NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 10:34 PM ET

Lakers Front Office Moves

The Los Angeles Lakers are hiring longtime Miami Heat executive Eric Amsler as an assistant general manager, according to sources. Amsler brings extensive front-office experience from his tenure with the Heat, adding a seasoned voice to the Lakers' basketball operations.

Brunson's Big Stage

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, fresh off his NBA championship, will host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" later this month. Brunson joins an exclusive club of athletes who have taken the SNL stage, a list that includes legends like Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, and LeBron James — a lineage of sports greats that now counts the Knicks guard among its 35 total athlete hosts.

Euro League's Decision Looms

Euro League owners are scheduled to meet on Oct. 5 in Milan to vote on the NBA Europe proposal, deciding whether to accept absorption into the NBA's new European venture or remain an independent league.

Season Previews and Rankings

With opening night six weeks away, Zach Kram has tiered all 30 teams, identifying three franchises that stand above the rest as Finals contenders. The Cleveland Cavaliers, after failing to secure a LeBron James homecoming, face questions about whether their core four can take the next step in 2026-27. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are looking to turn the page with Caleb Wilson leading a new era.

Injury Returns to Watch

Several superstars are poised for comeback campaigns, including Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard, whose injury returns will be among the most closely monitored storylines heading into the season.