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Quentin Grimes SG | LAL
Lakers' Quentin Grimes: Expected to start
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.
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Ziaire Williams PF | LAL
Lakers' Ziaire Williams: In mix for starting role
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.
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Jake LaRavia SF | LAL
Lakers' Jake LaRavia: Competing for starting role
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.
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Thomas Sorber C | OKC
Thunder's Thomas Sorber: Will be limited
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.
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Nikola Topic PG | OKC
Thunder's Nikola Topic: Limited to start camp
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.
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Alex Sarr C | WAS
Wizards' Alex Sarr: Limited to open camp
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.
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Kadary Richmond SG | CLE
Cavaliers' Kadary Richmond: Inks pact with Cleveland
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.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Not yet cleared for training camp
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.
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Curtis Jones SG | CLE
Cavaliers' Curtis Jones: Inks pact with Cleveland
Jones agreed to a contract with the Cavaliers on Wednesday, Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reports.
The exact terms of the deal are unknown, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Jones compete for a spot on the regular-season roster during training camp. He appeared in 10 regular-season games with Denver while on a two-way pact last season, averaging 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 8.8 minutes per contest.
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Payton Sandfort SF | OKC
Timberwolves' Payton Sandfort: Signs training camp deal with Minnesota
Sandfort agreed to a training camp contract with the Timberwolves on Wednesday, Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reports.
Sandfort could compete for a spot on Minnesota's regular-season roster, though it's possible he'll be waived before training camp begins since the organization now owns his G League rights. The 24-year-old appeared in 25 outings with the G League's Oklahoma City Blue in 2025-26, averaging 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks in 27.4 minutes per showing.