2026 NBA Season

[boyptc]

Lakers got Ayton and LaRavia with nothing to give, this is a good addition with the LA, but not enough.

I think people underestimate what Ayton can do for the Lakers. While he's not as impressive as the other big man.

But at these times, it's wise for the Lakers to get big man for someone to post in the paint and at the same time also can score, he's the man. JJ could utilize him under the ring.

They wouldn't take someone and just give a contract to do nothing. Maybe for Laravia but I guess with Ayton, JJ has got some plays and important roles for him to play, let's give them a chance though.

I think Ayton has a ton of potential. He almost delivered a championship to the Phoenix Suns and got no credit for it. He has some real personality issues I think, but hopefully being around LeBron’s team gets him set on the right path. This will either go really well or really bad. LeBron could get really frustrated with him.

Yeah, I hope that he'd develop more with Lebron. And I guess that's one of his list to be marked, to play with Lebron with his retirement.

Whilst Lebron is for sure going to try to chase one more ring before he retires. We'd probably see him breakdown with every lost that they'll make with him.

But I think that he'd be gentle with the remaining years of his life in the league and that's why, it's gonna more of motivation than frustration he'd give to his teammates.

[LogitechMouse]

Lakers got Ayton and LaRavia with nothing to give, this is a good addition with the LA, but not enough.

I think people underestimate what Ayton can do for the Lakers. While he's not as impressive as the other big man.

But at these times, it's wise for the Lakers to get big man for someone to post in the paint and at the same time also can score, he's the man. JJ could utilize him under the ring.

They wouldn't take someone and just give a contract to do nothing. Maybe for Laravia but I guess with Ayton, JJ has got some plays and important roles for him to play, let's give them a chance though.

I think Ayton has a ton of potential. He almost delivered a championship to the Phoenix Suns and got no credit for it. He has some real personality issues I think, but hopefully being around LeBron’s team gets him set on the right path. This will either go really well or really bad. LeBron could get really frustrated with him.

The problem with Ayton is his work ethics.

He's lazy, he has tantrums whenever he's on the locker room, and he's playing video games more than focusing on his personal NBA career. That's the problem with Ayton. Like you, I also believe that he has a lot of potential, and TBH, same with Russell, this might be the biggest steal of the off-season, or the biggest bust as well. We know that the Lakers are in desperate need of a true center and they got it already in Ayton. If the same problems back when he's in Portland happens here in LA, he might be more of a liability for the team.

As the #1 pick, I still have high hopes for him, and I hope he changes his habits if he really wants to stay longer in the NBA. I hope that Le-GM and Luka is enough for him to make some changes for himself especially with his attitudes.

[Dave1]

The Rockets might have been confident in Jalen Green before, but as we all know, playoff is very different and so even if Green is performing very well in the regular season to give them a good rankings in the West, it's not that important going into the playoff.

Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns didn't even reach the playoffs. He even have Booker on-board.

And that's why they wanted to trade Durant, because their his partnership with Booker is not that good.

Jalen Green, on the other hand, is building experience. Become the 2nd seed in the West and lead the Rockets at his young age. He will soon be improved. Aside from that, Jalen Green's value can give the Rockets a wide salary cap space if the team just fishes some good role players out there. Having Durant on the Rockets means nearly full max space.

I will bet that the Rockets will turn Brooklyn 2.0 and Suns 2.0 next season. Durant can't carry a team, especially at his post-prime. No hate.

Yes, but perhaps they don't see their future with Jalen Green, unfortunately. And it could have shift to Sengun as their main option plus Durant or they might think that it's going to be a great chemistry. But we will have to see if that will happen or this is another big gamble.

Just very sad, that Durant's legacy is being tainted like what you have said. As if he is the reason for the teams not being successful when they got him.

[boyptc]

Lakers got Ayton and LaRavia with nothing to give, this is a good addition with the LA, but not enough.

I think people underestimate what Ayton can do for the Lakers. While he's not as impressive as the other big man.

But at these times, it's wise for the Lakers to get big man for someone to post in the paint and at the same time also can score, he's the man. JJ could utilize him under the ring.

They wouldn't take someone and just give a contract to do nothing. Maybe for Laravia but I guess with Ayton, JJ has got some plays and important roles for him to play, let's give them a chance though.

I think Ayton has a ton of potential. He almost delivered a championship to the Phoenix Suns and got no credit for it. He has some real personality issues I think, but hopefully being around LeBron’s team gets him set on the right path. This will either go really well or really bad. LeBron could get really frustrated with him.

The problem with Ayton is his work ethics.

He's lazy, he has tantrums whenever he's on the locker room, and he's playing video games more than focusing on his personal NBA career. That's the problem with Ayton. Like you, I also believe that he has a lot of potential, and TBH, same with Russell, this might be the biggest steal of the off-season, or the biggest bust as well. We know that the Lakers are in desperate need of a true center and they got it already in Ayton. If the same problems back when he's in Portland happens here in LA, he might be more of a liability for the team.

As the #1 pick, I still have high hopes for him, and I hope he changes his habits if he really wants to stay longer in the NBA. I hope that Le-GM and Luka is enough for him to make some changes for himself especially with his attitudes.

Now that you've mentioned video games. I've seen on the early years him and Luka talked about playing video games, I think that was fortnite? I can't remember but sure this guy is a heavy video game player like Luka.

So, I think that's a plus for the chemistry that they have. Having fun with video games they play and at the same time, playing inside the court.  At first it won't make sense but maybe his habits will change when he's having fun with his teammates.

It'll affect his work ethics and will encourage him to do better because at the end of the day, it's about how good communication and connection he's got with some of the stars in LA.

[ultrloa]

I think people underestimate what Ayton can do for the Lakers. While he's not as impressive as the other big man.

But at these times, it's wise for the Lakers to get big man for someone to post in the paint and at the same time also can score, he's the man. JJ could utilize him under the ring.

They wouldn't take someone and just give a contract to do nothing. Maybe for Laravia but I guess with Ayton, JJ has got some plays and important roles for him to play, let's give them a chance though.

I think Ayton has a ton of potential. He almost delivered a championship to the Phoenix Suns and got no credit for it. He has some real personality issues I think, but hopefully being around LeBron’s team gets him set on the right path. This will either go really well or really bad. LeBron could get really frustrated with him.

The problem with Ayton is his work ethics.

He's lazy, he has tantrums whenever he's on the locker room, and he's playing video games more than focusing on his personal NBA career. That's the problem with Ayton. Like you, I also believe that he has a lot of potential, and TBH, same with Russell, this might be the biggest steal of the off-season, or the biggest bust as well. We know that the Lakers are in desperate need of a true center and they got it already in Ayton. If the same problems back when he's in Portland happens here in LA, he might be more of a liability for the team.

As the #1 pick, I still have high hopes for him, and I hope he changes his habits if he really wants to stay longer in the NBA. I hope that Le-GM and Luka is enough for him to make some changes for himself especially with his attitudes.

People change as they age so let see if we can see a maturity on Ayton side since he's playing with 2 big stars in the league.

Lets also see if he cooperate and play on his role since if it happens that he want to be the main man on the team then try to get the credits on positive happenings on their team then maybe they would start to have a problem with this.

There's running rumor that Lebron didn't like to play with Luka but hopefully this is just a rumor since this might destroy their team chemistry. They need to deal with lot of things and with Ayton addition Lakers management has lot of things to work out to make their team became more effective together.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

I think people underestimate what Ayton can do for the Lakers. While he's not as impressive as the other big man.

But at these times, it's wise for the Lakers to get big man for someone to post in the paint and at the same time also can score, he's the man. JJ could utilize him under the ring.

They wouldn't take someone and just give a contract to do nothing. Maybe for Laravia but I guess with Ayton, JJ has got some plays and important roles for him to play, let's give them a chance though.

I think Ayton has a ton of potential. He almost delivered a championship to the Phoenix Suns and got no credit for it. He has some real personality issues I think, but hopefully being around LeBron’s team gets him set on the right path. This will either go really well or really bad. LeBron could get really frustrated with him.

The problem with Ayton is his work ethics.

He's lazy, he has tantrums whenever he's on the locker room, and he's playing video games more than focusing on his personal NBA career. That's the problem with Ayton. Like you, I also believe that he has a lot of potential, and TBH, same with Russell, this might be the biggest steal of the off-season, or the biggest bust as well. We know that the Lakers are in desperate need of a true center and they got it already in Ayton. If the same problems back when he's in Portland happens here in LA, he might be more of a liability for the team.

As the #1 pick, I still have high hopes for him, and I hope he changes his habits if he really wants to stay longer in the NBA. I hope that Le-GM and Luka is enough for him to make some changes for himself especially with his attitudes.

People change as they age so let see if we can see a maturity on Ayton side since he's playing with 2 big stars in the league.

Lets also see if he cooperate and play on his role since if it happens that he want to be the main man on the team then try to get the credits on positive happenings on their team then maybe they would start to have a problem with this.

There's running rumor that Lebron didn't like to play with Luka but hopefully this is just a rumor since this might destroy their team chemistry. They need to deal with lot of things and with Ayton addition Lakers management has lot of things to work out to make their team became more effective together.

Its only rumor, we know LBJ is the most versatile athlete in NBA, He also said that he will slow down and let Luka lead the team, we can see those statement on their games where The king score few always in the first half.
For Ayton, LBJ is one of the most disciplined player in NBA again, He take care on his body, He can grow Ayton more, also the Center will receive more pass under the basket as Luka and LBJ love to pass the ball.
Unlike in Suns, KD and Booker is more on shooting than passing.

[avp2306]

Suns wasn't doing some awesome winning before this trade neither. They finished 11th last season at western conference and couldn't go to playoffs. So what could be the worst case scenario? Do the same?

I mean if they did even worse, that would mean they will get a better pick, if they do better then they go to playoffs, there is literally no downside for this trade at all for them. They can't lose this trade, there is no bad thing that can come out of this. Either they will make it to playoffs, or they will be getting a good draft pick (if they have their own pick, not sure). So all in all, Green and Booker better work out good, and if not, they could just trade one of them for some more picks and just tank even harder, which should be fine for them.

They were doing awesome winning before they dumped Ayton. The way their general manager took a finals team and made it irrelevant needs to be studied. Between dumping Ayton and signing Beal I really don’t understand how someone could keep that job… The Beal buyout is going to end up being one of the worst contract forays in NBA history.

If Suns just give the max contract what Ayton ask to them, they provably still have good relationship and maybe until now Suns still became a contender. Imagine Booker,Durant and Ayton combine together that's title contender team already. They are doing good before but suddenly this trio has been separated due to some issues happened.

Now Suns is in bad situation and we don't know if they can able to reach on playoffs after they screwed up badly last season and also Durant is out in their team.

Getting Beal is the biggest mistake they made and they struggle to move him since they cannot trade him unless Beal want to go out on Suns.

[btc_angela]

Suns wasn't doing some awesome winning before this trade neither. They finished 11th last season at western conference and couldn't go to playoffs. So what could be the worst case scenario? Do the same?

I mean if they did even worse, that would mean they will get a better pick, if they do better then they go to playoffs, there is literally no downside for this trade at all for them. They can't lose this trade, there is no bad thing that can come out of this. Either they will make it to playoffs, or they will be getting a good draft pick (if they have their own pick, not sure). So all in all, Green and Booker better work out good, and if not, they could just trade one of them for some more picks and just tank even harder, which should be fine for them.

They were doing awesome winning before they dumped Ayton. The way their general manager took a finals team and made it irrelevant needs to be studied. Between dumping Ayton and signing Beal I really don’t understand how someone could keep that job… The Beal buyout is going to end up being one of the worst contract forays in NBA history.

If Suns just give the max contract what Ayton ask to them, they provably still have good relationship and maybe until now Suns still became a contender. Imagine Booker,Durant and Ayton combine together that's title contender team already. They are doing good before but suddenly this trio has been separated due to some issues happened.

It's hypothetical though, we really don't know what's going to happen if this 3 plays together. And the decision to let Ayton go that time could have come to their previous coach that time as it's obvious that he didn't like Ayton. But after a year, that coach was fired as well, so talking about the what if.

Now Suns is in bad situation and we don't know if they can able to reach on playoffs after they screwed up badly last season and also Durant is out in their team.

Getting Beal is the biggest mistake they made and they struggle to move him since they cannot trade him unless Beal want to go out on Suns.

I do agree with the Beal no trade clause, the best thing for them is to buy out his contract. Funny though is that there is some memes that if Beal goes to another team, he will have to insert a new clause, that is "no-play", 

[dwyane36]

Yeah, I hope that he'd develop more with Lebron. And I guess that's one of his list to be marked, to play with Lebron with his retirement.

Whilst Lebron is for sure going to try to chase one more ring before he retires. We'd probably see him breakdown with every lost that they'll make with him.

But I think that he'd be gentle with the remaining years of his life in the league and that's why, it's gonna more of motivation than frustration he'd give to his teammates.

I don't think it makes much sense for LeBron to chase another ring. I mean, another ring is obviously not something that can motivate LeBron to keep playing in the NBA after 22 seasons. He's proven himself to everyone for a long time.
However, according to his recent interview, LeBron probably doesn't know how much longer he's going to play. In principle, he could end his career either this offseason or after another 3-4 years. He clearly still has plenty of stamina.

[Beparanf]

They were doing awesome winning before they dumped Ayton. The way their general manager took a finals team and made it irrelevant needs to be studied. Between dumping Ayton and signing Beal I really don’t understand how someone could keep that job…

Ayton is a soft center. Probably the fans push the general manager to this trade because clearly Booker and Ayton are not getting along to each other based on the recent comment of Booker on Ayton trade to Lakers.

The Beal buyout is going to end up being one of the worst contract forays in NBA history.

I agree that this insane trade. Beal in exchange to Ayton while
they don’t have decent center is ridiculous trade.

Suns GM is building a hype team without chemistry.

[rdbase]

I read the news too, but from what I saw, it was still just suspicion he was still under investigation. So why was he already arrested?

I doubt he’s the only player doing this, if he even did it. In the long run, players will just get smarter with how they place bets to avoid getting caught. It might not even be just one player involved - it could be more, which would make investigations even harder.

Maybe if they used non-regulated betting platforms like Polymarket ( assuming they have markets like player props ) it might be a safer place for riggers to operate.

Agree to that, whatever the outcome of this investigation it only give those players a heads up that  they are not exempt to any investigation, just recall those investigation for referees as they are been subjected for gambling involvement, and now, it's the player itself that getting into this, and like you have said this alarming news will give everyone including the management if they are involved to gambling they needed to change their style, it will be a much harder task to whoever is dealing with it.

The investigation hasn't concluded yet but from all the videos of his past games with Bucks and TWolves he does look like he was really trying to make the spread in some of them with 5 second down the court sprints for a layup and not defending just acting like a pylon cone.

There was a story that was released that Hazan sports is suing him for breach of contract.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6470182/2025/07/03/malik-beasley-pistons-gambling-investigation-lawsuit

[Cointxz]

Yeah, I hope that he'd develop more with Lebron. And I guess that's one of his list to be marked, to play with Lebron with his retirement.

Whilst Lebron is for sure going to try to chase one more ring before he retires. We'd probably see him breakdown with every lost that they'll make with him.

But I think that he'd be gentle with the remaining years of his life in the league and that's why, it's gonna more of motivation than frustration he'd give to his teammates.

I don't think it makes much sense for LeBron to chase another ring. I mean, another ring is obviously not something that can motivate LeBron to keep playing in the NBA after 22 seasons. He's proven himself to everyone for a long time.
However, according to his recent interview, LeBron probably doesn't know how much longer he's going to play. In principle, he could end his career either this offseason or after another 3-4 years. He clearly still has plenty of stamina.

Career wise he truly doesn’t need to chase a ring but I think all athletes even on different sports categories wants to end their career with a big bang championship.

There’s no doubt Lebron is already near to retired since his game is already downgraded same with Kobe in last few years on Lakers.

He needs to be motivated so that his value will not went downhill. I believe he is still chasing mainly for greatness ending.

[batang_bitcoin]

Its only rumor, we know LBJ is the most versatile athlete in NBA, He also said that he will slow down and let Luka lead the team, we can see those statement on their games where The king score few always in the first half.
For Ayton, LBJ is one of the most disciplined player in NBA again, He take care on his body, He can grow Ayton more, also the Center will receive more pass under the basket as Luka and LBJ love to pass the ball.

I guess that LBJ is going to play a role here more of an assist guy to let Luka go with most scores and him doing plays. He's versatile you're right and he can just put more assists to his stats before his retirement and I think that's a brilliant idea if he's going to add some more in his assists numbers.

Unlike in Suns, KD and Booker is more on shooting than passing.

I think that the meta is changing for the plays in the NBA. While more shooting is still effective but I guess that we'll see the change there for more defensive plays this season or a defender who's also good in shooting.

[danherbias07]

As the #1 pick, I still have high hopes for him, and I hope he changes his habits if he really wants to stay longer in the NBA. I hope that Le-GM and Luka is enough for him to make some changes for himself especially with his attitudes.

I don't really know what happened in that locker room issue with Deandre Ayton, but I bet the management of the Suns also has a problem there. Players have been going in and out of that team, so I would not put all the blame on Ayton.

Anyway, Luka + Lebron + Ayton. Expect a lob city? Ayton is a player who sticks deep under the rim, and if Luka sees him, it's possible that he will get many assists, as Ayton will always be waiting for the ball.
The only issue will be the chemistry since these guys will be new with each other. I think Ayton is a great center, and he proved it during his period with the Suns.
40 games played with the Blazers last year. I hope he gets more with the Lakers. This is actually a big catch for the Lakers if they want a championship again.

[Maslate]

Anyway, Luka + Lebron + Ayton. Expect a lob city?

That’s a solid Big 3. Ayton is a reliable double-double guy, not the type to drop 20+ every game like AD, but his defense and presence in the paint are a real threat to any opponent.

With Luka, we’ve already seen how he can elevate big men back when he was with Dallas, so I’m expecting the same here. At this point, there are no more excuses for Luka, he needs to step up and lead the Lakers, especially with LeBron not getting any younger. Ayton is still young too, so both of them need to carry more of the load to help keep LeBron fresh and avoid injuries.

[xzone]

Yeah, I hope that he'd develop more with Lebron. And I guess that's one of his list to be marked, to play with Lebron with his retirement.

Whilst Lebron is for sure going to try to chase one more ring before he retires. We'd probably see him breakdown with every lost that they'll make with him.

But I think that he'd be gentle with the remaining years of his life in the league and that's why, it's gonna more of motivation than frustration he'd give to his teammates.

I don't think it makes much sense for LeBron to chase another ring. I mean, another ring is obviously not something that can motivate LeBron to keep playing in the NBA after 22 seasons. He's proven himself to everyone for a long time.
However, according to his recent interview, LeBron probably doesn't know how much longer he's going to play. In principle, he could end his career either this offseason or after another 3-4 years. He clearly still has plenty of stamina.

He is definitely one of the best players in the NBA despite his age. It is incredible that he is performing like this at his age, he can still be the most important player on the team. I hope he gets a chance to work with a good team, if he is on a good team, he will definitely give the team the support they need for the championship.
He is not very lucky right now, he needs a much better team. Let's see how this summer season goes

[Fredomago]

Anyway, Luka + Lebron + Ayton. Expect a lob city?

That’s a solid Big 3. Ayton is a reliable double-double guy, not the type to drop 20+ every game like AD, but his defense and presence in the paint are a real threat to any opponent.

With Luka, we’ve already seen how he can elevate big men back when he was with Dallas, so I’m expecting the same here. At this point, there are no more excuses for Luka, he needs to step up and lead the Lakers, especially with LeBron not getting any younger. Ayton is still young too, so both of them need to carry more of the load to help keep LeBron fresh and avoid injuries.

Yup, Luka can do maximize the use of Ayton just needed to be more on handling ball LeBron needs to let him do things that he's good at, it will be a problem if LeBron will still carry the ball and do his things, it should be Luka now if they want to win more games and for the campaign of winning a title together.

Let see if how they'll be able to maximize Ayton's presence inside, the way CP3 manage when they still playing together..

[sana54210]

Luka can do maximize the use of Ayton just needed to be more on handling ball LeBron needs to let him do things that he's good at, it will be a problem if LeBron will still carry the ball and do his things, it should be Luka now if they want to win more games and for the campaign of winning a title together.

Let see if how they'll be able to maximize Ayton's presence inside, the way CP3 manage when they still playing together..

While I understand Ayton seems like a decent player for Lakers, at least covers that gap at Center position, but he hasn't shown anything great so far, that's why he was acquired for "cheap" as well. I have read an article that talked about how this Lakers sting Ayton will have, could be his last, at least last non-minimum contract. Either he does well, or he is going to be minimum contract type of player, or maybe not even be in the league.

There is an absolute chance for Luka to be the ball handler, but that won't be easy and we could have some issues during this period as well. Lebron is THE playmaker, dude did great job with what he has done with passing so far, it would be unfair to take the ball away from him now.

[Sanitough]

Luka can do maximize the use of Ayton just needed to be more on handling ball LeBron needs to let him do things that he's good at, it will be a problem if LeBron will still carry the ball and do his things, it should be Luka now if they want to win more games and for the campaign of winning a title together.

Let see if how they'll be able to maximize Ayton's presence inside, the way CP3 manage when they still playing together..

While I understand Ayton seems like a decent player for Lakers, at least covers that gap at Center position, but he hasn't shown anything great so far, that's why he was acquired for "cheap" as well. I have read an article that talked about how this Lakers sting Ayton will have, could be his last, at least last non-minimum contract. Either he does well, or he is going to be minimum contract type of player, or maybe not even be in the league.

There is an absolute chance for Luka to be the ball handler, but that won't be easy and we could have some issues during this period as well. Lebron is THE playmaker, dude did great job with what he has done with passing so far, it would be unfair to take the ball away from him now.

It’s a big steal for the Lakers getting him at that price. His contract with the Suns was $133 million over 4 years, but now with the Lakers, he’s only getting an average of $8 million per year, that’s a huge drop.

I still believe Ayton has what it takes. He just didn’t fit well with the Suns. The Lakers definitely need a big man like him, and I think Ayton will prove to the league that he still has superstar potential. The skills and talent are there ( no question). What’s uncertain is his attitude, but hopefully LeBron can help him mature and build strong chemistry within the team.

[Shinpako09]

While I understand Ayton seems like a decent player for Lakers, at least covers that gap at Center position, but he hasn't shown anything great so far, that's why he was acquired for "cheap" as well. I have read an article that talked about how this Lakers sting Ayton will have, could be his last, at least last non-minimum contract. Either he does well, or he is going to be minimum contract type of player, or maybe not even be in the league.

There is an absolute chance for Luka to be the ball handler, but that won't be easy and we could have some issues during this period as well. Lebron is THE playmaker, dude did great job with what he has done with passing so far, it would be unfair to take the ball away from him now.

It’s better than nothing for Ayton, especially considering he’s had some attitude issues. He hasn’t averaged 20+ points since being drafted, but his rebounding numbers have been solid, averaging double digits, which is already good. Besides, they already have a great offensive player in Luka.

What they’re really lacking is chemistry. I expected more from them last season, but getting knocked out in the first round shows that they still haven’t found the right blend. Let’s see how they do next season now that they have more time to work things out.

Honestly, they could be title contenders if they manage to build good chemistry. Without it, no matter how talented the roster is, it won't amount to much.