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.
The combat sports world has joined in on the festivities as sports fans everywhere await Lebron James next move.
In case you don’t know, the legendary NBA superstar is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Lakers where he has played for the past eight seasons. This includes an NBA Championship back in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. James has been defying the odds ever since as the now 41-year-old continues to play at an elite level.
As of now, Lebron is officially an NBA free agent, which means he can sign with any team he wants. The legendary basketball player isn’t looking to score a big payday ahead of his incredible 24th NBA season. Instead, James simply wants to join a team that gives him the best chance to win another title. That could be with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, or even the New York Knicks, who are coming off their first NBA title in 53 years.
That is, of course, if Lebron doesn’t take his talents to the cage.
This week, the mixed martial arts (MMA) community took to social media to suggest that Lebron was moving from the NBA to combat sports. Obviously this is a joke, but it goes to show you the global reach of James. There may have been a time when a younger James could have utilized his elite size and athleticism to make some noise as a professional fighter, but that time has passed.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the MMA community from trying. Check it out below:
👑 LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH THE MMA! After months of contract negotiations, LeBron has decided to take his talents from the hardwood to the cage. Sources say his first goal is becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion. 🥊😂 #lebronJames#MMApic.twitter.com/iiXXXpnyiy
“LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH THE MMA! After months of contract negotiations, LeBron has decided to take his talents from the hardwood to the cage. Sources say his first goal is becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion.”
“The decision has been made. LeBron James is taking his talents to ONE!”
— HEXAGONE MMA Winamax (@HexagoneMma) July 2, 2026
“Following the announcement of his departure from the Lakers, the entire sports world is waiting to find out where LeBron James will go…
HEXAGONE MMA is proud to announce a totally unprecedented addition to its roster…
LeBron James (@kingjames) officially joins the organization… and embarks on a new adventure.
After making basketball history with the Lakers and the NBA, the American legend is turning a historic page in his career to take on a new challenge in the cage. With his extraordinary physical power, explosiveness, and flair for the dramatic, LeBron James is set to shake up the heavyweight division and draw all eyes to HEXAGONE MMA.
This signing, as unexpected as it is explosive, once again confirms the league’s commitment to writing unique chapters and shining a spotlight on MMA on the international stage.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three point shot against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on April 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Bucks having 17 rostered players, cuts were going to have to happen at some point, and Pete Nance is the first casualty. Nance was always the most obvious player to cut because of his non-guaranteed $2.5m contract, which would have become guaranteed if they kept him past Saturday. Also, Milwaukee acquired a fair few guys who play his position via the Giannis trade (Ware, Jaquez, Ament). I should mention that this technically does not proclude the Bucks from signing the big man to another deal, but it feels unlikely, given the aforementioned lack of spots.
This is something of a kick in the guts for many fans, including myself, who really thought Milwaukee had found a diamond in the rough with Nance. The number of times we would remark on Deer Diaries about how he was “always in the right spots” and “did all the little things” was… pretty large! After coming to the Bucks late in the 2024-25 season, Nance had a breakout 2025-26 campaign (although his numbers certainly don’t jump off the page), averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.7 RPG on 51.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. Assuming it isn’t with the Bucks, let’s hope he lands somewhere that gives him a real shot.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly shopping forwards Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery.
The Lakers gained two second-round picks from the Deandre Ayton trade with the Washington Wizards, meaning the team could consolidate said assets in a deal for a much-needed roster piece, such as a versatile wing defender.
Jarred Vanderbilt has emerged as a trade candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks.
After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing. pic.twitter.com/9tBaBxRscJ
The Lakers have been busy this offseason with general manager Rob Pelinka orchestrating a full-fledged roster transformation. Half of LA’s starting lineup departed in free agency, including four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
Dalton Knecht could be traded by the Lakers as general manager Rob Pelinka continues to recreate the roster. NBAE via Getty ImagesRob Pelinka faces immense pressure to transform the Lakers into title contenders next season. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After landing an elite big man, the Lakers are looking to add a versatile wing defender and backup center. In order to do so, Pelinka will have to orchestrate a trade including the second-round picks from Washington or waive Vanderbilt in order to give the Lakers more financial flexibility to sign a free agent.
The Lakers now have a total of three second-round picks. Many NBA teams equate such assets to one first-round pick, which points to a trade involving Knecht or Vanderbilt as the likeliest outcome to acquire a wing or backup center that the Lakers need.
The Lakers are under a full-on roster reconstruction.
And their latest move on Friday, trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two of Washington’s second-round picks (2031 and 2032), made clear another area they need to address while making it easier for them to reconfigure the roster.
Add in Rui Hachimura, who remains an unrestricted free agent and has multiple teams expressing interest in signing the 6-foot-8 forward, and there’s a strong likelihood the Lakers won’t return any of the players who started for them (Smart, Kennard, James, Hachimura and Ayton) in the first five games of their first-round playoffs series victory over the Rockets.
The Lakers are under a full-on roster reconstruction. Getty ImagesAnd with two roster spots, four tradeable draft picks and a little bit more financial flexibility at their disposal, the Lakers’ focus is on addressing the glaring holes on the roster. NBAE via Getty Images
That’s in addition to re-signing Austin Reaves (four years, $185 million) and selecting Cameron Carr with the No. 24 pick of the draft and signing him to his rookie scale contract (four years, $16.8 million) on Thursday.
And with two roster spots, four tradeable draft picks and a little bit more financial flexibility at their disposal, the Lakers’ focus is on addressing the glaring holes on the roster.
What are the needs?
A backup big man behind Kessler and a defensive-minded wing/forward who, ideally, can start alongside Kessler, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and possibly Grimes.
As currently constructed, the Lakers are very guard/backcourt-heavy with Doncic, Reaves, Grimes, Sexton, Hardy, Carr and Bronny James, though Doncic, Grimes and Carr can play wing/forward positions.
Doncic, Mamukelashvili, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero and Jarred Vanderbilt are the lone players on the current roster listed between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-9.
Kessler, who’s 7-foot-2, is the lone player listed at 6-foot-10 or taller.
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Veteran center Kevon Looney is an unrestricted free agents who the Lakers will consider signing. Getty Images
Who are the targets?
Ironically, Ayton is better than the backup big man options currently available to the Lakers.
Veteran center Kevon Looney is an unrestricted free agents who the Lakers will consider signing.
Nick Richards, a 28-year-old big man entering his seventh season in the NBA, is also an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers are also expected to consider Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, who’s entering the final season of his three-year, $30.3 million contract that pays him $10 million in 2026-27.
Among these options, Looney is the center the Lakers must prioritize because of his proven abilities to contribute to winning teams and durability.
On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles had significant interest in Andre Drummond as their backup center, but he signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal to join the reigning NBA champion Knicks.
On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers.
Hachimura returning to the Lakers is still a possibility, but would be challenging since the Lakers don’t have much cap space left and had to relinquish Hachimura’s cap hold to make their other additions. He can likely join another team for a significantly higher salary.
Former Nets forward Ziaire Williams has been linked to the Lakers. Ochai Agbaji is another option on the wings who looms for them.
Other moves?
The Lakers are projected to have three tradeable second-round picks (Wizards two picks and their own 2033 pick) and a 2032 first-round pick swap they can include in a trade.
Expect for them to explore seeing if they can attach picks to one of their own players (such as Knecht and Vanderbilt) to free up financial flexibility and a roster spot.
They could also use those picks to acquire a player ready to contribute now.
And once LeBron makes his decision on his next destination, whether the Lakers will keep Bronny on the roster or trade him to LeBron’s next team will be the next domino to fall.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As we sat here a little more than a year ago, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal were still on the roster, but the Suns had just finished 11th in the Western Conference and missed the playoffs entirely. We all knew something had to change. The philosophy needed to change. The culture needed to change. The direction of the franchise needed to change.
Mat Ishbia gave us exactly that.
He moved on from James Jones and Mike Budenholzer, replacing them with Brian Gregory and Jordan Ott. What followed was an offseason filled with corporate buzzwords we could only hope would eventually turn into action. Thankfully, they did.
The 2025-26 Phoenix Suns will be remembered as one of the most enjoyable teams this fan base has watched in years. It wasn’t because they won a championship or dominated the league. It was the style in which they played, the tenacity with which they executed the game plan, and their ability to exceed expectations.
Yes, they stumbled at the finish line. But they also gave us confidence in the direction the franchise was headed. After all, Suns owner Mat Ishbia told us he wanted this organization to resemble the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise built around players who compete a certain way and make you proud to watch them wear the uniform.
“You can talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Ishbia said last summer. “You kind of know what they mean when you talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Or even my old team, Michigan State basketball. You kind of know what you’re going to get when you talk about Michigan State basketball. What is Phoenix Suns basketball? That’s on me. That’s a change that’s coming, and it will be undeniable.”
For the first time in a long time, it felt like the Suns were beginning to look the part.
The acquisition of Miles Bridges, only a year later, runs counter to much of that philosophy, at least from a reputational standpoint. Bridges carries the baggage of his domestic violence case, and when we talk about the culture we want the Phoenix Suns to build, and the reasons we want to feel proud of this team, bringing in a player with that kind of history naturally conflicts with the message the organization spent the previous year promoting.
Recent polling reflects that tension. 62% percent of Suns fans approved of the Miles Bridges acquisition. That’s a solid number. But it also means 38% disapproved for one reason or another, and it’s fair to assume the primary reason is the player’s character concerns.
If we’re talking strictly about basketball, Bridges aligns with what the Suns are trying to become. Arizona Sports Suns insider John Gambadoro recently shared an observation from one of his coaching sources:
“One of my favorite players. Loves to play, works hard, epitome of a Four. Can throw a lob to him. He can hit a three, can guard. Plays bigger than he is. Has a love for the game that not all have – if the season was ever cancelled he would be the first one at the Y looking for a pickup game. He was a great teammate and was very coachable. He needed to get out of Charlotte so Phoenix will be great for him. He may explode in Phoenix so don’t be surprised to see the best version of him”
That sounds like a player who, on the court, aligns with what the Suns established over the past season. Is it enough to move the FanDuel odds? Time will tell. But it’s enough to give you hope that he’ll fit within the ecosystem Phoenix has spent the past year creating.
The Suns needed a starting-caliber power forward, and they went out and acquired one. For many fans, the issue isn’t the position. It’s the person playing it. And that’s completely understandable. It’s something many people will wrestle with throughout this season and, if an extension is signed as expected, potentially for years to come. I can’t tell you how to feel about that. I can only tell you how I view the basketball side of it.
From a basketball standpoint, I think Miles Bridges is an ideal fit given the market and what Phoenix was trying to accomplish. Is he a great defender? No. But neither was Royce O’Neale, who started 67 games for the Suns last season. Is he a great three-point shooter? No. But he’s capable enough. He shot 33.3% from deep with Charlotte last season, and what he brings in other areas helps offset that. But there is no doubt that he is an upgrade to what Royce O’Neale gave us.
He puts pressure on the rim. He can average close to 20 points per game. He can absorb many of the offensive possessions Dillon Brooks was forced into last season, doing so with more confidence while still providing enough spacing to allow Brooks to settle into a more natural offensive role. Hopefully, that means fewer of those Kobe Bryant turnaround fadeaways that made everyone hold their breath.
There will be plenty of analysis this summer as we try to understand what this team can become. We’ll continue to discuss the basketball fit. We’ll continue to acknowledge the moral dilemma. I suppose this is what they call the Miles Bridges experience.
It was 7-feet tall. It weighed 250 pounds. And it was a glaring distraction in the locker room.
So long, Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers sent to the Wizards on Friday in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032.
Ayton came to the Lakers in free agency hoping to resuscitate his career after stints in Phoenix and Portland had left his reputation in tatters.
So long, Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers sent to the Wizards on Friday in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The big man was the prize of the 2018 draft. He was selected by Phoenix as the No. 1 overall pick ahead of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But instead of reaching his potential in his first seven seasons in the league, Ayton backslid into unanimously being labeled inconsistent and immature by the two franchises for which he played, all but putting a scarlet letter on his forehead.
When Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer, he had a golden opportunity to start over. No one in the NBA gets more attention than the 17-time NBA champions, especially when a guy named LeBron James is on the roster.
This was his chance to rewrite his narrative.
Careers are defined by the Lakers. One great stint in Los Angeles can wash away all of the dirt of the past. Look at how Marcus Smart redefined himself this season after his career was in a freefall. Look at how Luke Kennard’s stock skyrocketed after a great first-round playoff series with the purple and gold.
Ayton was well aware of the power of the Lakers.
When Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer, he had a golden opportunity to start over. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I feel like I’ve just been absent for a little bit in this league,” Ayton said during his introductory press conference with the Lakers last July. “…I want to really just show the world and prove to everybody that I am a winner.”
The problem?
The same issues reared their ugly head in Los Angeles as the ones that inspired Phoenix to trade him in 2023 and Portland to buy out his contract for nothing in return last summer.
Ayton is talented.
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But his effort flickers like the light of a candle.
He’s prickly with the media. He has outbursts in the locker room. He’s wildly unpredictable. Sometimes he’ll lightheartedly do somersaults around reporters. Sometimes he’ll snap at them.
At first, Ayton struggled to embrace his role with the Lakers. He wanted to be a star but the team needed him to star in his role. There was a palpable power struggle.
The same issues reared their ugly head in Los Angeles as the ones that inspired Phoenix to trade him in 2023 and Portland to buy out his contract for nothing in return last summer. NBAE via Getty Images
He responded to the tension in the worst way possible.
He’d often disengage on the court.
Ironically, never was that more clear than after he shined in a 21-point, 13-rebound performance against the Magic on Feb. 24. As Ayton walked toward the shower after talking to the media, he let it be known that he felt pigeonholed.
“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” he said, referring to the Houston Rockets’ backup center. “I’m not no Clint Capela.”
Instead of celebrating the moment, he got in his own way. Instead of proving himself, he shot himself in the foot.
The problem with Ayton is sometimes he plays with force. Other times, he goes through the motions. The difference is stark. It’s obvious to the naked eye. To both high-paid scouts and fans alike.
NBAE via Getty Images
While a shooter’s slumps can be forgiven, Ayton’s issues were correlated to effort. To something he could control. To something that was inexcusable to let ebb and flow when he was getting paid millions of dollars and representing the Lakers.
Effort is the bare minimum. It’s a requisite. It’s a non-negotiable.
Ayton let it come and go like a feral cat.
He locked in during the Lakers’ 16-2 run last spring. During that period, he was consistent. He was a difference-maker.
“Felt like I picked up my energy and my focus,” Ayton said March 12. “And, you know, I finally caught up with the team. That’s about it.”
But the playoffs were his ultimate test.
And he failed.
The Lakers desperately needed Ayton to be at his best, especially considering Luke Doncic was sidelined the entire postseason because of a hamstring injury and Austin Reaves missed the first four games of the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets because of a strained oblique.
But Ayton was inconsistent.
At times he shined, like when he had a 19-point and 10-rebound performance against the Rockets in Game 4 followed by an 18-point and 17-rebound performance in Game 5.
At times he shined, like when he had a 19-point and 10-rebound performance against the Rockets in Game 4 followed by an 18-point and 17-rebound performance in Game 5. Getty Images
But when the Lakers needed him the most, he had a disappearing act.
Against the Thunder and their monstrous frontcourt, he shriveled.
Ayton averaged just 7.2 points and 7.7 rebounds as the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs. His defense was lackluster. He was a liability on the court.
For the Lakers, enough was enough.
It was time for Ayton to go.
He had his chance to turn things around. He had the opportunity to rehabilitate his name. All he had to do was try. All he had to do was pour out his heart onto the court when they needed him most. All his other antics could be forgiven.
But instead of digging his heels into the ground, he collapsed onto his knees.
Now he has been shipped to Washington, the equivalent of basketball Siberia considering the franchise has missed the playoffs seven of the last eight seasons.
Before Lendeborg’s first game in a Warriors jersey at Chase Center, he already had the home crowd on its feet giving some loud cheers from high-flying dunks in warm-ups. What he did once the game started brought even more cheers in a 104-72 blowout win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The first look at Lendeborg with the Warriors was, well, perfect.
Lendeborg played 22 minutes and scored a game-high 19 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting while going 4 of 4 from deep. Along with his scoring, Lendeborg led the Warriors in rebounds (five) and assists (six), plus he blocked a shot and had one steal.
“I would say probably like a B,” Lendeborg said when assessing his debut. “I messed up a lot of defensive rotations. That’s kind of taken a while for me to get the rotations down. I played a fairly well game until the fourth quarter. Kind of went a little sloppy with four turnovers. But overall offensively, I think I was in the right spot moving the ball well and just finding out where to be.”
Coach Khalid Robinson started Lendeborg alongside guards LJ Cryer and Will Richard, forward Malevy Leons and center Graham Ike. Cryer, Richard and Leons all played for the Warriors last season, and Ike was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract after going undrafted out of Gonzaga last month. Yet it was Lendeborg who looked like a seasoned veteran.
The No. 11 pick lit it up from the jump. Lendeborg played eight minutes in the first quarter and scored 11 points. He made all three of his 3-point attempts and also added two assists, one rebound and one steal.
His first shot attempt was a transition three from the left wing that Lendeborg splashed without any hesitation. He then hit a three from the top of the arc and another from the left wing. Lendeborg had a 37.2 3-point percentage as a senior at Michigan and looked like he’s already comfortable from NBA 3-point range.
The Warriors led 57-33 at halftime, and Lendeborg was a major reason why. Lendeborg played 14 minutes in the first half and scored 16 points. He also had three assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Lendeborg improved as a 3-point shooter every year in college and expanded on how he believes that part of his game will translate to the next level.
“This has been all about confidence,” Lendeborg said. “Honestly, I never really had the confidence to shoot it until last year at Michigan. And now here, I feel a lot more confident shooting the ball here. I definitely think that I could probably be in the 37-plus range for threes if I keep shooting with confidence. Hopefully the NBA season doesn’t drain my confidence.
“Just trying to stay consistent and see how much they fall.”
After a shortened halftime, the good times kept rolling for Lendeborg to begin the second half, as he immediately powered his way through contact for a three-point play.
“I thought Yaxel played with a really high level of force and physicality,” Robinson said. “That was a point of emphasis for us all week, just force and physicality in everything that we do. Then, he showed a little bit of everything in his game.”
Lendeborg only played seven and a half minutes in the second half. Anything he needed to prove was already done. The rest was just an added bonus for fans to enjoy.
Checking multiple boxes with an array of skills is what drew the Warriors to Lendeborg in the draft. Being ready to make an impact as a rookie from Day 1 was a major selling point in landing on him. If first impressions are everything, Lendeborg proved the Warriors made the right decision.
Looks like Rich Paul might need to add another name on his whiteboard next to Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Lendeborg is made for the big show.
One reason why this is so fascinating is because James’ entire family has roots in Los Angeles at his point, as he has been playing for the Lakers for the past eight seasons. Of course, his son, Bronny, is also on Los Angeles’ roster, and LeBron still lives with his wife Savannah and his daughter Zhuri.
The only member of LeBron’s immediate family who doesn’t still live in Los Angeles for most of the year is his younger son, Bryce. And this is because Bryce is playing basketball at the University of Arizona.
LeBron James points to a teammate during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Getty ImagesBryce James looks on during a University of Arizona basketball game. Getty Images
Bryce isn’t overly active on social media, as he hasn’t made an Instagram post since February of this year. However, he does comment on his girlfriend, Sadie Johnson’s, Instagram posts.
Bryce James’ girlfriend Sadie Johnson posing in front of a restaurant. sadiej0hnson
This was shown by a post that Johnson made on June 30, where she posed for several photos while sitting outside of a restaurant and seemingly holding some beverage that included matcha and perhaps pomegranate seeds.
The post was captioned, “just because”. And the top comment on it is from Bryce, who simply wrote, “”.
It’s pretty funny to think that Bryce’s first public post after his dad’s decision to not re-sign with the Lakers was a drooling emoji on his girlfriend’s Instagram post. Then again, the James family has surely had plenty of conversations about what LeBron will do before he made his decision known, so it’s not like Bryce was surprised.
Not to mention that he’s still just 19 years old. He’s allowed a drooling emoji or two.
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Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Knicks are signing a local product and familiar name as their backup center veteran.
Andre Drummond, who is from Mount Vernon and had been linked to the Knicks in previous years, agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum ($3.9 million) deal with New York, league sources confirmed.
The 32-year-old offers size, strong rebounding and a glut of experience but is well past his prime, having served as a backup for most of the last four seasons. Drummond’s career drop off from his All-Star peak is likely why the Knicks were able to secure the 6-foot-11 piece at such a small salary, a necessity for them to stay under the second apron.
Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
Drummond played the last two years for the rival Sixers as Joel Embiid’s backup, averaging 6.3 points and 8.4 rebounds last season in 19.5 minutes. He’s a downgrade from Mitchell Robinson — who left in free agency for Boston — but a strong body to eat up minutes for Karl-Anthony Towns.
His greatest asset remains rebounding. Drummond was second to Robinson last season in boards per 36 minutes with 15.6. He led the league in rebounding four times and, unlike Robinson, cured his free-throw shooting problems — Drummond went from 37% from the charity stripe as a rookie to a career-best 63% last season.
Hack-A-Drummond no longer works. Drummond is also more durable than Robinson and shockingly developed a 3-pointer last season in Philly, knocking down a career-best (by far) 32 treys. Still, his weaknesses are shooting and conditioning. He was again forced to take a minimum deal after expressing a desire to avoid it.
“I’m not willing to play less than my worth,” Drummond said about free agency in a since-deleted interview posted on Youtube. “I did that once and then I got labeled as one of those guys, and I think it really killed my value in the NBA because I’m still moving like I’m in my mid-20s. I still have a lot left in the tank. I think by taking that pay cut … I feel like I’ve been climbing out of a hole for the last 4-5 years. It’s been hard.”
Drummond’s climb continues on an expiring minimum deal but the Knicks can offer a pathway to a bigger payday — a rotation spot and a legitimate chance at a championship.
The Knicks still have two roster spots to fill and roughly $6.5 million remaining under the second apron. Jonas Valanciunas, another veteran center, is a target to further bolster the frontcourt depth, according to The Athletic.
Jordan Clarkson, a guard, is also a candidate to return, sources said.
The biggest free agent remaining — LeBron James — is “very, very unlikely” to sign with the Knicks, even if he were willing to accept a minimum deal, sources said. Among the reasons from both sides, as outlined by LeBron’s agent Rich Paul, is the Knicks are coming off a title and, “The last thing you want to do is mess up something like that. The Knicks have a good thing.”
The Knicks had previously discussed signing center Marvin Bagley III, but the former second overall pick instead joined the Nuggets.
pic.twitter.com/TWLZiVQ7Lt
”. And the top comment on it is from Bryce, who simply wrote, “
”. 
