"Can't Judge This Team Until Vanderbilt and Wood Are Back"

Cowley : A source also said that there was early-season talk about LaVine and the Lakers, but the puzzle didn’t have the right pieces at the time. With Los Angeles moving the D’Angelo Russell contract a few weeks ago for Dorian Finney-Smith, the puzzle was all but thrown in the garbage.

Cardio Man is Back 😤

[Chiang and Jackson] Heat wants to acquire a quality player (or players) who can help the team this season...According to a source close to the situation, Butler will be expected to rejoin the Heat and play in games if he’s still on the roster at the end of his team-issued seven-game suspension.

[Mannix] Reported on the pod today that execs involved say Butler’s been making it pretty obvious that he has one desired destination: Phoenix.

Pincus: According to multiple competing executives, Vincent has marginal to no trade value, and Vanderbilt (out after foot surgery) has negative value. The Lakers don't want to trade Hachimura or Dalton Knecht, so league sources expect their primary trade bait to be first-round picks (2029-2031).

Amick: The San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers top the list of teams that are most often discussed as possible Fox landing spots, with others sure to make a run at him if (when?) he’s truly on the market.

[NBA] TOP 100 PLAYS of last 25 YEARS At No. 1... If Chris Bosh didn't grab this board, And didn't find Ray Allen, Who didn't practice every shot Tirelessly for his entire career, And in turn didn't make this one, How different would NBA history be? We'll never know!

Lane: "I've been told that the Lakers, this could be the setup, the big move for them. I don't mean big like getting a star, but the move that would put them over the top."

[Charania] I'm told the Lakers will remain open on potential deals, looking for players that fit not only in this current iteration of the Lakers roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis but also for the next 3-4 years under JJ Redick.

Shams Charania: "I'm told the Lakers will remain open on potential deals, looking for players that fit not only in this current iteration of the Lakers roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis but also for the next 3-4 years under JJ Redick."

Buha: "I've heard the Lakers have been patient with the trade approach relatively and it's been more of them waiting toward that February 6 date"

Bronny Highlights via @LSH_lakeshow on X: Athletic PG That Can Pass, Rebound, and Defend. Shooting Will Be the Key Swing Skill.

Starting 5

[Cunningham] This moment between Kings head coach Mike Brown and De'Aaron Fox at today's practice will certainly be dissected and analyzed.

From 'Optimism' About Vando Being Ready for Opening Night to Silence: Neither the Team Nor the Media Are Addressing His Status Anymore

NBA.com’s updated MVP Ladder: 1. Nikola Jokic 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

AD is fine 🙏

NBA on ESPN - Luka Doncic went back to the locker room after an apparent injury on this play.

Cowley on Zach LaVine: There have been whispers about the Lakers for over a year now, but a source said that the pieces that would have to be swapped don’t fit, and Los Angeles remains steadfast that Austin Reaves isn’t going to be included.

[Jackson] A source said that Butler was caught off guard when Heat president Pat Riley, during a May news conference, scolded him..Butler recently skipped the Heat’s annual Christmas party at Riley’s home, but a source cautioned not to read anything into that

Buha: "I think the Lakers are more open to the possibility of keeping Gabe."

Imagine being a first-time coach having to decide between Rui at the 5 or a G-Leaguer. Pelinka keeps setting up coaches for failure: Vogel, Ham, and now JJ

Three straight seasons of watching Rui at the 5, bleeding paint points simply because this incompetent bum GM can't sign or trade for a reliable backup big. Just one more game to reach 30 games, though, guys 👀

[Nehm] Antetokounmpo said. “You want me to? Two of the NBA All-Star starters, Dame (Lillard) and Giannis, and the All-Star MVP, right? And the No. 1 vote-getter — not in the East, in the whole NBA — is not in the Christmas game? What? No, it’s a fact.