NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:36 AM ET

NBA Ownership Shake-Up

In a seismic shift for the league, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly being sold to businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a staggering $12.5 billion. This landmark transaction, a record-breaking price for an NBA franchise, has sent ripples throughout the association. Sources close to the deal have confirmed the sale, with further details emerging about the motivations behind the decision to sell and the potential implications for the league's future. More than a dozen NBA sources spoke with ESPN to shed light on this significant development.

Player Retirements and Future Prospects

The NBA landscape is also saying goodbye to one of its most dynamic players as Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement after an illustrious 18-season career. Westbrook, who suited up for seven different teams, leaves behind a legacy defined by his relentless energy and groundbreaking triple-double achievements. Insiders are examining his polarizing yet thrilling Hall of Fame career and its lasting impact on the game. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry remains on track to finish his career with the Golden State Warriors, according to General Manager Mike Dunleavy, despite being on an expiring contract this season.

NBA Cup and International Interest

The upcoming NBA Cup is set to kick off with a bang, featuring a rematch between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, alongside a showdown between LeBron James' Lakers and the Warriors. This marks the opening day of the tournament on October 30th. Internationally, there's significant interest in top talent, with the owner of Panathinaikos Basketball Club in Athens, Greece, revealing a "serious" offer was made to acquire Nikola Jokic. While the attempt to buy out the three-time MVP's contract for the upcoming season was unsuccessful, the Greek club owner expressed optimism about potentially signing him in 2027.

Team Previews and Offseason Moves

As teams gear up for the 2026-27 season, several franchises are undergoing significant transitions. The Dallas Mavericks are looking at where front office and coaching changes will lead them, while the New Orleans Pelicans are assessing if their quiet summer will pay off. The Houston Rockets face the question of whether Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson can elevate them into contention in the Western Conference. In San Antonio, the focus is on how much better Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will be as they continue to build for a title run.

Legal Matters and Player Participation

In a separate legal development, a federal judge in New York has revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in an NBA gambling case. Laster, identified as a friend of former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, allegedly violated the conditions of his release. Meanwhile, free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to fully participate in a player-led private minicamp for the Australian men's basketball team in Melbourne, with no restrictions.

Hall of Fame Reflections and League Dynamics

As Doc Rivers prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, he reflects that the process of writing his speech has revealed that the focus will not be on himself. The league continues to analyze potential hurdles for top contenders in the 2026-27 season, with discussions around roster changes and contract situations for key players. Amidst these developments, a vibrant mural celebrating LeBron James, titled "The Legendary Partner for the City of Brotherly Love," has been painted by Chenlin Cai in Philadelphia's Chinatown.