Assist of the Night: Jimmy Butler

James Harden is targeting a return to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup sometime this week, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Wojnarowski adds that Harden, who has missed four straight games due to a sore Achilles, is looking to return for a home game.

Joel Embiid also missed Monday night’s 116-111 loss to the Nuggets due to a sore right calf.

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a 3-0 start under new head coach JJ Redick. But that better-than-expected start doesn’t mean the Lakers aren’t still looking at ways to upgrade the roster.

One player Los Angeles has interest in is center Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. The Lakers are looking for frontcourt depth around Anthony Davis. Jaxson Hayes has been the team’s primary backup big, as Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood are recovering from injuries to open the season.

Kessler would fill the backup center spot. He would also allow the Lakers to open games with a bigger lineup, should Redick choose to go that direction. In addition, Kessler makes just $2.9 million this season and $4.9 million next season in the final year of his rookie scale deal. That type of salary is easily acquirable for Los Angeles, who is working against some tight margins with the tax aprons.