NBA News Roundup, Friday, August 2nd: Lance Stephenson set for China move, LeBron James out to silence his doubters and more

The 2019 offseason is now well underway, and NBA fans have already been treated to plenty of blockbuster moves. Superstars such as Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis have been traded to title-contending teams, whereas the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Al Horford all opted to seek a new challenge in free agency.

Due to this, the 2019-20 campaign is quickly gearing up to be among the most exciting seasons in recent memory, and additional offseason moves are likely in the coming weeks. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 2nd.

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Patrick Patterson agrees to buyout with the OKC Thunder; will join the LA Clippers

Patrick Patterson spent two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder's summer exodus appears set to continue as Patrick Patterson has agreed to a buyout. Back in June, the 30-year-old opted into the final-year of his deal, although ESPN is reporting that the Thunder and Patterson have now agreed to part ways:

The Oklahoma City Thunder and forward Patrick Patterson have agreed to a buyout. Once his $5.7 million deal clear waivers this week, Patterson's intention is to sign with the LA Clippers

Following an impressive spell with the Toronto Raptors, Patterson joined the Thunder back in 2017. The small forward was expected to be part of Billy Donovan’s starting line-up, although Carmelo Anthony’s arrival on the eve of the 17/18 campaign relegated Patterson to the bench. And, despite Melo leaving last summer, Patterson continued to struggle for form and fitness, averaging less than 15 minutes per contest.

Patterson joins the influx of talent that has left Oklahoma City over the past month, with Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Jerami Grant all heading to contending teams.

Lance Stephenson heading to China on one-year $4 million deal

Lance Stephenson is set for a move to China after spending the previous campaign with the LA Lakers

Following an eventful season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Lance Stephenson was among the most noteworthy names remaining on the free agency market. At 28, Stephenson is still in the prime of his career, although Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting that Stephenson is set for a move to China with Liaoning of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Despite becoming a journeyman in recent years, Stephenson showed his ability to impact games during a four-year spell with the Indiana Pacers. After being drafted in 2011, Stephenson played a huge part in the teams consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.

During his year-spell with the Lakers, the shooting guard averaged 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

LeBron James remains motivated to prove his doubters wrong

LeBron James is gearing up for his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers

After LeBron James signed a long term deal with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, many believed that the team were getting the NBA's best player. However, while James performed well in his debut season, the Lakers missed out on the playoffs, leaving the window open for the likes of Kawhi Leonard to make their claim as the leagues best player.

Nevertheless, Kyle Kuzma believes his teammate will be out to silence his doubters during the upcoming season:

This offseason, you see just, people slandering his name and saying this about him. But you know, he’s been super motivated this offseason working. He’s in the gym early, night, whatever. So just being locked in.

During the 19-20 season, James averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. Despite the impressive numbers, James received some criticism for his perceived weak defense, while Leonard was recently named by coaches as the NBA's best player.