After only playing five games last season because of season-ending shoulder surgery, Walker Kessler was expected to have a few cobwebs this preseason.
They didn’t show in his preseason debut when Kessler shined with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, nine rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal in the first half of the Lakers’ 101-89 exhibition loss to the Warriors on Tuesday.
But Nikola Jokic unearthed them.
Walker Kessler (14) of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense on Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during a game at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, October 16, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Walker finished with six points on 2-for-8 shooting, six rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots and one steal in 31 minutes in the Lakers’ 121-106 exhibition loss to the Nuggets on Friday.
Meanwhile, Jokic, a three-time MVP and one-time champion with the Nuggets in 2023, poured in 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals in 31 minutes.
“It knocked off a lot of rust,” Kessler said of playing against Jokic, flashing a smile. “Yeah, there was a pile in my locker. There’s a reason why he is who he is. He’s arguably the best big in the league and best player in the league. I would argue Luka’s better, obviously, for obvious reasons. But, yeah, he’s an exceptional player and for a preseason game, getting a regular-season game feel in that first half was really good for me and I think it was good for the team.”
Kessler, who suffered a torn left labrum in November, went 347 days without playing basketball before this preseason.
The Lakers acquired him this offseason in a sign-and-trade with Utah, giving up two future unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps on top of a four-year, $130 million contract.
Kessler is considered one of the league’s elite rim protectors and rebounders. In the five games he played last season, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks.
In 2024-2025, Kessler contested 7.5 shots per game at the rim, per NBA.com, which tied him for fifth most in the league.
Against the Warriors, Kessler showed the type of difference he can make for the Lakers, who were 20th in defensive rating last season.
In the 16 minutes Kessler was on the court? The Lakers outscored the Warriors by 15 points. In the 32 minutes he was on the bench? They were outscored by 27.
The challenge level was dialed up in intensity against Jokic, who finished third last season in MVP voting, ahead of the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors on Wednesday.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve really competed against someone like that. I mean since November basically of last year,” Kessler said. “So definitely it was nice to get that in before it actually counts.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 28, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It feels a little different this time, right? The Brooklyn Nets begin their 2026-27 season this week! We’ve got Julius Randle, a bigger Egor Dëmin, a darn good prospect in Mikel Brown Jr., and a whole lot else to be excited about now. In this season preview pod, we share our predictions for the year, some bolder than others, and touch on what the fans should be excited and concerned about. We also hop in the time machine and look at the team’s starting lineups over the past 15 years, some crazier than others. How about those new uniforms too? We’re covering it all here.
In Episode 49 of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we also touch on:
Mikel Brown Jr.’s preseason debut
Predicting the team’s MVP, DPOY, and MIP this year
Let's be honest with ourselves: Part of the concern basketball fans have with LeBron James' helicopter commute to Philadelphia games and practices is a shared PTSD from the tragic death of Kobe Bryant. Those emotional scars remain.
While fans in Philadelphia and beyond have made a big deal of LeBron commuting from a home in New York to Philadelphia via helicopter, his comments downplayed it, via Tony Jones at The Athletic.
"Yeah, I've done it before," James said. "Just another, just another way of transportation. That's all."
LeBron has been using a helicopter — provided by the sports apparel company Fanatics, according to Pablo Torre Finds Out — to commute from New York to the 76ers practice facility in Camden, N.J.
As the Dan LeBatard show pointed out, LeBron chose the 76ers, not Philadelphia. For Philly fans, that's not much of a distinction, but it is one. LeBron isn't the first person to do this commute, as noted by Jones former 76ers guard and current Lakers coach JJ Redick used to live in New York, although he hired a car service to do it. That drive is around two hours (more on bad traffic days), by helicopter, it's more like half an hour.
LeBron isn't changing his plans, and he is unconcerned about the discourse around his commute.
Check out LeBron's official debut as a 76er on Tuesday when he makes a shorter commute to Madison Square Garden with his teammates for the season opener, trying to spoil ring night for Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks, a game you can watch on NBC and Peacock. It's the anchor game of a triple-header — Celtics at Pistons at 3 p.m. Eastern, and Thunder at Spurs at 9:30 p.m. Eastern — with all the games shown on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
AJ Dybantsa (4) of the Washington Wizards is fouled by Karlo Matkovic (17) of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a preseason game at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has suffered an ankle injury, putting his regular season debut on Wednesday in doubt.
Dybantsa sprained his left ankle in the second quarter of Washington’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. He landed awkwardly after a mid-range jumper, and his teammates helped him to the locker room.
The rookie sat out the rest of the game as a precaution. He finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and one block in 15 minutes.
AJ Dybantsa (4) of the Washington Wizards is fouled by Karlo Matkovic (17) of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a preseason game at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Getty Images
Social media footage showed the rookie walking down the tunnel on his own and mouthing, “I’m good”.
“We’ll look at it more when we get more information,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe told reporters.
Across four preseason appearances, Dybantsa is averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist while shooting 43 percent from the field.
The injury delivers a blow to fans eager to see Washington’s first No. 1 pick since 2010—and sets back a Wizards team that, players have acknowledged, actively tanked last season to land the BYU forward.
AJ Dybantsa just rolled his ankle and went back to the Wizards locker room.
He walked off under his own power and seemed to say “I’m good” but still a very scary moment for Wizards fans. pic.twitter.com/nZZldhf8Iv
Observers expect the 19-year-old to play a key role as the Wizards look to return to competitive basketball. After extending Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million deal this offseason, Washington enters the season with an intriguing mix of veterans and young talent.
Anthony Davis, Khris Middleton, Deandre Ayton, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, and Tre Johnson round out the roster.
Dybantsa is confident in the support around him. At media day, he said his situation differs from that of other No. 1 picks because he can learn from established stars and Hall of Famers.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) drives on Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (4) in the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. AP Photo/Morgan Simmons
“I have All-Stars and Hall of Famers on my team that I can really get some knowledge from, (such as) Khris Middleton, Trae Young, AD (Anthony Davis), DeAndre Ayton, so I don’t have to come in and carry this huge load,” he said. “I think I can just kind of bond with these guys, learn it slowly and learn how to play the right way instead of just getting put into a situation where I have a lot on my back.”
Washington will monitor Dybantsa’s availability as it prepares to open the regular season against the Bucks on Wednesday.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 5: Haywood Highsmith #19 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The roster fine-tuning has begun for the Phoenix Suns as they prepare for the 2026–27 season, and I have a feeling some of the more analytical members of the fan base aren’t going to be particularly happy with the latest decision. After being claimed off waivers following his release from the Brooklyn Nets last season, Haywood Highsmith has officially been cut by Phoenix, with the organization opting to retain Jamaree Bouyea instead.
The Phoenix Suns are keeping Jamaree Bouyea as the 14th player on the roster. They have officialy cut Haywood Highsmith.
Both Highsmith and Bouyea carry non-guaranteed contracts that don’t become fully guaranteed until January 27.
Highsmith appeared in seven games for the Suns last season, averaging 5.4 points in 13 minutes per contest. He also appeared in two postseason games, failing to score in either appearance.
At nearly 30 years old, Highsmith profiles as a quality three-and-D player. Although he stands 6’5”, he possesses tremendous length and has carved out a place in the NBA through toughness, grit, and his ability to knock down shots. He’s the type of player who has earned everything he’s received throughout his professional career. But when you look at the current state of the Phoenix Suns, there are several factors that likely influenced this decision.
First, the Suns simply appear to like Bouyea more. He’s somebody the organization identified while he was playing in the G League with the Austin Spurs, brought into the fold, and continued developing. And he’s rewarded that investment with some encouraging performances, including a strong preseason in which he averaged 9.8 points in 16.6 minutes across five games.
So Phoenix is opting to retain a player who’s three years younger and whom the organization has already identified as somebody worth continuing to develop. Bouyea also provides additional depth at the guard position, which brings us to another reason Highsmith became expendable.
The Suns have plenty of depth on the wing, particularly when you consider the number of young players who need opportunities to develop. Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, and Koa Peat are all players the organization has invested in, and finding meaningful minutes for Highsmith would potentially mean prioritizing his playing time over the development of those prospects. For a team that’s attempting to build toward the future while remaining competitive in the present, that becomes an important consideration.
The third factor is Highsmith’s injury history. There are legitimate concerns surrounding his health following the meniscus tear he suffered last season, and it’s fair to wonder whether he’s fully recovered. From the organization’s perspective, maintaining flexibility rather than committing to a player whose availability could remain uncertain might be the more appealing approach.
Which brings us to the fourth reason I believe this transaction occurred. The Phoenix Suns have demonstrated a preference for maintaining optionality and roster flexibility, particularly at the beginning of a season, rather than filling every available roster spot simply because they can. Releasing Highsmith opens one roster spot for Phoenix. Could that spot eventually be occupied by Duop Reath? Certainly. But my assumption is that Reath will ultimately land on a two-way contract alongside Koby Brea and Pat Spencer.
I think the Suns would prefer to keep that 15th roster spot available because, quite frankly, they don’t fully know who they are yet. There’s still plenty to learn about this roster, how the rotations will develop, and what needs might emerge once the regular season begins. So you let the season play out, evaluate what you have, and when the time comes, if there’s a player who can address a specific need, you have the flexibility to make that move. That’s the value of maintaining options rather than committing to a roster spot simply for the sake of filling it.
Ultimately, this decision says more about the Suns’ priorities than it does about Highsmith’s ability to contribute. Phoenix is choosing youth, development, and flexibility over a veteran whose opportunities were already going to be limited. Bouyea gets another chance to prove he belongs, while the front office maintains the ability to address needs as they emerge. There’s value in that approach, especially for a team still figuring out what it has. Sometimes the smartest roster move is knowing when to leave a spot open.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has not committed to his starting five for the season opener on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, particularly at power forward. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)
After five preseason games, the Lakers open their regular season Wednesday at home against the Golden State Warriors. The preseason offered some promising moments, other confounding connections between new teammates and a strong foundation for the new-look team hoping to keep growing through an 82-game season.
“You’re always trying to get better,” coach JJ Redick said Friday after the Lakers lost their final preseason game to the Denver Nuggets. “And even later in the season, you tweak plays, you tweak the offense and you tweak coverages. It’s constantly evolving. There’s no, like, ‘oh, we’re done. Now we’re going to go play.’ But we’re ready to go.”
Here are five things we learned during the Lakers’ training camp and five preseason games:
Ziaire Williams makes his case
Lakers forward Ziaire Williams, left, tries to prevent Kings guard Emanuel Sharp from scoring in the lane during a preseason game earlier this month. (Sara Nevis / Associated Press)
Ziaire Williams played in only two of the five preseason games, but the 6-foot-9 forward emerged as one of the biggest winners of training camp. The Sierra Canyon High alumnus might go from veteran minimum contract to first-day starter. He was a perfect five-for-five shooting from three-point range during two preseason appearances — both starts — and averaged 13.5 points while taking on a prominent defensive role.
During his first two years as the Lakers coach, Redick admired Williams’ intent on the defensive end from afar and commended the forward’s willingness to defend other teams’ star players. And somehow, Williams, then playing for Brooklyn, always seemed to hit shots when he played against the Lakers.
Now seeing Williams every day, Redick has come away even more impressed by the 25-year-old’s character and leadership qualities.
“Everybody in our building that has been around him for the last, you know, six to eight weeks just recognizes what a special human being he is,” Redick said. “I really believe in him as a player, and I think he’s got a lot of room to grow still, which is exciting for all of us.”
While Williams might be the first choice to start at power forward, several contenders had strong preseasons at the position. Jake LaRavia is playing and shooting with confidence again. Sandro Mamukelashvili awed with his versatile offensive game. Adou Thiero showed significant growth from his injury-plagued rookie season. The position remains one of the team’s biggest unknowns, but the preseason could offer some confidence that the Lakers have options.
Mamu was breakout star of the preseason
Lakers forward Jake LaRavia, left, and Sandro Mamukelashvili try to stop the Kings' Jonathan Mogbo from scoring in a preseason game earlier this month. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
It won’t be long before chants of “Ma-muuuuuuuu” fill Crypto.com Arena. The Georgian forward will quickly become a fan favorite if he continues to provide the all-around offensive game he flashed during the preseason.
Mamukelashvili averaged 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 55.6% (25 for 45) from the field and 54.2% (13 for 24) from three-point range. Late during the third quarter against Denver, Mamukelashvili dazzled with a three-pointer, a cutting dunk and a defensive rebound that led to an assist to Quentin Grimes for a three-pointer — all in 99 seconds.
President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said before the season that he and Redick wanted to intentionally build a cast of role players who could pass, dribble and shoot. Mamukelashvili checks all the boxes.
“Anytime he gets a rebound, we’re encouraging him to push the pace,” guard Austin Reaves said. “He’s a good basketball player, so we’re very excited for what he brings to the team.”
How long will rebounding woes linger?
Lakers center Walker Kessler, left, powering his way to the basket against two Nuggets defenders, will be the anchor to the team's defense, which will look to improve their rebounding deficiencies. (Ben Liebenberg / Associated Press)
Williams scanned the box score in front of him after the Lakers’ preseason finale Friday. He was looking for reassurance about how the Lakers ended the 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
“We did get outrebounded a little bit,” he said, glancing at the Lakers’ 49-44 rebounding deficit. “But not as bad.”
The Lakers’ 39.4 rebounds per game ranked second-to-last during the preseason. Defensive rebounds could be a weak point this season for a team still trying to solidify its backup center behind Walker Kessler. Three preseason games without Kessler reinforced to Redick that the Lakers needed to keep two big wings — any combination of Williams, LaRavia, Thiero, Matisse Thybulle or even Doncic, who is a strong rebounder for a guard — on the court to keep pace on the glass.
“We can’t just rely on Walker to get 30 rebounds a game,” Williams said of how the team has to approach rebounding. “It’s just not how the game works. So just every person just contributing to it and wanting it more than the other team.”
Kessler, standing nearby during Williams’ postgame news conference, poked his head out from behind a black curtain and gave his teammate a thumbs-up. He had 15 rebounds in two games, including 11 defensive boards. The Lakers were outrebounded by one in the two games with Kessler compared with a minus-23 rebounding differential during the first three preseason games.
Even the offense needs time
Lakers guard Luka Doncic, left, pulls up in the lane for a shot against the Nuggets in the final preseason game Friday. (Ben Liebenberg / Associated Press)
Doncic, Reaves and Kessler only played one half together, and Doncic and Reaves only played in the same game twice. During one Laker fastbreak in the first quarter against Denver, while Reaves was taking a steal coast-to-coast for an easy layup, Doncic kept Kessler back on defense and pointed out tactics while they stood in the paint.
“There’s going to be some growing pain, just lack of reps together so far,” Reaves said of the chemistry between the team’s new “big three.” “... More than likely going to pick up on it sooner than later. So we’ll continue to grow that over the next couple days and be ready for opening night.”
The Lakers averaged 23 turnovers per game during the preseason. Guard Collin Sexton’s absence because of a lower leg injury showed up in the Lakers’ turnover struggles. Even two of the premier guards in the league won’t be enough to handle all of the Lakers’ ball-handling, especially if Bronny James continues to struggle as he did during the preseason.
James, after working into the injury-laden postseason rotation last year, averaged just 16.4 minutes per preseason game with 2.2 points per game on one-for-eight shooting from three. He had 12 rebounds, 14 assists and 12 turnovers during the five games.
The roster isn’t done changing
The Lakers have to cut their roster to 15 by the opener. Pelinka mentioned the possibility of consolidation trades to reach the maximum number, but no transactions have materialized, especially with the Lakers trying to cling to their limited draft assets. They don’t control their own first-round pick until 2032 and don’t have a second-round selection until 2031.
If the Lakers can’t pull off a deal, forward Dalton Knecht could be at risk of being waived. Since getting traded as a rookie and returning when the transaction was rescinded, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft has never carved out a steady role with the Lakers. Early, he looked like he could be the steal of the draft when he averaged 18.9 points per game during a nine-game stretch in November 2024, including a two-game, 64-point heater in which he hit 14 of 24 three-pointers. He scored more points in his 19 NBA games (231) than he did all of last season (228).
“I think the biggest thing is the team changed,” Redick said before Friday’s game of Knecht’s career arc. “The team changed. The needs changed, the fit changed. I think he got better as a player over the last two years. I think each guy has, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the amount of injuries we had. So I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now.”
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who has about $25 million left on his contract over the next two seasons, did not suit up for Friday’s preseason finale.
After joining the team through a trade from Washington this offseason, guard Jaden Hardy understood that roster moves would continue through training camp. On the fringe of the rotation, he said he didn’t let it bother him.
“I just came in [with a] clear head, clear mind, new situation, new opportunity,” said Hardy, who has a $6-million salary this season and a team option for next year. “I feel like it’s a blessing to be here and I’m just coming in here every day working, taking care of my business.”
He stated his case for a roster spot with 13 points in 14 minutes Friday.
MINNEAPOLIS , MN - APRIL 25: Rudy Gobert (27), Anthony Edwards (5), Julius Randle (30), and Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves call for a stoppage in action after Donte DiVincenzo (0) went down with an apparent injury during the first quarter of game four of their NBA Playoffs series against the Denver Nuggets at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
As the season is just days away from kicking off, we asked you all for the last time.
Your answer?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are injured beyond measure. It is our availability, not our ability, that most frightens us. Your playing dinged up does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about playing through ailments so that other teams won’t feel secure in their playoff seeing. We are all meant to load manage as Kawhi Leonard does. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own rest shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
To be fair, most teams likely fear the same thing. Injuries are the great equalizer, or more like “un-equalizer.” Wolves fans are no strangers to this, as we saw just how much it impacted their 2026 postseason run. Having a fully healthy Anthony Edwards, let alone an available Donte DiVincenzo, could have made a huge difference in the 2-4 series loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Some of you in the comments section specifically referenced the concern of injury to Rudy Gobert. It falls in line with the frontcourt depth concern, as his only true backup is a 19-year-old athletic freak who only started playing basketball around when Anthony Edwards was drafted by Minnesota. The only other realistic options behind him would be Trey Lyles or two-player Rocco Zikarsky. Is 38-year-old Kevin Love kicking open the door to try and help his case to get his jersey retired after Kevin Garnett?
Interestingly enough, another high vote went towards “Winning too many games.” I added that as a sort of joke response, but it is reasonable to be concerned about a team that “replaced moodiness with giddiness” to take things seriously enough. I can already see the media running with a story like: Anthony Edwards spotted laughing while hopping in LaMelo Ball’s Hummer (which a personal driver is at the wheel of) after a four-point loss against the Memphis Grizzlies in March because they’re currently second in the Western Conference.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: A detailed view of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder jersey during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 15, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The staff question this week was about the NBA vs just the Mavericks: who is going to be the NBA’s MVP this year?
David: I’m going with Luka Doncic. He is primed for the breakthrough MVP award that we thought he’d get three seasons ago. His numbers this year will be ridiculous; like 35 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists kind of ridiculous. The Lakers will win 50 games, and the media will finally come around to him now that his sleek figure fits their narrative. It’s too early for Wemby, too absurd for an SGA three-peat, and too much Luka for anyone else.
Salvador: I would go 50/50 between Wemby and Luka. If Wemby qualifies, I think he wins it as voters tend to reward players from the year before (their playoff run), but I agree for the most part with David
Michael: The MVP award is an almost impossible task. There are always three or four players worthy of the award, and somehow it seems to be decided by things that didn’t necessarily take place during the regular season. The race is often so tight that a few playoff games enter the equation, or a player from last year’s championship team gets the nod, etc. As objective as I can be, I’ll go with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I do think he will be hard-pressed to convince voters to give him a third straight, especially after a loss in the Western Conference Finals last season, but I suspect the Thunder are going to be one of the league’s best teams and he’s at a stage in his career where he may just have yet another level to attain. Victor Wembanyama is also highly likely to get the award based on betting odds, but I think enough voters will be hesitant to give it to a third-year player that it will cost him the honor. I suspect he would have to leave no doubt while the Spurs were the #1 seed by a decent margin for him to get it, and I think the Thunder will have something to say about that. So, factoring in voter bias, I suspect both players will be in a tight race, with SGA winning it behind a Thunder team that lands ahead of the Spurs in the standings.
Bryan: My pick for MVP of the 2026-2027 season is…the Toronto Raptors’ own Scottie Barnes. The Knicks, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Sixers, Heat and Pistons are all going to be in a race for the number one seed in the East, and if it isn’t the Knicks or Celtics who grab it, the Raptors have as good a chance as anyone. Kawhi Leonard will not get a serious look as MVP for obvious reasons, but Scottie had a coming-out party in last year’s playoffs and announced himself as one of the 12 to 17 best players in the league. As someone sharing the primary shot creation burden with Kawhi and the most important defender on what should compete with Boston, OKC, and San Antonio for the best defense in the league, Barnes will have plenty of narrative tailwind propelling him forward as long as the voters are paying attention. While the splash of the Kawhi acquisition should draw national media eyeballs, hopefully the play of their emerging star will keep them watching. Honorable mentions to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, but I’d rather not lay those expectations on guys still in their first full year back from Achilles injuries.
Matt: It feels like it would take an act of God for Wemby not to win it. The Spurs are set to run back probably the best roster in the NBA after a Finals run that was arguably ahead of schedule. And the powers that be in the NBA seem to love a linear, uncomplicated narrative. Wemby has done all of the necessary steps thus far to be in consideration. If he stays healthy, going from rookie phenom to DPOY to team leader of a Finals runner-up, all the pieces have aligned for Wemby to be anointed so long as nothing catastrophic befalls San Antonio.
Tyler: Okay, now that I’ve collected myself from reading Bryan’s prediction, let’s get nuts. Anthony Edwards is your 2026-27 NBA MVP. Why? Well, the addition of Lamelo Ball gets him out of the square peg, round hole situation he was in last season when he was running point. Because of that, he’ll get to launch more wide open threes generated by Ball. By the way, Edwards was 40% from deep on 8.4 attempts last year, after being 39.5% on over 10 attempts per game previously. Beyond that, Edwards was near 50% on catch and shoot looks. Guess who all of a sudden will get a ton of catch and shoot looks? The man can shoot, the man can defend, and he’s one of the three most likable players in the entire NBA. If Minnesota is a top three seed, that is your MVP.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason officially came to a close with their 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets, and we still don’t have a concrete answer on what their opening-night starting lineup will be.
But the fans have a preference.
We’ve drawn a general conclusion that Quentin Grimes would be joining Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler in the starting lineup, considering that he started four of the five games in the preseason. However, the final spot in the lineup has mostly been up for grabs.
For this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey, we asked fans who they think should slot in next to the four above between Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Matisse Thybulle, each of whom has made strong cases through the whirlwind of lineups we’ve seen all preseason. And there was a clear winner.
JJ Redick may have given the final stamp of approval based on the five he started with in their preseason finale on Friday. Williams joined Dončić, Reaves, Kessler, and Thybulle against the Nuggets, something Redick said he wanted to try, especially with Grimes on the bench.
Williams’ 6-foot-9 frame and 3-and-D ability make him the most ideal candidate to fill the position. In the two preseason games he played, he averaged 13.5 points in 15.6 minutes per game and made all five 3-pointers he attempted. Williams has never actualized his perimeter shooting potential, registering below-average overall 3-point shot quality with Brooklyn last season. But he is already getting better looks playing with two of the league’s best offensive creators.
“Man, my life is definitely easier, to say the least,” Williams said after Friday’s loss. “Just playing with high-level playmakers, guys who know how to win and, you know, guys who’ve been in the league for a long time. I just know my role, and I feel like I just couldn’t be in a better situation.”
An overwhelming 44% of Lakers fans seem aligned with Redick in their preference for Williams to start. His skillset complements the other four projected starters.
Now it’s up to him to continue the production he’s put out in his short preseason stints and help raise the ceiling of the Lakers as contenders.
Wembanyama had 14 points, eight rebounds and a couple of blocked shots in his 17 minutes of work in the Spurs' final preseason game.
Wemby and the Spurs tip off the season with what feels like Game 8 of last season's epic Western Conference Finals, hosting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, starting at 9:30 p.m. ET, a game you can watch on NBC or stream on Peacock. That game is the final game of the night, part of a star-studded triple-header featuring Boston at Detroit (3 p.m. Eastern), then LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers trying to spoil ring night for Jalen Brunson and the champion New York Knicks, a game that tips off at 7 p.m. Eastern. Watch all of that triple-header on NBC or stream on Peacock.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Devin Carter #99 celebrates with Mike Conley #45 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 124-113. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Devin Carter’s lone preseason appearance was enough to impress the Celtics, apparently. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Carter’s Exhibit 10 training camp deal is being converted to a two-way contract.
The Boston Celtics are converting Devin Carter to a two-way deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Carter averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 18.4 minutes during 38 games for the Sacramento Kings last season. pic.twitter.com/CZJQfZb4F6
The former Providence College standout wasted no time making an impression last Thursday in Clevleand in the preseason opener. He gave the Cavs the work. Carter poured in 17 points, ripped down five rebounds, dished five assists, and swiped two steals in 25 minutes off the bench.
This wasn’t just the typical “guy who’s been in the league a few years feasts on inexperienced players in the preseason” type of statlines, either. Carter balled out against the Cavaliers’ regular rotation, and did it in a way where it’s not hard to imagine him making an impact for Boston somewhere down the line.
He pushed the pace in transition, did a great job of getting himself to the rim, and used his gratiutous six-foot-nine-inch wingspan to create chaos on defense.
Many fans were left wanting more, but unfortunately didn’t get it. Carter missed the final three games of Boston’s preseason slate with an illness, and was never heard from again.
His future with the team felt murky after the rest of the Celtics’ Exhibit 10 players got the start in Friday’s preseason finale against the Phildelphia 76ers and held their own against Philly’s regular starters (minus VJ Edgecombe).
Murky no more.
The former 13th overall pick spent his first two NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings. He appeared in 74 total games where he averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 40.1% from the field and 27.4% from deep.
Sacramento traded Carter along with a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks this summer, officially finalizing their stamp of disapproval — which we’ve all learned is actually a good thing (thanks for Neemi). The Hawks waived Carter shortly after, then he found his way to Boston.
The Celtics now have all three of their two-way spots filled as Carter joins Dillon Mitchell and Amari Williams in the G-League swing crew. This doesn’t necessarily mean all three players will remain on two-ways for the entire season. Boston can waive any of them at any time free up a slot.
By converting Carter to a two-way, rather than a standard contract, Boston avoids creeping any closer to the luxury tax threshold. They remain $1.7 million below the tax line.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks to pass the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 13, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
NBA 2K27 celebrated its Season 2 drop with the arrival of‘GOAT builds and a particular Toronto Raptors superstar is at the centre of it.
The game’s latest update (Oct. 16) added 18 unique player builds for use in the MyCareer game mode. Kawhi Leonard – in a Raptors jersey – is one of the archetypes gamers can choose from. Here’s the full list of Hall of Famers and all-time greats that he’s grouped up with in 2K27:
Point Guards
Magic Johnson
Derrick Rose
Gilbert Arenas
Penny Hardaway
Shooting Guard
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Ray Allen
Anthony Edwards
Klay Thompson
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard
LeBron James
Carmelo Anthony
Andrei Kirilenko
Power Forward
Dirk Nowitzki
Anthony Davis
Centre
Wilt Chamberlain
Hakeem Olajuwon
Dwight Howard
Leonard’s build is described as an “Elite two-way titan. Pairs lockdown wing defence with unstoppable three-level scoring.” Under the hood, this build has everything for both casuals and competitive players. It starts with the one-of-a-kind combination of ratings Leonard provides.
Ratings
The traits that immediately pop are his measurables. Leonard’s GOAT build is 6’7 with a seven-foot-three wingspan. For those who spend countless hours experimenting with 2K’s MyPlayer builder at the beginning of every game’s cycle, they’ll know why this is special.
In NBA 2K27, it’s impossible to make a small forward with that exact combination. The longest wing span available in the game for players listed at 6’7 is seven-foot-one. That extra length makes it easier to hawk passing lanes and force contests (especially in a game that doesn’t have the best contest system).
For fans who favour a defensive build to use in The Rec or The Park, or competitive players who like to build a lockdown every year, it often means sacrificing offensive attributes.
With the Leonard GOAT build, players unlock access to 91 mid-range and 83 three-point ratings. Under normal circumstances, a 6’7 archetype with maximum wing span can only reach 87 mid-range and 81 three-point ratings. Leonard can also reach an unbelievable 95 agility. For regular builds, players max out at 86 agility.
Despite its greatness, there are notable weak points. The most glaring ones are the low block rating (50) and the speed (77). Defenders need a higher block rating this year since it affects how much of a contest a player gets when defending on the perimeter. A 77 speed is also too slow to consistently keep up with shifty guards.
Fortunately, players can add cap breakers they can unlock throughout the year to bump those ratings up.
Unless it gets patched, increasing Leonard’s dunk from 80 (to anything higher) will help in a meta that currently rewards 99 dunk.
Badges
The badges are interesting because they feel like a mixed bag on the surface, at least before gamers grind their Leonard build. The finishing badges are better on a traditional lockdown build, but the Leonard GOAT build has the Limitless Range badge. When the badge works properly, it helps quite a bit.
Leonard has superior rebounding badges, which will significantly help in 3v3 park games. The elite passing badges are useful when playing with friends. It’ll be fascinating to see how the heightened Strong Handles badge helps sweaty lockdown players out of the corner during ranked or private match games.
By the time the game reaches its final seasons, when the most cap breakers are available, this Leonard GOAT build should have everything a 2K fan wants and more.
“Just look at him and see what happens,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said on Sept. 30. “He’d be in the same category as five or six of the other guys. We still have a two-way spot that’s open. There’s some guys fighting for that possibly, right? He’d be one of those guys.”
The 30-year-old Fall was unable to play in the preseason because of a left hip injury. He’s made 37 NBA appearances, averaging 2.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 6.2 minutes per contest. His last game in the league was on Dec. 30 of 2021.
Center Ariel Hukporti suffered a right Achilles tendon tear in the Sixers’ preseason opener. Big man Adem Bona (left foot sprain) has recently returned to practicing in full, but it’s unsurprising that the Sixers opted to use their third two-way slot on a center ahead of their regular-season opener Tuesday night against the Knicks.
Jabari Walker and Dean Wade both got preseason minutes at the five behind Joel Embiid. Nurse has also said he considers LeBron James “another candidate” to play center on occasion. Dominick Barlow would be in that mix as well when healthy, but he’s been sidelined by a back injury.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the preseason NBA game at Fiserv Forum on October 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The question that’s stuck on everyone’s lips like a remnant of American cheese after a gluttonous stop at the drive-thru, “How will the Milwaukee Bucks trim their roster to 15 by opening night?”, continues to bemuddle Bucks fans. We mostly agree on removing the dead wood, but there’s reason to keep that around too. We don’t want to take the easy way out and cut Pete Nance—he’s such a good guy!—but will if we have to. And we definitely don’t want to bite the bullet on youth (or do we?). So, a combination it is.
Combo meal, please
Yes, with 34% of the vote, it appears Bucks fans are more inclined on some veteran/youth/path-of-least-resistance combination to sort out the roster crunch—but just what that desired combination looks like isn’t the same for everyone:
naveed2000s: I voted combo. I think it’d be easiest for it to be Nance and Bogo, but not having a guard be one of the cuts just seems wrong… We have a lot of fat that needs to be trimmed in the next year. So start trimming.
Jo Ma: Sadly Trent is untouchable. LeVert is the obvious candidate to be waived, Nance can get a two way, so he is around for another year.
Gerald Knox-van de Camp: I’d pay Caris LeVert what the Bucks owe him, and gratulate him upon his retirement. I bet he’d probably take it, too. This young Bogo is just not going to make it this side of the Atlantic.
This promotion has expired
Outside of combo meals, 34% of fans think it’s time a certain long-in-the-tooth promotion expired. Kuz, that’s you:
MKE: At this point I don’t care if Kuzma could be traded. I don’t want to watch a minute of him playing on the Bucks. Dump him.
Theshackman: It is possible that Kuzma is included in a trade given his expiring deal, but I still think he gets bought out at the deadline and signs for the minimum with a desperate, old, underperforming playoff team… whatever team most resembles the Bucks of the last few years. Then he might be done in the NBA.
retired janitor: However, if it was me. LeVert and Kuzma are given the opportunity to find new homes sooner rather than later. In fact, I think the organization would be doing each guy a solid. Kuzma contract has some strange unlikely incentives attacked to it, that makes it harder to trade to teams near the apron. Thus the odds of him being traded in the other team looking for cost cutting is greatly reduced.
Then again, maybe that’s more wishful thinking than anything else:
Gerald Knox-van de Camp: If some wannabe playoff contender seriously considers the player here in question to be the acquisition which will help them achieve their hopes, I would suggest as being much more helpful a quick and lasting visit at their local Alcoholics Anonymous Chapter.
Secret menu saviours?
While roster cuts seem the only solution at this point, some fans think there’s still time to customise their boxed meals. That is, make a trade:
toasterrebound: Kuzma and Herro for Michael Porter Jr. Nance a 2 way.
BUCKWILD: Trade 1, Memphis get Kuz expiring, LeVert expiring and AJ Green. Brooklyn gets Jerimi Grant, JJJ and a 1st from Memphis ( most favorable between Clev, Utah and Minn) for getting 2 expiring contracts and we taking on 2 yrs of Grant. Milwaukee gets MPJ and GG Jackson.
Trade 2, Orlando gets Herro expiring ( they need more shooting)and Jordan Poole expiring. New Orleans gets Turner, Suggs and future 1st from Orlando (for getting a better shooter and moving a bloated Suggs contract. Milwaukee gets Trey Murphy and Wendall Carter.
While these may seem optimistic, you never know. What you doknow is that Horst isn’t leaving any line uncalled.
There you have it, Brew Hoopers, the full buffet of roster-trimming items, as voted by you. With just days until rosters have to be finalised—they must be set by 4:00 p.m. CT October 19—we don’t have long to find out who will be cut from the menu.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 16: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 16, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
And that’s all she wrote on the 2026 Phoenix Suns preseason.
The dress rehearsal that took place Friday night against the Utah Jazz was one you walk away from feeling pretty good about. The starters played three quarters, and Phoenix held a 95–90 lead heading into the fourth. That’s an encouraging sign, especially considering how many people around the league believe the Jazz are poised to leapfrog the Suns in the standings this season, with years of tanking and accumulating young prospects finally putting Utah in a position to make some noise.
Against a Jazz team that possesses an unbelievably large front line, the Suns did a spectacular job attacking the glass, forcing the issue on the interior, and executing in the manner we’ve come to expect from this version of Phoenix Suns basketball. It certainly didn’t hurt that they shot 13-of-28 from beyond the arc through three quarters, good for 46.4%. If Phoenix can shoot anywhere near that effectively on a consistent basis, this team is going to be dangerous.
But what stood out was the collective effort across the board. Dillon Brooks finished with 18 points, as did Jalen Green, while Devin Booker added 16. Khaman Maluach earned the start and contributed seven points and 12 rebounds, while also getting Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 17 points, into foul trouble.
Is there still plenty of work to do? Absolutely. There’s work to be done every day, especially for a team like the Phoenix Suns, one that will have to fight for everything it earns throughout the upcoming season. But if Friday night showed us anything, it’s that this is a team willing to fight.
Bright Side Baller Standings
Ryan Dunn won in a landslide for his performance against the Spurs.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Preseason Game 5 against the Jazz. Here are your nominees:
