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NBA MLK Day, President's Day slate of games on NBC features LaMelo Ball returning to Charlotte, much more

Schedules have dropped for some of the NBA's flagship days — a blockbuster Opening Day triple-header on NBC and Peacock, a five-game showcase of the NBA’s best on Christmas Day — and now we have even more news.

We also have the schedule for the four games on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and four more on Presidents Day in February — which will include one of the most anticipated games of the year: LaMelo Ball's return to Charlotte. All of these games will be available on NBC and/or Peacock.

Here is the full broadcast schedule for those days.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It's one of the most meaningful days on the NBA calendar, one where players are quick to talk about how proud they are to be taking the court — and there are some must-watch matchups that day.

The four games on Jan. 18, 2027 are:

• Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers (12 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren lifted the Pistons to the No. 1 seed last season, but they were bounced in the second round of the playoffs by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers. Detroit wants to take the next step forward this season, and this is a good measuring stick.

• Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Atlanta traditionally hosts a game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — it is the city where the civil rights leader was born, raised and started his ministry. To celebrate him, what should be an improved Hawks team this season will be put to the test as they host LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers.

• Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks (5 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). The athletic, high-flying backcourt of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball travels to Madison Square Garden to take on Jalen Brunson and the defending champion New York Knicks in what should be a highly entertaining showdown.

• Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies (7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock). Memphis also traditionally hosts a game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is the city where he supported striking Black sanitation workers in 1968, and also where he was assassinated. The Grizzlies feature potential Rookie of the Year Carlos Boozer and company hosting Kevin Durant and the Rockets.=

President’s Day

There is a much anticipated slate of games on Presidents' Day, Feb. 15, 2027, including one everyone will have circled on the calendar. The games are:

• Minnesota Timberwolves at Charlotte Hornets (12 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). LaMelo Ball returns to Charlotte, the only team he had known in the NBA until this summer, and a place where he was a fan favorite. Ball will feel the love from the Hornets fans (he did not ask out), but will that propel him to a win? Ball returns with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and a Timberwolves team looking to get back to the top of the Western Conference. Charlotte flipped this offseason to a team based around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.

• Philadelphia 76ers at Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). LeBron James faces his former teammate Kyrie Irving as the new-look 76ers head to Dallas to take on Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks. While LeBron vs. Irving grabs the headlines, on the court, Tyrese Maxey vs. Irving will be the matchup to watch.

• San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat (5 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Victor Wembanyama vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo. A showdown of two of the best players in the league, although how Bam Adebayo and the rest of the Heat front line deal with Wemby may determine the game.

• Indiana Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors (7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock). Fans entering the season may be sleeping on a Pacers team that, with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton back at the point, could be better than the team that reached the NBA Finals two years ago. This is Haliburton's one trip to the Bay Area this season to face Stephen Curry and company.

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Ben Simmons showed off improved shooting in NBA comeback run, and this time it’s definitely real

Ben Simmons is trying to make an NBA comeback at 30 years old after injuries kept him out of the league last season. The forward is training with the Australian national men’s basketball team in private runs this week with the hope of making the 2028 Olympic roster, and as videos from those sessions start to circulate, it’s time for one of modern basketball’s greatest late offseason traditions.

It feels like every offseason features videos of Simmons showing off an improved outside shooting stroke. This of course never actually holds when the games matter, as Simmons has made just five three-pointers in 383 career NBA games. I was worried that we’d never get another mid-August video of Simmons stroking jumpers in a pickup run again after his career stalled out last year, but I was wrong! Watch a shirtless Simmons connect from deep in the video below:

Simmons has legitimately never recovered from refusing to take an open dunk during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons was named an All-Star for the third consecutive season that year, but his body started to break down after repeated back and nerve injuries, and he’s never been able to rediscover his best level.

Videos of Simmons ripping jumpers in pickup runs have been circulating for a decade. Here’s a video from July 2019:

Here’s Simmons ripping jumpers in offseason training sessions from 2021:

Fans clown Simmons for his broken jumper, but he was still a special talent at his peak. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons was 2018 Rookie of the Year, earned two First-Team All-Defense nods, one All-NBA team, and three All-Star bids during his short prime. He was an elite defensive forward with incredible passing ability who could score in the open floor as well as any player in the league. His athleticism waned as the injuries piled up, and eventually he started to play scared offensively because he didn’t want to go to the free throw line. Still, Simmons ranks No. 2 in BPM and No. 4 in win shares per 48 minutes from the 2016 draft class to this day.

I wouldn’t count out a Simmons comeback. He could make sense on a team like the Boston Celtics that can surround him with shooters, using him as a passing hub, and unleash him on defense. While videos of made jumpers in an empty gym will always go viral for Simmons, the big question for his potential comeback is if he can get healthy enough to defend at a high level again.

Lots has changed in the NBA over the last decade, but Ben Simmons is still going viral for making threes in pickup runs. It’s kind of beautiful if you think about it.

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10 most expensive pro sports franchise sales: Lakers top list

The Los Angeles Lakers' proposed sale for more than $12 billion would set a record for a North American sports team. But it would only be the latest example of the rapid increases in the value of pro franchises.

As leagues have become more welcoming to large ownership groups and venture capital firms joining their ranks, the dollar figures have skyrocketed.

In Forbes' latest ranking of the 50 most valuable sports franchises, the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL topped the list − worth an astounding $13 billion. The Lakers, second among NBA teams to the Golden State Warriors, ranked fifth at $10 billion.

Most expensive sports teams

In terms of their most recent sale prices, here are the most expensive professional teams among the four major North American pro sports. The Lakers, at their proposed sale price of more than $12 billion, would go to the top of this list:

(Note: The Seattle Seahawks announced last month that a group led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla will purchase the team for $9.6 billion. That sale still must be approved by the NFL.)

  1. $10 billion, Los Angeles Lakers. (To Mark Walter in 2025)
  2. $6.1 billion, Boston Celtics. (To BIll Chisholm in 2025)
  3. $6.05 billion,Washington Commanders. (To Josh Harris in 2023)
  4. $4.65 billion, Denver Broncos. (To Walton-Penner family in 2022)
  5. $4.25 billion, Portland Trail Blazers (To Tom Dundon in 2026)
  6. $4 billion, Phoenix Suns/Mercury. (To Mat Ishbia in 2022)
  7. $3.5 billion, Dallas Mavericks. (To Adelson, Dumont families in 2023)
  8. $3 billion, Charlotte Hornets. (To Gabe Plotkin, Rich Schnall in 2023)
  9. $2.475 billion, New York Mets. (To Steve Cohen in 2020)
  10. $2.35 billion, Brooklyn Nets. (To Joe Tsai in 2019)\

Mark Walter, here celebrating the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series victory with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, purchased the L.A. Lakers last year for $10 billion.

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 most expensive pro sports franchise sales: Lakers top list

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Ex-Disney head Bob Iger partners with Josh Kushner to buy Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $12.5 billion

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (left) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner (right) are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty)

Billionaire Mark Walter is reportedly selling the Los Angeles Lakers to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner for a record-breaking $12.5 billion.

"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss," Kushner and Iger told ESPN in a statement Wednesday. "Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

The pair had been involved in the NBA’s expansion process in Las Vegas before unexpectedly shifting their focus to the Lakers and making an aggressive offer to buy the team, sources told ESPN.

The shocking sale comes just one year after Walter, the CEO and chairman of diversified holding company TWG Global, acquired a controlling stake in the Lakers from the Buss family for an estimated $10 billion valuation, setting a record at the time.

“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,” Walter, who purchased the franchise just last year, said in a statement to ESPN. “I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (pictured) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger (pictured) and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are reportedly buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. His brother is Jared Kushner (Getty Images)
Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. His brother is Jared Kushner (Getty Images)

Walter, 66, has investments across several professional sports teams. Through TWG Global, he has ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Premier League soccer club Chelsea and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. He also owns several auto racing teams through TWG Motorsports, including Cadillac’s Formula 1 team.

The reported deal involves only Walter’s ownership of the Lakers, according to ESPN.

Walter built his fortune in the insurance industry and is also facing federal investigations into alleged tax fraud at other companies he runs.

Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health. In April, Thrive Eternal, a permanent investment vehicle from Thrive Capital, acquired a minority, non-controlling stake in the San Francisco Giants.

The deal would be the highest paid for an American sports franchise (Getty Images)
The deal would be the highest paid for an American sports franchise (Getty Images)

He is also the younger brother of Jared Kushner, a former adviser to President Donald Trump who is married to Ivanka Trump. Josh Kushner is married to supermodel Karlie Kloss.

Iger, 75, meanwhile, recently ended his second stint as Disney CEO, handing the role to Josh D’Amaro in March. Iger also has experience in professional sports ownership, as he and his wife, Willow Bay, became controlling owners of the National Women's Soccer League club Angel City FC in July 2024.

Iger and Kushner would take over the Lakers as the franchise enters the post-LeBron James era.

James left in July for the Philadelphia 76ers after eight seasons in LA and one NBA title, leaving Luka Doncic as the team’s new centerpiece. The Lakers have also added big man Walker Kessler and re-signed guard Austin Reaves.

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GM Mike Dunleavy says Warriors can compete with any team if healthy

The Golden State Warriors still believe they can compete with any team the league, but one thing stands in their way: their health.

Injuries have been a frequent opponent in recent years, and last season was no exception: Season-ending injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Stephen Curry missed a chunk of time just before and after the All-Star break.

Health is everything for the Warriors, who are running it back – along with the addition of 2026 draft picks Yaxel Lendeborg and LaJae Jones.

General manager Mike Dunleavy said in an Aug. 11 virtual call with media members there were "a myriad of reasons" why the roster returns familiar faces and expressed confidence for next season.

"I think in terms of coming back this year with a similar group, I think the two areas I discussed were obviously the injuries, which you can control some, (some) you can't," Dunleavy said. "Then some internal improvement stuff which we we need to be better. We need to be better taking care of the basketball. We need to be better executing. We need some better game plan stuff. So I think we looked at it in terms of how do we put the best, most talented roster out there, and it ended up being bringing back a lot of the guys that that we believe in, (that) we like, and we just need them to be healthy."

For what it's worth, Dunleavy was high on the last year's team, which finished with a 37-45 record before the Warriors' season ended in the play-In tournament.

"We did believe in the roster going to the season," he said. "Then (if) you told me at the beginning of the season we were going to add (Kristaps) Porzingis (in February) to that group, and the year before we went to the, you know, Western Conference semifinals and our best player was hurt for four of the games? We felt really good about the team."

After missing out this offseason on big swings for LeBron James or Jaylen Brown, Dunleavy concluded he didn't want to disrupt the team's continuity.

"I wanted to be careful about just switching things up to switch things up, and then you end up with maybe lesser players, not as good of a team, not as good of potential, and that's, I think, that's where you can go wrong," he said.

Golden State Warriors championship expectations

The Warriors' expectation are to reach the playoffs, and even make a deep run. There's not a team in the league they feel they can't matchup against.

"I think from our standpoint going into the year, I think you go down and ask every coach and player on the team. I mean, we fully expect to be in the playoffs. I mean, that would be an expectation and a goal," Dunleavy said. "I think we feel like if we get in the playoffs, we would be a tough out. We would be a tough out with Steve (Kerr) coaching, Steph, Draymond (Green), Jimmy, or the team we have, and whatever we can do. It's hard for me to say exactly what our team will be come come April, but you know, if we have our cornerstone pieces are healthy, and Steve Kerr is our coach, our goal is to get into the playoffs and see what happens."

Kerr once used the phrase "fading dynasty" to describe the state of the Warriors. Aging, yes. But franchise won four NBA titles in an eight-year span with those "cornerstone pieces" – Curry and Green, coached by Kerr.

Their presence alone gives Dunleavy, the team and their fans hope that they're not done yet. Dunleavy denounces the doubters. He sees a path back to top of the mountain.

"I see a path because you have Steph Curry, Steve Kerr is a proven championship coach. We've got really good players. We need to get healthy. We need to stay healthy, and then we need to evaluate and see where we're at and if we need to get better. I know we can get better. So there's a path. It may not be clear to a lot of people, but there's a path," he said.

Warriors road to getting healthy

The first step on that path is getting everyone back. The Warriors open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21. They will make their 14th consecutive Christmas Day appearance when they host the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Dec. 25.

Dunleavy expects to open the season without Butler and Moody as they return from season-ending injuries they sustained last campaign.

Dunleavy said there is no timeline for their return but they are doing well in rehabbing from their injuries.

"Yeah, guys are in a good spot with the rehabs. They're doing well," he said. "We haven't even gotten to the point of kind of readiness, availability, when they may be back. We just know, like night one, Oct. 21 against the Lakers, those guys won't be available. And they won't be available in the in the near term after that. So we're prepared for it, and we look forward to getting them back when we can. But we haven't even nailed down a timeline yet."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: GM Mike Dunleavy says Warriors can compete with any team if healthy

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LA Lakers to be sold in record $12.5bn deal

LA Lakers star Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is the LA Lakers' star player [Getty Images]

The Los Angeles Lakers are to be sold for a reported record-breaking $12.5bn (£9.3bn) - less than a year after Mark Walter took a majority stake in the NBA franchise.

Josh Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger are buying the controlling interest in one of the world's most iconic sports teams.

Walter bought his share, reportedly worth an estimated $10bn (£7.45bn) - a previous record - from the Buss family in a deal that was unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors in October 2025.

Kushner and Iger said in a statement: "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world.

"We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss.

"Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in a $67.5m deal (£50m) in 1979 that included the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and a Los Angeles arena, known as the Kia Forum.

After he died in 2013, ownership was passed to his six children in a Trust before a deal was completed with Walter, who also owns a stake in the LA Dodgers with Todd Boehly.

"Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honours of my life," said Walter.

"It has been an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family.

"I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead."

The LA Lakers have 17 NBA titles - one less than the record of 18 held by the Boston Celtics.

The deal involving Kushner comes after he was part of the recent controversy surrounding Fifa president Gianni Infantino and an aborted plan to sell off stakes in the governing body's competitions to private investors.

Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Kushner, was expected to lead the proposed investor group for the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

The Lakers lost LeBron James, the highest points scorer in the history of the NBA, in the summer as the 41-year-old joined the Philadelphia 76ers.

That left Luka Doncic, who arrived from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, as the team's main star and he welcomed the takeover.

"Being a Laker means everything to me, and I'm excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA," he said in a message on social media.

"I've gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise.

"I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together."

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Is Josh Kushner related to Jared Kushner? What to know about new Lakers owner

The Los Angeles Lakers will embark on a new era of ownership under Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, marking a shift for one of the league's most iconic franchises.

Josh Kushner’s last name might sound familiar due to his familial connections. He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

Although Josh is the son of prominent real estate developer Charles Kushner, he chose to forge his own path outside the family’s real estate empire. Instead, he has focused on innovative ventures in technology and healthcare.

Kushner is the founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a technology-focused venture capital firm he launched in 2009. Thrive Capital has been an influential investment firm, backing high-profile startups such as Instagram, Spotify and Slack, among others.

In addition to his achievements in venture capital, Kushner co-founded and currently serves as vice chairman of Oscar Health, a technology-driven health insurance company. The company primarily offers individual and family health plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Josh’s brother, Jared Kushner, is known for his roles in both politics and business. He is part of Trump’s administration as a senior advisor and is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.

More: Lakers being sold for $12B, North American record for sports franchise

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Josh Kushner related to Jared Kushner? What to know about new Lakers owner

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Spurs draw winnable group as Emirates NBA Cup schedule announced

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs posts up against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on February 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s day two of the NBA’s schedule drop for the 2026-27 season (why is this necessary?), with the Emirates NBA Cup groups being announced today. The Spurs wound up in Group C, along with the Lakers, Warriors, Kings and Trail Blazers. After seemingly always ending up in the “Group of Death” in past years, this is a relatively friendly one that the Spurs should be favored to advance out of.

As a reminder, each team will play each other once during the regular season between October 30 and November 27, and the winners of each group will advance, along with a wildcard team from each conference. As always, the quarterfinals and semifinals count as regular season games, while the final does not count in any way other than towards the 65-game rule. (Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama thanks you!) The 22 non-qualifying teams play two standard regular-season games during the knockout rounds to fulfill the 82-game schedule, and losers of the quarterfinals play one regular season game.

A new change this season is like the quarterfinals, the semifinals will be hosted by the higher-seeded team, while the Final will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 11. In the past, the semifinals and final were held in Las Vegas, but relatively low attendance due to short turnaround notice for fans to travel played a role in moving the event back to home arenas.

Last year was the first time the Spurs won their group and advanced, and they surprisingly beat the Lakers in Los Angeles in the quarterfinals without Victor Wembanyama to advance to Vegas. Wemby then returned from his 12-game absence due to a calf strain but played limited minutes off the bench as the Spurs got their first of what would become three surprising beatdowns of the Thunder across 12 days before falling to the Knicks in the final: a surprising precursor to what would come in the playoffs. (This was also the first time the Cup winner went on to win the NBA Championship.)

Below is the Spurs’ Cup schedule. You can also click here to get more information about the Cup itself. Are you starting to like this event now that the Spurs are more competitive?

Group Play

  • Friday Nov. 6 — at Sacramento Kings, 9:00 PM CT (broadcast TBD)
  • Friday Nov. 13 — vs. Golden State Warriors, 8:30 PM CT on Prime
  • Wednesday Nov. 25 — at Portland Trail Blazers, 9:00 PM CT on ESPN
  • Friday Nov. 27 — vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30 PM CT on Prime

Knockout Rounds

  • Quarterfinals — Friday Dec. 4 and Saturday Dec. 5, hosted by higher seeded teams.
  • Semifinals —Tuesday Dec. 8 and/or Wednesday Dec. 9, hosted by higher seeded teams (I’m guessing the uncertainty of date is due to not knowing the teams and locations, and if a double-header is feasible or not).
  • Final — Friday, Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
  • Regular season games for the disqualified teams will take place on the other days during this time frame.

The NBA will release all 30 teams’ complete regular season schedule tomorrow at 2:00 PM CT.

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Lakers face Warriors to kick off NBA Cup

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With the NBA action fast approaching, the league has begun announcing all of the games for the 2026-27 season.

On Tuesday, we got news that the Lakers will take on the Sixers on Christmas Day and that their first official game will be at home against the Warriors. Now, on Wednesday, we got the full schedule for NBA Cup action.

Los Angeles will open play in its group against Golden State on Friday, Oct. 30 on Prime. Here’s a look at their four games:

  • Oct. 30, 7 pm PT – Lakers at Warriors (Prime)
  • Nov. 6, 7 pm PT – Lakers vs. Blazers (Prime)
  • Nov. 20, 7 pm PT – Lakers vs. Kings
  • Nov. 27, 6:30 pm PT – Lakers at Spurs (Prime)

Group Play games will occur every Friday from Oct. 30 through Nov. 27. There will also be contests happening on Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Nov. 25.

This isn’t exactly an easy group for the Lakers. On paper, LA should be favored against the Warriors, but any Steph Curry-led team is tough to beat. Facing the Spurs will be an even tougher challenge.

Last season, San Antonio won their group and reached the NBA Cup title game. Victor Wembanyama is an elite, highly competitive player, so expect him to try to win it all this season. The Blazers and Kings are the weaker opponents in this group, but no team can be taken lightly.

The Lakers won the very first NBA Cup competition back in 2023, but haven’t had as much success in it since. In 2024, they didn’t make it out of the group stage, and in 2025, they lost in the quarterfinals to the Spurs.

During the three-year history of the NBA Cup, success in the tournament has been an indicator of what teams are the best in the league.

Last year, the NBA Cup title game and NBA Finals had the same teams participating. Back in 2024, the Thunder lost in the Cup Championship against the Bucks, before winning the NBA Finals against the Pacers.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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The Celtics NBA Cup schedule is out, and here’s who they’ll face

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 4: Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on November 4, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Celtics will once again compete for the Emirates NBA Cup this season — and they’ll look to secure the franchise’s first in-season tournament championship. Now, we know when that will happen, and against whom, as the NBA has unveiled the entire NBA Cup schedule as part of a week-long schedule rollout.

The Celtics are in Group C, which means they’ll compete against the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. They failed to make it out of the group stage round in each of the past two seasons, and lost in the Quarterfinals in the Cup’s inaugural season. But, at least on paper, Group C is one they should stack up well against (only the Hawks were a playoff team last year).

The Celtics’ NBA Cup schedule

  • Friday, October 30th vs. Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Friday, November 6th at Hornets, 7 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, November 24th at Wizards, 8 p.m. ET
  • Friday, November 27th vs. Hawks, 8 p.m. ET

After the group stage, there are three knockout rounds.

  • Quarterfinals: Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th
  • Semifinals: Tuesday, December 8th and/or Wednesday, December 9th
  • Championship: Friday, December 11th

We also know that the Celtics will face the Detroit Pistons for the first game of the NBA regular season on Tuesday, October 20th at 3pm ET, and host the New York Knicks for their home opener on Friday, October 23rd at 7pm ET.

On Christmas Day, the Celtics will host the Miami Heat at 2:30pm ET.

The full 2026-27 schedule will be released Thursday at 3pm ET.

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Brooklyn Nets NBA Cup and National TV Schedule Announced

BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Terance Mann #14 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 28, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

We now have the first piece of the puzzle that is the Brooklyn Nets’ 2026-27 regular season schedule. This morning, the NBA announced dates, times, and locations for the Emirates NBA Cup group round matchups. Brooklyn’s games, which should all be televised on the YES Network, include the following:

  • vs Detroit on 10/30 at 7:30 p.m. EST
  • vs Orlando on 11/20 at 7:30 p.m. EST
  • at Milwaukee on 11/25 at 7:00 p.m. EST
  • at Toronto on 11/27 at 7:30 p.m. EST

While all will matter equally on paper, Brooklyn’s second contest vs Orlando will likely carry a bit of extra weight, as it’ll feature both Wagner brothers as competitors for the first time in the NBA.

In the NBA Cup’s three year history, the Nets have yet to advance into the knockout round. However, should they finally break through this season, those games will take place from December 4-9th. The Cup championship game is scheduled for December 11th at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The NBA will also announce the remainder of its national television schedule, being ESPN and NBC’s slate of games, at 3 p.m. EST today. Last year, the Nets only played in two nationally televised games — an early November bout with the Minnesota Timberwolves and a mid-January game with the Chicago Bulls.

While the Nets undoubtedly improved as a team this summer and certainly increased their “watchability” by adding a former All-Star in Julius Randle and a potential blue-chip prospect in Mikel Brown Jr., I would expect a similarly sized portion of nationally televised games again this year. We’ll update this story with the details once they’re released. The compete NBA 2026-27 season schedule will drop at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday.

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Scouting Report: What should Lakers fans expect from Quentin Grimes?

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 07: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on April 07, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

While not the biggest gamble of the offseason, the Lakers certainly committed a lot of belief and money into Quentin Grimes.

The team’s focus on getting younger and more athletic led them to Grimes, whom they signed to a four-year, $60 million deal. It’s a huge vote of confidence in his potential and that a likely starting spot and streamlined role will lead to big results in the coming seasons.

As we continue our series looking at some of the team’s free agent signings, we spoke to Paul Hudrick, site manager for Liberty Ballers, about Grimes’ time with the Sixers, where he flourished, and

What are his strengths?

When Grimes is going well, his physicality, fearlessness and versatility are major strengths. He was never able to replicate what he did to close the Sixers’ nightmare 2024-25 campaign, but you saw glimpses of it throughout last season.

He’s a physical guard with the ability to play on or off the ball. He can score at all three levels. He’s also an aggressive and physical player on the defensive end. If you’re looking for the most optimal version of Grimes, his Game 5 in Boston last year was it.

What are his weaknesses?

Grimes seemed to struggle last season with more stars on the floor. He started the season looking like a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. As Tyrese Maxey ascended, VJ Edgecombe improved and Joel Embiid and Paul George got healthier, Grimes seemed to fade into the background.

While that Game 5 performance highlights what Grimes can be, the rest of the playoffs showed where you might have concerns. He’d often disappear in games. He was also prone to strange mistakes and his shot selection could be questionable, perhaps being a bit overaggressive as his touches diminished.

From an outsider’s perspective, how do you see him fitting with the Lakers?

While he didn’t have much success with a fully healthy Sixers team, it’s fair to note the Sixers didn’t have anyone near the playmaking level of Luka Doncic last season. It’s also fair to note that Grimes had success playing alongside Luka in Dallas.

I’m curious how he’ll play next to Collin Sexton. I would imagine Grimes and Sexton will battle to be the first guard off the bench. Grimes’ ability defensively likely gives him the edge there playing next to Luka or Austin Reaves.

Anything else to know about him?

In the time I covered him, Grimes was a player who always left me wanting more. I’d see him yam on somebody, bury four threes a row with a hand in his face and then chest up someone like Jaylen Brown defensively, then he just wouldn’t have an impact for a long stretch.

His decision-making can be a bit maddening as well. I think he’s a good player and belongs in an NBA rotation, but there might be a reason he’s been on five teams in six years.

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

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Wizards’ 2026-27 NBA Cup schedule includes national TV bout vs. Celtics

WASHINGTON, DC -  NOVEMBER 25: Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup game on November 25, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Wizards have released their 2026-27 NBA Cup schedule, which features four group-stage matchups across October and November.

Washington’s group — Group C — includes the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. The team’s Nov. 24 matchup against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena will be aired at 8 p.m. on NBC.

While the full schedule hasn’t been released, it appears Trae Young’s first game in Atlanta since his January trade to the Wizards is scheduled for Nov. 6.

The Wizards are an NBA-worst 1-11 in NBA Cup games over the last three seasons. Their lone win came last season against the Hawks, who they’ll again face during this year’s group play.

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Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner to buy Lakers from Mark Walter's ownership group for $12.5 billion

Bob Iger, left, and Joshua Kushner.
Bob Iger, left, and Joshua Kushner. (Getty Images)

What a difference a year makes.

Less than a year after Dodgers owner Mark Walter bought the Lakers for a record-breaking sum, L.A.’s iconic NBA franchise is now being sold to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, sources familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to The Times, $2.5 billion more than the reported number when Walter bought the team in October from the Buss family.

Kushner, of permanent-capital holding company Thrive Eternal and younger brother of Jared Kushner, and Iger, Disney’s former chief executive, were recently looking into an expansion franchise as the NBA eyed new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. Walter, who also owns the Dodgers and the Sparks, has been at the center of a federal loan investigation. The Dodgers and Sparks were not involved in the deal, according to a source familiar with the transaction but not authorized to speak publicly.

“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,” Kushner and Iger said in a statement. “We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”

Read more:Sources: Mark Walter has no plans to sell Dodgers after unloading Lakers

Jeanie Buss, whose family owned the Lakers for more than four decades, remained the governor of the Lakers despite the family selling the team to Walter last year. She remained a fixture at games, sitting courtside during the season, with Walter occasionally joining her or sitting courtside near the baseline. The NBA announced in October after the sale was finalized that Buss would be the team’s governor for at least five years.

“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life — an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,” Walter said in the statement to ESPN, who first reported the sale Wednesday morning. “I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the L.A. Times Media Group and minority owner in the Lakers, welcomed his new business partners on social media.

“Go Lakers!” he posted on X. “Congrats Bob and Josh.”

Iger stepped down from his role as Disney CEO in mid-March, but remains on the board of directors through December. The longtime executive and his wife Willow Bay, the dean of USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, bought a controlling stake in NWSL club Angel City FC in 2024 and led a project to build an NFL stadium in Carson before the NFL instead returned to Inglewood, where Rams owner Stan Kroenke built SoFi Stadium.

Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Dodgers, acknowledges a fan before a game in Chicago on Aug. 4.
Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, acknowledges a fan before a game against the Chicago Cubs last week. (Melissa Tamez / Associated Press)

Kushner also owns a minority stake in the Miami Heat, which he bought in 2024 and must now sell to finalize the Lakers purchase. He was previously a minority owner in the Memphis Grizzlies. This year, his venture capital firm Thrive Capital launched Thrive Eternal, which is focused on long-term ownership of a small number of iconic franchises and cultural institutions, and acquired a stake in the San Francisco Giants as its first foray into sports. Thrive Eternal was at the center of a plan to buy tournament rights to the FIFA World Cup, but the controversial deal collapsed amid outrage, including a boycott from UEFA, the governing body for European soccer.

“Both of them love basketball,” Lakers legend Magic Johnson said in an interview with The Times. “And I think they’ll take us in the right direction. … First I was happy because it was Mark Walter and now I’m even happier that it’s Bob Iger and Josh Kushner so we got the right two people to own the team. Bob lived here, Bob worked here, on and on and on. And he wants to win. Both of them want to win. And you gotta have people who want to win. They’ll bring all the resources and make sure they bring a championship to Laker fans and L.A.”

Read more:Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner eye Las Vegas NBA expansion team bid

In his short tenure, Walter and TWG Global started remaking front-office and business operations with the Lakers. The franchise was investing in assistant general manager positions this offseason, growing its sports science resources with the help of the Dodgers and moving G League operations from the South Bay to the Coachella Valley. Lakers general manager and president of basketball Rob Pelinka called the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers and Lakers “brother-sister” organizations.

Despite being one of the NBA’s marquee franchises, the Lakers, who had been a family-run team for 46 years since Jerry Buss bought the franchise in 1979, were starting to fall behind in the booming NBA business. Within months of buying the team, Walter installed Dodgers executive Lon Rosen to oversee business operations. Rosen added new roles to drive revenue, oversee business strategy and grow interest in the franchise domestically and internationally.

The Lakers added a second row for courtside seats during playoff games, sold a uniform sponsorship to Daiso for the Laker Girls dance team and agreed to a new jersey patch deal with Albert, a personal financial assistant app. The team also laid off more than a dozen employees in May, soon after the season ended with a second-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Mark Walter selling Lakers for record $12.5 billion to Josh Kushner, Bob Iger

Just 14 months ago, Mark Walter bought the iconic Los Angeles Lakers for an NBA record $10 billion, ending the franchise's run as a family-run business. Now he is flipping the team for a cool $2.5 billion profit.

In a stunning turn of events, Walter is selling the Lakers for a new record $12.5 billion to American businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, a story broken by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. This sale ultimately will have to be approved by the league's Board of Governors (made up of the other 29 owners), but that seems a mere formality (as it was for Walter 10 months ago). Kushner and Iger were in discussions about buying the expected NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, meaning the league certainly has already started the vetting process.

Kushner and Iger gave this statement to Shelburne:

"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

Walter issued this statement to Shelburne.

"Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead."

It's worth noting that federal investigators have been looking into Walter and his conglomerate and holding company, TWG Global, for alleged fraud tied to insurance companies it owns (based on reports from a whistleblower), according to reporting in the Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. Walter and TWG have denied any wrongdoing. It's unclear if the investigations had any impact on the sale of the team. Walter is not selling the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of, or adjacent to, this deal.

It's unclear what percentage of the team the Buss family will retain through this sale. It still had a 15% ownership stake after the sale to Walter, and Jeanie Buss was continuing as governor of the team, overseeing day-to-day operations.

Since taking over the Lakers, Walter has been aggressive in reshaping the Lakers' front office and scouting staff, which had been one of the smallest in the NBA despite the size of the Lakers' brand. The Lakers have been building out a much more robust and diversified front office, with Rob Pelinka still in charge as general manager. Walter made sweeping changes to business-side personnel as well, changing much of the organization.

Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, however, Josh does not have a role in the White House. Kushner founded Thrive Capital, which is a venture capital firm that invested in companies such as Instagram and OpenAI, among others. Kushner is worth an estimated $5.2 billion.

Iger is well known in Southern California for his two turns as the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. He is a consultant with Thive.