NBA Under The Bleachers: June 5

Escape From L.A.!

No, we’re not talking about the Magic—we’re talking about Kobe. The dreaded Black Mamba has an opt out clause in his contract, which means he could opt out of being a Laker. Likely? No. Scary? If you’re an L.A. fan, very.

Cementing a Legacy. Or Beginning One.

One very real consideration in Kobe’s deliberations this summer will be the result of the championship series. If the Lakers win, his status as L.A. icon will be sealed...if not, another player will lay the foundations for his own legacy in Miami—Dwight Howard.

Three Is a Magic Number

Or in this case, an Oklahoma City Number. The Thunder are perched at No. 3 in the draft, achingly close to Blake Griffin, who could finally push the Thunder into playoff contention. The only question is how GM Sam Presti can get there...


Middle of the Pack: Picks 15-30 in the Draft

We all know the lottery is guard-heavy, and it doesn’t change in the lower digits. Terrence Williams could help Detroit rebuild, and Eric Maynor would be great backup for Chris Paul in New Orleans. Oh, and don’t forget Psycho T—who’s small enough to be a guard.

10 Stars, 10 Brand-New Jerseys

The Draft isn’t the only thing that’ll change the NBA equation this summer. Shawn Marion is Utah-bound, the Suns will finally dump Amare Stoudemire off on the Canadians, and Dirk Nowitzki could be just the guy to make LeBron’s championship dreams come true.