NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:38 AM ET

Lakers Sale & Westbrook Retirement

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record $12.5 billion, sources confirmed. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after 18 seasons, a career that revived the triple-double. ESPN insiders examine his legacy and complex Hall of Fame case.

Player & Front Office News

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy reiterated that Stephen Curry is on track to finish his career with Golden State despite an expiring deal. In Greece, Panathinaikos’ owner made a serious offer to buy Nikola Jokic out of his NBA contract for next season, and vows to try again in 2027. A federal judge revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in the NBA gambling case and friend of Terry Rozier, after an Instagram rat emoji post. Doc Rivers reflected on his Hall of Fame speech preparation, noting the words aren’t about him.

Team Outlooks & Free Agency

The Pelicans opted for a quiet summer; we preview whether it will pay off in 2026-27. In Houston, the Rockets added Kevin Durant and hope he and Amen Thompson can push them into the West’s upper tier. Among remaining free agents, Jalen Duren, James Harden and seven others are still unsigned as the season nears. Our insiders identify under-the-radar concerns for top contenders, including new rosters in the West and Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract.

NBA Cup & Off-Court Stories

The first day of NBA Cup play on Oct. 30 features Knicks-Sixers and Lakers-Warriors as marquee matchups. In Philadelphia, artist Chenlin Cai painted a LeBron James mural in Chinatown inspired by a Dwyane Wade assist, titled “The Legendary Partner for the City of Brotherly Love.”