4:26 PM ET With the firing of Luke Walton on Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers have two different jobs to fill — but only one head-coaching position available. The first responsibility: get a buy-in from LeBron James in the final years of his prolific career. James’ presence on the roster is a blessing to any
NBA
3:32 PM ET OKLAHOMA CITY — Officially, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George is listed as “day-to-day” with right shoulder soreness, though head coach Billy Donovan is unwilling to speculate on George’s availability for Game 1 on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. But George indicated Friday that regardless of pain, he will be playing.
4:26 PM ET Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mitch Kupchak says the Charlotte Hornets plan to do everything they can to keep three-time All-Star Kemba Walker. The Hornets’ first-year general manager knows it has become a two-sided equation, given that Walker is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July and able to choose
6:24 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid‘s status for Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets remains in limbo. He was officially listed as “doubtful” for Saturday’s game withload management — left knee soreness. “I have no idea,” Embiid told reporters when asked if he would be
12:27 PM ET Southern California freshman guard Kevin Porter Jr. has decided to hire an agent and declare for the 2019 NBA draft. “I will be declaring for the 2019 NBA draft and I will be signing with Roc Nation Sports,” Porter told ESPN. Porter, the No. 40 recruit in the 2019 class, wasn’t thought
8:20 AM ET Phoenix police have closed their case into sexual abuse allegations against former University of Arizona and NBA player Mike Bibby. Phoenix police Sgt. Vince Lewis told the Arizona Republic on Thursday that an investigation “did not reveal probable cause to recommend charges against anyone in the case.” In February, Bibby was fired
10:29 PM ET THESE ARE GOING to be anxious playoffs. There are stresses within the high-stakes games naturally, but there’s also another layer that is perhaps unique to this season. It’s the pressure of the aftermath and it will mount by the day, by the loss and, oddly in this unusual season, even by the
9:38 PM ET Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac has cleared the NBA’s concussion protocol and will be available to play in the team’s playoff opener Saturday in Toronto, the team announced Thursday night. Isaac is believed to have been hurt on Orlando’s win Sunday against the Celtics. He was struck in the jaw and experienced
9:10 PM ET Associated Press CHICAGO — John Paxson remains convinced the Chicago Bulls are on the right path despite one of the worst records in franchise history and that they have the coach they need in Jim Boylen. Chicago’s top basketball executive, Paxson said Thursday he expects the team to compete for a playoff
Apr 12, 2019 The playoffs are here, which means coaching changes are on the way for some teams that fell short of the postseason. We’re tracking every move so far: Los Angeles’ .398 win percentage under Luke Walton is tied for the 3rd-worst in the Western Conference over the last 3 seasons. Only Dallas and