The San Antonio Spurs came up short in one of their final tests of the regular season, ending their win streak at 11. The Nuggets are battle-tested, deploying the top offense in the NBA, and they were the better team in the crucible.

Nikola Jokić feasted in the lane, but the Spurs couldn’t be stopped from getting there, either. It also helped that they kept their groove going in most of the non-Victor Wembanyama minutes, and the Nuggets weren’t as strong with Jokić resting. Still, it was a close game that required overtime, and the difference was the Spurs losing control and going cold after Jokić checked in for the last time.

Observations

• This is as good as it gets to a playoff appetizer. Thirteen 3-pointers came in the first quarter as both teams showed high-level horsepower and the level of physicality increased as the game went on. The stakes were high for both teams as the Spurs had a chance of catching the first seed, and the Nuggets are trying to maintain home-court advantage in round one of the playoffs. 
• The Nuggets had the Spurs on the ropes in the third quarter, and they survived thanks to Julian Champagnie, Wembanyama and Stephon Castle putting the offense on their shoulders. The three of them combined for seven baskets in that span, yet the Nuggets went on a big run late in the period with them on the bench, cutting the Spurs’ lead to four going into the fourth quarter. The Spurs took advantage of the non-Jokić minutes, but the script flipped, and they were put in too many scrambles.
• Nikola Jokić is the best player in the world, and making him work on defense is a necessity because he doesn’t want to guard anybody. The Nuggets tried to hide him on the smaller players, but the Spurs did a good job of going at him.
• Wembanyama and Castle each had two fouls in the first quarter, but they didn’t let that affect their aggression and they continued charging into the paint. Wembanyama’s activity generated 11 of his 17 free throw attempts in the first half. On top of that, his presence was a big reason why the Nuggets struggled to score in the lane. Still, Jokić outplayed him in crunch time.
• Christian Braun was the guy the Spurs left open to clog the lane, and he made five 3-pointers. Despite the production, he was the right player for the Spurs to try that against because he’s been awful on open and wide-open attempts this year.
• Jokić took an accidental smack to the face by Wembanyama in the first quarter, and then took a shot to the upper chest by Keldon Johnson late in the second. He usually comes out like a madman after getting battered and bruised, and he finished with 40 points on 52 percent shooting.
• The Spurs have been almost unbeatable when they score at least 70 points in the first half. After this loss, their record drops to 15-3.
• De’Aaron Fox had five baskets in the fourth quarter, but he made a huge mistake, causing a four-point play by lunging at a shooter, which cut the team’s lead to two points late in the game. He also missed some critical shots in overtime.

Michigan basketball has been an indomitable force in the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, marching its way to the Final Four with four victories that were decided by an average of 22.5 points per game.

While their triumphs have been the product of hard, diligent work from players and coaches, one figure has loomed particularly large in the Wolverines’ path to a 35-3 record.

Yaxel Lendeborg has been an overwhelming driver for Michigan in his first season with the program. After averaging a double-double in each of the previous two years at UAB, the 6-foot-9 forward was the prize of last year’s transfer portal haul, choosing Dusty May and the Wolverines over a number of other extremely interested suitors. 

REQUIRED READING: March Madness games today: Final Four schedule and game breakdowns

Lendeborg has more than lived up to the hopes that greeted him in Ann Arbor, earning first-team All-American and Big Ten player of the year honors for a Michigan team that’s two wins away from its first national title since 1989.

Lendeborg’s do-everything success on the floor has made him a figure of intense interest not only for college basketball fans, but NBA front offices who will be vying for his services during the 2026 NBA Draft.

As his team prepares to play fellow No. 1 seed Arizona in the Final Four on Saturday, April 4, here’s a closer look at Lendeborg:

Yaxel Lendeborg age

Lendeborg is one of the older players in this year’s Final Four. The Michigan standout is 23 years old and will turn 24 in September, ahead of what will be his rookie season in the NBA.

Yaxel Lendeborg draft

Lendeborg is widely regarded as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Here’s a look at where various mock drafts have the Wolverines star going:

• USA TODAY Sports: No. 7 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies
• ESPN: No. 17 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies
• Bleacher Report: No. 13 overall to the Charlotte Hornets 
• CBS Sports: No. 16 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies
• SB Nation: No. 6 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers
• Yahoo Sports: No. 16 overall to the Charlotte Hornets

REQUIRED READING: Arizona vs Michigan predictions: Who will win in Final Four, play for national championship?

Yaxel Lendeborg stats

This season, Lendeborg is averaging 15.2 points, seven rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Since the first round of the NCAA tournament, he’s been even better, averaging 25 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 61.4% overall, including 52.6% from 3-point range in Michigan’s past three games.

Here’s a look at his stats from this season:

• 2023-24 (UAB): 13.8 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, 2.1 blocks per game, 0.7 steals per game, 51.3% on field goals, 33.3% on 3s
• 2024-25 (UAB): 17.7 points per game, 11.4 rebounds per game, 4.2 assists per game, 1.8 blocks per game, 1.7 steals per game, 52.2% on field goals, 35.7% on 3s
• 2025-26 (Michigan): 15.2 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, 3.3 assists per game, 1.3 blocks per game, 1.2 steals per game, 52% on field goals, 37% on 3s

Yaxel Lendeborg height

Lendeborg is listed on Michigan’s official roster at 6-foot-9.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How old is Yaxel Lendeborg? Age, stats, mock drafts for Michigan basketball star

Once again, the Wizards offered little resistance on defense.

A couple nights ago the Philadelphia 76ers scored 153 in regulation over the little defense the Wizards offered. As the game today evolved the only interesting question seemed to be whether the Heat will break that threshold or not. At halftime, the Miami Heat were right on pace: scoring 77 points. If they could match that in the second half, they would arrive at 154!

Alas, the Wizards did not come out of the locker room after half-time with any more determination, as they ceded 45 points in the 3rd quarter alone. But maybe one of those patented “comebacks from behind” in the 4th quarter?

Nah, with 6 minutes left in the 4th, the scoreboard showed 118-140 for the hosts, as they were on pace to break the 153 threshold!

But, at last, the Wizards were able to keep the Heat to only 30 points in that final frame, and as the game ended the scoreboard proclaimed 136-152 in favor the Heat.

Some bright spots for the Wizards were:

Will Riley was the best starter in terms of plus/minus, with only -3. Actually, he played well. Made 12 of his 17 field goals, and scored 31 points in 37 minutes! It’s probably much thanks to him that the loss was only by 16 points.

Also, Sharife Cooper and Jamir Watkins were great in garbage time, with 20 (3-for-5 from deep) and 14 (2-for-4 from deep) points each.

For the Heat, Jaquez Jr. had 32 points in 32 minutes, off the bench! Did we already say candidate for 6th man of the year?

The Wizards now head to Brooklyn for another matinee game, tomorrow.

This week’s Dallas Mavericks centeric poll centered around the NCAA Men’s Final Four. Yes there’s still plenty of NBA basketball on (and perhaps you could and should go make a wager on NBA Rookie of the Year, now that Cooper Flagg has potentially recaptured momentum), but I think most of our fans are thinking ahead to the NBA Draft lottery and the draft itself.

Which means you’re considering prospects. And if the lottery goes chalk, there are a lot of guys playing this weekend that Dallas might consider. The first question asked about guards and who you were going to follow on Saturday and/or Monday.

This is within line of what I expected Keaton Wagler is a late riser and some that’s easy to get excited about when you watch his game. Brayden Burries is probably a safer pick given his skillset, but hes very exciting. I assume we have some UConn fans taking the poll as Braylon Mullens doesn’t do it for me.

The next question was about Final Four Big men. There were others I could’ve chosen, but these three seeemed to be the most well known.

I have to hope Mavs fans are watching Yaxel Lendeborg because he’s on a good team. I would be very upset if Dallas drafted a guy that’s four years and two months older than Cooper Flagg. Koa Peat is an interesting player, I’m not sure what he’s good at. Krivas is a wishlist guy for me, with that second first-round pick or a trade-up.

Then we get to these questions from the national poll, which you can also sign up for.

The first poll centered around the East’s Play-In teams. It seems that fans do not believe in any of them. A reasonable take.

This second question was asked before Luka Doncic got hurt. I think it’s too low. The awards are going to end up with weird ballots that don’t tell the story of the year. It’s silly.

This one’s also weird. Not sure why 6 in 10 fans think the NBA can incentivze differently than what’s already been done. Teams that want to lose will find a way to do so.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is reportedly out for the remainder of the season.

Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and he will miss the Lakers' five remaining regular-season games, according to ESPN. The combo guard is expected to be out for four to six weeks, ESPN's Shams Charania reported.

Reaves has had his best season with the Lakers after joining the team as an undrafted rookie signing in 2021. In his fifth season in Los Angeles, Reaves averaged a career-high 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals. His shooting splits are 49% on field goals, 36% from three and 87% on free throws.

Reaves appeared in their most recent game, a 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. Reaves scored 15 points on 5-of-9 shots and 3-for-3 on free throws in 27 minutes in the loss. Los Angeles also lost their star guard, Luka Doncic, when he left the game and was later ruled out with a strained hamstring.

The Lakers' five remaining games of the 2025-26 regular season are against the Dallas Mavericks, Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles has a 50-27 record and is currently at the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings to determine the playoff matchups. They are a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets. The NBA postseason begins April 14 with the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament.

Reaves is expected to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2026.

Austin Reaves injury timeline

Reaves was having a career season before his injury. It wasn't the first time he was kept out of the action due to bodily limitations.

Reaves missed 19 consecutive games earlier in the season with a Grade 2 left calf strain that he injured on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. Prior to his calf injury, Reaves was averaging 26.1 points, 6.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

That was his second calf injury. Reaves had just returned, having missed three straight games for the Lakers, from Dec. 14-20, due to a calf strain.

Lakers remining schedule 

Here is who the Lakers face in their remaining five games in the 2025-26 regular season.

• Sunday, April 5: Dallas Mavericks
• Tuesday, April 7: Oklahoma City Thunder
• Thursday, April 9: Golden State Warriors
• Friday, April 10: Phoenix Suns
• Sunday, April 12: Utah Jazz

Lakers playoff matchups

If the NBA playoffs began today, the Lakers would be the No. 3-seed going against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who would be the No. 6-seed.

Last year, the Lakers faced Anthony Edwards and the T'Wolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Minnesota bounced them winning the series in five games, 4-1. This year would seem to have a similar outcome, especially if Los Angeles is without its stars, Doncic and Reaves.

The Lakers only have a game lead over the Nuggets and a two-game lead over the No. 5-seed Rockets. Los Angeles doesn't have the No. 3-seed locked in just yet. They can still slide down within the next five games.

If they slide down one spot, they could face the Rockets in the first round with home-court advantage. However, if the Rockets climb up and the Lakers move down, it's Houston that would have home-court advantage. Either way, it would set up possibly one last postseason matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

The Lakers and Nuggets could face each other in the postseason for the fourth time since 2020. It's unlikely the Lakers drop to a No. 6 seed, so this matchup would be in the event Houston bolts to third, while Los Angeles and Denver jockey for home-court advantage at the No. 4- and 5-seed matchup.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Austin Reaves injury update is horrible news for Lakers playoff hopes

The Lakers will be without their starting backcourt for the rest of the regular season — five more games — after Austin Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain on Saturday.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Reaves underwent an MRI exam on his left olbique/rib area.

The team learned earlier this week that Luka Doncic has a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will be out for the remainder of the regular season — and perhaps beyond. Grade 2 strains often take four to six weeks to heal.

The Lakers are also dealing with an injury to guard Marcus Smart, who has missed the last six games because of a right ankle contusion and will be sidelined for the game Sunday at Dallas.

“It's it's lingering soreness in the ankle,” Redick said.

Even with all of this, Redick said the Lakers’ “mission hasn’t changed.”

Read more:Luka Doncic's hamstring strain will keep him out for remainder of the regular season

“We want to get the third seed and we want to win a first-round series,” Redick said.

The Lakers are the third in the Western Conference, but Denver, Houston and Minnesota are within striking distance. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker over all three.

They'll try to hold on to the No. 3 seed over the final five games of the regular season without Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring (33.5 points per game) and is fourth in assists (8.3), and Reaves, who is averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds.

Each player was injured in the first half of a blowout loss on Thursday to Oklahoma City but returned to play in the second half.

“I know Luka's gonna do everything he can to get back on the court,” Redick said. “We don't know what this recovery timetable looks like."

The Lakers likely will have to lean more on LeBron James, a role the 41-year-old is more than willing to take on. James has been designated the third option behind Doncic and Reaves yet has still averaged 20.6 points per game, 6.9 assists and 6.0 rebounds in his 23rd season.

“It probably is going to look a little bit differently with Luka being out,” James said after practice. “I'll figure that out and then, obviously, the coaches will figure it out as well.”

The Lakers are making the mental adjustment of playing without Doncic. After the Mavericks, they'll have tough games against Oklahoma City, Golden State and Phoenix before finishing against lowly Utah on April 12.

“I mean, it’s a challenge for us,” James said. “It’s always got to be a next-man-up [mentality]. But there’s no way you can replace that type of impact. So, it's going to be a collective group. We all have to figure out a way to do a little bit more. But even now, you got to be even more tightened up on the things that we do. When you lose a special player like that, you can't have as many mistakes. So, we got to figure that out.”

For Redick, speaking for the first time since news of Doncic’s injury, he had to check on the temperature of his team to make sure his group was in the right space.

The practice Saturday on the campus of Southern Methodist helped.

“I think making sure that everybody's in the right frame of mind, first of all, and then you know we worked on just offensive stuff, just cleaning up some stuff and being really explicit with what we want to run,” Redick said. “Did some offensive breakdown. It was definitely more of an offensive day.

"We did work on defense to start the practice, but that's again that's the primary sort of focus. How do we score, how do we score efficiently, and our defense again is, it's we're interchangeable. We've been interchangeable now for two-and-a half-months.”

James controversy

James created a bit of controversy when he said on “Bob Does Sports” YouTube video that Memphis should relocate to Nashville.

“I’m not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We all like, ‘You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville," James said.

James, when asked if he wanted to clarify his remarks, then mentioned Milwaukee also as one of his least favorite cities.

“I said Milwaukee as well,” James said. “I’m 41 years old (and) there's two cities I do not like playing in right now — and that's Milwaukee and that's Memphis. What is your problem with it? I don't like going home [to Cleveland,] either. … And I'm from there. People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son [Bronny James] being on the [Lakers] team, too.

"So, what are we talking about? People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that's important. Like, seriously? I'm not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis. I don't like staying at the Hyatt Centric [hotel]. What's wrong with that? Nothing. What are we talking about? What are we talking about? People need to chill the hell out.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

DALLAS — Lakers star guard Austin Reaves will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season because of an oblique injury, the team said on Saturday.

Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury after having an MRI over the weekend. 

He suffered the injury during Thursday’s blowout loss to the Thunder after he “overextended a little bit” for a rebound in the first quarter, Reaves said postgame.

Reaves stayed in the game despite the discomfort, going back to the locker room after subbing out before returning in the second quarter. 

He subbed out for the remainder of the game in the third, with the Lakers down by 38 at the time.

Reaves is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, joining fellow star guard Luka Doncic as Lakers who are out for the rest of the regular season after Doncic suffered a regular-season-ending Grade 2 left hamstring strain against the Thunder.

"The second [MRI] was today. Again, I don't know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but uh they scanned the wrong area. Not on our end. We made it explicit what was supposed to be scanned but they scanned the wrong area." JJ Redick on Austin Reaves' MRI https://t.co/JweK8oI1aZpic.twitter.com/SPcM0hvb0v

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) April 4, 2026

With Doncic (33.5 points) and Reaves (23.3) sidelined, the Lakers will be without their top-two scorers for the remainder of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.

Doncic’s injury is expected to sideline him for a few weeks. 

“From a strategic tactical standpoint, we obviously are gonna have to play a little bit differently,” coach JJ Redick said after Saturday’s practice before Reaves’ injury was revealed. “There’s enough that we have in that we can play through LeBron [James], play through Luke [Kennard], play through Rui [Hachimura], play through [Deandre Ayton].”

The Lakers entered Sunday with a 50-27 record for third place in the Western Conference standings, a ½ game ahead of the fourth-place Nuggets (50-28), two games ahead of the fifth-place Rockets (48-29) and four games ahead of the sixth-place Timberwolves (46-31).

“Our mission hasn’t changed,” Redick said. “We want to go get the 3-seed and we want to win a first round series.”

In addition to his career-high scoring average, Reaves will finish the season with averages of 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in a career-low 51 games after missing significant time in December and January because of a calf strain. 

He has a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27 that he’s expected to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

LeBron James, who’s 41 and in his 23rd NBA season, is the Lakers’ lone star player available for the stretch run of the season. 

“You got to flip the mindset a little bit,” James said. “When your role changes, whatever the case may be, or what’s needed out of the team. So the mindset changes a little bit for sure.”

Marcus Smart will also remain sidelined because of a right ankle contusion. He’ll miss his seventh consecutive game because of the injury when the Lakers play the Mavericks on Sunday.

“The ball handling role, we’ll obviously have to ask guys to do more,” Redick said. “Kobe [Bufkin], Nick [Smith Jr.], Dalton [Knecht], those guys will be with us at some point for [on Sunday]. We’ll probably have to play a 10- and 11-man rotation, all hands on deck.”

There was a delay getting the results from Reaves’ MRI.

Saturday was Reaves’ second time getting imaging for his injury in Dallas after the first one didn’t scan the right area. 

“Again, I don’t know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area,” coach JJ Redick said. “Not on our end. We made it explicit what was supposed to be scanned but they scanned the wrong area.”

BOSTON — Ron Harper Jr. has long awaited this moment. After four two-way contracts, the 25-year-old has finally signed a two-year NBA contract, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Harper Jr. has appeared in 26 games for the Celtics this season, averaging 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game. Of late, he’s had several standout performances for the Celtics; last month, he exploded for 22 points on 8-11 shooting against the San Antonio Spurs. Last week, he had a great first-quarter stint against the Charlotte Hornets — scoring 7 quick points — before he went down with an ankle sprain.

The Boston Celtics are signing two-way wing Ron Harper Jr. to a new two-year deal, agent Drew Gross of WME Basketball tells ESPN. Harper has played a key Celtics rotation role at times this season while spending time starring for their Maine G League affiliate. pic.twitter.com/3g44oay1Ql

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 4, 2026

Harper Jr. had a standout season with the Maine Celtics before primarily joining the parent club in January. He averaged 24.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting 37.7% from three in the G-League.

And while he hasn’t shot particularly well in very limited minutes in Boston, his shooting has nonetheless impressed his teammates.

“Ron’s one of the best shooters on our team,” Jaylen Brown proclaimed a few weeks ago. Harper Jr. proceeded to shoot 60% from three in March.

While this is his first year actually under contract with the Celtics, Harper Jr. is very familiar with the organization; he spent the 2024 and 2025 NBA training camps with Boston and was also on the Celtics’ Summer League team in 2024.

“I feel like I know the system; the coverages are like the back of my hand,” Harper Jr. said in February. “That was a big part of the process and the decision to be coming back in the summer — I just knew the team, I knew the coaches, I knew the system.”

After his first NBA start, a Celtics win over the Houston Rockets on February 4th, Harper Jr. said he felt he made the right decision to rejoin the Celtics organization.

“I felt like I could excel,” Harper Jr. said then. “I feel like it’s working out pretty good so far.”

Now, he’s officially achieved something he’s long desired: an NBA contract.

The haymakers are coming left and right for the Lakers right now.

Luka Doncic’s hamstring injury took center stage from Thursday’s loss to the Thunder, but Austin Reaves was also injured and it’s much worse than he initially indicated after the game.

The Lakers announced on Saturday that Reaves would be out for the regular season with a Grade 2 oblique strain.

Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and will be out for the remainder of the regular season, per the Lakers.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 4, 2026

Don’t worry, though. It gets worse.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Reaves is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with the injury. That safely rules him out for the first round and likely rules him out for part or most of a second round series, which feels basically impossible to even reach now.

Lakers' Austin Reaves is expected to miss four to six weeks with the Grade 2 oblique injury, sources tell ESPN. Devastating run of injuries to L.A.'s two leading scorers. Reaves and Luka Doncic are expected to be sidelined to begin the NBA playoffs. https://t.co/E2495zVWqH

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 4, 2026

Truly, it’s hard to imagine a worse 24 hours for the Lakers. In that span, both Luka and Austin have all but been ruled for the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers are going to limp into the postseason like it’s 2012 all over again.

After practice on Saturday in Dallas, head coach JJ Redick revealed that Reaves had imaging done on his oblique. In fact, he had an MRI twice for the most hilarious reason possible.

“The second one was today,” Redick said. “I don’t know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area. Not on our end. We made it explicit where it was supposed to be scanned but they scanned the wrong area.”

Somehow, this is very fitting for how the Lakers’ season has gone.

It’s hard to really have much of a takeaway from this other than it being a brutal way for this season to unofficially end. There will be another week of regular season games and a first round series but it’s all going to feel ceremonial at this point.

We’ll always have the March Lakers. They can’t take that away from us at least.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Michigan coach Dusty May revived the Wolverines in just two seasons, leading the program to the Final Four in 2026 after taking over a team that went 26-40 in the two years prior to his arrival.

May has only been a head coach for eight seasons but already has two Final Four appearances at two schools – Michigan and Florida Atlantic. A national championship is in Michigan's sights this season.

REQUIRED READING: At Michigan, Dusty May's son is the student manager his dad once was

His services are also – obviously – sought after. He has been tied to the North Carolina opening after the school fired Hubert Davis, and he'll likely always be thought of as a dream candidate at Indiana, where he cut his teeth as a student manager before graduating from his hometown school.

Michigan won't let him walk easy, like any other top-tier program in college basketball.

Here's a look at May's current contract at Michigan, which could increase even more if the Wolverines add another raise after is Final Four run:

Dusty May contract

May signed a new contract with Michigan in February 2025, just under a year after he became the Wolverines' next coach. His current deal is through 2030, and offers him an increase of $250,000 each season, according to his contract obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

His base salary this season was $4.6 million and will increase to $4.85 million next season if his current deal doesn't change, which seems unlikely due to the Wolverines' dominance and other schools' interest in May. His yearly salary would peak at $5.6 million in Year 5 of the deal under the current agreement.

He also earns $150,000 on April 30, 2026, as part of his retention bonus. His retention bonus is set at $450,000 for 2027 and 2028, before going back to $150,000 for 2029 and 2030.

Dusty May bonuses

May has already made $250,000 in bonuses this season for leading Michigan to an outright Big Ten championship and at least a Final Four appearance, according to his contract. He's currently earning $200,000 for a Final Four spot, but that bonus can rise to $300,000 for a national championship berth and $400,000 if Michigan wins the title.

Dusty May buyout

May's buyout is currently set at $7 million, if he were to leave Michigan before April 30, 2026. The number decreases each year, and is set at $5 million until April 30, 2027, $3 million until April 30, 2028, $2 million on April 30, 2029, and $1 million on April 30, 2030.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dusty May contract: Michigan coach's bonuses, buyout before Final Four

Nothing is going to loom over the Lakers’ offseason more than LeBron James.

Will he retire? Will he want to remain with the Lakers? At what price? Under what expectations for a role?

For chunks of the season, it’s felt like the swan song for LeBron in Los Angeles. All of the mesaging from the Lakers was about moving into the Luka era and LeBron’s presence felt like a hindrance to that.

Then in March, things changed. LeBron’s role on the court shifted into one he’s never had before as he was a willing third fiddle, eager to capitalize on fastbreak opportunities and work off the ball offensively.

That shift seemed to open the door for a future with LeBron in LA. While President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has said that the team wants LeBron to retire with the Lakers, that always felt more like saying the right thing in public. When the rubber meets the road, will they hold the same belief?

Those answers won’t come for a number of more months, but some insight indicates that the Lakers could be leading the pack for LeBron’s 2026-27 season. In a recent appearance on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, Dave McMenamin of ESPN shared his thoughts on LeBron’s future.

It’s a very lengthy quote with the most important parts bolded.

“If you asked me in October or December, I’d probably have put retirement as the No. 1 option here. As of today covering LeBron with the Lakers winning 15 out of 17 games and accepting this role that I didn’t know if I’d ever see him actually accept being willingly this much off the ball, why wouldn’t he stay with the Lakers. It gives him all the off-court things that he values — his business empire, his family, his son’s on the team, his other son is a short flight away in Arizona…and they’re winning.

So, I think the only part of the equation that would be less desirable than other situations would be the money because the Lakers do intend to build this time around Luka Dončić and use their cap space to get younger and get two-way type players and talent. Quite frankly, they don’t have a ton of cap space after they re-sign Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard and maybe Rui Hachimura. It’s not like they have all this money…If he wants to come back, you’re not talking about a lot of money. That’s the sacrifice he would make. But everything else checks the box. So, the Lakers, I think, are the No. 1 by a wide degree at this point.”

While I’d push back against the “not like they have all this money” part because, well, the Lakers are going to have a lot of money, it doesn’t change that they want to spend that money elsewhere and not on a returning LeBron.

This isn’t the first time this debate has been had this season and even with free agency approaching, it won’t be the last time either. Things clearly change throughout the season and maybe there is one more swing before free agency opens in July.

But McMenamin is right. The Lakers give him everything he wants off the court. If they can also add winning on the court to the table, it’s a compelling case. Is it a strong enough case for him to take less money to return? That might be out of his control as it’s hard to imagine him getting a ton of money from any franchise he wants to go to.

But as things play out, it certainly seems like the Lakers are the frontrunners.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

I’ll confess up front that I have no life. Which is why I spent a large part of my weekend running simulations of the 2026 NBA draft using the Fanspo site. I won’t bore you with the mathy details (yet), but I ran the draft using 9 default setting combinations (auto pick behavior standard, team needs, and chaos vs. the ESPN, Fanspo, and No Ceilings draft boards) 6 times each for a total of 54 runs.

I learned a lot of things (which will be covered in my next article), but one of the more important things I learned was that there were three players that fell to 47 that I had not expected, but that the Suns might want to consider. Thus, I’m providing 3 more scouting reports of players that might be available when the Suns pick at 47. Keep in mind, these are all long shots, but they are players that should at least be on the radar in case they do fall.

Aday Mara (Michigan, Junior, C)

Aday Mara (7’3″, ~255 pounds) is a highly skilled 2026 NBA Draft prospect and Michigan transfer known for elite passing instincts, soft touch around the rim, and significant size. While an exceptional interior scorer and rim protector, his NBA projection relies on improving lateral mobility, perimeter defense, and added physical strength.

Key Statistics

23.2 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.9 stocks, 66.9 FG%, 54.5 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Passing & IQ: Possesses rare vision for a center, acting as a high-post playmaker with advanced reads, including flashy behind-the-back passes.
• Interior Scoring: Efficient scorer with soft touch, shooting high percentages on layups and dunks, particularly as a pick-and-roll or short-roll threat.
• Rim Protection: Uses his 7’3″ frame to block shots and alter attempts in the paint, showing good verticality.

Weaknesses

• Shooting: Needs to develop his jump shot to expand his floor spacing, as his free-throw shooting is low.
• Physicality & Mobility: Concerns exist regarding his ability to defend in space and switch onto smaller players, which could make him a drop-coverage specialist in the NBA. 

Draft Range

Late first to early second round (20-40) with several mocks putting him in the 26-27 range

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

The NBA meta has taken a shift back to having room for giant centers: Zach Edey has been great in Memphis. During last year’s draft, several big men dropped into the second round (Maxime Renaud, Ryan Kalkenbrenner) and have had great rookie seasons. Mara has a 7’6.5” wingspan and grades out as a better defender than Reynaud, if a worse shooter. He averages 4.6 blocks per 36 minutes. He has a more advanced feel for the game than Maluach, and might be a good pick-up if Mark Williams’ contract demands prove exorbitant. He could also provide insurance if Maluach fails to develop.

All in all, he’s a late first round talent; you can’t teach height, and there are several scenarios that fell out where he was the best player available when the Suns drafted in the simulation. I would rank him 5^th on the Suns board from my previous article, between Henri Veesaar and Rueben Chinyelu.

NBA Comparison

Maxime Reynaud, but with less jumpshot and more shot blocking.

Flory Bidunga (Kansas, Sophomore, PF/C)

Flory Bidunga is an elite, high-motor 6’10” 235 lbs. sophomore center at Kansas (2025-26) and a projected 2026 NBA Draft prospect known for explosive athleticism, premier rim protection, and efficient finishing. Named the 2025-26 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, he dominates as a lob threat and rebounder, though he is considered slightly undersized for a center and is developing his offensive game beyond the paint.

Key Statistics

31.6 MPG, 13.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.3 stocks, 64.0 FG%, 65.4 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Athlete & Motor: Possesses tremendous energy, speed, and agility, allowing him to play above the rim consistently.
• Rim Protection: A premier shot-blocker (98th percentile block rate) with great verticality, timing, and recovery speed.
• Efficient Scorer: Highly reliable in the dunker spot and as a roll man (96th percentile), featuring a soft touch and strong lefty hook.
• Rebounding: High-level rebounder on both ends of the floor.

Weaknesses

• Size/Position: At 6’9″ to 6’10”, he is considered a bit undersized for a traditional NBA center, leading to challenges against stronger, taller opponents.
• Offensive Range: Primarily a paint scorer with limited shooting range; needs to develop a consistent jumper to floor-space, according to SI.com and Reddit users.
• Defensive Discipline: Can occasionally get lost on defense or over-pursue block attempts, resulting in foul trouble

Draft Range

Early to mid-second round (35-45)

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Bidunga has the mobility to play PF or C, making him an interesting option if the Suns want to play two bigs at a time. As noted elsewhere, re-signing Mark Williams isn’t a given, and the Suns’ depth at PF is awful. Bidunga has a 7’2” reach and an excellent vertical leap. He would add athleticism and a lob threat, while being young enough for potential growth. I like his intangibles of being high motor and high effort, which fit well with Ott’s vision for the team. My main concerns with him are his limited shooting and limited offensive game, including assists. I would put him between Alex Condon and Baba Miller on my draft board.

NBA Comparisons

Mark West (Look him up, you whippersnappers), Jarrett Allen, Clint Capela.

Ebuka Okorie (Stanford, Freshman, PG)

Ebuka Okorie is a 6’2″, 185-pound freshman guard for the Stanford Cardinal who has rapidly emerged as a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft. Originally an under-the-radar recruit ranked outside the top 100, he became one of the most productive freshmen in college basketball during the 2025-26 season, earning All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Rookie honors.

Key Statistics

34.8 MPG, 22.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 46.0 FG%, 36.0 FT%, 83.4 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Rim Pressure: Okorie is widely considered the best pure driver in his class. He led the country in drives, converting 71.4% of his half-court rim attempts.
• Shot Creation & Ball Handling: A “jitterbug” with the ball, he uses a shifty handle and change of pace to create his own shot and get downhill.
• Efficiency Under Pressure: Despite a high usage rate (30.7%), he maintains a low turnover rate, averaging only 1.7 turnovers per game.
• Foul Drawing: He is highly effective at getting to the line, leading the ACC in free throws made and shooting 83.4% from the stripe. 

Weaknesses

• Physical Limitations: Scouts hold concerns regarding his lack of elite size and “above-the-rim” athleticism for the NBA level.
• Shooting Consistency: While a capable three-point shooter, his long-range consistency is a “work in progress,” currently hitting 36.0% from deep.
• Defensive Versatility: Due to his size, he can be overpowered by larger guards and lacks the versatility to switch onto multiple positions. 

Draft Range

Late 1st to early 2nd Round (roughly 28th-31st).

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Okorie fell to the Suns in one of the runs. He’s unlikely to be there when the Suns pick, just based on his raw potential, but could fall if his measurements at the combine say he’s as short as he looks in video. The good is that he is just about the craftiest scorer I’ve seen: his toolset on drives is otherworldly for a 19-year-old. Stop and pop, floaters, Eurostep, slithery-reverse layups, speed changes, shifting to his left hand, all the skills are there. His three-point shot improved dramatically as the season went by, and I think it will continue to improve at the NBA level. He also displays amazing handles and good court vision while limiting turnovers.

The downside: he’s small, slight, and his defense is abysmal. He is going to struggle mightily at the NBA level. I’m uncomfortably reminded of Damian Lillard at both ends of the court, both the good and the bad. But, if the Suns want a backup point guard behind Gillespie who will run an offense, score, push the pace, and not let the opposing team rest with Green out of the game, Okorie fits the mold.

NBA Comparisons

Damian Lillard, Brevin Knight

Final Verdict

While it’s unlikely that these three players will be on the board when the Suns draft, the simulations show it as possible once in a great while. With these three players added into the mix, here is my draft board for the Suns heading into the 2026 Draft with the 47^th Pick:

1. Joshua Jefferson: Very unlikely to be available, but Julius Randle-level upside
2. JT Toppin: A borderline lottery pick if not for injury
3. Zuby Ejiofor: One of the best players two years running at the college level. Elite intangibles
4. Henri Veesaar: Sweet shooting PF/C to stretch the floor. Could form a rotation with Fleming.
5. Aday Mara: Best shot blocker in the NCAA this past year per 36
6. Rueben Chinyelu: Rebounding machine with a clear NBA role and good fit
7. Milan Momcilovic: 6’8” 50% three-point shooters will always have a spot in the league
8. Ebuka Okorie: Potential Jamal Crawford sixth-man of the year type-player
9. Bruce Thornton: Smart, efficient point guard with a bad rap for being one inch too short. Could easily be a steal of the second round like Gillespie
10. Alex Karaban: He shoots threes, meh rebounder, and can play a little 4. Nothing special
11. Alex Condon: We already have Oso Ighodaro at home, dear.
12. Flory Bidunga: projects as a solid, high-energy back-up C. Limited offensive upside.
13. Baba Miller: Kirkland-brand Oso Ighodaro
14. Pryce Sandfort: Not sure what he provides that Koby Brea doesn’t
15. Juke Harris: Low efficiency chucker who doesn’t play defense either. No future in the league. See also: Cam Thomas, Ricky Davis

Next Up

Taking these ratings and showing what they yield in the draft simulator to figure out who the Suns are most likely to get, given this draft big board. Stay tuned…

In our most recent Utah Jazz Reacts survey, we got some interesting answers from Utah Jazz fans. Utah is nearing the end of another season where draft position was the goal. With that in mind, most of Jazz Nation is looking forward to next season and how good the team will be. One of the biggest questions these last four years under Will Hardy is, “Can Will Hardy turn them into a top-10 defense in the NBA?” Even though the team has been purposely designed to lose games, they’ve been one of the worst defenses in the league, if not dead last, each season. With an upgraded roster, that’s going to be one of the most interesting storylines next season. But how do Jazz fans feel?

From this survey, it looks like Jazz fans have a lot of faith in Will Hardy going forward. AlthoughThere may be some noise in that data. For example, maybe the roster doesn’t have enough players who are able to defend at a high enough level. We’ll see. All that said, it is interesting that Hardy has the seal of approval for the defense from the fans.

The next question I had was: who has the best chance of making the All-Star Game next season? According to Jazz fans, it looks like that is Lauri Markkanen.

That may be very likely, although I also think Keyonte George would be my own pick. The ball will be in George’s hands a lot and will be the player making everything happen. That might give him an advantage, but we’ll see.

To look at the odds for these and the upcoming playoffs, you can visit FanDuel here.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2026 inductees, representing some of the most impactful individuals who have played a part in the growth and advancement of basketball.

The Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026 is headlined by Joey Crawford, Mark Few, Doc Rivers, Amar'e Stoudemire, the 1996 U.S. Women's national team, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, Candace Parker and Mike D'Antoni.

“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to welcome the Class of 2026, a group that reflects the very best this sport has to offer,” President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame John Doleva said in a news release. "From a referee who set the standard over four decades, to coaches who built dynasties at every level, to players who redefined their positions, to a visionary who changed how the game is played — and a women’s class headlined by a national team that helped launch an entire league, alongside three of the most accomplished players the women’s game has ever seen — we are honored to welcome them to Springfield."

These individuals were recognized for their contributions to the game of basketball, whether they revolutionized the sport, pushed it forward, or have been an adversary to the betterment of the overall product of the game.

Here are the list of the newly inducted Class of 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame members, their accolades and how they've impacted the game.

More: Who made Basketball Hall of Fame? Part of 2026 class revealed by report

North American committee hall of fame selections

These individuals were selected by the North American committee to the 2026 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Joey Crawford

Joey Crawford was an NBA referee for 39 seasons spanning from 1977 to 2016. He is one of the NBA's longest-tenured and most accomplished officials in league history. Crawford has officiated 2,561 regular-season games in his career, which is second most to fellow Hall of Fame NBA referee Dick Bavetta. Crawford has also officiated an NBA record 374 playoff games and 50 NBA Finals games. He's worked every Finals series from 1986 to 2015.

His refereeing career first began with high school basketball in 1970. Crawford earned professional experience in the Eastern Basketball Association. He made his NBA debut as a 26-year-old.

Mark Few

Mark Few is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. He got his collegiate head coaching start at Gonzaga in 1999 and hasn't looked back. Few has led the Bulldogs to long-term national prominence with 773 coaching wins, 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and two NCAA championship game appearances in 2017 and 2021. Few was named Naismith Coach of the Year in the seasons where he coached his team to a NCAA title game.

Few is the winningest active coach, by winning percentage. He has recorded at least 20 wins in every season as Gonzaga’s head coach. He's won numerous West Coast Conference titles and was an assistant coach for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team that took home the gold medal against France.

Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers, who is currently head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, was named to basketball's highest honors for his contribution to the league for 27 seasons. Rivers collected more 1,180 wins in his career that spans nearly three-decades.

Rivers has coached the Orlando Magic (1999-2003), Boston Celtics (2004-13), Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23), and Bucks (2023-present). Rivers was named NBA Coach of the Year with Orlando. He is revered for coaching the Celtics to their 2008 championship, at the time was the first for the franchise since 1986. He also coached them to a finals appearance in 2010.

Rivers moved into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list, passing George Karl, in a 123-113 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on December 29, 2025. He is the winningest active coach and has 114 playoff victories, which ranks fourth all-time.

Although he is being inducted as a coach, Rivers was a former All-Star point guard who played 13 NBA seasons.

Amar'e Stoudemire

Stoudemire was the ninth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft directly out of high school. He played 14 seasons in NBA and was a six-time NBA All-Star and 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year. In his career, Stoudemire averaged 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds.

His best years came with the Phoenix Suns where he tallied 21.4 points and 8.3 rebounds on a nightly basis during his first eight seasons from 2002 to 2010. He earned five All-NBA selections and was a key figure in Phoenix’s “Seven Seconds or Less” era coached by Mike D'Antoni, who was also inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Women's committee Hall of Fame selections

These individuals were selected by the women's committee to the 2026 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The 1996 United States women's national team

Similar to how the 1992 U.S. men's national team changed international competition and expanded the NBA's popularity, the 1996 United States women's national team probably single-handedly showcased the women's talent and sparked conversations of a professional women's league, which became the WNBA later that year.

The U.S. women's team captured the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics Games in Atlanta, finishing with an undefeated 8-0 record and an average margin of victory of more than 30 points.

The roster included future Hall of Famers Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Dawn Staley, Teresa Edwards, Rebecca Lobo, and Katrina McClain. Other members were Jennifer Azzi, Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, Venus Lacy, Nikki McCray, Carla McGhee and Katy Steding. The team was coached by future hall of fame coach Tara VanDerveer.

Elena Delle Donne

Elena Delle Donne played 11 seasons in the WNBA and became a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2019. She was drafted second overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, selected by the Chicago Sky. Delle Donne was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2013. She was traded to the Washington Mystics in 2017. Delle Donne led Washington to its first WNBA championship in 2019. She was named to the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary Team in 2021. Delle Donne was a seven-time All-Star and four-time All-WNBA First Team selection. She helped win an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. team at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Chamique Holdsclaw

Chamique Holdsclaw played 11 seasons in the WNBA suiting for the Washington Mystics (1999-2004), Los Angeles Sparks (2005-2007), Atlanta Dream (2009), and San Antonio Silver Stars (2010).

She was a six-time WNBA All-Star from 1999 to 2003 and in 2005. She was the first overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft after she led Tennessee to three consecutive NCAA national championships (1996-98), twice won Naismith College Player of the Year (1998, ‘99) and finished as the SEC’s all-time leading scorer.

Holdsclaw became the 1999 Rookie of the Year. She led the WNBA in scoring in 2002. She averaged 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds across her career. She won an Olympic gold medal in 2000. She was inducted to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Candace Parker

Candace Parker is arguably one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball history. Parker is a two-time league MVP (2008, 2013), three-time WNBA champion (2016, 2021, 2023) and 2016 Finals MVP.

Parker was drafted with the first pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft to the Los Angeles Sparks. At the time she became the second player ever to dunk in a game, second to Lisa Leslie, her former Sparks teammate. Parker became the only player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She earned a league Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. Parker is a seven-time WNBA All-Star and All-WNBA First Team selection.

She made her name at the college level, starring at Tennessee, where Parker helped to lead the program to two NCAA national championships in 2007 and 2008. Parker is a two-time Olympic gold medalist winning in 2008 and 2012.

Contributor's committee hall of fame selection

The following individual was selected by the contributor's committee to the 2026 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mike D'Antoni

Mike D'Antoni has his prints all over the modern game of basketball. In the 2000s, 'experts' thought he was insane for idolizing offense, and less defense. D’Antoni influenced the game through his up-tempo, 'space-and-pace' philosophy that helped redefine offensive strategy, emphasizing ball movement, shooting and efficiency, and shaping the analytics-driven era of the sport. His Suns' offense was deemed 'seven seconds or less' meaning that players had the green light to shoot good, high volume shots within seven seconds of a 24-second shot clock.

His impact spans continents, having coached professionally in Italy for eight seasons before bringing his ideas to the NBA. Through his 16 NBA seasons, D'Antoni has racked nearly 1,200 career wins. He was named NBA Coach of the Year twice in 2005 and 2017, he served as an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning 2012 U.S. Olympic Team and was recognized as one of the 50 Greatest Contributors in EuroLeague history in 2008.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame includes long list of legends