Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, center, passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, left, and forward Peyton Watson defend in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubo
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Phoenix. Dallas won 98-89. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) PHOENIX Kyrie Irving scored 20 points, Daniel Gaf
fb899 Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks to drive around Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) HOUSTON Anthony Edwards
ph dream Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) questions a call by referee Sean Wright (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) DALLAS — Dal
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures after a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) INDIANAPOLIS
Miami Heat guard Alec Burks, left, congratulates guard Tyler Herro, right, who hit the winning 2-point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolcz
sga gaming Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, left, celebrates after guard Jaden Ivey, right, makes the game winning shot of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
betfil Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) reacts in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Jaren Jackson Jr. had 21 poi
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Having formally been dethroned as NBA Cup champions, the Los Angeles Lakers set their sights