LeBron Leaves the Lakers, Edwards Facing a 300-Million Deal, and MZT Knocking on Europe's Door Again

LeBron leaves the Lakers: the end of an eight-year story

When a man plays 23 seasons at the highest level, every „I'm leaving" of his carries the weight of a historic event. LeBron James has officially told the Lakers he will not return - as a free agent, he is moving on. According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, even hours before the market opened LeBron was „80 percent for staying," so the U-turn surprised even people inside the club itself. In his record-breaking 23rd season, the 41-year-old, despite early sciatica trouble, played 60 games averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists. Eight years, one title (2020) and countless dramas later - the Los Angeles era is closed.

Edwards facing a 300-million deal: Minnesota builds around its ace

While some stars leave, others are only now cashing in on their peak. Minnesota is preparing to offer Anthony Edwards a new „monster" contract - potentially worth 300 million dollars, provided he plays at least 65 games next season and makes the league's best fives (All-NBA). The 24-year-old guard last year dazzled with a career-high 28.8 points, but missed out on All-NBA because of only 61 games played. He is already on a 244.6-million contract, but in Minnesota they want more - with the arrival of Lamelo Ball, and maybe LeBron too, the plan is for Edwards to grow into the face of the franchise for the next decade.

Valanciunas returns to Europe: 14 years of the NBA and back to Zalgiris

Sometimes the biggest news is not who is coming to the NBA, but who is leaving it. After 14 seasons and over 156 million dollars earned in the league, Jonas Valanciunas is going home - he signed a two-year contract with Lithuania's Zalgiris, for around 5 million euros. This is a coup for anyone who loves the EuroLeague: a centre with an NBA past who last year gave Denver 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds a game will now fill the arenas in Kaunas. Zalgiris finished fifth in the EuroLeague regular season last year, but went out to Fenerbahce in the play-offs. With Valanciunas, the Lithuanian giant has rounded out its squad - and raised its ambitions.

Comeback to victory: young basketballers overcame Azerbaijan

Wins by youth national teams rarely fill the front pages, but that is exactly where the future is built. Macedonia's under-20 basketballers overcame Azerbaijan 67:57 at the European Championship in Division B, played in Slovakia - a second win at the tournament. It did not start easily: Azerbaijan led 25:16 after the first quarter. But in the third the team of coach Nikola Velev put together a +10 run and completely turned the game around. Top scorer was Kirilovski with 16 points, Lukanoski added 15, and Mladenoski 10. Character at the moment it is needed most - that is what stays with you from games like these.

MZT Skopje learns its rivals: back in Europe via the FIBA Cup

For Macedonian basketball every European summer means the same prayer - that the draw be merciful. MZT Skopje learns its opponents in the FIBA Europe Cup for the 2026/2027 season in Munich today. The new format carries 48 clubs split into eight groups, with another 21 joining via qualifiers from the Champions League. The Macedonian champion is in the sixth, lowest seeding pot - alongside teams from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Great Britain and Austria. It is not a position to boast about, but for a club that spends years balancing between the regional ABA league and Europe, taking part at all is a story. The question is whether the draw will offer a real chance, or just one more European experience.