2026 NBA updates: current live news, information, and insights from across the league
The 2025-26 NBA regular season is nearing its conclusion, and the playoff landscape is beginning to take shape, but discussions regarding the draft and offseason are already gaining momentum.
For the 10 teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention, attention has shifted to the NBA draft lottery order set for May 10 and its implications for their organizations.
The 2026 draft, scheduled for June 25 and 26, is anticipated to be rich in talent; many of the leading prospects are projected to become future stars in the league, prompting some of the most pronounced tanking strategies seen in recent years.
In other news, the Golden State Warriors are expecting Stephen Curry to make his return on Sunday against the Houston Rockets after being sidelined for 27 games due to a right knee injury; the Los Angeles Lakers announced on Friday that star Luka Doncic will be out for the remainder of the regular season due to a hamstring injury; and the investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration continues without a clear resolution. Commissioner Adam Silver did not comment on the investigation during last week’s board of governors meeting.
Hereβs what our insiders are reporting from their sources throughout the league.
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April 3
Luka Doncic out for the remainder of the regular season
Lakers star Luka Doncic is out indefinitely due to a Grade 2 right hamstring injury, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin. Doncic will not participate for the rest of the regular season, and his status for the playoffs remains uncertain.
Following the announcement, the Lakers’ championship odds plummeted from 30-1 to 100-1, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Doncic, who has appeared in 64 games and was ranked fourth in ESPN’s latest MVP straw poll, plans to submit an “Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge” regarding the 65-game requirement for award eligibility, as stated by his agent, Bill Duffy.
Statement from Luka Doncic’s agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball: "This season, Luka DonΔiΔ has performed at a historic level, leading the league in scoring, carrying the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference and placing himself in the middle of one of the most tightly… https://t.co/bKVOmzheDE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2026
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Doncic can utilize the exception for the two games he missed in December for the birth of his daughter. The application must be submitted no earlier than 12 p.m. ET on the final day of the regular season and no later than 11:59 p.m. the day after the regular season concludes.
Doncic signed a three-year extension last August and has been selected to the All-NBA team in five of the last six seasons.
There are no financial consequences for his next contract if the application is rejected.
While the Lakers have not provided a timeline for his return, Grade 2 hamstring injuries generally necessitate a recovery period of about a month. Doncic has averaged a league-leading 33.5 points this season, along with 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists.
The Lakers, who have achieved an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, currently sit third in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the No. 4-seeded Denver Nuggets, 2.5 games ahead of the No. 5-seeded Houston Rockets, and 3.5 ahead of the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
April 2
Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration investigation continues
The inquiry into a purported agreement between the LA Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, and the company Aspiration is still ongoing, sources informed ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.
“Wachtell’s investigation is ongoing,” stated an NBA spokesperson. “There is more work to be done and no established timeline.”
The investigation was made public in September 2025, concerning allegations that a $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration amounted to salary cap circumvention. Owner Steve Ballmer has refuted these claims.
Read more: The latest on the NBA’s investigation into the LA Clippers
Front offices discuss the NBA draft’s No. 1 pick
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Tim Bontemps consulted with executives across the league regarding the forthcoming 2026 NBA draft, including their predictions for the first overall selection, concerns about prospects, and ideal fits.
“I believe this draft is, in some respects, akin to the [2024 Zaccharie] Risacher year, but at a higher level,” they remarked. “That year, it was uncertain if anyone would truly excel. This year, however, there are numerous players with high potential. You can be confident that at least some will be very good, though it’s unclear which ones.”
“You don’t want to be selecting at 1 and end up with the fifth-best player.”
The NBA draft lottery is scheduled for May 10, leading up to the draft on June 25 and 26.
Read more: 2026 NBA draft: What scouts, execs are watching in top five picks
March 31
What lies ahead for LeBron this offseason?
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Dave McMenamin analyzed the six potential paths LeBron James could pursue this offseason, including remaining with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning to Cleveland, or joining some unexpected wildcard teams in the league.
Read more: Next for LeBron? NBA insiders on Lakers, Cavs, free agency options
March 27
How scouts and front offices perceive the Spurs’ playoff prospects
In their weekly intel report, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst spoke with coaches, front offices, and scouts to assess the increasing excitement surrounding the San Antonio Spurs’ playoff aspirations.
“They’re my favorites now,” a scout told ESPN. “I’ve been contemplating this a lot. His game is going to be even more impactful in the playoffs, and with each game, he will increasingly get into your head. In Game 1, your players will be thinking about him during some of their shots. By Game 4, they’ll be having full-on nightmares.”
The Spurs are currently two games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Read more: NBA intel: Spurs title buzz grows among execs, coaches, scouts
