NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 17, 2025
LiAngelo Ball's "Tweaker" Goes Platinum — Quits Basketball
LiAngelo Ball vaulted into platinum status less than a year after walking away from basketball: the RIAA certified his January single "Tweaker" for one million digital units, and the track hit No. 1 on the US Rhythmic chart. Def Jam signed him, he landed a Lil Wayne remix, and his debut album League of My Own arrived in July — he then confirmed he's retired from basketball to chase music full time. Merlin sees the pattern: a famous name opened a door, but the Def Jam deal, chart success and a heavyweight feature turn a viral moment into a real shot at staying power. If he follows up with consistent songs and leans into the locker-room anthem niche, the music path could hold; if not, the spotlight may fade as quickly as it rose. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LiAngelo returns to professional basketball within two years: 10%.
LeBron James Rehabbing Sciatica as Lakers Lean on Doncic
LeBron James hasn’t played yet this season due to sciatica but is inching back — even getting G‑League assignments for five‑on‑five work. He warned, "If you had it, then you know what the hell it's about," and admitted his "lungs feel like a newborn baby" as he rebuilds conditioning. His return matters: the Lakers (10‑4) are reshaping around Luka Dončić, and adding LeBron will change rotations, matchup problems, and title expectations. Merlin senses a careful chess match ahead. At nearly 41 LeBron insists, "Don't matter … position is basketball," showing readiness to adapt; his playmaking still forces defenses to choose between him and Dončić. Health and a contract year inject uncertainty, but a healthy LeBron still tilts the balance for Los Angeles. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays at least 50 regular‑season games this year: 55%.
Nov 17
LeBron Back — Lakers Need Shooters for Luka
LeBron James is on the verge of returning — ESPN’s Shams Charania reports he "will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday" — and that arrival instantly upgrades Los Angeles’ ceiling. It matters because James joining Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves creates an elite core, but the roster still struggles with outside shooting (29th in made threes) and middling defense, so the team needs complementary shooters and stoppers to match that top-level play. Merlin sees the front office stirring its cauldron: L.A. has tradable picks, swaps and expirings to chase role players, and the club should be emboldened to trade if it truly believes "there's only one ball" can be shared effectively. LeBron helps, but he is not a miracle worker — the next moves will tell the tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers make at least one meaningful trade to add shooting/defense before midseason: 75%.
Nov 17
Paul George Returns: Sixers' Lifeline vs. Clippers
Merlin sees Paul George is "expected to make his season debut" tonight against his former team after missing the first 12 games following arthroscopic left-knee surgery. Philadelphia is 7-5 but thin — Joel Embiid has played only six games, key role players are dinged, and Tyrese Maxey is logging ungodly minutes — so George's return matters as a creator, wing defender and pressure valve for Maxey. Merlin notes George's first year in Philly was muted by injuries, and at 35 he may not regain All-NBA peaks. Still, his ability to score off the dribble, hit catch-and-shoot shots and handle secondary playmaking could quickly steady this fragile roster. If he stays healthy and Embiid returns steadier, the Sixers move from wounded to dangerous. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Philadelphia making the playoffs this season: 65%.
Nov 17
Dillon Brooks Blasts NBA Refs, Suns Lose
Dillon Brooks unloaded on NBA officiating after Phoenix’s 124-122 loss to Atlanta, saying refs are “making calls out of emotion” and that the Suns were “playing seven against five.” Brooks drew a technical for arguing a stoppage after Zaccharie Risacher’s scary fall and had earlier earned a flagrant 1 on Jalen Johnson, yet still finished with 34 points, six rebounds and three steals. The defeat halted Phoenix’s five-game win streak, and Brooks’ blunt critique could invite a league fine. Merlin sees the moment for what it is: heat that can warm a locker room or burn it down. Brooks’ intensity fuels Phoenix but also paints a target for discipline and media storms. Expect the league to address the comments quietly and for opponents to watch how emotional edges shift in coming games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brooks gets fined this week: 70%.
Nov 17
Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Bulls, Embrace Tank
Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward a hard reset. With Nico Harrison gone, Kyrie out for months and a brutal start to 2025-26, the plan proposes moving Anthony Davis in a three-team swap with Chicago and Brooklyn to shed salary, create trade exceptions, and chase a top-2026 lottery pick. The deal times to Dec. 15 when Tre Jones becomes trade-eligible and would net Dallas pieces like Collins and Huerter plus flexibility to target prospects such as Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa. Merlin smells both opportunity and peril. Offloading Davis’ $58.5M opens payroll breathing room and boosts lottery odds, while Jones’ team-friendly contract and expiring deals give maneuverability. But Davis’ health, the complexity of three-way paperwork and short-term fan fallout are real. If Dallas truly commits to a gap year, it could transform from grudging hopeful to genuine contender by 2026-27 — assuming the draft brings treasure instead of fool’s gold. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas trades Anthony Davis this season: 25%.
Nov 17
Pistons' Cade Cunningham Lands Nike Signature Shoe
Cade Cunningham signed a six-year extension with Nike that includes a signature shoe slated for the 2026–27 season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move matters because it formalizes Cunningham’s rise — he was an All-Star in 2024–25 and is averaging 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 9.9 assists as the Pistons sit 11–2 and atop the East. Joining Nike’s small signature roster (Durant, LeBron, Ja, Giannis, Booker) marks him as a true face of the league. Merlin sees this as more than a business deal; it’s a milestone that signals market and cultural relevance. The report even notes he’s “on track for another All‑NBA nod.” If Detroit sustains this form, the shoe could debut at peak demand; if they stumble, the timing will feel more aspirational than coronation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cade Cunningham makes All‑NBA this season: 60%.
Nov 17
Cooper Flagg's Overtime Heroics Lift Mavericks Past Blazers
Merlin sees Dallas break a three-game slide with a 138-133 overtime win over Portland, a night powered by Cooper Flagg’s 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists as he came alive in the second half and OT. P.J. Washington (21) and Klay Thompson (19, 5-of-11 from deep) helped carry the load while Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe (36), Deni Avdija (29) and Jerami Grant (26) kept it tight; the win moves Dallas to 4-10 while Portland falls to 6-7. Merlin notes the narrative: Flagg is still “finding his footing” — he missed a potential game-winner late but dominated overtime, a classic young-wizard moment of promise and imperfection. This game could be a turning point for confidence, though consistency against tougher foes (Minnesota next) will reveal whether it’s a spark or a flicker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg becoming a regular starter this season: 30%.
Nov 17
Bob Myers Won't Be Dallas Mavericks' Next GM
The Mavericks have opened a front-office vacancy after firing GM Nico Harrison, and while former Warriors executive Bob Myers is the most decorated name floating around, Marc Stein reports plainly that "Myers is not a candidate for the front office opening in Dallas" and "is not even available to serve as a consultant" after taking a role with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. That matters because Myers' résumé — 12 seasons in Golden State, four titles and two Executive of the Year awards — would have been an immediate game-changer for Dallas. Merlin sees a boardroom at a crossroads: the new GM must decide whether to push for a title now around Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving or to pivot to a Flagg-led rebuild. Stein notes Myers is "close with new Mavericks CEO Rick Welts," so his counsel may still ripple through decisions, even if he won’t take the job. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bob Myers becoming the Mavericks’ next GM: 5%.
Nov 17
Pelicans Eye Darvin Ham After Firing Willie Green
The Pelicans have opened a coaching search after firing Willie Green following a 2-10 start, and Marc Stein says Darvin Ham "is a name to watch." Ham, a 52-year-old Bucks assistant and former Lakers head coach, reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023 but was fired after a first-round exit in 2024. Interim coach James Borrego and former UConn boss Kevin Ollie are also in the mix, so New Orleans is weighing experience versus a fresh reset for a team that went 21-61 a year ago. Merlin sees a balancing act: Ham brings recent head-coaching mileage and a reboot from working under Doc Rivers, but his Lakers tenure was uneven. Borrego offers continuity; Ollie brings a different pedigree. The Pelicans will pick whoever best meshes with their young core and long-term plan. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Darvin Ham becomes New Orleans’ next head coach: 30%.
Nov 16
Anthony Davis Calf Strain: Mavs' Latest Setback
Anthony Davis will miss at least seven-to-10 more days while rehabbing a "low grade left calf strain," the Mavericks announced. Davis, out since Oct. 29, had averaged 25 points and 11.8 rebounds through four games but also battled conditioning issues after offseason eye surgery. His absence, with Kyrie Irving still rehabbing an ACL, has forced rookie Cooper Flagg into heavy minutes amid a 3–8 start. Merlin sees a delicate stretch ahead: rushing Davis back risks relapse, and Jason Kidd’s "day-to-day" framing buys time but not answers. Dallas needs Davis’ defense, rebounding and scoring to steady rotations and relieve Flagg; a cautious, measured return gives the best chance to flip the season, while impatience could deepen the damage. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Davis will miss more than three weeks: 55%.
Nov 16
LeBron James Back with Lakers; Season Debut Nears
LeBron James is inching back toward game action: the Lakers reassigned him from the G League’s South Bay and he’ll be a full participant in LA’s practice Monday. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, "James completed multiple days of practices and 5-on-5 sessions this week and his debut is nearing." He’s missed the start of the season with right-side sciatica, and Los Angeles has posted a 10-4 start without him. Merlin sees a careful, measured comeback. After an "intense" G League workout, the four-time MVP — entering his 23rd season and still fresh off All-NBA form — looks capable of returning, but the sciatica is the true wild card. Expect managed minutes and a slow reintegration so the Lakers gain his impact without risking a setback. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron makes his season debut within two weeks: 70%.
Nov 16
Sell High: Charlotte Hornets Should Trade LaMelo Ball
The Hornets sit at 4-9 and, despite a promising young core, look far from a playoff team — fueling talk that Charlotte should at least explore trading star LaMelo Ball. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted, "If you're asking me if Trae, Ja and LaMelo all came onto the trade market tomorrow, I think LaMelo would have the best market. But that's all hypothetical right now." Ball is averaging 22.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 9.9 assists but has a spotty health history and carries a $40M‑plus average contract, making now a possible moment to convert value into future assets. Merlin sees the dilemma clearly: keep a fragile franchise cornerstone or harvest draft capital to build around unexpected standouts like Kon Kneuppel (17.2 PPG). Trading LaMelo would reshape the Hornets’ timeline — a risky surrender of star power, but a clear path to a real rebuild if they act while his production still draws suitors. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded this season: 25%.
Nov 16
Lakers' Reaves Thrilled as Bronny Starts, LeBron in G League
Merlin sees a playful moment turn into a tidy win: Austin Reaves laughed that “How about Bronny James starting in the NBA, and LeBron's assigned to the G League? That's fun. That's awesome,” after Bronny got the start in Saturday’s 119–95 victory over Milwaukee. Bronny played 10 minutes (0-for-2, one assist, one rebound, one steal) while Dončić (41), Reaves (25) and Deandre Ayton (20/10) carried the game. Meanwhile LeBron is rehabbing sciatica with the South Bay Lakers but has rejoined five-on-five and “could potentially make his season debut” as soon as next Tuesday vs. Utah. Merlin notes the moment is symbolic: the Lakers are balancing development, health and star power. Bronny’s starts are learning reps, Reaves’ chemistry matters, and LeBron’s return would reshape rotations. Health and timing, not headlines, will decide how far this team goes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays next Tuesday vs. Utah: 70%.
Nov 16
Dončić Dominates: Lakers Rout Bucks 119-95
Luka Dončić poured in a game-high 41 points with nine rebounds and six assists to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Dončić became “the first player in NBA history to record at least 344 points, 89 assists and 36 three-pointers in the first 10 games of a season.” Austin Reaves (25) and Deandre Ayton’s 20‑10 double‑double helped L.A. win comfortably despite missing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent; Giannis finished with 32 and 10 but was Milwaukee’s lone big scorer. Merlin senses more than a single dazzling night—this game showed the Lakers can hum when role players step up and Dončić is in orbit, shooting efficiently as a team (49.4/39.4/91.0). The result raises questions for the Bucks about offensive balance and suggests Los Angeles could be peaking at the right time if health holds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing top 3 in the West this season: 55%.
Nov 16
Timberwolves Return Prince-Inspired “Purple Rain” Jerseys
The Minnesota Timberwolves brought back their Prince-inspired purple City Edition uniforms Saturday, debuting matching "Purple Rain" center-court decals at Target Center. Created with Prince’s estate and Nike, the paisley-accented jerseys feature MLPS on the left leg and nod to the "Minneapolis Sound." Sounds of Blackness performed "Purple Rain" at halftime. The team will wear the purple set six more times this season, next on Dec. 19 against Oklahoma City. Merlin sees this as ritual as much as style: tying the franchise to Prince deepens the city’s identity, turns home games into cultural events and creates collectible moments for fans. Expect louder crowds, stronger merchandise pull and more themed nights — the court decal makes the homage feel built to last, not just an alternate uniform. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the purple jersey nights sell out: 70%.
Nov 15
Pelicans Weigh Borrego, Kevin Ollie for Head Coach
Merlin sees New Orleans move on from Willie Green after a 2–10 start and has begun weighing interim coach James Borrego and former UConn boss Kevin Ollie — Begley reports Borrego "will get consideration" and Ollie "will also be among those who get consideration." The decision matters: the Pelicans surrendered an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to move up for Derik Queen, so stabilizing the roster and salvaging the season carries real cost. Borrego brings the steadier NBA résumé (interim Orlando, four years in Charlotte; .458 winning rate vs. Green’s .441). Ollie brings a 2014 national title, NBA playing chops and recent Nets interim experience but carries collegiate compliance baggage. Merlin senses New Orleans leans to continuity now, though a dramatic cultural reset remains an open door. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds James Borrego gets the full-time job: 60%.
Nov 15
Rookies' "Welcome to the NBA" vs LeBron, KD, Luka
Bleacher Report gathered 13 players’ “welcome to the NBA” moments — the instant each felt they truly belonged or were humiliated by the league’s best. Tales range from getting posterized (“he dunked right on my head”), to guarding LeBron or Kevin Durant, to dropping 37 points in a breakout night. These snapshots matter because they show how facing superstar talent either humbles rookies or fuels their rise. Merlin sees these memories as rites of passage: a mix of pain and proof that for every lesson taken, confidence can follow. The anecdotes reveal the league’s swift schooling — one play can make a player fold or forge ahead — and hint which youngsters might temper talent with toughness. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least one of these 13 players has a true breakout season next year: 65%.
Nov 15
Dirk Nowitzki: Mavericks Should've Fired Nico Harrison Sooner
Merlin sees Dallas clean house, firing GM Nico Harrison after the Luka Dončić trade and a 3-9 start. Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki said the move “should have” happened over the summer, didn’t want “negative energy” hanging over the Cooper Flagg era and declared it “time to move on now.” The roster is rattled: Dallas ranks last in points and offensive efficiency while Dončić is thriving in L.A. (34.9/9.1/8.9). Merlin whispers that this is a culture reset more than a quick fix. With Kyrie rehabbing a torn ACL and Anthony Davis mostly sidelined, the Mavs must lean on rookie Flagg (15.1/6.8/3.3) and smart roster moves. Nowitzki’s voice matters — it can steady the room — but wins will demand roster repairs and patience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 15
Wembanyama Shrugs Off Draymond; Warriors Win
Merlin sees the Spurs lose 109-108 to the Warriors, but the headline is Victor Wembanyama refusing to take Draymond Green’s bait on a fourth‑quarter inbounds play. Green muscled him for position, Wemby spun, caught the lob and had the dunk nullified by a foul — “you have to respond a certain way,” he said — and finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Merlin notes this is classic Green chess: get under a player’s skin to tilt the game; even Green admitted, “I respect the way he responded.” Wembanyama’s calm was a small prophecy of growth. These meetings (Feb. 11 and April 1 at Chase Center) will show if San Antonio can translate composure into consistent wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Spurs split the remaining two regular-season games vs. Golden State: 65%.
Nov 15
Pelicans Should Trade Zion Williamson Now
The Pelicans are sinking at 2-10 and questions are growing about whether Zion Williamson should be moved. An NBA exec told Brian Windhorst, "To be honest, their move might be a win-now trade, not a Zion trade. His trade value isn't there and they are facing some pressure to win." Zion is 109-110 when playing, 0-5 in starts this year, averaging 22.8/6.8/4.6 across five games while battling hamstring trouble and lingering conditioning and shooting concerns. Merlin sees a team at a crossroads: keep banking on Zion’s rare physical gifts or sell now while his star power still tempts contenders. Waiting for his value to rise looks risky; the wiser path may be a rebuild centered on younger pieces like Derik Queen and Trey Murphy II before the market cools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of New Orleans trading Zion this season: 35%.
Nov 15
Pelicans fire Willie Green after 2-10 start; Borrego interim
Willie Green was fired after a disastrous 2-10 start and James Borrego will serve as interim head coach. The move matters because the Pelicans aren’t just losing — they’re injured and unmoored: Zion’s health, a last-place Western Conference net rating, four losses by 23+ and what Michael Scotto called the “sixth-worst point differential in NBA history.” Green finishes 150-190 with two playoff trips but never steadied this roster. Merlin sees blame scattered across coach, front office and fate. Borrego returns to a job with thin margin for error; he’ll need immediate defensive fixes, healthier stars and smarter roster moves to change the tide. New Orleans’ problems are systemic, and a coaching switch alone won’t be enough without shoring up talent and health. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans making the playoffs this season: 8%.
Nov 15
Curry's 49 Lifts Warriors Past Wembanyama, Spurs
Stephen Curry roasted the Spurs for 49 points as the Warriors snapped a game in West Group C, but the bigger story is balance: all five teams in that group are now 1-1, turning point differential into the tiebreaker. Golden State’s win matters because, despite the burst from Curry, they sit last in the group after a 25-point loss to Denver — so every margin matters from here on. Merlin sees a brewing gauntlet where single performances become destiny. Curry’s night keeps Golden State very much alive, yet consistent wins and smart score management will decide who emerges. San Antonio can still climb, but needs two road miracles. Elsewhere the West splits into clearer races and the East shows more separation — the next few group games will quickly reveal which teams can control margins and minds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State winning West Group C: 25%.
Nov 15
Warriors' Stephen Curry Spotted in Nike After Under Armour Split
Stephen Curry warmed up in "Mambacita" Kobe 6s after parting ways with Under Armour, ending a 12-year run that launched Curry Brand. Under Armour will still release the Curry 13 as the final UA Curry shoe in February 2026, and Curry will gain full ownership of the Splash logo. The split appears amicable: "This move lets two strong teams do what they do best," UA CEO Kevin Plank said. Merlin senses this is a tidy divorce, not drama. Curry received 8.8 million UA shares (about $75M) and the presidency of Curry Brand, giving him real leverage to steer his own business. With four championships, two MVPs, 11 All-NBA nods and 27.1 points this season, he can choose reunion with Nike, a full independent rollout, or a new partner — all are on the table. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry re-signing with Nike within 12 months: 40%.
Nov 15
Kings' Westbrook Joins LeBron in 25K-10K Club
Russell Westbrook just joined LeBron James as one of only two players with "25,000 points and 10,000 assists," a milestone he reached early Friday when a Domantas Sabonis pick-and-roll produced his fifth assist of the night. That mark also makes him one of eight players ever with 10,000+ assists, joining names like Magic, Stockton and Chris Paul. The moment matters because it locks Westbrook’s legacy as a rare blend of scorer and passer across an 18-season, trophy-rich career. Merlin sees a career that has been stormy and spectacular. Westbrook’s nine All-NBA selections, MVP and four triple-double seasons guarantee a place in the history books; what remains is how this chapter in Sacramento reshapes his late-career story — leader, spark, or veteran teacher. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Russell Westbrook being elected to the Hall of Fame: 99%.
Nov 15