Off-Court & Press

Lakers to Honor Pat Riley with Statue Ceremony

Pat Riley (Los Angeles Lakers)
August 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley outside their arena before facing the Boston Celtics. Riley, who won four NBA titles during the Showtime era, joins Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Riley coached the Lakers to a 533-194 record and five 60-win seasons, shaping NBA history with fast-break dominance. Now president of Miami Heat, he remains one of basketball’s most influential figures. The tribute cements his legacy alongside other Lakers greats.

Bulls Bring Back Iconic Red-Pinstriped Jerseys for 2025-26

Chicago Bulls
August 2025

The Chicago Bulls have reintroduced their legendary black jerseys with red pinstripes as their 2025-26 Statement Edition uniform—first worn during the iconic 1995-96 championship season. Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman helped unveil the design, calling it “legendary.” Last seen in 2013, the jersey pays homage to the Jordan era and will be worn during select games this season. The design also inspired the White Sox’s 2025 City Connect uniform.

Lillard Named GM of Weber State Basketball While Rehabbing Injury

Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
August 2025

Damian Lillard has been appointed general manager of Weber State’s basketball program, returning to his alma mater to guide the team while rehabbing from a torn Achilles. Announced at the Weber State Alumni Classic, Lillard will support player development and team operations. The 9-time All-Star recently signed a new 3-year deal with Portland and remains sidelined for 2025–26.

Former Atlanta Hawks owner Tom Cousins passed away at 93

Tom Cousins (Atlanta Hawks)

The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena released a statement mourning the passing of Tom Cousins, the former Hawks owner and philanthropist who played a key role in moving the team to Atlanta in 1968. Cousins, alongside Carl Sanders, relocated the Hawks from St. Louis, built the Omni Coliseum, and helped shape Downtown Atlanta’s sports and urban identity. He also led transformative community projects like East Lake’s revitalization.

Udoka Becomes One of NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches with New Deal

Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)
June 2025

Ime Udoka has signed a long-term extension with the Houston Rockets that will pay him eight figures annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league after just his second season with the franchise.
Udoka led Houston to a 52-30 record and their first playoff berth since 2020, drastically improving defense and win totals. His continued progress prompted the front office to secure long-term continuity amid outside interest from teams like the Knicks.

Buss Family to Sell Majority Lakers Stake to Mark Walter for $10B

Los Angeles Lakers, Buss Family
June 2025

The Buss family has agreed to sell majority ownership of the Lakers to Mark Walter for a record $10 billion franchise valuation, the highest ever for a U.S. sports team.
The family will retain a minority stake (just over 15%), and Jeanie Buss will remain team governor “for at least a number of years.” Walter, already a Lakers shareholder since 2021, leads TWG Global and owns major stakes in the Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and more. Magic Johnson and Luka Dončić were informed and support the move.

Carlisle Defends Ref Foster After Game 4 Scrutiny

Scott Foster, Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle strongly defended referee Scott Foster following criticism of his officiating in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, calling the scrutiny “unfair and stupid.”
Despite 71 free throws and 53 fouls in a physical matchup, Carlisle praised Foster’s professionalism. A controversial no-call involving MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander late in the game fueled fan outrage as OKC tied the series 2-2.

Knicks Blocked Again in Head Coach Search

New York Knicks
June 2025

The Knicks have been denied permission to interview Jason Kidd by the Mavericks, joining other NBA teams like the Rockets, Timberwolves, Hawks, and Villanova’s Jay Wright in rejecting New York’s head coaching approach after Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal.
Dallas firmly rejected the Knicks’ request on Wednesday, with sources confirming similar refusals from Houston (Ime Udoka), Minnesota (Chris Finch), and Atlanta (Quin Snyder). New York continues to struggle in identifying a successor after a surprising playoff run under Thibodeau.

NBA Europe League Plans Progress, Launch Could Align With 2028 Olympics

NBA, FIBA, EuroLeague stakeholders
Ongoing; potential launch post-2028 Olympics

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that talks to launch a new NBA-style league in Europe are advancing but remain years away. Initial plans suggest a 16-team league, with continued consultations with FIBA, EuroLeague, and potential cities.
Silver emphasized collaboration with existing European leagues and clubs. Cities like London, Rome, and Munich are showing interest. The 2028 Olympics may serve as a strategic launchpad for formal announcements.

Knicks Considering Jason Kidd for Head Coach Role

New York Knicks
June 7, 2025

The Knicks are actively evaluating Jason Kidd among other candidates to replace Tom Thibodeau. Although they haven’t requested permission yet, Kidd has two years left on his deal and was a finalist for the Knicks job in 2020.
Kidd remains under contract with Dallas, and the Knicks—low on draft assets—would need a trade to secure him. Kidd’s coaching résumé includes a recent Finals appearance, but tension emerged after Luka Doncic’s trade, which he wasn’t consulted on.

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