NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 6:55 AM ET
Lakers & Standings
The Lakers exploded for 137 points espn.com from their starting five in LeBron James' return, with Luka Doncic scoring 51 points in an offensive showcase that marked the most points by a starting lineup in a regulation game since the 1970-71 season. However, James sat out his third consecutive game espn.com against the Timberwolves due to left foot arthritis and right hip contusion, creating uncertainty about his availability for the Lakers' playoff push. Across the league, the Thunder and Spurs currently rule the West espn.com as the NBA regular season approaches its final stretch, while the Celtics continue to rise in the Eastern Conference standings.
Injury Updates
The Spurs were without star center Victor Wembanyama espn.com for Thursday night's 136-131 loss to the Nuggets due to right ankle soreness, adding to the injury concerns surrounding the rookie sensation's workload. In Philadelphia, 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey will miss at least three weeks espn.com after being diagnosed with a tendon injury to his right pinkie, a significant blow to the team's backcourt depth. The Golden State Warriors ruled out Stephen Curry espn.com for another 10 days with a persistent right knee issue, further complicating their playoff positioning as the star guard continues to manage nagging health problems.
Player Controversies
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown expressed frustration espn.com with what he called the league's trend of rewarding players for "foul baiting," stating, "I just don't think it's basketball," while also being ejected espn.com during Tuesday's matchup against the Spurs after receiving back-to-back technical fouls. Lakers star Luka Doncic was fined $50,000 espn.com for directing an inappropriate "money" gesture toward a game official during Sunday's win over the Knicks, adding to his on-court frustrations this season.
Off-Court Developments
Lakers star Luka Dončić has separated from his fiancée espn.com, Anamaria Goltes, according to sources, and is currently in a custody battle over their two daughters, adding personal challenges to his transition to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Quinn Cook, a two-time NBA champion, has lost two basketball jobs espn.com internationally this year due to global political issues, highlighting how worldwide tensions are impacting professional basketball careers. In memorabilia news, Scottie Pippen's personal collection auctioned for $6.2 million espn.com via Sotheby's, with the jersey he wore in the famed "Flu Game" among the 71 lots that sold.
League Issues & Future
The Knicks, despite holding a 42-25 record and third place in the Eastern Conference, need to solve several issues espn.com to make a deep playoff run, including getting Towns and Brunson back on track after inconsistent performances. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr again called for the league espn.com to shorten its 82-game schedule, echoing previous comments about the pace of play and physical toll on players. As teams look toward the future, experts are tracking rising prospects espn.com in Jeremy Woo's updated 2026 NBA mock draft ahead of March Madness, while lesser-known players like Tre Johnson and GG Jackson are emerging as potential additions espn.com for teams seeking roster upgrades in the final stretch of the regular season.