NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:20 AM ET

NBA Basketball

Lakers Sale

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Kushner and Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price for a sports franchise, multiple sources told ESPN.

Westbrook Retires

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after 18 NBA seasons with seven teams, including the Thunder, Rockets, and Lakers. The 9-time All-Star and 2017 MVP leaves a polarizing legacy as the player who revived the triple-double, finishing with 198 career triple-doubles.

Free Agency and Roster Updates

Jalen Duren, James Harden, and DeMar DeRozan are among nine free agents still unsigned as the 2026-27 season nears. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy reiterated that Stephen Curry, on an expiring deal, will remain with the team until he retires. Meanwhile, the owner of Panathinaikos in Greece made a "serious" offer to buy Nikola Jokic out of his NBA contract for next season, though the three-time MVP is staying in Denver.

Legal and League News

Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in the NBA gambling case involving former Heat guard Terry Rozier, had his bond revoked after posting a rat emoji on Instagram. The NBA Cup will begin on Oct. 30 with two marquee matchups: Knicks vs. 76ers and Lakers vs. Warriors. In Philadelphia, a LeBron mural was painted in Chinatown, inspired by a Dwyane Wade assist and titled "The Legendary Partner for the City of Brotherly Love."

Team Outlooks

The Houston Rockets hope to contend in the Western Conference after adding Kevin Durant alongside Amen Thompson. The Dallas Mavericks enter a new era with front office and coaching changes, led by Cooper Flagg. Under-the-radar concerns for top contenders include new rosters in the West, Karl-Anthony Towns' contract situation, and other potential hurdles. The NBA offseason buzz continues with updates on free agency and trades.