On July 16, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha revealed on his latest podcast that insiders acknowledge the team is currently entering a strategic hibernation phase. Buha mentioned asking several insiders, who confirmed this outlook. Objectively, the Lakers do not expect to return to title contention within the next two to three years.

On July 16, Beijing time, the 2026 WNBA All-Star draft concluded today, with Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon praising her team's competitive edge. She and fellow Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper were invited to serve as general managers, each building their own All-Star rosters. Cooper, a two-time WNBA regular-season MVP, delivered a brief jab at her opponent.

On July 16, Beijing time, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame formally released the list of presenters. The induction ceremony for the 2026 class will be held on August 16, Beijing time, at the Springfield Symphony Hall in Massachusetts, known as the "birthplace of basketball." It is expected that more than 50 Hall of Fame members will attend the event.

On July 16, Beijing time, the ESPY awards ceremony has always been full of excitement, as you never know who will take home the honors. Before the main event, the organizing committee presents some awards in advance, and the Best NBA Player award is one of them. This year's nominees included Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Jalen Brunson. In the end, Brunson overcame three formidable opponents to claim the prize.

On July 16, Beijing time, after being waived by the Denver Nuggets, 34-year-old center Jonas Valančiūnas officially inked a two-year contract with Lithuanian club Žalgiris. Valančiūnas's total earnings with Žalgiris over two years will be approximately €5 million (equivalent to $5.5 million), with the contract running through the 2027-28 season. Žalgiris has officially announced Valančiūnas's signing.

New York Post reporter Stefan Bondy revealed: Westbrook would only consider signing with the Heat if LeBron James joins another team... At 37, Westbrook is still that genuine.

Official announcement~ Kennard has officially joined the Suns. According to previous reports, he signed a two-year, $13 million deal (with a player option for the second year). He will wear the No. 8 jersey next season, after wearing No. 10 with the Lakers last season. This guy was traded from the Hawks to the Lakers midway through last season, appearing in 32 regular-season games for the Purple and Gold, starting 6 times, averaging 23 minutes, 9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while knocking down 1.

At 36, Thompson's performance has notably declined. He was put on the trade block early by the Mavericks, who have no intention of buying him out and only want to trade him. His stats for the 25-26 season: 69 games played, 8 starts, averaging 21.7 minutes, 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, hitting 2.9 three-pointers per game at 38.3% shooting. He is in the final year of his contract with a salary of $17.46 million.

On July 1st, James announced his departure from the Lakers. It has now been half a month, and every morning when we wake up and check our phones, the first thing on our minds is likely whether James has decided on his next team.

You can't help but believe there's a karmic balance in the draft. The Bulls' two first-round picks this year: the fourth overall pick, Wilson, has surprised everyone with his shooting ability, making him the biggest surprise among the first-rounders. The other, the 15th pick, Dairyn Swain, has disappointed many. In three Summer League games, Swain shot 10-of-3 in the first game (3-of-0 from three, 1-of-1 from the free throw line), finishing with 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.