Marc Stien

Kyrie Irving on his Twitch stream responding to Kevin Durant’s recent podcast remarks: “I love Kevin, man. But Coach Nash never gave me the platform to lead. KD’s amazing, but we needed someone who was there before… and I think that was me.” More: tinyurl.com/mu56shew

League sources say the Knicks have emerged as strong favorites in the Ben Simmons sweepstakes. New York’s front office is said to be “intrigued by the idea of helping Simmons return to his old track,” with internal hopes of developing him into Brunson’s top dog alongside the…

League sources tell me and @MikeAScotto that Kevin Love has no interest in signing with the Knicks. The veteran big man is said to prefer the cross-town Nets if he pursues a New York landing spot. More to come.

Per @BrettSiegelNBA, The New York Knicks are NOT interested in Kevin Love following his buyout wit Utah. Marmaduke News Nation reports

This is what they took from us.

The Clippers are in advanced talks to bring back DeAndre Jordan and Avery Bradley to fill out their final two roster spots, league sources say. More NBA: tinyurl.com/nbatalk

Kyrie on Twitch tonight offered his most candid take yet on Brooklyn’s Big 3: “The biggest reason we didn’t win wasn’t talent, it was sacrifice. KD gave his body. I left money on the table (Knicks), so did Dre (DeAndre Jordan). Joe (Harris) changed his whole role. If James…

Rob Pelinka was reportedly not informed about the Lakers signing Marcus Smart, league sources tell The Stein Line. When reached, Pelinka appeared blindsided, saying: “Usually LeBron would tell me if this was happening… before it actually did.” Speculation continues that Luka…

The Lakers did not consult LeBron James on the Marcus Smart signing, league sources say. James had reportedly urged the front office to prioritize Bronny’s development as the defensive stopper they needed on the perimeter. Luka Dončić had “significant sway” in recruiting Smart…

As first reported by @ScamsCharnia : The Lakers are finalizing a deal to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns from New York. League sources say the outgoing package includes Rui Hachimura, multiple picks, and Bronny James, a move some execs called “bold” given his locker room influence.

Damian Lillard’s return to Portland was reportedly “never about the roster.” His agent told a league contact: “Dame wanted to feel like he built the pain himself again. In Milwaukee, the pressure was shared. That didn’t sit right.”

Russell Westbrook has reportedly declined interest from contenders including Milwaukee, Boston and Phoenix, per league sources. Westbrook is said to be prioritizing a landing spot where he can be “the No. 1 option again” in an effort to reclaim All-NBA form. He’s also made…

LeBron James is reportedly planning a “Decision-style” segment to announce whether he will retire after the 2026 season, league sources say. More: tinyurl.com/decision2026

#NewProfilePic The Black SUV’s are outside 🥀

James Harden is planning a TikTok Live later this week in response to Kyrie Irving’s Twitch stream - which itself addressed Kevin Durant’s remarks on Steve Nash’s podcast, league sources say. Harden’s camp tells us the stream will aim to “set the record straight” and provide…

Warriors assistant coach Nick Kerr joins us to discuss: —The pressures of being Steve Kerr’s son —Why his first name was not the family’s first choice —Season expectations for Golden State —And whether the second apron is quietly dismantling team-building as we know it More:…

Around the League:

In a heated February 2022 team meeting amid a Nets losing skid, James Harden reportedly mocked Kyrie Irving’s inconsistent availability, referring to him as “Part-Time Prophet.” Sources say Irving stormed out and later met with Sean Marks, strongly urging the Nets to deal Harden…

There is mutual interest between the Clippers and Paul George in a potential reunion, league sources say. George is said to be open to returning under the right conditions, while L.A. is exploring all avenues to bring him back into the fold.