Category: NBA

Welcome to The Decision 4.0. LeBron James is a free agent once again, and he’s about to switch teams for the fourth time in his career. James announced he’s done with the Los Angeles Lakers moments after Bronny James’ contract hit its guarantee date. LeBron stated he isn’t going to retire, which means he’ll have a new home for the 2026-27 season.

There’s already rampant speculation on where LeBron will land. The Golden State Warriors want to sign him immediately to pair him with Stephen Curry. The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in a third reunion. You can bet there will be a couple of darkhorse teams James will seriously consider.

No one knows where LeBron will eventually end up, but my best prediction is that he’s going to drag this out for a little bit. While we wait on the legend’s latest decision, let’s rank the best possible landing spots for him next season.

9. Toronto Raptors

Bring back LeBronto!

Congrats on the name change, Raptors 😂 pic.twitter.com/WSA31zdKby

— SB Nation (@SBNation) May 4, 2018

Toronto already landed Kawhi Leonard via trade this summer. Why not add LeBron, too? It could potentially help LeBron’s business interests in his post-playing career to play in a diverse international market like Toronto, and he probably thinks him and Kawhi could win the East right away when flanked by Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles, and others. I really just wanted another excuse to say “LeBronto.”

8. Boston Celtics

LeBron is a history buff, and the Celtics have a case as the most historic franchise in the NBA. Watching Joe Mazzulla coach LeBron would be absolute cinema, and I think he would appreciate playing with Jayson Tatum. The Celtics need a power component to their chucking threes offense, and that’s one thing old man LeBron can still do.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder

If LeBron wants his fifth ring, OKC is probably his best bet to get it. The Thunder really needed another ball handler and isolation scoring threat last season as they fell short in the Western Conference Finals. Going to OKC would allow LeBron to chill for most of the regular season, and then empty the tank for the playoffs. Everyone would hate it if this happened, but it would be must-see hoops.

6. New York Knicks

LeBron flirted with signing with the Knicks in 2010 before deciding on the Heat. I’m sure there’s part of him that always dreamed of playing in New York at Madison Square Garden, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got swept up in Knicks fever during their 2026 championship run like everyone else. Push Josh Hart to the bench and let LeBron rock out as the Knicks try to go back-to-back.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

I love the basketball fit here. The Wolves need a bigger wing that can connect Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. There’s no better option than LeBron. I know what you’re thinking: LeBron doesn’t want to babysit LaMelo. I get it, but Ball is an elite playmaker who could set up LeBron for a lot of easy buckets, and that team would be ridiculous in transition. Take the Wolves seriously, LeBron!

4. Miami Heat

Everyone is talking about the Cavs reunion, but what if LeBron wants to team up with Pat Riley one more time on his way out the door? LeBron had the best years of his career in Miami, and he still has a strong relationship with Erik Spoelstra. With Giannis and Bam locked in, the Heat just need to add depth. LeBron is a pretty great depth piece, in my humble opinion.

3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are one of the great adversaries LeBron has faced in his career, and he’s always had a ton of respect for the franchise. LeBron loves Gregg Popovich, who is still hanging around the franchise. Going to San Antonio would give him an elite chance to compete for a championship while also helping mentor Victor Wembanyama. I doubt LeBron or Wemby really wants this outcome, but it’s fun to think about.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron has to end his career with the Cavs. He just has to. The retirement tour wouldn’t feel right anywhere else. So why is Cleveland at No. 2 on this list? Well, it’s because this won’t be LeBron’s final season.

1. Golden State Warriors

Apparently there are a lot of people that think LeBron going to Golden State to play with Steph Curry would be lame. Those people are bozos and cannot be trusted. LeBron and Steph were fantastic together at the Paris Olympics, and I’d love to see them team up for a season before he bolts again for Cleveland for the 2027-28 retirement tour. I do not think the Warriors could win a title with the world’s oldest superteam, but every game would feel like a marquee event. This needs to happen.

It's official - LeBron James is leaving the Lakers. The one thing he still isn't leaving, however, is the league.

His record-setting NBA career has already rewritten the history books and redefined longevity, and it all started decades ago in a way that most NBA careers do not: right after high school graduation.

In the elite group of NBA players that have made the jump straight from high school to the NBA, there have been a number of successful careers – and, with James as a prime example, a number of pretty lengthy ones. 

Here are the five longest NBA careers by players drafted straight out of high school:

1. Lebron James

Seasons in the NBA: 23 and counting

Of course, the king himself tops this list. Drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers right after graduating from St.Vincent-St. Mary high school in Akron, Ohio, James has become a face of the league. His NBA career has spanned the Cavs, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers – and now, with his recent announcement, it could be landing him somewhere new yet again. 

2. Kevin Garnett

Seasons in the NBA: 21

One of the first players to make the jump directly from high school, Garnett made his mark on the league and on future high school draftees during his two decades of play. After graduating from Farragut Career Academy in Chicago, the 15-time NBA All-Star was taken fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1995 draft and went on to become MVP in 2004 and a champion in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. He retired in 2016 and recently joined the Timberwolves as a “team ambassador.”

3. Kobe Bryant

Seasons in the NBA: 20

Always in the GOAT conversation, Bryant’s jump from Lower Merion high school in Pennsylvania to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 proved to be the best decision he could have made. He played his entire 20-year career in LA, becoming a Lakers legend and leading star-studded rosters to five NBA championships – with a couple of statues to boot. He retired in 2016 and remains an international basketball icon. 

4. Tyson Chandler

Seasons in the NBA: 19

Drafted straight from Manuel Dominguez High School in California to the Chicago Bulls in 2001, Chandler played for eight different teams throughout his nearly two decades in the league, winning a title with the Mavericks in 2011. He recently retired in 2020 and returned to work as a player development coach for the Mavs.

5. Jermaine O’Neal

Seasons in the NBA: 18

Although a championship ring evaded him, O’Neal’s 18-year career still speaks for itself. After being drafted 17th overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1996 NBA draft – just a few picks after Bryant – straight from Eau Claire high school in South Carolina, O’Neal went on to become a six-time All-Star and a franchise cornerstone for the Indiana Pacers. He retired in 2014 and now runs Dynamic Prep, a high school basketball academy in Texas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James isn't the only high school draftee with a long NBA career. Who else did?

There's never a right time to say goodbye because it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

After eight seasons, one NBA title and countless of memories, the Los Angeles Lakers are saying farewell to LeBron James, who opted to gauge interest in the free agency market.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the Lakers had interest in bringing him back, but James did not reciprocate that sentiment. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told Charania that James informed the Lakers that the organization can move on without him, deciding to play his 24th season elsewhere.

Lakers president and governor Jeannie Buss released a farewell statement in a tribute to James and his tenure in Los Angeles.

"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family," Buss wrote.

A look back at LeBron James' tenure in LA

James joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018, where he joined a team comprised of young talent including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso. The team had a top-4 record in the Western conference by Christmas Day, but it was short lived after injuries sustained by James and Ball derailed the remainder of the Lakers season. They missed the playoffs and went back to the drawing board.

The following season, a blockbuster move was made by bringing in Anthony Davis and sending Ball, Ingram and other pieces to the New Orleans Pelicans.

LA was the best team in the NBA in 2019-2020. The season was memorable for many reasons. It was the year we lost an icon and Laker legend in the passing of Kobe Bryant and when the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe and caused worldwide shutdowns. The NBA resumed in Orlando, Florida for the remainder of the 2020 season, referred to as the "Bubble Season."

That year, James and Davis brought home a championship, tying the then-NBA record with the franchise's 17th championship.

More: Sports world reacts as LeBron James won't play for Lakers in 24th season

The following season, LA looked like they would repeat as champions but injuries to James and Davis shot those chances down. The Lakers were bounced in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, losing to the eventual Western conference champions Phoenix Suns.

Another franchise altering move was made when the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook. It seemed perfect on paper, but it didn't pan out on the court. They missed the playoffs in 2022.

LA went back to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but lost to eventual champions Denver Nuggets after being swept in a series where each game came down to the final moments of the game. In 2024, they faced the defending champions in the first round and lost in five games.

For the 2024-2025 season, LA brought in James' former podcast co-host JJ Reddick as a coach and drafted his son, Bronny. But the biggest headline of that year was the shocking trade to deal Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. The Lakers were then eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.

In James' final season with the Lakers, he helped them advance to the playoffs as a No. 4-seed, where he led them to a first round series win against the Houston Rockets without Doncic. LA was hobbled going into the second round against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who then swept them.

James was named an All-Star every season he played in a Lakers' uniform. In eight seasons in LA, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game on 51.3% field goal shooting and 35.6% 3-point shooting.

LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers tenure:

◽️️ 8 seasons
🏆️ 2020 NBA champion
🏆️ 2020 Finals MVP
◽️️ 8x All-Star
◽️️ 7x All-NBA nods
👑 Broke the NBA's all-time scoring record pic.twitter.com/yWk9jemobN

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 30, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: LA Lakers say goodbye to LeBron James after he opts for free agency

NBA superstar LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and will continue his career with another team.

James, 41, has spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers and helped the franchise win the 2020 NBA title.

He has played alongside his son Bronny, 21, since 2024.

Media reports suggest the league's all-time leading scorer is a target for the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers said: "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history.

"We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers - including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.

"We wish him the best in his future, both on and off the court. He will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family."

James responded on social media, writing, "No, THANK YOU!"

He said it was "truly a honor" to wear the purple and gold while trying to continue "the greatness & legacies that came before me!"

"Hope I made a few proud during my stint," he added.

James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season with the Lakers. The 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion is the all-time leader in games (1,622) and points (43,440).

He was selected with the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft ⁠by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent seven seasons before announcing during a live TV special titled 'The Decision' that he was leaving for the Miami Heat.

James then ​returned to Cleveland and in 2016 rallied the team from a ‌3-1 series deficit in the NBA ⁠Finals to stun Golden State and make good on his promise ⁠to deliver the Cavaliers their first championship.

He helped the Lakers win the NBA title in 2020, nine months after legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash.

According to team sources who spoke to The Athletic on Monday, Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has activated his $25 million player option for the 2026–27 campaign. He signed a three-year, $130 million contract to join the Rockets in 2023, then in the summer of 2025, he signed a two-year, $50 million extension.

The seasoned point guard could have become an unrestricted free agent by rejecting his option. Vanvleet decided to stay for one more season and continue to play a significant role in Houston, both on and off the court. Before the previous season, the Rockets already held VanVleet, 32, in high regard. But after he missed the 2025–26 season due to a torn right ACL sustained at a team minicamp in the Bahamas shortly before the preseason began, his significance became more apparent. Despite adding Kevin Durant last summer, the Rockets had trouble with guard play throughout the season and fell in the first round of the playoffs.

VanVleet established himself as a big-shot creator and dependable on-ball presence by playing in at least 50 games in eight of his first nine NBA seasons before his ACL injury. Houston had lost at least 55 games in the preceding three seasons; thus, VanVleet’s arrival in 2023 signaled a shift in course. After helping the Rockets finish 41-41 in his rookie campaign, VanVleet was a key member of a team that won 52 games and went into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals during the 2024–25 campaign. He also shot 37.8 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three. As Houston and the Golden State Warriors engaged in an intense series that ultimately resulted in Houston losing Game 7 at home, he assumed an even greater role throughout the playoffs. VanVleet averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during that series.

Last season, the Rockets had to rely more on second-year guard Reed Sheppard and third-year guard Amen Thompson to play point guard in the absence of VanVleet. Because Thompson and Sheppard found it difficult to handle the demands of managing a team, the outcomes were frequently unequal. When the game slows down, having a healthy VanVleet back could help the Rockets stay among the top contenders in the West and will probably make things easier for Alperen Şengün and Durant.

The Rockets will also benefit greatly from VanVleet’s return from the 3-point line, which will give some much-needed spacing for an offense that was occasionally difficult to watch last season, particularly in late-game situations. VanVleet has made 386 3-pointers in his two seasons with the Rockets.

Almost all of Houston’s key rotation players have contracts for the 2026–2027 season, including VanVleet. Fourth-year forward Tari Eason’s restricted free agency is currently the Rockets’ biggest problem.

After VanVleet’s $25 million contract expires, Houston will have roughly $20 million to re-sign Eason and complete the roster before the first apron. There will be a severe financial crisis, yet fans and front office alike are optimistic about a Tari Eason return.

With all that said, what do you all think? Do you like Fred deciding to stick around for the future? Why or why not? Let us know, and as always, be sure to check back at The Dream Shake for all your Houston Rockets news!

Remember when I said Dub Nation didn’t need to gloat back in February, that we could just quietly nod and smile as Memphis flew too close to the sun? Well, the wax just hit the ocean. Ja Morant is a Portland Trail Blazer now, traded for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, and the last remaining pillar of that 2021-23 Grizzlies core is gone.

Memphis wasn’t some plucky upstart back then. This was the No. 2 seed in the West and a 56-win team. A franchise that genuinely believed it had stopped chasing Golden State and started replacing them. Four years later, the final cornerstone of that era just got shipped out for a wing on the decline and a prospect who, per Blazer’s Edge’s own breakdown of the return, “seemed to run from the ball.” Call it what it actually is: an estate sale.

Ja is gone.
Bane is gone.
Melton is gone.
Tillman is gone.
Konchar is gone.
Tyus Jones is gone.
Dillon Brooks is gone.
Taylor Jenkins is gone.
Kyle Anderson is gone.
Ziaire Williams is gone.
Steven Adams is gone.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is gone.

What happened to the Grizzlies ???

— Sam Block (@theblockspot) June 29, 2026

I wrote in June of 2018 that the Warriors’ dynasty operated as a “Path of Destruction,” a running tally of franchises that crumbled simply from existing in proximity to Golden State’s gravity. Memphis wasn’t on that list back then because they hadn’t earned it yet. But go back and look at what Draymond Green told GQ in 2017, the swagger, the certainty that the league knew it didn’t stand a chance. That’s the energy the 2021-22 Grizzlies tried to step to. Morant talked like someone who believed the future had already arrived. And after that 2021 play-in win, the “Whoop That Trick” celebrations from Memphis fans weren’t just noise. That was a fanbase genuinely convinced the torch had passed.

Golden State answered the old-fashioned way by beating Memphis in six games during the 2022 playoffs and winning the championship. Order restored. They then knocked them out of the play-in tournament in 2025. But here’s the part that should actually sting for Grizzlies fans: those losses weren’t the death blow. The franchise just gave up on their guys. Jaren Jackson Jr., a Defensive Player of the Year, shipped to Utah. Desmond Bane, gone to Orlando. Marcus Smart, gone. Taylor Jenkins, the coach who actually built something real in that locker room, fired with nine games left in a season. Nine games!

Jaren Jackson Jr. & Desmond Bane trades = 7 1st-Round Picks

Ja Morant trade = 0 1st-Round Picks

Crazy. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sVw6MRRpFS

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 29, 2026

What if Ja Morant didn’t get hurt against Golden State?

What if Steven Adams didn’t go after that loose ball vs the Suns in Jan. 2023?

What if Morant had more chances to play with Zach Edey and Cedric Coward?

An era defined by what-ifs comes to an endhttps://t.co/MKmzaTN9XP

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) June 30, 2026

Twelve first-round picks over the next seven seasons sound impressive until you remember Memphis already hit on Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. Draft picks aren’t the goal. They’re what you hope eventually becomes another Ja Morant. Memphis just traded the real thing for the hope of finding a copy.

Does this graduate Memphis to the Path of Destruction? The case is stronger than Cleveland’s or Oklahoma City’s ever was, and those teams only made my “Imminent Implosion” tier back in 2018. The Grizzlies get the full treatment now, the same shelf as the Spurs and the Clippers in my original Maximum Destruction tier. The difference is the Spurs and Clippers got there losing to Golden State on the floor. Memphis got there by trying to become the anti-Warriors and detonating themselves in the process.

The Warriors didn’t pull the trigger folks, they just kept raising the standard until other franchises started pulling it on themselves. Memphis wanted the dynasty before it had built one. Four years later, the dynasty is gone and the estate sale is complete. Dub Nation doesn’t need to clap; the auctioneer already did.

LeBron James isn’t expected to be back in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey after informing the team that they can move on without him,

A person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to USA TODAY Sports what was first reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania.

Now all of a sudden, those rumors you heard about James potentially taking his talents to the Bay Area seem more and more believable.

But hold your horses. It's not a clear cut path, just yet.

According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors haven't been given any indication that they are the preferred landing spot for James. There's reason to believe that Golden State will have appeal but they will have to do some additional recruiting.

That additional recruiting required could signal the Warriors doing what they can to bring in James' 2020 title running mate, Anthony Davis, over in a trade with the Washington Wizards. James, according to ESPN, would only join the Warriors if they are able to get Davis from Washington and form a nucleus with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Golden State would need to free up money to pull this off. One of the reported avenues to make it happen would be finding a trade partner to get off of Jimmy Butler's contract worth $56.8 million.

However, there could be some complications, according to Hoops Wire, as the Wizards don't want to take on Butler's contract, especially coming off of a season-ending ACL tear. If Golden State wants to land Davis, it's going to take a third team.

Additionally, Butler's agent told ESPN that the Warriors remain "resolute in their plan to support Jimmy through his rehab and have him return to form and continue together on a quest to compete for a championship."

Golden State still has a pathway to land LeBron James. According to Hoops Hype's Yossi Gozlan, if they don't make the Butler-Davis swap, their other option would be to trade Moses Moody to open the $15 million mid-level exception for James, as Green re-signs on a friendlier deal that keeps the Warriors under the first apron.

It's not the first time the Warriors have shown interest in James, having contacted the Lakers multiple times regarding his availability. Now, the Dubs have the chance to finally get the guy they've chased for years.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Will LeBron James go to the Golden State Warriors? What we know

I don’t think there’s a more difficult Knick to evaluate than Karl-Anthony Towns. It’s not just the fact that the big man’s season looked completely different from game four of the Hawks series onwards. It’s also the fact that for much of the season, Towns’ impact on the team was hard to gauge. Even when Towns’ counting stats didn’t look the way most fans wanted it to, and even when the team wasn’t piling up results that people had expected, Towns was still analytically better than many believed. But as we learned throughout the playoffs, analytics can’t be the end-all, be-all. So how good was Towns this season as a whole? Incredibly good.

Is that an overreaction considering some of his regular-season shortcomings? Maybe. Is there recency bias? You bet. But if you were to ask me to choose between a player who dominates in the regular season but has a drop off in the playoffs and a player who disappoints a bit during the regular season but dominates in the playoffs, I’m taking the latter. And I do so every single time. I get that the playoff riser is performing higher for a mere fraction of the games as the regular-season guy. But in sports, you take care of business in the postseason, and those performances will do the heavy lifting. As many have said before, “winning cures all”, and that’s exactly what Towns did. 

I do want to clarify, though, that Towns’ regular season wasn’t bad. Or at least, again, not as bad as many thought. By a lot of metrics, he was playing some of the best defense in his career. And on the other end of the floor, he still put up solid numbers despite changing roles, having a new coach, and seeing limited opportunities at times. I do believe that players, for the most part, have agency. And Towns does deserve some blame for his offensive shortcomings and lack of aggression at times. But some of that blame needs to be placed on Mike Brown, Jalen Brunson, and the rest of the team. 

Sure, Towns could’ve, and arguably should’ve, taken it upon himself to get the ball more. And when he did, Towns should’ve been more intentional in looking for his own shot. There absolutely were times when Towns was too passive and nonexistent in the offense. He did take himself out of some games. But there were also a lot of times when Brunson ignored him for his own shot. And other times when OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart just missed him, or couldn’t make the requisite pass. There were also plenty of times when Brown saw the offense going away from Towns and refused to find ways to make him the focal point. 

Yet Towns persevered. He responded. Maybe not in the way fans wanted. But the big man continued to look for ways to best serve his team, even when the going got tough. He revealed late in the regular season that he still wasn’t sure what his role was in the offense. And you could tell that Towns wasn’t necessarily enjoying his new roles as an offensive Swiss Army Knife, whose only, or at least primary, role wasn’t to score. It didn’t matter, though. Thankfully for the Knicks and their fans, the transparency never came at the cost of effort or passion. Even with the discomfort and unease of the situation, he didn’t waver. And then destiny came knocking and rewarded him and the Knicks for their mutual perseverance and trust. 

When the fate of the season was hanging in the balance and when the Knicks needed him the most, he showed up. In game 4 of the first round, the Knicks found themselves down 2-1. Two more losses and the core of the eventual champions very well could’ve been disbanded. But Towns didn’t allow it to happen. Brunson, Brown, and Towns’ teammates deserve credit for entrusting their season and potentially their future to Towns. And Towns delivered performances that will live on in Knicks lore for decades. 

Newly appointed as the offensive hub and point center of a system that emphasized his passing skills and the other players’ basketball IQ and cutting abilities, Towns shone like he never had in a Knicks jersey. And neither Towns nor the Knicks looked back. They rattled off 13 straight postseason wins and won 15 of their next 16 games thanks in large part to Towns’ new game. He was no longer a scoring first center. He wasn’t confined to the paint. And he wasn’t relegated to being a spot-up shooter. 

For the first time in Towns’ career, he really put it all together. He was still an elite rebounder who was stretching defenses with his shooting threat like he always had. But now, he had become a smart, patient, and deadly passer. And he was now also playing not just passable, or average defense, but legitimately great defense. 

And yes, he got in foul trouble against Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama. And yes, he struggled to have an offensive impact in games three and five of the Finals. But on defense, he legitimately made Wembanyama work more than maybe any other player in the league. Meanwhile, on the other end of the floor, his offensive impact far outweighed his counting stats. He continued to perfectly balance scoring and passing and routinely came up clutch. Brunson and Anunoby may have had the biggest moments, but a lot of those comebacks don’t happen without Towns on the floor.

Towns’ early season struggled were frustrating. He still struggles at times with foul trouble, silly turnovers, and a lack of aggression. But you really can’t ask for much more. Towns reinvented himself deep into his career for the betterment of his team. He adjusted to coach Brown’s system. He bought in defensively. Most importantly, he was arguably the best overall Knick during a dominant championship run that saw them go 16-3. The 2026 championship did a lot for multiple players’ legacies. Outside of Brunson, no other player and their legacy benefited more from that trophy than Towns.

–

(P&T will be doing player-by-player article tributes over the next few weeks to commemorate the special team that ended our long, half-century nightmare)

The worst-kept secret in the NBA this offseason has been the Golden State Warriors’ desire to bolster their roster with a LeBron James acquisition. Golden State has been chasing James for years, and while it was initially a pipe dream, this offseason it’s felt different.

While still being considered a long shot, the Warriors entered the offseason with more realistic dreams of adding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. It was easy to see the appeal of James, in the twilight of his spectacular career, joining Steph Curry (whom he’s always had extreme admiration for), Draymond Green (one of his close friends), and Steve Kerr (whom he played for in the Olympics). But it was unclear if James would actually consider such a move.

On Tuesday, it became a distinct possibility, when news broke that James had informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be playing elsewhere. After spending eight years in the purple and gold, it was widely assumed that that James’ most likely choice would be to stay on the Lakers. With that off the table, the doors to all the other options opened wide.

And with that, the Warriors are not just in the running, but arguably the favorites for James’ services. Given the reports that James prefers an ideal situation to the largest check, the Warriors check a lot of boxes. They would be a competitive team, they employ a lot of his friends (and fellow Klutch Sports athletes), they’re coached be someone he deeply respects, and he would remain close to Los Angeles, where his family is firmly entrenched.

The betting odds may favor the Dubs, but nothing is set. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors “have been given no indication” that James intends to sign with them. That doesn’t mean James is against signing with Golden State, just that nothing was been predetermined.

Warriors decision makers have been given no indication at this hour that they are the firm LeBron James landing spot, per sources. There's a belief that they'll have plenty of appeal, but appears to be some level of recruitment required.https://t.co/sarcY9gxME

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 30, 2026

As Slater notes, the Warriors will need to do some recruiting … but it’s hard to imagine a better trio of recruiters for James than Curry, Green, and Kerr. The Warriors have to be thrilled with the position that they’re in, but there’s still work to do.

With Landry Shamet signed, the biggest question for the Knicks entering free agency is about Mitchell Robinson.

If New York wants to stay under the second apron, the franchise would need to shed existing salary to make Robinson a competitive offer.

As things currently stand, the Knicks’ team salary is at roughly $213 million. They have 11 players under contract. The NBA’s second apron in team salary is $221.7 million. Knicks owner James Dolan said in an interview with WFAN earlier this month that he did not want to exceed the second apron. It is unclear if that decision was made in concert with his front office or if it was purely a financial decision. Dolan did reiterate his stance on the second apron internally prior to the NBA Draft.

If Dolan and the Knicks don’t change their stance on the second apron, they would need to shed salary – presumably by trading trading Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek or Miles McBride – in order to make Robinson a solid offer.

What is the market for Robinson?

That’s unknown. The Lakers were oft-mentioned as a Robinson team. DeAndre Ayton picked up his player option for 2026-27. But that wouldn’t automatically take them out of the running for Robinson. As of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles was still active in the center market. The Lakers were among several teams who would have interest in Toronto’s Sandro Mamukelashvili during the free agency period, per sources. As of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles was comfortable offering Mamukelashvili a deal worth $10 million-plus annually.

What about the Nets? They were reportedly interested in Robinson but the Nets also are expected to show strong interest in Orlando’s Mo Wagner in free agency, per sources. Brooklyn obviously wouldn’t sign both Robinson and Wagner.

Portland reportedly agreed to a deal with Robert Williams III for $13+ million per season. Jock Landale reportedly agreed to a deal with Atlanta for a $14 million annual salary.

The Knicks would need to shed significant salary to offer Robinson a deal that approaches $14 million in annual value (Another team salary note: the plan entering free agency for second-round pick Jack Kayil is that he play next season overseas with his current club in Germany).

But maybe Dolan is willing to go into the second apron for Robinson this season if he can get out of it next year? WFAN’s Craig Carton said that Robinson’s return to New York depends on Karl-Anthony Towns’ extension. Towns is extension eligible on July 10. If he accepts a lower salary than his 2027-28 player option of $61 million, perhaps the Knicks can exceed the second apron in 2026-27 to re-sign Robinson and then dip under it in 2027-28.

Why would the Knicks want to avoid the second apron? ESPN’s Bobby Marks offers a great breakdown here.

The Spurs have announced their roster for the California Classic Summer League (which we can assume will mostly carry over to Las Vegas), and there are plenty of familiar faces. As predicted, the team will be captained by second-year Spur Carter Bryant and coached by Corliss Williamson. Another returning face is Emanuel Miller, who signed a two-way deal with the Spurs in February but did not play any NBA minutes for them.

Your 2026 Summer Spurs ☀️🏀@Ledger | #PorVidapic.twitter.com/mkCdzcG4mZ

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) June 30, 2026

Unsurprisingly, the Spurs rookie class is all there, including Tarris Reed, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown. Jayden Quaintance is a somewhat surprising inclusion, although Williamson has confirmed he is only traveling with the team and will not participate. He only appeared in five games for Kentucky this year after tearing his ACL and meniscus in February of 2025 and reportedly expects to undergo one last procedure to clean up his knee for good.

An easy assumption would have been that the Spurs want him to get his knee fixed as soon as possible so he can get to rehabbing and return to the court (social media doctors have said it is typically a six-month recovery), but this suggests the Spurs are truly in no rush with him (they don’t have to be with Victor Webmanyama, Luke Kornet and Reed on the roster) and would prefer he experience the learning and comradery that comes with Summer League first and foremost, even if it’s merely as a spectator.

Notable names that aren’t there are the Spurs’ other two-way players from last season, David Jones Garcia and Harrison Ingram, both whom the Spurs extended qualifying offers to, making them restricted free agents. Jones Garcia is no surprise considering he too is recovering from injury, plus he had his SL breakout last season, and it could be that the Spurs know Ingram well enough at this point that they don’t need to see anything else.

The California Classic, which Bryant may not participate in, begins on Friday at the Chase Center in San Fransisco. Here is the complete schedule (TV/streaming is TBD).

• Friday, July 3 vs. Miami Heat, 7:00 PM CT
• Sunday July 5 vs. Golden State Warriors, 6:00 PM CT
• Monday July 6 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 6:30 PM CT

The schedule has yet to be announced for the Las Vegas Summer League, which will run from July 9-19.

Anyone who watched the Raptors this year isn’t surprised that Sandro Mamukelashvili has become one of the most popular mid-level free agent targets this summer. As a 6-foot-9 forward, Mamu came off the bench to average 11.2 points per game on 63% true shooting along with 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

A five-year vet, Mamukelashvili had shown flashes of being a solid big with intriguing tools offensively. He had Gregg Popovich gushing over him when he first arrived in San Antonio, but it really didn’t come together for him until his final year with the Spurs.

He was able to shoot 37% from three, taking 2.5 per game in 2024-25. He’s always had a good assist rate for a big, and in that last season in San Antonio, he posted one at 11.7% with a career-best 8.9% turnover rate. Impressively, neither of those numbers saw a huge change as he had an 11.9% assist rate with a 9,5% turnover rate with the Raptors.

Mamukelashvili has profiled as a solid defender who is a capable rebounder. His block numbers are nothing to write home about but he’s posted a steal rate of over 1.5% the last two seasons, which puts him in the 74th percentile for his position, according to Cleaning the Glass.

For these reasons the Raptors would love to keep him. According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein they were trying to renegotiate a new deal, but their fears of him opting out of his player option and testing the open market were realized.

As the start of free agency nears, teams have begun to circle him. Several plugged-in reporters have said the Los Angeles Lakers will have interest, and the Spurs are interested as well. The Sixers will have some high-profile teams with good roles to offer to compete with, but they should absolutely be throwing themselves into the Mamu sweepstakes.

What’s clear from last season is that as good as Joel Embiid looked when he was able to get on the court, the Sixers need an innings eater to get them through the regular season. Mamukelashvili appears to be not only capable of that, but also sliding up to the four and playing alongside Embiid in certain lineups.

The last two seasons, Mamu played about a 60%/40% split at center to power forward. The way he’s been able to hit shots over the last two years instills a lot of confidence that he’s someone who can get plugged into just about any type of lineup.

Those type of bigs don’t exactly grow on trees. It’s easy to see why he’s drawing so much interest on the open market. Especially since with all that being said, it appears he will be gettable for a portion of the $15 million dollar non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

There are a couple attractive targets for the Sixers to use that on should they stay below the first apron. Guys like John Collins and Dean Wade might make more sense to use the full exception on. Both of those two would also probably fit pretty well in Philadelphia — this very blog has made theargument for that.

The difference between those two and Mamukelashvili is that he can play the five and they cannot. It’s true that the Sixers need to bolster their forwards at every position, but these last two seasons have really emphasized the need for another center to get them through the regular season.

Mamukelashvili isn’t the only center on the market, but he might be the best that’s gettable. With Jusuf Nurkic, Jock Landale and Robert Williams III all having agreed to extensions to avoid hitting the free agent market, the pool of centers has only gotten shallower.

The Sixers would have a lot of teams to compete with to secure Mamukelashvili’s services, but it’s a ring they absolutely need to be throwing their hats into.

The Los Angeles Lakers are losing LeBron James. So what does that mean for the future of Bronny James?

They made history together in 2024, becoming the first father and son to share the court -- not to mention playing for the same team -- during an NBA game. And they continued to share the same locker room and suit up purple-and-gold for the past two seasons.

But that feel-good history gave way to reality when ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday, June 30, reported LeBron James has informed the Lakers he will be playing elsewhere during the 2026-27 season. The business of basketball, already set in motion, accelerated.

If the Lakers had waived Bronny on Monday, they would've saved about $1 million in cap space. But on Tuesday, Bronny remained a Laker, but his future is unclear.

Bronny James Lakers contract

Unlike his father, Bronny is not an unrestricted free agent, or a free at all.

Bronny, 21, is headed into the third year of a four-year contract, with the final year being a club option.

But that doesn’t rule out Bronny asking for a trade if he hopes to rejoin his father and the Lakers are willing to comply.

During the 2026-27 season, Bronny will be making $2,296,271 a year, a pittance among NBA players. But critics might argue it's debatable if he deserves to be on the roster – or if it was mostly meant to keep his father happy.

Last season, his second in the NBA, Bronny averaged 2.9 points, 1.1 assists in 8.9 minutes per game. He also shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range, appreciable improvement over his rookie season.

Before the Lakers played the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs last season, Lakers coach JJ Redick talked about Bronny.

“He's improved a lot, we trust him,’’ Redick said. “The shooting I believe in because of how well he shot it in the G league. There was a stretch where he didn’t shoot it well. He’s improved defensively in terms of his body positioning both on and off ball."

He also remained a fan favorite, and moments with LeBron and Bronny on the court together were potential magic – including father finding son for an alley-oop during Game 3 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets this past season.

But now the father is gone.

Will the son remain with the Lakers?

Only one thing is certain: The most famous father-and-son pair in NBA history will no longer be wearing purple and gold together.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's next for Bronny James now that LeBron James is leaving Lakers?

The next decision for LeBron James is here, and it could once again alter the NBA landscape. The league's all-time leading scorer has informed the Los Angeles Lakershe plans to play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season, according to multiple reports on Tuesday, June 30 ahead of the start to the league's free agency period.

James will be the most coveted free agent on the market despite entering his record 24th NBA season, especially if he's willing to take a pay cut. He signed with the Lakers ahead of the 2018-19 NBA season and won the 2020 NBA championship in the COVID bubble with the franchise. The 41-year-old is just a year removed from earning all-NBA honors.

The Golden State Warriors are considered the front-runners to sign James after Draymond Green's decision to opt out of his contract to provide the team with financial flexibility. But it would involve James taking less money than he's used to and there are other potential suitors, including James' two former teams.

Here's a breakdown of the potential NBA free agent landing spots for James now that he has informed the Lakers that he plans to play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season:

NBA FREE AGENCY LIVE UPDATES: Trades, signings, latest buzz and intel

LeBron James landing spots

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have emerged as early favorites to land James given recent developments. If James is willing to take the midlevel exception of about $15 million, there's a relatively straightforward path for him to join Steph Curry and Green on Golden State's roster next season.

Cleveland Cavaliers

A return to Cleveland has long been considered a possibility for James, who could provide the veteran boost the Cavaliers need to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference with their current nucleus. James Harden's decision to agree to a new contract should give Cleveland enough flexibility to make this work, either through the midlevel exception or a sign-and-trade.

Miami Heat

Would James want to join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo for a major discount? That's likely what it would take to make a return South Beach happen. It's also unclear if James and Antetokounmpo could work along with Bam Adebayo. But Pat Riley has always taken big swings. Snagging James and Giannis in the same offseason would be the ultimate one.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are a longshot in this process, but the prospect of pairing James with Nikola Jokic would create one of the most basketball savvy duos ever. Denver could make this work as a sign-and-trade, or if James is willing to take a veteran's minimum salary.

Los Angeles Lakers

James told the Lakers he plans to play elsewhere, but the Lakers are still the team that can pay him the most money given its cap situation. Perhaps James finds a better fit elsewhere. Maybe the Lakers do the same with another player. But don't completely close the door on James and the Lakers, if only because more money and leverage can always change minds.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where will LeBron James play after Lakers exit? Five potential landing spots

LeBron James has shocked the basketball world with his latest career update that he will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers in his 24th season. 

James’ announcement comes on the day of free agency, which officially begins at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday, June 30. 

ESPN insider Shams Charania first reported that James, 41, informed the team that they can begin to move on without him as he pursues his NBA future as a free agent.

James joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018 and has spent the last eight seasons in L.A., leading the team to an NBA championship in 2020, where he was named Finals MVP. He was named an All-Star every season he played in a Lakers' uniform. James averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game on 51.3% field goal shooting and 35.6% 3-point shooting during his eight seasons in LA.

The big announcement which came from James' agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, has sparked interest and think pieces around the sports world. Many expressed their gratitude for James, including former teammate Luka Doncic, Lakers president Jeannie Buss and Laker legend and former president of basketball operations Magic Johnson.

Here’s how the sports world reacted:

Sports world reacts to LeBron James not returning to Lakers

Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026

Luka Doncic’s reaction to LeBron James moving on: “An honor to play with and learn from you” pic.twitter.com/CleXLdscC9

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 30, 2026

I want to thank LeBron James and his super agent Rich Paul for taking a meeting with me back in 2018 when I was President of the Lakers and deciding to sign with us. He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 30, 2026

Breaking: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, his agent told @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/3uYVROBrH1

— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2026

Heard he's a free agent pic.twitter.com/w7CDE1MAEj

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) June 30, 2026

"This feels like a breakup that you want the other person to do the breaking up. Like, I think the Lakers are ready to move into the Luka Dončić era of Los Angeles."

—@DavidDTSS on LeBron potentially walking away from the Lakers 👀 pic.twitter.com/RIusClmnTt

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 30, 2026

pic.twitter.com/uQfH3k6baF

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 30, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Sports world reacts as LeBron James won't play for Lakers in 24th season