NBA Buzz: Lakers, Irving, Cavaliers, Trades, Sixers

Former No. 15 overall pick Sekou Doumbouya has inked a two-way deal with the Lakers, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Doumbouya was drafted by the Pistons and sent to the Nets as part of the DeAndre Jordan trade during the offseason. The wing was then traded to Houston earlier this month (and ultimately waived).

More NBA Buzz

The Sixers currently have no interest in trading for Kyrie Irving, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Irving is currently not playing for the Nets, as the team waits for him to either take the COVID-19 vaccine or the NYC mandate is be lifted, which would allow him to play in home games.
The Cavs are rebuilding, but Kevin Love’s salary and a potential Collin Sexton extension don’t bode too well for the team’s future, John Hollinger of The Athletic opines. Things could change if the Cavs get rid of Love or don’t offer Sexton as lucrative a deal. Hollinger sees them finishing 13th in the conference this season.
Frank Ntilikina inked a two-year deal with the Mavericks this offseason and he told longtime NBA journalist Marc Stein (via substack) that Dallas showed strong interest from the start of free agency. The former No. 8 overall pick is on a two-year, minimum-salary contract with the team.
ICYMI: Ben Simmons is back in Philadelphia. The Sixers are expected to continue to conduct Simmons trade talks with other franchises even if the All-Star re-joins the team. Philadelphia hasn’t been able to find a deal so far that meets their criteria, as they’d like to swap Simmons for a star to pair with Joel Embiid for a championship run.