NBA rumors: Austin Reaves makes bold claim

Austin Reaves was recently a guest on the Lowe Post podcast, where he talked with ESPN's Zach Lowe about his summer with Team USA, his golf game, and the Los Angeles Lakers' chances next season.

In response to Zach Lowe saying people don't know what to make of the Lakers team, Reaves said, "I would argue we probably have the most talented roster in the league, from top to bottom,"

Specifically, Reaves thinks the opportunity to go through training camp together will do wonders for the Lakers' chemistry and give the team time to mesh as a whole.

After losing to the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers have added several new players. For example, Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes are all new additions to the purple and gold. Aside from adding key players, the Lakers are also returning a strong core that's already proven effective in the Western Conference. With Reaves, Vanderbilt, James, Davis, and Hachimura all returning, the Lakers look to make a deep run this year. Hopefully, this early manifestation by Reaves doesn't come back to haunt the Lakers.

NBA rumors: James Harden could no-show to 76ers training camp

Harden's presence at training camp is the latest twist in the James Harden Philadelphia 76ers drama. Sixers beat writer, Keith Pompey said he doesn't expect Harden to attend the 76ers media day. During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Pompey said, "I don't expect him to be[at media day on Monday], I don't."

Harden requested a trade from the Sixers and hoped to join the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Sixers are not willing to trade Harden. This would explain Harden's Daryl-Morey-is-a-liar-and-I-won't-be-a-part-of-any-organization-he's-a-part-of vibe.

The Athletic's Sam Amick wrote last month that, "a source close to Harden reiterated that the 10-time All-Star and former MVP no longer wants to play for Philadelphia and has no plans of taking part in training camp." Amick also referred to Harden's messy breakups with the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets, writing, "the team that refused to grant Harden's trade wishes learned the hard way that he's quite good at staring contests."

Will Harden concede? Is he determined to become a Los Angeles Clipper? On Oct. 2, the 76ers will hold their media day. Training camp follows on Oct. 3. Will Harden show? Even if it's just to stir the pot? Maybe he realizes, "Hey, my stock as a player/teammate is tanking. I've got to do something to improve the optics here." and just suits up for the 76ers this season? Either way, we'll get those answers on Oct. 2.

NBA rumors: How the Brooklyn Nets and Ben Simmons got back on track

Ben Simmons, the three-time All-Star is finally entering an NBA season healthy, and the Brooklyn Nets couldn't be more excited. Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for James Harden at the 2022 trade deadline. However, Simmons didn't play a minute that season due to mental health issues and a back injury.

Last season, Simmons played only 42 games following herniated disk surgery. Unfortunately, something was missing from Simmons' game upon his return. He wasn't as decisive. It turns out Simmons was still playing through pain. This of course affected Simmons' confidence as a player. Nets coach Jacque Vaughn took notice and decided to shut Simmons down in March, citing nerve impingement.

According to The New York Post's Brian Lewis, "The relationship between Simmons and the team became strained, but after Marks and Vaughn visited him repeatedly in Miami, they have a much better rapport now." (Simultaneously investing in his players' well-being, while jumping on the opportunity to spend the offseason in Miami should tell you all you need to know about Jacque Vaughn — this guy is a winner)

Regarding his injuries last season, Simmons said, "I'd say [the hardest part was] not being able to do your job to the fullest."

Clearly, Simmons was frustrated, because he knew he wasn't giving the team everything he could. Thankfully, in the end, the two of them reached an understanding. Coach Vaughn deserves credit for admitting he asked too much too soon of Ben. Vaughn recently spoke about Simmons and his relationship.

"Our relationship is in such a good place right now because we've been able to talk through that moment of our lives where I expected him to do things that I've come to understand that physically he wasn't able to do."

Through Vaughn's extra effort, Simmons was able to get back on track. Nets general manager Sean Marks said, "The fact that he's feeling confident about where he is physically, that's going to be exciting to go see him in camp and to build out from there." Thankfully for Nets fans, for the first time in a long time, Simmons appears to be ready for the upcoming season.