Explainer
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have agreed to buy the Lakers at a reported $12.5 billion valuation, but the transaction still needs NBA approval. Jeanie Buss is expected to remain governor, while any meaningful changes to basketball operations will come later—not automatically with the sale.
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Explainer
The 2026 NBA Cup begins October 30, sends eight teams to single-elimination play and ends December 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Here are the groups, national TV schedule, tiebreakers and impact on the 82-game season.
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Explainer
The 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class will be enshrined Saturday, August 15, at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV. Amar’e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni headline a nine-member class spanning the NBA, WNBA, college basketball, officiating and the Olympics.
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Explainer
The 2026 NBA Christmas schedule features five games on ABC and ESPN, beginning with a Spurs-Knicks Finals rematch and including LeBron James’ first scheduled trip back to Los Angeles as a 76er.
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Explainer
Ben Simmons is pursuing an NBA comeback, but he has not secured a roster spot. His expected unrestricted participation in an Australian minicamp could provide a meaningful test after a full season away.
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Explainer
Michael Porter Jr. can negotiate with Brooklyn well beyond August 11. The date matters because a major extension or contract renegotiation signed later could keep the Nets from trading him before the expected February 11 deadline.
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Explainer
Phoenix’s reported extension keeps Dillon Brooks through 2029-30 without changing his existing 2026-27 contract. It rewards a career season while committing the Suns to his two-way role well into his 30s.
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Explainer
Philadelphia attached a 2027 second-round pick to Johni Broome because moving his salary kept the 76ers below both aprons while they added veteran talent.
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Explainer
Golden State cannot trade Draymond Green immediately. After the signing restriction expires, his approval may still be required unless his contract waives that right.
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Explainer
Denver can still retain Peyton Watson, but matching Spencer Jones raised its projected tax bill, moved it above the second apron and complicated its next decision.
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Team Pulse
LeBron can organize Philadelphia’s offense and divert defensive attention from Joel Embiid. He cannot replace the interior value the Sixers lose when Embiid is unavailable.
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Debate
Golden State offered two first-round picks, but New Orleans reportedly wanted three plus a valued young player. The Warriors’ post-Kuminga asset mix could not satisfy both demands.
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