On July 2, Beijing time, ESPN graded the Kessler trade between the Lakers and the Jazz. In this deal, the Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swap rights (2028, 2030) to the Jazz in exchange for Kessler, signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract. ESPN believes the Jazz made out like bandits while the Lakers took a huge loss.

For most of his tenure with the Lakers, Anthony Davis repeatedly urged the team to acquire a traditional center so he could return to his natural power forward position.

On July 2, Beijing time, the Denver Post reported that the Nuggets have proactively reached out to express their interest in signing James. Additionally, renowned reporter Stein indicated that after the Spurs reached a verbal agreement with Harris, they will essentially no longer pursue James. Shams previously broke the news that James will switch teams next season and no longer play for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Rockets insider Bradeaux shared some data, showing that last season when Smart was on the court, the Lakers had a net rating of +7.4, compared to -2.4 when he was off.

With LeBron James deciding to leave the Lakers, the purple and gold will now fully become Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves' team. How far they can lead the squad will be a major storyline of the new season. Since 2010, no team has made the playoffs the year after LeBron's departure. After James left the Lakers, former teammates Doncic, Svi Mykhailiuk, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes all posted photos with best wishes.

Gone, the Heat's best backcourt is no more. Newsbreaker Shams: Powell signs with the Bulls for two years, $45 million. Born on May 25, 1993, he stands 1.91m tall with a 2.10m wingspan, and was the 16th pick in the second round of the 2015 draft. Last summer, Powell was traded to the Heat, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he played the best season of his career in his new home. In the regular season last year, he averaged 29.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, ESPN sources revealed that free agent John Collins has reached a three-year, $51 million contract agreement with the Detroit Pistons. The new frontcourt addition will serve as a fresh alley-oop finisher alongside Cade Cunningham.

On July 1, Beijing time, renowned reporter Shams continued to cover James' decision to leave the Lakers on his show. When asked what factors drove James to keep playing but not stay with the Lakers, Shams gave the following response—the core issue is that James and the Lakers are completely unable to agree on a plan to compete for championships and maintain top-tier competitiveness.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, sources revealed that free-agent guard Marcus Smart has reached a two-year, $13 million contract agreement with the Houston Rockets, with a player option on the second year. The former Defensive Player of the Year will once again team up with Ime Udoka, securing significant playing time in the Rockets' backcourt.

On July 1st Beijing time, agent Rich Paul revealed LeBron James' thought process behind deciding to leave the Lakers during a show. Here's what happened—"Obviously, he has always been a max-level superstar, and the team used to free up max salary cap space to keep him... But this time was completely different. I told him: Listen, this is your 24th year in the league, you don't owe anyone anything.