s already begun the same strict offseason diet he undertook to transform his body last summer and is currently pain-free in the hamstring, positive signs for his long-term health.

It’s great that Luka is focused on his offseason work. He’ll have all summer to get his body right and take care of his own personal life. Dončić has already stated that he will not play for Slovenia in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and will instead spend time with his daughters.

While his hamstring strain was more serious than originally thought and it cut his season short, it’s not the kind of injury that will interrupt his offseason training.

The expectation is that he won’t be limited in his offseason preparation for next year, the Lakers’ top priority in a good position to lead whatever roster the Lakers put alongside him.

The timing of Luka’s injury robbed him and the team of finding out just how far they could’ve gone had he been available. That’s unfortunate, but the good news moving forward is that he can have a successful offseason, and this injury, while worse than anyone originally knew, shouldn’t derail Dončić’s career or his summer.

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

Alright, we suffered enough. We spent the past few editions looking at unrestricted free agents at the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward positions. There wasn’t much meat on the bone there, especially when you factor in how the Phoenix Suns roster is currently constructed, where the deficiencies are, and where the opportunities actually exist.

In case you missed any of those breakdowns and want to circle back through the unrestricted free agent pool, here you go.

Now we get to the fun part. The power forward position.

This list carries some genuinely interesting names. It’s also one of the larger position groups and an area of real need for Phoenix. There’s no denying this team lacked size last season. In true Suns fashion, they leaned heavily into perimeter play and three point shooting. I understand the philosophy. Basketball is still won and lost in the paint.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the power forwards.

I’ll start by saying I believe the proper move for the Phoenix Suns next season is starting Rasheer Fleming at power forward. Yes, he’s young. He’s also not that young. He was a three-year starter in college and will be 22years old when the season begins. If you want to develop players, you have to give them opportunities. He has the size, the length, and the three-point shooting ability to be impactful on both ends of the floor.

Starting with that premise, I look at the list above through the lens of depth. Who could the Suns realistically bring in as a backup power forward if the roster spot exists? I don’t expect massive turnover this offseason. Most NBA teams turn over around 40% of the roster year to year. Phoenix is leaning into continuity and development, which should lower that number significantly. 40% would mean 6 players changing out. My guess is it’ll maybe two. Amir Coffey potentially not returning and whatever happens with Mark Williams. That’s probably the extent of it.

So you pick your spots carefully.

I’d be interested in taking a flier on Marvin Bagley III in Phoenix. Veteran minimum type player. Still relatively young at 27. He could provide some energy and scoring punch off the bench when needed.

You could also look at Jeremy Sochan, who everyone convinced themselves was the buyout savior that would change the season for the Suns. I said it then and I’ll say it now, he’s basically a Ryan Dunn archetype. Still, if you’re looking for a player who fits the mold and fills a pure depth role, I wouldn’t hate it.

Dean Wade has gotten a lot of attention lately after being linked to Phoenix. I could absolutely see the fit if the Suns move off Royce O’Neale. You could probably bring Wade in on a similar contract, and he essentially becomes your Royce replacement off the bench, only three inches taller. He’s not some elite defender, still, he can hit the three and takes up space.

So what do you think? When you look at this list, who stands out to you?

Let us know in the comments below.