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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, October 9

Damian Lillard Faces Relationship Repair Effort From Tyrese Haliburton

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Damian Lillard is the target of a relationship repair effort by Tyrese Haliburton, who regrets the friction caused by mocking Lillard's 'Dame Time' celebration during the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. Haliburton expressed a strong desire to mend the strained bond with Lillard, a player he has long looked up to and whose jersey number 0 he wears. Both star guards missed the 2025-26 season due to ruptured Achilles tendons sustained during the 2025 playoffs.

Bronny James Goes Viral With Song Rendition as Expanded Lakers Role Awaits

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Bronny James generated social media buzz after a video surfaced of him singing "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" during a Los Angeles Lakers trip to Slovenia. The 22-year-old guard is stepping out of his father LeBron James’ shadow following LeBron’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. After averaging 2.9 points in 8.9 minutes per game last season, Bronny is expected to compete for a more defined role in the Lakers' rotation this upcoming season.

LeBron James Debuts With 76ers, Defends Joel Embiid After Free-Agency Exit From Lakers

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LeBron James posted 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in 18 minutes during his Philadelphia 76ers preseason debut against Brooklyn, orchestrating a lineup alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Off the court, James defended Embiid against false rumors of practice tardiness. His offseason move to Philadelphia in free agency opened up rotation minutes for his son, Bronny James, with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Miles Bridges Returns to Practice After Negative X-Rays on Right Ankle

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Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges participated in Friday's practice after X-rays on his injured right ankle returned negative. Bridges had exited Wednesday's preseason loss to the Chicago Bulls and did not return. Head coach Jordan Ott noted the team will be smart with Bridges moving forward, leaving his status questionable for Saturday's exhibition game against San Antonio as he recovers from the preseason setback.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks Pause Contract Extension Talks

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The New York Knicks suspended contract extension talks with Karl-Anthony Towns to eliminate distractions ahead of the season. Towns expressed frustration over negotiations falling short of his value after winning a title and breaking a 53-year drought. The Knicks offered a four-year, $200 million deal to stay under the second apron, well short of a max extension. Towns enters the third year of his deal with a $61 million player option for next season, alongside teammate Josh Hart.

Josh Hart and Knicks Suspend Contract Extension Negotiations

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The New York Knicks have officially halted contract extension talks with Josh Hart until later in the season to maintain absolute focus on their upcoming championship defense. Hart, eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $132 million, admitted the delay and uncertainty could create a distraction during daily performance, though he remains hopeful an agreement can eventually be reached before June 2027 amid salary cap considerations coming off a title.

Jordan Goodwin Emerges as Defensive Force and Key Contributor for Suns

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Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin continues to showcase his impact after signing a three-year, $19 million deal, posting nine steals and nine rebounds in just 27 preseason minutes against Detroit and Chicago. Goodwin, who led Phoenix with 106 steals and 136 offensive rebounds last season, is driven to earn an NBA All-Defensive team selection. Coach and team support highlight his elite rebounding, perimeter defense, and improving offensive range.

Jabari Walker Impresses in Expanded Role for Frontcourt-Depleted Sixers

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Jabari Walker is making a strong case for rotation minutes during preseason play, earning praise from coach Nick Nurse and teammate Jaylen Brown. After posting 11 points and 11 rebounds against the Knicks, Walker has filled in as a small-ball center due to Ariel Hukporti's season-ending Achilles injury and Adem Bona's foot issue. Walker aims to build on his 33.7% three-point shooting while bringing defensive versatility.

Joel Embiid Speaks Out on False Practice Rumors and Media Scrutiny

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Joel Embiid pushed back against false rumors that LeBron James chastised him for practice tardiness—a story broadcaster Mike Breen reported and later retracted. Calling himself an 'easy target,' Embiid emphasized remaining focused despite outside noise. Following a six-point, eight-turnover preseason debut against the Nets, Embiid is adjusting to new teammates James and Jaylen Brown while Philly navigates thin center depth following Ariel Hukporti's Achilles tear.

Nick Young Shares Wild Story About Kobe Bryant Throwing Team Parties

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Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young shared a wild story on Shannon Sharpe's 'Club Shay Shay' podcast about late teammate Kobe Bryant. According to Young, Bryant would host a party for the team at the beginning of the season featuring bottles and dancers. Bryant would set everything up for his teammates before leaving the scene entirely, telling them to have fun. The unexpected anecdote highlights a different side of the famously driven basketball legend.

Austin Reaves Shines In Preseason Debut Following Minor Ankle Injury

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Lakers star guard Austin Reaves made his long-awaited preseason debut in a 114-110 win over the Kings after recovering from a minor ankle injury sustained in practice. Reaves didn't miss a beat, dishing out 8 assists, grabbing 5 rebounds, and scoring 8 points in 25 minutes. Playing alongside backcourt partner Luka Doncic, Reaves provided an early glimpse of the Lakers' starting lineup chemistry as the team builds toward their October 21 regular-season opener against the Warriors.

Walker Kessler Nears Return After Sidelined With Jammed Finger

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Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler has missed the first three preseason games after jamming his finger against the backboard in training camp. Coach JJ Redick expressed confidence that Kessler's injury is not concerning and that he will return to action during the remaining preseason games. Kessler, a marquee offseason acquisition coming off season-ending labrum surgery, says his finger feels good as the team prepares for their October 21 regular-season opener.

Kristaps Porziņģis Remains Sidelined as Warriors Scramble for Alternate Lineups

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Kristaps Porziņģis has missed nearly two weeks with an unclarified health issue, leaving the Golden State Warriors adjusting their lineup plans 12 days before the regular season. Director of sports medicine Rick Celebrini made contact with Porziņģis, but head coach Steve Kerr admitted the big-man rotation remains a work in progress. Porziņģis’ absence impacts Kerr’s desired 5-out offense, forcing Golden State to weigh starting Al Horford, Draymond Green, or younger options.

Donovan Mitchell Enters Age-30 Season Focused on Championship Postseason Goal

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Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell enters his age-30 season looking to elevate his team to a championship level after a tough Eastern Conference Finals collapse. Mitchell averaged 27.9 points per game last season on 48.3% shooting, anchoring Cleveland's offense alongside new teammate James Harden. While expected to dominate the regular season once again, Mitchell's ultimate evaluation will hinge on his playoff performance and efficiency when the stakes are highest.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Stars in Preseason Debut for Miami Heat

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Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a strong performance in his preseason debut for the Miami Heat, highlighted by a powerful poster dunk over Yves Missi. Playing only the first half against the Pelicans, Antetokounmpo recorded 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting, along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 18 minutes. He has quickly looked comfortable operating within the Heat's fast-paced offense, setting early picks and seamlessly integrating into head coach Erik Spoelstra's tactical system.

Kyrie Irving Scheduled to Make Preseason Return for Mavericks on Sunday

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is scheduled to play in Sunday's preseason rematch against the Houston Rockets after sitting out Friday's opener in China for rest. Returning from a 19-month ACL tear recovery, Irving will operate under playing time restrictions as Dallas evaluates its backcourt rotation alongside Cooper Flagg. His inclusion marks a key step in building chemistry before the 2026-27 regular season.

Kevin Durant to Sit Out Preseason Rematch vs. Mavericks for Rest

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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant will sit out Sunday's preseason rematch against Dallas for rest. Durant posted 15 points (7-12 FG), two assists, and a block over 23 minutes in Friday's game, having requested extra playing time from coach Ime Udoka to build synergy with Fred VanVleet and new teammates. His planned absence is precautionary and not injury-related, freeing up rotation minutes for Houston's young wings.

Cooper Flagg Scores 19 Points in Mavericks Preseason Debut in China

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Second-year forward Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 19 minutes during a 135-117 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets in Macau, China. Flagg shot 7-of-14 from the field and converted all four of his free throws, serving as the primary offensive option with Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II resting for the exhibition opener.

Joe Lacob Expects Jimmy Butler to Return Strong Following ACL Recovery

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Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob has blunt expectations for Jimmy Butler's return, stating he expects him to be 'pretty damn good' coming off a torn ACL. Nearly nine months post-injury, Butler is progressing well, reporting during training camp that he has started running and even dunking. Averaging 19.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game with Golden State, Butler is eager to return near the All-Star break to help the Warriors' deep playoff push.

P.J. Washington Sidelined With Left Ankle Sprain For Preseason Opener

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Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington will miss Friday's preseason game against the Houston Rockets due to a left ankle sprain. The exact severity of the injury remains unclear, but he has a chance to return during Sunday's preseason rematch in China. Washington is expected to play a key role for Dallas this season, though coach Dusty May has not yet committed to locking the Kentucky product into a permanent starting role.