Lakers, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Warriors Advance to 2026 NBA Summer League Semifinals
The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has reached its critical stage, with the tournament semifinals set following an intense week of action. Day 8 of the event confirmed the semifinalists, as the Lakers, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Warriors advanced to compete for the championship. The path to the semifinals was determined by a series of high-stakes matchups across the league.
In the opening action on Thursday, the Mavericks defeated the Thunder 97-87, a performance highlighted by the play of No. 25 pick Sergio De Larrea, who recorded 9 rebounds and 14 assists, alongside Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, who contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds. The Rockets secured their spot in the semifinals after beating the Nets 103-83, bringing their record to 3-1 behind a strong backcourt effort from Bruce Thornton, who scored 23 points, and Tristen Newton, who added 20 points. The Lakers also punched their ticket to the semifinals by defeating the Bulls 105-82, utilizing six double-figure scorers to overcome a 21-point, 8-rebound performance from Caleb Wilson. The Warriors successfully vaulted into contention for a semifinal spot by beating the Knicks 87-77, eventually clinching their position after the Blazers won their final game of the night.
While the tournament bracket takes shape, the performance of individual rookies remains a focal point for scouts and executives. According to NBA writer Zach Kram, the 2026 draft class has been notable in its first few weeks, with every first-round selection appearing in multiple games at the Summer League, with the exception of No. 20 pick Jayden Quaintance and No. 21 pick Karim Lopez, who are currently injured.
Milwaukee Bucks Forward Nate Ament Struggles During Summer League Outings
Not all lottery picks have met early expectations. Milwaukee’s Nate Ament, drafted 13th overall—a pick acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster—has struggled to make an impact. Described as raw in both skills and frame, the 6’10 forward has been an offensive afterthought,” recording 21 total points, three assists, and seven turnovers through three outings. While Ament was viewed as a high-risk, high-reward prospect, the Bucks are waiting to see signs of that potential. As one scout noted, the Summer League serves as a reminder of the necessity to be willing to change one’s mind, though evaluators are cautioned against overreacting to a very small sample size.
NBA Investigates Milwaukee Bucks Regarding Trent Deal and Clears Bam Adebayo
Beyond the court, the league continues to navigate broader storylines. The Milwaukee Bucks are under investigation regarding a deal with Trent, and the NBA has confirmed it will not punish Bam Adebayo following an altercation with Tyler Herro. Meanwhile, the basketball world awaits decisions regarding LeBron James’ next team, and reports indicate Giannis Antetokounmpo is “excited” regarding the Miami Heat’s efforts. As the Summer League wraps up on Sunday, the focus remains on the balance between early-career development and the long-term trends shaping the league’s landscape.
