It’s no secret that Lakers-Celtics is the NBA’s most historic rivalry. But a longtime Bostonian is now safe in both towns.

ICYMI, we’re breaking news now. Read all about WAG Talk confirming Paige Bueckers’ long-rumored relationship with fifth-year UConn guard Azzi Fudd in People!

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Tamika Catchings, DeAndre Jordan, Omari Spellman, and Bub Carrington! 🎉

Around the Association

Marcus Smart reaches buyout with Grizzlies, joins Lakers on two-year, $11 million deal

Opposing guards, look away. The Lakers have found their stopper.

Over the weekend, Shams reported that 2023 DPOY Marcus Smart will join the LakeShow on a two-year, $11 million deal following a contract buyout with Memphis. Smart gives the Lakers another solid piece around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, bringing the hard-nosed defense and intensity that made him a fan favorite in Boston for so many years.

After the news that Luka personally recruited Smart to Hollywood, it seems Rob Pelinka and company may have successfully struck the delicate balance between keeping their young superstar happy and building a roster that can compete for a title in LeBron’s final seasons. Smart is 31 years old and has struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons, but at his best, he’s an old-school player who can impact winning at the highest level.

There’s no doubt L.A. has talent. The only question is where it will take them.

Knueppel comes up big as Hornets win Summer League title over Kings 83-78

If this game was a preview for the year to come, we need the full season to drop ASAP.

In a nail-biting final, the Hornets claimed their first-ever Summer League title behind an 83-78 victory over Sacramento. No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel led the way for Buzz City, racking up 21 PTS, 5 REB, and one ice-cold three to give Charlotte a late lead they would not relinquish. Despite playing through a self-proclaimed “stupid headband” and five stitches on his face, the former Duke Blue Devil delivered a gutsy performance and brought home the championship game MVP award.

The Hornets were also aided by Ryan Kalkbrenner (15 PTS, 9 REB) and KJ Simpson (11 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST), while the Kings got big days from veteran Isaac Jones (24 PTS, 11 REB) and Devin Carter (13 PTS, 8 AST). After Charlotte led by as many as 16 in the first half, SacTown slowly chipped away at the lead before surging ahead late, only for Knueppel’s clutch triple to lift the Hornets to the dub.

But you know what they say—what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Around the W: ASG Edition

Napheesa Collier brings home ASG MVP, players ask for fair pay at WNBA All-Star Game

The stars were out in full force on Saturday night for the WNBA All-Star Game.

In a playground-style matchup between Team Caitlin Clark and Team Napheesa Collier, Minnesota’s star led her team to a 151-131 victory thanks to a 36-point MVP-winning effort. That mark broke the record for points in a WNBA All-Star Game and included some daggers from the new 4-point line, a fun addition to typical exhibition game action.

The All-Stars also made headlines with their pregame attire. Prior to tipoff, both teams wore shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” a nod to the league’s ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Two days after a meeting between the league and a group of players that reportedly left the players dissatisfied, the best in the game used their national spotlight to deliver a message loud and clear.

After the game, the fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse made their feelings known by chanting “pay them” as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented Collier the MVP trophy.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, be sure to cherish those closest to you. Send that text, make that phone call, tell that person you love them. Chances are you’ll make their day. See you soon!

Walker Carnathan