Even in August, the NBA is making noise. An eventful week in the Association included several major storylines on Wednesday.
First, there was the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, transferring ownership from Mark Walter to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner for $12 billion. That's a record-breaking price for the sale of a North American sports franchise.
The Lakers, for the second time in less than 18 months, are being sold.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 12, 2026
This time, according to @ramonashelburne, it’s a record $12 billion deal — richer than any North American sports franchise sale — that would transfer ownership from Mark Walter to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. https://t.co/MQrEViPIcZ
On the heels of that came the NBA Cup schedule release. While nothing is guaranteed, the Boston Celtics are the favorites to win Group C in the East.
In the afternoon, Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after a decorated 18-year career.
Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026
You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV
Russell Westbrook's retirement closes the door on a potential Celtics disaster
C's fans never had to worry about the nine-time All-Star spending perhaps the final chapter of his playing career in green. The reality is the two sides weren't a good fit for what each wanted.
There was a compelling case for signing Dillon Mitchell to fill Boston's last roster vacancy. However, with Mitchell officially on board on a two-way deal, there is a strong argument for leaving that spot open. Along with preserving flexibility, there are financial benefits for a team well-suited to reset the repeater tax.
If the Celtics address that opening, it's more likely that they would either convert a player like Mitchell from his two-way deal or use that slot to work with another young talent.
The least likely outcome is seeing them put it toward someone who probably wouldn't be happy in that role.
Westbrook is coming off a campaign in which he started in 58 of the 64 games he played and averaged 29 minutes per contest. In Boston, he would've had to brace for the fewest minutes of his career. That number could have dipped below 20 for the first time in his life.
Maybe, as someone who turns 38 in November, he'd accept that. The fact that he chose to retire speaks to the fact that he never had to. And what a testament that is to his career. The former NBA MVP is unquestionably a future Hall of Famer.
What he built and the possibility that, yes, he could have bought into that role still wouldn't have outweighed two factors. One, if there were minutes that could go to him or the likes of Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, or Ron Harper Jr., Boston would have been better off invested in the development of its burgeoning wings.
Secondly, Mike Conley is a better fit for the job that the Celtics quickly signed him for in free agency. He'll minimize turnovers and is a much more reliable three-point shooter.
Conversely, Westbrook is coming off a season where he shot worse than 43 percent from the field, below 34 percent from beyond the arc, and committed 3.3 turnovers per game.
C's fans would love how hard he plays every second he's on the court, night in and night out. And, like Conley, he could be a veteran mentor. However, they wisely chose the better fit for their system and the role they had to offer.
Westbrook built an incredible career. And it's a shame to see him retire after a season where he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. However, weighing his opportunities, he chose the most graceful option, starting the countdown to his enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Add us as a preferred source on Google