With Fred VanVleet potentially hitting free agency this offseason, the Rockets could have interest in a new contract.

This, then, is a rather important development when evaluating the Western Conference landscape: League sources tell The Stein Line that Houston and Fred VanVleet have mutual interest in prolonging

As Rockets guard Fred VanVleet fired and missed a 3-pointer while leading by one point with 15 seconds remaining, Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells grabbed a rebound and was off to the races looking for a go-ahead basket before an inadvertent whistle stopped the play.

Former NBA player Blake Griffin and Lauren Coughlin of the United States walk on the 12th green during the first round of the Hilton Grand Vacations

Meanwhile, Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama has been chosen for his first NBA All-Star Game as one of seven reserves from the Western Conference. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Bronny James, the 20-year-old son of 40-year-old LeBron, entered the game for Los Angeles to start the fourth quarter and played the final 12 minutes. He finished with a career-high five points. Rui Hachimura added 22 points, while Shake Milton chipped in 21 points off the bench as the Lakers won their fifth game in six tries.

There will be at least 15 players who "start" at the All-Star Game this season. It's the first year of a new All-Star format, with three games. The 24 All-Stars will be drafted into three teams of eight players apiece by TNT personalities and former NBA greats Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.

That is supported by Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, who wrote that the Heat have “lowered their asking price for Butler because they’re tired of his act”. “And they’d like to get something in return instead of letting him walk in free agency for nothing,” he added.

Among the reasons why the Lakers are not Fox’s preferred destination: Klutch has direct knowledge of many Lakers dealings thanks to its representation of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

All the latest on De’Aaron Fox trade. With all due respect to Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine and everyone else, De'Aaron Fox is unquestionably the best player available at the trade

It’s Tuesday, January 28. We have four games on the NBA slate, including a nationally televised doubleheader on TNT. The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers meet at 7:30 p.m. ET in the front end of the televised double dip, while the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers play at 10 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV and Max.

Houston (29-14, No. 2 in West) is the only team with wins this season over both the Thunder and Cavaliers, who are tied for the NBA’s best record.