A former Golden State Warriors point guard receives backlash from the internet after leaving Steph Curry off of his top-5 all-time list.
When it comes to basketball conversations about who is the greatest of all time, it’s often a debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. But when it comes down to top five of all time, both of them are usually a sure thing to be in it.
Klay Thompson revealing his top 5 all-time with streamer PlaqueBoyMax
Thompson began the list by listing former Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal as his center, then put Tim Duncan and LeBron James as his two forwards.
Struggling to decide with his hand rubbing against his head, Thompson ended up choosing Kobe Bryant over Jordan at shooting guard.
“I gotta go with Kobe at the two,” Thompson said. “I love Mike, but I just grew up watching Kobe. I got to play against him. 81 [point game,] twelve threes, you know, gold medals. God, I love MJ, but Kobe is like a carbon copy of Mike. Imma go, Kobe just cause that’s my era.”
Thompson then said he would put Steph Curry at point guard, and added that he is “loyal to my PG of the past.”
Immediately after Thompson’s top 5 was revealed, basketball fans across the internet commented on the post that had over 457.7 thousand views in a day and had mixed reactions about Thompson’s list.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry react after scoring during the first quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (Jason Szenes for New York Post) Jason Szenes for New York Post
“stayed loyal to steph” no he just has common sense and knows steph is the greatest player ever at the position and it’s not relatively close
The X account @Kypsiw responded to the video and said: ” ‘Stayed loyal to steph’ no he just has common sense and knows steph is the greatest player ever at the position and it’s not relatively close.”
The account @GrindHard0990 commented, “NO JORDAN FOR A REASON…DUDE A– FR…”
The backlash on Thompson continued when the account @ThehoopCentral reposted the video, and the account @ItsMichaelJ commented a GIF of Jordan hysterically laughing with a tablet in his lap.
@AriiKruse1 commented, “Great lineup, but who takes the final shot in clutch moments?”
Thompson wasn’t the only one receiving backlash, as the account @Jay_Jay9517 commented on it, and took a shot at PlaqueBoyMax by saying, “These streamers are so lame, dude looks like he would rather be anywhere else than sitting next to one of the greatest NBA players of all time. .. not even engaged in the conversation.”
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This week, we finally touched on the elephant in the room re. Giannis: the notion that Bucks GM Jon Horst waited too long to trade him. This week’s polling results were fascinating because, to me, they showed how being a team fan and having a deeper connection to its players can change how people view the choices the team makes, compared with how an outsider views those choices.
Outside the fanbase, the prevailing view is that Horst messed up by waiting too long and losing much of his leverage when he traded Giannis. But inside the fanbase—while many accept that, in a nutshell, Horst could have done better strategically—most fans (59%) were fine with the Bucks GM waiting because they preferred he try everything to keep Giannis and fail than not exhaust all options. That said, a substantial portion of the fanbase (41%) still thought he waited too long. Each to their own!
Many of the fans who sat in the majority had other critiques of Horst—along with nuances they pointed out—but were ultimately steadfast that he did the right thing in his handling of Giannis, specifically:
BenDranklin3000: I will always stand by the opinion that when you have an absolute generational talent, you do everything you can to try to build around him. Even more so when he is actually a good dude and also actually likes the city of Milwaukee. Watching Giannis get teary-eyed while watching videos of fans thanking him and wishing him well while he is adjusting to his new surroundings is unheard of… And while there were some ugly moments, I will always love him, and that is all the justification I need to say we did the right thing in trying to make things work
LombardiStanleyO’Brian: Looking back at this… 100% yes. But at the present moment of that summer, equally 100% no. The Bucks were coming off a slim playoff exit at the hands of a magical Pacers run. After that, we waived and stretched Dame to steal a massive piece of their team in Myles Turner, and within a weak East, we looked like on paper title contenders. Sadly, a combination of bad Doc Rivers, Giannis’ injury, and just plain poor basketball doomed us. At the moment then, it looked like a great move on the surface, but like so many of Horst’s moves, it didn’t end up panning out.
Now for those who stood more toward the opposing opinion:
Harms: I voted No. I agreed with Sam Vecenie on the Game Theory podcast that Giannis should have been traded a year ago to extract more value. I can’t really fathom, with the benefits of hindsight, why anyone would choose the route we took as being better than potentially getting a better package and a quicker start to moving on. I get the sentimental feelings about it, but had I known that Giannis had been that aggressive with wanting out of Milwaukee, I would have moved him last year.
Check out FanDuel, the official sportsbook of SB Nation.
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Chemistry with this iteration of the Lakers will be an uphill challenge. Many of them have never played together and will need to learn one another quickly to succeed on the court.
Though there are a ton of new faces in Los Angeles, some already have connections, including Bronny James and Ziaire Williams.
On the Lakers’ YouTube channel, Williams discussed how he’s been teammates with Bronny before.
“Shoutout fellow Laker Bronny in the cut. That was my freshman right there. It’s going to be fun playing with Bronny again. We grew a lot together at Sierra Canyon and we’ve been friends ever since. So, it’s been cool to see him make it to the big leagues and keep progressing, keep getting better. I’m excited to be back on his team again.”
It’s going to be pretty cool for Sierra Canyon, and really all of California, when these two are on the floor at the same time.
While the degrees of separation in the NBA are small, it’s still rare for high school teammates to be on the same team at this level. The fact that the Lakers play just 31 miles from their high school is amazing and shows how small this world can be.
As a Californian, Williams has always loved the Lakers. So joining this iconic franchise certainly feels like a full-circle moment for him, which he described further in the aforementioned video.
“Seeing my name on the Lakers jersey was super surreal. A blessing. I can’t even explain it in words. I’m just so excited to be back home, play in front of the fans, my family. I would have never imagined this day would come true.”
With a bond to the city, the franchise and even one of his teammates, things are starting pretty well for Williams as a Laker.
This will be his third team in six years, but if Williams makes the most of this opportunity, it could be the place where he solidifies himself as a quality wing player.
Williams joined LA on a modest deal, and if he can be a solid defender and 3-point shooter, exceeding expectations is certainly on the table.
Agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, who represented Clarke, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports Friday, Aug. 14 that Clarke’s contract was fully protected for death through a life insurance policy purchased by the Grizzlies. The full $12.5 million amount will be disbursed to Clarke’s estate tax-free.
There are multiple ways players and their representatives can negotiate life insurance policies and post-death protections in player contracts. From no coverage whatsoever, to standard death protections that count a player’s salary as a taxable event, agents can also negotiate to have the player’s team purchase the life insurance policy. This last option allows for a player’s full salary to be paid out tax-free, providing a massive benefit to the player’s estate.
As for the remaining portion of Clarke’s $12.5 million salary for the 2025-26 season that had been owed at the time of his death, Bartelstein confirmed that amount is being paid out to his estate through October 2026; NBA contracts are paid in installments, so the remaining amount will be disbursed in those regular installments.
There had been conflicting reports concerning the remaining salary on Clarke’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season. Front Office Sports reported Thursday, Aug. 13 that Clarke’s estate would not receive the $12.5 million that had been owed to him next season.
On May 12, the Grizzlies and Clarke’s representatives at Priority Sports each issued separate statements announcing Clarke’s death. He was 29 years old.
Clarke was pronounced dead by authorities on May 11 after being found unresponsive in his bedroom, according to the announcement. A deputy medical examiner conducted an examination of Clarke at the DME’s Forensic Science Center on May 12 and the cause and manner of death were certified Aug. 7.
Clarke was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga and enjoyed initial success in the league, earning all-rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with Memphis in 2022.
Clarke's sudden death happened almost six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance. He had just finished his seventh NBA season, all of which he spent with the Grizzlies.Clarke allegedly led Cross County Sheriff's Office deputies on a miles-long chase on April 1, with speeds reaching over 100 mph, and was found with over 230 grams of kratom in his possession, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Clarke's career had been derailed in recent years by injuries. He played in just six games during the 2023-24 season due to a torn Achilles and missed all but two games this past season due to calf and knee ailments.
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San Diego Padres (65-57) at Cleveland Guardians (59-63), August 14, 2026, 4:10 p.m. PST
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A general overall view of the branding announcement for the new WNBA team the Cleveland Sirens at Rocket Arena on August 04, 2026 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
Picking a name for a new professional sports team is tricky. You want to do something creative, but also tie into the fabric of the city. Cleveland’s new WNBA team tried to do that when they unveiled their name as the Sirens. And according to those we surveyed, they were successful.
Earlier this week, we asked people to grade the name of the Sirens. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed gave the new team name either an “A” or “B” grade, with 39% giving it an “A.”
It’s worth pointing out that 21% gave the Sirens name a “D” or an “F” grade.
Doing something new and creative is a risk. Resurrecting a name like the Rockers or one that ties closely into the Cleveland Cavaliers would’ve been safer. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there were a number of people who didn’t like the bold choice.
Overall, it’s hard to criticize the Cleveland WNBA team for their brand rollout. They’ve done an excellent job of messaging their position and explaining why they went in this direction. They’ve made it clear that they want to be their own team, separate from the Cavs. And they’ve done that in an interesting and creative way.
“We don’t want to be the Lady Cavaliers.”
Cleveland Sirens exec Allison Howard explains why the city’s new #WNBA franchise chose to go a different direction from the Cavs brand and colors. pic.twitter.com/tDwzvKfcQa
The Sirens will start playing at the start of the 2028 season.
The Cavs open up their regular season in just about two months. FanDuel currently gives them the sixth-highest odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1000. They’re behind the New York Knicks (+300), Philadelphia 76ers (+400), Boston Celtics (+500), Detroit Pistons (+800), and Toronto Raptors (+1000).
Dennis Schröder is staying in the Eastern Conference — but he’s no longer a Cavalier.
The crafty veteran point guard has been traded to the Hornets, sending Tre Mann back to the Cavs, according to ESPN, in what is ultimately a cost-cutting move.
In executing this deal, Cleveland will reportedly move off Schröder’s remaining two years and $30 million-plus, taking back Mann, who will make $8 million this season, which is a little under half of Schröder’s $14.8 million for the 2026-27 season.
Mann, 25, will also have a team option for 2027-28 at the same $8 million.
Dennis Schroder drives against Josh Hart during Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals. Getty Images
The Hornets are also acquiring cash considerations as part of the deal, per ESPN.
The Cavs also added former fifth-overall draft pick Mario Hezonja in free agency this summer, who spent his last four seasons starring at Real Madrid, winning the prestigious EuroLeague title in 2023 and Liga ACB titles in Spain during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Individually, he secured an MVP award in 2026.
Schröder, a 2023 FIBA World Cup MVP and 2025 EuroBasket MVP, will turn 33 on Sept. 15 as he heads into his 14th NBA season.
Tre Mann will be going back to the Cavs in the Dennis Schroder trade. Getty Images
The long-time veteran floor general spent time with Hornets head coach Charles Lee while he was an assistant on Mike Budenholzer’s staff from 2014-18, coinciding with four of Schröder’s first five seasons in the league.
Schröder also overlapped with Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson, who was the Nets’ assistant GM before getting hired by Charlotte in March 2024.
Schröder played with the Nets from February through December of that year.
The 6-foot-1 guard, who is just 88 games away from making 1,000 career regular season NBA appearances — a feat only achieved by 156 other players — will be joining his 12th team in the league upon reporting to Charlotte.
Dennis Schroder recently played with the German National Team during the 2026 FIBA World qualifying window in July. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
Last season, Schröder averaged just 8.2 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from deep — his least productive season since his rookie year, though he also averaged just 21.4 minutes, his lowest in a decade.
Though the Hornets emerged as one of the league’s most fun stories, dominating their way to a play-in spot by recording the league’s best net rating for the final four months of the regular season, Mann had little to do with the turnaround.
He was largely out of the rotation and logged just 12.6 minutes per contest, averaging 5.5 points and 1.6 assists, shooting 36 percent from the field and just 32.3 percent from 3.
This is the ninth time Schröder has been traded in his career, second only to Trevor Ariza, who was dealt a record 11 times.
Apr 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors’ all-time leader in games played, minutes, played, and points scored, will not be making his way back to Toronto, after all. DeRozan parted way with the Kings and there was wild speculation as to where he might end up. Rumours abounded that he was destined for a return to the 6ix, or perhaps headed to Miami, but in a cruel twist of irony, he is going to join the team that the Raptors beat for the 2019 Championship to play alongside Stephen Curry, as DeRozan enters his 17th season in the league.
Free Agent and Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, his agent Aaron Goodwin of @GoodwinSports tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4EoouhEgKE
Shams Charania reported the news today on August 13th, conveying information from DeRozan’s agent. The 8.4 million dollars is far from the veteran’s minimum, but is a far cry from the more than 24 million he earned last year. This will be his lowest earning year since the 2012-13 season when he was on the Raptors.
This fresh start for DeRozan will see him stay in his home state of California, close to his native Los Angeles. While I personally believe that it’ll be good for the shooting guard to be both close to his roots and in a new city, it stings that we won’t see him play in Toronto at this juncture. Am I blaming the Kawhi uncertainty for this? Yes, and no. I don’t think it helped the Raptors’ position that they don’t have any clear idea of whether or not they’ll have a starting small forward in Leonard this season, but regardless, I didn’t see DeRozan playing a massive role in Toronto — at most, leading the bench mob — so it certainly makes sense that the wing would be happier in some different pastures.
While it’s currently unknown what type of role he’ll play in Golden State, the Warriors are indeed in need of some veteran presence and a baseline level of competency, considering how rough things were last year when Stephen Curry was out, a disadvantage even more pronounced now that Jimmy Butler remains out with a torn ACL. It’s likely that DeRozan will be in a starting role, one where he’ll be able to play off against Curry, his best teammate in years, and certainly his most pedigreed co-star.
I’d like to see DeMar get back to a 20+ppg form on the Warriors, even if he’s not with us. I think legacy is what comes to mind the most in the latter years of NBA stars, so I wish DeRozan the best in the twilight years, even if they’re not in the red and black.
Cleveland has been flirting with a sign-and-trade for either Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson, but they needed more cap space to bring one of them (or anyone else of note) in, as well as re-sign James Harden. Which leads us to Friday's news.
Charlotte will be Schroeder's 12th NBA team, tied for second most in league history (Ish Smith is at 13). Charlotte's head of basketball operations, Jeff Peterson, has a long history with Schroeder dating back to when both were in Atlanta at the same time.
The Cavaliers free up about $6.8 million in cap space in this deal, reports Keith Smith of Spotrac, putting them approximately $29.6 million below the first apron of the luxury tax (and by extension about $40.3 million below the second apron). That's still not enough room to trade for Watson or Kuminga and re-sign Harden, so either Max Struss' salary will have to go out in any deal, or he would be traded elsewhere (Mann also could be moved again). Cleveland has more options now.
Cleveland has remained in contact with Harden and his camp throughout the summer, Charania notes. Harden opted out of his $42.3 million player option for this season to give the franchise room to chase players like LeBron James (who chose Philadelphia), or make a move for a player like Watson or Kuminga. Harden will re-sign with Cleveland for less per year but more total money across the multi-year contract.
The Hornets moved on from LaMelo Ball this offseason, now have Coby White running the point and were looking for a steady backup for him (Mann was not that guy). Schroeder will step in and be solid, he averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 assists per game last season, splitting time between Sacramento and Cleveland.
Schroeder is a force in FIBA games (under international rules) and has played for the German national team this offseason as it works to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns ties his shoes before the game against the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s NBA 2K ranking conversation time once again. Nothing gets the juices flowing quite like debating where Devin Booker ranks in a video game, does it?
Last week, we talked about how NBA 2K completely missed the mark when it came to Booker’s midrange shooting, which is arguably his most elite trait as a player. The game gave him an 86 rating there, the same rating it assigned to his three-point shooting, which is certainly not something he does at an elite level.
Now, as NBA 2K continues rolling out its top 100 players, we finally know where Booker stands in the overall hierarchy of the league. I’ll also note that only one other Phoenix Suns player made the top 100, and that’s Dillon Brooks, who came in at No. 84 and as an 82 overall. So that gives you a pretty good idea of how the game makers currently view the Suns. Miles Bridges and Jalen Green didn’t even crack the top 100.
But Booker? He comes in at an overall rating of 91.
There’s always going to be a conversation about where Book ranks among the elite players in the NBA. I’ve consistently said that he qualifies as a star, not a superstar. I believe there are roughly 8 to 12 superstars in the league at any given time based on skill set, the ability to take over games, the ability to win games, and the ability to elevate both themselves and those around them when the moments get tough.
Booker, to me, is a star. That puts him somewhere after that top 12 range, probably between 13 and 25. And that lines up pretty closely with where NBA 2K has him. Booker is ranked the 19th-best player in the NBA, which I actually think is pretty reasonable and realistic. He’s certainly capable of being the alpha on a team and has proven in the past that he can be the best player on a contender.
He also possesses the ability to elevate himself back into that superstar conversation and potentially back into the top 10. He simply didn’t play at that level last season. My assumption is that the rankings are built largely on what happened last year, with a little projection toward what could happen next season.
Some people might view No. 19 as disrespectful. I think it’s pretty spot on. Which is surprising, because I also think NBA 2K completely botched other aspects of his ratings. But in terms of where Booker currently stands in the overall NBA hierarchy, No. 19 feels about right.
And that’s probably the proper perspective to have with Booker entering next season. No. 19 isn’t an insult, nor is it a permanent address. It’s a reflection of where his game currently sits after a season that didn’t meet the standard he previously established. The opportunity to climb is there. If Booker wants to move back into that top 10 conversation, the formula is fairly simple. Play more efficiently, win more games, and make NBA 2K adjust accordingly.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Tre Mann #23 of the Charlotte Hornets drives by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Dennis Schroder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for 6’4” guard Tre Mann.
Mann is 25 years old and has played five seasons in the NBA, including a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists last year for Charlotte.
The Cavs accomplish a few goals here.
First, they get off of Schroder’s $14.8 million contract. Something they’ve been looking to achieve all summer. Charlotte has been linked to Cleveland throughout the process as a team that both has the cap space to absorb Schroder, but could also use his veteran experience on the bench.
Trading Schroder has been on Cleveland’s checklist. They need financial flexibility more than they need a backup point guard. It was assumed that the Cavs might need to attach a pick to Schroder just to get off of his deal.
Getting off of Schroder’s deal without giving up a pick and while receiving an asset in return is a better outcome than expected.
The Cavs save $6.8 million by trading for Mann. They push themselves $29 million under the first apron and $42 million below the second apron.
This gives the Cavs enough wiggle room to pursue Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson on the sign-and-trade market while also keeping space for James Harden to return to Cleveland on a team-friendly deal.
Mann comes with flaws. He shot just 36% from the floor last season and 32% from downtown. That’s a huge concern for a backcourt player in 2026. His athleticism can only make up for so much.
There is reason to believe in Mann’s development. He has shot better from deep in previous seasons, including a 40% season just a year ago. He’ll get better opportunities in Cleveland and might even slot in as a point-of-attack defender.
Then, of course, there’s the potential that Mann doesn’t even suit up for Cleveland.
The Cavs remain engaged in talks for Watson and Kuminga. Mann may factor into this as a trade chip or someone who could be stretched and waived to clear up additional cap space.
Cleveland’s next move is unknown. For now, they’ve taken the first step towards making other things happen. Buckle up and prepare for more.
lakers advice bob iger josh kushner magic johnson jeanie buss mark walter
Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have some big decisions to make.
They’re now the proud owners of one of the most heralded teams in sports, the 17-time champion Los Angeles Lakers, whom they bought from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion on Wednesday morning.
It’s unclear what their plan is yet, but here’s some advice for the new leaders of the darling franchise of the NBA.
1. Surround yourself with experienced people whom you trust
ESPN’s Joshua Kushner and Disney’s CEO Bob Iger are all smiles as Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays against Taylor Fritz of USA during the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Queen, New York. (JASON SZENES) JASON SZENES/ NY POST
While Walter had the blueprint on how to turn a franchise into a success after helping the Dodgers win three World Series titles after purchasing the team in 2012, Iger and Kushner lack that playbook.
Iger is the former CEO of Disney. Kushner is a venture capitalist. They need help. They need trusted advisors.
It remains to be seen whether they can build that trust with Lakers’ president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, who overhauled the Lakers’ roster this summer around Luka Doncic. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith floated the idea of pursuing Bob Myers, who helped the Warriors become the league’s modern-day dynasty before becoming the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment.
Iger and Kushner need to figure out who they respect and trust, and they need to heavily rely on that person, regardless of whether they make a change or keep the status quo.
2. Make Luka Doncic happy
Luka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold hands during a time out in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images
The last 18 months have been disorienting for Doncic. He was shockingly traded to the Lakers in February 2025, and has already experienced two ownership changes with his new franchise.
The 27-year-old superstar, who finished fourth in MVP voting last season, deserves a bit of stability, eh?
Doncic is highly motivated to win his first championship after being dealt by the Mavericks, with whom he thought he’d spend his entire career. He had a major say in the personnel changes this summer. And he needs to feel as though the Lakers have a clear direction and a plan to put him on a course to win a title.
It’s now Iger’s and Kushner’s job to make that happen ahead of Doncic’s player option for the 2028-29 season.
3. Keep JJ Redick
Redick is the ultimate basketball sicko. He’s obsessed. After losses, he has acknowledged that he goes into a dark basement and rewatches games ad nauseam.
The players like him. And he’s the first coach to have back-to-back 50-win seasons since Phil Jackson did so in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
The Lakers hired Redick in 2024 even though he didn’t have any prior professional coaching experience. He has since proven that he has an elite combination of a high basketball IQ and the ability to get through to players. That’s a rare find.
4. Honor Walter’s arrangement with Jeanie Buss
Mark Walter, left, a majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jeanie Buss, minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, talk as the Lakers play the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
After Walter bought the Lakers from the Buss family following their 47-year run as the head of the franchise, he assured Buss that she’d remain governor for at least five years.
Apparently, that deal will remain in place.
“We have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie,” Iger told the California Post’s Khobi Price. “If things change, they’ll change. But we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she represents in the organization.”
There’s an eyebrow-raising caveat there.
But make no mistake: Iger would be wise to keep Buss on board. She is Laker basketball. She watched her father transform the franchise into one of the most successful and fun organizations in sports. She then took the reins and helped the team win a title in 2020. She has relationships. Institutional knowledge. Experience. She’s beloved by fans. Keep her.
5. Go after Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson speaks to reporters prior to an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. Johnson abruptly quit as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of the franchise just over two years ago. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) AP
The Lakers need to infuse an organization that has only won one championship in the last 16 years with some of its old magic.
Who better to do that than Magic himself?
If they brought him on as an advisor, they could seamlessly help bridge the old and new orders.
Johnson previously served as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations before stunningly stepping down in April 2019 because of a front-office culture he deemed toxic. Johnson and Pelinka have since mended fences.
Johnson won five championships with the Lakers. He could play an important role in helping steer the Lakers, as well as helping teach Doncic how to climb the mountaintop.
6. Keep building out the data and analytics departments
Walter and Co. had overhauled the Lakers’ front office and were strongly emphasizing the need to improve their data and analytics departments so they could make the sharpest decisions in the draft and free agency.
He did the same in baseball to splendid success.
Iger and Kushner should forge ahead on that path.
The Lakers needed to modernize. Under Walter, the Lakers were building a biomechanics lab, new movement labs and a recovery lab.
The Lakers’ new owners should make sure the team has all of the resources on and off the court to return to greatness.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 20: A view of the Kyrie x ANTA shoes of KJ Simpson #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the 2025 NBA Summer League Championship game against the Sacramento Kings at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Kings 83-78. 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 Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images
