The Amateur NBA Analyst

Original @droppingdimes20

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Enter your email address for a chance to win free prizes. That’s literally what this is; you all better jump on it if you haven’t already. It takes 10 seconds.

[Jacob Rhee @JacobRhee1]

Each Saturday, I’ll predict the outcome of the six best college football games of the weekend. For EVERY incorrect pick, I’m giving $15 in prizes to Glass Slipper subscribers. Seriously.

Enter your email address for a chance to earn FREE rewards!!

⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.co/Qi70fMT2Hn

[Jacob Rhee @JacobRhee1]

8 of 18 for 63 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception

[Jacob Rhee @JacobRhee1]

Feel so bad for the people that have never allowed themselves to fall in love with baseball. It’s not too late

[Launchpoint @launchpointhq]

Alabama soccer star Cali Brewer ⚽️ and Alabama standout runner Taylor McCue 🏃‍♀️ are bringing a new NIL app to Tuscaloosa! 🚀

Tide athletes, download @launchpointhq in the App Store today! 📲

#Launchpoint #NIL #Alabama #RollTide

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

A very grateful, excited LeBron James here at Lakers Media Day. The vibes are high in the building; I haven’t seen such positive energy at this event since 2021, when LA was coming off of a title. These guys enjoy being around each other, and know that they have a chance here.

[Launchpoint @launchpointhq]

One year ago, our journey began.

Thank you to everyone that believed in us. Launchpoint is empowering athletes nationwide, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Special things are on the way in Year 2!

Yours truly,
@DerekLagway, @caleb_downs2, and the Launchpoint team 🚀💜

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Though LeBron James was not in attendance for Luka Doncic’s contract signing, I can confirm that the two stars enjoyed a conversation on FaceTime yesterday. Austin Reaves - who is currently overseas to promote his shoe - also made sure to reach out to Doncic, as did Bronny James.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Patrick Beverley is beginning to draw some interest from NBA teams that are in search of an experienced guard. I’m told that Golden State, Orlando, Detroit, Miami, and others have explored the possibility of signing the 37-year-old. No concrete contract offers have been made yet.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Can confirm that LeBron James and Deandre Ayton had a brief conversation at the Thomas & Mack Center on Monday evening, ahead of the Clippers-Lakers Summer League matchup. The interaction was full of smiles. Perhaps that’ll help some worried LA folks breathe a little bit easier.

[Jacob Rhee @JacobRhee1]

Gonna need Coop to switch numbers and lose the facial hair

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Mark Bartelstein - who represents Sixers guard Kyle Lowry - tells me that the 39-year-old NBA champion plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Lowry is a six-time All-Star, and wants to make one run alongside a healthy Philadelphia core to finish his career.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Feels safe to share this now; days before extending Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis was close to moving him to Detroit. The return in that deal was Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, and three first-round picks. Jackson played his college ball up the road in East Lansing.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

I’ll add a little tidbit; Cleveland never actually made an earnest attempt to sign Deandre Ayton. The Cavaliers knew that there was no interest on either side, and essentially stepped in to try and drive up the price for their foes in Indiana. Just Koby Altman having some fun.

[Shams Charania @ShamsCharania]

Reporting for @SportsCenter on the Lakers and Deandre Ayton reaching agreement on a two-year deal:

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

For all of the Lakers fans asking, I really haven’t heard any substantive trade rumors involving Rui Hachimura. I certainly wouldn’t describe him as unavailable, but LA is not actively looking to move him. He’s a well-liked presence in the locker room, which JJ Redick values.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

As I reported on Monday, Deandre Ayton is LA-bound; I’m told that he’s thrilled about the fit, and is hungry to rewrite his reputation as a player. It looks as thought it’ll be a Doncic-Reaves-LeBron-Hachimura-Ayton starting five when the Lakers take the floor on opening night.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

I expect the New York Knicks to decide upon Mike Brown as their next head coach by the end of this week. A few executives made a late push for James Borrego, but Brown was highly impressive in his first interview. This follow-up conversation was for ironing out the details.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Getting some really fascinating intel on Al Horford’s preferred landing spots. Can’t share specifics on that front yet, but there are a few destinations near the top of his wish list that you’d may not expect. Stay tuned.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Unless another suitor intervenes with a substantially superior offer over the next 45 hours, I’m hearing that it’s going to be Deandre Ayton to the Lakers on a short-term deal. Both Luka Doncic and LeBron James have given Rob Pelinka the green light on the potential addition.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Russell Westbrook has promised Denver the last word before he makes his decision on a new contract. He’ll speak with New York and Sacramento tonight, but wants to give the Nuggets a chance to match - or top - any offer. Westbrook’s relationship with David Adelman remains strong.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

Barring an unexpected development, I’m told that De’Anthony Melton will be headed to the Lakers; the move could be finalized as soon as tonight or tomorrow. The 27-year-old was born and raised in the LA area and played his college ball at USC. Would be a nice fit for both sides.

[The Amateur NBA Analyst @droppingdimes98]

LA has zero intentions of trading LeBron James. It would be against the wishes of everyone involved. James is simply hoping to apply pressure on his front office to make win-now acquisitions, much like Steph Curry did last summer. No trade discussions whatsoever at the moment.