8:00 AM ET Brian Windhorst and a team of ESPN’s Insiders sort out life and the news from in and around the NBA world. The Los Angeles Lakers are 0-3, have roster construction issues and eventually will have to make a trade — probably, but not certainly, involving Russell Westbrook. For now, let’s focus on
NBA
1:40 AM ET MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons called several of the whistles he received “bulls—” following a 134-124 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, noting that “refs make mistakes too.” While Simmons, who fouled out for the second time in three regular-season games, was frustrated with many calls, the
7:00 AM ET Kade Krichko PAOLO BANCHERO TWISTS his 6-foot-10 frame into a kids’ chair surrounded by atilt Lego towers. “Don’t Touch” signs adorn computer desks, child-scrawled warnings amid a makeshift cityscape of plastic. It’s hardly a scene where you’d expect to see the $50.16 million-deal-wielding budding star of the Orlando Magic. Banchero isn’t rocking
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The first week of the 2022-23 NBA season did not disappoint, delivering big-time performances, upsets and playoff-caliber matchups. Ja Morant and Paolo Banchero got off to strong starts as the Memphis Grizzlies star scored 49 points against the Houston Rockets on Friday night and the Orlando Magic player on Wednesday
8:32 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans lost both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson to injuries on Sunday in a 122-121 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz. Williamson took a hard fall with 8:07 left in the fourth quarter when his dunk attempt was blocked by Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson.
10:31 PM ET ESPN News Services MIAMI — Toronto’s Christian Koloko and Miami’s Caleb Martin were both ejected in the third quarter of the Raptors-Heat game on Saturday night after they scuffled and ended up in the first row of baseline seats. It all started with 7:46 left in the third quarter, when Martin and
3:10 AM ET SACRAMENTO — LA Clippers star guard Paul George was in the middle of a big second quarter when he said a technical foul “turned my aggression up.” He proceeded to take his anger out on the Sacramento Kings. George exploded for 40 points to go with six rebounds and six assists to
9:39 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN MIAMI — Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, the NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, was ruled out of Saturday night’s 112-109 loss to the Heat after suffering a sprained right ankle midway through the second quarter. Barnes had X-rays on his ankle, the Raptors said, which came back negative. Raptors
2:38 PM ET NBA commissioner Adam Silver, in recent comments to Phoenix Suns employees, addressed possible solutions for tanking while noting that he understands why teams would do it when a “once-in-a-generation player” is about to enter the league, according to sources who were present. Calling it a “serious issue” that has sparked “hundreds” of
12:06 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash said he was “proud of” Ben Simmons for the way the talented swingman bounced back in Friday night’s 109-105 win over the Toronto Raptors after a poor showing in the Nets’ season opener. “A step up for Ben,” Nash said after seeing Simmons score
10:04 PM ET In comments to Phoenix Suns employees before the team’s season-opening win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver apologized multiple times on behalf of the league office for enduring years of workplace misconduct under Suns majority owner Robert Sarver, according to sources who were present. “I’m incredibly empathetic to
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders NBA opening week is here, and a number of players returned after having not played since 2021, while the latest crop of rookies suited up for their first regular-season game. The return of Kawhi Leonard — off the bench for the time being — immediately made the Los Angeles Clippers
8:00 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN The Golden State Warriors had a certain glow as they entered training camp four weeks ago. It’s a glow you have after spending the summer celebrating a championship and preparing to defend it the next season. Klay Thompson was seen dancing on his boat. Stephen Curry had his jersey retired
8:02 PM ET Detroit Pistons assistant general manager Rob Murphy is on leave after the organization commenced an investigation into an allegation of workplace misconduct involving a female former employee, sources told ESPN on Thursday night. Murphy, 50, has been out of the Pistons’ offices for approximately a week on leave after management was made
5:30 PM ET Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin has sold his 10 percent stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, completing a divestment as a limited partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, sources told ESPN on Thursday. David Adelman purchased a substantial share of Rubin’s stake and now joins HBSE co-founders Josh Harris
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN INSIDE MCALISTER FIELDHOUSE on The Citadel’s campus in Charleston, South Carolina, all eyes are fixed on a conversation between Joel Embiid and P.J. Tucker. For the second straight day of training camp in late September, the new Philadelphia 76ers teammates engaged in a long — and loud — discussion over
12:59 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN NEW YORK — Despite praise from his teammates and coach, Zion Williamson called his regular-season return to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night just a “decent starter performance.” “It’s a lot of room for improvement,” he said. “I’m still learning my teammates. Now we get real in-game reps. I’m
4:21 AM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Russell Westbrook said he “absolutely” believes that Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham’s decision to bring him off the bench in L.A.’s preseason finale could have caused the hamstring strain he suffered that night. “I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years straight,” Westbrook said following the Lakers’