NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:19 AM ET

Lakers Sale

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking $12.5 billion, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN, marking the highest price ever for a sports franchise.

Westbrook Retires

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after 18 NBA seasons with seven teams. A deep dive into his Hall of Fame legacy shows a player who revived the triple-double, while ESPN insiders examine the full impact of the Westbrook retirement.

Free Agency & Offseason Buzz

Nine notable players remain unsigned, including Jalen Duren and James Harden, as the 2026-27 season approaches. The latest NBA buzz tracks deals and updates on Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, while new rosters and the KAT contract create under-the-radar concerns for top contenders.

NBA Cup & Schedule

The NBA Cup kicks off October 30 with a doubleheader: the Knicks face the 76ers and the Lakers visit the Warriors on the first day of group play.

Team Outlooks: Rockets, Mavericks, Spurs

The Rockets aim to contend in the West behind Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson; our Rockets offseason recap evaluates their ceiling. The Mavericks enter a new era with front office and coaching changes, and Cooper Flagg leads their season preview. The Spurs are building around Victor Wembanyama, with a title-run look at how much better they can be.

Around the League

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy reiterated that Stephen Curry, on an expiring deal, is on track to be a Warrior for life. The owner of Panathinaikos claims he made a serious offer for Nikola Jokic and will try again in 2027. A federal judge revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in the Rozier gambling case, after an Instagram post. Free agent Ben Simmons is expected to join an Australia minicamp with zero restrictions. Finally, a Philadelphia artist painted a LeBron James mural in Chinatown inspired by a Dwyane Wade assist.