NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 3:44 PM ET

Lakers Sale

In a seismic shift for the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price. ESPN spoke to more than a dozen league sources to gauge the reaction and what the sale could mean for the league's future.

Westbrook Retires

Russell Westbrook, who played 18 NBA seasons with seven teams, announced his retirement Wednesday. ESPN insiders examine Westbrook's legacy as a thrilling, tireless and polarizing Hall of Fame career that revived the triple-double.

Cup Schedule & Team News

The opening day of NBA Cup play on Oct. 30 features marquee matchups including Knicks-Sixers and Lakers-Warriors, kicking off the NBA Cup action. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence that Stephen Curry will stay with the team until he retires despite his expiring deal. The Mavericks enter a new era under front office and coaching changes. The Pelicans hope a quiet summer pays off in 2026-27. Doc Rivers reflected on his Hall of Fame speech preparation, learning that the words aren't about him.

Legal and Other

A federal judge revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in the NBA gambling case and a friend of former Heat guard Terry Rozier, for violating conditions with an Instagram rat emoji. In Philadelphia's Chinatown, a LeBron James mural titled "The Legendary Partner for the City of Brotherly Love" was painted by artist Chenlin Cai.