Play of the Day: Jimmy Butler

Ty Lue downplayed Kawhi Leonard’s left adductor strain on Wednesday.

“I don’t think it’s that serious. He played through it last game, was experiencing some soreness in the hip, so when the game got out of reach we didn’t bring him back in the fourth quarter to be smart about it,” said Lue.

Leonard’s status for this weekend’s All-Star Game is uncertain.

Sources add that Leonard is still expected to go to Indianapolis for the weekend even if he does not play in the game.

Despite a report to the contrary, the Los Angeles Lakers never extended a non-guaranteed training camp invite to Cedi Osman before he accepted a one-year deal with Panathinaikos in Greece. LeBron James has a well-known fondness for Osman originating from their days together with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Lakers have 15 guaranteed contracts and are less than $50,000 away from crossing into second apron luxury tax territory, which would complicate the situation for keeping Osman even if he played well.

Osman hopes a strong season in Greece may fuel a return to the NBA in 2025. Osman played for the San Antonio Spurs last season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 17.6 minutes over 72 games. Osman is represented by Jordan Gertler, Jeff Schwartz and Misko Raznatovic.