
LeBron James Says Lakers Were “Out-Talented” by Thunder
LeBron James acknowledged a talent gap between the Lakers and Thunder after their playoff matchup. The Lakers star said Los Angeles was “out-talented” by Oklahoma City.
Expert basketball coverage from around the world

LeBron James acknowledged a talent gap between the Lakers and Thunder after their playoff matchup. The Lakers star said Los Angeles was “out-talented” by Oklahoma City.

The University of Georgia men’s basketball program is set to receive a major financial boost. A $10 million donation from the founder of one of the nation’s largest daily fantasy sports companies will support the Bulldogs’ program.

Cleveland is back in the conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James era ended. The achievement marks a major step forward for a franchise that spent years searching for a new direction.

New York’s Game 1 comeback was fueled by a clear offensive target: attacking James Harden after switches. The approach created a defining storyline heading into Game 2 as Cleveland looks for answers.

With the Eastern and Western Conference races nearing their conclusion, four possible NBA Finals matchups remain on the table. Each pairing would offer a distinct storyline as the league’s top remaining teams compete for a championship berth.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a game-high 30 points to lead Oklahoma City past San Antonio, 122-113. The win evened the series at 1-1.

Thunder wing Jalen Williams exited Wednesday’s Western Conference finals Game 2 after receiving treatment on his left hamstring in the first half. Oklahoma City later ruled him out for the remainder of the game due to left hamstring tightness.

The NBA announced its All-Rookie selections Wednesday night, with Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team honors. The trio led the way among the league’s top first-year players recognized for their rookie campaigns.

San Antonio’s double-overtime win over Oklahoma City delivered a record audience for a Western Conference Finals Game 1. The matchup averaged 9.2 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, with viewership peaking at 12 million.

San Antonio guard Dylan Harper sustained a right hamstring injury during Wednesday night’s Game 2 loss to Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals. The setback comes with the Spurs already playing without De’Aaron Fox.

San Antonio Spurs starting guard De’Aaron Fox will miss Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right high ankle sprain. It marks the second straight game Fox has been sidelined by the injury.

The Portland Trail Blazers have laid off a significant number of employees on the business side of the organization. The cuts come as part of a reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin confirmed the Bruins have added four transfers and two highly regarded freshmen for next season. Filip Jovic, Sergej Macura, Jaylen Petty and Azavier Robinson are joining the program along with a pair of incoming freshmen.

Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said the franchise must address its shortcomings after another lopsided loss ended its season. Minnesota is preparing for an aggressive offseason as it looks to move closer to the NBA’s elite.

LeBron James will appear at Fanatics Fest NYC for a live recording of the “Mind the Game” video podcast. The episode will feature Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton as a guest.

Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said the decision to dismiss head coach Jason Kidd was a difficult one. Ujiri made clear Wednesday that the call was his responsibility alone.

Kentucky and Gonzaga have mutually agreed to discontinue their men’s college basketball series. The matchup had been scheduled to continue for two more seasons.

The San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans will meet in a pair of international games next season. The matchups are scheduled for Jan. 14 in Paris and Jan. 17 in Manchester, England.

Two of the NBA’s top teams are also positioned among the league’s most asset-rich franchises. Their control of future draft capital gives them notable flexibility across the next eight drafts.

Victor Wembanyama’s development has been influenced by more than traditional basketball training. A connection to centuries-old warrior practices in central China has become part of the foundation behind his emergence as one of the NBA’s most dominant young talents.

The Knicks erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit and defeated the Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime to open the series. New York’s late surge turned Game 1 into a dramatic road statement.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson stood by his decision to hold his timeouts during Cleveland’s late-game collapse against the Knicks. The Cavaliers surrendered a 22-point fourth-quarter lead in the Eastern Conference finals opener.

Jalen Brunson helped ignite a major Knicks comeback in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. New York shifted the game by repeatedly attacking James Harden and using that approach to fuel its rally.

New York opened the Eastern Conference finals with a remarkable come-from-behind win over Cleveland. The numbers behind the Game 1 rally underscored just how unlikely the Knicks’ victory was.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is emphasizing the need for more steadiness across the athletic department. His comments come after a stretch marked by national championships in football and men's basketball, alongside several high-profile controversies.

Jason Kidd is out as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks after five seasons with the franchise. The move comes despite Kidd having four years and $40 million remaining on his contract.

Ben Simmons’ athletic profile has long been defined by basketball, but his interests also extend beyond the NBA hardwood. A recent feature highlights a different side of Simmons through sportfishing and blue marlins.

Detroit Pistons general manager Trajan Langdon said he hopes to keep center Jalen Duren and forward Tobias Harris with the franchise. The comments signal the team’s interest in retaining both a young frontcourt centerpiece and a veteran presence.

Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. will remain in the NBA draft process. The decision keeps him on a professional path as the Wolverines prepare for their next roster outlook.

The NAACP has introduced its “Out of Bounds” campaign, calling on Black athletes and fans to boycott some public universities. The effort is tied to concerns over voting restrictions.