Story perspectives

Lakers Lose LeBron, Gain $52 M, Hunt Star Center

7/1/2026

Summary

Lakers Lose LeBron

Lakers confirmed LeBron James left as an unrestricted free agent.
Sharpshooter Luke Kennard signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.
Guard Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $158 million deal, an undrafted record.
Center Deandre Ayton exercised his $8.1 million option for the 2026-27 season.
With $52 million cap space, Lakers are targeting an A-list center to pair with Luka Doncic and have met with Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler.

Summary

Giannis Joins Heat

Kawhi Leonard was traded from the Clippers to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple draft picks and a pick swap.
Giannis Antetokounmpo signed with the Miami Heat, joining All-Star Bam Adebayo.
The Bucks, now without Giannis, are rebuilding a new core instead of pursuing immediate titles.
Atlanta re-signed CJ McCollum to a one-year, $21 million contract and added center Jock Landale on a one-year, $14 million deal.

Summary

Hardaway Joins Heat

Hardaway signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Miami Heat after Denver could not retain him due to lacking Bird rights.
He became the first player to have been teammates with Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
His 224 three-pointers this season rank second in Denver franchise history, trailing only Jamal Murray’s 245.
He follows his father Tim Hardaway Sr., a three-time All-NBA selection with the Heat in the 1990s.

History

Historical Context

After the 1995 lockout, the NBA and the NBPA ratified a new CBA that set the salary cap at $37.1 million for the 1995-96 season, introducing a soft cap and the Larry Bird exception. That flexibility let teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers exceed the limit and later sign blockbuster deals, shaping today’s free-agency landscape.

1 of 4

Lakers Lose LeBron

Lakers confirmed LeBron James left as an unrestricted free agent.
Sharpshooter Luke Kennard signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.
Guard Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $158 million deal, an undrafted record.
Center Deandre Ayton exercised his $8.1 million option for the 2026-27 season.
With $52 million cap space, Lakers are targeting an A-list center to pair with Luka Doncic and have met with Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler.

1 / 4