Today, the Lakers have begun training to prepare for the first game of the series against the Rockets. Reaves also returned to the court, but he wore slippers and engaged in simple shooting drills. The team's first playoff preparation training concluded with Reaves hitting a corner three-pointer. Today, the Lakers reached what they call full roster status—meaning Reaves and Doncic are still absent. Redick reiterated that this situation will persist for some time.

Under the premise that missing the next shot would end the season, the Hornets twice escaped from peril, contributing one of the most thrilling games in play-in tournament history. In the Hornets vs. Heat play-in game, the "83-point player" only played 12 minutes before exiting due to injury, specifically because of a malicious ankle-pull by "Three-Ball." However, the Heat did not collapse after his departure; instead, they ignited stronger fighting spirit, perfectly aligning with the team's intrinsic culture.

On April 15 Beijing time, Hornets reporter Rod Boone interviewed referee crew chief Zach Zarba after the Heat vs. Hornets game, inquiring about a controversial play during the match. This incident occurred in the second quarter when LaMelo Ball ("Three Ball") pulled Adebayo's ankle, causing Adebayo to suffer a back injury and leave the court. The referees made no call at that moment and did not review the play.

On April 15 Beijing time, as the Chicago Bulls' 2025-26 season concluded, the next chapter for Bulls two-way contract player Mac McClung was officially revealed. This three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion will team up with NBA Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal, becoming the first signed player for the inaugural season of O'Neal's newly founded DUNKMAN league.

On April 15 Beijing time, according to Blazers reporter Bill Oram, the group owned by Blazers owner Dundon purchased the team for $4.25 billion, but intends to offer the head coach a contract around $1 million per year—approximately only one-fourth of the market rate.

On April 15 Beijing time, the well-known basketball analyst nicknamed "American Yang Yi," Stephen A. Smith, discussed the first-round Lakers vs. Suns matchup in his latest program and specifically highlighted Kevin Durant. "The core point I want to make is: regarding pressure, who wins or loses, and who gains or loses more, this person is Kevin Durant, without a doubt. I believe Durant is a top-ten player in NBA history.

On April 15 Beijing time, according to documents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Nike's application to register the "B9" trademark for Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James was rejected due to potential confusion with existing registered trademarks.

On April 15 Beijing time, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Redick, after leading the team's first playoff preparation practice, stated that he currently has no further updates regarding the return timelines for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves from their respective injuries. "Their return dates are uncertain," Redick said. "I won't have any updates this week. Their return dates are uncertain."

Guangdong team officially announced: Du Feng suddenly felt physically unwell and could not persist in leading the team in the game. A well-known domestic basketball platform: Jiao Boqiao has returned to the Guangdong team and will resume training soon. Combining these two pieces of news, it's quite interesting...... At the end of March this year, Jiao Boqiao left the team citing personal matters, and outsiders speculated that he couldn't withstand Du Feng's coaching pressure and developed mental health issues.

On April 14 Beijing time, the 2026 NBA playoffs will commence on Wednesday. On the first day of the play-in tournament, the Charlotte Hornets will host the Miami Heat, and the Phoenix Suns will face the Portland Trail Blazers at home. Which Eastern Conference team can move closer to the No. 8 seed, and which Western Conference contender will secure a matchup against the No. 2 seed, the San Antonio Spurs?