Basketball | NBA and global basketball news
NBA Highlights: LeBron Nears Milestone, Clippers Restructure Roster, and Rockets Reward Rising Star
LeBron James Approaches 50,000 Career Points in Lakers' Victory
In a thrilling matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 108-102 victory over the LA Clippers. LeBron James contributed 17 points, leaving him just one point shy of the monumental 50,000 career points milestone. Despite an off night, including eight turnovers, James celebrated his 1,000th regular-season win, joining the elite company of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, and Tim Duncan. Luka Dončić led the Mavericks with 29 points and nine assists, while rookie Dalton Knecht added 19 points off the bench. The Lakers have now won six consecutive games and 16 of their last 19, ascending to the second spot in the Western Conference standings.
Clippers Revamp Roster, Release Beauchamp and Jones
The Los Angeles Clippers have made significant roster changes, releasing former first-round pick MarJon Beauchamp and center Kai Jones. Beauchamp, acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks three weeks prior, struggled to find his footing with the team. To bolster their lineup, the Clippers signed G-League standout Jordan Miller to a four-year, $8.3 million contract. Jones, previously picked up after his release from the Charlotte Hornets, is expected to join the Dallas Mavericks, who are addressing injury-related gaps in their roster.
Rockets Convert Nate Williams' Two-Way Contract to Standard Deal
The Houston Rockets have upgraded guard Nate Williams from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, releasing center Cody Zeller to clear roster space. Williams' new contract is valued at $8.2 million over four years, with the current season guaranteed and the subsequent three non-guaranteed. Undrafted out of Buffalo, the 26-year-old Williams has appeared in eight games for the Rockets this season, notably scoring 11 points against the Golden State Warriors. In the G League, he has been a standout performer for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, averaging 20.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
NBA's New Broadcasting Deal Reshapes Media Landscape
The NBA has announced a groundbreaking 11-year broadcasting agreement involving the Walt Disney Company, NBC, Amazon Prime, and other platforms. This deal marks NBC's return as an NBA broadcaster and notably excludes TNT from airing games for the first time since 1988. The new arrangement reflects the evolving media landscape and the league's efforts to adapt to changing viewership habits.
Upcoming Games to Watch
The NBA schedule features several intriguing matchups, including the Memphis Grizzlies hosting the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets facing the Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, the Sacramento Kings will take on the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference showdown.
As the season progresses, teams continue to make strategic moves to strengthen their rosters, while players like LeBron James edge closer to historic achievements. Fans can anticipate an exciting stretch of basketball in the coming weeks.
EuroLeague and European Basketball
EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi: Tickets Sold Out
The anticipation for the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi is palpable, with general public tickets selling out in less than seven hours. This swift sell-out underscores the event's global appeal and the growing popularity of basketball in the region.
Olympiacos Leading Tight Race for Top EuroLeague Spots
With seven rounds remaining in the regular season, Olympiacos Piraeus holds a narrow lead in the EuroLeague standings. The competition is fierce, particularly for the top six and top ten positions, as teams vie for favorable playoff seeds.
Fenerbahçe Secures Crucial Victory Over Paris Basketball
Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul achieved a significant win against Paris Basketball, bolstered by a dominant performance in rebounding. This victory enhances Fenerbahçe's standing as the playoffs approach, reflecting their resilience and strategic prowess.
Barcelona Files Complaint Over Clásico Officiating
FC Barcelona has lodged a formal complaint with the EuroLeague concerning the officiating in their recent Clásico matchup against Real Madrid. The club expressed dissatisfaction with certain calls that they believe impacted the game's outcome.
AS Monaco's Nick Calathes Sidelined Indefinitely
AS Monaco's guard, Nick Calathes, has been sidelined due to undisclosed reasons, with no specific timeline provided for his return. Calathes' absence is a significant blow to Monaco, given his leadership and experience on the court.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Pursues Vasilije Micić with Record-Breaking Offer
Hapoel Tel Aviv is reportedly in negotiations with Vasilije Micić, aiming to make him one of the highest-paid players in Europe. This move signifies the club's ambition to strengthen its roster with top-tier talent.
Potential Return of Russian Teams to EuroLeague
Russian basketball teams are preparing for a potential return to the EuroLeague, following a period of exclusion due to geopolitical tensions. The anticipated reintegration reflects evolving political landscapes and concerted diplomatic efforts.
Prospective $5 Billion Basketball League Spanning Asia and Europe
Investors, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, are planning a $5 billion basketball league that would span Asia and Europe, aiming to compete with established leagues like the NBA. The proposed league seeks to attract top international talent and expand the sport's global footprint.
NBA Explores Expansion into Europe with Potential Manchester Franchise
The NBA is exploring the possibility of hosting regular-season games in Manchester, UK, with discussions about establishing a Manchester-based team as part of a proposed NBA Europe league. This initiative highlights the NBA's commitment to expanding its presence in the European market.
