Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James has spotlighted New York Knicks guard Josh Hart as a quintessential "winning player," praising his impact beyond the box score during the Knicks’ Finals run. The endorsement underscores how Hart’s all-around game is shaping New York’s push for a long-awaited championship.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, taking a commanding 3-2 lead and moving within one victory of returning to the NBA Finals.

The San Antonio Spurs delivered a commanding performance at home, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82 to tie the Western Conference Finals series at two games apiece. This crucial victory prevents the Spurs from falling into a challenging 3-1 deficit.

San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has been named to the 2025-26 Kia All-NBA First Team, marking his first selection and the first for a Spur since the 2016-17 season. This honor follows a historic individual campaign and a significant team resurgence.

As the San Antonio Spurs navigate the Western Conference Finals, a dedicated group of Salesian Sisters continues to be their most fervent supporters, bringing a unique blend of faith and fandom to the team's championship quest.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a monumental performance, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, seizing an early series lead.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a commanding 41-point, 24-rebound performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, fueling the long-simmering rivalry narrative with Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren.

The San Antonio Spurs look to build on their dramatic double-overtime victory in Game 1 as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, with the series now shifting to San Antonio.

The 2025-2026 NBA season has been marred by an unprecedented surge in star player injuries, raising critical questions about player welfare, league scheduling, and the long-term sustainability of player longevity.

The NBA offseason has unofficially begun, bringing with it a surge of trade speculation surrounding two of the league's prominent stars: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown.

Following a Western Conference Semifinals sweep, the Los Angeles Lakers confront significant offseason decisions, with trade speculation linking Austin Reaves to a potential deal for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers' elimination from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, LeBron James has stated his future in the league remains unclear, leaving open the possibility of retirement or a return for his 24th season.

The Western Conference Semifinals feature a compelling narrative as Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault faces his early mentor, Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks, with the Thunder holding a commanding 3-0 series lead.

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring trade scenarios for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo following a disappointing 2025-26 season. This development could reshape the NBA's championship landscape.

The 2026 NBA Finals begin Wednesday, June 3, on ABC, with a best-of-seven schedule rearranged to avoid the FIFA World Cup. Conference semifinals are underway, with the Pistons and Knicks dominating the East while the Thunder lead the West.

Knicks superfan Spike Lee attended a playoff game carrying a basketball-themed bag and gleefully reminisced about being at Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, 56 years to the day.

Oklahoma City's undefeated playoff run continues as the defending champions overwhelm Los Angeles in the Western Conference Semifinals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren combining for 44 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder carry a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at Paycom Center, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims to extend OKC's playoff dominance. The Thunder's depth and home-court edge set the stage for a critical test of LA's resilience.

Conference semifinal openers deliver early verdicts, with the Thunder and Knicks surging atop power rankings while the Spurs and 76ers stumble. Three Game 7s from the first round set a high bar now tested in the second round.

Sports Illustrated spotlights the most electrifying performers still alive in the 2026 NBA playoffs, from Joel Embiid's heroic return to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring dominance. These stars fuel historic comebacks and defensive masterpieces as the second round heats up.

Victor Wembanyama's historic playoff debut and Spurs' second-round push make his cards a strong buy, while LeBron James' consistent Lakers run prompts experts to recommend selling his memorabilia now.

The 2026 NBA playoffs advance to the conference semifinals with all four matchups confirmed after dramatic first-round conclusions. Detroit hosts Cleveland tonight while experts heavily favor Oklahoma City and San Antonio to dominate the West.

The San Antonio Spurs make their first postseason appearance since 2019, facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Youth meets experience in a matchup loaded with defensive intrigue and star power.

Houston defeated Los Angeles 99-93 in Game 5 to avoid elimination for the second straight game, with Jabari Smith Jr. scoring 22 points. The series shifts to Houston for Game 6 on Friday night.

Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson offered insight into Kevin Durant's mindset as the star forward battles a sprained ankle ahead of a critical Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Houston Rockets are reportedly exploring trade options for All-Star center Alperen Sengun this offseason, aiming to acquire a proven superstar. This strategic shift comes as the Rockets face an early playoff exit.

With Luka Dončić now in Los Angeles and top prospect Cooper Flagg leading a new era, veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson's future with the Dallas Mavericks is uncertain. Trade destinations are being explored as his timeline no longer aligns with the team's rebuilding phase.

Austin Reaves remains a game-time decision for Los Angeles' pivotal Game 4 in Houston due to his left oblique strain. A return could tilt the series toward a sweep.

Boston holds a 2-1 edge over Philadelphia heading into Game 4 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, where Joel Embiid's status looms large after individual work amid appendectomy recovery. Sunday's slate also features pivotal matchups in San Antonio-Portland, LA-Houston, and Cleveland-Toronto.

Luka Doncic remains out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, with the Lakers not expecting his return during their first-round playoff series against Houston. The star's absence tests Los Angeles' depth as they protect a 2-0 lead.

Los Angeles defeated Houston 112-108 in Game 3 to take commanding control of their first-round matchup. LeBron James orchestrated a historic moment, setting up son Bronny for the first father-son assist in NBA playoff history.

With key stars sidelined across three playoff games, DraftKings DFS picks spotlight Jaylen Brown over 26.5 points and value gem Luke Kennard. Injuries to Embiid, Doncic, and others reshape rotations for Celtics-76ers, Lakers-Rockets, and Spurs-Blazers.

New users can claim a $10 bonus on Kalshi with promo code WTOP by trading $10 on NBA playoff markets. The offer spotlights high-stakes Lakers-Rockets action where Houston holds a 76% edge.

Boston at Philadelphia, Lakers at Houston, and Spurs at Portland tip off exclusively on Prime Video, with injuries and momentum on the line in these first-round clashes. Joel Embiid's doubtful status headlines the stakes as series hang in the balance.

Kevin Durant’s ankle sprain clouds Houston’s hopes in Game 3, while Austin Reaves’ upgrade bolsters Los Angeles’ depth in a series they lead 2-0. Both teams confront pivotal availability decisions with elimination looming for the fifth-seeded Rockets.

Houston hosts Los Angeles with a chance to claw back from a 2-0 deficit, as SportsLine's model projects LeBron James at 26.6 points and an Over-favored total of 207.5. The Rockets' home-court edge sharpens the series stakes Friday at Toyota Center.

The Los Angeles Lakers became the first team to win two playoff games without two regular-season 20-plus PPG players who each sank 100-plus threes, securing a 101-94 Game 2 victory over the Houston Rockets. This shorthanded 2-0 series lead underscores their resilience as the No. 4 seed.

Tiebreakers have finalized the pre-lottery order for the 2026 NBA draft, with the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets holding the top three spots and 14% odds each for the No. 1 pick. The May 10 lottery in Chicago will reshape the top four selections ahead of a deep draft class.

Marcus Smart erupted for 25 points and locked down Kevin Durant after halftime to propel the short-handed Lakers to a 101-94 Game 2 win. LeBron James added 28 points in 39 minutes at age 41 to put LA firmly in control of the first-round series.

New users can claim $10 in trading credit on Kalshi's prediction markets with promo code ALCOM by depositing $10 or more. The offer arrives as the NBA Play-In Tournament heats up with high-volume markets on key matchups.