Luka Dončić shared rare photos with his daughters after saying he is focused on custody and time with them following his split. Instagram/lukadoncic
In the photo, the 27-year-old is seen sitting on a couch, cuddling with his two daughters on his lap.
The post came after months of personal drama for Dončić and Goltes, who share two daughters. The former couple welcomed Gabriela in November 2023, when Dončić was still with the Dallas Mavericks. Their second daughter, Olivia, was born in December 2025 in Slovenia.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes Instagram/@anamariagoltes
Just months after Olivia’s birth was made public, Dončić confirmed that he had ended his engagement to Goltes.
“I love my daughters more than anything and they will always come first in my life,” Dončić said in a statement earlier this year.
Since then the legal battled has dragged on.
Goltes filed a petition in California seeking child support and legal fees, according to multiple reports. Dončić’s legal team has reportedly moved to dismiss the petition, with a key hearing now pushed to Aug. 14.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball NBAE via Getty Images
He also said in his statement that he is working toward joint custody and trying to spend more time with his daughters in the United States.
That personal priority has already shaped his offseason. Dončić announced in May that he would not play for the Slovenian national team this summer, choosing instead to focus on his family and recovery.
On the court, he is also entering a major transition.
With LeBron James leaving Los Angeles, Dončić is now the unquestioned centerpiece of the Lakers. The front office has already reshaped the roster around him, adding Walker Kessler as a rim-protecting lob threat and bringing in pieces such as Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney and Collin Sexton to add shooting, depth and support.
Dončić’s last season was filled with extremes. He earned first-team All-NBA honors for the sixth time, finished fourth in MVP voting and led the league in scoring at 33.5 points per game. But a grade 2 hamstring strain caused him to miss the Lakers’ postseason run.
Now, as a new Lakers era begins, Dončić appears focused on the priority he has made clear.
After news broke a week ago that LeBron James would be a free agent, the NBA world has been awaiting a decision. Getty Images
He stunned us by leaving the Lakers. He kept us glued to our phones for eight days wondering where he was going to take his talents.
He expertly let the suspense crescendo as he became the biggest story in sports two decades into his career.
But the movie has dragged on too long.
There’s no way he doesn’t know where he’s going.
James has already had two different stints with the Cavaliers, but a third could be in the works for the hometown star. Getty Images
He’s holding teams hostage that believe they have a legitimate chance of acquiring him. He’s paralyzing them from fortifying their rosters. The Cavaliers, Warriors, 76ers, Heat and Timberwolves are “Waiting for Godot” while the rest of the league is putting the final touches on their homes.
Bob Myers, the president of the 76ers, said it best in an appearance on Rich Paul’s podcast, “Game Over.” After stating that James has the best chance to win a championship in Philadelphia, Myers added the obvious. “Whatever I say doesn’t really matter to what he’s going to do, let’s be honest.”
Quipped Paul: “No, it doesn’t.”
No one is going to convince the 41-year-old what’s best for him in the sunset of his career.
No one is going to persuade a basketball savant who’s been in the league an unprecedented 23 seasons where he has the best chance to win.
No one is going to influence James, except possibly an 11-year-old girl named Zhuri who has the power to make James cry with a Father’s Day card.
After having won two titles with the Heat, James returning to Miami is a legit possibility. Getty Images
For James, the options are clear:
He could choose the storybook ending by returning to Cleveland, where his career began after he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2003.
He could join Steph Curry and Draymond Green on the Warriors, creating a geriatric super team that would be the greatest story in the league.
He could return to Miami and try to win a championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He could go where he thinks he has the best chance to win his fifth ring, say, Minnesota or Philadelphia.
Or he could veer in an unexpected direction.
What’s he waiting for?
It was in his best interest to take his time making a decision at first. It was wise to see what teams would do to acquire him. To let everyone scramble. To make everyone get a little desperate.
But at a certain point, there’s going to be diminishing returns.
Teaming up with Steph Curry has always been intriguing to James, and now he has the possibility to make it a reality. NBAE via Getty Images
Teams are going to move on without him. They’re going to take themselves out of the race so they can stop living in a state of suspension, treading water.
A week into James’ free agency, what teams are willing — and unwilling — to do has become much more clear.
The Warriors have balked at luring James by pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Anthony Davis from Washington, a deal that would mean parting ways with Jimmy Butler as well as multiple first-round picks. If that hasn’t happened yet, the odds of it materializing only seem to decrease.
Barring something crazy happening, James pretty much knows the landscape at this point. He knows his options. Teams have had a week to show their cards.
It’s time for him to pull the trigger.
The teams involved in the James sweepstakes have made it obvious how much they want him.
For the Cavaliers, acquiring James is their top priority, which clearly wasn’t the case for the Lakers.
As for Antetokounmpo? We saw his disappointment after a fan trolled him during a livestream telling him that James had signed with the Cavaliers. “Don’t do that to me,” Antetokounmpo said. “Give me a heart attack.”
Then there’s Green, who declined his $27.7 million player option with the Warriors for next season to clear salary-cap space for Golden State to use their $15 million mid-level exception to pursue James.
Even though James will be 42 next season, he’s the league’s top free agent. He can transform a team into becoming a contender. Everyone is still waiting with bated breath to see what he’s going to do.
He holds the cards and can drag this on for as long as he likes.
“I think at some point in June, late June, as July rolls around, free agency starts to get going, and as July rolls around and maybe into August, we’ll start to kind of get a feel of what my future may look like,” James said last month on his podcast, “Mind the Game.”
August?
A week of this has been long enough.
James knows how he wants his illustrious career to end. He knows what he’s prioritizing. He knows his options.
It’s time for him to make his decision.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope yells on the sidelines during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jamal Crawford has been a guy Kentucky Basketball fans have had their minds fixated on this summer. The possibility of the three-time NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year joining Mark Pope’s coaching staff in Kentucky has been enticing, and he would join former NBA All-Star Mo Williams to form an elite coaching staff consisting of former players.
Crawford, though, is currently under contract with NBC Sports as a game analyst, working with fellow analyst Reggie Miller and play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico on NBC’s lead NBA team. In their first season together, the network’s return to broadcasting the NBA after 23 seasons, Crawford, Miller, and Tirico called a terrific Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, a series the Spurs won in seven games with a road win in OKC in the decisive Game 7.
Crawford is also an assistant coach at Rainer Beach High School in Seattle, where he coaches his son, J.J. Crawford, one of the top prospects in the class of 2029.
So, could Crawford still be a potential addition to Mark Pope’s coaching staff? During an appearance with KSR’s Matt Jones on KSR’s radio show Wednesday morning, Pope didn’t sound like he’s expected Crawford to leave his current gig.
“Jamal’s still got two years left on his NBC contract,” Pope said. “I’m good friends with Jamal. We’ve been friends for a long time. There might be a time where it’s good for him to jump into coaching. It’s something that he would like to do. He’s one of those guys that’s cut from a little bit of a similar cloth, like Mo Williams is. It’s hard to run an AAU program. There are a lot of guys that fund an AAU program, but Mo was running an AAU program. Jamal is running and coaching an AAU program.
“We find guys like that with their background — he could have a great future in college, he could go get a job, maybe in the exact right space, as a head coach in the NBA, maybe. I think there’s a good chance coaching is in his future, but he’s got a sweet deal right now, and he’s got a couple of years left.”
This reminds me a lot of the Memphis Tigers when Penny Hardaway took over as their head coach in 2018. Hardaway had former NBA Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year, as well as a two-time NBA Champion, Mike Miller, on his coaching staff for two seasons. Talk about an experienced coaching staff.
With changes having already come to Kentucky’s coaching staff, it remains to be seen if the Wildcats will add another member to it.
“I’m engaged in conversations about staff every day, even when our staff is full,” Pope said. “I’m still talking to people, and kind of seeing where it goes. If we hire someone, it’s going to be the right person that’s going to be exactly the right fit for what we do — but we’re working at a really high level right now.”
It also remains to be seen who the Cats will fill their 15th roster spot with, but there is still time for that and a potential addition to the coaching staff.
The Cats will open the season on Tuesday, November 3rd, against Manhattan at Rupp Arena.
LeBron James won’t be signing with the Denver Nuggets, but isn’t expected to make a decision anytime soon. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While the Nuggets couldn’t have offered James a considerable contract, he is willing to join a contender on a league minimum deal. But now it’s confirmed that won’t be in Denver.
That leaves five suitors who could land James: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.
The Nuggets have been removed from LeBron James’ list of potential destinations, per @ShamsCharania.
There is speculation James could face potential backlash if he chooses to join a team he’s never played for before. While the 41-year-old will likely receive criticism for any free agent destination, James is searching for basketball happiness in the twilight of his career.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship in 2023. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The Cavaliers make the most sense given James began his career in Cleveland. It would be an appropriate curtain call for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, but there are questions as to whether the organization can afford to sign James.
For James, there’s much to consider this summer from his legacy to lifestyle. The 23-year NBA veteran’s decision will certainly have league-altering implications as James remains an effective and impactful player.
James is coming off a 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds. 7.2 assists while shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three. Any team would improve with James on the roster, but it appears there are now only five squads with the chance to add the superstar.
Sep 29, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers assistant coach Johnny Carpenter poses for a photo during media day. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Per Tony East of Circle City Spin and Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star, the Milwaukee Bucks have hired Indiana Pacers assistant coach Johnny Carpenter as an assistant coach and head of player development, replacing Jack Herum, who had spent the last three seasons in that role for Milwaukee.
Carpenter was slated to be the Pacers’ head coach during Summer League, but that will no longer happen with following his move to the Bucks, where, at least according to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, he will take on greater responsibility:
“The Bucks’ offer to Johnny was a clear step up in responsibility and therefore received the organization’s blessing. We thank Johnny and his family for a great year with the Pacers and wish them the very best.”
Prior to joining the Pacers, Carpenter worked with new Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins in Memphis during the 2024-25 season, with roles in player development and scouting. During his lone season there, they had an exceptional draft class from top to bottom, selecting Zach Edey at no. 9, Jaylen Wells at no. 38, and Cam Spencer at no. 53. They were also able to add center Jay Huff—who Carpenter worked with at the University of Virginia—in free agency. Huff had the best season of his career up to that point, averaging 6.9 PPG and 2.0 RPG, shooting 51.5% from the field and 40.5% from three (3.1 3PA). Then, reuniting with Carpenter last season in Indiana, Huff posted a career year replacing Myles Turner as the starting center, averaging 9.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, and 1.9 BPG.
Before his stint in Memphis, Carpenter spent nine years at his alma mater, the University of Virginia, where he served in several different roles, including assistant coach, director of player personnel, and basketball technology assistant. During his time with the Virginia Cavaliers, he helped develop several NBA players, including a familiar name to Bucks fans: former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon. He’s also worked with Trey Murphy III, De’Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and Ryan Dunn.
In addition to his NBA roles with Indiana and Memphis, Carpenter also spent the 2014-15 season under Carlisle in Dallas, where he served as an assistant video coordinator.
For the most part, the major players in the NBA have already found their new homes.
The NBA offseason and free agency cycle have brought about massive changes in player movement and power dynamics, though the one notable exception remains.
James’ next team will generate significant intrigue, but now that the dust has settled after the first week of free agency, here are the early winners and losers of the NBA offseason:
WINNERS
Miami Heat
The question I’ll be asking throughout this exercise is whether teams improved their standing as contenders. Essentially: are they closer to competing for a championship than they were a month ago? For the Heat, the answer is undeniably yes. Giannis Antetokounmpo, when healthy, remains one of the five best basketball players in the world. Bobby Portis was another sneaky solid addition. Miami has become a desirable destination again. The roster still needs some filling out, but the Heat are in play for LeBron James; adding him would make Miami a compelling threat in the East.
Philadelphia 76ers
Getting Jaylen Brown on the cheap is a massive win. Joel Embiid is now 32 and simply not consistently available, so adding another star in his prime — Brown is 29 — instantly makes Philly a problem. Brown should pair excellently next to two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers now have potent scoring threats all over the floor.
Not only that, but Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons were a pair of solid signings who bring shooting and spacing. If Philly can get Embiid to remain mostly healthy, the 76ers can challenge the Knicks for the conference title in ’27. And if LeBron James signs on, Philadelphia could be dominant next season.
Toronto Raptors
Credit Toronto for understanding that its roster was good but not great. Credit the franchise, too, for understanding that Scottie Barnes is one of the young stars in the game, but grasping that a lead scorer was necessary. Kawhi Leonard is exactly that scorer, though he remains an elite defender who fits Toronto’s style perfectly. The Raptors tied for fifth last season in defensive rating (112.1), and Leonard will highlight those efforts.
The Eastern Conference beefs up
Antetokounmpo and Brown stayed in the conference and Kawhi Leonard returned to Toronto after six seasons with the Clippers. It appears LeBron James — who is reportedly favoring the Cavaliers, Heat and 76ers among his list of suitors, per ESPN — may return to the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are the reigning champions and kept their core mostly intact. The 2025 Eastern Conference champion Pacers should presumably get a healthy Tyrese Haliburton to return.
The narrative over the last decade has been that the West has been the superior conference. And while the West may have most of the Top 5 players in the league, the East has bulked up.
LOSERS
Boston Celtics
The timing of the slander against Jaylen Brown is not very subtle. Brown, who has been stellar for the Celtics and carried them this season as Jayson Tatum was on the mend, is suddenly a negative asset? I don’t buy it. The idea behind that narrative is that Brown has stretches of inefficiency in his offensive game and his plus-minus indicates that Boston was better with him off the floor. And while Brown was more of a high-volume option last season, this strikes me as a case where selective analytics are being used to tip the scale and craft a narrative. Watch Brown’s film, and you clearly see a player who can score at three levels, can score in the clutch and who impacts winning. Paul George, at this stage of his career, simply cannot touch the impact Brown provided.
Mitchell Robinson is an interesting addition, but he hasn’t been available, playing just 108 of a possible 246 regular season games over the last three seasons. Going back to the question I posed up top: no, the Celtics did not improve their standing as a title contender. If anything, Boston feels further away.
Los Angeles Lakers
If the pitch to Luka Dončić was that this offseason would be the one to infuse more talent into the Lakers roster, the results, frankly, have been underwhelming. Walker Kessler is a fine center and one who actually provides some of what Los Angeles needs, but this felt like an overpay — both in draft capital needed to acquire him and the contract the Lakers gave him. Kessler is still young and will turn 25 later this month, but will he be able to provide the low-post offense Los Angeles needs? He’s mostly unproven in that regard.
Quentin Grimes is a solid depth addition, as is Collin Sexton, but James’ departure leaves a massive void of institutional knowledge and play-making ability. Despite injuries down the stretch, the Lakers remained competitive. The pressure is now on Dončić and Austin Reaves to deliver.
The NBA’s middle class
It has never been better to be a max player. Donovan Mitchell, a clear top-15 player, just inked a massive four-year, $273 million max deal. Projections for that deal are that the final year will be worth a staggering $70.7 million; his player option for 2030-31 is even steeper, at around $75.5 million. Mitchell is not alone; this is the going rate for max players who reach performance thresholds such as All-NBA selections.
Yet, as the growth of the salary cap has lagged — the cap for 2026-27 will increase just 6.7% — that has squeezed the NBA’s middle class. Essentially, local broadcast revenue has dragged, leading to the lukewarm increase in the cap. And because star players are always a premium, teams are being far more selective with their limited cap space.
Mid-tier teams running it back
I’m looking, mainly, at the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. Both were playoff teams, and both flamed out at the end. Houston is likely banking on point guard Fred VanVleet (torn ACL) stabilizing the position. And Houston’s biggest weakness was indeed at point guard, but after a rather awkward season in which Kevin Durant’s frustrations with his younger teammates spilled out into the public, it was time to take some calculated risks in roster management. The Rockets, however, have been quiet and — as currently constructed — are no closer to the Spurs, Thunder, Nuggets or even Timberwolves.
The Magic fired former coach Jamahl Mosley and hired ex-Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney. A change in leadership will help, but Orlando’s lack of consistent shooting hasn’t been addressed. Neither has the seemingly odd fit of stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Sweeney should define the roles more clearly. But as much of the East got better, the Magic have stayed stagnant.
The Golden State Warriors, who missed out on Antetokounmpo and may miss out on LeBron James, should probably be added here as well. Golden State now absolutely needs Jimmy Butler to return from his torn ACL and be an impact player once again.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on after a monster dunk during the fourth quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LeBron James is still a free agent. As of now, it’s anyone’s guess as to which of the handful of teams that are vying for his services he ends up with.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the running to land James in free agency, but there is company in the group of possible suitors. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Cavs, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers appear to be the top teams.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Mark Price shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
In that report, Charania also said that there “isn’t a timetable” for James to make a decision.
Some of the smoke for a possible signing with the Sixers came from the Game Over podcast. LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, had Bob Meyers (who led the Sixers searh for a new general manager earlier this summer) on the show to make a pitch for LeBron for the Sixers. That, understandably, raised some eyebrows.
Still, some insiders around the league aren’t comfortable naming who a favorite is, but they do believe that Cleveland and Miami are the safest best.
Chris Haynes said in a radio hit with Deals and Dunks that he wouldn’t name a favorite, but views the Cavs and Heat as “safe landing spots.” Brian Windhorst said something similar with ESPN Cleveland noting that the vibes would feel “right” with the Cavs and the Heat.
We’ve reached a point in free agency where it’s difficult to really figure out what is actually happening. Everyone still seems to be in the dark. We know that the Cavs have a chance — and make the most sense from a storytelling perspective — but LeBron may not think as we do.
We’ll see how this plays out in a free agency process that is continuing to drag out without an end in sight.
Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers are working towards playing together this season, but still remain apart on the amount of money. Getty Images
But as of Wednesday afternoon, over a week into the start of free agency, the two sides remained far apart on what it would take to bring the 23-year-old forward to L.A. despite the mutual interest.
After the Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option on June 29, Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with Kuminga the following day.
A part of the Lakers’ free-agency pitch to Kuminga, a source told the California Post, was the Lakers seeing Kuminga as a high-level, starting wing who would complete the vision of their roster reconstruction around superstar guard Luka Doncic.
Since then, they opened up more cap space (around $2.1 million) by trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and a pair of Washington’s second-round picks (2031 and 2032) but that space essentially vanished when they agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.9 million contract with Kevon Looney that counts $2.49 million against the cap since it’s a veteran minimum’s deal.
That has left the Lakers with one open roster spot and little financial flexbilitity while still pursuing Kuminga.
Pelinka has stayed in touch with Kuminga’s agent, Verus Management Team president Aaron Turner, over the last week as the franchise has made their moves.
Where things stand now
The Lakers have improved their offers to Kuminga up to a deal that would include an average annual salary around $10 million – which is less than the salaries of Grimes ($13.9 million) and Mamukelashvili ($13 million).
And less than what was expected in light of how the Lakers expressed they saw Kuminga, who the Lakers pursued as a restricted free agent last summer, according to a source.
When factoring in the additions of Kessler, Sexton and Looney, plus Reaves’ $20.9 million cap hold, the Lakers would have to shed over $20 million in salary from their 2026-27 roster to create the requisite cap space to sign Kuminga at a salary that starts around $10 million.
But it’s clear that a $10 million salary for Kuminga won’t get a deal done now.
Kuminga’s side feels there are better options for him if he joins the Lakers.
The main option that could help the Lakers acquire Kuminga: A sign and trade with the Hawks, which would allow Kuminga to receive a higher salary than the Lakers are able to offer Kuminga as an unrestricted free agent.
Kuminga has long considered himself a star and is looking for the right role that will allow him to showcase his talents. NBAE via Getty Images
A source told the Post the Hawks are willing to execute a sign-and-trade with the Lakers around the framework of Kuminga going to L.A. and the Hawks receiving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap – the lone option the Lakers have of trading a first-round pick this summer. Los Angeles also has three second-round picks (Wizards two picks and its own 2033 pick) available to trade.
Kuminga’s contract would have to be for at least three or four seasons (not including option seasons), and the first season must be fully guaranteed, if the Lakers acquired him in a sign and trade.
Vanderbilt has two years and $25.7 million left on his four-year, $48 million contract extension he signed with the Lakers in September 2023. He has a $12.4 million salary for 2026-27 and a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28.
The Lakers have been willing to trade Vanderbilt, according to multiple sources who spoke with the Post who were granted anonymity so they could speak freely, as well as other players on the roster in order to create more roster-building optionality.
The Cavaliers also have strong interest in Kuminga, a source said.
But the Cavaliers, whose head coach Kenny Atkinson coached Kuminga while Atkinson was an assistant coach with the Warriors from 2021-24, are also in the midst of the sweepstakes for LeBron James, who informed the Lakers last week he wouldn’t be returning to the franchise for his record-extending 24th NBA season.
Other options
As of Wednesday, it wasn’t clear what other options the Lakers would have if they didn’t acquire Kuminga – or at least ones that would fit into their vision similar to how they’ve expressed to Kuminga.
Or fufill their combination of needs for size, athleticism, defense and youth on the wings.
Ziaire Williams, who’s coming off a career-year with the Nets, is a player the Lakers eyed after the Nets declined Williams’ $6.3 million team option to make him an unrestricted free agent.
Bruce Brown, Matisse Thybulle and Ochai Agbaji are other unrestricted free agents still available.
The Lakers have long been tied to trade rumors with Mavericks forward PJ Washington, a former teammate of Doncic’s in Dallas, but the fully guaranteed $88.8 million Washigton’s owed over the next four years isn’t appealing to the Lakers.
Realistic Kuminga number?
The Lakers are projected to be $12.9 million below the $209 million first apron threshold that they’re hard-capped at once all of the moves they’ve agreed to so far are official.
This leaves them room to take back more money than they send out in a potential sign-and-trade for Kuminga, or a deal for any other player.
The salary range that Kuminga is seeking from the Lakers wasn’t clear as of Wednesday.
What is clear is that Kuminga wants to be a Laker. And the Lakers want Kuminga.
The vision and opportunities the Lakers have presented are appealing.
But there’s work to be done for alignment on the Lakers’ offer to Kuminga before a deal can be reached.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
As James continues to weigh his options for his record 24th NBA season, Golden State remains connected to the biggest free-agent stories in the league. But according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors already have backup plans if the LeBron chase falls short.
Stephen Curry is expected to stay with the Warriors as Golden State weighs backup plans if its LeBron James pursuit falls short. NBAE via Getty Images
“If they miss out on LeBron James, they’re gonna try to have some other plans in place to get some other players,” Siegel said on “Clutch Scoops.”
That matters for a franchise trying to maximize the final stretch of Stephen Curry’s career. And they are not operating as if Curry is looking for a way out.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, left, and Stephen Curry react to a technical foul called against Draymond Green AP
“Stephen Curry is not going anywhere,” Siegel said. “All those saying he needs to go somewhere to a team that wants to contend for a championship… [The Warriors] are a team that’s committed to winning with Steph.”
Curry backed up that idea during a recent golf event, where he spoke about his connection to the Bay Area and the Warriors fan base.
Curry remains committed to the Warriors, where he has spent the entirety of his career. Getty Images
“It’s just a matter of being grateful that I get to represent one fanbase for, hopefully, my entire career,” Curry said.
That should quiet speculation about Curry leaving to chase another ring elsewhere. The more realistic question is whether the Warriors can put enough around him to make one more run possible.
James would obviously be the splashiest answer.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Curry has not hidden his interest in the idea of finally playing with the player he spent years battling in the NBA Finals. Asked about James during the same golf event, Curry joked that he may be just as interested in LeBron’s golf game. Then Curry got to the basketball part.
“I’m sure we obviously would love to play together,” Curry said. “Hopefully it happens. But he’s deserved the opportunity and the right to take his time with the decision.”
A Curry-James pairing would be one of the strangest late-career twists in NBA history. But the Warriors appear to understand the risk of waiting too long for a dream scenario.
Curry is 38. The West is not waiting for the Warriors to figure it out. Golden State needs help, whether that means LeBron James or the next-best thing.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The two most important things in NBA team building are stability and flexibility. The Cleveland Cavaliers strengthened their position in both when they agreed to a four-year extension with seven-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell on Tuesday morning — the first day Mitchell was eligible to sign it.
On first blush, the deal looks like an overpayment. The contract runs through 2029-30 and has a player option for a final season in ‘30-31. The total money on the deal could be up to $273 million.
At the start of this deal, Mitchell will be making 35% of the entire salary cap. By the end, that balloons to 37.5%. That is a large financial commitment for a then-34-year-old undersized guard to be making in a league where every dollar spent either takes you closer or further from contention.
It’s easy — and maybe even understandable — to look at this as an overpay. Team building is incredibly difficult when you have that high a percentage of the cap designated to one player, especially one who is closer to being the 15th-best player in the league than the fifth.
What that line of thinking overlooks is the importance of stability and flexibility. If you have both, there’s always a path to pivot out of something that isn’t working.
Depth is incredibly important in today’s league. That’s been the one commonality among recent champions. So is having a superstar getting paid max money.
Dedicating more than a third of the salary cap to one player isn’t a detriment to depth. Adding multiple players on max contracts can be an issue.
The Jaylen Brown situation with the Boston Celtics is an interesting case study in this.
From afar, my reading of the situation isn’t that Brown was moved because he made too high a percentage of the cap for the player that he is. Instead, it was the fit between him and Jayson Tatum that was the issue. Boston couldn’t justify spending 70% of the cap on two players who had overlapping skills on both ends and needed the ball in their hands to be productive.
Brad Stevens, Celtics president of basketball operations, more or less outlined this in his recent press conference discussing the trade. Stevens said:
“The path looked a little bit more challenging with 70% of our cap and such a high percent of our usage tied into two players. And the reality in this era and in this day and age at the NBA, you could see it obviously, with the last couple of champions…you have to do a great job and you have to have the optionality to do a great job of building out depth that can hopefully replace the irreplaceable individual. And that’s not an easy thing to do, right? And we get that. And that’s absolutely nothing against Jaylen. If you have Jaylen Brown on your team, you should feature him. You should use all those possessions, and you should approach things that way. But I think the importance of depth, and then obviously we have to continue to work on ways to diversify our attack overall.”
At that point, he and Evan Mobley will be making a combined $114.7 million. That alone accounts for two-thirds of the salary cap.
That high a percentage for two players is a red flag. If you don’t have a pool of contributing role players on team-friendly deals or homegrown talent stepping up, your team simply won’t have the depth needed to win at the highest level.
The solution to this issue isn’t to try to pinch every penny out of your star players who have earned those contracts. It’s to trade out these contracts and retool if the situation calls for it.
It’s easy to look at the Brown trade to the Philadelphia 76ers as a disaster. They didn’t get the splashy return that you’d hope to get for a player of that caliber.
But they did get pieces that help them retool while still being a contender this upcoming season, and have more flexibility to improve in the future with a more manageable cap sheet. That wouldn’t have been possible if Brown were entering the last year of his deal or on a contract that wasn’t market value.
A contract is only bad if you wouldn’t be able to trade it for positive value. Even though the current CBA has made the super team, three max-contract player model less viable, there are teams that would be willing to trade for either Mitchell or Mobley with their current contracts.
We’ll start with Mobley on this.
There were rumors in the past year that the Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Celtics all had interest in Mobley. Two of those organizations are considered to be among the smartest in the league. If they’re willing to trade for Mobley, you can be assured that there’s a market for him and his current contract.
Trade rumors for Mitchell have died down in recent years because of his contract situation. Still, I’d have a hard time believing there wouldn’t be multiple teams that would part with valuable assets for Mitchell — especially with the amount of time remaining on his deal once he were to become trade-eligible.
A team with that much of the cap committed to Mitchell and Mobley may not be viable years down the road. At that point, Cleveland would need to move one of them for potentially more depth or a star pairing that works better together.
However, that wouldn’t be an option in the future if the Cavs hadn’t gotten this long-term commitment from Mitchell. The decision would have been made for them.
There’s an alternate reality where the Cavs decided to play hardball with Mitchell. They don’t give him the full extent of the max contract, and both sides don’t come to an agreement this summer. If that happened, they could choose to play out this season and hope to come to a better agreement next offseason. The lack of extension would likely loom over the season and influence any trade they could otherwise make because you wouldn’t have the certainty of Mitchell being on your team long-term.
That scenario would get worse if you were forced to trade Mitchell with just one guaranteed year left on his deal. Teams would know that he had to be moved, and the price for his services would be greatly diminished.
The Cavs avoided both of those options.
Instead, everything is on the table now. If they want to move off either Mitchell or Mobley in the future, they should be able to do so while getting fair market value back in return. They bought time and future opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have without this extension.
Long-term success comes from having options and being able to pivot when needed. The Cavs can do so with their top-two players guaranteed under contract through the 2029-30 season. That alone makes the Mitchell contract a great deal.
LeBron James won’t be speaking to teams directly in free agency as Rich Paul will handle all communications. 2026 Richard Rodriguez
James received mixed reviews by the public for his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons. He will likely continue receiving praise and backlash in this next stage of his career.
Being the top free agent of the summer means James makes headlines everyday as everyone is curious where the veteran will land. There seems to be a general consensus that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are favorites in the James sweepstakes, but what is James didn’t return to a former team and instead chose a new one?
NBA insider Brian Windhorst answered the question and explained why there may be added criticism for James if he joins a team he’s never played for throughout his storied career.
“It would be interesting, not surprising,” Windhorst said on the Yahoo Sports Daily podcast. “One of the things that I think LeBron is going to have to decide is how much he cares about what people will think if he goes to a team he’s never played for. Basically, if he chooses somebody besides Cleveland or Miami. Because Cleveland and Miami, it’s a very clean decision. It makes sense.
Brian Windhorst discussed LeBron James’ free agency decision in a recent podcast appearance. NBAE via Getty Images
“Does he want to deal with what the reaction would be if he went to Philadelphia or Minnesota or Denver or something like that where it would be a sort of new place and he would have to create new ties and learn new routines. And also deal with people calling him a ring chaser or what have you.
“I think that’s an extra layer that he’s had to grapple with. I think he absolutely could do it. I don’t think that’s a reason he’d say no.”
.@WindhorstESPN weighs the potential backlash surrounding LeBron's next move
As James mulls over options, he’s looking for the place where he’ll find complete happiness. According to his agent Rich Paul, the four-time NBA champion is prioritizing contentment over a championship.
Perhaps, he could find both somewhere this summer.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James speaks with Stephen Curry following a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are among the handful of teams that are trying to convince LeBron James to join them in free agency. On Wednesday afternoon, Warriors guard Steph Curry was asked about the possibility of playing with James and decided to pivot the conversation elsewhere. “I’d say more, so I’m interested to just golf with LeBron.”
Steph Curry on the possibility of playing with LeBron James:
“I’d say more so I’m interested to just play golf with LeBron. We’ll handle the basketball stuff, but I want to see the golf LeBron free agent. He’s out here really grinding on the game. But I’m sure we obviously would… pic.twitter.com/aGcZhc5PYI
Curry went on to say that he would “love to play together,” but mostly seemed much less enthusiastic about what a team-up on the hardwood would look like.
Golf is certainly something James has been doing a lot of this summer back in Akron. He’s been posting videos of himself golfing seemingly whenever he can, including Wednesday afternoon.
LeBron James vibing on the golf course without a care in the world right now 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VqRweF13Y4
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
LeBron would probably be open to playing golf with Curry, whether or not he’s interested in joining him in Golden State is another question entirely.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has narrowed the list of James’s potential suitors to three top teams: the Cavs, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors weren’t one of those teams listed, but Charania said that they could get back into that conversation if they were able to trade for Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards.
It’s also been reported that James and Draymond Green — who is currently a free agent — are meeting up this weekend. What that could be about is anyone’s guess.
We don’t know what LeBron is going to do. There are signs that point to his return to Cleveland. And while that may be the most likely outcome, we can’t rule out other possibilities quite yet. That includes the Warriors, even though their best player may be more excited about playing golf with James than he is about playing basketball.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 6: Zuby Ejiofor #20 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League on July 6, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This year’s NBA Summer League may be its most anticipated iteration for St. John’s basketball fans. Eight former Red Storm players will descend on Las Vegas hoping to make a strong impression for their respective teams, perhaps the largest contingent of Johnnies since the tournament began.
The octet of Johnnies features a trio of 2026 NBA draft selections in Zuby Ejiofor (Atlanta Hawks), Dillon Mitchell (Boston Celtics), and Bryce Hopkins (Denver Nuggets), as well as undrafted alumni like Oziyah Sellers (New York Knicks), Kadary Richmond (Washington Wizards), Deivon Smith (Golden State Warriors), Aaron Scott (Brooklyn Nets), and Chris Ledlum (Houston Rockets) who are all seeking to take the next step toward an NBA roster spot.
Here is how to follow all these players throughout the Summer League, which runs from Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 19. All game times are Eastern, and any matchups in which St. John’s players are rostered on both teams will be listed with a hash sign (#).
Zuby Ejiofor, Atlanta Hawks
After snapping St. John’s’ 11-year draftless drought when he was selected in the first round with the 23rd overall pick by the Hawks, Zuby Ejiofor is already showing Atlanta that they made the right choice. The reigning Big East Player of the Year averaged 13.5 points and a tournament-best 13.0 rebounds during the Salt Lake City Summer League event, and outplayed first-round pick Aday Mara when he posted a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Block off your calendar for any plans on July 13 when Zuby Ejiofor takes on his former frontcourt mate Dillon Mitchell.
Thu, July 9: vs. San Antonio Spurs — 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Sat, July 11: vs. Brooklyn Nets — 8 p.m. (ESPN) – #
Mon, July 13: vs. Boston Celtics — 6 p.m. (Prime) – #
Thu, July 16: vs. Memphis Grizzlies — 8 p.m. (Prime)
Dillon Mitchell, Boston Celtics
Mitchell was taken with the 40th overall selection in the 2026 NBA draft and should sign with the Celtics on a two-way deal as the team begins its post-Jaylen Brown era. He is expected to start alongside fellow 2026 selection Chris Cenac, Jr. and promising wing prospect Hugo Gonzalez. Also joining Mitchell is Day Day Thomas, who he was teammates with at Cincinnati during the 2024-25 season.
Fri, July 10: vs. Toronto Raptors — 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Sun, July 12: vs. Charlotte Hornets — 5 p.m. (ESPN2)
Mon, July 13: vs. Atlanta Hawks — 6 p.m. (Prime) – #
Wed, July 15: vs. Sacramento Kings — 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
Bryce Hopkins, Denver Nuggets
Hopkins rounded out the hat trick of St. John’s draft picks when he was picked with the 49th overall selection by the Denver Nuggets, and is also a two-way deal candidate. The two-time All-Big East selection caught attention at the Nuggets’ Summer League practice on Monday when he pulled off a posterizing dunk over the taller Osayi Osifo.
Fri, July 10: vs. Houston Rockets — 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2) – #
Sat, July 11: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves — 7:30 p.m. (Prime)
Tue, July 14: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder — 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Thu, July 16: vs. Portland Trail Blazers — 10 p.m. (Prime)
Oziyah Sellers, New York Knicks
Following his first and only season at St. John’s, Oziyah Sellers isn’t done representing the Big Apple. The sharpshooting guard inked a Summer League deal with the defending NBA champion New York Knicks, with the hopes he can put on a great performance in Las Vegas and parlay that into an Exhibit 10 or a two-way contract in the league.
Fri, July 10: vs. Brooklyn Nets — 6 p.m. (MSG/Prime Video) – #
Sat, July 11: vs. San Antonio Spurs — 6 p.m. (MSG/ESPN)
Mon, July 13: vs. Detroit Pistons — 4 p.m. (MSG/Prime)
Thu, July 16: vs. Golden State Warriors — 7 p.m. (MSG/ESPN2) – #
Kadary Richmond, Washington Wizards
Richmond is the only Red Storm alum competing in this year’s NBA Summer League who has already spent time in the league. After graduation last year, Richmond signed a G-League deal with the Washington Wizards’ affiliate Capital City Go-Go, and performed well enough to earn a 10-day contract with the Wizards in February. The Brooklyn native averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in only three appearances in the NBA before he returned to the G-League once his 10-day deal expired.
Thu, July 9: vs. Utah Jazz — 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Sun, July 12: vs. Sacramento Kings — 8 p.m. (Prime)
Tue, July 14: vs. Chicago Bulls — 8 p.m. (Prime)
Wed, July 15: vs. Los Angeles Clippers — 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Deivon Smith, Golden State Warriors
Smith is appearing in his second Summer League with as many teams. He only played in two games with his hometown Atlanta Hawks in last year’s tournament, but already received more playing time with the Golden State Warriors during the California Classic Summer League last week, recording 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three games and even showing his bounce in a game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Thu, July 9: vs. Dallas Mavericks — 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Sun, July 12: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder — 6 p.m. (Prime)
Tue, July 14: vs. Memphis Grizzlies — 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Thu, July 16: vs. New York Knicks — 7 p.m. (ESPN2) – #
Aaron Scott, Brooklyn Nets
Like Smith, Aaron Scott is also playing for his second team in the Summer League. The versatile defensive wing only had a cup of coffee with the Celtics in last year’s Summer League, but could be in line for a larger role with the Nets this year. He’s averaged 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds coming off the bench in two games during the California Classic Summer League.
Fri, July 10: vs. New York Knicks — 6 p.m. (Prime) – #
Sat, July 11: vs. Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (ESPN) – #
Tue, July 14: vs. Sacramento Kings — 6 p.m. (Prime)
Thu, July 16: vs. Houston Rockets — 4:30 p.m. (ESPNU) – #
Chris Ledlum, Houston Rockets
This will be Ledlum’s second consecutive year of playing with the Rockets in the Summer League. The Brooklyn native totaled 7.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in five games in last year’s tournament, and is hoping a stronger performance can earn him a deal to remain stateside. Ledlum spent the first two seasons of his professional career playing overseas in France and Germany.
Fri, July 10: vs. Denver Nuggets — 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2) – #
Sat, July 11: vs. Toronto Raptors — 9:30 p.m. (Prime)
Tue, July 14: vs. Philadelphia 76ers — 4 p.m. (Prime)
Thu, July 16: vs. Brooklyn Nets — 4:30 p.m. (ESPNU) – #
Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) reacts against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Last offseason, after being an undrafted free agent, former Wisconsin Badgers center Steven Crowl found a home with the Utah Jazz on an Exhibit 10 contract, playing with them in the NBA Summer League and the G League.
Crowl played in 31 regular-season games for the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah’s G League affiliate, making 22 starts and averaging 24.5 minutes a contest. He dropped 6.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 69.3 percent from the field.
He was joined by fellow former Badgers Max Klesmit and John Tonje, who both also played in Salt Lake City. Tonje was traded midway through the season, though, while Klesmit saw 26 games of action with the Stars.
Well, Crowl has found a new home this summer, as 247Sports’s Dushawn London reported that he will be playing for the Detroit Pistons Summer League team, with games starting up this week.
Crowl, 25, averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three across 153 career games at Wisconsin.
Currently, on their summer league roster, the Pistons have Ugonna Onyenso, Basheer Jihad, and Isaac Jones as the primary forwards/centers available.
There is speculation that the NBA veteran’s former teams have an edge in the sweepstakes because of the familiarity each presents.
James made two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning one ring during his tenure with the organization.
LeBron James’ free agency decision is one of the biggest NBA stories of the summer. Getty Images
The 41-year-old also spent four glorious seasons with the Miami Heat, winning two titles and a pair of Finals MVPs. While Cleveland is home for James, he’s carried mantras and mentality from his time in Miami.
Now, there’s an opportunity for James to return to Cleveland or Miami.
There’s speculation that the Cavaliers are the frontrunner for James, but the latest update could turn the tide in favor of the Heat.
Miami is reportedly open to giving Bronny James a two-way contract if LeBron James signs with the team, according to On SI’s Ethan J. Skolnick.
Bronny James’ contract with the Lakers became fully guaranteed the day before LeBron James informed the Lakers he would be leaving the organization. Getty Images
The Miami Heat would be open to giving Bronny James a two way contract if they sign LeBron, per @EthanJSkolnick
James informed the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return for the upcoming season the day before his son’s $2.3 million contract with the team became fully guaranteed. Now, Bronny is eligible to be traded and the Heat appear to be open to welcoming the 21-year-old.
But Miami’s willingness to sign Bronny to a two-way deal is contingent on James’ decision.
LeBron James is reportedly interested in continuing the father-son duo with Bronny James on the court. Getty Images
Aside from his previous teams, there have been several suitors linked to James this summer, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Interested teams have opted to publicly make free agent pitches to James as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer mulls over the next step of his storied career.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
