The 32-year-old Latvian basketball star’s lifeless body was found “inside the entrance of a residential building in central Moscow,” the Russian state media reported early Tuesday, December 17, per The Moscow Times.

According to an unnamed official who spoke with the Russian state-run TASS news agency, Timma’s cause of death was suicide. Timma’s motive for committing suicide has yet to be established.

However, the Russian official also told TASS that “there was a phone lying next to the [Timma], which, according to preliminary data, contained his last wish before death.”

REN TV, a Russian free-to-air TV channel, reported details of the content of the phone found next to Timma’s lifeless body.

“They found him in a hostel. There was a telephone nearby, and on the screensaver was the phrase ‘call Anna’ and a telephone number,” a source told REN TV.

Timma’s ex-wife is Anna Sedokova, a Russian-Ukrainian pop star who celebrated her 42nd birthday on Monday, December 16.

They married in 2020 and their divorce, initiated by Sedokova, was finalized this year, according to Newsweek.

The 42-year-old Sedokova posted an emotional Instagram story following Timma’s death.

The Moscow Times reported that Sedokova, who was in tears, shared that “her life had been ‘hell’ in recent years and called on followers to help her shield the news of Timma’s death from her young children.”

from Anna Sedokova’s Instagram

According to The Moscow Times, Timma and Sedokova did not have children during their marriage. But the ex-couple has children from previous marriages.

Magic Mourn Former Player’s Untimely Death

The Magic released a statement on Timma’s death upon learning the tragic news.

“We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of Janis Timma, who was a member of Orlando’s Summer League team in 2021 and spent time with Lakeland (now Osceola) of the NBA G League in 2021-22.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and all that were close to him,” the statement read.

As a 29-year-old rookie in 2021 with blonde hair and an athletic body covered with tattoos, Timma became a fan-favorite in Las Vegas.

Despite failing to earn an NBA contract, the Magic retained Timma for their G League team.

The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 20 games for the Lakeland Magic (now Osceola Magic).

Janis Timma’s Checked Basketball Career

Timma had an extensive career in Europe, playing in Latvia, Greece, and Russia before and after trying his luck in the NBA.

According to Daily Mail UK, Timma recently faced backlash after he announced his plan to continue his professional basketball career in Russia, despite the ongoing war between the two countries.

The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Timma in the 2013 NBA draft with the 60th pick. But the Grizzlies stashed him away in Europe. The Magic acquired his draft rights in 2015 in exchange for point guard Luke Ridnour.

In the 2017 FIBA Eurobasket, Timma teamed up with Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis to help Latvia finish fifth. They shared starting frontcourt duties with the 6-foot-7 Timma averaging 14.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals, while Porzingis led them in scoring (23.6), rebounding (5.9) and blocks (1.9).

The Celtics star mourned the tragic death of his former national teammate on social media.

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“The Orlando Magic is another team to monitor for Hartenstein, according to rival NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype,” Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto reported on June 15.

The report came on the heels of uncertainty in the Magic frontcourt with only injury-prone starter Wendell Carter, Jr. under guaranteed contract following their breakthrough playoff appearance.

Carter’s chief backup Mo Wagner has a team option while third-string center Goga Bitadze is an unrestricted free agent.

According to ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks, the Magic are projected to have $32 million in cap room.

Isaiah Hartenstein Is More Dynamic, More Reliable Than Wendell Carter Jr.

While a table-setting point guard is the Magic’s most pressing need, there are no stars available in the market who would command big money.

Getting the reliable Hartenstein, who is the top center available in the market, could be an enticing proposition and then later flip Carter for a point guard.

The 25-year-old Hartenstein has only missed seven regular-season games over the past two seasons. In contrast, Carter, a former lottery pick, has only played more than 60 games once in his first six seasons in the league.

Hartenstein is a dynamic floor-spacing center, who can make plays from the top of the key, and open the driving lanes for the Magic’s dynamic duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the paint.

The 26-year-old Hartenstein is due for a massive payday after outplaying his two-year, $16 million deal he signed with the Knicks in 2022 free agency.

In 64 starts, including the playoffs this season, Hartenstein averaged 9.1 rebounds, 8.6 points, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks.

Hartenstein joined Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama as the only players with 85 blocks and 85 steals in a season. He became the first player since Moses Malone in 1982 to record 12 offensive rebounds and five assists in a playoff game, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Magic Can Easily Outbid Knicks But Also Face Competition

The Knicks are only limited to offering Hartenstein an annual salary of $16.2 million via his early Bird rights. The Magic, with a projected $32 million in cap space, per ESPN, could easily top that.

But the Magic and the Knicks are also expected to have a competition in this season’s Western Conference’s top seed Oklahoma City Thunder, another contender that has a massive cap room.

Bleacher Report’s salary cap expert Eric Pincus penciled the Thunder as Hartenstein’s likely landing spot in the free agency.

“The franchise will hit free agency with approximately $33 million in cap space, probably to add size that can play with or behind center Chet Holmgren,” Pincus wrote on June 14. “Pencil in Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks.

Hartenstein, 26, was a significant part of the Knicks’ postseason run as injuries decimated the team (Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, etc.). New York is limited to a starting offer of $16.2 million via his early Bird rights, an amount the Thunder can comfortably exceed.”

The Thunder’s interest in Hartenstein had been previously reported by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post and Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.

“The Thunder is viewed by NBA sources as the top threat to pry Hartenstein away from the Knicks in free agency. After finishing atop the Western Conference with 57 wins in the regular season, Oklahoma City can make a stronger bid for Hartenstein than the Knicks,” Bondy wrote on June 10.

Fischer was first on that intel on May 31.

“So, which team could attempt to pry Hartenstein free?” Fischer wrote. “Oklahoma City has been the potential destination most mentioned by team executives after rebounding woes plagued the Thunder during their second-round defeat to the Mavericks.”

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“Rightfully so! My time [is] coming,” Banchero said on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a fan who pointed out the disparity in national exposure between the two No. 1 picks.

The Magic had only one nationally televised game, both on TNT, in each of Banchero’s first two seasons since he was selected as the top overall pick in 2022.

In stark contrast, Clark and the Indiana Fever have 36 national TV games in her rookie season. Clark has become a box office draw, not only for the winless Fever but for the whole WNBA after her arrival as one of the biggest stars in women’s college basketball history from Iowa.

While the Fever remain winless, Clark has lived up to the hype, averaging 17.0 points, 5.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds.

On the other hand, Banchero is also steadily rising in the NBA after playing for Team USA last summer in the FIBA World Cup in Manila. His momentum spilled over to his second NBA season, earning his first All-Star selection and leading the Magic to their first playoff berth since 2020.

The 21-year-old Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 80 games for the Magic in the regular season. He took his game to the next level in the playoffs, averaging 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists as the Magic pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to the limit in the first round.

Magic Eye D’Angelo Russell in Free Agency

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Magic “have interest” in signing Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D’Angelo Russell if he enters free agency. Russell can do that by declining his player option worth $18.7 million for the 2024-25 season.

Banchero hopes the Magic can get a reliable point guard who can set the table for them.

“We have a lot of talented guys who can make shots and make plays: me, Franz (Wagner) and Jalen Suggs. I would rather be more of an offensive hub than the point guard if that makes sense,” Banchero told The Washington Post on May 16.

Russell fits the bill.

The Lakers guard averaged 6.3 assists with 18.0 points and 3.1 rebounds this season. A volume 3-point shooter, Russell could also instantly juice up the Magic’s offense which stalled at critical moments in the playoffs leading to their first-round loss.

Russell shot 41.1% from the 3-point range and hit three 3s per game this season, which could be a welcome addition for the Magic that ranked last in 3-pointers made.

Klay Thompson is Another Option

The Magic could land Golden State Warriors star and four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson this offseason, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

“The [Orlando] Magic can open up in excess of $60 million in cap space this offseason,” Charania reported on “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV on May 6. “So there are gonna be players when you think about free agency and other moves that can be made you look at scoring. In Game 7, obviously the Magic struggled a little bit to score the ball, especially in the second half of the game when the [Cleveland Cavaliers] and Donovan Mitchell kept coming for them. So you look at the point guard position but also shooting and scoring on the wing and one name to keep an eye on is Klay Thompson. I’m told there is mutual interest between the magic and Klay Thompson.”

Thompson, a five-time All-Star, might need a change of scenery after his fluctuating role on a contract year led to his worst season since his second year in the league.

The veteran forward is a 41.3% career 3-point shooter, averaging 3.1 per game, which the Magic need. This season, Thompson normed 3.5 3s per game.

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“There are two teams right now who are paying very close attention to Paul George — the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers because both of them have the money to throw at him and need for wing just like him, a veteran guy,” Shelburne said on “The Hoop Collective” podcast.

The Magic could reach as much as $66 million in cap space while the Sixers have the potential to have almost $56 million in cap space, according to Bleacher Report’s salary cap guru Eric Pincus.

Both Eastern Conference teams can offer George his four-year max deal worth $212.2 million in free agency.

Paul George’s Future in LA Remains in Doubt

George, who just turned 34 on May 2, is still in a wait-and-see mode.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, what’s keeping George from signing an extension with the Clippers is they wanted a hometown discount similar to what Kawhi Leonard did.

“It’s just really a matter whether the Clippers are going to give him the max which is something that they don’t want to do because they didn’t give it to Kawhi [Leonard],” Windhorst said on “The Hoop Collective” podcast on May 1.

Leonard re-signed with the Clippers to a three-year extension worth up to $152.7 million, which is way below the maximum extension of four years and $223 million he was eligible to sign.

Shelburne added two more factors on top of the money issue that might sway George to look elsewhere this summer.

“And also if you’re Paul George, Kawhi Leonard had one of his best seasons in a long time,” Shelburne said. “He played a lot of games this year. He was very available and then yet again gets hurt right right at the critical time and that knee is it’s just seen a lot of damage. It’s just had a lot of miles on it and if you’re Paul and you’re thinking about do I want to re-up here in LA for less than the max? It’s obviously hometown discount. He hasn’t done it yet but how much faith do you put in that aging roster?”

George can look toward Florida and see himself lifting the up-and-coming Magic team into a legitimate threat in the East while earning his last big payday.

Bill Simmons Urges Paul George to Join Magic

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons believes George is the perfect wing the Magic needs to get to the next level. He’s a veteran who plays on both ends of the floor and shot 41.3% of his 3-pointers this season — the Magic’s biggest weakness.

“Maybe it’s what Orlando needs,” Simmons explained during an April 29, 2024 episode of his self-titled podcast. “I mean, if I’m Paul George and my choices are Orlando and Philly, you know what I’m doing. Going to Orlando. It’s not even a debate.

“… He’s literally what they need. Imagine next year [Jalen] Suggs, Paul George, Paolo [Banchero], Franz [Wagner], guard TBD. There’s something there.”

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George has a player-option that would allow him to become a free agent this offseason. Simmons labeled the Magic and Philadelphia 76ers as potential landing spots for George, if he hits free agency.

“Maybe it’s what Orlando needs,” Simmons explained during an April 29, 2024 episode of his self-titled podcast. “I mean, if I’m Paul George and my choices are Orlando and Philly, you know what I’m doing. Going to Orlando. It’s not even a debate.

“… He’s literally what they need. Imagine next year [Jalen] Suggs, Paul George, Paolo [Banchero], Franz [Wagner], guard TBD. There’s something there.”

Magic Rumors: Clippers Star Paul George Could Be the Missing Piece in Orlando

The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo co-signed George’s fit with the Magic. Russillo could see George enjoying once again being in a smaller market like Orlando. George appeared to be a big fan of living in Oklahoma City during his time with the Thunder.

“Did you say that Paul George seems like the perfect fit personality wise for the greater Orlando area? … I think you did and I think it’s great,” Russillo responded.

“… Just if you think of Paul George, you’re like, yeah, you know who [would love] Orlando? Paul George. He’s over in Celebration like on his day off, just walks around,” Russillo joked. “He’s like, ‘This is crazy. Roller coasters 24/7, 365 [days]. Cotton candy like you read about.'”

Clippers Rumors: Paul George Is Expected to Remain in Los Angeles

The Magic have a chance to win their first playoff series since 2010 but the roster has flaws. It is no secret that Orlando needs to upgrade their offensive production this offseason, particularly by adding shooters.

George could fit this bill and would give the Magic more of a traditional point guard to slide into the starting lineup. The star averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from long range in 74 starts during the 2023-24 regular season.

After battling injuries in recent seasons, this year was a major statement by George with the 33-year-old proving he has plenty left in the tank. George has a four-year, $176.2 million contract with the Clippers.

If George does not opt out, the guard would have a $48.7 million salary for 2024-25. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus reported on April 24 that the widespread expectation around the league is that George will remain with the Clippers.

Magic Rumors: Orlando Could Be Major Players in NBA Free Agency With $46.5 Million in Projected Cap Space

During an April 16 interview with Orlando 96.9 the Game’s “Open Mike,” Magic president Jeff Weltman indicated the front office will explore adding another key player either via trade or free agency this offseason. Weltman was quick to point out that Orlando was close to being in the Play-In Tournament, showing the roster still has room for improvement.

Spotrac projects the Magic will have $46.5 million in cap space to play with this offseason. This is the 10th most in the NBA, potentially making Orlando significant players in both free agency and the trade market. Whether it is George or another veteran, the Magic would be wise to find a third star who can provide scoring and shooting alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

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But snatching Thompson away from the Bay Area, where he has won multiple titles with the Warriors, could be easier said than done for the Magic’s front office. Thompson has said he intends to re-sign with the Warriors and, according to The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, he is far from a fading talent.

“The more durable he continues to be, the larger the contract he deserves,” Kawakami wrote in a story published April 8. “The Warriors should absolutely try to bring him back, and not just as a sentimental gesture.”

However, Thompson said on the April 8 episode of “The Draymond Green Show” that he is not concerned about receiving a max contract. But Kawakami wrote that “Klay is the only one of the big three who might end up more valuable to another team than what the Warriors want to pay him.”

With all of the uncertainty surrounding Thompson’s next destination, the Magic front office is holding their cards close to their chest as they focus on potential free agents who could help them fill one of their roster’s biggest gaps – shooting.

A 2-Year Deal for Buddy Hield Would Give Magic Flexibility

GettyBuddy Hield playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

With a four-year, $94 million contract about to expire, Hield is set to test the free agency waters this offseason to land another sizable deal with a team that direly needs a reliable shooter.

Hield is averaging 12.0 points on 43.7 FG% and 38.4 3P%. Hield started the season with the Indiana Pacers but was shipped to the Sixers in a three-team trade with the San Antonio Spurs on February 9.

The Magic are in the bottom-10 in 3-point shooting percentage at 35.3%. Hield, who is a career 40 percent 3-point shooter, would certainly help Orlando shore up their firepower from the three-point land, creating more real estate for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to operate inside.

A two-year, $40 million deal sounds like a win-win proposition since it gives the Magic the flexibility to look for an upgrade in case Hield underperforms.

Lakers Have ‘Concern’ About Magic, D’Angelo Russell

GettyD’Angelo Russell directing the offense during a December 20 game against the Chicago Bulls.

Jovan Buhan of the Athletics provided some intriguing insights about D’Angelo Russel’s future free agency, including the Magic becoming a legitimate challenge to the Lakers for the services of the lefty guard.

“Orlando is the team that — talking to people with the Lakers, talking to people outside the Lakers — Orlando is the team that probably gives them the most concern in terms of a potential suitor,” Buhan claimed during a podcast session on March 30.

On the recent Hoop Collective podcast last April 8, NBA analyst Brian Windhorst predicted that Russell would waive his player’s option in the second year of a two-year, $37 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 2023 to land a more lucrative long-term deal.

Russell has put up amazing numbers for the Lakers this season, averaging 18.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in 32 minutes per game, according to ESPN. He had a reputation as a streaky shooter throughout his career, but his 41.9 3PT% this season should intrigue several suitors this summer.

Malik Monk Could Command Up to $15 per Year

GettyMalik Monk hype during an NBA game.

Malik Monk is having the best statistical year of his NBA career as the Sacramento Kings sixth man averages 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 26 minutes per contest. He’s also shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc.

Monk, 26, is expected to command a deal for between $10 million and $15 million per year, depending on the market value of shooters this summer.

While the Magic already have a spitfire of a bench scorer in Cole Anthony, Monk would certainly add size at the wing position and an above-average perimeter defender to the Magic, making him an ideal 3-and-D player.

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Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus noted the Magic could have as much as $66 million in cap space, depending on how the team handles some of their current contracts. This would not limit Orlando to being active in free agency as the franchise would also be able to absorb sizable contracts via trade.

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey labeled the Magic as the best fit for Cleveland Cavaliers five-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell. The NBA analyst believes the team could land Mitchell with a trade package focused heavily on future draft picks along with young players like Anthony Black.

“Orlando would make more sense [than the New York Knicks] for both Mitchell and his potential new team,” Bailey detailed in an April 8, 2024 story titled, “Trade Scenarios for NBA Stars Who Need a Fresh Start.” “The Magic have the defensive infrastructure to cover for Mitchell’s shortcomings on that end and need his scoring on the other. Plus, the Magic have the potential cap space this summer to absorb most (if not all) of Mitchell’s salary without giving up many players of their own.

“Orlando could put together a package with Anthony Black and tons of draft consideration, which wouldn’t help the Cleveland Cavaliers immediately, but they could use those assets in future trades. A slower build around Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen still has plenty of potential.”

Magic Rumors: Orlando Needs More Offensive Firepower Starting With 3-Point Shooting

The Magic have wildly exceeded the preseason expectations, but the team’s offense could still use a boost. Orlando needs more offensive firepower to take some of the pressure off Banchero and Wagner. Most importantly, the Magic needs more outside shooting, a reoccurring theme for Orlando in recent offseasons.

Mitchell has averaged more than 25 points in four straight seasons. The Cavs guard is averaging 26.5 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 36.8% from long range in 54 starts.

Orlando would need to be prepared to take on Mitchell’s sizable five-year, $163 million contract. Mitchell is slated to have a $34.8 million salary for the 2024-25 season.

The guard may have a high salary, but Mitchell does not come with much of a long-term commitment. Mitchell has a player-option for 2025-26 which could make him a free agent as soon as 2025.

Cavaliers Rumors: Cleveland Could Explore Trading Donovan Mitchell If the Star Does Not Sign an Extension

It will be interesting to see if Orlando or another franchise will be willing to give up significant assets for Mitchell. The star is only guaranteed to be under contract for one more season given his player option. Cleveland could explore trade options if Mitchell refuses to sign a contract extension this offseason.

“We’ve been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract,” Cavs owner Dan Gilbert told the Associated Press’ Larry Lage during a March 28 interview. “We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city.

“He loves the situation in Cleveland because our players are very young and we’re just kind of putting the core together that he’s clearly the biggest part of.”

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“One of the worst-kept secrets in the league is that Orlando, loaded with young talent but not with shooters, might offer Klay a ton of money next summer,” Kawakami wrote on April 8.

The Magic could have as much as $66 million in cap space this summer, according to Bleacher Report’s salary cap guru Eric Pincus.

They are currently third in the Eastern Conference despite ranking last in 3-pointers made this season, averaging only 11.1 per game (as of April 8) entering the final stretch of the regular season. The sky is the limit for them once they add shooting to complement Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, one of the dynamic tandems in the league.

Thompson is averaging 3.4 3s per game this season and shooting at 38.4%. On top of his elite shooting, his vast experience as a four-time NBA champion can elevate them as a legitimate contender.

The Magic could easily outbid the Warriors, who only offered a modest two-year deal last summer.

“I’m told that the Warriors offered a deal — two years in the range of $48 million in extension — to Klay Thompson before the season and now there’s no deal,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on the December 13 episode of “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV.

With the Warriors planning to get out of the luxury tax in the wake of the development of some of their young players, the Magic could seize the opportunity to lure Thompson, a future Hall of Famer and continue his magical shooting in the Disney world.

Will the Magic Take Risk?

However, a potential Thompson deal comes with a risk.

Thompson will turn 35 next year and he already had two major lower-body injuries that kept him sidelined for more than 2 seasons.

But to Thompson’s credit, he’s been durable this season. He has only missed four games and he’s on track to finish the season with the most games he’s played since the 2018-19 season.

“I missed four games this year,” Thompson told reporters after dropping 32 points in the Warriors’ 118-110 win over the Utah Jazz on April 7. “That’s incredible after two years plus of rehab. So that’s something I can hang my hat on and be proud of. Just being durable throughout the season.”

Resurgent Klay Thompson

Aside from the health factor, there are also signs of Thompson slowing down this season.

His consistency and struggles early in the season have led Warriors coach Steve Kerr to move him to the bench.

Thompson has responded strong even regaining his spot in the starting lineup two weeks ago. He regained his All-Star form, averaging 21.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists with a ridiculous 50/40/100 shooting split. And the best thing about his resurgence is the Warriors won six of seven with Thompson a plus-56 in this torrid stretch.

His strong finish to the regular season makes a case that there is still a lot left in Thompson’s tank that can help a young team like the Magic.

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HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto explained why the Magic may look into adding Russell in a March 27 story.

“With Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs on rookie-scale contracts and Wendell Carter on a team-friendly deal, rival executives believe the Magic are a team to monitor this offseason to make a notable upgrade and improve their shooting.

“Should Orlando have interest in Russell during free agency, he could play on or off the ball alongside Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs.”

Scotto delved further into how Russell would thrive next to Banchero and Wagner.

“Russell is shooting 44.5 percent on catch-and-shoot threes and is averaging 1.25 points per possession on spot-up shots. The 28-year-old guard has also been efficient beyond the arc from either corner spot at 44.4 percent from the left corner and 41.7 percent from the right corner as a floor spacer.

“Such shooting efficiency could open the lanes for Banchero and Wagner as playmakers.”

After agreeing to a two-year, $36 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell has a player option in 2024. If he opts out, he will hit free agency, where Magic could offer him a big contract. The Lakers originally picked Russell No. 2 in the 2015 NBA Draft, and he made the All-Star team in 2019.

D’Angelo Russell Wants to Stay With Lakers

In that same story, Russell told Scotto that he hopes to stick with the Lakers long-term.

“I’d love to be here and continue to give it a run and be where my feet are now,” Russell told Scotto. “Obviously, I’ve been on the other side of it, and I’ve been through the roller coaster of free agency and having to sit back and wait. I’m looking forward to not having to worry about that. I’ve been blessed enough to put myself in this position with my play. I’m definitely planning on taking advantage of that. When that time comes, I feel that everything will play out how it’s supposed to play out.”

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean Russell will opt into his current contract. He may very well opt out in the hopes of getting a bigger contract from the Lakers.

Russell has been a solid contributor for the Lakers. Averaging 18.2 points a game, Russell is shooting 46.2% from the field and 42.3% from three. His contributions could lead to a bigger contract in the offseason.

Malik Monk Floated as ‘Reasonable’ Free Agent Target

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey explained why, despite the Magic’s rise, Malik Monk is a “reasonable” free agent target for them.

“But they still rank in the bottom third of the league on offense, in part because Banchero is one of the NBA’s least efficient volume scorers. And Monk could open up the floor a bit for those two while also taking some ball-handling pressure away from them,” Bailey wrote in a March 19 story.

Bailey also mentions James Harden as an “optimistic” target and Tyrese Maxey as a “dream” target. The commonality between all three of these guards is that they are scoring guards, much like Russell.

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President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman announced the extension, praising Mosley for the job he has done by saying “Jamahl and his staff have done a tremendous job not only this season, but since we hired him back in 2021.

“His preparation, work ethic, ability to connect with the players, and passion he brings to the job every day brings positive results, both on the court and off. We are very happy to have Jamahl lead the Magic for years to come.”

Mosley has improved the team’s record in each season he has been the head coach, from 22-60 in 2021-22 to 34-48 in 2022-23 to 37-28 this season. The Magic are fifth in the Eastern Conference as of March 12, having already surpassed their total wins from the season prior.

What’s Driving the Magic’s Improvement?

A large portion of the Magic’s success can be attributed to their vastly improved defense. The Magic are currently fifth in the league with a 111.3 defensive rating. Last season, they finished with a defensive rating of 113.7, 18th in the league. The year prior, they were 19th in the league.

Their defensive prowess becomes even more important when drilling into their offensive numbers. The Magic’s 112.6 offensive rating ranks 23rd out of 30 teams in the league, meaning they are winning games largely due to their defense.

First-time All-Star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the cornerstones of the franchise. Banchero is averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, while Wagner is adding 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. However, much of the Magic’s success this season on the defensive end is due to the play of Jonathan Isaac and Jalen Suggs.

When Jonathan Isaac is on the court this season, the Magic have a defensive rating of 104.8, which would be far and away the best mark in the league. When he is off of the court, the team has a defensive rating of 114.4, which would rank 13th in the league.

Suggs has been one of the best perimeter defenders all season and is currently ninth in the league in total steals. Isaac is tied for second in the league with a defensive estimated +/- of +3.6, while Suggs is tied for the eighth-best mark with +2.5.

Looking Forward

The Magic have 17 games remaining this season. Through March 12, they were just one game behind the New York Knicks for fourth place in the East.

It has been a rough couple of games for the Magic, who fell to the Knicks 98-74 on March 8 and then were defeated 111-97 on March 10 by the Indiana Pacers. Still, if their upcoming schedule is any predictor, the Magic are in a good position during this final stretch of games. Per Tankathon, the Magic have the sixth-easiest remaining schedule for the remainder of the season, playing teams with a combined winning percentage of just .46 from here on out.

Their next game will be against the Brooklyn Nets (26-39) on March 13.

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“Lowry is projected to have considerable interest on the buyout market if no trade materializes and should he decide to seek a settlement of what’s left of his $29.7 million expiring contract from Charlotte to become a free agent,” Stein wrote in a February 4, 2024 column titled, “The latest from NBA Trade Season.” “The 76ers, Lakers and Magic are among the teams known to possess interest in Lowry if he becomes an unrestricted free agent — with Orlando also in the mix as a team that has expressed exploratory trade interest in the former NBA championship-winning point guard as well.”

Lowry has a $29.6 million salary in the final season of a three-year, $85 million contract. The Magic could be more motivated to strike a trade for Lowry given Orlando has not traditionally been a top contender for players in the buyout market. It will be worth watching to see if this changes given the Magic are now in the playoff race.

Magic Rumors: Could Orlando Attempt to Sign Kyle Lowry After a Buyout Rather Than a Trade?

The six-time All-Star has not played a game for Charlotte since being traded on January 23. Prior to the trade, Lowry was averaging 8.2 points per game, the lowest for the veteran since the 2008-09 season. Lowry is also averaging 4 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 38.5% from long range in 37 appearances.

Orlando has Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz primarily sharing the load at point guard. The Magic could use a veteran backcourt option as the team attempts to make the postseason.

Orlando could also take a chance and attempt to sign Lowry in the buyout market instead of giving up assets in a trade. This would require the Hornets to reach a buyout with Lowry, a rumored option if no deal is reached by the February 8 NBA trade deadline.

NBA Trade Rumors: Magic Linked to Interest in Warriors Chris Paul & Hornets Kyle Lowry

Action Network’s Matt Moore also reported the Magic have an interest in landing Lowry. The NBA insider added that the Hornets do not plan to offer Lowry a buyout. Another player the Magic have shown an interest in via trade is Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul.

“Lowry was traded for Terry Rozier, and the Hornets made it clear from the jump they wanted assets back for the former All-Star in a trade and did not plan to buy him out,” Moore detailed in a February 3 story titled, “NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Intel on Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, Warriors and Lakers.”

“That will come to be the tension point. Will Orlando commit assets that make it worth it for the Hornets if the alternative is just buying him out after the deadline, as Lowry has a $29 million expiring contract that will see him become an unrestricted free agent this summer? For the Magic, they’re in a unique position to send assets they are willing to part with if Lowry is content to stay in Orlando.”

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“If the market is as bare as it seems, this could somehow be one of the best packages the team receives,” Kimble wrote of the Anthony-Fultz-Harris trio.

Even still, Kimble writes that the Sixers would be nothing without their second option, Harden, moving forward with this arrangement.

“Fultz and Anthony are rotational-level guards, and both have seen improvements in their careers with their time in Orlando,” Kimble prefaced before saying, “However, in this case, the 76ers lose their second option behind Embiid, and they’re nothing without that.”

Kimble struck a different tune from the Magic’s side of the transaction, however.

“For the Magic, Harden is a short-term solution that allows the team to unload that cap space at the end of the deal,” Kimble wrote. “Harden would help the team make their playoff return and potentially rejuvenate his career to boost his value ahead of his free agency.

“If the Magic is keen on the idea of Anthony Black being the point guard of the future, both Fultz and Anthony are expendable assets and retaining Jalen Suggs provides safety for the team.”

NBPA Defends James Harden After He Ripped Sixers PBO

Harden got himself into hot water by making derogatory comments about Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey in which the guard called the executive a “liar” and claimed he would never play for an organization Morey was a part of.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said during an Adidas media event in China on August 14. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

In response, the league fined Harden $100,000; causing the National Basketball Players Association to fire back with a statement condemning the penalty.

“We respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline James Harden for recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands,” the NBPA said in a statement on August 22 announcing the decision. “We intend to file a grievance and have the matter heard by our Arbitrator.”

Analyst: There’s No Coming Back for James Harden

Yardbarker’s Adam Taylor believes that Harden has sealed his fate as someone who may not be able to recover from a third trade demand in three years.

“There’s no coming back from his current situation with the Sixers,” Taylor prefaced before saying, “Harden has ensured his position is untenable. However, he hasn’t ensured he will be traded. Instead, he’ll find himself going cap-in-hand to teams around the league with promises that things will be different this time. We all know the truth, though.

“And, for front offices around the league, it’s a case of ‘fool me once, fool me twice.’ Harden’s NBA future has never been so uncertain, and shockingly, it’s all his own doing.”

Taylor does note that other teams likely won’t be scared off from at least negotiating with the Sixers to find a fit for the contract-year floor general. At this point, Philadelphia needs to mine even modest value for their former MVP and move on.

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With that, we’re handing out grades for the Eastern Conference and in large part, it was not a great month-and-a-half for this bunch.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Big-Time Teams Ace Western Conference Grades

Atlanta Hawks

Grade: C-

The Hawks are trying to pull off a difficult trick here, shedding veteran salaries, retooling around younger players and, at the same time, remaining competitive. The problem is, it is nearly impossible to do all three well. Atlanta traded John Collins for nearly nothing and could wind up doing much the same for Clint Capela. A core built around Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, De’Andre Hunter, A.J. Griffin and Onyeka Okungwu is decent enough but not exactly contender-level.

Boston Celtics

Grade: B

It was not an easy summer for the Celtics, and team prez Brad Stevens had to make some tough choices. But he came into the offseason with a roster too heavy on guards and packed with too many questions up front, with the age of Al Horford, the health of Robert Williams and the fit of Grant Williams all trending the wrong way in the past year. The team zeroed in on a handful of centers, and was able to come away with Kristaps Porzingis, another injury risk but with immense upside if they can keep him on the court. The cost was steep: heart-and-soul guard Marcus Smart, who wound up in Memphis after a potential deal for Malcolm Brogdon fell through. But the roster makes more sense on paper now. The other major decision, giving Jaylen Brown a record $300 million contract extension, certainly is expensive but, hey, Brown is a Top 20 player and it’s not your money.

Brooklyn Nets

Grade: C

Would have been nice to see the Nets go and get the star scorer they seem to need for a roster that could be imposing on the defensive end if Ben Simmons (rinse and repeat) is healthy and engaged—Simmons, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Nic Claxton are big and versatile. Boosting the offense could fall to new guy Lonnie Walker, who had some flashes as a bucket-getter with the Lakers, but is not likely to be a marquee scorer.

Charlotte Hornets

Grade: F

The Hornets will get a new owner soon, and that might be the best thing there is to say about this summer. They have not extended either of their big free agents, Miles Bridges (who signed a qualifying offer) or P.J. Washington (restricted), and they might have blown it by selecting Brandon Miller with the No. 2 overall pick.

Bulls Still Unwilling to Spend

Chicago Bulls

Grade: C-

The Bulls made some nice roster-building additions with point guard Jevon Carter, who could be the starter, and forward Torrey Craig. Add the bargain deal they gave to Ayo Dosunmu, and that covers the summer positives. They’re still looking at an aging and mismatched core that failed to make the playoffs last year. The Bulls re-signed 32-year-old Nikola Vucevic because it would have been embarrassing not to, and are now built around him, 34-year-old DeMar DeRozan and an increasingly unsatisfied Zach LaVine. Chicago refuses to go over the luxury tax threshold to make significant additions, which is a joke in a market of that size and with the level of support the team gets from its fan base.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Grade: B-

The Cavs badly overpaid for the services of Max Strus, giving him four years and $62 million despite a meh season last year (11.5 points on 41.0% shooting and 35.0% 3-point shooting, which got worse, at 31.9% from the 3-point line, in the postseason). They overpaid (three years and $25.5 million) for Georges Niang, too, but the goal was clear: to add shooting to a team that was 19^th in 3-pointers made and 24^th in 3s attempted. Situation addressed, but not efficiently.

Detroit Pistons

Grade: C

Ausar Thompson, chosen with the No. 5 pick in the draft, could be all we remember about the Pistons’ summer of 2023. That would be OK, because despite significant cap space, the Pistons did little other than add Joe Harris and a couple of second-round picks. Not exciting there. The Pistons are clogged with young former lottery picks—Thompson, Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes, James Wiseman, Marvin Bagley, Jalen Duren—but it will be up to 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham to sort it all out after returning from shin surgery.

Indiana Pacers

Grade: A

Did they overpay for Bruce Brown? Two years and $45 million indicates they did, except that the Pacers have an option on next season, allowing them an out if Brown is a flop. They locked up Tyrese Halliburton to a new contract, plucked Obi Toppin from the Knicks for a couple of future second-rounders and nabbed a pair of promising rookies—Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard—in the draft. Well played.

Heat Playing the Lillard Waiting Game

Miami Heat

Grade: B+

The Heat resisted the urge to overpay free agents Gabe Vincent and Max Strus after helping to build them into valuable NBA players. They dumped the contract of Victor Oladipo, wriggling out of that failed experiment. They brought back Kevin Love, added center Thomas Bryant and went into the bargain bin for old friend Josh Richardson, paying the trio a combined $10 million. They got plug-and-play rookie Jaime Jaquez in the draft and are primed to develop Orlando Robinson and Haywood Highsmith into their next undrafted finds. Oh, and they could put an exclamation point on all this by bringing in Damian Lillard via trade.

Milwaukee Bucks

Grade: A-

Mike Budenholzer is out and Adrian Griffin, who has for so long deserved a shot to be a head coach, is in. It is a gamble, but kudos to the Bucks for having the guts to take that chance. Adding Malik Beasley is an unheralded move, and Andre Jackson could prove to be a rookie who has some impact.

New York Knicks

Grade: D+

Donte DiVincenzo is a decent pickup but does he address any of the Knicks’ needs? The team was already overloaded in the backcourt and now must sort out how it will get minutes for all these guys—and how much they will need to be paid. The Knicks should have been looking for big, versatile combo forwards who can defend, like Grant Williams or Dillon Brooks. Instead, they got another combo guard to add to their collection. The team also held onto Obi Toppin so long that he was worthless when they finally traded him to the Pacers, getting back only two future second-rounders for the guy the Knicks picked at No. 8, ahead of Tyrese Halliburton, in 2020.

Orlando Magic

Grade: B

The Magic were rumored to be ripe for some splashy moves in free agency, but instead opted to keep things safe—they added Joe Ingles and bolstered the backcourt with Anthony Black and Jett Howard in the draft. There will be cap space again next summer and, at some point, the Magic will need to make a move toward getting back to the playoffs.

Philadelphia Sixers

Grade: D

Maybe things turn around once we get some clarity on James Harden’s future, but for now this offseason has been a disaster for the Sixers. Pat Beverley and Mo Bamba are nice additions, while Georges Niang, Jalen McDaniels and Shake Milton are tough but not terrible losses. Doc Rivers did well as the team’s coach and it is unlikely that Nick Nurse will be able to make much more sense out of things than Rivers did, especially when it comes to the Sixers’ playoff flops—which should land in the lap of star Joel Embiid as much as anyone. If the Sixers have to bring back an unhappy Harden to a team that already feels a bit tired, things could get ugly.

Toronto Raptors

Grade: D

So the Raptors are … building? Rebuilding? In transition? Settled? Masai Ujiri is often credited for playing things close to the vest, but he seems to be playing things so close to the vest that even he can’t see the cards. Toronto has assets—Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, plus Gary Trent—but appears unsure whether it wants to bolster those guys or tear down and start over. One thing for sure: Losing Fred VanVleet and replacing him with Dennis Schroder was not in Toronto’s plans.

Washington Wizards

Grade: C+

It’s a good thing the Clippers could not get a look at Malcolm Brogdon when the trade for Kristaps Porzingis with the Celtics was going down. If they had, the Wizards would have gotten precious little in the trade. But shifting to a three-teamer with Memphis brought in Tyus Jones, who has excelled when given a chance to start. The Wizards also shipped out Bradley Beal and Chris Paul in the same summer, a remarkable feat that brought back Jordan Poole and youngsters Ryan Rollins and Pat Baldwin Jr. They overpaid to keep Kyle Kuzma (four years, $90 million), but he figures to be trade bait down the line. The grade might have been better but there are some serious questions about the decision to take Bilal Coulibaly with the No. 8 pick in the draft.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Big-Time Teams Ace Western Conference Grades

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There’s a lot that has gone right for the Orlando Magic during their current rebuild, and the team—which has just two playoff appearances in the last 11 years—now is in a position to be one of the most influential teams this offseason.

If they want to, that is.

“They could put together some serious cap space,” one Eastern Conference executive said. “They could sign two guys to big contracts. They could trade away some of their draft assets to get experienced players and just really put everything into turning that corner and becoming a playoff team. But you get the sense that they’re also thinking about taking a small step forward this year, then making the splash next summer. What they do this summer will be real important.”

Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz Expected to Return

That could be key for several free agents this year. The Magic have three players with significant team options or partial guarantees—Jonathan Isaac ($7.6 million of $17.4 million is guaranteed) and Markelle Fultz ($2 million of $17 million guaranteed), plus a pure option on Gary Harris ($13 million next season if the team keeps him).

The expectation is that the Magic will keep Isaac, because his partial guarantee this season becomes fully non-guaranteed next year.

“It can’t hurt to have him back out there, see if he can contribute,” one Western Conference executive said. “But maybe you get something out of him. If not, you play out the year and you can be rid of his contract completely next summer. That’s a worthwhile risk.”

Fultz is a sure thing to be back—and execs project he could get an extension. Fultz has struggled to stay healthy, but did play 60 games last year and had his best season, averaging 14.0 points on 51.4% shooting.

Could Gary Trent, Grant Williams Be in Magic’s Future?

Harris is another story. While he was the Magic’s best shooter from the 3-point arc last season, making 43.1% of his 3s, he is 28 and a bit outside the age range of Orlando’s core. He has been a solid leader for the team, but also struggled to stay healthy (48 games last year).

The Magic, according to league sources, have their eyes firmly on Toronto free-agent guard Gary Trent Jr., a solid two-way guard who averaged 17.4 points last season and made 38.4% of his career 3-point tries.

“He’d be a good bet as their top priority in free agency,” the East exec said. “But that’s if they want to go all in.”

It’s possible the Magic could make a run at Trent while keeping Harris aboard. They have the space for that. But that brings us to the deeper question the exec raised: Do they want more? Do they go all-in now?

If so, the Magic could let Harris walk and create around $40 million in cap space to go after another free agent. Fellow Raptor Fred VanVleet has been rumored to be among Orlando’s targets, though some sources say the team will take a year to see how combo guards Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs continue their development before addressing the point-guard spot more fully.

Another potential target that continually crops up around the Magic is Celtics forward Grant Williams, a restricted free agent who would add experience, toughness and 3-and-D versatility. But the Celtics can match any offer, so unless Orlando is willing to put forth an unusually large sum for Williams, Boston probably will keep him.

“He is 24, he has proven his chops, on both ends,” the West exec said. “You can’t coach that kind of experience. He’s got it. He is a perfect fit there. You want to become a playoff team, he is the kind of guy they’d want. But Orlando would have to overpay to get him and it is tough to expect a team to do that. Obviously, if you are Williams, you want to see the Magic being aggressive on the market.”

A summer in which the Magic come out with two lottery-pick players, plus Trent and Williams, would put the franchise in playoff contention sooner rather than later. They were 34-48, six games out of a play-in spot, last year.

Patience Could Be the Order of the Day in Orlando

But the Magic are also in position to continue showing patience. That’s because, with Isaac’s contract set to be fully nonguaranteed, and with Fultz and Harris running up, too, the Magic could have room in 2024 for two max-contract deals.

That’s more than highly unlikely, of course. But there is a remote possibility that some among the group of Jaylen Brown, Domantas Sabonis, Paul George, Pascal Siakam, Kawhi Leonard and DeJounte Murray could be on the market.

Or, more realistic (and non-max) targets like OG Anunoby, Tyus Jones, Malik Monk and Jarred Vanderbilt may be there, too.

“They could wait for 2024 to make their move,” the East exec said. “But it is not necessarily going to be a great market then. So if there is someone they want, I’d expect them to target him now and then deal with 2024 when 2024 comes. It’s tough to make that call sometimes. They’re not going to get Kawhi, you know? So it doesn’t make sense to pass over someone like Trent, if that’s who they want, to focus on next summer. The market is just not going to be there. I’d expect them to make a move on a good, experienced young guy this year.”

That may not qualify as dominating the offseason. But it will put the Magic in the middle of the action.

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“I like him a lot,” Nets forward Mikal Bridges said, via the YES Network’s official YouTube channel on March 26. “He’s tough. His handle…is way tighter than I thought. And the thing is, he’s still playing the right way. It’s tough as the No. 1 pick, with the team kind of losing, you probably want to just take yours. But I think the coaching staff over there is helping them, and just himself. He plays the right way.”

Banchero did not have his best game, finishing with just 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting but his Magic came away with the 119-106 win.

It hurts the Nets more than it helps the near cellar-dwelling Magic who are 13th in the Eastern Conference standings while the Nets are tied with the Miami Heat record-wise clinging to the six-seed by virtue of their conference record.

But Banchero did come into the game averaging over 20.0 points per game to go with 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season.

“Overall, I thought we were locked in,” head coach Jacque Vaughn said via the YES Network’s YouTube channel. “He was a big part of our scouting report – stopping him. His ability to get to the rim, his ability to continue to drive the basketball. And he’s done it on a nightly basis. So, as a young player in this league, he’s establishing himself, and good future ahead for him.”

The future may be now for the youngster who has been the favorite for Rookie of The Year from go, even if Bridges was not always among those hip to what makes Banchero special.

“I didn’t know too much about his game, honestly,” he said. “I watched him a little bit at Duke but I didn’t know. But watching him this year, and how well he plays, he opened my eyes a lot. And he’s one of those guys on the top of the list that you got to worry about when you play him.”

Mikal Bridges Stays Hot, Nets Keep Losing

Brooklyn shot 40.7% from the floor and 22.9% from beyond the arc in this contest. But Bridges kept his hot streak finishing just one point shy of his career-high (set against the Heat on February 15) with 44 points on 59.1% shooting, sinking 6-of-9 threes and stuffing the stat sheet with six rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.

“I don’t know I was just making shots just trying to get to my spots,” he said. “Usually I struggle here, personally, in Orlando. Just making some shots and then just trying to win. Just trying to make shots to keep us in and win the game. …I really don’t care [about his career high].”

Bridges refused to let tired legs be an excuse, instead giving Orlando credit for playing tough at home.

“There’s a lot of excuses in the world,” he said. “I mean that’s definitely one. Just the traveling and – not even 24 hours before – and having a tough game in Miami. Give credit to Orlando too like they’ve been playing well. I know you’ve been not winning all the games but they’ve been playing well. They play hard. You could tell that they got the chemistry out there, and they played harder than us.”

The 26-year-old swingman is averaging 26.8 points and shooting over 41% from deep adding 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and just a hair under 1.0 steals per game with Brooklyn.

Jacque Vaughn Weighs In on Mikal Bridges

Bridges would probably never say it. But he carried the Nets in this game and kept them in it as one of just three players to score in double-figures and the only one to surpass even 20 points. He got out to a hot start with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting in the first quarter.

“I think besides Mikal we were 2-for-26 from three,” noted Vaughn. “So we were searching trying to find ways to score the basketball. …His approach was very aggressive tonight, from the beginning of the game. We needed that that – kept us in the game early.”

If the Nets — losers of six of their last seven outings — want to stem the tides, they will need someone else to step up.

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Throughout the contest, the Lakers show determination and grit, winning the majority of the 50/50 balls while also dominating on the glass and earning almost double the amount of opportunities at the free throw line.

During his post-game press conference, Franz Wagner spoke about how the Lakers won their battles to begin the game, allowing them to generate some easy offense and build a lead throughout the first half.

“I just know, from the feeling, starting off the game, a lot of offensive rebounds, a lot of 50/50 balls going their way, for some easy threes especially,” Wagner said. “And that kind of gave them the lead in the first two quarters.”

The Lakers managed to maintain the 10th spot in the Western Conference with their victory over Orlando but find themselves tied with the 9th-placed Minnesota Timberwolves and 11th-placed Utah Jazz with just 10 regular-season games remaining.

Lakers Anticipate LeBron James Return

LeBron James has missed the Lakers’ last 11 games with a foot injury, with the team going 6-5 in that period. However, according to Darvin Ham, in a quote that was reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the coaching staff is anticipating an eventual return to the court for LeBron this season.

“We anticipate him coming back at some point,” Ham said. “I think Bron, him being out has revealed that we have a lot of different weapons that are very capable players on both sides of the ball that can help us achieve the goal that we’re trying to achieve. And when he comes back, he’s just going to add to it.”

Lakers Working Out Tristian Thompson

After dealing with injury issues all season, it should have come as no surprise that the Lakers have found themselves short-handed in their final stretch of games, with both LeBron James and Mo Bamba ruled out.

However, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers are looking at potential additions to fill their 15th roster spot. Both Tristian Thompson – an NBA champion with LeBron James during their 2016 season together with the Cleveland Cavaliers – and Tony Bradley are reportedly working out with the team.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are working out free agent centers Tristan Thompson and Tony Bradley this week, sources tell me and @jovanbuha. Thompson, an 11-year NBA veteran, was a key member of the 2016 championship Cavaliers team alongside LeBron James,” Charania tweeted.

Regardless of whether the Lakers bring in some front-court reinforcements or not, they will need to lock in for their final 10 games of the season, amassing as many wins as possible while they wait for LeBron to return to the court.

Otherwise, what has looked like a promising season since the February 9 trade deadline will quickly unravel and could potentially result in a second straight year of watching the playoffs from home.

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This injury virtually “affects nerves between the neck and shoulder resulting in abnormal functional movement and range of motion, thus severely limiting Markelle’s ability to shoot a basketball,” as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski explained. This came courtesy of Fultz’s agent Raymond Brothers, back when the initial diagnosis came to light.

Former Magic Guard Darrell Armstong Talks Markelle Fultz Upcoming Season

While there are numerous opinions on Fultz and his injury, one recent player to sound off on the topic was ex-Magic guard Darrell Armstrong. The former player spoke about the opportunity Fultz has and offered his thoughts on the pairing.

“I’m not sure about Fultz because of his shoulder injury, but it is a good fresh start for him with a different team. He gets a chance to go in fresh with training camp, and I think we will do well. He has an opportunity, and he has to take advantage of it. For Fultz. This is a big opportunity for him because he has to come out and have a great training camp, good preseason, and see where he goes from there,” Darrell Armstong told me.

The Magic didn’t release a specific date when Fultz would make his return following rehab or how the process was going. However, last week, a couple of videos surfaced featuring the former number one pick shooting jumpers with a decent motion.

Markelle Fultz Returns, Debuts With Big Dunk

While Fultz did a number of good things in the team’s preseason opener, it was one highlight which stood out among the rest. As The Score revealed (per the Orlando Magic), Fultz threw down an impressive one-handed dunk.

During Magic media day, Fultz shared with the media, that he hasn’t felt this good since being drafted out of the University of Washington in 2017.

“Oh yeah, I feel really good. I’m just taking it day-by-day. Looking forward to the season. Getting a good sweat in and getting ready for the season.”

“It’s been a while. I haven’t really been like this since I’ve been drafted. I’ve overcome a lot,” said Fultz.

Tracy McGrady Talks Markelle Fultz

On Thursday, former Magic All-Star Tracy McGrady was visiting the Magic practice facility and was asked about Fultz.

“I think we all want to see him do well,” McGrady said, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “He got off to a rough start, whatever that case was, but he’s here now. I think he’s in the right organization to really care for him physically, mentally, to get him going in the right direction. I just saw him practice. He looked damn good. We’re hoping the best for him, and I think he will do well here. I think this is a great home for him.”

Last Tuesday, Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weitman sounded excited about Fultz’s return to the court, but also emphasize that they would remain patient with the three-year pro.

“It’s really important: Markelle just turned 21,” Weltman said. “You guys saw the work that he’s put in, and he’s shooting the ball freely. He’s in a really good place. I hope our fans are really excited to see this; this is why we’re doing this (opening this workout to the media).

“And, also, we are going to remain patient and we’re not going to put expectations or timelines on his development. He hasn’t played basketball in a year. He’s played 33 games total in his career, so it’s going to unfold the way it unfolds, as we always say with all of our young guys.”

As for Saturday’s game against the Spurs, the Magic came out victorious 125-89. Fultz had six points, two rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes of play.

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