Lakers swat away playoff talk, focus on reeling D
LeBron James and the Lakers agreed it’s too early to discuss how far the Lakers can go in the postseason, especially after the Spurs exposed their already suspect perimeter defense Wednesday to eliminate L.A. from the NBA Cup.
OKC rolls again, ties 73-win Dubs with 24-1 start
The Thunder punched their ticket to Las Vegas with a 49-point blowout of the Suns in Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinals, matching the 2015-16 Warriors for the best 25-game start in NBA history at 24-1.
👀 Everything Shams is hearing on trade season
As NBA trade season nears, the futures of Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are in focus. Here’s everything we’re hearing.
Mavs’ Lively to have season-ending foot surgery
Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot to address lingering discomfort, the team announced Wednesday.
‘It’s an advantage’: How post-ups became the NBA’s most efficient play
In the tool belt of big men such as Porzingis and Wembanyama, the play has seen a resurgence that reflects how basketball has changed — and will keep changing.
Should you expect LeBron’s numbers to improve after slow start?
Andre Snellings digs into the numbers and explains what has to happen for LeBron to get back on track, and what the chances are of that happening this season.
Curry (thigh) expected to return Fri. vs. Wolves
Warriors star Stephen Curry, who has missed the past five games because of a bruised thigh, is expected to return Friday against the Wolves.
Suns’ Allen ejected after shoving OKC’s Holmgren
Suns guard Grayson Allen was ejected from an NBA Cup quarterfinal game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday night after he shoved Thunder center Chet Holmgren and knocked him to the floor.
‘The Hoop Collective’: The best quotes and latest intel from Windhorst’s podcast
From breaking news to the latest intel from around the NBA, here are the biggest highlights from Brian Windhorst’s “The Hoop Collective” podcast.
How Derik Queen became the Pelicans’ future after a shocking draft-night trade
Queen, the face of a controversial trade, is tasked with rescuing a franchise that is experiencing another difficult campaign
