2026 NBA Season

[LogitechMouse]

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.

During Ayton's stint with the Suns, I believe the problem emerged when Coach Monty Williams benched him during the Game 7 of the series against the Mavericks seasons ago. There's a video online where both of them are yelling with each other and after the game, they haven't spoke with each other ever since. I will not the put the blame solely on him either.

Yes expect LA to be the new Lob City. In the past, it was the Clippers with Paul and Jordan. Now it will be these 3, and it's a good combination as well knowing that Ayton is a good offensive player as well, but he isn't as good of a paint defender compared to some other bigs out there though. Chemistry for me will not be a problem at least in the majority of the regular season IMO because they got him during the off-season. The first games might have a problem with regards to chemistry though, but over the days, they will find a solution for it.

Will Ayton makes the Lakers a title contender? Nah, I don't think so. In the current era, bench plays a big role towards the success of the team. Look at the last 3 NBA Champions and what do they have in common. They have all-star players yes, but aside from that, they have a very deep bench, and the Lakers doesn't have that kind of bench, so sorry to those Laker fans out there, but as long as they don't improve their bench, they'll just be a playoff contender.

[stadus]

During Ayton's stint with the Suns, I believe the problem emerged when Coach Monty Williams benched him during the Game 7 of the series against the Mavericks seasons ago. There's a video online where both of them are yelling with each other and after the game, they haven't spoke with each other ever since. I will not the put the blame solely on him either.

Ayton didn’t respect the coach’s decision, and as a player, it’s not his job to call the plays. That’s the coach’s role. He should’ve stayed professional.

At the same time, it’s somewhat understandable from his side too, he was on a max deal and considered a star player, so maybe he felt he deserved more say. But in the end, it just shows they weren’t really a good fit. If the coach can justify his decision and stick to the system, then the responsibility falls on the player for not following through.

Yes expect LA to be the new Lob City. In the past, it was the Clippers with Paul and Jordan. Now it will be these 3, and it's a good combination as well knowing that Ayton is a good offensive player as well, .....

That’s the expectation for now, and I really hope it turns into reality.
Otherwise, it’ll just be another failed experiment, and LeBron’s chances of winning another championship before retiring will be even lower.

[dwyane36]

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.

The start of next season is still a long way off. So the Lakers have plenty of time to improve their chemistry.
As for Ayton, I think he's got good potential. I mean, if he doesn't get lazy, he could easily perform at a high level with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game on average.

[arwin100]

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.

The start of next season is still a long way off. So the Lakers have plenty of time to improve their chemistry.
As for Ayton, I think he's got good potential. I mean, if he doesn't get lazy, he could easily perform at a high level with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game on average.

The attitude of Ayton is the one need to pay attention by Lakers since if it happens that he acts like immature kid in his new team then all their efforts made for acquiring him will get wasted.

But lets hope for the best for this dude that he can contribute well on Lakers since if they manage to have a good chemistry together with their stars Lakers would provably hard to bet next season.

Right now I'm somehow excited to see Ayton + Luka connection and this is what people want to watch on Lakers.

[Beparanf]

The attitude of Ayton is the one need to pay attention by Lakers since if it happens that he acts like immature kid in his new team then all their efforts made for acquiring him will get wasted.

But lets hope for the best for this dude that he can contribute well on Lakers since if they manage to have a good chemistry together with their stars Lakers would provably hard to bet next season.

Right now I'm somehow excited to see Ayton + Luka connection and this is what people want to watch on Lakers.

This is what I notice too but maybe his teammates were toxic that’s why he act that way.

AFAIK there’s a speculation that Lakers seeking to acquire top 3 2018 NBA draft pick that includes Bagley on the prospect acquisition.

This addition might boost the confidence of this trio since they are on the same class.

[danherbias07]

Will Ayton makes the Lakers a title contender? Nah, I don't think so. In the current era, bench plays a big role towards the success of the team. Look at the last 3 NBA Champions and what do they have in common. They have all-star players yes, but aside from that, they have a very deep bench, and the Lakers doesn't have that kind of bench, so sorry to those Laker fans out there, but as long as they don't improve their bench, they'll just be a playoff contender.

Good question. But I don't want to assume what is going to happen to them. We have seen many mistakes that even most analysts have predicted before. Take the Pacers, for example. Actually, a very big example. They are super underdogs the whole series for a big reason. Yet, they made it to Game 7 in the Finals.

Anyway, it's up to Ayton and Luka. I don't really expect too much from Lebron anymore, but he will be there as a leader of the team, still. The work, though, will come from the two younger players, whom I mentioned. Ayton may not be good defensively, but we have seen crazy in the NBA. Teams like the Pacers and OKC went to the Finals who are offensive teams.

[dimonstration]

Anyway, it's up to Ayton and Luka. I don't really expect too much from Lebron anymore, but he will be there as a leader of the team, still. The work, though, will come from the two younger players, whom I mentioned. Ayton may not be good defensively, but we have seen crazy in the NBA. Teams like the Pacers and OKC went to the Finals who are offensive teams.

Both OKC and Pacers are good defensive team. OKC is rank 1 defensive team while Pacers is rank 6 defensive team on 2024-2025 regular season.

Full stats: https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense?SeasonType=Regular+Season

Both teams have balance offense and defense which is why they can beat any team on their own respective conference especially the Pacers that beat all the top seed that focus on offense.

[Fredomago]

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.

Indeed, Lakers needs chemistries with explosive scorers they can hit their opponents anywhere the problem is they lack in terms of defense they are not that aggressive in protecting their opponents now that Ayton was added I'm hoping that he can bring fresh legs inside, like you mentioned he don't need to carry them in terms of offensive productions but his numbers inside hi rebounds and his ring protections that what the Lakers needs to maximize.

[EFS]

For the first time in NBA history there was a 7-team trade. Durant is undoubtedly the most important player in this trade.

Rockets got Kevin Durant and Clint Capela. They built an ambitious roster for this season.
Suns got Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Plowden as well as Maluach, Fleming and Brea who were drafted this season. Even if one of these new players gets into the rotation, it will be a win for them.
Nets received only two 2nd round draft picks. Warriors also took two players selected in the 2nd round this season. Hawks, Lakers and Timberwolves also received newly drafted players or draft rights. There is no player worth focusing on at the moment.
Originally we talked about the trade between the Rockets and Suns, but 5 other teams got involved and it was the biggest trade.

[livingfree]

Originally we talked about the trade between the Rockets and Suns, but 5 other teams got involved and it was the biggest trade.

I was surprised to read this.

It's true that this is a massive trade that involved 7 teams. Was this the biggest trade in history with involvement of 7 teams?

Good question. But I don't want to assume what is going to happen to them. We have seen many mistakes that even most analysts have predicted before. Take the Pacers, for example. Actually, a very big example. They are super underdogs the whole series for a big reason. Yet, they made it to Game 7 in the Finals.

Yeah, give Ayton and the Lakers time. We're just fine to think of what might happen but at the end, still Ayton and the team are still going to try their best to get the title this coming season.

[boyptc]

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.

That's what he's still chasing up to now. It's going to give his name more glory as a ring chaser and just like any other legends, they've got rings and more of it while they can.

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.

3-4 years is going to take long. I think that maybe this season or the next one will be his last.

And speaking of retirement, CP0 said that this is his last season in the NBA --> https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/spurs-free-agent-chris-paul-makes-big-announcement-about-nba-future

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

For the first time in NBA history there was a 7-team trade. Durant is undoubtedly the most important player in this trade.

Yes, this is the first time in history that we have seen that a lot of teams are involved in trading. So by that, even though Durant is somewhat old, he still has a lot of value, so teams are eager to their Durant.

And if you look at this records:

2x NBA Champion
NBA MVP
15x NBA All Star
2x NBA Finals MVP
4x Olympic Gold Medalist

Rockets got Kevin Durant and Clint Capela. They built an ambitious roster for this season.
Suns got Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Plowden as well as Maluach, Fleming and Brea who were drafted this season. Even if one of these new players gets into the rotation, it will be a win for them.
Nets received only two 2nd round draft picks. Warriors also took two players selected in the 2nd round this season. Hawks, Lakers and Timberwolves also received newly drafted players or draft rights. There is no player worth focusing on at the moment.
Originally we talked about the trade between the Rockets and Suns, but 5 other teams got involved and it was the biggest trade.

And this is how the picture looks like:

Rockets get:

Kevin Durant
Clint Capela

Suns get:

Jalen Green
Dillon Brooks
Khaman Maluach (No. 10 overall)
Rasheer Fleming (No. 31 overall)
Koby Brea (No. 41 overall)
Daeqwon Plowden
2026 second-round pick
2032 second-round pick

Nets get:

2026 second-round pick
2030 second-round pick
Warriors get:

Alex Toohey (No. 52 overall)
Jahmai Mashack (No. 59 overall)

Hawks get:

David Roddy
2031 second-round pick
Cash

Lakers get:

Adou Thiero (No. 36 overall)
Cash

Timberwolves get:

Rocco Zikarsky (No. 45 overall)
2026 second-round pick
2032 second-round pick
Cash

https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-joins-rockets-7-team-trade

[btc_angela]

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..

Yeah, Luka is known to make big guys look good, like Lively and Gafford when he was still playing with the Mavs. This big men will have high percentage shot because of the lob pass coming from Luka.

So for sure, Ayton will have his time doing that, instead of his short jump, midrange shot when he was in Portland. Definitely, we can't compare him to AD as they are very different. But just imagine if your big guy can dominate or at least give you a good 15-17 per night. That will be a big addition to the Lakers already.

[tech30338]

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..

Yeah, Luka is known to make big guys look good, like Lively and Gafford when he was still playing with the Mavs. This big men will have high percentage shot because of the lob pass coming from Luka.

So for sure, Ayton will have his time doing that, instead of his short jump, midrange shot when he was in Portland. Definitely, we can't compare him to AD as they are very different. But just imagine if your big guy can dominate or at least give you a good 15-17 per night. That will be a big addition to the Lakers already.

He also need to improve he's free-throw shooting because he will be on the line, more often, this is a bit exciting because lebron is also a passer will ayton have more touches, definitely, so the free-throw area should be prioritize since there will be more fouling him under the rim.

[Webetcoins]

Will Ayton makes the Lakers a title contender? Nah, I don't think so. In the current era, bench plays a big role towards the success of the team. Look at the last 3 NBA Champions and what do they have in common. They have all-star players yes, but aside from that, they have a very deep bench, and the Lakers doesn't have that kind of bench, so sorry to those Laker fans out there, but as long as they don't improve their bench, they'll just be a playoff contender.

Good question. But I don't want to assume what is going to happen to them. We have seen many mistakes that even most analysts have predicted before. Take the Pacers, for example. Actually, a very big example. They are super underdogs the whole series for a big reason. Yet, they made it to Game 7 in the Finals.

Anyway, it's up to Ayton and Luka. I don't really expect too much from Lebron anymore, but he will be there as a leader of the team, still. The work, though, will come from the two younger players, whom I mentioned. Ayton may not be good defensively, but we have seen crazy in the NBA. Teams like the Pacers and OKC went to the Finals who are offensive teams.

I would say they were underdogs all season long, nobody really gave Pacers a chance to be at finals let alone go to game seven and only god knows what would have happened if Haliburton didn't get injured on the last game as well, there was a serious chance they could have won it all if they stayed healthy, amazing achievement for a team nobody really gave a chance.

However, Lakers is a different story, they have a very aging Lebron, an unwilling Luka, and a "has been" Ayton who never shined. Is that the team that could do anything?

I mean let's be honest with each other, they might be very fun to watch, but they do not have what it takes to win the league, not right now. If they make some trades then maybe they may have some chance.

[TravelMug]

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..

Yeah, Luka is known to make big guys look good, like Lively and Gafford when he was still playing with the Mavs. This big men will have high percentage shot because of the lob pass coming from Luka.

So for sure, Ayton will have his time doing that, instead of his short jump, midrange shot when he was in Portland. Definitely, we can't compare him to AD as they are very different. But just imagine if your big guy can dominate or at least give you a good 15-17 per night. That will be a big addition to the Lakers already.

He also need to improve he's free-throw shooting because he will be on the line, more often, this is a bit exciting because lebron is also a passer will ayton have more touches, definitely, so the free-throw area should be prioritize since there will be more fouling him under the rim.

I think you got it wrong, Ayton didn't go to the free throw as much, as compare to any other center in the league. That is one of his weakness, not that he can't shoot, but his inability to get in the free throw line.



https://x.com/statmuse/status/1884662468431024628

So by that stat, we can really say that he is a bad shooter, unless he will go in the free throw line more often this season, at least a good 6-10 attempts in the line every game then we will see his percentage on the line and say how good or bad he is.

[dwyane36]

And speaking of retirement, CP0 said that this is his last season in the NBA --> https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/spurs-free-agent-chris-paul-makes-big-announcement-about-nba-future

Well, Paul has had a good career overall, as he has become one of the best point guards in NBA history. The only thing is that he never got a ring, although he was very close to it when he was with the Suns.
However, he still has one more attempt to get a ring, but for that, he needs to sign a contract with a team that will be a title contender next season.

[freedomgo]

However, he still has one more attempt to get a ring, but for that, he needs to sign a contract with a team that will be a title contender next season.

Yeah, I think the Lakers might be the best landing spot for him, especially since he already has chemistry with Ayton, it could feel like Lob City all over again.

In my opinion, the Lakers still have a real chance at a championship. Just imagine LeBron and CP3 finally winning a title together, they’re close friends, and that storyline would be something special. Another possible fit could be the Warriors. Even though both teams had a short playoff run this year, I still see them as legitimate championship contenders if they make the right moves.

[Cointxz]

And speaking of retirement, CP0 said that this is his last season in the NBA --> https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/spurs-free-agent-chris-paul-makes-big-announcement-about-nba-future

Well, Paul has had a good career overall, as he has become one of the best point guards in NBA history. The only thing is that he never got a ring, although he was very close to it when he was with the Suns.
However, he still has one more attempt to get a ring, but for that, he needs to sign a contract with a team that will be a title contender next season.

He is good but always choke or injured when he needed the most on the playoffs. He is a monster point guard on regular season but somehow his game collapsed on crucial matches that’s why ring is to evasive on him.

He needed a team that full of young talent so that he can lead them using his experience.

His game is reliant to a team that already has a chemistry. I think his current team Spurs is good fit for him if he stay since Wemby, Castle and Fox are monster once they will play together for long time.

[batang_bitcoin]

Yeah, Luka is known to make big guys look good, like Lively and Gafford when he was still playing with the Mavs. This big men will have high percentage shot because of the lob pass coming from Luka.

So for sure, Ayton will have his time doing that, instead of his short jump, midrange shot when he was in Portland. Definitely, we can't compare him to AD as they are very different. But just imagine if your big guy can dominate or at least give you a good 15-17 per night. That will be a big addition to the Lakers already.

JJ should set on who's going to be a playmaker. They've got Luka, they have Lebron too. But I think Lebron should give way to Luka and just guide him if ever he's need there. And if Luka holds the ball, he's the one to look for a spot whether to have a jumper or get some free space for rotation. It really depends on how they're going to agree with JJ's play and while inside the court, both have the great basketball IQ. But that's I wish for them to do if Lebron can give way and make Luka do most of the plays.