EL SEGUNDO, CA - APRIL 3: Anton Watson #22 of the South Bay Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers during the 2026 G League Playoffs Semifinals on April 3, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After spending the full season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, forward Anton Watson was listed on the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League roster. Watson averaged 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 2025-26.
Forward Drew Timme, who was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay organizations for the 2026-27 season, was not named to the roster alongside Watson.
That now makes for five Gonzaga Bulldogs alumni participating in the different NBA Summer Leagues during the month of July.
Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard
Golden State Warriors forward Graham Ike
San Antonio Spurs wing Tyon Grant-Foster
Indiana Pacers wing Jalen Warley
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anton Watson
The 2026 California Classic, a summer league taking place inside both the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center and Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center, starts on July 3 through 6.
San Antonio’s Grant-Foster will kick everything off at the Chase Center against the Miami Heat on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m. PT on ESPN/Prime Video. The second game of the day will be Ike and Golden State’s Gold squad against Los Angeles’ Watson at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPNU/Prime Video.
Following the California Classic, the 2026 NBA 2K27 Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, runs from July 9 through 19.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 05: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns pressures Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I think we might be looking at what the Phoenix Suns roster might look like come opening day after the team signed former Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer to a two-way NBA contract, according to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania. Suns officials completed the contract on Thursday evening with Mark Bartelstein and Ross Aroyo of Priority Sports.
Free agent guard Pat Spencer has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. Spencer's role grew across three seasons in Golden State, where he averaged 7.2 points and 18.6 minutes last season. pic.twitter.com/fj6HI217GF
Spencer, who turns 30 on Saturday, had the best season of his three-year career last season, averaging 7.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game on 42.7% shooting from the field, 35.7% from deep, and 77.2% from the charity stripe. As a starter, his numbers ballooned to 11.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game on 45.1/40/60 shooting splits.
One of Spencer’s best games last season came against the Suns back in February, where he scored a career-high 20 points and was one of the Warriors’ main contributors in their fourth quarter double-digit comeback with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler sidelined.
Every season of his career, Spencer has increased his minutes, points per game, and games played, and has built a reputation as a pesky defender, which fits right in with the physical culture that the team is building, spearheaded by Dillon Brooks. As the season went on, Spencer’s role with the Warriors continued to expand, as he averaged 10 or more points in two of the last three months of the season, including shooting 40% from downtown in the month of February, and dished out 5.4 assists per game.
After the team resigned guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, picked up the team option on Jamaree Bouyea’s deal, and now signed Spencer, Phoenix has fortified its guard rotation after some concerns about its depth heading into the offseason.
Spencer joins CJ Huntley and Koby Brea as the team’s other two-way players. The roster is up to 18 players, with 15 standard and three two-way deals.
New York has tried to acquire New Orleans center Yves Missi this offseason, but multiple offers to the Pelicans have been rejected, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The Pelicans view the big man as a vital core figure.
The Pelicans have also reportedly told the Knicks that they have no intention of moving Missi.
Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 3, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images
It’s not the first time that the Knicks have pursued the 6-foot-11 big man in 2026, with The Post’s Stefan Bondy reporting in February that the team approached New Orleans specifically about Missi.
At the time, a source told Bondy that New Orleans was looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Missi. The Knicks did not have any first-rounders to give up.
The Knicks have seemed to have heightened their search to fill the gap left by Robinson’s departure, which was a foregone conclusion — with owner James Dolan saying he was unwilling to go into the NBA’s second apron — after the celebration of the team’s first title in 53 years settled down.
A league source also told The Post that the Knicks were among the teams that were vying to sign Marvin Bagley III before he eventually agreed to a deal with the Nuggets.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson reacts on the court during the first half. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Missi averaged 5.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds last season with the Pelicans, while also averaging 1.5 blocks per game.
The big man is one of New Orleans’ best offensive rebounders and rim protectors, and it makes sense that the Pelicans are not interested in sending him elsewhere.
The Knicks do need to fill the hole in their frontcourt after Robinson’s departure.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) looks to shoot while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have invested a lot of faith in Evan Mobley. They’ve tightly clung to him as their biggest trade asset, keeping him off the table despite some enticing options becoming available.
You’d only do something like this if you believe the 25-year-old star has more room to grow. Potential is the most valuable thing in sports. Mobley had that in spades during his first few seasons. But now? There are questions as to how much higher his ceiling can get.
That’s why earlier this week we asked you, Fear the Sword readers, to share your opinion on Mobley’s future development. Has he reached his ceiling, or is there potential left to uncover?
It was a perfect split. Exactly half of the voters said that Mobley has already reached his ceiling.
I’ll admit. I’m surprised.
It’s bold to say anyone has reached their potential at just 25 years old. Mobley has already been an All-Star, All-NBA player, a two-time All-Defensive member, and won Defensive Player of the Year. That’s a stronger start than I think some fans realize.
This poll isn’t just about Mobley himself. But it’s a show of faith in Cleveland’s developmental system. To assume that Mobley has peaked is to believe that the Cavs have already put him in the best possible position to succeed. Again… I’m surprised that half of the voters believe that.
Mobley’s development has not been Cleveland’s main priority. They’ve put almost all of their chips into building around Donovan Mitchell. Their moves in free agency and on the trading block have supported that. Mobley, on the other hand, is largely asked to fill the margins and support Mitchell more than anything. This isn’t a team that’s constructed around Mobley being the guy.
From that perspective, I can’t imagine that Mobley has reached his ceiling. There has to be more to uncover in the event Mobley is ever the focal point of a team. Even in his current role, the Cavs can do more to boost Mobley as an offensive creator.
The Cavs currently have the sixth-highest odds of winning the 2027 NBA championship. They probably won’t get any higher than that if Mobley really has peaked as a player.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the second half at Barclays Center, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Brooklyn, NY. (Corey Sipkin for the...
Ever since LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be signing elsewhere in free agency this offseason, one of the biggest stories in basketball has been with which team he’ll sign and end his legendary NBA career.
The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are thought to be the two favorites. However, a third team has reportedly now entered the mix: the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are thought to be two favorites for LeBron James. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to emerge as a strong suitor for LeBron James due to the Tyrese Maxey connection, per @WindhorstESPN
Maxey, who shares the same Klutch Sports agency as LeBron, is viewed as a major recruiting tool for Philly. pic.twitter.com/6GCoUHgl9y
This stems from a July 2 report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who asserted during a Thursday segment of “NBA Today” that James’ longstanding connection to 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey (they’re both signed to Klutch Sports Group, which is founded by James’ business partner Rich Paul) will be how the 76ers attempt to lure him to Philadelphia.
Windhorst asserted that Maxey and James are close, and have attended numerous events together. What’s more, the NBA record holder reportedly has a good relationship with 76ers star center Joel Embiid, as the two won a gold medal for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics together.
James’ longstanding connection to 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey may be how the 76ers attempt to lure him to Philadelphia. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConPhiladelphia finalized a trade for Jaylen Brown with the Boston Celtics on July 1. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Philadelphia finalized a trade for Jaylen Brown with the Boston Celtics on July 1, which included the 76ers sending Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Boston in exchange for the five-time All-Star.
Brown being on the Celtics already makes them look like a favorite to win the 2027 NBA Championship. Adding the 22-time All-Star to that mix would have that team even more lethal.
Of course, just because the 76ers are interested doesn’t mean James heading there is a done deal. But he does have strong ties to the franchise’s top players, which could be a deciding factor on where he goes next.
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Feb 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grimaces as he waits for play to resume against the Golden State Warriors in the third period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Welcome to day three of the LeBron James sweepstakes. Today, we gained new insight into the short list of teams jockeying for the King. Once again, this news benefits the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Golden State Warriors reportedly do not feel they are at the top of LeBron’s short list, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“I’m hearing a growing belief from them that they don’t believe that they’re necessarily at the top of that short list,” Slater said on ESPN.
Golden State emerged as a potential landing destination for James earlier this week. James has formed a close relationship with Draymond Green over recent years and has openly praised Stephen Curry numerous times.
The idea of rivals becoming teammates is a sour one for many fans. But ending his career with a grand finale next to Curry is something that James is apparently considering.
The Warriors took the first step towards acquiring James when Green opted out of his contract. This paved the way for Golden State to make additions to the roster and potentially offer LBJ more money. Thus far, this hasn’t proven to be enough.
This begs the question: if Golden State isn’t first, who is?
The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are the other two teams reported to be on James’ short list. Though teams like the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves have been mentioned in passing by various outlets.
Truth is, no one can predict what James will do. But using all of the information at our disposal, I can’t imagine Cleveland isn’t at the front of the race.
Cleveland is the only city where LeBron can still be King even if he isn't the best player on the roster
The Cavs offer more than any other team. Cleveland is the only city where James can compete for a title as a supporting player while still being the King. He’ll reign supreme in Cleveland even if James Harden, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell play larger roles. That’s something James can’t get in Golden State or Miami.
All of the boxes are checked in this scenario. James would be in a city where he is beloved. He’d be joining a team that is missing his expertise more than anything else. There’s even a Swenson’s in Rocket Arena. I can’t imagine this doesn’t entice LBJ.
We still haven’t heard from Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens on why the organization was so motivated to trade superstar Jaylen Brown. But on Thursday night, Brown shared his side of the story on his Twitch live stream.
Nearly 30,000 concurrent viewers watched as Brown addressed the shocking deal that sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-round picks. Unsurprisingly, Brown didn’t mince words as he spoke on the trade, the Celtics’ handling of the situation, and some of the media narratives that formed during the process.
Here’s everything you need to know from Brown’s candid stream:
“Boston packed me up”
Brown opened his stream by saying, “Boston packed me up, chat.” The 2024 NBA Finals MVP made that statement several times throughout the stream.
“You gotta smile at it. They packed me up. Sayonara buddy,” he said at one point.
“He suddenly thinks he’s the smartest guy in every room he’s in,” Cowherd said. “I’ve worked with people in the media. You get into a really bad space and you make a lot of money. Suddenly, you’re absolutely sure. You don’t wanna listen to your bosses. You don’t wanna listen to consultants. You don’t wanna listen to teammates.
“One executive told me this was always a little bit of Jaylen Brown’s personality: the smartest guy in the room. Live streaming, throwing it out there, and it’s just not a good space.”
Brown responded by saying it’s time to stop with the anonymous sources.
“I think the world craves authenticity… people wanna see what the real emotions is,” he said.
‘I’m tired of these damn anonymous sources, like, anonymous executive — Colin Cowherd, Bobby Marks, Stephen A. Smith — I think y’all are the sources.”
“Colin Cowherd…. his last name precedes him,” Brown added.
What happened with Celtics?
Brown isn’t sure exactly where things went wrong between him and the Celtics.
“There’s definitely more to it. I just wish the more to it could have been explained to me,” he said on the stream.
“At one point I felt it was fine, but then it went left … I wish they had the respect to tell me exactly what it was … but it didn’t go down like that. It wasn’t facilitated like that. That was the most disappointing part. I thought I earned respect.”
Brown “wasn’t thrilled” with how Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens communicated with him about the situation.
Brown added that some of the young guys on the C’s reached out to him.
“The guys that I was able to build with … Neemi, (Neemias Queta), Luka (Garza), told me it was a pleasure to build with you. That’s the stuff that gives you more motivation to keep going. …
Looking forward to Philly
Brown admitted it’ll take time to get used to being a 76er, but he’s looking forward to “the process.”
“For the last 10 years, I’ve been programmed to hate Philadelphia, from the history of the rivalry to the playoff battles, the process, like I’ve been programmed to be like f— the process. It’s funny now, I gotta reverse-engineer it, but I’ll be ready when the season starts.”
“I don’t want no special treatment, I don’t need no handouts,” he added. “I plan on earning my respect one day at a time by putting in the work. I’m looking forward to getting in the gym, the whole process. “
While he’s left confused about how everything went down, it sounds like Brown will embrace the villain role in Philadelphia.
“The process is back the f— on. We’ve been shutting the process down for the last I don’t know how many years. The process been over. But now the process is back, motherf—–.”
Toward the end of his stream, Brown spoke on the phone with new teammates VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7:Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 7, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s no secret that Lakers head coach JJ Redick has a great basketball mind. His desire to share his knowledge and put it to use is what made him a great podcaster and an effective coach for the Lakers.
Thanks to his desire to teach and his relative youth, he’s well connected with players and can relate to them better than most head coaches.
When Grimes did a podcast appearance on “The Young Man and the Three,” he discussed how he worked out with Redick earlier in his career.
Great story. Whenever JJ was doing the pod, Quentin Grimes randomly dm'd him to see if he'd workout w him. So Q traveled out to the Hamptons and stayed in JJ's guest house to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/bk2bYyak8a
Someone as hyper-focused on being a basketball sicko as Redick is wouldn’t waste his free time on someone who didn’t match his energy.
If Redick was willing to work out with Grimes on multiple occasions and also let him stay at his guest house, clearly he is fond of his game and the person he is. Based on his comments on the time he’s spent with Redick, Grimes seems to be a fan of his as well.
Team and league sources have long known JJ Redick to be a fan of Grimes, who was a priority target this summer.
Based on their past relationship, it seems a safe bet that both Grimes and Redick will be working in tandem to ensure this is a career year for Grimes.
He averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season. Grimes also shot 33.4% from 3-point range.
The best year of his career so far was his 2024-25 NBA season when he was briefly teammates with Luka Dončić in Dallas. He averaged 14.6 points and shot 38.5% from deep while playing with the Mavericks and the Sixers that year.
Given their history, Grimes’ familiarity with Redick, and the Lakers’ need for him to be a great scoring guard, the environment seems primed for good results.
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers enters the game in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lowry was a real contributor when he first joined the Sixers after the 2024 trade deadline. In the final months of the regular season he played 28 minutes per game averaging 8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before starting all six of the Sixers postseason games.
Not only did Lowry get to play for his hometown team, but he appeared to be one heck of a mentor for Tyrese Maxey, to hear Maxey tell of it. Now he’ll get one more send off for the team he accomplished so much for.
Playing big minutes with reasonable production would set AJ Dybantsa up for a long and productive career with the Washington Wizards. | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards signed AJ Dybantsa to a rookie-scale contract on Thursday, the team announced.
It’s a four-year, $66.91 million deal that carries a team option for the final two seasons. Here’s a breakdown of Dybantsa’s cap hit each season, according to Spotrac.
Factoring in Dybantsa’s cap hit, the Wizards have roughly $13,556,249 in luxury tax space and the full $15 non-taxpayer mid-level exception to use in free agency.
Dybantsa will make his Wizards debut at 9 p.m. ET on July 9 when Washington opens Summer League on ESPN against the Utah Jazz.
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: The sneakers worn by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 30: Anfernee Simons #4 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at the TD Garden on January 30,...
The 76ers have added another potent scorer who once played for the Celtics.
The Sixers have agreed to a deal with Anfernee Simons, who suited up for the Celtics last season. Getty Images
The deal is worth $12.3 million, with the second year containing a player option, per Charania.
Simons, 27, reportedly fielded interest from the Mavericks, Warriors and Heat before agreeing to terms with the Sixers, according to Marc Stein.
The 6-foot-3 guard boosts Philadelphia’s scoring, particularly off the bench, coming off a 2025-26 campaign in which he ranked sixth in the NBA with 130 triples as a reserve.
Simons began last season with the Celtics, averaging 14.2 points and shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc before he was dealt to the Bulls at the trade deadline.
He immediately entered Chicago’s starting lineup, but he appeared in just six games before sustaining a season-ending left ulnar styloid fracture in his left wrist.
The eight-year NBA veteran finished last season averaging 14.3 points, and over the past five campaigns, he’s averaged 18.8 points between the Trail Blazers, Celtics and Bulls.
After being swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Philadelphia has been busy at the onset of free agency.
Simons split last season between the Celtics and Bulls. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I’m told the Sixers are also trying to make a pitch to LeBron James along with the Warriors, Cavaliers and the Heat,” Charania said on ESPN after breaking the Simons signing.
“Include the Sixers and maybe one or two other teams in due time in that mix. But the Sixers get Anfernee Simons and they’re obviously trying to continue to add to this team.”
Between the Sixers’ active offseason and Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Heat and the Raptors reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, it’s been an active summer.
The flame was lit when the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in February 2025, a generational player who could put the team atop the NBA again.
The Lakers’ Luka Doncic (right) is in his prime and has not said he wants to remain with his current franchise forever. AP
It was fanned when Mark Walter’s ownership group took over the franchise six months later, the brain trust that helped transform the Dodgers into three-time World Series champions over the last six years.
And gasoline was poured on it when LeBron James announced his eight-season tenure with the Lakers had come to an end.
All eyes were on Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. What grand plan did he have up his sleeve as the chimes officially rang on “Summer of 2026,” the vaunted period when the Lakers were to be transformed into champions once again?
A flurry of moves happened.
The result?
Instead of gasps, there were groans.
Instead of building a team that could contend against the Spurs or Thunder, he assembled one that’s worse than last season’s squad.
Pelinka was clearly trying to build a team in the likeness of the 2023-2024 Mavericks, who reached the Finals with Doncic surrounded by ball handlers (Kyrie Irving), rim-running lob threats (Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford) and 3-and-D wings (P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr.).
Center Walker Kessler is a solid player, but did the Lakers mortgage their future to get him? Getty Images
But this is the janky reboot.
It’s the sequel that never should’ve been made.
It’s the new season that lost its magic.
The Lakers overpaid for Walker Kessler, acquiring him on a four-year, $130 million contract with a player option in the fourth season. As part of the sign-and-trade with the Jazz, they gave up unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler is the defensive-minded, rim-protecting center they wanted. But was he worth mortgaging their future? The Lakers no longer have any tradable first-round picks over the next seven years.
But let’s take a moment to look at who they lost in free agency.
LeBron James, you know, arguably the greatest player of all time, who even at age 41 was good enough to single-handedly lead the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.
The Lakers and Austin Reaves decided to stick together, but did the franchise tie up too much of its money on a few players? USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
And Luke Kennard, the best 3-point shooter in the league.
The current Lakers roster lacks defense, aside from Kessler. It lacks a wing stopper. It lacks depth.
The Lakers entered free agency with the most cap space of any team at around $50 million. But they didn’t come close to building a contender. Their current squad wouldn’t even be able to get past last year’s team in a playoff series. And the Lakers squandered all of their draft capital.
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Instead of having a splashy offseason, the Lakers are sinking.
Sure, they got younger. Austin Reaves is now the oldest player on their roster at age 28. But they also got less talented. They’ve committed $480 million among Doncic, Reaves and Kessler.
Free agency isn’t over. The Lakers reportedly have interest in Jonathan Kuminga, whose $24.3 million team option was recently declined by the Hawks. They better figure something out to shore up their holes.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was determined to assemble a splashy roster this summer, but the moves he made weren’t impressive. Getty Images
This much is for sure: The moves Pelinka made weren’t impressive.
The Lakers aren’t going to be able to compete in the very crowded Western Conference. They’ve hamstrung themselves with huge contracts. They have no draft assets. Their defense is porous.
He’s in his prime. He’s not going to allow the Lakers to squander it. His patience is going to quickly wear thin if Los Angeles isn’t able to compete.
While Doncic made it clear he wanted to spend his entire career with the Mavericks, he has given no such assurances to the Lakers.
This summer was supposed to be Pelinka’s celebration. His coming-out party. His chance to prove to Walter that he can expertly pilot a 17-time champion franchise that views anything short of titles as failures.
It was his time to show that his mistakes in the draft over the past few years were anomalies. That his greatest accomplishment wasn’t acquiring a gift-wrapped Doncic. That he’s the Lakers’ future.
Instead, this may be the beginning of his swan song.
The Lakers stormed into this offseason with a treasure trove of ways to climb atop the league. There was a palpable buzz around them. The whole basketball world was watching.
But instead of assembling a team that inspires fear, they’ve built one that inspires shrugs.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Thursday morning, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reported on his latest podcast that contract extension talks were a factor in why the Celtics were not able to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo, Simmons reported, wanted a three-year extension while the Celtics wanted two (and the money was based more on percentage of the cap than raw totals). Simmons reported that Antetokounmpo wanted three years at 35%, the Celtics “were pretty entrenched” at two years at 30%.
“Giannis wanted the three [years] for 35% [of the cap], and they couldn’t agree on it,” Simmons said.
(Based on the current cap, that’s a difference of roughly $8.2 million per year).
However, a league source told CelticsBlog that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s looming extension was not a factor in why the Celtics didn’t land him, and that they were prepared to offer him the full 3-year, 35% contract extension.
Milwaukee ultimately accepted an offer from the Miami Heat that included Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in the 2026 NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick. Antetokounmpo, in turn, lands in Miami after a season in which he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while shooting 62.4% from the field.
On Wednesday, the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Brown is coming off a career-best season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, while finishing sixth in MVP voting.
This story will be updated if more information is available.
