Basketball news

• LeBron James leaving Lakers puts Cavaliers back in the spotlight

  30-06-2026 20:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron JamesLeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland may already be dreaming about one last homecoming.According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James has informed the Lakers that he plans to continue his NBA career during the 2026-27 season, but will play elsewhere. The decision ends his Lakers tenure after a run that included the 2020 NBA championship and immediately turns his next destination into the biggest story of free agency.LeBron James is leaving the Lakers, and th
  
  Read more

• What's LeBron James' Lakers legacy? His jersey should go in the rafters, but he didn't do enough for a statue

  01-07-2026 16:44 via cbssports.com
  
  LeBron leaves L.A. having exceeded all reasonable expectations ... with only two seasons of regret
  
  Read more

• LeBron James' agent Rich Paul says pursuit of 'complete happiness' led to star deciding to leave Lakers

  01-07-2026 16:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The LeBron James era is over with the Los Angeles Lakers. After considering his options this offseason, James decided to leave the franchise in favor of a new beginning. It appears to be a cordial breakup, with both the Lakers and James sending complimentary messages to each other once the news broke that the future Hall of Famer would not return. Nowhere in James' statement, however, did he reveal his reasons for wanting to leave Los Angeles. With Luka Dončić still around, there was p
  
  Read more

• Norman Powell agrees to 2-year, $45 million deal with Bulls: report

  01-07-2026 15:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Norman Powell, a 33-year-old former second-round draft pick who has received All-Star consideration in both conferences over the past two years, has agreed to a two-year, $45 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN.Powell averaged 21.7 points (on 47/38/83 shooting splits), 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 29.6 minutes per game for the Miami Heat this past season, making his first All-Star team.A season earlier, Powell averaged 21.8 points (48/42/80) as a shooting guard for the
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Predicting LeBron James' next move after split from Lakers; NBA free agency winners, losers after Day 1

  01-07-2026 15:01 via cbssports.com
  
  Plus, who had the best year in college sports?
  
  Read more

• Question of the Day: Who will win Chicago’s next championship?

  01-07-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fans celebrate outside of Wrigley Fieldin Chicago, on November 2, 2016. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images The City of Chicago holds deep pride in its sports teams. This is despite the fact that each franchise within the City has had a history of inconsistent success, at best. However, if anyone has been paying attention recently, Chicago sports may be on the verge of a renaissance. As we all know, the Chicago Bears have a talented young team that thre
  
  Read more

• LeBron's Last Dance – what next for James after Lakers exit?

  01-07-2026 14:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James made 487 appearances during his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers [Getty Images]At the start of the 1997-98 season, then Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson told his players that it would be their last as the dynasty that dominated the NBA throughout their decade.With NBA titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997, Jackson set out to complete a second three-peat with a squad spearheaded by the trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.Jackson labelled that se
  
  Read more

• John Collins agrees to $51 million contract with Detroit Pistons

  01-07-2026 14:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Free-agent veteran NBA forward John Collins agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN.The 28-year-old averaged 13.6 points (on 55/41/77 shooting splits) and 5.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game over 69 appearances last season, mostly as a starter, for the 42-win Los Angeles Clippers, who failed to make the playoffs for the first time in four years. Collins scored 11 points in 21 minutes off the bench in a play-in tournament loss to Golden State's W
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Rockets sign Marcus Smart to two-year deal

  01-07-2026 14:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) moves to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets are wasting no time in 2026 NBA Free Agency. According to reports, they have signed away former Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart to a two-year
  
  Read more

• Rockets sign Clippers Bogdan Bogdanovic

  01-07-2026 13:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inglewood, CA - April 12: LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (7) reacts to making a three point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) The Houston Rockets are adding to their depth by assigning former Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovich. ESPN insider Shams Charania was the first to report the news.“Free agent Bogdan Bogdan
  
  Read more

• Marcus Smart leaving Lakers in free agency to join Rockets

  01-07-2026 13:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Marcus Smart is the latest free agent to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran guard has reached agreement on a two-year, $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets, ESPN reported.The second year of his contract will reportedly be a player option.Smart, who played under Houston coach Ime Udoka, gives Houston a tough, defensive-minded guard who can also space the floor with his 3-point shooting. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals with the Lakers last season.The Rockets stru
  
  Read more

• NBA LIVE signings, free agent rumors, trades: Where will LeBron James land?

  01-07-2026 13:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James continues to dominate the conversation as 2026 NBA free agency began Tuesday, June 30.The news and rumors will continue Wednesday, with more movement expected to happen.James made his intentions clear to the Los Angeles Lakers that he wasn’t going to return, instead opting for free agency.James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, the longest continuous stint with any team in his career. The partnership proved to be mutually beneficial to both sides, but the star felt it was t
  
  Read more

• NBA free agency LIVE updates: LeBron rumors, latest signings, trades

  01-07-2026 13:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James dominated the conversation as 2026 NBA free agency officially began, and where the league's all-time leading scorer decides to play next will continue to be the biggest storyline on Wednesday, July 1.James isn't the only one looking for a new team after making public his impending departure from the Lakers. The rumors, speculation and signings are heating up today now that several impactful trades happened even before free agency started this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leona
  
  Read more

• NBA Roster Shuffling Heats Up & Two Brotherhood Members Are On The Move

  01-07-2026 13:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Feb 12, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) dribbles as New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images As the annual NBA free agent and trade market heats up, two former Blue Devil teammates are on the move: Brandon Ingram has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, while Luke Kennard has left the Los Angeles Lakers and signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent. L.
  
  Read more

• Center Ariel Hukporti agrees to one-year contract with Sixers

  01-07-2026 12:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Center Ariel Hukporti agrees to one-year contract with Sixers originally appeared on NBC Sports PhiladelphiaThe Sixers agreed to a deal with 24-year-old center Ariel Hukporti on the second day of free agency.Hukporti and the team came to terms on a one-year, $3.4 million contract Wednesday morning, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news. Hukporti is a 7-foot lefty fresh off of winning a championship with the Knicks. He spent his fi
  
  Read more

• Mark Pope says multiple players could be “the surprise” on this year’s roster

  01-07-2026 12:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jan 21, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Trent Noah (9) fives guard Denzel Aberdeen during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images Looking at the roster for this Kentucky Basketball team, there are a lot of new faces in Lexington as well as some returning players. A lot of players are hyped up in the offseason, but oftentimes, a player will surprise fans
  
  Read more

• What’s next for LeBron James: a Curry alliance, return to Cleveland or a Wembanyama mentor?

  01-07-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Stephen Curry and LeBron James have grown closer over the years. Photograph: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty ImagesIt’s official: LeBron Jameswill not finish his career as a Los Angeles Laker. The talking heads are in a gnashing froth. ESPN’s Shams Charania has become the first human being in recorded history to somehow get less than zero sleep over a 24-hour period. Steph Curry is widening his eyes. Bronny James is secretly relishing the chance to forge his own identity as he says “I&r
  
  Read more

• REPORT: Knicks planning cost-cutting move involving rookie Jack Kayil

  01-07-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  06 June 2026, Bavaria, Bamberg: Basketball, Men: Bundesliga, Bamberg Baskets - Alba Berlin, Championship round, Semi-finals, Matchday 4, Brose Arena. Jack Kayil (Alba Berlin) during the warm-up. Photo: Daniel Löb/dpa (Photo by Daniel Löb/picture alliance via Getty Images) The free-agent market opened on Tuesday, and nobody outside Rich Paul and LeBron James made us bat an eye. It’s the new NBA economy, in which trades are the coolest kids in town.In any case, the New York Knicks
  
  Read more

• News Analysis: LeBron James won't return to the Lakers. Now what?

  01-07-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  It's offiically the Luka Doncic (77) era for the Lakers, who learned LeBron James will be looking to play elsewhere next season. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)The LeBron Era is over. The Lakers can start their Luka Era.LeBron James informed the Lakers on Tuesday he will sign with another team this offseason, extending his career to an unprecedented 24th season, but taking his talents elsewhere. James is an unrestricted free agent and the early timing of his decision allows the Laker
  
  Read more

• NBA Free Agency 2026 Day 2 Discussion

  01-07-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 19: LeBron James #23, Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game on January 19, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Welcome to July 1, the se
  
  Read more

• Kawhi Leonard Next Team Odds: Raptors Reunion For Two-Time Finals MVP

  01-07-2026 10:42 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.The NBA operates at maximum volume, but Kawhi Leonard has always moved in total silence. While other superstars use public leverage plays and loud social media hints to dictate their futures, the league’s most enigmatic multi-time Finals MVP prefers to let his representation and closed-door front-office panic do the talking.As confirmed by ESPN's Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers are nearing a
  
  Read more

• Winners, Losers from Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto Raptors

  01-07-2026 09:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  There are some NBA trades that, if you had brought the idea up six months earlier, it would have gotten you laughed out of the room.Trade ideas like Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto. If someone had said that to you at your work Christmas party last year, you would have said "sure, buddy" as you slowly started to back away. Yet here we are. Kawhi Leonard is returning to Toronto in a blockbuster trade that sends an All-NBA wing back to the place he last won a ring.Who were the winners and losers
  
  Read more

• Steph Curry named finalist for Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award

  01-07-2026 08:51 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Steph and Ayesha Curry arrive at the 2022 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards at The Regency Ballroom on December 08, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images) | Getty Images Steph Curry has watched the NBA rearrange itself like furniture in someone else’s house. Meanwhile he didn’t move; he didn’t have to. While the whole league has been playing musical chairs at the superstar table, the g
  
  Read more

• LeBron James has governors, the NHL and the NFL waiting for his free agency decision

  01-07-2026 08:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MIAMI (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made his sales pitch. So did DJ Khaled, the New York Jets and the Winnipeg Jets. Even the PGA Tour took a swing, trying to appeal to someone who has quickly become obsessed with golf.“We're waiting for you Bron,” the tour posted on social media.Get in line. Every team and every league, it would seem, wants LeBron James.The waiting-for-LeBron game is on, with the entire basketball universe — and, evidently, the political, entertainment,
  
  Read more

• Lakers to have second meeting with Jalen Duren after ‘productive’ meeting on Tuesday

  01-07-2026 06:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MI - MAY 3: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons talks to the media after the game against the Orlando Magic during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBA
  
  Read more

• NBA free agency winners and losers: Raptors suddenly leap into title contention, Heat lacking urgency

  01-07-2026 06:29 via cbssports.com
  
  The price was steep, but Toronto has a genuine chance to compete for a championship after trading for Kawhi Leonard
  
  Read more

• How the Warriors ended the Kawhi Leonard Clippers era

  01-07-2026 06:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inglewood, CA - April 15: Forward Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers fights for the ball against forward Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and forward Gui Santos, right, of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a NBA play-in tournament basketball game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images Kawhi Leonard is a Toronto Raptor again?! Whoaaa, e
  
  Read more

• Zach Collins Agrees to Contract Extension With Chicago Bulls

  01-07-2026 05:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 19: Zach Collins #12 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates making a three-point basket during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on December 19, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images Power forward/center Zach Collins has a
  
  Read more

• 76ers signing Dean Wade on $39 million contract to boost frontcourt

  01-07-2026 05:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Dean Wade is heading to the City of Brotherly Love.The free agent forward has agreed to a four-year, $39 million deal with the 76ers on Tuesday night, according to ESPN.Wade, 29, is leaving the Cavaliers, a team where he established himself as a critical defending and shooting piece in the frontcourt. He spent the first seven years of his career in Cleveland after going undrafted and signing a two-way contract with the team in 2019. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson goes up for a shot as Cavaliers forw
  
  Read more

• Warriors relying on experience vs the West’s youth movement

  01-07-2026 05:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 19: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors walking off the court slaps hands with teammate Al Horford #20 against the Boston Celtics in the first half at Chase Center on February 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
  
  Read more

Follow @Newslocker_NBA on Twitter!