2026 NBA Season

[Wapfika]

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Well, I kinda agree with you about GSW, but they would be way above the salary cap. The question is, are they willing to go that far just to get James? but that would be lit. Imagine Curry and James playing together as Warriors and during a farewell tour at that. I can already imagine ticket prices skyrocketing, especially at their home court.

This is impossible if GSW will not give up Jimmy Butler. Curry, Jimmy and Green already consume most of the salary cap for GSW.

I doubt Lakers want to straight trade Lebron to Jimmy Butler since they can get much better young players trade with that salary to build around Luka.

The best team Lebron can land are those who have lots of 1st draft picks and mid star player.

[sana54210]

This is actually fans loves to happen since these guys are close friends. They automatically have chemistry together and imagine how dangerous they are when Luka play on point then you have Jokic can dominate in the point also could score on perimeter.

But sad to say its like this will not gonna happen for now since Lakers would provably lock in Luka and they try to secure him for long time. But if it happens that Jokic want to be traded in Lakers for sure that the management would find ways this trade will happen. This will be great in Lakers if they could able to get Jokic since this will be huge for them on market also on their championship run.

Contrary to popular belief, I do not think so. We are going to see two ball heavy players together, which won't benefit them. Jokic needs the ball in his hand for him to eb good, either score or pass, same goes for Luka as well. That is exactly why Lakers didn't work and won't work, because we have seen two ball heavy players, Lebron and Luka, trying to fit each other, and that doesn't happen easily.

Why do you think Warriors won so many times, because they had ball heavy Curry, but they had shooters, who didn't need the ball in their hands for long, they just ran around, and shot as soon as they got it. Luka needs shooters around him, and one big rebounder/defender as a Center. Give Luka 3 shooters and some Jaret Allen type, and he will be a title winner.

[OgNasty]

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Well, I kinda agree with you about GSW, but they would be way above the salary cap. The question is, are they willing to go that far just to get James? but that would be lit. Imagine Curry and James playing together as Warriors and during a farewell tour at that. I can already imagine ticket prices skyrocketing, especially at their home court.

This is impossible if GSW will not give up Jimmy Butler. Curry, Jimmy and Green already consume most of the salary cap for GSW.

I doubt Lakers want to straight trade Lebron to Jimmy Butler since they can get much better young players trade with that salary to build around Luka.

The best team Lebron can land are those who have lots of 1st draft picks and mid star player.

GSW would have to just eat the luxury tax and spend 200 million extra to add Bron. He said he’s only going to Dallas, Golden State, or Cleveland.

Marcus Smart is headed to the Lakers after being bought out by the Wizards. I don’t know if he can still ball but he adds a lot of toughness to the team. If nothing else he should keep DeAndre Ayton in line.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

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Well, I kinda agree with you about GSW, but they would be way above the salary cap. The question is, are they willing to go that far just to get James? but that would be lit. Imagine Curry and James playing together as Warriors and during a farewell tour at that. I can already imagine ticket prices skyrocketing, especially at their home court.

This is impossible if GSW will not give up Jimmy Butler. Curry, Jimmy and Green already consume most of the salary cap for GSW.

I doubt Lakers want to straight trade Lebron to Jimmy Butler since they can get much better young players trade with that salary to build around Luka.

The best team Lebron can land are those who have lots of 1st draft picks and mid star player.

GSW would have to just eat the luxury tax and spend 200 million extra to add Bron. He said he’s only going to Dallas, Golden State, or Cleveland.

Marcus Smart is headed to the Lakers after being bought out by the Wizards. I don’t know if he can still ball but he adds a lot of toughness to the team. If nothing else he should keep DeAndre Ayton in line.

Yes, that was the latest news that I saw, Smart is going to the Lakers and it was said that this is what Luka has suggested to the management to bring a tough defender. I think the Lakers needed this type of player in their roster. Someone that is tough specially if the game is on the line. Smart is not just a defender but he can also score if needed. So I think this is a good move for them, from getting Ayton, to signing Hayes. In any case, I'm still waiting if there will be a team that will go and get Chris Paul? It will be good if he can retire as a Clipper though.

[EFS]

The Lakers made a really smart move (pun intended). Marcus Smart will strengthen their defense and can contribute around 10 points per game on average. With a 2-year $11 million contract, he won't take up much salary cap space either. The fact that Luka specifically wanted him is also important. After signing Ayton, this is another very solid addition. The Lakers put themselves in a position to be real contenders again.

[Harkorede]

The Lakers made a really smart move (pun intended). Marcus Smart will strengthen their defense and can contribute around 10 points per game on average. With a 2-year $11 million contract, he won't take up much salary cap space either. The fact that Luka specifically wanted him is also important. After signing Ayton, this is another very solid addition. The Lakers put themselves in a position to be real contenders again.

Marcus Smart is no longer the same guy he used to be, he's become more of liability than an actual asset, but truth be told, for the little time while he was on the court last season for Memphis Grizzlies he was impactful, If only he can stay healthy then, of course he could be the "OKC's Alex Caruso" for Lakers.

[LogitechMouse]

The Lakers made a really smart move (pun intended). Marcus Smart will strengthen their defense and can contribute around 10 points per game on average. With a 2-year $11 million contract, he won't take up much salary cap space either. The fact that Luka specifically wanted him is also important. After signing Ayton, this is another very solid addition. The Lakers put themselves in a position to be real contenders again.

With Finney-Smith out for the Lakers, they need a primary defender that can defend from 1-4, and Smart can do it still.

The problem when he's on Memphis is that, they want him to be a playmaker, and at the same time, defender, and he can't do it because he's a defense-first type of player that's why he got out of the rotation on Memphis, and in Washington as well. Now with lots of offensive-minded players in the Lakers, he don't need to focus more on offense, but more on defense. What's also good is that, the Lakers don't need to spend that much money to get him. For 2 years worth $11M, that's a friendly deal already. Let's see though if he can redeem himself this time now that he's on another team.

Now are the Lakers a title contenders after this acquisition? Nope I don't think so because I look at their depth and it's still bad compared to other title contenders on the West like the Thunder, Nuggets, and even the Rockets. They can clinch the playoffs though. I wonder who they will be getting though to improve their bench.

[dimonstration]

The Lakers made a really smart move (pun intended). Marcus Smart will strengthen their defense and can contribute around 10 points per game on average. With a 2-year $11 million contract, he won't take up much salary cap space either. The fact that Luka specifically wanted him is also important. After signing Ayton, this is another very solid addition. The Lakers put themselves in a position to be real contenders again.

Hahahaha lmao. Marcus Smart is a good defender but he is a liability on offense which he frequently taking too much error.

But seriously this might work too considering that Lakers has a lot of good attacker. Smart should adjust to defensive position only just like what Caruso doing on OKC.

He will be tossed by Lakers immediately if keeps messing with his poor offense.

[dwyane36]

Now are the Lakers a title contenders after this acquisition? Nope I don't think so because I look at their depth and it's still bad compared to other title contenders on the West like the Thunder, Nuggets, and even the Rockets. They can clinch the playoffs though. I wonder who they will be getting though to improve their bench.

Smart is obviously not a player who will have a major positive impact on the team's performance. It's also not clear whether LeBron will stay with the Lakers next season or not. If LeBron goes to another team, and the Lakers don't find an equal replacement, they won't be a title contender next season.

[avp2306]

Now are the Lakers a title contenders after this acquisition? Nope I don't think so because I look at their depth and it's still bad compared to other title contenders on the West like the Thunder, Nuggets, and even the Rockets. They can clinch the playoffs though. I wonder who they will be getting though to improve their bench.

Smart is obviously not a player who will have a major positive impact on the team's performance. It's also not clear whether LeBron will stay with the Lakers next season or not. If LeBron goes to another team, and the Lakers don't find an equal replacement, they won't be a title contender next season.

Smart is good addition on Lakers. Having a defensive guard like him could make their team became more stronger.

Also I think Lakers would be more fine if Lebron is out on their team since they are free to do rotation without getting any problem with their main stars. With that they can build a solid roster around Luka and this will be good for long term on their organization. Lebron is marketable but since he shows some interest to leave Lakers I guess they don't have any choice but to prepared on that situation. Lebron is so exceptional but I guess Lakers is fine since Luka is there.

[xzone]

Can Cleveland win a championship? I doubt it. They'll lose in the playoffs before too long. If he wants to win a championship next season and win another ring, he'll need a better team. He's still very athletic and a true superstar, but he can't win a championship on his own; he needs a few more players.
LeBron and Donovan Mitchell could make a good duo, but I definitely don't think they'll be enough. He could win a ring with a team like GSW, but even that would be tough

Well, I kinda agree with you about GSW, but they would be way above the salary cap. The question is, are they willing to go that far just to get James? but that would be lit. Imagine Curry and James playing together as Warriors and during a farewell tour at that. I can already imagine ticket prices skyrocketing, especially at their home court. But he could also win with the Cavs. Aside from Mitchell, they have Garland, Mobley, and Allen, all three averaging double digits. Plus, they acquired Nance Jr. and Lonzo Ball as well. Just because they choked in the playoffs doesn't mean they're not title contenders.

I think LeBron's performance will start to decline, so he'll gradually lose his ability to carry the team on his own. There should be one or two more players like him to increase their chances of winning a championship. There are some good players on the Cavs' roster right now, but these players are rotation players, not star players.

I think this year is the only time we've seen championships with players like this. I think the Pacers have set an unusual example for us that can't always be the case

[Japinat]

I think LeBron's performance will start to decline, so he'll gradually lose his ability to carry the team on his own. There should be one or two more players like him to increase their chances of winning a championship. There are some good players on the Cavs' roster right now, but these players are rotation players, not star players.

I don’t really have high expectations at this point, but if he ends up joining the Cavs, that’s already a win. They’re a better team than the current Lakers lineup. The only concern is if they trade a star just to get him, if that happens, it won’t really help the team.

If LeBron wants to retire as a Cavalier, maybe he should take a smaller contract, not his usual max deal, so they can fit him in properly. I’m honestly looking forward to it, 'cause I don’t see him winning another ring with the Lakers anymore.

[danherbias07]

Just saw this.

https://theplayoffs.news/en/updated-la-clippers-roster-for-nba-2025-26-season-after-signing-bradley-beal/

Revamped LA Clippers Boast Two-Way Depth


What do you guys think? Is it a Championship caliber?

IMO, if healthy. That's the main problem of the Clippers. A healthy roster. When I remember the health of players, it's always Kawhi Leonard who comes to my mind. Why? Well, despite having 2 rings, that dude has been in and out of the hospital. Without him, the Clippers are a big-small lineup. Harden makes the play, and either he shoots the ball or plays with a big man, Zubac or Lopez.
Is Beal really a good addition for them, or will it wreck their offensive plays? I think Beal needs to become a legit shooter who plays outside. Become like a wingman for Harden, and maybe it will work out for them.

[stadus]

https://theplayoffs.news/en/updated-la-clippers-roster-for-nba-2025-26-season-after-signing-bradley-beal/

Revamped LA Clippers Boast Two-Way Depth

That’s a big lineup they’ve got now, and adding Bradley Beal and Lopez is a huge move. I’m really optimistic about them this coming season. With how stacked their roster is, even if Kawhi gets injured (hopefully not), the Clippers still look like a legit championship team.

With this squad, I’d say they should easily be a top 5 team. And the way James Harden’s been playing lately, he might actually be the one to carry them deep in the playoffs, maybe even all the way to the Finals.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

The Lakers made a really smart move (pun intended). Marcus Smart will strengthen their defense and can contribute around 10 points per game on average. With a 2-year $11 million contract, he won't take up much salary cap space either. The fact that Luka specifically wanted him is also important. After signing Ayton, this is another very solid addition. The Lakers put themselves in a position to be real contenders again.

Hahahaha lmao. Marcus Smart is a good defender but he is a liability on offense which he frequently taking too much error.

But seriously this might work too considering that Lakers has a lot of good attacker. Smart should adjust to defensive position only just like what Caruso doing on OKC.

He will be tossed by Lakers immediately if keeps messing with his poor offense.

Smart really only has upside on defense, but he is a true liability on offense with repeatedly taking forced shots and making wrong decisions. Lebron won't let that slide so he better gets in line real quick, haha. On defense, while having been a good player, we haven't seen him really competing for a while.
Last season he only played in 34 games while clocking only about 20 mpg, at a team like the Wizards. His stats also look a bit poor with 9 ppg, 2 rebs and 3assists. So he really needs to get his stuff together if he doesn't want to ride the bench for most of the game. AT least he kinda got paid, I would never offer him 11 mil for 2 years.

[CLS63]

Damian Lillard is back at Trail Blazers now where everything started for him after playing at Bucks for 2 years.



His statistics generally downgraded after signing for Bucks. It can be related to his getting old as well of course. He is 35 years old now. But we will find out next season.

However he is still suffering an achilles injury if I'm not wrong. Will he be able to catch up with the new season?

[livingfree]

Damian Lillard is back at Trail Blazers now where everything started for him after playing at Bucks for 2 years.



His statistics generally downgraded after signing for Bucks. It can be related to his getting old as well of course. He is 35 years old now. But we will find out next season.

However he is still suffering an achilles injury if I'm not wrong. Will he be able to catch up with the new season?

Pat Bev said on a post that Dame isn't wrong.

Not gonna chase rings anymore but he's back where the love is and that's where he has started, the Portland Blazers.

Well, they've got Jrue there that he can play with and also the rookie center, Yang Hansen that he can mentor.

[EFS]

Hahahaha lmao. Marcus Smart is a good defender but he is a liability on offense which he frequently taking too much error.
But seriously this might work too considering that Lakers has a lot of good attacker. Smart should adjust to defensive position only just like what Caruso doing on OKC.
He will be tossed by Lakers immediately if keeps messing with his poor offense.

With Luka and LeBron on the team, it will already take a long time for Smart to get the ball on offense. When you add Reaves and Ayton into the mix too, nobody's really expecting Smart to carry any major scoring load. If he just hits his career averages which is 10ppg, that would be more than enough.
As a guard, he doesn't even have to carry the ball, because Luka and LeBron handle that most of the time anyway. He just needs to do his job in defense.

[Fredomago]

Damian Lillard is back at Trail Blazers now where everything started for him after playing at Bucks for 2 years.



His statistics generally downgraded after signing for Bucks. It can be related to his getting old as well of course. He is 35 years old now. But we will find out next season.

However he is still suffering an achilles injury if I'm not wrong. Will he be able to catch up with the new season?

Pat Bev said on a post that Dame isn't wrong.

Not gonna chase rings anymore but he's back where the love is and that's where he has started, the Portland Blazers.

Well, they've got Jrue there that he can play with and also the rookie center, Yang Hansen that he can mentor.

Indeed, he will be playingi in front of those people who cheer him the most! For players who loves playing the game, it's really enjoyable when you know you are been watch by those fans who loves to see your performance game after game, the reaction of the crowd when it's Dame time, for sure it's different when he's in Blazers uniform.

Welcome Back Dame, just enjoy and make that comeback worth for those blazers fans who loves and idolize you!

[Webetcoins]

It is true that smart is a player that would help them on defense, and on offense they have enough players so they do not need another offensive guy. They already have what they need and because of that they should not really focus on whatever they lack, and that is defense. If they could also get a decent big, who can grab boards and protect inside, then they are going to be contenders for sure.

However, so far they are not doing that great on that part, and that is going to cost them a ton. Hayes isn't enough, they need someone who is much better there, I am not saying go get AD back, but they need someone who could be good enough and be playoff level player at least, otherwise they are not going to get any good results.