LeBron James’ roots in Akron, Ohio run deep. Can they be deepened?
The recent time James has spent in his hometown only has heightened excitement about him possibly rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Listen, this is an exciting time for us, right?’’ Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson told Sirius XM NBA Radio on Sunday, July 12. “Like we’re in the mix for the greatest player of all-time.’’
(No, Atkinson was not referring to Michael Jordan.)
It’s customary for James to spend time in the offseason in Akron, which helped launch him into basketball stardom. But it seems ever more meaningful as he searches for what likely will be the final destination of his celebrated NBA career two weeks after informing the Lakers he will play elsewhere next season.
If you’re reading tea leaves, James has posted on his Instagram page twice in about the last two weeks. The first was about a custom 1,200-square-foot putting green that’s been installed at the LeBron James Family Foundation headquarters.
The second was of James standing inside “Buckets Restaurant,’’ where chicken is served in buckets. Of course, what everybody really wants to know is, where will James be scoring buckets next season?
ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania addressed the timing of James' decision on NBA Today.
“It’s decision time for LeBron James,’’ Charania said. “Because all of the information for the most part is in. GMs, presidents, owners, they’ve all been heard from. They’re continuing to have conversations with agent Rich Paul here this week as well. Players have also reached out to LeBron James to recruit him.’’
According to Charania, the leading suitors have been Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia and Minnesota.
What Polymarket says
The Polymarket prediction market posts by percentage the chances of James signing with the following teams:
Cleveland Cavaliers (45%): It’s the one place James could chase another ring (his fifth) and not be derided as a ring chaser. In Cleveland, he’ll always be the prodigal son.
Golden State Warriors (25%): It’d be a blast to watch James team up with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. But their collective gas tank might be empty when the playoffs start.
Miami Heat (18%): Could anyone fault James for taking his talents back to South Beach, where he won his first two NBA titles? Well, of course they could!
According to Polymarket, it's also still too early to count out the Philadelphia 76ers (7%), not to mention the Minnesota Timberwolves (3%), San Antonia Spurs (1%) and Denver Nuggets (1%).
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts after LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) was called for an offensive foul in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Once again, Austin Reaves is showing how badly he wants to win with the Lakers.
Prior to the start of free agency, Reaves agreed to a reported four-year, $185 million deal to stay in Los Angeles. However, with some time for the Lakers to plan for the future after agreeing to other deals, the two sides adjusted the contract with Reaves taking less money to help the team’s flexibility.
Update on Austin Reaves’ contract with the Lakers: Final terms are four years, $180 million, with a player option in 2029–30, league sources tell me. Reaves agreed to a lower amount than the previously reported $185 million to help give Los Angeles more future flexibility.
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have gotten creative with a contract this offseason. Sandro Mamukelashvili’s contract features a dip in the second year as well.
The rationale? Well, it appears the Lakers are looking to create enough cap space to use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception next summer.
Reaves’ decision, sources told ESPN, will give LAL more financial flexibility moving forward – making it possible to pursue a player with the non-taxpayer midlevel exception next summer. https://t.co/7AHGDG2Pbu
The Lakers are going to operate as an over-the-cap team not just for the rest of the summer, but likely for the rest of the Luka Dončić era. That means they’re going to have limited means to notably upgrade the roster.
One of those means, if they navigate things correctly, would be the non-taxpayer MLE next season. It will give LA a big contract they can offer in free agency next year and a real big way to upgrade the roster.
The non-taxpayer MLE not only would allow them to sign a player to a deal with an AAV of roughly $15 million, but it would also allow them to trade for someone in that range. LA will be a contending team with the ability to make an attractive offer to free agents next summer.
To ensure the ability to offer that type of deal and make that upgrade to the roster, though, Reaves had to skim a little bit off his deal. Ultimately, it’s a millionaire making a few less millions, so there’s only so much credit he’s going to get, but it’s not common for player to do what he did, so he does deserve some praise.
Jan 22, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin (0) stares down Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images | Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
The Spurs have filled at their required 14th roster spot, and it’s with another returning face. For the second year in a row, Jordan McLaughlin is returning on a minimum deal worth $3.3 million for one year, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Free agent guard Jordan McLaughlin has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, agent Greg Lawrence of THE•TEAM tells ESPN. McLaughlin appeared in 44 games for the Spurs last season and now enters his ninth campaign. pic.twitter.com/o2srVy0psO
McLaughlin came to San Antonio with De’Aaron Fox from the Kings in February of 2025 and has been a valuable veteran off the bench for the Spurs. He appeared in 44 games last season, and although he only averaged 2 points and an assist in 6 min per game, he was always ready when called upon, including in the few instances he got rotation minutes when any combination of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper were out.
The signing fills out all the Spurs’ required roster spots, although they can still sign a 15th player if they choose. They also still have one two-way slot they can fill. With the returns of McLaughlin, Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie, the Spurs are returning their top 11 players in games played, and the addition of veteran forward Tobias Harris and drafting of big men Tarris Reed and Jayden Quaintance shores up what were considered the only weak areas in the rotation. In other words, the Spurs are running back a team that made the finals and were a few blown leads from winning it all, and they still managed to get better despite limited resources (barring a massive trade, which wasn’t needed).
The San Antonio champion, who was part of the team’s title-winning team in 2014, sounded off on the firing of team play-by-play man Jacob Tobey amid his alleged affair with Loren Waters — the sister of Spurs player Lindy Waters III.
While Tobey has been in the headlines for his behavior, Green called him a “really good dude” and said his private decisions did not merit the Spurs firing him.
“I love everything the Spurs do and how they operate as an organization,” Green said on his “No Fouls Given” podcast. “They run a tight ship. They don’t deal with no BS, and they don’t like drama, so I understand certain issues. They’re going to be like, ‘No, we can’t allow this.’ To me, this was not one of those issues.”
Danny Green is disappointed by the Spurs decision to fire Jacob Tobey over cheating allegations:
“First and foremost, I want to say I love everything the Spurs do and how they operate as an organization. They run a tight ship, they don’t deal with no BS, and they don’t like… pic.twitter.com/IEnBMB74zJ
Green, who spent eight years with the Spurs, added that he was “really disappointed” by the decision.
“This is not a domestic violence case,” he continued. “He didn’t beat anybody up. He wasn’t loitering or DUI or anything crazy. You know he has a relationship that is behind closed doors, this is his personal life.”
Tobey’s personal life became public when his now ex-girlfriend appeared to take over his Instagram account and exposed his alleged relationship with Waters on his Instagram story.
“This is my girlfriend of six years,” the post read. “But I cheated on her with Loren Waters. So feel free to continue following me if you really think I’m a good guy because I’m not. :)”
Spurs champion Danny Green felt that the firing was unfair on Tobey, NBAE via Getty Images
Tobey’s ex-girlfriend then shared a photo, which appeared to show the broadcaster and Waters kissing.
Green, though, wasn’t sure the Spurs followed the fairest process in Tobey’s dismissal.
“We don’t know what the timetable of it was, if he was with this girl or not, or if he was even dating his girl at the time while he was with this girl,” the former sharpshooter said.
“His girl could have made it up, and she hacked his social media, and she wanted to ruin his life, and you allowed that to happen.”
Tobey has not yet commented on the situation and has made both his Instagram and X accounts private.
Everything has changed for Austin Reaves. NBAE via Getty ImagesHe signed the richest contract in NBA history for a player who went undrafted. He’s no longer playing with LeBron James, who championed him during their five seasons together. Lu Chau/Photagonist/Shutterstock
He was never supposed to be here.
‘I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to play in the NBA,” Reaves said Monday while speaking to reporters at a hotel in Las Vegas during Summer League. “I was telling a story the other day: I didn’t even think I was going to play Division I basketball.
“For a long time I thought I would just go play Division II basketball at Central Missouri with my brother. And whatever happened there, probably go play overseas and just have fun with basketball. But there were different plans and I took advantage of a couple opportunities and we’re sitting here today.”
Things didn’t turn out as planned for Reaves in the best way possible.
He’s now a headliner on one of the most heralded franchises in the league. He’s the Lakers’ second option on offense. He signed a four-year, $180 million contract earlier this month.
Reaves not only surprised all of the teams that overlooked him in the 2021 NBA draft, he stunned himself.
In a way, that’s a gift.
Things didn’t turn out as planned for Reaves in the best way possible. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
While someone like LeBron James would’ve been viewed as a failure if he didn’t become one of the greatest players of all-time, Reaves wasn’t even a blip on the radar. He couldn’t have failed because he was never supposed to succeed.
There’s no pressure because this is all gravy. There’s no angst because this was never supposed to happen. There’s no anxiety because this is all a stunning surprise.
Reaves clawed his way into the NBA. He had to earn every moment on the court. He was fearless because he had no phantoms chasing him, whispering in his ear that he’d be a disappointment if he didn’t shatter the glass ceiling.
He could just play. There’s a freedom to that. A purity.
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The noise has arrived. Fingers will be pointed if he doesn’t become an All-Star. He’s earning the big bucks, so he better prove he deserves them.
But Reaves is as unbothered as ever.
He showed up to his first team-sanctioned media availability since penning his new deal with a noticeably longer beard than usual. When a reporter jokingly asked him if he couldn’t find a razor this morning, he quipped, “Can’t afford it.”
But Reaves is as unbothered as ever. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
When he was asked why he chose to return to the Lakers after declining his $14.9 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, he talked about his lighthearted relationship with Luka Doncic.
“He’s one of my best friends on this planet,” Reaves said. “Talk to him almost every single day. He sends me videos of his golf swing and asks me what he can do to get better. And I tell him I’m not a coach.”
For Reaves, this is still fun.
He’s a guy from Newark, Arkansas, which has a population of fewer than 2,000 people. He has never cared about the spotlight. He just loves basketball. He’s embracing the ride.
This isn’t life or death. This isn’t become a star or you’re a loser. This is just a roller coaster he’s grateful to be riding.
Funny enough, James always saw Reaves’ potential. James watched his college highlights. He took him under his wing. He gave him confidence as he blossomed into one of the league’s biggest surprises. He was Reaves’ biggest advocate before leaving the Lakers in free agency earlier this month.
He’s a guy from Newark, Arkansas, which has a population of fewer than 2,000 people. He has never cared about the spotlight. He just loves basketball. He’s embracing the ride. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
“He’s kind of all I’ve ever known,” Reaves said. “Just him being around, joking around, acting like he’s 15. But that’s his decision and like I said [during a golf tournament] in Tahoe, anytime I’ve talked about it, I got nothing but love and respect for him, and, yeah, let’s play some golf soon.”
Reaves went from being shocked that he got to share the court with James to becoming one of the team’s biggest stars.
He has arrived.
And even though he’s under a different type of pressure than ever before, it’s obvious that’s more thrilling than daunting.
This was never supposed to happen.
And he’s going to enjoy every moment of it.
“It’s been fun,” Reaves said. “I don’t really look back and reflect that much because I kind of just live in the moment, but one of these days I’ll sit down and really think about what all has actually happened because it’s kind of insane.”
Boston, MA - October 29: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell on the court in the first quarter at TD Garden on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are all in on the Donovan Mitchell business. They’ve shown a total commitment to Mitchell as their franchise cornerstone, inking him to a max contract extension worth nearly $300 million dollars.
We want to hear your reaction.
Mitchell is set to make $272 million dollars during his four-year extension, which starts in 2027. He’ll make more than $60 million a year, with a gargantuan $75.5 million dollar player option for the 2031-31 NBA season.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of the deal.
2027-28: $60.9 million
2028-29: 65.8 million
2029-30: $70.6 million
2030-31 (player option): $75.5 million
Mitchell will be 34 years old by the time he reaches that player option. Causing some to question if this deal could have a bittersweet ending with an undersized and aging guard.
Nonetheless, Cleveland isn’t surprising anyone with this decision. They’ve held Mitchell as their most important asset for years, prioritizing his needs above everyone else on the roster. He’s their guy, and this extension is another sign of commitment.
Mitchell’s value speaks for itself. At face value, you’re looking at a player who could finish his career as the second-best Cavalier in franchise history. That’s the type of guy you don’t want to lowball. Cleveland hasn’t had many superstar athletes who have embraced the city more than Mitchell himself.
Finally, there’s one more thing for you to take into account before answering our question.
Mitchell could have waited one more year to sign this extension. In that case, he could have secured a fifth year of the deal worth $80 million dollars. I don’t want to predict the future, but I doubt Mitchell can negotiate his way to an $80 million dollar payday in 2032. So, you can argue he took a significant pay cut in the backend of this extension to grant stability and peace of mind to everyone involved.
Mitchell didn’t delay. He signed the extension as soon as possible, and saved the Cavs money in the long run. That’s important to remember.
Now, I leave the decision in your hands, Fear the Sword reader. Was this the right move for Cleveland?
Austin Reaves says he still is processing LeBron James' decision to leave the Lakers but is happy with the offseason moves the team made. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
From the time Austin Reaves joined the Lakers in 2021 as an undrafted prospect, his basketball life centered around playing with a savant in LeBron James.
Reaves was stunned when he heard about James’ decision while playing golf in Lake Tahoe. Nearly two weeks later, Reaves says he still is trying to process the development.
“I kind of was thinking about it last night when I got here,” Reaves said Monday in his first news conference since re-signing. “Starting the season without him being on the team is going to be different for me. He’s kind of all I’ve ever known. Just him being around, joking around, acting like he’s 15. But that’s his decision and like I said in Tahoe, anytime I’ve talked about it, I got nothing but love and respect for him and yeah, let’s play some golf soon.”
The contract Reaves signed was the richest in NBA history for an undrafted player. At 28 and entering his sixth season, Reaves wanted to stay in L.A.
“I wanted to be a Laker the whole time. We had that period from when the season ended until the first [of July] to get something done and we figured it out before then,” he said. “My heart was in L.A. the whole time.”
Reaves will become one of the de facto leaders of the Lakers along with Luka Doncic. The two once again will be one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA.
“Obviously my relationship with the guys that were on the team last year,” Reaves said of why he wanted to stay. “And then Luka. I mean, he’s one of my best friends on this planet. Talk to him almost every single day. He sends me videos of his golf swing and asks me what he can do to get better and I tell him I’m not a coach.”
The Lakers have overhauled the roster: All the players who started alongside Reaves in the playoffs last spring are gone. With the signing of former Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams on Monday, the Lakers have eight new players, all of them arriving either via trades, free agency or the draft.
“They’re good,” Reaves said of the moves. “Obviously, I’ve been with the guys that are leaving for a couple years and with Bron for five years and I hate to see guys like that go. But the pieces that are coming in, I’m very excited about and I’m happy to get started today and see where it goes.”
Walker Kessler dunks during a game between the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers on March 23. (Rob Gray / Associated Press)
One of those new players is Walker Kessler, a 7-foot-2 center the Lakers felt fit best around Doncic and Reaves because he’s a lob threat, rim-protector and good defender and is developing his three-point shooting.
The Lakers got him from the Utah Jazz in a trade and then signed him to a four-year, $130-million contract. The Lakers sent out two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030).
Kessler, who played only five games last season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, is aware the Lakers paid a big price to get him.
“It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said Monday in his introduction. “And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and compete for a team.”
Power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili could become a fan favorite, in part because of the tattoo he has on his lower left leg — a No. 24 in honor of Kobe Bryant.
Mamukelashvili, who signed a four-year, $52-million deal, averaged 11.2 points last season with the Toronto Raptors and shot 52.3% from the field, including 38.9% from three-point range.
“I got a Mamba Mentality tattoo. I just love his mindset,” Mamukelashvili said. “Growing up, I used to always say, “Mah-moo Mentality!’ So, I know it’s a little far from each other. But we are getting closer.”
When guard Collin Sexton, another new Laker, was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, James left and signed with the Lakers. When Sexton signed a two-year, $19-million deal with the Lakers this month, James left again.
Sexton could only laugh about missing out on playing with James.
“He’s just leaving every time I arrive,” Sexton said, laughing. “That’s what it is. No, but one of the other coaches made the same joke yesterday. It’s cool, I know. I’ve always wanted to team up with him for sure, but it’s definitely cool knowing him and just having normal conversations and stuff, so that’s cool.”
Sexton averaged 15.4 points and shot 48.5% last season with Chicago and Charlotte. He’s ready for whatever role coach JJ Redick and the Lakers want for him.
“They believe in me,” he said. “And I just feel like at the end of the day, whenever a coach believes in you and like he said, he’s going to be hard on me and yelling and screaming at me. So, I like that. I think that’s what gets the best from me.”
LeBron James’ free agency has spent weeks in rumor purgatory. Now, it may finally be nearing decision time.
After weeks of pitches, recruiting calls, golf sightings, and prediction-market chaos, ESPN’s Shams Charania said Monday on NBA Today that James is inching closer to choosing where he will play in his 24th NBA season.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the second half Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“Every day LeBron James inches closer and closer to a decision,” Charania said. “It’s decision time for LeBron James because all the information, for the most part, is in.”
According to Charania, the major voices around the league have already made their case. General managers, presidents and owners have been heard from. Players have reached out directly to recruit James.
Rich Paul is still having conversations with teams in Las Vegas, but the big-picture recruiting phase appears to be near its end.
“And yes, all the voice notes have also been listened to,” Charania said. “And rosters have been set around the league. The decks have been set.”
That marks a shift from Paul’s message from last week, which was basically: relax.
Shams Charania says it is decision time for LeBron James after suitors made their pitches and all information is in. Getty Images
“There is none. I wish I knew,” Paul said. “He’s taking his time. He’s really evaluating things. I’ve really left him alone. Play golf, do the things you need to do. He understands where things are. When he’s ready, he’ll let me know.”
Shams Charania commentates during the 2026 NBA Draft NBAE via Getty Images
Now, it sounds like James may finally be getting closer to that point.
Charania reiterated that five suitors remain: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Cleveland remains the prediction markets favorite. A third stint with the Cavaliers would let James close his career where it began, back in his home state, with a franchise and a fanbase he knows intimately.
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Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers’ AP
James next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State would be one of the strangest and most compelling late-career superteams in NBA history. The Warriors have also added another wrinkle by hiring Frank Vogel, James’ former Lakers coach, as associate head coach under Steve Kerr.
Miami offers another familiar landing spot. James won two championships with the Heat and has long praised the franchise’s structure and culture.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, left, passes around Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James AP
Philadelphia can offer a star-heavy roster with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Minnesota, meanwhile, is the wild card built around Anthony Edwards.
Charania made clear that money isn’t the largest motivating factor in the decision.
“What we know definitively is LeBron James has made it clear privately that he wants to go somewhere where he can compete for a championship,” Charania said. “Somewhere where he feels like he finds that happiness from a team environment and culture that he feels he can uplift.”
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors NBAE via Getty Images
That lines up with what Paul has said early in the process. James is not simply chasing the biggest number. He is chasing “complete happiness,” a championship chance and the right environment for the final chapter of his career.
For now, the waiting game continues.
But according to Charania, the decks are set, the pitches have been made and the voice notes have been heard.
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract with Ziaire Williams.
LAS VEGAS — The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Ziaire Williams, a source confirmed to the California Post on Monday.
Williams’ deal will be for $3 million, and will put them at 15 players signed to standard roster contracts once the addition becomes official.
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract with Ziaire Williams. Getty Images
The 6-foot-9 Williams, who was born in Lancaster, grew up in Southen California, playing at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks for his first three years of high school before transferring to Sierra Canyon for his senior year.
Williams, who was a consensus five-star recruit, was a 2020 McDonald’s All-American before playing at Stanford.
He was teammates for a season with fellow Lakers guard Bronny James, who was a freshman during Williams’ senior season.
After his single season at Standard, Williams was the No. 10 pick in the 2021 draft, playing for the Grizzlies from 2021-24 before spending the last two seasons with the Nets.
He’s coming off a career-year, averaging a career-high 10.2 points on 42.5% shooting (career-high 34.3% on 3-pointers) to go with 2.4 rebounds in 56 games.
Williams has career averages of 8.7 points and 3 rebounds.
He was a key reserve for the Grizzlies teams that made the playoffs after the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
Williams, who turns 25 in September, addresses the Lakers’ need for wing/forward depth.
He’s been a strong perimeter defender – on the ball in isolation and off-ball – throughout his career and has improved as a shooter since coming into the league.
The Knicks picked up their first win in Summer League action on Monday, beating the Pistons, 86-75.
New York was without two of their regulars, as Mohamed Diawara sat with a ring finger injury and Pacome Dadiet was sidelined due to foot soreness.
With them sitting, it gave other youngsters the opportunity for extended minutes.
Second-round pick Jack Kayil shined in just his second Summer League appearance, leading the team with 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting and three threes. He also pulled one board, dished four assists and had a steal in 28 minutes.
Dillon Jones finished second behind him with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, six rebounds, and four assists.
7-foot 27-year-old Liam Robbins was a strong presence downlow, pulling in five boards and blocking four shots. He also drilled a three as part of his 15 points, had three assists, and swiped a pair of steals.
Tyler Nickel struggled from the field, but drilled three more threes as his strong showing continued.
St. John's product Oziyah Sellers enjoyed himself a strong showing, chipping in 10 points on an efficient 5-of-9 from the field while bringing in seven defensive rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
On the other side of things second-year guard Chaz Lanier led the way for Detroit, knocking down a whopping eight threes as part of a game-high 22 point effort.
What's next
New York closes Summer League action Thursday night against the Warriors.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LeBron James announced he wouldn’t be re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers13 days ago. Since then, there’s been countless rumors about who he would sign with. At this point, those are only rumors, and we’re still just as much in the dark now as we were then about where James will play next season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James “inches closer” to a decision every day.
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This update doesn’t shed too much light on what is happening behind the scenes. Technically speaking, LeBron is closer to a decision every day. How much closer is anyone’s guess.
There’s growing speculation that James will make a decision at Fanatics Fest NYC. He is scheduled to have a live recording of his podcast, “Mind the Game,” on Thursday. He is also set to record an episode of “The Shop” there on Friday. It would make sense that a decision will have been made by then, or announced during one of those shows.
At this point, though, nothing is confirmed. Everything is mostly just speculation. People are trying to read the tea leaves and figure out what that means. The truth is, we don’t know much.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Who: Summer Suns vs. Summer Bucks
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada
Watch: Arizona Family Sports, Amazon Prime
LAS VEGAS — We are in the dog days of summer…league! Typical sideline reporters are calling nationally televised games, many stand sections are not filled to the brim, and many high level NBA members are slowly departing from Las Vegas.
But Bright Side is there and will be giving exclusive live updates from the game!
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) July 12, 2026
After a close 81-75 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans that went down to the wire on Sunday, the Summer Suns are back in action just a day later, but this time against the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s safe to say that the stakes and the matchup look just a bit different from when the two teams faced off in the 2021 NBA Finals.
Just like the Suns, Milwaukee is coming off a loss to a Western Conference foe after San Antonio beat them 90-80 loss led by RJ Davis’ 20-point game.
With both teams playing the day before, it’s possible we don’t see the same rotations and starting lineups from either team, since they suffered losses a mere day ago. Teams tend to be very cautious with some of their key Summer League players to protect them from injuries that could affect their ability to make the regular-season roster. That being said, it’s a great opportunity for undrafted players like Sam Hoiberg and Corey Camper Jr. to make memorable impacts that could get them a spot to end up on the final roster.
Probable Starters
In the Summer League, it’s so hard to predict, especially on a back-to-back. Here’s the team’s starters from their last games.
Suns
Darius Brown II
Koby Brea
Rasheer Fleming
Koa Peat
Khaman Maluach
Bucks
Brayden Burries
Kasparas Jakučionis
Nate Ament
Pete Nance
Bogoljub Marković
Injury Report
Suns
Nothing Reported
Bucks
Nothing Reported
What to Watch For
Koby Brea. The 2025 second-rounder has struggled in his first two games of Summer League after being on the team as a two-way player during his rookie year. Averaging just 3.5 points per game so far, he went 0-of-6 from deep and 1-of-10 from the field yesterday vs the Pelicans, which has gotten Suns pundits concerned.
Trying not to overreact, but…
….when your two-way contracted three-point specialist can't hit a three through a game-and-a-half…
While the status of Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming may be more in question, considering their firm position on the roster and Fleming having his left hand wrapped after yesterday’s game, expect Brea to be playing. Drafted after a strong shooting season at the University of Kentucky during the 2024-2025 season, a bounce-back game from Brea after two-straight games of struggles could go a long way.
A game akin to his performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the last game of the regular season would give Suns fans reasons to rejoice.
Prediction
In a game where many of the possible main players’ status is hard to predict, it’s impossible to pinpoint what the contest will look like. If both teams play the rosters they used in their games yesterday, I like the Bucks because of the young talent they acquired after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in the Summer League. If that’s the case, give me a final score of 88-83. However, regardless of who is playing for both teams, I like the Suns to have a stronger shooting performance than they did against New Orleans, when they shot 6/30 from downtown. A progression back to the means.
No matter the score, make sure to follow along on X @BrightSideSun for live updates from the game!
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Cameron Boozer #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Caleb Wilson #8 of the Chicago Bulls boxes out during the game during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks play their third NBA Summer League game tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. It’ll be broadcast on ESPN and is likely the last meaningful game for most of the Dallas roster. The Mavericks got waxed by the Los Angeles Lakers so badly on Saturday night that we didn’t really cover it (though Michael did write game grades late at night because he’s insane). Hopefully, the Mavericks show up for this one. Here’s the main things to know.
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies
WHAT: NBA Summer League, Game 3 for Dallas
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
WHEN: 6:00 pm CST
HOW: ESPN
UPDATE: Ryan Nembhard is missing the game due to illness and Morez will is likely done for the summer with calf soreness.
As of this writing, it seems like everyone of consequence for both teams is available to play. Cameron Boozer did play in the Utah Summer League, so at this point I’m skeptical he’ll suit up, but I’d really like to see him play. Morez Johnson should also suit up, so if they play, hopefully we’ll see minutes with them guarding one another.
Of course, Summer League injury information is hard to come by (no one’s asking) but the usual beat reporters for Dallas aren’t reporting anything.
What I’m looking for in this game is for anyone on the Mavericks to hit a shot. Of the top 7 Mavericks getting minutes, only one (Morez Johnson) is shooting over 40%. So preferably, anyone among the usual guys getting hot would make this game a lot more tolerable. Dallas can’t seem to play any defense either, but I bet if they see some shots going down, we’ll get a better-looking defense as well.
I’m pretty disappointed in the team performance through two games. I know it’s just Summer League, but I really thought this team might be good (for once). If I’m here watching basketball, I’d prefer it not to constantly suck.
Ziaire Williams controls the ball during a game between the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets on March 31. (Frank Franklin II / Associated Press)
The Lakers signed free-agent forward Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3-million deal on Monday, people not authorized to speak on the matter publicly confirmed to The Times.
Williams, 24, was available after the Brooklyn Nets declined his team option of $6.25 million, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The 6-foot-9 Williams gives the Lakers an athletic wing player. He averaged a career-high 10.2 points last season in 56 games, 13 as a starter.
He shot 42.5% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range.
NBA scouts who requested anonymity to speak candidly on the matter said Williams is athletic but hasn’t figure out his game yet. He’s seen as an inconsistent three-point shooter.
Williams, who attended Sierra Canyon High with Bronny James and Stanford, gives the Lakers a maximum 15 roster players.
Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid still don’t like each other, per Tracy McGrady.
The NBA legend said on his show “Cousins” with Vince Carter that Brown and Embiid have not spoken despite being on the same team for almost two weeks.
Brown was traded to Embiid’s 76ers on July 1 in exchange for Paul George and draft picks.
Tracy McGrady talks about Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown’s relationship after teaming up in Philadelphia. @VinceAndTmac/X
“I don’t think there’s been a conversation between the two, at least not to my knowledge,” McGrady said.
McGrady said Brown has reached out to Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe.
McGrady and Carter said Brown should have reached out because it’s been Embiid’s team for so long, but the former Kansas center also should have made an attempt to have a conversation.
“We’re getting off to a fresh start, Joel; you’re getting off to a fresh start, and now you add in another MVP, along with the young boys that you have to make things easier for you,” McGrady said.
Jaylen Brown attends a game between the Pacers and 76ers. NBAE via Getty Images
T-Mac reveals that, at the time of taping, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid still hadn't spoken.
"I don't think there's been a conversation between the two, at least not to my knowledge." pic.twitter.com/thcuA452fv
— Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady (@VinceAndTmac) July 13, 2026
Embiid and Brown’s relationship was first called into question after they went head-to-head during the NBA playoffs in May.
Brown said in a press conference and on a livestream after game four that Embiid was “flopping.”
“We tried a bunch of different things. He’s a big body,” Brown said. “He also was flopping around. He got some extra calls and they rewarded him for that, but that’s the league we’re in.”
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid #21 walks back to the bench as the Knicks lead by 29 points during the third quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
After the trade, though, 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey said “they’re welcoming the change” and Embiid, who has battled numerous injuries in recent years, is in a really good spot this offseason.
“He is fired up. I called him right after the trade, and he was excited” Gansey told 97.5 The Fanatic.
The addition of Brown should lessen the workload and pressure on Embiid as Maxey emerges into one of the stars of the league.
It could also allow Embiid to take a lighter workload and worry more on recovery.
The 76ers were swept by the Knicks in dominant fashion after they upset the Celtics in the first round.
