Makes no sense to award a Game 7 in the Finals based on an exhibition game. The ASG has never been very compelling…we just have a tendency to romanticize things as we get older.

The ultimate issue is that so many of the stars no longer give a shyte about this game; they’d rather have the time off. So they act like they’re doing everyone a favor by just showing up and giving minimum effort.

Clippers statement: pic.twitter.com/2nZR75JCTo— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 4, 2025

LMAO!!! Calm down folks. The rules for maximum punishment are already spelled out in the CBA.

“Under the circumvention rules of the NBA’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement, teams can be punished for circumventing the league’s salary cap. Penalties can include fines up to $7.5 million, direct forfeiture of draft picks, voiding any player contract and a suspension — up to a year — for any team personnel found to have engaged in such a violation.”

You really think the other Billionaires are gonna put in a rule that could force them to lose their franchise?

I legitimately feel like the league should make Ballmer sell the Clippers. There's no punishment he'll actually feel and he clearly doesn't care about cap rules. pic.twitter.com/UpaEjDIMwJ— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) September 4, 2025

Everyone getting all huffy forgetting that the biggest punishment ever levied against an owner was for Donald Sterling (unironically also the last Clippers owner) for being a complete racist (and getting caught…which was the true crime in our awesome society…)and even that didn’t outright force him to sell the team.

Everyone also seems to forget that the Timberwolves ended up being gifted back 2 of the 5 picks they were asked to forfeit. Even the 2nd worst punishment ever was ever was half walked back. This is just another dog and pony show lol.

There is no way Silver will “force” Balmer to sell. I don’t think he can, legally, he can ban him from attending NBA games, entering NBA facilities and so forth. I doubt it goes that far. They’ll get fined, he might have to fire Lawrence Frank or some other House cleaning/optics move, and they might lose 3-4 draft picks (of which they already have few). That’s it.

The Clippers are toast if this is really true. NBA headquarters is probably buzzing like a beehive right now, scrambling with how they’re going to react.The Kawhi-Clippers-Balmer fraud scheme has way bigger implications than just losing a second round pick. pic.twitter.com/vKYNjelkdL— Red Mamba (@Purpl3andGold) September 3, 2025

This story is WILD. There is a clause that says Kawhi Leonard only gets paid as long as he is still with the Clippers. Great work @pablofindsout. https://t.co/mUcRvn0YaI pic.twitter.com/k0dos0FpIP— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) September 3, 2025

Just in case, here are the penalties when the Minnesota Timberwolves were found to have circumvented the salary cap to sign Joe Smith:-5 first-round picks forfeited (two were returned later)-$3.5M fine-Smith's most-recent contract was voided, and his Bird Rights were stripped…— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) September 3, 2025

to recap, the clippers:- traded away a guy who just won MVP and FMVP plus five firsts for PG- paid kawhi almost $30M under the table and just got caught red handed- are now likely to lose more picks as punishment for cheatingall for two WCF wins in six seasons. pic.twitter.com/FMOhqm3qLg— belal. 🇵🇸 (@itsbelal_a) September 3, 2025

Pretty sure this is about Kawhi but the title says Paul George.

Hope he brings this intensity to the NBA regular season and wins MVP.

The improved conditioning is really showing up defensively and in getting into the paint and getting to the line. The Lakers have a real shot at another championship if this is the Luka we get this season. This is MVP caliber Luka.

From the above article:

With the offseason in full swing, whispers about the Los Angeles Lakers continue to swirl—can the iconic duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić remain intact? Here’s a breakdown of the most talked-about stories from insiders and analysts.

1. LeBron Trade Talk Doesn’t Mean LeBron Wants Out

Even though agent Rich Paul stirred speculation by hinting the Lakers and LeBron might be evaluating mutual options, sources say no trade request has ever been made. Additionally, the Lakers “have never discussed” trade or buyout scenarios with the four-time NBA MVP, suggesting a return to L.A. is the likeliest outcome for the 2025–26 season. Still, trade buzz persists, with four anonymous teams reaching out to Paul about acquiring LeBron—though the Lakers are not engaging in substantive talks.

2. Big-Man Dream: Walker Kessler Remains the Lakers’ Top Trade Target

The Lakers have consistently eyed Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler this offseason as the ultimate upgrade in the frontcourt. Reports that despite L.A.’s continued interest, the Jazz have firmly marked him as “not available for trade”—a roadblock that steers the team toward other tradeable bigs.

Meanwhile, several alternative targets—including Nic Claxton or Daniel Gafford —each offering unique fits alongside Luka Dončić depending on how they balance salary and positional needs.

Addressing weakness in the middle remains a top priority. One insider noted that trade avenues—not free agency—present the most viable path for improving the Lakers’ center position. Myles Turner is also are among the available options. The team had also explored prospects like Onyeka Okongwu before attempting a trade for Mark Williams at the deadline; however, Utah’s steep asking price for Kessler and Atlanta’s reluctance on Okongwu halted any movement. A separate report noted the Lakers are facing “harsh trade reality” with the Jazz, suggesting acquiring a center will require flexibility and perhaps patience.

3. Sizable Interest in Cavaliers’ P.J. Washington

Another emerging rumor suggests the Lakers may soon pursue P.J. Washington of the Dallas Mavericks. ClutchPoints reports that L.A. is preparing potential trade strategies—either straight swaps or depth packages—to bolster their roster with Washington’s versatility. While still speculative, the move underscores the front office’s commitment to strengthening scoring and defensive balance for the coming season.

4. Lakers Have No Interest In Andrew Wiggins Trade

NBA: Playoffs-Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
Despite frequent rumors linking Andrew Wiggins to LA, recent reports indicate Los Angeles is no longer interested in acquiring him. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike on the Zach Lowe show, the Lakers simply “are not interested in Andrew Wiggins. I think I can put that to bed”.

Supporting this stance, Bleacher Report quotes Lakers insider Jovan Buha stating that a trade is “not looking realistic” due to Miami’s steep demands—reportedly requiring Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick. Given the Lakers’ cap constraints and already solidified core with LeBron and Luka, parting with those valuable assets just doesn’t make strategic sense.

In short, while Wiggins might have theoretical fit, the cost outweighs the benefit—making the Lakers’ disinterest both logical and resoundingly clear.

5. Adding Veteran Wings in the Mix

L.A. has also quietly explored acquiring familiar perimeter talent. Trade talks have taken place over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Donte DiVincenzo, though neither deal took off. With Marcus Smart now on the roster, those small moves hint at a broader—but deliberate—ramp-up of wing depth.

When was this even “written”? Certainly not in the last month or the “authors” is a buffoon…

Lukas transformation is very noticeable 👀 pic.twitter.com/6qWDq5AxwO— LALSource (@LALSource) August 31, 2025

Luka pushing full speed in transition is one of the more noticeable things at this EuroBasket…— Iztok Franko (@iztok_franko) August 31, 2025

I like what we're seeing from Luka's defensive activity. Closing out on shooters, contesting shots, getting steals. Encouraging stuff.— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) August 31, 2025

Here's the complete list:Be interesting to see whom the Lakers target before the trade deadline. https://t.co/6nDbjf2unE pic.twitter.com/Rc5rMg4A3U— LakerTom (@LakerTom) August 29, 2025