NBA Player News

Vanderbilt is among the candidates for the Lakers' final starting position, according to Jovan Buha of Buha's Block.

Vanderbilt's defensive versatility, size and rebounding make him a theoretical fit for what Los Angeles wants from the role, but Buha is skeptical that he'll win the competition after playing a modest role last season. Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to have the inside track entering camp, so Vanderbilt may need a strong preseason to move up the pecking order.

Mamukelashvili is among the options for the Lakers' final starting spot, though Jovan Buha of Buha's Block has reservations about his defensive fit.

Buha questioned whether a lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Mamukelashvili and Walker Kessler would have sufficient quickness and athleticism defensively. Mamukelashvili should nevertheless get an opportunity to compete for the job during camp and the preseason, though Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to be the more likely candidates entering the competition.

Grimes is viewed as a lock to occupy one of the Lakers' starting spots entering training camp, according to Jovan Buha of Buha's Block.

Grimes is expected to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler as four established members of the starting five, leaving only one position unsettled. The offseason addition should complement Doncic and Reaves with his perimeter defense and ability to operate away from the ball, putting Grimes in line for a substantial role in his first season with Los Angeles.

Williams is expected to compete with Jake LaRavia for the final spot in the Lakers' starting five during training camp and the preseason, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

The Lakers would ideally like their fifth starter to provide positional versatility, rebounding and off-ball production alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Williams has the size to fit that profile, and his performance during camp and the preseason should determine whether he can separate himself from LaRavia and the other candidates.

LaRavia is expected to battle Ziaire Williams for the final spot in the Lakers' starting lineup during training camp and the preseason, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes and Walker Kessler are expected to occupy the other four spots, leaving Los Angeles in search of a versatile forward to round out the first unit. LaRavia's size, rebounding and ability to contribute without the ball could make him a strong fit alongside the Lakers' established starters, but the competition with Williams remains unsettled entering camp.

Sorber will be limited to begin training camp, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

The young center underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in early July after missing the 2025-26 campaign while recovering from a torn ACL in the same knee. Sorber had initially been expected to return to full basketball activities roughly four weeks after the procedure, so his workload will be worth monitoring as camp progresses.

Topic (back) will be limited when training camp begins, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports

General manager Sam Presti announced the restriction Thursday, and Topic is currently dealing with a back issue stemming from offseason surgery. The 21-year-old guard's participation level will be worth monitoring throughout camp as Oklahoma City prepares for the preseason.

Sarr will be a partial participant when training camp begins as he continues his recovery from surgery to repair a fractured right foot,Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

General manager Will Dawkins said Thursday that Sarr is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, so the limited workload to begin camp appears precautionary. Sarr underwent surgery in mid-June, and his progress during the preseason will be worth monitoring, but there currently doesn't appear to be significant concern about his availability for Opening Night.

Richmond agreed to a contract with the Cavaliers on Wednesday, Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reports.

The exact terms of the deal are unclear, though Richmond could compete for a spot on the Cavaliers' regular-season roster in training camp. Over 36 G League appearances with the Capital City Go-Go last season, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks in 25.7 minutes per game.

Lively (foot) has not been cleared to participate in training camp yet and is slowly ramping up to begin basketball activity, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

Lively underwent right foot surgery in December after appearing in just seven regular-season games (four starts), during which he averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.6 steals across 16.4 minutes per contest. MacMahon notes that Lively has not suffered a setback. However, the big man is still in jeopardy of missing time to begin the 2026-27 regular season, and it wouldn't be surprising if he operates under a heavy minutes restriction upon his return. If the 22-year-old misses an extended period, Daniel Gafford, Santi Aldama (knee) and Morez Johnson would be candidates for increased burn.