The upcoming pro-am basketball game known as the "Battle Across Borders" is set to showcase talent from Memphis and Birmingham on August 7 at 7 p.m., held at P7 Sports Academy in Cordova. The event, organized by Nick Tuggle and Orlando Coleman, aims to foster community involvement through competitive basketball, featuring top players from both cities. Notable participants include former Memphis Tigers Alex Lomax and Dedric Lawson, as well as Arkansas standout Jaylen Barford, who currently plays in Italy. The game will adhere to pro-am rules, promising an exciting atmosphere with plenty of action.

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their summer league run in Las Vegas with a disappointing 106-84 loss to the Denver Nuggets. With a 1-3 record, they failed to advance to the semifinals. Key players like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht were rested for the game, leaving the Lakers short-handed. Cole Swider started strong, scoring 17 points, but struggled in the latter stages of the game. R.J. Davis, an undrafted guard from UNC, also chipped in 17 points off the bench. Despite showing competitive spirit early on, the Lakers were ultimately outscored 30-15 in the final quarter, sealing their fate in the consolation match.

The Miami Heat concluded their NBA Summer League with a hard-fought 93-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, ending their stint in Las Vegas with a 2-3 record. Key contributions came from Vlad Goldin, who netted 18 points, including a decisive layup in the final seconds. This year's summer roster lacked some of last year's standout players, highlighting a shift in focus for the Heat.

Goldin's performance was bolstered by Myron Gardner, who added 16 points, and both Javonte Cooke and Erik Stevenson contributed 14 points each. With several players absent, including Keshad Johnson and Kasparas Jakucionis, the Heat showcased their depth and potential for the upcoming season.

The Phoenix Suns faced a pivotal moment before trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. While the Minnesota Timberwolves were eager to acquire the 15-time All-Star, Durant's preferences played a crucial role in the negotiations. He made clear that Minnesota was not among his desired destinations, leading to the collapse of potential discussions involving a deal centered around Rudy Gobert and others. The Suns ultimately opted for a deal with the Rockets, which revolved around younger players like Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, potentially due to the higher upside they offer compared to the immediate impact of Gobert.

With only one year left on his contract, Durant wielded significant leverage, effectively shaping the trade landscape in his favor. While the Timberwolves' offer included impactful players and assets, the Suns' decision to prioritize a younger, higher-upside package from Houston ultimately changed both teams' trajectories this offseason.

In an uneven performance, the Phoenix Suns succumbed to the Atlanta Hawks 98-80, marking their second game of the Summer League. Despite a solid showing from Oso Ighodaro, who led the team with 18 points, the Suns struggled with shooting, finishing at just 39.2% from the floor. Rasheer Fleming's continued absence due to knee soreness hampered the team's depth, with coach DeMarre Carroll hinting at a cautious approach for his potential return. The Suns will need to adjust quickly, facing the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

Carroll highlighted the need for more aggressive offensive sets, as the team tends to be predictable on the court. Koby Brea's ability to adjust against tight defenses was notable, but his defensive lapses need addressing. With a critical upcoming matchup against the Kings, the Suns will look to refine their game plan and utilize their assets more effectively.