Lakers star LeBron James heads TIME magazine’s 2026 “100 Most Influential People in Sports,” highlighting a strong NBA presence on the annual list. The league is represented by Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, top prospect Cooper Flagg, Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Mavericks president Masai Ujiri and ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Free-agency flight risks
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus identified the 10 players most likely to switch teams this summer. Four Lakers — Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Andre and James — appear on the list, joined by Heat forward Andrew Wiggins and Sixers guard Quentin Grimes. Wiggins holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27, while Deandre Ayton can decide on an $8.1 million option for the same season.
Approaching option deadlines
Most player and team options for 2026-27 must be resolved by June 29, but several come sooner, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Wizards guard Trae Young and Grizzlies wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have until June 23 to act on their lucrative player options. The Clippers face a June 26 deadline to decide on a $16 million team option for Bodan Bogdanovic.
Early power rankings
In ESPN’s first 2026-27 power poll, voted on by 10 network insiders, the Thunder, Spurs, Knicks, Celtics and Pistons occupy the top five slots. The Kings, Nets and Wizards rank at the bottom of the 30-team list.
The upcoming option decisions and free-agency period are expected to clarify roster pictures league-wide ahead of training camp.
Source: Hoops Rumors
