Inside another lost Clippers season, and why sources say owner Steve Ballmer wants to run it back again with this superstar trio, w/ Law Murray 🎈

Intel on what lies ahead for Paul George, James Harden, Ty Lue, and...Russell Westbrook, at The Athletic

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It had been one step forward, two steps back for the Lakers since their In-Season Tournament championship.

Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick detail a Lakers season gone wrong ⤵️
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The PBWA is extremely disappointed with the unprofessional conduct of Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley on Thursday night. Disrespecting and singling out a professional journalist who is merely trying to do her job is unacceptable. (cont)

The Los Angeles Lakers have parted ways with coach Darvin Ham, and sources tell me and Jovan Buha an extensive search will commence soon, with candidates such as Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick and, if he becomes available, Ty Lue among others.

There is so much familiarity, and similarity, between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.

As they prepare for their highest-stakes clash yet, is this the dawning of the next great NBA rivalry? Reporting with ⁦Tony Jones⁩ theathletic.com/5468829/2024/0…

Veteran producer Malinda Adams happens to be one of the most respected and professional people we have at ESPN. Bev, you’re going to have to make a couple apologies for stuff tonight.

Dereck Lively II is the Dallas Mavericks’ incredible rookie center. but even more than that, he’s Kathy Drysdale’s son, which you can see in him even as he plays through the pain and grief of her loss. theathletic.com/5465190/2024/0…

The Pelicans look to be operating with urgency. And for once, they head into the summer with optimism surrounding Zion Williamson.

Zion will be central to New Orleans' plans amid changes, writes Will Guillory.

Who surrounds him is less clear.

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Chris Finch’s injury has put the Timberwolves coaching staff in flux. It means Micah Nori will likely take an even larger role.

Get to know the do-it-all lead assistant with the quick wit and the coaching chops. theathletic.com/5461649/2024/0…

The Lakers' plan is to reassess everything that went wrong in the coming days before making a final decision on Darvin Ham's future.

Inside a season gone wrong and what’s next ⤵️
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LeBron James is expected to play up to two more seasons, a source tells The Athletic.

And the Lakers would be open to discussing any deal that brings James back.

But is the feeling mutual? Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Jovan Buha examine ⤵️

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Lakers finish to season has left head coach Darvin Ham’s future in serious peril, as some stakeholders indicate he is highly unlikely to return, sources say.

What went wrong, and inside LeBron James’ future at The Athletic with Shams Charania, Jovan Buha:…

I asked Anthony Edwards if he considers himself a star yet.

“Nah, not yet, man,” he said. “Not yet.”

Unbeknownst to him, he lost the privilege to decide.

On the NBA’s poster boy who can’t hide anymore:

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Inside the waning voice of Frank Vogel, offensive issues around the Suns and their Big 3, and what comes next for one of the NBA’s most expensive rosters after a first-round sweep — with Doug Haller at The Athletic:

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😳

New for The Athletic NBA : Mark Daigneault's COY award is a coronation for one of the league's rising stars. How his nerdy numeracy helps OKC keep opponents off balance:
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And we just gonna ignore the fact that Bobby's 'second act' came as Nembhard was coming his way in reaction to the shove? I don't like that ejection at all.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has won the 2023-24 NBA Coach of the Year award 🏆

The Thunder finished with a 57-25 record and were the No. 1 seed in the West.

More ⤵️
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Well deserved for Daigneault, and it wasn’t even close

For one night, it was different.

D'Angelo Russell stepped up. Jamal Murray struggled. And the Lakers 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 beat Denver, writes Jim Trotter.

Is this just delaying the inevitable? Or the start of something historic.

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