AROUND the NBA:

[Mavs2021]

Agreed. OKC is the perfect example with Holmgren/Hartenstein.

OKC already has three enforcers. They commonly known as referees. They are so busy enforcing SGA to the FT line that Dort can murder people in the meantime.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Wemby should’ve been suspended. I thought he was unflappable but what a stupid and selfish elbow by him. If an African American player does something like that, everyone says thug or needs mental help.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Double post

[Smitty]

@TheSteinLine
The Lakers' Luka Dončić announced tonight via Instagram that he will not play for Slovenia's national team this summer in FIBA World Cup qualifying to spend as much offseason time as possible with his two daughters as he continues to try to secure joint custody.

[Smitty]

@TheSteinLine
The Lakers’ LeBron James says “I don’t know” when asked about his plans for a 24th season in the NBA.

“When the time comes you guys will know,” James said.

[Dirknows]

@TheSteinLine
The Lakers’ LeBron James says “I don’t know” when asked about his plans for a 24th season in the NBA.

“When the time comes you guys will know,” James said.

We know he wants the most extravagant fair well tour ever, why is he even playing.

[Dirknows]

@TheSteinLine
The Lakers' Luka Dončić announced tonight via Instagram that he will not play for Slovenia's national team this summer in FIBA World Cup qualifying to spend as much offseason time as possible with his two daughters as he continues to try to secure joint custody.

Yes I loved Luka playing for the Mavs. But the fact him and his fiancé broke it off when he had to move to LA and kept him from his kids is the bigger tragedy.

[Chicagojk]

Yes I loved Luka playing for the Mavs. But the fact him and his fiancé broke it off when he had to move to LA and kept him from his kids is the bigger tragedy.

Yeah it sucks.   It sounds like it is not very civil either.  Tough for the kids to if the Mom does not want to live in the USA.   Tough to have kids travel that distance between parents.   So it will probably be tough for Luka to see his kids during the season.   Those are the years you don't want to miss.

[Chicagojk]

I think the Lakers had a good year.   The big question is how do they close the gap between OKC and the Spurs.   They have their star, so that is the check.  I really like Reaves.  Sure, he is not perfect but I think you can win with him.   I still think Lebron is a stud, but it is going to take $ to bring him back.  Do you really want to tie up 25 mil plus for him?   Egos were bruised, but LAL should still be the best option for him if they both got to a number they like.   Not sure how likely that is.   I liked what Rui and Smart gave them and I think both can play in a playoff series.

It just feels like they are missing three guys (if you remove Lebron).  They don't need to be stars, but real good player.    You need to upgrade at center.    While not one of the three guys, I would also like youth at backup center (actually youth in depth overall.   They really don't have youth that a lot of teams have).    They need a real good 3 and D wing.   And then they probably need a backup guard who fits well with Luka or Reaves on the floor.   Maybe I am missing something or am wrong.  They have cap room to be creative this offseason but the gap to OKC and Spurs is really big for them and everyone else.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Wemby should’ve been suspended.  I thought he was unflappable but what a stupid and selfish elbow by him. If an African American player does something like that, everyone says thug or needs mental help.

 Isn't Wemby African American, born in France?

[omahen]

I think the Lakers had a good year.   The big question is how do they close the gap between OKC and the Spurs.   They have their star, so that is the check.  I really like Reaves.  Sure, he is not perfect but I think you can win with him.   I still think Lebron is a stud, but it is going to take $ to bring him back.  Do you really want to tie up 25 mil plus for him?   Egos were bruised, but LAL should still be the best option for him if they both got to a number they like.   Not sure how likely that is.   I liked what Rui and Smart gave them and I think both can play in a playoff series.

It just feels like they are missing three guys (if you remove Lebron).  They don't need to be stars, but real good player.    You need to upgrade at center.    While not one of the three guys, I would also like youth at backup center (actually youth in depth overall.   They really don't have youth that a lot of teams have).    They need a real good 3 and D wing.   And then they probably need a backup guard who fits well with Luka or Reaves on the floor.   Maybe I am missing something or am wrong.  They have cap room to be creative this offseason but the gap to OKC and Spurs is really big for them and everyone else.

As I said the other day, their offseason will be one of the more interesting ones I remember. They basically only have their star and a couple of role players under contract. Everything else is open with a goal to build a contender.

Two problems with keeping LeBron and Hachimura. Most (if not all) of their cap space would go to them, meaning they are more or less bringing back the team that is at least a tier worse than OKC. The other problem with keeping most of the team is, they don't have the minutes and shots for the new additions. I think they will need to decide if they bring any of Rui and LeBron back or if they will pivot in another direction. I think one of those two will need to be "sacrified" in order to really improve. If you keep LeBron, there is no place for Rui in the starting lineup and he will likely be too expensive for bench. LeBron in a role of a third option is not that great, as he is imho not good enough shooter and defender to play next to Luka and Reaves.

[Chicagojk]

As I said the other day, their offseason will be one of the more interesting ones I remember. They basically only have their star and a couple of role players under contract. Everything else is open with a goal to build a contender.

Two problems with keeping LeBron and Hachimura. Most (if not all) of their cap space would go to them, meaning they are more or less bringing back the team that is at least a tier worse than OKC. The other problem with keeping most of the team is, they don't have the minutes and shots for the new additions. I think they will need to decide if they bring any of Rui and LeBron back or if they will pivot in another direction. I think one of those two will need to be "sacrified" in order to really improve. If you keep LeBron, there is no place for Rui in the starting lineup and he will likely be too expensive for bench. LeBron in a role of a third option is not that great, as he is imho not good enough shooter and defender to play next to Luka and Reaves.

Seems like their is interest on both sides of bringing back Lebron to LAL.  What happens if Lebron takes his slow roll process to make a decision.  Do the Lakers wait for him?   That could impact potential moves if he is holding them up.    Do the Lakers give him a date before they move on?

[omahen]

Seems like their is interest on both sides of bringing back Lebron to LAL.  What happens if Lebron takes his slow roll process to make a decision.  Do the Lakers wait for him?   That could impact potential moves if he is holding them up.    Do the Lakers give him a date before they move on?

I think they can't and shouldn't wait for him. They should make a decision before the draft, imho.

[Chicagojk]

Memphis Brandon Clarke has passed away

https://x.com/prioritysports/status/2054...35353?s=61

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Memphis Brandon Clarke has passed away

https://x.com/prioritysports/status/2054...35353?s=61

Wow! He was just arrested on drug charges. Must be more to this. He was a very good player for Memphis, but he just couldn't stay healthy.

[cow]

Say what you will about him, at his age and with the state of the team, LeBron getting the Lakers out of the first round is impressive.  It will be interesting to see what he does next and it would be fun to see him ring chase, but I kind of think he'd rather retire than take the type of low salary that would require.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://www.tmz.com/2026/05/12/brandon-c...-overdose/


Sad if this is true...

[Chicagojk]

https://www.tmz.com/2026/05/12/brandon-c...-overdose/


Sad if this is true...

Sad.  You have to wonder if all the injuries put him a dark place.   He did sign a 52 million dollar extension but right after tore his achilles.   Then he had a knee surgery the last couple of years.   He has not been on the court much or productive.  Sometimes that can put you in bad places when basketball is the thing that brings you fandom.  Or maybe it is something different.  Sad though.

[Chicagojk]

Morey out in Philly. In the playoffs people he cut or dumped in McCain, Isiah joe and champagnie all impacted playoff games. One player who did not was Caleb Martin.

[DallasMaverick]

Morey out in Philly.  In the playoffs people he cut or dumped in McCain, Isiah joe and champagnie all impacted playoff games.  One player who did not was Caleb Martin.

I guess Morey isn’t part of the process anymore.