On the 10th anniversary of Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Warriors, it doesn’t appear as if LeBron James is ready to do the same.
But that doesn’t mean James won’t eventually pick the Warriors as his next team.
An anonymous rival NBA executive told Forbes writer Mark Medina that he believes James will ultimately sign with the Warriors for “various reasons.”
Medina cited the Warriors’ ability to pay James the $15 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, his close bond with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, and the proximity between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, which would allow the 41-year-old to get to his Southern California home relatively quickly.
James’ agent, Rich Paul, made waves on Friday when he debuted his whiteboard featuring 10 teams he believes have the best chance to sign James in NBA free agency.
The Warriors are one of those 10 teams, but they will have stiff competition from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, among others.
But ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday that the Warriors aren’t at the top of James’ destination list.
Paul spoke to Medina and made it clear that James could take a while to pick a new team.
“I don’t think this happens anytime soon,” Paul told Medina. “I don’t think it’ll be the next few days.”
If James spurns them for another team, the Warriors might not have much choice but to run it back with a majority of last season’s roster, plus lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg, who looked impressive in his California Classic debut.
But if James comes to San Francisco, the vibe around the roster will be completely different.
So, the Warriors are hoping the anonymous rival NBA executive is right.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JULY 5: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on during an NBA Summer League game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Jon M. Huntsman Center on July 5, 2025 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. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Can you believe it? After what has been the most successful lottery and draft in Utah Jazz history, Jazz fans will get to watch prized prospect Darryn Peterson take the floor for the first time.
Peterson was the talk of draft night, with questions about whether he would actually be the #1 pick. After a month of speculation, the Washington Wizards ultimately went with AJ Dybantsa. Utah came away with the player they wanted all along, and now we get to see just how good Peterson is going to be. Yes, you have to take the summer league with a grain of salt. If a player plays great, you can’t take too much from it. If a player plays badly, it’s time to be concerned. But would argue it’s time to ignore that because it’s hard to exaggerate how good Peterson can be, and it’s just as hard to see him not playing well in his first summer league. This is a new era of Jazz basketball, and this first summer league with Peterson is a prologue to what should be the most successful chapter in Jazz basketball history.
The best part of all of this is I hardly feel any pressure or anxiety, I’m just excited to watch this new prospect be unleashed. There have been prospects in Jazz history whose futures you didn’t quite know. With Peterson, the question is just how good he’s going to be. Tomorrow we find out, and I personally can’t wait.
How to watch the Salt Lake City Summer League?
Who: Utah Jazz vs Atlanta Hawks
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 3:00 MT
Where: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
How to watch: Prime Video, ESPNU, League Pass, KJZZ, Jazz+
Players to watch
Darryn Peterson
This goes without saying. The most important thing in this game is to see how healthy Peterson looks. Does he have his burst back? How does the playmaking work? How well does he score the ball? Basically, all eyes will be on Darryn Peterson and how he looks in his debut. From the moment the Jazz run onto the floor and warm up to the time the game starts, you can bet that his every move will be the prime attraction.
Ace Bailey
Just like last season, Bailey will be another player to watch in this summer league. He showed fantastic signs this season, and this summer league is an opportunity to show his improvement. Bailey scored and rebounded last summer league without a single play run for him. Now that he understands the offense much better, he should have a nice game.
The other interesting element will be how he plays with Peterson. What does the chemistry look like? They’ve only been together for a short amount of time, but we’ll see if they are playing well together starting in Game 1.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 5 : Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz tucks in his jersey against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of the NBA Summer League game at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on July 5, 2025 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. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Although it may just only be summer league, the California Classic provided a sample of how the Warriors rookie's game will translate to the big leagues.
Lendeborg had a tremendous debut performance in the California Classic game against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 19 points in 22 minutes July 3 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
What's even more impressive? He didn't miss. Insert that Snoop Dogg clip.
Lendeborg carved up the Lakers from beginning to end, on 6-for-6 shooting, including 4-for-4 from 3-point distance.
"I thought that Yax will play with a really high level of force and physicality, like that was a point emphasis for us all week, just force and physicality and everything that we do," Warriors coach Khalid Robinson told reporters. "He showed a little bit of everything in his game, obviously shot the ball well, started the game. He had some really good passes, play-making defensively."
Lendeborg is physically-able. He showcased an ability to knock down the long ball. And he was everywhere on the floor, doing everything out there, adding five rebounds, a steal and a block.
What often goes overlooked is Lendeborg's play-making ability.
"Yeah, I'd say definitely my passing is a little underrated. I feel like I've always had a good assist-to-turnover ratio," the Warriors rookie told USA TODAY Sports. "Today doesn't really do it much justice, but I mean, I've definitely done a good job."
He added: "When I first started playing basketball, I was strictly a passionate rebounder. So those have always been kind of my strength, but I turned more into a scorer these last two, three years. So, I mean, everything's been changing, but I try to be as versatile as possible."
The young fella is honest about his game. It wasn't as perfect as the box score entails. But it's his humility that allows his game to develop. He wants it.
"I gave up a lot of rebounds today. I need to go back and watch the film. I wasn't physical enough. I mean, I got to get used to physicality here, for sure. So, I mean, I feel like I could have had at least four to five more rebounds today."
As Lendeborg exited the court at Chase Center, he was swarmed by fans who were cheering for him all game long. They waited near the exit tunnels after the game to greet, congratulate and praise the rookie's debut performance. It's a feeling that resonates with Lendeborg deeply as he gets acclimated to the Bay Area.
"It was lovely. I really appreciated them," Lendeborg told USA TODAY Sports. "The entire game I heard people scream my name and just saying, like, 'good job', and, like, 'we're happy to have you.' So, I tried to try to get everybody, at least acknowledge everybody. It was a little tough to, but I could definitely see how this crowd has been so good over the years. Like, these guys really, really appreciate the Warriors basketball, and I really appreciate them already."
He added: "Like, it was the first game, but it definitely felt like I belong, like these guys really love me. So I'm definitely excited for (the) rest of the season. I'm gonna try to get as many kids or as many fans as I can, 'til security gets me out every time."
Lendeborg and the Warriors will be in action again on Sunday, July 5 when the California Classic continues at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Boston, MA - June 30: Boston Celtics forward Chris Cenac Jr. meets with the media at the Reggie Lewis Center on June 30, 2026. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
It’s been a week. I’m sure we’re all a little emotionally worn out after the team sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia. When we posted this poll earlier in the week, JB was still a Celtic and 11% of our readers were still looking forward to seeing how he and Brad Stevens would interact in Las Vegas next weekend.
Alas, Brown is a 76er and after a few days of handwringing and tributes, in his words, it’s time to #throwtheballup and move on and that first step will be the league’s yearly sojourn to Sin City for Summer League.
Hugo Gonzalez has already showed out in Spain’s FIBA qualifier on Thursday with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists. His three-point shot looks true (4-7 from behind the arc) and his passing was strong on a number of drive-and-kicks. He’ll reportedly play in Vegas as well despite his responsibilities with his national team.
He’ll draw a good amount of the attention on The Strip, but our readers are really excited to see the 27th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Chris Cenac Jr. Here’s CelticsBlog’s Rich Jensen on the incoming rookie:
Cenac was projected as a top lottery pick before the season started at Houston—but his draft stock fell based on game-time performance. He was overshadowed by teammate Kingston Flemings who went to the Hawks with the eighth pick. His own stats were a rather pedestrian 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Cenac contextualized those numbers during his Ball Is Life podcast appearance, noting that Sampson had a system, and that his primary focus as a player was defense. Asked what had improved the most during his season with Houston, Cenac said it was his basketball IQ and his ability to play the “grit” part of the game.
Cenac pointed out that his game changed significantly from high school to college, before adding that he was “fitting into a role” in college. Cenac said that his goal was to help his team win “however they need me to.”
These words ought to be music to the ears of anyone who favors the green and white.
Gonzalez and Cenac will be joined by Amari Williams who signed another two-way deal to return to another year sharpening his tools in Maine with the occasional call-up to the big club. The 40th pick, Dillon Mitchell, will also be in tow.
The loss of Brown is a big hit, but newly acquired Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Mike Conley Jr. will help fill his absence and eventually, players like Gonzalez and Cenac Jr. will hopefully be important rotation pieces on a championship contender.
Speaking of the Larry O’Brien,our friends at FanDuel still have the Celtics as +800 to raise Banner 19, just behind the Knicks at +550 and ahead of the Pistons, Raptors, and yes, the 76ers at +1200.
In a head-to-head matchup with Warriors No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg, Carr held his own. The Lakers were defeated 104-72, but Carr was the lead man for LA, scoring 19 points on 7-for-15 field goal shooting, including 5-for-11 from 3-point land. He added a blocked shot, assist and a couple of rebounds in the Lakers' loss.
"I think it was a great moment. It was exciting, a blessing," Carr told reporters. "Like I've been saying, I've been preaching it: just the opportunity to get to step on the court with these dudes, and just learn the way, how they play and how we're coming together. And so it's taking it step by step and just enjoying the moment."
Cameron Carr was FEELIN' IT in his California Classic debut 👌
He added: "If I said I wasn't nervous, I'd be lying. I was probably nervous, excited. I just was ready, just for the first opportunity for the ball to go up in the air, and I just get to compete with these guys."
Carr was initially drafted by the New York Knicks with the 24th overall pick, but the Lakers traded the 25th overall pick and cash considerations to the Knicks to get Carr.
Carr plays guard and forward, standing 6-foot-5, 185 pounds. Last season at Baylor, Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
He was highly touted as an athletic, sharpshooting threat.
"I feel like the first possession is usually how you settle in," Carr said. "Just doing something like that can kind of take the anxiousness away. But just try to be in a moment, be where my feet are at: enjoy it, enjoy the moments like these."
Carr spent the first two years of his college career with the Tennessee Volunteers, playing in 18 games. He transferred to the Baylor Bears as a junior and was named a third-team All-Big 12 player. He is the son of former NBA player Chris Carr, who played for six different teams in six seasons.
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr celebrates after making a three-pointer against Golden State in an NBA summer league game on Friday night. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
He needed one shot to warm up. Then almost nothing could stop Cameron Carr.
In his unofficial NBA debut, the first-round draft pick flashed the type of three-point shooting that could turn him into a valuable player for the Lakers, scoring 19 points on seven-for-15 shooting in their 104-72 summer league loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
Ten days after walking across the stage at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as the 24th pick in the NBA draft, Carr still could barely wrap his mind around his new job. The 21-year-old was nervous and excited putting on the Lakers’ gold jersey Friday at Chase Center. His nerves didn’t settle until the ball was in the air for the opening tip, he said.
Carr knocked down a three on an offensive rebound for the Lakers’ first summer league points. He dished an assist to second-year forward Adou Thiero on the next possession, then knocked down his next shot, another three-pointer. He held his thumb and forefinger in a circle over his eye in celebration.
“It was a great moment,” Carr said of his summer league debut. “It was exciting, a blessing, like I’ve been saying. I’ve been preaching it: just the opportunity to get to step on the court with these dudes, and just learn the way and how they play and how we’re coming together.”
The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies. While Luke Kennard signed a two-year contract with Phoenix, the Lakers reloaded with guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton and versatile power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili. The three free-agent additions came in a flurry Wednesday after the Lakers pulled off an aggressive trade for center Walker Kessler.
The moves were meant to reshape the roster to maximize superstar Luka Doncic, who will take the reins with the departure of LeBron James.
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr shoots a three-pointer over Golden State's Lachlan Olbrich during the first half of the California Classic on Friday. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
After leading the offense at Baylor, Carr knows his assignment supporting Doncic with the Lakers will be simpler: cut, run and dunk, he said at his introductory news conference.
And, for the guard who shot 37.4% from three-point range at Baylor last season, his job is also to knock down shots.
“If you can shoot the ball,” Carr said with a slight smile in New York the day before the draft, “you’re wanted by a lot of people.”
The Lakers wanted the 6-foot-5 guard so badly that they executed a draft-day pick swap with the New York Knicks. Carr was projected to be a mid-first-round pick but slipped in what many considered to be the deepest draft in a generation.
Any of the consensus top three picks — AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Carlos Boozer — could have been No. 1, analysts predicted. Eleven guards were taken before Carr, who was named third-team All-Big 12 last season after averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists with 45 blocks.
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla estimated that Carr could be the best athlete out of the entire draft class.
His 7-foot wingspan was the best among guards at the NBA combine, and his 38-inch standing vertical and 10.46-second lane agility test ranked first for his position.
The length and athleticism make Carr the type of rookie who could make an immediate impact on defense, Lakers summer league coach Ty Abbott said.
“He’s got an ability to read the game,” Abbott said. “He’s not out there and completely lost. He kind of understands, and if he does make a mistake, he recognizes it pretty early. ... So for him, it’ll just be about probably adding some strength, maybe some weight, and then just getting the reps. ... You just got to go out there and do it. There’s no better way to learn how to guard good players than to guard good players.”
Carr said his top objective is to put on weight. Weighing 184 pounds at the combine, Carr would have been the third-lightest 6-5 player in the league last year, ahead of only Sacramento’s Nique Clifford (175 pounds) and Dallas’ AJ Johnson (160 pounds). Carr may be joining the Lakers at the exact right moment as the team — with the investment and guidance from big brother organization the Dodgers — will expand weight room, treatment and sports science resources in its facility. Carr plans to make the weight room his new home.
Building up his strength to handle the NBA will be critical for Carr as he hopes to show “that I’m the best defender here,” he told reporters last week. Adding another defender became even more important after guard Marcus Smart signed with Western Conference rival Houston.
The Lakers, after agreeing to trade center Deandre Ayton to Washington for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks on Friday, could look for a backup center and wing defender to round out their roster, which stands at 13.
“I’ll be honest,” Carr said with a bashful smile. “It still doesn’t feel real.”
Lakers re-sign Chris Mañon
The Lakers re-signed guard Chris Mañon to a two-way contract. The second-year guard appeared in nine games for them last season and also played 33 G League games for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. With a team-high 1.9 steals per game, Mañon was named to the G League all-defensive team and finished second in defensive player of the year voting.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three-point shot over Malevy Leons #33 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Chase Center on July 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers struggled in their first game of the California Classic, losing 104-72 to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
LA’s newest rookie, Cameron Carr, was off to a hot start for the team, scoring six points off two 3-pointers. Los Angeles’ other notable name, Adou Thiero, was 1-2 from the field, but looked solid and was moving very well. Golden State’s rookie Yaxel Lendeborg also had six points off two triples.
The Lakers were down by five at the end of the first. Carr ended the quarter with eight points. Arthur Kaluma had five points off the bench.
Pull up curl off the HORNS action. Sticks out how fluid of an athlete he is.
Carr’s excellent play continued into the second period as he knocked down another 3-pointer, giving him 11 for the night so far. Lendeborg was 4-4 from behind the arc for the Warriors and had 14 points.
Will Richard and Lendeborg combined for 32 points in the half and were also a combined 8-9 from behind the arc. Carr drained another triple for LA, giving him 14 points. Los Angeles was down 24 at the half.
A couple more threes by Cameron Carr, and it’ll be time to start designing the statue.
Chris Mañon started the offense off for LA in the third period. Carr missed four shots before draining his fifth triple of the night. Adou finally put some more points on the board, converting on a three-point play.
Golden State, though, had built a big lead that the Lakers just couldn’t cut into. They were shooting 65% from the field.
LA was shooting 37% from the field. Their shot selection was rough and messy. At the end of the third, the purple and gold were down by 34.
I don’t want to make mountains out of molehills, but it’d be nice to see some positive Adou Thiero minutes during this game.
The Lakers started the final frame on a positive note, scoring nine points in a row. Graham Ike put a stop to the run with a layup. The rest of the quarter was essentially garbage time as teams just exchanged baskets until the buzzer sounded.
Key Player Stats
Carr finished with 19 points and two rebounds. Thiero ended with nine points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kaluma had 12 points and six rebounds. Anton Watson scored nine points with three rebounds.
Mañon logged eight points with three rebounds. Zhaire Smith and AK Okereke combined for 11 points off the bench.
The next California Classic game will be against the Miami Heat on Sunday at 1:30 PM PT.
Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell offered a reminder that even franchise greats are not saved from the business side of pro basketball.
In an interview with WBZTV, Cassell discussed Brown’s exit from Boston to Philadelphia.
Sam Cassell coaches up Jaylen Brown (7) during Game 3 of Celtics vs. Knicks during the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 10. NBAE via Getty Images
“Well, we won a championship with Jaylen Brown in Boston,” Cassell said. “Jaylen has done everything possible for this city… He’ll be missed, but it is the NBA. Wilt Chamberlain got traded after he averaged 50 points one year. So it happens.
“Trades happen in this league. I wish nothing but the best for Jaylen Brown. He’s a hell of a basketball player, a great person, and life goes on,” added the longtime NBA assistant, who has been with the Celtics for the past three seasons.
Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell on the Jaylen Brown trade:
“Jaylen has done everything possible for this city. He’ll be missed. But it’s the NBA. Wilt Chamberlain got traded after he averaged 50 points one year…I wish nothing but the best for Jaylen. He’s a hell of a… pic.twitter.com/9WmTEXc5om
Cassell’s perspective carries weight given both his playing and coaching careers, which have a combined four championships.
Brown’s departure closes one of the most successful chapters in recent Celtics history.
Drafted third overall in 2016, he spent a decade in Boston and developed from a raw prospect into one of the NBA’s elite two-way wings.
Sam Cassell has been an NBA assistant since 2008, and with the Celtics since 2023. NBAE via Getty Images
During his tenure, Brown earned five All-Star selections, two All-NBA honors and helped lead Boston to multiple NBA Finals appearances while capturing Finals MVP in the 2024 Championship run.
After Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in May of 2025, Brown assumed an even larger offensive burden, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while helping Boston secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Now, Brown is headed to Philly.
The trade has generated mixed reactions across the league, and as especially polarizing in Boston.
“We’ll be fine,” Cassell assured. “Yeah, we’ll be fine. We’ll be fine. We’ll figure it out. The game’s played on the basketball court. We’ll figure that part out.”
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 26: Chris Manon #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits to check into the game during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 26, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers need to find defensive-minded players wherever possible, and they just ensured that one who is already familiar with the franchise will remain in Los Angeles.
On Friday night, the Lakers made the re-signing of Chris Mañon official, bringing the guard back on a two-way deal.
This move was expected, as the Lakers had reportedly tendered a qualifying offer to Mañon. Clearly, the Lakers liked what they saw from Mañon when he was on a two-way contract last season.
Mañon didn’t play much as a two-way player, appearing in just nine regular season games for the Lakers. However, he played a lot more with the team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
With South Bay, he played in 33 regular season games and started in 26 contests. He averaged 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in the G League.
His defensive play is what really stood out. Mañon is a great on-ball defender. He’s able to disrupt opponents and force turnovers. He registered 1.9 steals with South Bay, which was a team-high.
Thanks to his defensive play, Mañon was named to the 2025-26 NBA G League All-Defensive Team. He also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
With Mañon anchoring the perimeter defense, South Bay had a great year and was the top overall seed in the Western Conference with a 26-10 regular season record.They made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by the Stockton Kings.
With Mañon back, he can continue splitting up his duties between South Bay and the main team, providing some backcourt help for the purple and gold.
The Lakers have had a ton of success with their two-way players. Jordan Goodwin and Scotty Pippen Jr. were both on two-way deals with the Lakers, and now each is on standard contracts with other NBA teams.
Brunson was going through different images that took him through various points of his career, and stopped on one where he was photographed with star Luka Doncic from the 2018 Draft, where both guards were selected together by Dallas.
Of course, former general manager Nico Harrison — who put together the 2023-24 Mavericks team that reached the NBA Finals, along with the organization — managed to squander a Doncic- Brunson pairing, which began blossoming during the 2021-22 season.
Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson played on the Mavericks from 2018-2022. NBAE via Getty Images
Brunson, of course, left in free agency to the Knicks that summer for four years and $104 million after initially showing a willingness to sign for four years and $55 million with Dallas before his breakout 2021-22 season.
SI noted that it saw people online saying Dallas and Nico Harrison “fumbled the two of you,” which prompted a smile from Brunson.
“Well,” Brunson said with a pause. “They made decisions and I’ll leave it at that. They made their decisions.”
The situation, of course, became even more painful for Dallas after Harrison orchestrated the blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers in February 2025.
Luka Doncic (77) guards Jalen Brunson (11) during a game between the Knicks and Lakers on March 6, 2025. Getty Images
The move stunned the basketball world and ultimately contributed to Harrison’s dismissal later that year.
Brunson, meanwhile, has enjoyed a dramatic rise in New York.
After developing into an All-Star and All-NBA performer with the Knicks, he completed the most successful season of his career by leading the franchise to its first NBA championship since 1973.
Brunson was named NBA Finals MVP after leading New York past the Spurs in five games last month, cementing himself as one of the greatest Knicks of all time.
Before leaving Dallas, Brunson and Doncic had already demonstrated what they could accomplish together.
During the 2022 postseason, they powered the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals.
Unsurprisingly, Brunson chose not to criticize Harrison directly during the interview, instead letting the results speak for themselves.
The Knicks are coming off a championship season, while the Mavericks have undergone sweeping organizational changes after losing both Brunson and Doncic in separate transactions.
Although Doncic — now a Laker — will be on a new-look team heading into next season after the additions of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton.
SAN FRANCISCO ― Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick in the NBA draft, took the floor and provided his first look in a Golden State Warriors uniform during the California Classic at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Warriors selected Lendeborg out of Michigan, where he helped the Wolverines win the 2026 NCAA championship. Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He shot 51.5% from the field and 37.2% on 3-point shots.
Lendeborg was the main attraction that headlined the Warriors' California Classic summer league team. He helped to lead the team to a 104-72 win with a 19-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers and their No. 24 draft pick, Cameron Carr.
Lendeborg was joined on the roster by No. 56 pick Lajae Jones and returning players Malevy Leons, Will Richard and LJ Cryer.
Here's everything you need to know about how the California Classic summer league game played out:
The Warriors won their game against the Lakers by a final score 104-72 during the California Classic at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on July 3.
The leading scorer for the Warriors was rookie Yaxel Lendeborg with 19. Sophomore guard Will Richard scored 16 points. LJ Cryer and Chance McMillian both scored 12 each, as both Malevy Leons and Graham Ike both scored 11.
Cameron Carr was the lead man for the Lakers with 19 points. No other Lakers scored in double-figures.
The Warriors maintained their double-digit lead, extending the deficit to 34 after the first three periods. Golden State has been surging from the field, while the Lakers can't find the hole. LA has shot 36.5% through three quarters.
Yaxel Lendeborg has led the Warriors with 19 points. Second-year guard Will Richard has 16. Rookie Lajae Jones scored his first points in the third.
The Warriors have outmatched the Lakers in the California Classic summer league game on July 3. The Lakers struggled to get things going with the exception of Cameron Carr, who is the high-man for LA with 17 points. No other Laker has scored in double-figures. Arthur Kaluma and Anton Watson each scored seven.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Will Richard and Chance McMillian scored at least 10 points in the game.
The Warriors summer league squad looked ready to compete. Golden State was led by second-year guard Will Richard who scored 16 first half points. However, all eyes were on the rookies in the contest who were drafted in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
For the Warriors, Yaxel Lendeborg scored 16 points in the first half. He hasn't missed a shot, shooting 5-for-5 from the field, 4-for-4 from 3-point distance and 1-for-1 from the free throw line. Lendeborg has done a little of everything. Not just score.
He's added three rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Cameron Carr led the way for LA. He's the only player to score in double-figures with 14. Carr is shooting 55% from the field and 50% from 3-point territory. He also recorded a blocked shot. Otherwise, it's been all Golden State, all game, through 20 minutes of play.
The Lakers selected Cameron Carr with the idea they found a player who's extremely athletic but can also shoot the ball, lights out. Carr has delivered so far in the California Classic game against the Warriors. Carr scored 11 points in 9 minutes, shooting 4-for-7, including 3-for-6 from 3-point distance.
Yaxel Lendeborg went to the bench with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter to rest. He put on a sharp-shooting display, scoring 14 points in 11 minutes, and garnered a round of applause from the crowd at Chase Center. He's also added three rebounds and four assists.
It was a first quarter duel between the 2026 first round draft selections Yaxel Lendeborg and Cameron Carr.
Lendeborg paced the Warriors with 11 points in the first quarter where he shot 100%, going 4-for-4, including three 3-pointers made in 7 minutes and 42 seconds.
Carr answered the call for a rookie showdown. He led the Lakers in first quarter scoring with 8 points in 7 minutes. The pair of first round selections have been the stars of the game through the first period.
Warriors starting lineup vs Lakers
Here's the Golden State Warriors' starting lineup during the California Classic on July 3.
LJ Cryer, guard
Will Richard, guard
Malevy Leons, forward
Yaxel Lendeborg, forward
Graham Ike, center
Lakers starting lineup vs Warriors
Here's the Los Angeles Lakers' starting lineup vs. the Warriors during the California Classic on July 3.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 3: Tarris Reed Jr. #10 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on July 3, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Miami Heat downed the San Antonio Spurs 88-87 in the first game of the California Classic Friday. R.J. Davis had a chance to win it at the end for the Spurs, but his top-of-the-key trey was off-target.
The Summer Spurs started their three active draft picks (Terris Reed, Jr., Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Maliq Brown), returning two-way player Emanuel Miller, and former Mavs two-way player Miles Kelly. Kelly led the Spurs with 16 points.
Observations
Reed’s 6-11, 265-pound frame was hard to miss on the perimeter. He was an active screener, both for players on the bounce and for cutters looking for passes at the top of the key. And these weren’t touch screens, either; he set solid picks even when he was looking to roll. In a pre-draft interview with No Ceilings, Reed talked about he’d intentionally flirt with the line between legal and illegal screens in college to make refs call the foul. He wasn’t whistled for a screening foul on Friday night.
In that same No Ceilings interview, Reed noted Isaiah Hartenstein’s success on floaters in the Western Conference Finals, but the rookie from UConn never really found his offensive stroke Friday. He scored his first basket about three minutes into the second period and finished with just 10 points (plus seven boards). Near the end of the first half, he had a nice face-up spin move into a baby hook that came up a bit short. Another highlight came early in the fourth quarter when he looked to be stuck down low, but stayed with it to finish with a tough layup in traffic.
Gillespie struggled mightily from the field (3 of 17 shooting; 2 of 8 from beyond the arc), but did have 10 points to go with his 8 assists and just one turnover. He flashed toward the end of the first half with a great challenge on a fast-break layup, followed by a hustle board and assist on the ensuing offensive possession. He also had a nifty floater and assist to Brown for a lob dunk midway through the fourth quarter.
Brown had a solid second half with 10 points and a couple of 3’s. He looked a bit like the Thunder’s Jaylin Williams on the floor given his long hair and build. They’re the same height (6-9), but Williams has 15 pounds on the rookie from Duke.
Davis made an early bid for this year’s “David Jones Garcia Award” with his 15 points and 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. If only that last-second 3 had gone down …
The post matchup between Reed and Heat two-way player Vladislav Goldin carried some college transfer portal history. After Reed moved from Michigan to UConn in 2024, Goldin succeeded him as the Wolverines’ starting center. Goldin followed new Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May from FAU to Michigan that offseason.
Corliss Williamson mentioned last week that the stars had never aligned for him to coach in the Summer League prior to helming the Summer Spurs this month. It’s interesting to note that he also never got the chance to play summer league ball. Sacramento played in the old Rocky Mountain Revue back in the 90s, but the NBA lockout cancelled the event in 1995 after the Kings drafted Williamson with the 13th overall pick out of Arkansas.
The Spurs are back at it Sunday at 6:00 pm CST against the host Golden State Warriors and No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg. We’re off and running!
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Josh Okogie #20 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
According to Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz signed Josh Okogie to a 2-year $12M deal.
Free agent F/G Josh Okogie has agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Okogie — a wing defender who shot 38.5% from 3 last season in Houston — considered several suitors before the Jazz received the commitment tonight from Okogie and his… pic.twitter.com/Bh9RN9KaHo
Okogie shot 38.5% from three last season in Houston, as Charania mentions, and fills a need for the Jazz, who are looking for defensive help on the perimeter.
It’s a clear sign that Utah is in the business now of building its roster to compete next season for a playoff spot. After the Walker Kessler trade, the starting lineup will likely be Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jusuf Nurkic. But Utah needs depth and defense. With Okogie on the roster, the team gains a veteran presence and a defense-first player who can also shoot. It’s likely to be a trend for Utah going forward that they bring on players with size who defend but are also capable shooters and scorers on offense. At this point, Utah is not in the business of taking on project players but is looking to fill needs on its roster. Okogie does just that.
At this point, the most likely potential signings, or trade, could be more center depth after the Kessler trade, and possibly another ball-handling guard. It’s not clear if Utah is done with the roster but this signing will add nice depth.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes up for the rebound during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks have spent the last few days searching for their new backup center after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, and they seem to have found their man.
Per Shams Charania, the Knicks have signed two-time All-Star Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million contract.
Free agent center Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VybK9XswUY
The veteran big man had spent the last two seasons with the rival Philadelphia 76ers and will enter the 2026-27 season with his seventh team in 15 seasons.
Selected No. 9 overall out of UConn by Detroit in 2012, Drummond broke into the starting lineup by Year 2. He changed the trajectory of the Pistons’ franchise after previously planning to build around former lottery pick Greg Monroe. He averaged 7.9 points and 7.6 rebounds as a rookie, finishing fourth in the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year voting.
He immediately gained a reputation as one of the league’s premier rebounders, leading the league in offensive rebounds in seven consecutive seasons while becoming a force around the rim offensively. His breakout came in 2015-16, when he averaged 16.2 points and 14.8 rebounds, made the All-NBA Third Team, and got down-ballot Defensive Player of the Year votes.
After another all-star nod in 2018 and a strong start to 2019-20, the rebuilding Pistons finally cut him loose, trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2020, but only played eight games before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season short. He re-signed with Cleveland that offseason, but was waived after just 25 games in late March 2021 before joining the Lakers for the playoff run.
Since then, he’s become a journeyman of sorts. He started 2021-22 in Philadelphia, but was sent as matching salary to Brooklyn in the James Harden trade that February. He inked a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls for 2022-23 and 2023-24, during which he served as the primary backup to Nikola Vucevic.
His last two years with the Sixers have been a fundamental shift in what he is as a player. He remains a premier rebounder, averaging 15.6 rebounds (5.8 offensive) per 36 minutes, but has significantly slowed defensively as he enters his mid-30s.
The biggest shift, though, has been his offensive evolution. After attempting just 120 threes total in his first 12 seasons, he’s attempted 110 in the last two seasons in Philly, including a startling 32-for-90 in 2025-26. He hit three of them, all in the corner, against the Knicks in December.
He’s also gotten much better as a free throw shooter, improving from a career 48.2% mark to 63% over the last two seasons. With Robinson’s flaws at the free throw line and his offensive versatility, Drummond will provide an upgrade there while making up a lot of the rebounding loss at 6’11”.
While Drummond signed for $3.9 million, the CBA dictates that the cap hit will be at just $2.457 million. Veteran players earn more total salary on minimum contracts, but the cap hit remains low to incentivize teams to sign them. Therefore, the Knicks did not use any of the potential Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception that they can partially use if they so choose.
Ian Begley reports the Knicks are not done in the center market, showing interest in Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas as a third center if he is bought out.
Knicks have secured agreement with free agent Andre Drummond, source confirms. Drummond, former Mount Vernon star, will be backup 5 for Karl-Anthony Towns after Mitchell Robinson exit. Drummond has agreed to one-year deal. First reported by @MikeAScotto. If he becomes free agent,…
Every great team has leaders. Players who inspire, teach, and motivate — sometimes with words, sometimes just by outworking everyone else. A team’s leader doesn’t always have to be its best player (although it helps if they are). The Warriors’ dynasty had Draymond Green as a great vocal leader. The Celtics had Marcus Smart for a long time as their emotional leader and communicator. Both of these guys set the tone, and their teammates followed. But leadership doesn’t always look like Draymond barking on defense. Sometimes it looks like a 22-year-old flying his teammates to his hometown for a week of training. Keyonte George is becoming that tone-setter for the Utah Jazz.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 16: Keyonte George #3, Taylor Hendricks #0, Lauri Markkanen #23, and Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz walk toward the huddle during a time out in the first half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Delta Center on October 16, 2025 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. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
Keyonte George has shown leadership qualities as early last summer. According to Sarah Todd of Deseret News, George took it upon himself last off season to ask Will Hardy for permission to fly his teammates to his hometown of Lewisville, Texas. Will Hardy was of course on board, and noted that the best teams he has been around have really strong human connection. One way to build that connection is by spending time together. The group that ended up going to Texas included Ace Bailey, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Elijah Harkless, Walter Clayton, and John Tonje.
In Texas, the Jazz players went through conditioning drills, played pickup games, and lifted weights together. They also had a chance to bond off the court, going to football games, concerts, and eating out. Will Hardy noticed immediate impact at camp in the way they were able to be more honest and blunt with each other.
Another great way George has been leading this team is by his example. After his 3rd straight 30-point game last December, his teammate, Isaiah Collier, called him a “great leader for us as a team,” pointing to the offseason work everyone on the team had witnessed and noting that it was “contagious.” Coach Will Hardy went further, explaining that he didn’t want to claim George was the sole reason his teammates were working hard, but that “the way that he works and carries himself rubs off on a lot of our team.”
This kind of work ethic and example George is setting for his teammates is so important for a young team like Utah who is still looking for an identity and trying to build a lasting culture. His breakout season has shown the other young players what can happen if they put in the work over an entire offseason.
Furthermore, George showed his commitment to the team earlier this year in March when he went down with a hamstring injury. According to Sarah Todd, although the injury eliminated his chance of winning the Most Improved Player award, George “cheered on his teammates from the sidelines. He offered advice during dead balls and shared laughs during timeouts.”
Great leaders put others before themselves, and understand that team success is more important than personal accolades. George could have let missing out on a chance to win Most Improved Player make him angry, but instead he put the Jazz first and showed up for his teammates.
George’s leadership hasn’t stopped with the players already in the locker room, he has made a point of welcoming new ones, too. When Darryn Peterson was selected with the No. 2 overall pick, George didn’t wait until training camp to start building a relationship with him. The two had dinner together Peterson’s first night in Utah.
Peterson later shared what George had told him to expect heading into his first Summer League practice: “Whatever you think is hard, just multiply it by ten.” Peterson said the advice didn’t scare him, but prepared him to work.
That mentorship continued into Summer League practices, where Keyonte George has been a constant presence despite not being on the Summer League roster himself.
During one practice, George drew up a play to get Darryn Peterson the ball and it ended up working. What started as a joke about putting Keyonte George on the coaching staff is now becoming a reality. George agreed to join head coach Steve Wojciechowski’s staff as an assistant coach for their Summer League opener on July 9th against the Washington Wizards.
Jazz front office and Keyonte's agent finalized an agreement for him to be an assistant coach for a single summer league game (July 9 vs. Wizards). The agreement came together after Keyonte drew up a game-changing play in practice. https://t.co/3Kns0e5vDn
One of the rare instances of an active player taking on a coaching role like this, and reportedly had to be cleared with the league office before becoming official, showing just how invested George is in Utah’s young core.
At just 22 years old and coming off the best season of his career, Keyonte George could be spending his summer on vacation or locked in on his own offseason training. Instead, he’ll be on the sideline with a clipboard, helping develop the next generation of Jazz talent in Ace Bailey, Darryn Peterson, and Cody Williams.
As Utah enters the next era of Jazz basketball, they need cornerstones to build the franchise around. Maybe Ace Bailey or Darryn Peterson become the next Jazz superstar. But every great team also needs someone to set the standard for everyone else.
Keyonte George is already doing that.
Whether it’s organizing offseason workouts, setting the standard with his own preparation, mentoring rookies, or spending his summer helping coach instead of taking time for himself, George has consistently shown that he’s invested in something bigger than just his next contract.
The Jazz have a lot to do before they win a championship. But when they do, don’t be shocked if people look back on moments like these and see the foundation of the culture that made it possible.
