I’m wondering how LeBron’s & Reaves’ $80 million in cap holds factor into all this?

I want the Colonizer lineup..
Luka
Reaves
Jake
Maxi
Timme
Then I’ll enjoy a bologna & mayo sandwich on wonder bread.
Relax…it’s just jokes…lol

Lakers name Lon Rosen president of business operations. pic.twitter.com/u4UHXkSAZ9— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 19, 2026

FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:

Are the Clippers about to get sunk?

A true story from Sunday afternoon inside the $2 billion house that Steve Ballmer built (Intuit Dome): I’m using one of the many urinals that the LA Clippers owner is so proud of — there are more than 1,400 toilets in all, if you hadn’t heard — when his booming voice comes through the speakers with a mildly uncomfortable message for those of us in the men’s room.

“We love No. 2!” Ballmer bellowed as he addressed the All-Star game crowd before tipoff.

Get your mind out of the gutter: He was talking about Kawhi Leonard.

Yet with everything that has transpired in Clippers land these past five months, from the early September Pablo Torre podcast that detailed salary cap circumvention allegations surrounding Leonard to the league launching its investigation a few days later until now, the kumbaya vibe between this owner and this star player was quite a sight to see. Especially considering what might come next.

In the weeks leading up to Ballmer’s big bash, there was a significant upswing in league-wide speculation that the NBA’s hammer is likely to fall on the Clippers. This was a noticeable shift from earlier in the season, when so many seemed to believe that the Leonard/Aspiration scandal might come and go without any substantive punishment being handed down.

There’s still no official resolution on this front; NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated on Saturday that the results weren’t yet in from the investigation.

“I haven’t come to any decisions whatsoever yet on the Clippers’ matter,” he told reporters during his media availability. “As you know, the league office is not directly running the investigation. That’s being overseen by a law firm, Wachtell, in New York. From everything I’ve been told, the Clippers have been fully cooperative. But as I said, I’m not involved day-to-day in the investigation.

”I think, as I’ve said before, it’s enormously complex. You have a company in bankruptcy (Aspiration, which gave Leonard a no-show endorsement deal that was allegedly facilitated by the Clippers). You have thousands of documents, multiple witnesses that have been needed to be interviewed. I will say, just in case anyone is wondering, the fact that All-Star is here this weekend has had no impact on the timeline of the investigation. Our charge to the Wachtell law firm is (to) do the work and then come back and make recommendations to the league office, and that’s where things now stand.”

For the past two decades, when the NBA has needed a sensitive issue investigated, it’s repeatedly called on the same law firm.

That last part about the timing of it all is worth unpacking, as there has been chatter among rival teams for months now that the league was delaying its announcement for the sake of salvaging All-Star Weekend. Yet until the ruling comes, the Clippers’ every move will continue to be analyzed by league folks and fans alike.

Did they give president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank a lucrative and lengthy extension months ago as a preemptive battening of the hatches? Was the Ivica Zubac deal with the Indiana Pacers perhaps motivated by the desire to secure first-round draft picks in case the Clippers have to forfeit draft picks? Did James Harden want to get out of Dodge, err, Inglewood (and off to the Cleveland Cavaliers) in part because of the chaos that might be coming around the bend? This is the sort of stuff that has been bandied about for some time now, and which will be interesting to revisit when clarity finally comes.

As for the actual basketball, the Clippers have done a remarkable job turning things around despite all the distractions (I didn’t even mention the unflattering Chris Paul exile). Since Dec. 20 — when they were an embarrassing 6-21 — they’ve won 20 of 27 games while posting a net rating of 5.6 that is seventh in the league. It remains unclear when newcomer Darius Garland (who came to the Clippers from Cleveland) will make his debut, as he’s continuing to recover from the left toe injury that required surgery in the offseason (he hasn’t played since Jan. 14). Our Law Murray reported on Wednesday that Garland isn’t expected to play until March.

I don’t think the penalties will be as harsh as most fans are imagining.

FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:

Where will LeBron James be next season?
Last week, after he became the oldest player to record a triple-double, 41-year-old James discussed one major factor that could determine how long the NBA’s leading career scorer stays in the league.

“My game is not going anywhere. It’s just my body,” James told reporters after the Lakers’ win over the Dallas Mavericks before the All-Star break. “[But] how long can I stay in love with the process?

“Because that’s always been my thing. If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then if [my mental commitment] goes, then my body’s going to go. And once my body goes, then it’s a wrap.”

Remarkably, James, who has averaged at least 33 minutes and 20 points in every season of his career, is on pace to add a 23rd consecutive year to the list.

James’ options for a 24th season? This offseason, the pending free agent can:

Return to the Lakers

Sign with a contender

Retire

Re-signing with Los Angeles would come with a significant pay cut from his current $52.6 million. But, few contenders are projected to have cap space this summer. For example, it’s likely that the Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Knicks could offer LeBron only the veteran’s minimum exception.

How will the Lakers continue building around Luka Doncic?
Since trading for Doncic in February 2025, the Lakers have been operating under two timelines: LeBron’s and Luka’s.

“Having optionality now is really a positive thing for us this coming offseason,” president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said after this season’s Feb. 5 trade deadline.

This offseason, the franchise’s top priority is re-signing Austin Reaves, who will likely decline his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27 to pursue a long-term extension.

Before injuring his left calf on Christmas, Reaves was averaging a career-high 26.6 points and shooting better than 50% from the field. (In five games since returning, Reaves has averaged 20.0 points on just 25.4 minutes.) “I’ve said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it,” Reaves told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in November.

“Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn’t mean that I’m trying to go get a f—ing gigantic number that doesn’t make sense. I want to be here; I want to win.”

The Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets are among the teams with enough spending power to sign Reaves to a lucrative contract. But as the Bucks showed when they waived and stretched Lillard’s contract last season, teams without cap space have methods to manufacture cap space.

Because of Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, the Lakers could have up to $50 million in cap space this summer, the most of any team. To create that room, however, Los Angeles would need to renounce every free agent on the roster — including LeBron.

Besides James and Reaves, which other free agents should we watch?
Peyton Watson and Collin Gillespie.

In Watson’s case, Denver failing to reach an extension before the season could be costly.

“With the new CBA and the second apron, things of that nature, [the Nuggets] wanted to stay out of that,” Watson told The Denver Post in October. “As a business, you’ve gotta operate [based on] what’s best for your business. And when it comes time for me to make my decision next summer, I’ve gotta operate as a business myself.”

Upcoming NBA games on ESPN/ABC

Friday, Feb. 20
Mavericks at Timberwolves, 7:30 p.m. ET
Clippers at Lakers, 10 p.m. ET

Saturday, Feb. 21
Rockets at Knicks, 8:30 p.m. ET

Sunday, Feb. 22
Cavaliers at Thunder, 1 p.m. ET
Nuggets at Warriors, 3:30 p.m. ET

Watson is a restricted free agent this offseason, allowing Denver to match any offer sheet. The Nuggets are projected to be $3.6 million below the second apron next season.

Watson, named a Western Conference Player of the Week in January, is averaging career highs in points and shooting efficiency this season. And in 39 starts, he is averaging 17.5 points with a 50.4 field goal percentage and 41.7% shooting from 3.

Gillespie, meanwhile, has outplayed the one-year, $2.3 million contract he signed with the Suns.

He scored a career-high 30 points in a Feb. 3 win against the Portland Trail Blazers and has at least six assists in 16 games this season. The Suns are plus-4.8 points per 100 possessions when Gillespie is on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Gillespie is eligible to sign a four-year, $66.6 million contract with Phoenix. Because he has early Bird rights, the contract must be a minimum of two seasons (not including an option).

As for the rest of the free agent class, here are the top names to watch:

All-Star level: LeBron James, Jalen Duren (restricted), Austin Reaves, James Harden (player option)

Top starter level: Trae Young (player option), Lu Dort (team option), Draymond Green (player option), Walker Kessler (restricted), Norman Powell

Starter level: Peyton Watson (restricted) Neemias Queta (team option), Collin Gillespie, Deandre Ayton (player), Harrison Barnes, Coby White, Mitchell Robinson, John Collins, Tari Eason (restricted), Rui Hachimura, Tobias Harris, Kevin Porter Jr., (player option), Isaiah Hartenstein (team option), Jaden Ivey (restricted), CJ McCollum, Kristaps Porzingis, Fred VanVleet (player option), Nikola Vucevic, Zach LaVine (player option), Andrew Wiggins (player option) and Mark Williams (restricted)

Gianni’s can still still defend which is paramount for a team featuring Luka. That’s the biggest difference.

FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:

21. Mitchell Robinson

Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $13 million
Rights: Full

The Knicks are among the top teams in the East, advancing last playoffs to the Conference Finals. All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns is ahead of Robinson in the rotation, but doesn’t have the same defensive skill set. Against some opponents, New York needs what Robinson provides as a strong, physical shot blocker.

The challenge for the team next season, given Robinson’s free agency, is deciding whether or not to exceed the second apron. While Robinson has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, several teams could use what he brings and may test New York’s appetite for luxury taxes and apron penalties.

16. Quentin Grimes

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 Salary: $8.7 million
Rights: Full

When the 76ers were decimated by injury last season, Grimes averaged 21.9 points over 28 games in a significant role. The Sixers have had more health this year, and Grimes’s production has flagged to 12.7 points per game, and his three-point shooting has dipped from 37.3 percent to 34.1 percent.

Philadelphia chose to keep Grimes on his qualifying offer, instead of negotiating a more lucrative multi-year deal. As a still young (26 in May) talented combo guard, he seems likely to depart if he can find a team willing to give him the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.1 million starting) or more in free agency.

11. Tari Eason
Team: Houston Rockets
2025-26 Salary: $5.7 million
Rights: Full (restricted)

The Rockets and Eason are in an interesting position. Kevin Durant is a 37-year-old All-Star. Fred VanVleet, almost 32, is out for the year with a knee injury. Eason represents part of the team’s young core, but he’s expecting a significant pay raise.

If Houston pays Eason in the $20-30 million starting range, the franchise could face apron restrictions.

If the Rockets pass, letting him leave as a restricted free agent (or sign-and-trade him), the team loses youth, depth, and a tough wing who is shooting 46 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts.

One of the teams with cap room could test Houston’s resolve with a large offer sheet.

10. Luguentz Dort
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Salary: $18.2 million ($18.2 million team option)
Rights: Full

If the Thunder win another title, losing Dort would be a difficult choice. While Oklahoma City has avoided paying luxury taxes for what could be back-to-back championships, the third try will be more costly after giving Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren significant extensions.

The Thunder could opt Dort out with an agreement to re-sign at a lower number on a multi-year deal, but he’s the kind of player a team like the Los Angeles Lakers or Chicago Bulls might want to fill significant defensive gaps in their roster. Oklahoma City has a long list of talented players that can fill Dort’s minutes, but none are as tough and physical defensively. At this early stage, guessing the option decision is a coin flip.

8. Walker Kessler
Team: Utah Jazz
2025-26 Salary: $4.9 million
Rights: Full (restricted)

After five games, Kessler was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. The 24-year-old center, listed at 7’2″, briefly averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks for the Jazz.

Utah was initially projected to have cap room this summer and expected to re-sign Kessler as a restricted free agent after using its spending power (while taking advantage of his $14.6 million free-agent cap hold).

Instead, the franchise traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. Will the Jazz invest heavily into three frontcourt players or attempt to sign-and-trade Kessler to make a playoff push?

7. Peyton Watson

Team: Denver Nuggets
2025-26 Salary: $4.4 million
Rights: Full (restricted)

Watson helped carry the Nuggets when Nikola Jokić was sidelined for 16 games with a knee injury.

Through 15 games in January, Watson averaged 21.9 points per game and shot 46.2 percent from three-point range, compared to 14.9 points and 41.7 percent from three on the season.

Unfortunately, Watson is missing time with a hamstring strain. The Nuggets have the power to keep the 23-year-old wing, but will another franchise issue a massive offer sheet to test Denver’s mettle?

6. Isaiah Hartenstein
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Salary: $28.5 million ($28.5 million team option)
Rights: Early Bird

The Thunder hope to win back-to-back titles, presumably bringing back the core of the roster for a three-peat opportunity. This season, the team is under the luxury tax threshold. Next year, the Thunder face tax and apron issues that could lead them to opt Hartenstein out of his contract regardless of what happens this postseason.

Still, even if Hartenstein is opted into free agency, the team may pre-negotiate a multi-year deal at a lower starting number. Another team could try to steal him away, but the Thunder may need to offer enough to ensure they don’t—given All-Star big Chet Holmgren has durability issues. Rookie Thomas Sorber, who is out for the year (knee), may gradually fill that spot, but pencil in Hartenstein back with the Thunder in the meantime.

3. Austin Reaves
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $13.9 million ($14.9 million player option)
Rights: Full

Reaves turned down a four-year, $87.4 million extension with the Lakers (starting at $19.5 million)—the most the team can offer. Instead, he’s expected to opt out to explore free agency. Before a calf injury, he was a top-10 NBA scorer, seemingly primed for his first All-Star bid.

The Lakers can pay him up to about $41.5 million in starting salary for up to $240.7 million. The most another team can offer is four years, $178.5 million (the same amount he’d be eligible for via sign-and-trade).

Whatever the result, Reaves projects to be well compensated this summer.

2. Jalen Duren
Team: Detroit Pistons
2025-26 Salary: $6.5 million
Rights: Full (restricted)

Along with MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, Duren has emerged over the last two years as a true game-changer in Detroit. He’s grown on both sides of the floor, especially defensively on a very stingy Pistons squad.

A first-time All-Star, Duren is averaging a career high 17.7 points a game for the best team in the Eastern Conference by record at the All-Star break (40-13). Duren should get a sizable raise to stay, but if the Pistons aren’t willing to max him out, the Lakers have plenty of cap room for an offer sheet.

1. LeBron James
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $52.6 million
Rights: Full

Out of respect for James’ career and his stature as one of the NBA’s legendary stars, the 41-year-old free agent tops the list despite his age.

He may choose retirement. He could return to the Lakers (if they’ll have him—though they may turn the page to build properly around Luka Dončić) or his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for a third and final stop.

Perhaps James will look to join a star-laden team such as the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry or the New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Few of those options will have the power to pay James close to what he earned with the Lakers this year. To chase what is likely his final NBA season, he may need to embrace a significant pay cut.