DeAndre Ayton's signing with the Los Angeles Lakers represents a significant shift in the team's frontcourt dynamics. With Jaxson Hayes also returning, the Lakers are poised to enhance their low-post production significantly. The franchise is exploring additional center options following Kevon Looney's departure to the New Orleans Pelicans, with names like Nick Richards, Robert Williams III, and Yves Missi reportedly on their radar.

While Horford has been linked to the Lakers as well, his association with the Warriors suggests he may not be headed to Los Angeles. The Lakers, with LeBron James still a key player, could shape up to have a formidable frontcourt with Ayton leading the way. Horford's experience from last season with the Celtics could benefit the Lakers, but the reality remains that the Warriors are likely the frontrunners in that pursuit.

Ben McLemore, a former NBA player, has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault, including first-degree rape. The jury's decision came after a lengthy trial that lasted 11 days, where they deliberated for about 10 hours. McLemore, who played for various teams including the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers, is scheduled for sentencing on July 9. The charges stemmed from an incident in October 2021 at a house party in Oregon, hosted by his teammate Robert Covington.

The victim reported being incapacitated due to excessive drinking and unable to consent to the sexual encounter. The findings have significant implications, not just for McLemore’s personal and professional life, but also for the NBA community as it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding player conduct and accountability.

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to finalize their roster in preparation for the upcoming season. With the recent addition of Deandre Ayton, the team is considering signing former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon to further enhance their lineup. Brogdon's experience and versatility could be a significant boost for a team that aims to compete for the championship.

Having filled 14 of their 15 roster spots, the Lakers are weighing their options between signing their second-round pick, Adou Theiro, or making a win-now move with Brogdon, who averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists last season. His ability to create plays and shoot effectively from beyond the arc aligns with the Lakers’ needs as they seek to rebound from a disappointing previous season.

Deandre Ayton, now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $16.6 million deal, brings notable offensive skills, averaging 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over his career. His rim-running capabilities could enhance the Lakers' offense significantly alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. However, Ayton's defensive performance has raised eyebrows, with a career average of just 1.0 blocks per game, prompting concerns about his commitment on that end of the floor.

Despite past criticisms, recent metrics from his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers present a more encouraging picture. He was the only player last season to receive at least an A-minus grade in perimeter isolation defense, help defense talent, and rim protection, indicating potential for improvement. His success will likely hinge on the influence of Lakers' coach JJ Redick and the motivation from playing with demanding superstars. If he raises his defensive intensity, Ayton could be pivotal in the Lakers' quest for an NBA championship.

Keeshawn Barthelemy, a former Oregon Ducks guard, has signed with the Portland Trail Blazers to participate in the NBA Summer League after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. The combo guard from Ontario, Canada, previously played two seasons at Colorado before transferring to Oregon, where he showed his prowess as a reliable shot-maker, averaging 10.0 points and shooting 41.4% from three-point range in his fifth year.

At the Summer League, Barthelemy will compete for minutes against notable players like James Bouknight and Caleb Love, while also teaming up with Portland’s 2025 first-round pick, center Yang Hansen. The Trail Blazers' schedule includes five games, starting with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors.