NBA Basketball 8 Hours

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

Lakers Sold for Record $12.5B

The Lakers have been sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a staggering $12.5 billion, a record price for a North American sports team. Sources told ESPN that more than a dozen NBA figures weighed in on the league's reaction to the stunning sale, which reshapes the franchise's future.

Westbrook Calls It a Career

Russell Westbrook, the former MVP and triple-double king, announced his retirement after 18 seasons across seven teams. ESPN insiders examined his legacy as a polarizing yet electrifying Hall of Fame talent who revived the triple-double era.

NBA Cup Opening Day Set

The first day of NBA Cup play on Oct. 30 will feature a doubleheader: Knicks-Sixers, Lakers-Warriors highlight the schedule. Meanwhile, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy reiterated that Steph Curry remains on track to finish his career in Golden State, despite being on an expiring contract.

Around the League

A federal judge in New York revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a Rozier co-defendant in an NBA gambling case, after an Instagram rat emoji violation. In Philadelphia's Chinatown, artist Chenlin Cai completed a LeBron mural titled "The Legendary Partner for the City of Brotherly Love." The Mavericks enter a new era led by Cooper Flagg following front-office and coaching changes. Doc Rivers' Hall of Fame speech preparation taught him that the words aren't about him. Finally, the Pelicans offseason saw a quiet summer, and the team will rely on internal growth for the 2026-27 campaign.