NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 12:32 PM ET

Lakers Sale Sets Record

Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are purchasing the Lakers for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price for a sports franchise, multiple sources told ESPN. The NBA also lost a legendary figure as Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in league history and a five-time champion as a player, died at age 86 on Sunday.

Stars & Future Plans

Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence that Stephen Curry will finish his career with the Warriors despite being on an expiring contract. Across the Pacific, free-agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with "zero restrictions" at Australia’s player-led minicamp in Melbourne. Meanwhile, the owner of Greek club Panathinaikos says he made a "serious" offer to buy Nikola Jokic out of his NBA contract and plans to try again when the three-time MVP becomes a free agent in 2027.

Team Previews & Early Outlook

Cooper Flagg leads a new era for the Mavs after significant front-office and coaching changes. The Spurs aim for another leap behind Victor Wembanyama, while the Rockets hope Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson push them into the West’s upper tier. ESPN NBA insiders also break down the top hurdle each of the 10 contender concerns may face during the 2026-27 season, and our resident GM examines franchise-altering storylines for summer 2027, including Golden State’s massive cap flexibility.

Free Agency & Legal News

The latest offseason buzz tracks free-agent talks involving DeMar DeRozan, while Nine remaining free agents—including Jalen Duren and James Harden—remain in flux as the season approaches. In a separate legal development, a federal judge revoked bond for Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in the NBA gambling case and friend of former Heat guard Terry Rozier, for violating his release conditions.

Culture & Tributes

Artist Chenlin Cai painted a mural of LeBron James mural in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, titled "The Legendary Partner for the City of Brotherly Love," celebrating the connection forged by Dwyane Wade’s iconic assist to James in a 2009 game against the Sixers.