Basketball

East Asia Super League gets Raine Group investment ahead of 2022 tip-off (SportsPro Insider)

• Latest investment will be used to help launch the new competition
• League also unveils full format for inaugural home and away season

Basketball’s East Asia Super League (EASL) has secured investment from financial advisory firm the Raine Group and former National Basketball Association (NBA) players Baron Davis, Metta World Peace and Shane Battier.

NBA, Bleacher Report Launch Art Series To Celebrate League’s 75th Anniversary (Forbes SportsMoney) Throughout the past 75 years, the NBA has transcended the hardcourt, crossing over into fashion, music, art, politics, lifestyle and pop culture.

In an effort to not only celebrate the league’s anniversary but also further its involvement in the art world, the NBA and Bleacher Report teamed up with five artists across a variety of disciplines and mediums to create a one-of-its-kind collaboration.

NBA 75: Artist Series features original 1-of-1 works of art, 75 exclusive artist editions and an apparel collection designed by Frank Miller, Sue Tsai, Greg Yuna, Bandulu and Hank Willis Thomas.

LeBron James Out Indefinitely Under NBA’s Covid Protocols (Wall Street Journal)

LeBron James missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ game on Tuesday and will remain out indefinitely after entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols, indicating the vaccinated NBA star registered a positive or inconclusive test for Covid-19, which could make James the most prominent athlete with a breakthrough infection. 

Bulls, Heat lose draft picks for jumping the gun in free agent talks with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Lowry (USA TODAY) The NBA disciplined the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls on Wednesday for what the league says were both teams "violating league rules governing the timing of this season's free agency discussions."
Both teams will forfeit the next available second-round draft pick. 
Currently, the Heat could have one second round pick in 2022, but it's likely the second round pick won't be made until 2028. The Bulls next second-round pick is scheduled for the 2026 draft. 
The league's investigation centered on the Bulls and Heat and the sign-and-trade acquisitions of guards Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry as soon as the free agency period began on Aug. 2.

Report: Bob Iger interested in buying the Phoenix Suns (SportsPro Insider) Former Disney chief executive Bob Iger is interested in buying the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Phoenix Suns, according to Puck News.
The media outlet reports that although there have been no formal talks yet, Iger would be interested in bidding for the Suns if the NBA franchise becomes available.
The Suns’ incumbent majority owner, Robert Sarver, is currently under investigation by the NBA, after ESPN recently published a report citing allegations of racism and misogyny within the franchise.