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Houston Rockets

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Trent Jr. Pay Highlights a Cautious, Questionable 2026 Free-Agent Summer
sports1 month ago

Trent Jr. Pay Highlights a Cautious, Questionable 2026 Free-Agent Summer

Sports Illustrated flags a cautious 2026 free-agent market and highlights several head-scratching signings. Milwaukee gave Gary Trent Jr. four years, $64 million after a down season (8.1 ppg, under 40% FG, 36% from three, and weak defense), a contract many found hard to justify. Houston tabbed Marcus Smart for two years, $13 million, a defensively minded fit that may underwhelm offensively. Detroit signed Kevin Huerter for three years, $27 million, a player whose shooting isn’t reliably elite, and Chicago handed Norman Powell two years, $45 million to bolster scoring for a youth-focused roster. The piece argues these deals reflect an era of risk-averse spending that may age poorly even as teams aim for smarter, shorter guarantees, all amid lingering talk of LeBron’s next move.

via Sports Illustrated|
#free-agency#gary-trent-jr#houston-rockets
LeBron's 2026 Free Agency: Five Surprising Landing Spots
sports1 month ago

LeBron's 2026 Free Agency: Five Surprising Landing Spots

The article envisions five sneaky destinations for LeBron James in 2026—Clippers, Rockets, Jazz, Trail Blazers, and Pacers—each paired with a suggested starting lineup to maximize his impact with a mix of young talent and veterans. It notes ESPN-backed chatter that Cavaliers, Heat, and Warriors are leaders to sign him, with the Nuggets also showing interest.

via Bleacher Report|
#houston-rockets#indiana-pacers#los-angeles-clippers
Leonard Rumors Kick Off a Busy NBA Offseason
sports1 month ago

Leonard Rumors Kick Off a Busy NBA Offseason

NBA insiders outline a busy offseason: Kawhi Leonard’s next destination remains linked to Toronto with Dallas unlikely; the Clippers weigh cap-space moves and could pursue Brandon Ingram or re-sign John Collins; Orlando is expected to keep Goga Bitadze while Moritz Wagner tests free agency; Houston’s interest in Marcus Smart is heating up toward a three-year offer; the Kings (and Nets/Lakers) are weighing Mitchell Robinson if cap space opens; Celtics eye Kevon Looney and possibly a reunion with Robert Williams; Nuggets have interviewed Dave Joerger for an assistant role.

via Hoops Rumors|
#houston-rockets#kawhi-leonard#los-angeles-clippers
Morey’s Star-Chasing Creed Reaches a Breaking Point in Philly
sports3 months ago

Morey’s Star-Chasing Creed Reaches a Breaking Point in Philly

Howard Beck argues that Daryl Morey’s career has been defined by an unwavering pursuit of superstar talent, from Houston to Philadelphia. While his teams have been consistently strong, they’ve never won a title or reached the Finals, with Embiid’s injuries and roster depth playing major roles. Morey’s firing suggests a possible recalibration, but his star-first philosophy has already reshaped how NBA front offices operate and is likely to persist in other teams.

via The Ringer|
#daryl-morey#embiid#houston-rockets
Lakers rally to rout Rockets, signaling a culture-driven playoff push
sports3 months ago

Lakers rally to rout Rockets, signaling a culture-driven playoff push

Underdogs no more, the Lakers swept the Rockets in four games to advance, overcoming injuries and late-season adversity to showcase a culture of resilience. LeBron James leaned into the team’s collective rhythm, while contributors such as Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura stepped up around a redefined LeBron-led attack. The win is celebrated as a milestone for coach Redick’s leadership and sets up a second-round meeting with the Thunder, giving the Lakers time to savor the moment and refocus for the next challenge.

via Silver Screen and Roll|
#houston-rockets#leadership#los-angeles-lakers
LeBron lifts Lakers past Rockets to seal 4-2 series win
sports3 months ago

LeBron lifts Lakers past Rockets to seal 4-2 series win

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 98-78 Game 6 win over the Rockets to close out the series 4-2 and advance to the Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder. James had 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points. Los Angeles’ defense held Houston to 34.2% shooting and 17.9% from three, with Marcus Smart anchoring the effort as LA built a 25-point third-quarter cushion.

via Los Angeles Times|
#houston-rockets#lebron-james#los-angeles-lakers
Rockets Force Game 6 with 99-93 win over Lakers
sports3 months ago

Rockets Force Game 6 with 99-93 win over Lakers

Houston beat LA 99-93 to pull within 3-2 and force a Game 6 in Houston. LeBron James had 25 points and sparked a late run, but turnovers and a cold 3-point night hampered the comeback. Returning guard Austin Reaves added 22 points, while Houston got balanced scoring from Jabari Smith Jr. (22), Alperen Şengün (14-9-8) and Tari Eason (18). Reed Sheppard iced the win with a late steal and dunk as the Rockets steadied down the stretch. The series remains open with Houston eyeing an upset as no team has rallied from 0-3 in the playoffs.

via The New York Times|
#houston-rockets#jabari-smith-jr#lebron-james
Lakers' Game 4 setback: turnovers and controversial calls derail bid to close out Rockets
sports4 months ago

Lakers' Game 4 setback: turnovers and controversial calls derail bid to close out Rockets

The Lakers’ Game 4 loss to Houston was defined by a stagnant offense and a surge of live-ball turnovers, with controversial officiating shaping the narrative: LeBron James struggled, Deandre Ayton played well before an ejection, Rui Hachimura contributed on offense but was exposed defensively, and Marcus Smart plus the role players showed effort but inconsistent execution as Los Angeles searches for adjustments heading home.

via Silver Screen and Roll|
#basketball#houston-rockets#los-angeles-lakers
Durant's Status Could Rewire Rockets' Playoff Hopes vs. Lakers
sports4 months ago

Durant's Status Could Rewire Rockets' Playoff Hopes vs. Lakers

Houston’s Game 1 loss to the Lakers underscored how pivotal Kevin Durant’s health is for the Rockets, who struggled offensively without him. Durant is dealing with a knee contusion and is a game-time decision for Game 2, and his presence has historically boosted Houston’s efficiency and scoring balance. Without him, Houston leaned on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, and the series now hinges on whether Durant can return at even partial effectiveness to change the dynamics against a Lakers team that took a 1-0 lead.

via Sports Illustrated|
#houston-rockets#kevin-durant#los-angeles-lakers
LeBron Stars as Lakers Open Playoffs with Win Over Rockets
sports4 months ago

LeBron Stars as Lakers Open Playoffs with Win Over Rockets

LeBron James sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 playoff-opening win over the Houston Rockets, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds while Luke Kennard added a playoff career-high 27. Durant left early with a bruised knee and could return for game two. Cavaliers, Nuggets and Knicks also won their openers, and Suns and Magic sealed playoff spots via the play-in.

via BBC|
#houston-rockets#lakers#lebron-james