NBA investigations into the Clippers, the Bass family crisis in the Lakers, and Newcastle signs Didic

The NBA has found no evidence that Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Bulmer circumvented salary cap rules to pay Kawhi Leonard via sponsors, according to a report published by ESPN on Monday.

But the association confirmed that the report contains fundamental errors regarding the investigation that lasted 11 months, noting that the final result will not be known until after the investigation is completed.

The report, citing unnamed sources familiar with discussions related to the case, stated that the investigation was not limited to the “Aspiration” company, whose name was first linked to financial deals with Leonard, but also included at least 3 other companies that the Clippers provided to the player.

The report added that no evidence was found to prove that Bulmer transferred money to Leonard through those companies that have sponsorship contracts with the Clippers.

ESPN sources indicated that a report on the investigation was submitted in late July, and that the two parties were conducting negotiations to reach a settlement that would end the investigation.

The league responded after the report was published on the ESPN website.

“The ESPN article regarding the investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, in which the league has refused to cooperate, contains many significant and fundamental errors,” league spokesman Mike Bass said. The results of this case will become clear when the investigation is completed.”

After “Aspiration” signed a sponsorship contract with the Clippers, Leonard signed a sponsorship contract with the company in 2022.

The Bass family, which has owned the Los Angeles Lakers for more than 40 years, is witnessing a division over the idea of selling its stake in this ancient club that has won the American Basketball League (NBA) title 17 times, according to what several local media reported, a week after the change of the main shareholder.

The Athletic website, ESPN, USA Today, and other media in Los Angeles indicated that a section of the sons of Jerry Bass, who bought the Lakers in 1979 and turned them into one of the most famous brands in the world of sports, want to sell their 17.8 percent share of the capital to a group led by Bob Iger. But Jenny Bass, who took over leadership of the Lakers after her father's death in 2013, opposed this decision. Her lawyer, Adam Streisand, said in a letter addressed to her five siblings, a copy of which was obtained by CNBC and ESPN, that any vote suggesting approval of the sale “is invalid and void.” Because her approval is necessary to make such a decision, as she is one of the administrators of the family trust along with Joey and Jayne Bass.

The letter added: “The co-managers of the fund must vote to ensure that the minimum ownership of 15 percent is maintained, so that Jenny Bass can maintain control” of the club, as a shareholder.

This minimum allows Jenny Bass to represent the Lakers on the league's Club Owners Council.

But the Bass family confirmed in a statement reported by ESPN that they had decided to “sell the remaining shares owned by the Bass Family Fund to Bob Iger’s company as part of the ongoing deal.”

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger allied with Joshua Kushner, brother-in-law of US President Donald Trump, to acquire a majority stake in the club from billionaire Mark Walter, in a record deal valued at $12.5 billion.

The family added: “We love the Lakers and their fans, and we will continue to support Los Angeles, but it is time to take advantage of this opportunity to turn the page and withdraw with dignity, as long as we are able to do so.”

The Bass family sold the club last year to American businessman Mark Walter, for $10 billion, but retained shares in the club that won the league title for the last time in 2020.

If the new deal is completed, the duo, Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, will own about 83 percent of the club’s shares, after obtaining the approval of the League, expected in September. Then the Bass family will lose any influence within the club created by father Jerry, the pioneer of entertainment in the world of sports, who during the 1980s established an image for the Lakers that combined titles, showmanship and charm.

Newcastle United, competing in the English Premier League, announced today (Tuesday) its contract with Bosnian defender Ammar Didic, coming from Benfica, under a five-year contract.

Didic strengthens Newcastle's defensive options following the departure of right-back Kieran Trippier.

Portuguese club Benfica said that the value of the deal for the 24-year-old player reached 35.9 million euros ($41.55 million).

Didic previously worked with newly appointed Newcastle coach Matthias Jaisle at Red Bull Salzburg, where the pair won the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023.

“Working with Matthias again was an important factor for me,” Dedic said in a statement. We know each other well, and he knows what I can offer on the field, and I am really happy to play under him again.”

Dedic represented the Bosnian national team in this year's World Cup, where Bosnia was eliminated by the United States, the tournament's hosts, in the round of 32.

Newcastle begins its new league campaign with a home match against Liverpool on August 23.