The NBA Cup tips off with a few teams already carrying real momentum, and the West is where the early heat is building fastest. Houston comes in as one of three undefeated teams out there, and the Rockets have been putting up points in a hurry. They’re averaging 123 per game, good for third in the league, with Kevin Durant and third-year small forward Amen Thompson helping drive that surge.
But the name to keep circling is Alperen Sengun. The center has been the Rockets’ engine, leading the team in rebounds, points, and assists per game.
His rise has shown up beyond the box score, too, because his card market has stayed strong. In 2026, he has four cards that have sold for over five figures, and only one of those included an autograph.
His breakout last season made collectors pay attention, and his 2021 National Treasures 1/1 Rookie Logoman Autograph card brought in $85,4000.00 on April 26, 2025.
Memphis is getting its own offensive punch from Ty Jerome, who is averaging 29.8 points per game and sits second in the league. Cedric Coward has also stepped into the starting five in his second year and is giving the Grizzlies a lift as a floor-spacer, scoring 13.3 points per game. And then there’s rookie Cameron Boozer, who has been a force early and is the only rookie averaging a double-double as Memphis opens the season undefeated.
Out West, the Lakers have also come flying out of the gate. Luka Doncic has taken over after LeBron left for Philadelphia, and he’s doing it with plenty of help.
Austin Reaves is giving them more than 20 points per game, and Los Angeles is second in the league at 123.2 points per game. With a 4-1 start, Luka is only down seven percent over the past year, which makes this look like a spot where buy-and-hold interest could make sense.
The other side of the scoreboard has its own heavy hitters. Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James have teamed up to give the 76ers a combined 43.9 points per game, and they’re tied for the lead in their division. Detroit is right there too, with Cade Cunningham steering the Pistons and keeping them tied for the lead with Philadelphia.
In Other News...
Lakers Sale Suddenly Faces One Huge Question Behind The Scenes
The Lakers proposed sale has been moving through the usual swirl of speculation, but a new wrinkle has shifted the focus from family control to financing. Bill Simmons said on his podcast that Josh Kushner is reportedly still trying to raise $5 billion to $6 billion to complete the purchase, and he also suggested that Bob Iger is only contributing a minimal amount to the effort.
If that is the real holdup, it changes the feel of the delay entirely. The Buss family ownership issue has been the headline for weeks, but Simmons comments point to a more basic question behind the scenes: whether the money is actually lined up to finish a deal of this size. None of it confirms where the transaction stands, but it does add another layer of uncertainty to a sale that already has plenty of it. [Read more 🡒]
Walker Kessler Is Already Testing The Lakers' Title Ceiling
Walker Kessler has wasted little time making his presence felt in Los Angeles, giving the Lakers exactly the kind of interior impact they hoped to add when they brought in the former first-round pick. Through the teams first three games, the center has already shown he can affect both ends of the floor, giving the Lakers a sturdier defensive backbone while also providing useful offense around the rim.
For a player who missed much of the 2025-2026 season after shoulder surgery, the quick adjustment matters even more. The Lakers have been searching for pieces that can hold up in a playoff setting, and Kesslers early play hints at a bigger role than just rotation depth, with his fit and consistency now becoming part of the larger title conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Lakers Win Is Fueling A Bigger Rotation Debate Without Luka
The Lakers 103-87 win over the Clippers came without Luka Doncic, but it still offered a useful look at how JJ Redick wants this roster to function when the lineup gets thin. Redick singled out the pairing of Jarred Vanderbilt and Sandro Mamukelashvili as an effective combination, and Collin Sexton also drew praise for the impact he made in the game. With early injuries already forcing the team to adjust, that kind of production from different spots in the rotation matters.
What makes the win more interesting is the way it feeds into a larger conversation about how the Lakers can keep building cohesion while shorthanded. The group has reason to feel optimistic about its potential, but games like this also create questions about which lineups deserve more run once everyone is available. For a team trying to sort out roles early, the answer may not be simple. [Read more 🡒]