The Los Angeles Lakers made a major splash when they acquired center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz earlier this month.
However, that trade wasn’t even the biggest thing to happen in Kessler’s live this week. He got engaged to Abbie Stockard (who was Miss America 2025) during Fourth of July weekend, which Stockard then shared to her Instagram profile, with a photo of the couple showing off her engagement ring with the caption, “The future Kessler’s. Let’s get y’all married!!!”
Walker Kessler and his fiancée, Abbie Stockard, celebrating their engagement. Abbie Stockard’s July 6 Instagram story post upon arriving in Los Angeles.
It didn’t take Kessler and Stockard long to arrive in Los Angeles. This was shown by a post that Abbie made to her Instagram on July 6, which showed a photo of multiple purple and gold balloons, including one gold “L” and another gold “A” next to it.
The post was captioned, “touched down in LA ”.
Walker Kessler smiles while walking down the court during a Utah Jazz game. Getty ImagesAbbie Stockard poses after winning Miss America 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
It’s unclear whether Kessler and Stockard bought these balloons themselves or whether they were presented them by the Lakers or by someone upon their arrival. What’s for sure is that Kessler has enough money to buy them himself, given that he signed a four-year, $130 million deal upon joining the Lakers.
Los Angeles will need Kessler (who averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game with the Jazz last season) to produce in his first season, especially given that LeBron James won’t be returning to the franchise and Rui Hachimura is headed to the cross-town Clippers in free agency, which was announced on Monday.
But that’s the last thing on Stockard and Kessler’s mind right now, given everything positive that has happened in their life lately.
For the first time in eight seasons, James won’t be wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform and everyone wants to know where he’ll go next.
LeBron James is the top free agent of the summer after informing the Lakers he would be leaving the franchise after eight seasons. Getty Images
Soon after James informed the Lakers he wouldn’t return for the 2026-27 season, the Golden State Warriors emerged as a contender to sign the four-time NBA champion.
James has spent time with Steph Curry and head coach Steve Kerr during their gold medal run at the Paris Olympics. Moreover, Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option with Golden State to become a free agent.
Green’s decision appeared to be in favor of the Warriors, giving the team more cap space to sign James. The 36-year-old said that it was a team-friendly decision on his podcast.
Yahoo Sports podcaster and writer Kevin O’Connor wonders whether Green was actually motivated to become a free agent in order to join James on another team.
LeBron James has reportedly not be in communication with any NBA team as his looming free agency decision greatly impacts the league. Getty Images
“This is just pure speculation on my part, but I think it’s worth wondering if Draymond Green could follow LeBron wherever he goes.
“I feel like a lot of people point to him opting out purely about Golden State having flexibility to sign LeBron, give him more money, also bring back Draymond at a discounted deal. And that might be all it is.
Draymond Green declined his player option with the Warriors, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. NBAE via Getty Images
“But, Klay already left. Who’s to say Draymond wouldn’t leave either. He knows this business. He has talked openly how he understands in this league anyone can be traded…. I feel like there’s a possibility Draymond could decide to go wherever LeBron goes. A lot of the teams on that list for LeBron could use a Draymond Green.
“He just adds so much to any contending team. I think if the Warriors don’t get LeBron, there’s no path to anymore rings these next couple years,” O’Connor said.
“I think it’s worth wondering if Draymond Green could follow LeBron wherever he goes.” @KevinOConnor speculates about what could happen with Draymond during free agency.
While O’Connor is simply wondering whether Green’s decision to become a free agent could have other motives, the Warriors are no longer considered a favorite in the James sweepstakes.
Originally, there was speculation the Warriors could trade for Anthony Davis in order to land James, but that rumor has since been shut down.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Mikel Brown Jr. speaks to the media after he is drafted sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After going 1-1 through their first two games in Sacramento, the Brooklyn Nets will close out their California Classic three-game slate tonight, squaring off against the Golden State Warriors.
And unlike yesterday, this is going to be a noteworthy game for fans to tune in to, as Miklel Brown Jr., Brooklyn’s No. 6 overall pick and their highest pick since they left New Jersey, will be making his Summer League debut. He’s also likely to be paired with what many Nets fans hope will be the organization’s back court of the future.
Joshua Jefferson, the Nets’ other first-round pick from June’s draft cannot yet play since the trade bringing his pick in the 2026 Draft has yet to be finalized. Erik Slater was first with the news fans have been waiting for since the Draft nearly two weeks ago.
Mikel Brown Jr. will make his Nets Summer League debut today vs. the Warriors, a league source tells @ClutchPoints.
While at first it was believed that the game could only be found on the Gotham Sports App, tonight’s matchup, just like Brooklyn’s first two clashes, is also available on NBA TV, ESPN+, NBA League Pass and Prime.
The game
For the California Classic, the Warriors have two teams, so there would be an equal number of squads playing in the first edition of the Summer League. Those teams include “Warriors Gold” and “Warriors Blue.”
Today, the Nets will face their blue team.
Warriors Blue are 0-2 throughout their first two games, losing 91-85 to the Sacramento Kings and 97-83 to the Milwaukee Bucks, whom the Nets beat, 89-69 yesterday without Brown, Jefferson, Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, Tyler Bilodeau, and Chaney Johnson.
Despite that, though, all of those players will be active today with the exception of Jefferson and Wolf who still has some back soreness.
The Nets will not be facing Golden State’s 2026 first-round selection, Yaxel Lendeborg. He is on their gold squad. However, they are expected to go against the organization’s second-round pick, 6’7” wing Lajae Jones out of Florida State.
Without the Nets’ two-ways and seven first-round draft picks over the past couple of years, there was a perfect opportunity for Exhibit 10 players and Summer League invitees to earn premium minutes and showcase their skill sets.
The Nets have at least three players on E10’s, Ben Humrichous, Duke Brennan and Dion Brown, each stood out in different areas on Sunday. The signings have not been officially announced. Exhibit 10 contracts are essentially camp invites.
Humrichous was electric from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc (41.7%) while drilling three in the first quarter alone. He ultimately finished the night with 15 points, two steals, an assist, and eight rebounds.
Brennan, 6’10”, collected a double-double, finishing the game with 10 points, 12 rebounds (including five offensive boards), a block, and a steal.
As for Brown, the 6’3” guard collected three steals, six rebounds, eight assists, and nine points on 44.4% shooting from the field.
All three will likely spend training camp and the preseason with Brooklyn before heading to Long Island for the G League season. However, strong Summer League performances throughout their eight remaining games could keep the door open.
The Nets still have one two-way remaining, and although there have been some reporting that Grant Nelson will get it. The 7-footer played for Brooklyn last year before coming down with a foot injury from which he is still recovering. However, nothing has been announced unlike the two-way deals signed by Johnson and Bilodeau.
Their fit will be worth watching today, especially with Brown Jr. in the fold and more of Brooklyn’s regular Summer League rotation also in action.
At this time of year, wins and losses frankly don’t matter. It’s more about development and how Brooklyn’s young pieces continue to grow, making it intriguing to see which players rise and fall while others sustain their level of play.
SAN FRANCISCO — As the holiday weekend came to a close and Monday arrived, the NBA reached a critical part of its calendar.
Teams were able to start signing free agents to contracts and complete trades as of 9:01 a.m. PT, turning agreements from over the previous six days of free agency into official deals.
But for the Lakers, critical holes in their roster remain evident.
And now what should be the Lakers’ next step is clear: They must add Jonathan Kuminga to their roster to make this offseason roster reconstruction a definitive success.
Despite his lack of three-point shooting, Kumimga would be an ideal complement on the wing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. AP
But for the Lakers’ makeover to truly be complete, it needs Kuminga, who’s been a significant priority of the team’s free agency plans.
At 6-foot-7, 225 pounds and 23 years old (turns 24 in October), Kuminga is just what the Lakers need from physical profile, youth and athleticism standpoints around Doncic and Reaves.
Kuminga was in the rotation for the Warriors’ 2021-22 championship team and took on a more significant role by his third season, averaging a career-high 16.1 points (52.9% shooting) to go with 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 2023-24.
Still just 23, the potential for Kuminga to flourish is high if he can find himself in the right situation. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He has regular season averages of 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds for his career, averaging at least 12 points per game in every season since 2023.
Kuminga is far from a perfect fit for the Lakers.
He’s a career 33.2% 3-point shooter on low volume (2.4 attempts per game). He’s been inefficient when it comes to creating his own shot and off-ball chances since entering the league.
But among the realistic choices in free agency, he’s the only one who would be a credible starter for the Lakers entering the 2026-27.
Kuminga would add defensive versatility becasue he can credibly guard 1-4 thanks to his athleticism, quickness and length. Throughout his career, he’s been tasked with guarding a top offensive option, which the defensively-depleted Lakers would need from him.
He wouldn’t provide the Lakers with the shooting and spacing they benfitted from with Hachimura, who shot 41.5% on 3s during his 3 ½ seasons with the Lakers, including 44.3% (league’s fifth-best mark) in 2025-26.
But Kuminga is a better rebounder, finisher, perimeter defender and help defender than Hachimura.
And at 4 ½ years younger and two fewer seasons of NBA experience, Kuminga has more room to grow and potential to fufill compared to Hachimura. Kuminga’s shown growth as a passer over the last few years.
Kuminga, who reportedly also has interest from the Bucks, Cavaliers and Hawks (re-signing or sign-and-trade) isn’t the Lakers’ only option to address the need on the wings who’d fit the team.
Ziaire Williams, who’s coming off a career-year with the Nets, is a player the Lakers eyed after the Nets declined Williams’ $6.3 million team option to make him an unrestricted free agent.
Bruce Brown, Matisse Thybulle and Ochai Agbaji are other unrestricted free agents still available.
But none of them have Kuminga’s talent. Or upsides. Or fill multiple needs like he does.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had spent his entire NBA career at Milwaukee Bucks [Getty Images]
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined Miami Heat from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The deal sees Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis move to Miami, with Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis heading in the other direction.
Having been drafted by the Bucks in 2013, Antetokounmpo went on to win the NBA championship once in 2021.
The 31-year-old last season criticised his side's management for not clearing him to play after suffering a left knee hyperextension.
With his future uncertain, the Boston Celtics had also been linked with the Greek star.
Heat president Pat Riley said it is "one of the great trades" in the history of the franchise, who have won three NBA titles, in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
Speaking in April after the Bucks failed to reach the play-offs, Antetokounmpo said: "I feel like sometimes people just don't listen.
"They listen to the sources. The main source is me. It is what it is."
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia 76ers confirmed the acquisition of Jaylen Brown from Eastern Conference rivals the Boston Celtics, as well as the signing of free-agent guard Anfernee Simons.
The 76ers traded for Brown in exchange for veteran forward Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Justin Harmon #44 of the Utah Jazz wraps up Zuby Ejiofor #20 of the Atlanta hawks during the first half of of their 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game at the Jon M Huntsman Center on July 4, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. ( Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
The young Hawks try to bounce back and pick up their first Summer League win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three-point shot against the Miami Heat during the second half of their 2026 California Classic Summer League game at Chase Center on July 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s only been two games since the Lakers began their summer campaign and suffice it to say that Cameron Carr has already won over the fanbase. After putting up 19 points in his debut on Friday, the 24th pick from Baylor University followed that up with 26 points and eight rebounds on 7-16 shooting on Sunday.
What stands out about Carr’s performance thus far isn’t just the impressive statistics but how he’s accumulating them. The 21-year-old forward has shown that he can shoot — he’s 9-20 so far from 3-point range this summer — get in the paint at will, utilize his size and athleticism to his advantage and move his feet very well on defense. He’s been carrying the team from start to finish just like what star players usually do.
It’s likely that Carr’s impressive run will continue for a while, or at least until the Lakers decide to shut him down for the summer. That’s because this team needs his firepower to win games, but in fairness to the squad, they had better contributions across the board in Sunday’s victory.
Adou Theiro played a more controlled and efficient game, Anton Watson scored the game-winner and Chris Mañon, Zhaire Smith and Peter Suder had their fair share of buckets. An all-around contribution from the team, along with defense and controlling the paint, should be their MO moving forward.
On Monday, it would be nice to see the Lakers defeat the Spurs, who also played on Sunday and were blown out by the Golden State Warriors. It will serve as a confidence booster for them before they head to Las Vegas, where they will face more competitive opponents. How this Lakers team performs in this one will tell a lot about their character, especially since they’re on the back end of a back-to-back and coming off a game where they played in two overtimes.
This Spurs team has yet to win in the California Classic tournament, so there’s a good chance that they’re going to go hard in this one. The purple and gold should be prepared and look to conclude the tournament on a positive note. Let’s see if Carr and co can do just that on Monday.
Notes and Updates
As of now, there are no injuries to report on the purple and gold side.
Apr 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks around following the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
With the NBA’s moratorium period officially over, the Milwaukee Bucks have finalized their trade to send franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, along with fan favorite and former “Mayor of Milwaukee” Bobby Portis. Due to first-apron restrictions, with Miami hard-capped at the first apron after using more than 100% of the traded-player exception, this trade couldn’t be completed until today, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
All three Bucks owners, Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, and Jamie Dinan, issued a statement in the team’s official announcement of the trade, expressing how much Giannis meant to the team and the city at large. Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who has known Antetokounmpo since he was drafted back in 2013, also reflected on the move:
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, made for what is best for the future of the Bucks and for Giannis. On a personal level, Giannis and I have shared this entire journey together, and he has been an exceptional partner, friend and inspiration. All of us at the Bucks have been impacted by his presence and influence and are deeply grateful for everything he and his family have given. We wish them continued success and are excited to see them soon.”
Horst also mentioned Portis, the other Bucks staple included in this trade:
“From the moment Bobby arrived, he embraced what it means to be a Buck and quickly became a fan favorite through his passion, competitiveness and unwavering commitment to winning. Bobby played a vital role in helping our franchise capture the 2021 NBA Championship, and his performance throughout that historic playoff run will forever be part of Bucks history.”
Regarding the deal itself, somewhat surprisingly nothing has changed from what Shams Charania first reported. The Bucks are still receiving a package of Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Nate Ament (courtesy of the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft), a 2030 first-round pick swap, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), and a 2033 second-round pick. In his statement, Horst emphasized his enthusiasm for the four newest members of the Bucks:
“We’re excited to welcome Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez and Kasparas Jakucionis to Bucks basketball. Each brings talent, versatility, competitiveness and a team-first mentality that builds our culture and identity.
We’re confident in the foundation we’re establishing under Coach Jenkins and excited about the opportunities ahead. Our team will compete, play together and get better.”
According to reports, the Bucks had been looking to trade Herro, with Marc Stein and Jake Fischer stating that they were already in talks with the Detroit Pistons in the immediate aftermath of the reported trade. They can still trade Herro; they couldn’t reroute him as part of this initial deal.
It’s hard to believe that the Giannis era in Milwaukee is now officially over. How fortunate we were to have 13 years of watching a skinny Greek kid turn into one of the greatest players the league has ever seen. Giannis finishes his Bucks tenure as the franchise’s all-time leader in points (21,531), rebounds (8,882), assists (4,484), blocks (1,088), and several other major statistical markers. His impact on the franchise is something we’ll likely never see again. And for this, we are forever grateful.
For more of our thoughts on the trade, check out Episode 247 of Deer Diaries, where Jack Trehearne, Finn Kuehl, and I look back on Giannis’ career in Milwaukee.
As things stand, the Bucks now oficially have 16 players on standard contracts after they waived Pete Nance on Friday and signed former second-round pick Bogoljub Markovic. They also filled out their final two-way slot after signing former Marquette Golden Eagle Kam Jones on Saturday. Milwaukee can carry up to 21 players through the offseason, and only needs to trim the roster to 15 standard contracts by opening night. The only player who still needs to be signed is the 13th overall pick, Nate Ament.
Now that this trade is official, what are your final thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Luka Doncic #77 and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during a 135-118 Lakers win over the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the Lakers have been certain to appease Luka Dončić this summer, it doesn’t appear they abided by his every wish.
Luka and the Lakers appeared to be in lockstep on a number of ideas heading into the offseason. Luka wanted to continue playing with Austin and the Lakers reached an agreement on a four-year contract with him.
Next, Luka wanted a top-tier center after a season-and-a-half of underwhelming options. The Lakers agreed and traded for Walker Kessler before signing him to a four-year deal.
However, while Luka apparently wanted a Rui Hachimura back, the Lakers balked. On Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Rui would be signing with the Clippers on a two-year deal. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Rui was among the players Luka wanted the team to bring back.
I'm told that Rui Hachimura was on the Luka Doncic preferred return list
Lakers wanted more defenders. Clippers had the cap space Lakers didn't have Rui Hachimura wanted to stay in Ohtani's town
The Lakers very recently ran into issues with LeBron James having input on roster decisions, so you can understand why they might be hesitant to go all-in on the next superstar’s requests. Fulfilling two of Luka’s three wishes feels like enough.
There’s also a decent basketball argument for letting Rui walk. The Lakers do have a hole at the forward position, but his skillset isn’t a perfect fit, necessarily. Rui is a terrific 3-point shooter, but not a great rebounder, defender or passer. The Lakers need many of those things from that forward position, as well as some athleticism, another thing not associated with Rui’s game.
So, the Lakers are looking elsewhere for a wing option instead of bringing back Rui. The good news for Luka, and likely Austin, is that Rui, who they seem to have built a strong bond with off the court, will remain in Los Angeles.
The forward sent a heartfelt message to Lakers fans following the news of the Los Angeles Clippers’ signing.
“Thank you Lakers Nation for the past three years. We had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together,” Hachimura said in a statement posted on Instagram.
Rui Hachimura signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Getty Images
Rui Hachimura on Instagram: "Thank you Lakers Nation for the past three years. We had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together." pic.twitter.com/AfVLbIEAGs
Hachimura spent parts of four seasons donning the purple and gold. The forward was traded to the Lakers by the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.
He is coming off a 2025-26 performance where he averaged 11.5 points per game, 3.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists while shooting 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from three. During his time with the Lakers, Hachimura emerged as a solid three-point shooter and displayed his dominance from beyond the arc in the playoffs.
The 28-year-old finished the postseason averaging 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting over 50% from three.
The Lakers were reportedly interested in retaining Rui Hachimura this offseason. AP
Now, Hachimura joins a projected Clippers starting lineup featuring Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler, Brandon Ingram and Brook Lopez.
The Lakers have likely concluded a majority of their free agency moves this offseason, but fans are hoping general manager Rob Pelinka is still putting the finishing touches on the roster.
While there was speculation Hachimura would fill the role as versatile wing defender, it’s evident he won’t return for the upcoming season. The Lakers have also been linked to free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, but the team will need to free up cap space in order to ink a deal.
Moreover, the Lakers need a backup center after trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. Hachimura’s signing is only evidence of the Lakers’ remaining tasks before the season begins.
The Lakers lost Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard in free agency this summer. NBAE via Getty Images
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James sits on the bench during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, in...
The Golden State Warriors remain one of the potential teams that LeBron James might sign with in free agency this offseason.
However, while the Warriors were seen as one of several favorites to sign LeBron about a week ago, their chances of landing him appear to decrease every day.
LeBron James reacts to a call during a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Golden State Warriors. AP
The most recent update regarding this from ESPN’s Anthony Slater will not inspire optimism among Warriors fans. In a July 6 article, Slater wrote that sources within the Warriors’ organization have a, “low level of optimism” that James will choose Golden State as his next (and final) NBA destination to conclude his career.
This is a wise choice, because things can change very quickly in free agency. There’s a chance that James could wake up tomorrow morning and decide that Golden State is where he wants to be, and the Warriors would be ensure that if he does have this change of heart then they’re able to move on him quickly.
LeBron James dribbles the ball while being guarded by Steph Curry. Getty Images
But this could also be a crutch for the Warriors. Free agency is happening fast, and Golden State might miss out on signing other key players in the hope LeBron takes his talents to the San Francisco Bay Area. And if he doesn’t, this would likely amount to a lost offseason for an aging Warriors squad that clearly needs more pieces if they’re to contend for a championship.
The NBA’s landscape is sure to shift once LeBron chooses his next team. And the Warriors probably won’t like where they sit once this shift happens and James isn’t on their roster.
