Fred Katz: Mikal Bridges, who has never missed a game in his pro career, on playing for Tom Thibodea… (2024)

13 mins ago – via RealGM

13 mins ago – via New York Times

Christos Tsaltas: Aleksej Pokusevski is close to sign a deal with Partizan Belgrade for the upcoming season. The deal is at the final stage. Poku is expected to return in Serbia, playing under Zeljko Obradovic. There was mutual desire between Poku and Partizan for the deal. #KKPartizan @SportalgrG

13 mins ago – via Twitter Tsaltas46

All of this is to say, that so far, the Bronny James experience has been more of a circus than anything else, kind of a worst-case-scenario start for a player that new Lakers coach JJ Redick said would be the test case for the team’s developmental plans. One rival general manager who considered drafting James bristled at some of the Lakers’ characterizations for James, noting Redick’s comparison to Oklahoma City wing Lu Dort. “What’s the hit rate for second-round picks,” he wondered, “Something like 10%?”

13 mins ago – via Los Angeles Times

Two, he has a long way to go — even in the areas that are supposed to be his strengths. Defensively, as a point-of-attack defender, scouts and executives have noticed some inconsistency with effort and effectiveness. He needs to do a better job with the little things and process decisions more quickly. None of this should be a surprise for a rookie guard at NBA Summer League. But when your jersey says “James Jr.” on the back and “Lakers” on the front, a lot of reasonable expectations will be launched out the window.

13 mins ago – via Los Angeles Times

our, plenty of smart people still think James has a chance. The positives, such as his length and athleticism, are tools that should help him as he works his way into an NBA role that he seemingly understands. And plenty of evaluators will tell you that looking at high-scoring players as a source for defense-minded impact isn’t a safe bet (while they would all point out that James’ USC offensive numbers are problematic).

13 mins ago – via Los Angeles Times

2 hours ago – via ESPN

“D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, they have somewhere between neutral to negative trade value across the league. There are certain teams that have interest in maybe one of those guys, but there are very few if any teams that have interest in multiple of those guys, and that’s ultimately been why the Lakers have been not able to find a deal. Then you have these draft picks that have a lot of value, but everyone’s going to want at least one if not both, and then you also don’t have the roster flexibility to take on more contracts because you have a full roster. The Lakers are in a tricky position.”

2 hours ago – via YouTube

The Lakers’ inactivity has not been due to a lack of trying. They struck out with Klay Thompson, were unable to land other impact free agents like Jonas Valančiūnas and DeMar DeRozan, and have failed thus far to find common ground in trade talks with Portland, Brooklyn, Utah, Toronto and Orlando. Now, according to league and team sources, the Lakers are expected to remain patient in their quest to improve their roster.

2 hours ago – via New York Times

Wizards rookie Alex Sarr has struggled to find his shot in Summer League. Tonight: ◽️ 0 PTS ◽️ 0/15 FG ◽️ 0/7 3-PT FG In three games: ◽️ 8/41 FG (19.5%) ◽️ 2/17 3-PT FG (11.8%)

2 hours ago – via x.com

Tom Orsborn: Zach Collins was glad to see the Spurs bring back the core of the team while also adding high-profile veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. “It just seems like we are doing everything. We are trying to win, but we are also developing everyone that has been here.”

2 hours ago – via Twitter tom_orsborn