Basketball news

• YouTube Gold: Elgin Baylor

  27-09-2026 11:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Elgin Baylor (#22) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives toward the basket as Jerry Lucas of the Cincinnati Royals defends in a 1967 game. Depending on your reference point, the NBA either started in 1946 as the BAA, or in 1949, when the BAA merged with the NBL to make the NBA. However, the league at that point was pretty stale. It began to change in the late 1950s, with Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. It would change a great deal with the addition of Elgin Baylor in 1958. Baylor entered the leagu
  
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• Bronny James adjusts to Lakers' life without LeBron: 'Feels like he's not here'

  29-09-2026 03:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Bronny James wanted to make it clear who came out on top the last time he played his father in golf."I won," James told reporters as he cracked a smile at Los Angeles Lakers media day on Monday, Sept. 28. "He's pretty pissed about this."It was a quick, lighthearted moment that drew laughs from those in attendance, but it also helped address the elephant in the room: for the first time in his now three-year NBA career, Bronny won't be sharing a locker room with LeBron James."Feels like he's not h
  
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• Steph Curry ready to go for Warriors, but injuries will be factor early

  29-09-2026 02:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO ― A decade ago the Golden State Warriors were the clear-favorite to win a NBA title, now, 10 years later, many don't have them making the playoffs – and that's okay with them.A shocking prediction, yes. But they are perfectly fine with not having those expectations as they step into the 2026-27 season with a fresh outlook.Head coach Steve Kerr is back after contemplating retirement, signing a two-year extension with the Warriors. Golden State has practically the same ro
  
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• Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ready to take charge of new-look Lakers

  29-09-2026 02:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lakers teammates Luka Doncic, left, and Austin Reaves speak during Lakers media day in El Segundo on Monday. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)The bromance between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remains strong and it’s a bond the Lakers will lean on with LeBron James no longer on the team.After eight years of James being the Lakers’ leader, the role now will be shared by Doncic and Reaves.Doncic already took a step in that direction when he invited his teammates to his home countr
  
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• ‘He’s a dog, ’ Rookie Meleek Thomas was the star of Cavs Media Day

  29-09-2026 02:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images The season hasn’t started yet, but Meleek Thomas has already won over his teammates. The Cleveland Cavaliers spoke highly of their rookie during media day.“That kid’s a dog,” said Donovan Mitchell. “He is who he thinks he is — he
  
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• Devin Booker with high praise for Khaman Maluach

  29-09-2026 02:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 6: Khaman Maluach #10 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns goes up for the rebound during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 6, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via G
  
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• At media day, Clippers begin with an apology, then look to the future

  29-09-2026 01:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Clippers coach Tyronn Lue speaks at media day Monday. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)A new age of Clippers basketball started on Monday.It’s about moving on, or attempting to, after the franchise endured a nightmare offseason.“My entire summer’s been basketball,” guard Darius Garland nonchalantly said during media day at Intuit Dome. “My main thing is to come in here and win games. So, that’s my main focus.”The Clippers’ offseason was engulfe
  
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• Austin Reaves embraces new role as leader in LA

  29-09-2026 01:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  As early as the middle of last season, Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić were already having conversations about their future. Reaves was set to hit free agency in June, but the two discussed what a continued partnership in the purple and gold would look like. Once the offseason came around, those talks evolved into what they each needed to do to put the Los Angeles Lakers in a position to succeed."Very bland, to be honest," Reaves told reporters at the Lakers' media day on Monday, Sept. 2
  
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• What did Victor Wembanyama say at San Antonio Spurs media day?

  29-09-2026 01:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  For a young Spurs team, making a run to the NBA Finals and losing there — at times in heartbreaking fashion — was a lot to process. There were a couple of ways they needed to deal with that, something Victor Wembanyama touched on Monday at San Antonio Spurs media day."I couldn't imagine a better motivation," Wembanyama said of losing to the New York Knicks in five games — kind of the classic "Mamba mentality" response.However, it's more than just motivational fuel the young Spu
  
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• Pistons embrace new challenge as hunted team after 60-win season

  29-09-2026 01:09 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT — For the past two seasons, the Detroit Pistons have been trying to prove they belong.Now, the challenge is proving they can stay there.After completing one of the league’s quickest turnarounds and winning 60 games a season ago, the Pistons arrived at Monday’s Media Day with a noticeably different set of expectations.Detroit is no longer the young team trying to surprise people. After finishing atop the Eastern Conference and advancing to the conference semifinals, the
  
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• Jalen Green sought the advice of a Suns’ legend to improve his game

  29-09-2026 01:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 28: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images Just for a moment, imagine you’re playing NBA 2K and are able to give prime Steve Nash the athletic attributes of Jalen Green. It’s a great dream sequence, one that only Robert Horry would find a way to ruin.What about the inverse? That’s not going to happen.But what abo
  
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• Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons addresses critics in expletive clip

  29-09-2026 00:44 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Sacramento Kings held their media day on Monday, Sept. 28 and there was lots of anticipation to hear from newly signed forward-guard Ben Simmons.Simmons signed with Sacramento to round out their roster, filling their final open spot.Simmons comes with a chip on his shoulder ready to prove wrong the doubters who had negative things to say about his career. He's sat out a lot in recent years. The 6-foot-10 combo guard has missed time throughout his career due to chronic back problems, a series
  
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• The Lakers’ marquee signings are embracing the pressure of playing in LA

  29-09-2026 00:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 28, 2026 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are a franchise adorned in the bright lights, celebrities and stars. And with that comes pressure.Plenty of players have come and gone with expectations of making an impact and results that left them estrange
  
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• Donovan Mitchell didn’t think LeBron James would sign with 76ers

  29-09-2026 00:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers wait for a free throw during the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images CLEVELAND &mda
  
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• Don’t let LeBron James distract you from how crazy it is that Jaylen Brown is a Sixer

  29-09-2026 00:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s going to take a long time for this all to set in. These guys still haven’t even played a preseason game together yet, but 2026 Media Day was very exciting for the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s not every day one of the two best
  
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• Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart extension talks create uncomfortable situation for Knicks title defense

  28-09-2026 23:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Time and again on Monday morning, during a season-opening press conference at the New York Knicks' practice facility, head coach Mike Brown emphasized how important it will be for his team to uphold the standard that led the team to the 2026 NBA championship. As the Knicks open training camp and begin the process of defending their NBA title, Brown repeatedly said the team cannot afford any slippage — in their energy and focus, in their commitment to sacrifice and c
  
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• Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart extension talk turning Knicks vibes from immaculate to ominous

  28-09-2026 23:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Time and again on Monday morning, during a season-opening press conference at the New York Knicks' practice facility, head coach Mike Brown emphasized how important it will be for his team to uphold the standard that led the team to the 2026 NBA championship. As the Knicks open training camp and begin the process of defending their NBA title, Brown repeatedly said the team cannot afford any slippage — in their energy and focus, in their commitment to sacrifice and c
  
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• 'The vibes are immaculate right now': Clippers begin penalty era by playing the spin game

  28-09-2026 23:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Twenty-six days after an NBA investigation laid bare the Los Angeles Clippers' scheme to circumvent the salary cap by funneling extra money to Kawhi Leonard, team officials at last faced questions from the media. At 10:32 a.m. on Monday morning, coach Ty Lue and interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden entered an Intuit Dome press conference room overflowing with reporters and sat down in a pair of folding chairs behind the podium.  It was
  
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• LeBron James and the 76ers begin challenging quest for championship: 'Everybody’s on the same page'

  28-09-2026 23:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CAMDEN, N.J. —The gloomy, gray backdrop of the East coast skyline, juxtaposed with the newest arrival from the West coast, painted a poignant picture a few miles away from Philadelphia as the 76ers officially opened for business. Rain clouds hovered ominously around the facility, but, inside, the words emanating from LeBron James offered the security needed in stormy weather. “Everybody’s on the same page with the direction the organization, players, coaches and staff want
  
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• LeBron James and the 76ers begin challenging quest for championship: 'Everybody's on the same page'

  28-09-2026 23:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CAMDEN, N.J. —The gloomy, gray backdrop of the East Coast skyline, juxtaposed with the newest arrival from the West Coast, painted a poignant picture a few miles away from Philadelphia as the 76ers officially opened for business. Rain clouds hovered ominously around the facility, but, inside, the words emanating from LeBron James offered the security needed in stormy weather. "Everybody's on the same page with the direction the organization, players, coaches and staff wants to be in,"
  
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• Why Karl-Anthony Towns decided on body transformation after Knicks championship run

  28-09-2026 23:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns speaks to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026.The eyes did not deceive. Karl-Anthony Towns did indeed drop weight.Looking slimmer than ever at Monday’s Media Day, the Knicks center said he shed pounds during the summer to feel fresher and healthier.“It’s good for my body, my knees,” Towns said. “And it keeps me young.”Knicks center Karl-Anthony T
  
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• Nikola Jokic intends to remain with Nuggets long term: 'I’m going to sign next year'

  28-09-2026 23:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Nikola Jokić, arguably the best basketball player in the world, committed to sign a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets.Jokić, the three-time Most Valuable Player, has been eligible to sign a massive, max contract extension each of the last two summers, but he has delayed that, seemingly so that he can maximize his earning potential for an enormous five-year deal worth up to $360 million.The delay, however, has caused some angst among Nuggets fans, given that Jokić is under
  
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• Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg believes he could win Rookie of Year

  28-09-2026 23:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Warriors might have won the steal of the 2026 NBA Draft, landing Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick of the first round.Lendeborg put the league on notice over the summer, helping lead his summer league team filled with first-year, second-year and two-way players to the 2026 Summer League title, earning MVP along the way. A confident Lendeborg is going to strut his stuff, and on Monday during the Warriors media day, he told reporte
  
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• Donovan Mitchell didn’t think twice about signing extension in Cleveland: ‘I love being here’

  28-09-2026 23:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena on April 05, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 117-108. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images CLEVELAND — Donovan
  
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• LeBron James on 76ers' title goals: 'I didn’t leave my family to lose in second round'

  28-09-2026 23:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CAMDEN, NJ — When LeBron James signed with Philadelphia 76ers, one of his reasons was his belief that he could help make the NBA franchise a championship team with its already established stars and new additions to the roster.He doubled down on that Monday, Sept. 28 in front of a packed room at 76ers media day."I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round," James said. "I know that for sure. Work needs to be done, and I’m ready to get to work."The four-time NBA champion
  
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• 5 Things I (Think) I Learned About the Jalen Duren Drama at Pistons Media Day

  28-09-2026 23:18 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MI - JUNE 25: President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon of the Detroit Pistons talk to the media for a photo during the Detroit Pistons press conference introducing Ebuka Okorie on June 25, 2026 at the Pistons Performance Center 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
  
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• Jimmy Butler injury update: Warriors star opens up, 'I just miss the game'

  28-09-2026 23:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO ― Jimmy Butler III is in a rehabilitative state following a torn ACL injury in January that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He still isn't back.General manager Mike Dunleavy told reporters during Monday's media day that Butler is doing light court work but won't be available for opening night.Still, Butler's presence shines a light in the Golden State Warriors locker room. Butler is always good for an annual meme, especially on media day. He stared and
  
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• Austin Reaves ‘happy to be back’ with Lakers after ‘weird’ contract negotiations

  28-09-2026 23:08 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 28, 2026 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images After being massively underpaid for the first five seasons of his NBA career, Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $184 million deal this summer to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the foreseeable future. His 2025-26 salary ($41.2 million) rightfully
  
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• Tyrese Haliburton healthy and with 'no restrictions' entering Pacers training camp after recovering from Achilles injury

  28-09-2026 23:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Tyrese Haliburton is back and ready to go.The Indiana Pacers star insisted on Monday that he is completely healthy and won’t have any restrictions to start the season, his first after tearing his Achilles during the 2025 NBA Finals."I am healthy. I am 100%. There will be no restrictions," Haliburton said, via ESPN. "That is not news. There is no source. I am the source. I'm good. I'm ready to go for the year."After trying to play through a calf strain during the 2025 postseason, Haliburton
  
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• Devin Booker is excited for year 12 and the Phoenix Suns’ continuity

  28-09-2026 22:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Devin Booker kicked off his 12th season for the Phoenix Suns with a new number, but just as cool and as confident as ever.As Booker approaches his 30th birthday in October, he has accomplished a lot in his career, but there is still a lot left in the tank.“I love the game more than ever,” said Booker during his media day press conference. “Honestly, my body feels better than it’s ever felt going into a training camp. So, I think, you know, as you get older you know, you l
  
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