LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is distancing himself from the Kawhi Leonard scandal, but a new report potentially ties him closer to Kawhi's no-show payment. Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize discuss the latest on Kawhi and the Clippers before asking whether people are sleeping on the Minnesota Timberwolves to come out of the West. Finally, Ben Simmons is considering retirement, the Chicago Bulls make a new offer to Josh Giddey, and Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Sue Bird get ready to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Is the Kawhi Leonard contract scandal with the Los Angeles Clippers even bigger than everyone thought? There's new reporting about it from John Karalis of the Boston Sports Journal (https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2025/09/04/exclusive-kawhi-leonard-endorsement-deal-that-triggered-nba-investigation-actually-worth-48-million). Karalis, the host of Locked On Celtics, joins Tony East, the host of Locked On Pacers, to break it down and discuss Cam Thomas signing his qualifying offer with the Brooklyn Nets. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Clippers are facing a massive scandal after reports surfaced that Kawhi Leonard received $28M in secret payments. What does this mean for Steve Ballmer, the front office, and the NBA? We also break down Alperen Sengun’s monster performance against Nikola Jokic at EuroBasket and debate if he’s on track to join the league’s elite superstars. Plus, the NBA tweaks the All-Star Game again—did they finally get it right? Spoiler: probably not. Locked On NBA hosts Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore, and Haize react with insider analysis and hot takes from around the league.

ALPEREN SENGUN OUTSHINES JOKIC IN EUROBASKET STUNNER. IS HE THE NBA'S NEXT EUROPEAN SUPERSTAR? Hosts Jackson Gatlin (@Locked On Rockets) and David Ramil (@Locked On Heat) discuss Houston Rockets' rising star Alperen Sengun dominating Nikola Jokic in a EuroBasket showdown, sparking debates about his potential impact on the NBA landscape. The discussion shifts to explosive allegations surrounding the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, with reports of a $28 million under-the-table payment through Aspiration. Ramil weighs in on Pablo Torre's reporting and the potential fallout for Steve Ballmer's organization. The hosts also break down a proposed new format for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, featuring a round-robin tournament with USA and World teams.

In this episode of Locked On NBA Daily, hosts Nick Angstadt (Locked On Mavs), Wes Goldberg (Locked On Heat), and Haize (Locked On Bulls) discuss the explosive report of Kawhi Leonard's alleged under-the-table deal with Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers. They explore the potential consequences for the NBA and the Clippers, including possible punishments. The conversation shifts to the Dallas Mavericks' offseason moves, particularly the PJ Washington extension and the acquisition of Cooper Flagg.

Deni Avdija STUNS IN EUROBASKET: Is he the Trail Blazers' best player? Avdija's impressive Eurobasket performance has NBA fans buzzing. Wes Goldberg and Tony East break down the Israeli star's 22-point game and 23-point showing versus France, exploring his potential impact on the Portland Trail Blazers. The duo compares the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks, debating whether Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner is Orlando's top player. They also discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting out Greece's game and analyze Carmelo Anthony's career impact, sparked by Jim Boeheim's recent comments.

In this episode of Locked On NBA Daily, hosts Nick Angstadt, Haize, and Wes Goldberg discuss the potential impact of Alperen Şengün's EuroBasket performance on the Houston Rockets' championship aspirations and hear from Jackson Gatlin Locked On Rockets⁩. They debate Franz Wagner's shooting development and its importance for the Orlando Magic's playoff hopes and hear from Phillip Rossman-Reich of ⁨Locked On Magic⁩.

In this episode of Locked On NBA Game Night, hosts Nick Angstadt and Swipa dive into the latest EuroBasket action, focusing on standout performances from NBA stars like Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas. They analyze the impact of Valanciunas joining the Denver Nuggets and debate whether they now have the best center duo in the NBA.

LUKA DONCIC dominates Eurobasket. Is an NBA MVP in his future? | Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore break down Doncic's impressive international play, debating its impact on the Lakers' upcoming season. The duo dives into bold NBA MVP predictions, exploring dark horse candidates, and ask if Serbia should be considered the favorites to win the Eurobasket tournament. They also discuss why the Bucks re-signing Giannis' brother is a big deal, the Mavericks adding a point guard, and they reflect on Jeremy Lin's retirement, revisiting the unforgettable "Linsanity" era with the New York Knicks.

This episode of Locked On NBA Game Night delves into the latest EuroBasket action, focusing on standout performances by NBA stars Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic.

We finally crown a champion in our month-long Tournament of Moves, as Kareem's Skyhook takes on Hakeem's Dream Shake for the title of best signature move ever. Then, we discuss the big shake-up at ESPN that sees Doris Burke replaced on the Finals broadcast and play a game of "What Happens First?" involving LeBron, Bronny, and some of the NBA's most unbreakable records

NBA superstars shine in EuroBasket showdown! Can Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo's international performances translate to NBA success? Jake Madison ( @LockedOnPelicans ) and John Karalis ( @LockedOnCeltics ) analyze Doncic's 34-point effort for Slovenia and Giannis's dominant 31-point game for Greece. The discussion covers the Los Angeles Lakers' front office presence at Doncic's match and debates the risks of NBA players in off-season tournaments. Plus, intriguing trade rumors swirl around the Boston Celtics - could a major roster shakeup be on the horizon? Tune in for expert insights on how these international games could reshape the upcoming NBA season and impact your favorite teams. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nba Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Follow the Locked On Podcast Network Twitter 📲 https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetwork TikTok 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonsports Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/offers/ #NBA #Basketball #Podcast #NBAPodcast #Sports #sportspodcast Listener Survey We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

We debate an ESPN poll that has Luka Dončić as a top contender for MVP this season. Plus, we explore Dawn Staley's revealing comments about her head coaching interview with the New York Knicks and why she thinks she didn't get the job.

Serbia dominates EuroBasket Day 1. Is Nikola Jokić's MVP-caliber performance a sign of things to come? Hosts Jackson Gatlin (@Locked On Rockets) and David Ramil (@Locked On Heat) discuss break down Serbia's crushing victory over Estonia, highlighting Jokić's efficient 11-10-7 stat line and ridiculous +39 in just 23 minutes. The hosts analyze standout performances from Lauri Markkanen, Franz Wagner, and Alperen Sengun, discussing their impact on both national teams and NBA prospects. The duo wrap things up by each drafting a EuroBasket starting five + sixth man.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been dealt a significant blow as Max Strus undergoes foot surgery, but is it truly a cause for panic? We also debate which team is most likely to set a franchise record for regular-season wins and explore Chet Holmgren's path to his first All-Star appearance.

The Atlanta Hawks want to see Trae Young and Jalen Johnson more before extending Trae Young. Right call? Plus, why the Dallas Mavericks are up to something and will make another move (including PJ Washington), and THIS OR THAT: Rockets or Nuggets? Hosts Tony East and Danny Cunningham break it down. Listener Survey We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

We're looking at the biggest gambles NBA teams made this offseason, from the Knicks firing their successful coach to the Rockets going all-in for Kevin Durant. Then, we determine the last two spots in our Tournament of Moves Final Four as Michael Jordan takes on Allen Iverson and Hakeem Olajuwon faces Kobe Bryant

On this episode of Locked On NBA Game Night, Danny Cunningham (Locked On Cavs) and Camille Davis (Locked On Bucks) provide a comprehensive analysis of Eastern Conference power rankings for the upcoming NBA season. The hosts break down each team's offseason moves, roster strengths, and potential for success, categorizing the conference into tiers from top contenders to rebuilding franchises. They identify the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks as the teams to beat, discuss the impact of key acquisitions like Lonzo Ball, and evaluate the potential of rising stars such as Paolo Banchero. The podcast explores the challenges facing middle-tier teams like the Celtics and 76ers, while also examining the rebuilding efforts of bottom-tier squads. Throughout the episode, Danny and Camille offer insights on how offseason moves and player health could significantly influence team performance and playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference landscape.

New reports indicate that the Golden State Warriors have repeatedly called the Lakers about trading for LeBron James to pair him with Steph Curry. Then, we debate if the Memphis Grizzlies have a case for the best starting lineup in the league and consider if Zion Williamson is the NBA's biggest wild card.