Sunbathing owner Mat Isbia told ESPN’s Shams Charania (video link) that he expects his team to be able to lock down Kevin Durant after his current contract, which expires in 2026.

“We expect Kevin to sign an extension and stay with us for the long term,” said Ishbia. “We hope he finishes his career here in Phoenix. That is what we expect.”

The 36-year-old Durant is currently sidelined due to a left calf injury, but was averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game prior to the injury. Durant has a salary of $57.4 million next season, the final year of his current contract. He declined to sign a one-year extension before the regular season, but could sign a two-year deal during the 2025 offseason.

We have more from the Pacific Division:

• Keon Ellis came off the bench to score a career-high 33 points in a controversial one-point loss to Atlanta on Monday. The Kings guard made nine three-pointers for short-handed Sacramento. “The way he shot the ball tonight was absolutely incredible and kept us in the game,” De’Aaron Fox told Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. “He had big moments for us, and when he came on the line later, he was big for us.”
• Le Bron James‘ Making more play is one of the five lessons from the Lakers’ current five-match winning streak that The Athletic’s Jovan Buha chronicles. James is averaging 9.2 assists per game, the second-highest mark of his career. Another advantage of Buha is the improved game play Max Christiealthough he may not hold down his rotation spot once injured players return to action.
• Dalton Knecht has scored 60 points in the last three games and The Athletic’s John Hollinger details the rookie’s impact on the Lakers in his latest column. The 17th pick of the draft has made 40.4% of his 3-point attempts. He has filled the role of a much-needed shooter to balance the offense.