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Austin Reaves recovery puts extra load on Luka Doncic, patience on Lakers
Austin Reaves suffers a heel contusion in the Lakers’ win over the Bucks, and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says the injury is manageable but urges patience. Drawing on Luka Doncic’s own heel bruise and subsequent calf strain in December 2024, MacMahon suggests Doncic will advise Reaves to take his time rather than rush back and risk further damage. He notes that while Reaves recovers, Doncic is fully capable of shouldering the extra load for the team. No return date is provided, but the Lakers appear confident in managing the short‑term workload shift.
Donovan Mitchell stands by Cavs: ‘We can’t sit here and overreact’
Donovan Mitchell reaffirms his belief in the Cleveland Cavaliers, saying the team shouldn’t overreact to criticism. In an ESPN interview with Jamal Collier, Mitchell cites the group’s resilience after a 6‑6 start and last spring’s conference‑final loss to the Knicks. He just signed a four‑year, $273 million extension—locking up his deal early to remove contract distractions. Coach Kenny Atkinson praises the move, noting its calming effect. Mitchell stresses the recent playoff run was a step, not an achievement, and urges patience as the Cavs look to improve.
Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray reposts his own trade request report
Dejounte Murray amplifies his trade demand by reposting ESPN insider Shams Charania’s report that he wants out of the New Orleans Pelicans. The screenshot shared by X user Shamit Dua shows Murray’s agent Rich Paul and team officials negotiating a resolution, prompting questions about a possible NBA fine for a public trade request under the CBA. Murray previously hinted at internal sabotage and now confirms his desire to be traded, with the Phoenix Suns listed among interested teams. He holds a $30.8 million player option for 2027‑28, making the upcoming negotiations crucial.
JB Bickerstaff calls Pistons’ defense ‘terrible’ after Cade Cunningham’s 52-point night
Cade Cunningham erupts for 52 points, 11 assists and zero turnovers as the Detroit Pistons survive a 144‑140 double‑OT win over the Washington Wizards on Nov. 13, 2026. Despite the offensive fireworks, coach J.B. Bickerstaff blasted his squad’s defense as “terrible,” citing too many lapses that forced the game into overtime, including a late tying three from Trae Young. Bickerstaff praised Cunningham’s poise under pressure but demanded tighter stops and better attention to detail moving forward.
Michael Beasley urges Kings’ Darius Acuff Jr. to take ‘a little fewer shots’
Michael Beasley, appearing on the 3’s and Ones podcast, advises Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. to cut back on shot volume and involve teammates more, echoing Draymond Green’s suggestion. While Acuff leads all rookies with 26.2 points and 7.3 assists per game and ties for second‑most attempts (22.8 per game), the Kings sit 1‑10. Beasley argues sacrificing a few shots for assists or defense will boost his development, whereas Dwyane Wade praises Acuff’s franchise‑building potential. Acuff acknowledges the grind of an 82‑game season and hopes to improve.
Three trade proposals for Nuggets’ Cam Johnson
Hoops Wire reports three speculative trade packages for Denver's shooting guard Cam Johnson, who averages 12.1 points and 43.2% from three on a $23.1 M expiring deal. Fadeaway World analyst Fran Leiva suggests: 1) Denver gets Klay Thompson and Nikola Jovic from Miami, sending Johnson to the Heat; 2) Denver receives 6‑ft‑11 Santi Aldama and guard Marcus Sasser from Dallas, with Johnson heading to the Mavericks; 3) Denver acquires Quentin Grimes and Jake LaRavia from Los Angeles, sending Johnson to the Lakers. Each deal balances added depth and potential salary savings against losing a proven shooter, leaving Denver to weigh long‑term roster fit.
Trae Young on Wizards’ struggles: ‘It’s more than just effort’
After a 144-140 double‑overtime loss to Detroit, Trae Young says the Wizards’ problems go beyond effort, citing a lack of skill and mental execution. Young poured in 37 points and 14 assists but missed all seven shots in overtime as Washington fell to 4‑9, marking a sixth straight defeat. He notes the team is facing recent playoff‑caliber opponents and stresses trust in young players like rookie AJ Dybantsa. Looking ahead to a tough matchup with the Rockets, Young hopes the early struggles will become a learning curve that eventually translates into wins.
Jimmy Butler wants G League stint, jokes he’ll ‘fistfight’ Mike Dunleavy over it
Jimmy Butler says he’ll head to the Golden State Warriors’ G‑League affiliate in Santa Cruz for a game before his NBA comeback, even joking he’ll "fistfight" GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. if he objects. The former Bulls teammate insists he’s ready to play, despite still recovering from a right ACL tear suffered on Jan. 19, 2026 (surgery Feb. 9). Coach Steve Kerr backs the move, likening it to a baseball rehab stint, and says he’ll attend if the schedule permits. The Warriors, now 8‑4 and coping with Stephen Curry’s oblique issue, could soon get Butler’s 20‑point average back on the floor.
Kendrick Perkins isn’t sold on Lakers’ title chances despite 11-2 start
Despite the Lakers’ league‑best 11‑2 record, former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins doubts they’re true title contenders until they notch a signature win against a genuine threat. On the Road Trippin’ Show, Perkins cites missing victories over Oklahoma City, Houston, the Spurs, the Knicks or a full‑strength Detroit team as proof they haven’t proved themselves, even though they beat the Pistons and Trail Blazers. With an offense ranked first but a defense at 18th, the Lakers face a litmus test on Nov. 27 at the Spurs.
Cavs cut DAZN season pass to $59.99 for weekend sale
Cleveland Cavaliers fans can snag a DAZN season pass for $59.99—half the regular $119.99 price—during a weekend sale that ends Sunday, Nov. 15, 11:59 p.m. ET. The pass covers 61 games, allows two simultaneous streams per IP, and costs about the same as three monthly $19.99 plans. A free tier offers 15 select games, including Saturday’s home matchup vs. the Mavericks. Existing subscribers aren’t sure if they’ll receive credit.
Dejounte Murray seeks trade from Pelicans, Suns among interested teams
Dejounte Murray has asked the New Orleans Pelicans to explore a trade, with his agent Rich Paul opening talks. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Phoenix Suns are among the clubs showing interest, seeking a point‑guard upgrade. Murray, a 30‑year‑old guard acquired from Atlanta in the 2024 offseason, is averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals in nine games this season after missing last year with a torn Achilles. He holds a $30.8 million player option for 2027‑28, adding a contract bite to any deal.
Jalen Green draws trade buzz, Suns linked to point guard upgrade
Trade rumors swirl around the Phoenix Suns as speculation mounts that Jalen Green could be moved for a proven point guard. While owner Mat Ishbia once insisted Green and Dillon Brooks were essential to the Durant deal, the Suns' front office says they may wait until later in the season before pursuing any trade. Green’s production has dipped to 11.8 points per game in 10 contests, down from 21 with the Rockets, and he sat out the fourth quarter of Thursday’s 101-96 win over Charlotte. With the Suns at 5-6 and Booker handling the offense, the team is weighing whether to upgrade the point‑guard spot.
Kyle Kuzma’s home burglarized during Bucks-Lakers game
While the Milwaukee Bucks fell 123-112 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, forward Kyle Kuzma’s Bayside home was burglarized. Police say personal items were taken but saw no forced entry, and surveillance captured four people fleeing the scene at 8:55 p.m. This marks the second Bucks player burglary during a game in two years, following Bobby Portis’s 2024 break‑in. Authorities are investigating and have not linked it to earlier athlete thefts. Kuzma, averaging 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists, has not commented.
Jerry West spent three days in hospital after bringing Shaq, Kobe to Lakers
Jerry West recounts the toll his 1996 offseason took on him after orchestrating the Lakers' historic acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal and a teenage Kobe Bryant. West says the grueling negotiations left him emotionally exhausted, landing him in the hospital for three days. He chased the 24‑year‑old O’Neal, who left the Magic for a seven‑year, $120 million contract, and evaluated 17‑year‑old Bryant at Inglewood High, ultimately convincing owner Jerry Buss to trade Vlade Divac for the high‑school prodigy. The moves paid off, as the duo led the Lakers to three consecutive championships starting four years later.
Blazers’ $600 million arena project in jeopardy as deadline nears
Portland’s $600 million Moda Center renovation hangs in the balance as the Trail Blazers and local officials fail to seal a deal before the Dec. 1 funding deadline. Oregon’s $365 million share, plus $120 million from the city and $88 million from Multnomah County, is at risk because the team hasn’t responded to the city‑council term sheet, nor provided budget, design or community‑benefit plans. Owner Tom Dundon also hasn’t signed the 20‑year lease extension required for state money. A missed deadline could stall state financing, though the Blazers pledge continued commitment.
Lakers face uncertainty over Austin Reaves’ return
The Los Angeles Lakers are unsure how long guard Austin Reaves will miss after hurting his left heel on a fast‑break dunk in Wednesday’s 122‑115 win over Milwaukee. Initial X‑rays are clear, but sports physician Dr. Brian Sutterer suspects a plantar‑fascia strain or tear, though the team has not confirmed a diagnosis. Reaves, who averages 24.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 51.3% from the field, could be sidelined indefinitely pending further testing, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. With the Lakers sitting at an 11‑2 start, the club must prepare for a “next‑man‑up” approach while awaiting the next medical update.
Cavs at Heat: How to watch, injury report and another test of consistency
The Cleveland Cavaliers head to Miami on Friday, Nov. 13, for an NBA Cup group‑play showdown against the Heat without star forward Evan Mobley, who is out with a left big toe sprain. After a 115-107 win over the Knicks—highlighted by James Harden’s 32 points—the Cavs must rely on Jarrett Allen’s rebounding and increased contributions from guards and wings like Peyton Watson and Mario Hezonja to contend with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET at Kaseya Center and streams on DAZN (Cavs market) or NBA League Pass, with radio coverage on WTAM 1100 and 100.7 WMMS. Injury notes list Giannis (probable wrist), Klay Thompson (questionable ankle) and Pelle Larsson (questionable illness).
This Day in Cavs History: Cleveland sends Mark Price’s No. 25 to the rafters
On November 13, 1999 the Cleveland Cavaliers honored point guard Mark Price by raising his No. 25 to the rafters at Gund Arena after a 117‑112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Price, the sixth Cavs jersey retired, joined franchise legends like Austin Carr and Larry Nance. The ceremony, emceed by Joe Tait, featured a piece of the old Richfield Coliseum and speeches from GM Wayne Embry and former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins. The article recaps Price’s career highlights—including back‑to‑back 3‑Point Shootout titles, four All‑Star selections, and a 50‑40‑90 season in 1988‑89—underscoring his lasting impact on Cleveland basketball.
Kings have offer on table for Gabe Vincent
The Sacramento Kings have placed a standing contract offer on veteran guard Gabe Vincent as they search for a seasoned backup to steady a 1‑10 roster. Vincent, 30, met with team officials Wednesday and is weighing the deal after previously declining interest from the Knicks and Hawks. A Sacramento native who started with the Stockton Kings and later starred for the Heat in the 2023 Finals, Vincent's recent production dipped to 4.4 points and 1.4 assists per game with a 34.1% three‑point rate. The Kings hope his experience can mentor rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and provide reliable minutes off the bench.
Pistons’ Cade Cunningham after 52-point night: ‘The best I’ve ever done it’
Cade Cunningham declares his 52‑point, 11‑assist, zero‑turnover performance the best of his NBA career. The Pistons beat the Wizards 144‑140 in double overtime on Nov. 13, 2026, with Cunningham becoming the first player since 1978 to log 50+ points and 10 assists without a turnover. He poured in 30 points in the fourth quarter and both overtimes, while teammate Ausar Thompson recorded his first triple‑double (17‑11‑11). Washington’s Trae Young scored 37, and Anthony Davis added 30 and 15 rebounds, but Cunningham’s scoring and playmaking secured Detroit’s win and the fourth‑highest point total in Pistons history.
Cavs’ James Harden says limited summer basketball left him needing time to adjust
James Harden admits his limited summer pickup games left him out of shape entering Cleveland’s training camp, so he’s still adjusting to NBA speed at 37. The veteran guard acknowledges he can’t be ready instantly and is working to get back into game shape while learning his new teammates. After an uneven start, Harden posted a season‑high 32 points on 9‑of‑14 shooting in a 115‑107 win over the Knicks, showing signs of improvement. The Cavs need consistent production from their point guard as they aim beyond a simple playoff berth, and Harden says the work is finally paying off.
Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell dismisses Charles Barkley’s criticism: ‘Chuck ain’t here’
Donovan Mitchell shrugs off Charles Barkley’s pre‑game criticism of the Cavaliers, saying “Chuck ain’t here” and that analysts’ opinions don’t affect the locker room. After Barkley labeled the Cavs “suck,” Cleveland rebounded with a 115‑107 win over the defending champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden, featuring James Harden’s season‑high 32 points, Mitchell’s 23, and Jarrett Allen’s 14 rebounds. Mitchell stresses respect for the pundits but focuses on the team’s 6‑6 record and upcoming games against Miami and Dallas, noting consistency matters more than a single victory.
Mike Conley on coaching future: ‘I don’t know if I can coach these young people’
NBA veteran Mike Conley, 39, was named the top future head‑coach candidate in the league’s annual GM survey, but he remains hesitant. Speaking on Derrick White’s White Noise podcast, Conley admits he isn’t sure he’s ready to coach younger players, though he wouldn’t dismiss the idea if the right opportunity arises. Currently on a one‑year deal with the Boston Celtics, he prefers a management role after his 20‑year career, yet acknowledges the possibility of transitioning to coaching under ideal circumstances.
Cavs lose Evan Mobley for Heat matchup, face bigger challenge inside
The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Friday’s NBA Cup showdown against the Miami Heat without forward Evan Mobley, who suffers a sprained big toe after a hard fall in Wednesday’s 115-107 win over the Knicks. Mobley’s defensive versatility—crucial against a frontcourt of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo—will be missed, forcing Jarrett Allen to shoulder more interior responsibility. Coach Kenny Atkinson may shift Peyton Watson to power forward and consider starters Tyrese Proctor, Jaylon Tyson, or Mario Hezonja to fill the gap. Despite the loss, Cleveland’s recent victory highlighted strong performances from James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, making the Heat game a key test of the team’s consistency without Mobley.
Kings’ patience with Doug Christie may come down to Darius Acuff Jr.
The Sacramento Kings, sitting 1‑10, may keep interim coach Doug Christie for the season to protect rookie Darius Acuff Jr.'s development. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the franchise fears Acuff could end up with three different head coaches in his debut year, so they prefer stability despite the losing streak. Acuff, the No. 7 overall pick, is averaging 26.2 points, 7.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds, leading the team offensively. Promoting assistant Mike Woodson isn’t seen as a viable fix, and the Kings will decide whether Christie’s tenure survives as the losses mount.
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