2025 NBA Season

[Oilacris]

I will give a generalized answer
LeBron will soon return to play for the Lakers, and Anthony Davis has plans to return as well.
I hope they come soon and recover 100%

Is it possible for their next game against Knicks or not yet? I'm not updated with the news when they shall be back again.

Any idea or valid source when they're going to be back and after how many games if not with the game against Knicks?

Probably not, I think it will take longer for this return.

I confess that I am a little confused about the return of LJ and Davis, because some sites are talking about divergent information, and I don't know exactly when the return will be.
I even apologize if I said any wrong information. I find it interesting to expect more information from other users here on the forum.

According to ESPN, AD can return in about 2 weeks, and soon LeBron can return.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31232943/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-return-10-14-days-lebron-james-close-behind

That's why I'm also confused and didn't have time to check most of the updates because of inaccurate or different sources on the web.

Thanks for the source and that's much better.

You can see that the source is ESPN which no doubt that this is a valid source rather than into those other links that floating around but to look up in depth then they do usually have common source too.

About Lakers on needing to catch up and star players should really go back into the court if they dont like to miss out the playoffs spot.If it would take some time or long then

that would mainly affect their standing but well it doesnt matter much as long they could able to go through playoffs.For sure the team wont really be letting that thing to happen.

[Oasisman]

Lakers needs to find some way to try winning those remaining games to stay in good position.

They’ve already slid quite a ways down the standings. I think they might need LeBron back for the last 5 games or so just to ensure they make the playoffs at this point. Looking like another 13 games from now they may actually be in jeopardy of missing the post season without some sort of winning streak.

A couple more loss will bring them down to the 6th spot. I don't how they long they're planning to bring back Anthony Davis. They can rest LeBron and heal 100% as long as they will let AD play just to avoid getting eliminated in the regular season.
This is such a really bad season for the NBA, a lot of players have been injured, most of them are superstars.
Jamal Murray just out for the remainder of the season because he torned his ACL against the GSW.
On the other hand. I like how Ben Simmons dropping some real talk to the Brooklyn Nets.

Photo from NBA buzz on Facebook

I mean he's right. This message will be a wake up call for the Brooklyn Nets to tighten up their defense, because defense could win games.

[Dave1]

The Lakers can still make the regular season without AD and LeBron James. But if they go into the playoffs, it will be very different scenario, either one of the stars should be present then. Drummond doesn't look good as well, he just scored 3 points after a dominating game against the Nets. And he seems to be massaging his thighs after he was replace and sit.

I like what Simmons say, real talk and so true. Defense win games, specially in crucial and close games in playoffs.

[Mahanton]

I mean he's right. This message will be a wake up call for the Brooklyn Nets to tighten up their defense, because defense could win games.

There should be some balance between offense and defense because it could really be causing some problems if they do just let their defense to be weak or shall we say
they do focus on offense.No doubt that they do have the talents and starts who can carry out the team but remember that this is a team type of game which
defense would always be relevant to be focused on to.Imagine if they would able to enhance out their defense and retaining their offensive play then
this team is much more harder to beat.

[TravelMug]

Hmm, not sure about them somewhat need to play just because they are going to fall on 6th or 7th spot. Lakers should know this, they should allow both to play if they are healthy, not just because of the current position that they have, they have to look long term here.

Maybe they will let the current team run as long as they can and will only play Davis if he is fully healed and healthy. No need to rush their superstar players, yes we know that falling to 6th or 7th spot will be a tough one as you will face a top seed, but nevertheless if Lebron and AD comes healthy and fresh they will have a good chance to upset those top seed teams.

I do not think that Lakers will be going down as much as 7th in the standings. Sure it may "look" bad for them, but remember this is the team that is fighting for a title, so it doesn't matter to them if they are at 8th spot or 1st spot because it doesn't matter if they are facing the next best team (or maybe best team) or worst team, they are fighting for a ring so they should be capable of beating everyone, doesn't matter how good that team could be.

In any case though, what will be the chances of all LA in the first round? Lakers vs Clippers and then a healthy LBJ and AD plus Drummond will be a goo match against Kawhi and Paul George. I think this will be one of the most exciting first round we have is this two teams are going to meet.

As for Ben's statement, this has been the slogan specially for teams in the 90's who really play good defense, physical, but we all know that currently, high scoring and 'soft' defense. And come playoff time this will be relevant again.

[Reid]

Oh crap, Jamal, Jamal. Torn ACL. 
Nuggets just lost one of their best players.
Thankfully, they acquired Gordon and I hope Facundo "Facu" Campazzo could fill the hole left by Murray.
I won't give up on them just yet. Jokic will find ways.

One concern was lifted after the Murray injury.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/concern-over-jamal-murrays-knee-injury-evokes-reminders-of-shortened-2012-nba-season/

The NBA has dealt with accusations of a condensed schedule leading to more injuries before

Short rests. Half rested bones leading to weakness.
It's possible but when NBA management use statistics it won't win. They could just easily compare it with a higher amount of injuries the past years before the bubble.

Do you agree that players are restless or is it another "soft" reasoning?

[yazher]

The Lakers can still make the regular season without AD and LeBron James. But if they go into the playoffs, it will be very different scenario, either one of the stars should be present then. Drummond doesn't look good as well, he just scored 3 points after a dominating game against the Nets. And he seems to be massaging his thighs after he was replace and sit.

I like what Simmons say, real talk and so true. Defense win games, specially in crucial and close games in playoffs.

The Lakers just won today's game versus The Hornets, these guys can still do it even though they are facing this strong team but as you said when it comes to the playoff this kind of play is not enough to beat their opponents. Those star players should be in the court now before the Playoff so that they can have a nice warm-up just before the playoff started.

[Yaunfitda]

Kuzma has a terrible game against the New York Knicks, poor shooting but it seems that he bounce back with a good performance down the stretch to lead against the Hornets.

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

[Natalim]

Kuzma has a terrible game against the New York Knicks, poor shooting but it seems that he bounce back with a good performance down the stretch to lead against the Hornets.

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

They win some and they loss some games, I think Lakers will be alright, Lebron will soon come back as a long as they still retain the playoff spot, Lakers could still get their back to back championship. Schroder is still consistent, which is good.

By the way, Butler seems injured but I'm glad he is okay.

https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/basketball/nba/player/29711/jimmy-butler

[LogitechMouse]

A couple more loss will bring them down to the 6th spot. I don't how they long they're planning to bring back Anthony Davis. They can rest LeBron and heal 100% as long as they will let AD play just to avoid getting eliminated in the regular season.
This is such a really bad season for the NBA, a lot of players have been injured, most of them are superstars.
Jamal Murray just out for the remainder of the season because he torned his ACL against the GSW.

Injuries everywhere especially these superstars are the ones who are having it right now. LBJ, AD and now Embiid and Murray.
When the Denver Nuggets are playing at their best right now, they saw their main player having an injury that will let him rest for the remainder of the season which is really unfortunate. Not only their chances of winning the championship is affected but it might also affect Jokic as he is one of the candidates for the MVP race as of this moment. I still remember him being on the top 1 in the race.

On the other hand. I like how Ben Simmons dropping some real talk to the Brooklyn Nets.
~
I mean he's right. This message will be a wake up call for the Brooklyn Nets to tighten up their defense, because defense could win games.

That is what you called Real Talk . We know that the Nets are very good at offense but they are not that good in defense especially Harden. I've seen a video on  youtube regarding Harden kinda sleeping while on the court. He isn't that good in defense and I just hope that the Nets will improve on Defense especially in the playoffs .

[Sanitough]

On the other hand. I like how Ben Simmons dropping some real talk to the Brooklyn Nets.
~
I mean he's right. This message will be a wake up call for the Brooklyn Nets to tighten up their defense, because defense could win games.

That is what you called Real Talk . We know that the Nets are very good at offense but they are not that good in defense especially Harden. I've seen a video on  youtube regarding Harden kinda sleeping while on the court. He isn't that good in defense and I just hope that the Nets will improve on Defense especially in the playoffs .

Maybe that is their weakness but with the firepower of this team, their strenght is so much to cover their weakenss. If I'm the coach, I'm okay with Hardens weakness on defense if he can consistently make a double double, (points and assists) as that would really help the team.

[danherbias07]

On the other hand. I like how Ben Simmons dropping some real talk to the Brooklyn Nets.
~
I mean he's right. This message will be a wake up call for the Brooklyn Nets to tighten up their defense, because defense could win games.

That is what you called Real Talk . We know that the Nets are very good at offense but they are not that good in defense especially Harden. I've seen a video on  youtube regarding Harden kinda sleeping while on the court. He isn't that good in defense and I just hope that the Nets will improve on Defense especially in the playoffs .

I love that.
Just like the saying here in Philippines. "Bilog ang bola!" Translated: The ball is round.
I forgot what figure of speech is that. English subject is not my strength. 
It just means anything is possible. They can put all star players in one roster and yet they might lose in any game.
Good examples are the Heat which consists of LBJ, Wade and Bosh.
Lakers had done that also with Kobe, Malone, Payton and Shaq against the Pistons. 2004 championship. I bet Malone really thought he will get a ring that time.

Ben Simmons is just stating facts. No butthurts. 

[Japinat]

On the other hand. I like how Ben Simmons dropping some real talk to the Brooklyn Nets.
~
I mean he's right. This message will be a wake up call for the Brooklyn Nets to tighten up their defense, because defense could win games.

That is what you called Real Talk . We know that the Nets are very good at offense but they are not that good in defense especially Harden. I've seen a video on  youtube regarding Harden kinda sleeping while on the court. He isn't that good in defense and I just hope that the Nets will improve on Defense especially in the playoffs .

I love that.
Just like the saying here in Philippines. "Bilog ang bola!" Translated: The ball is round.
I forgot what figure of speech is that. English subject is not my strength. 
It just means anything is possible. They can put all star players in one roster and yet they might lose in any game.
Good examples are the Heat which consists of LBJ, Wade and Bosh.
Lakers had done that also with Kobe, Malone, Payton and Shaq against the Pistons. 2004 championship. I bet Malone really thought he will get a ring that time.

Ben Simmons is just stating facts. No butthurts. 

I like that kind of positivity of Ben Simmons, he can deliver and help his team in the Playoffs. I guess the 76ers has a shot to the championship as they also have a good roster, they have improve this season a lot and I think they'll give a good series to whoever team they will face in the playoffs.

[dwyane36]

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

The Lakers need only two wins to overtake the Nuggets and move up to 4th place, but the next five matches will probably be hard for them. And it will be unexpected if the Lakers show the same impressive performance against the Jazz as they showed against the Nets a few days ago.

[Yamifoud]

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

The Lakers need only two wins to overtake the Nuggets and move up to 4th place, but the next five matches will probably be hard for them. And it will be unexpected if the Lakers show the same impressive performance against the Jazz as they showed against the Nets a few days ago.

Nuggets also had some injury problem, their Star Player Jamal Murray was injured.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nuggets-jamal-murray-to-undergo-mri-after-suffering-apparent-non-contact-knee-injury-vs-warriors/

Hopefully the injury is not a season ender, he is needed in the playoffs to get a better chance to compete.

[Pamadar]

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

The Lakers need only two wins to overtake the Nuggets and move up to 4th place, but the next five matches will probably be hard for them. And it will be unexpected if the Lakers show the same impressive performance against the Jazz as they showed against the Nets a few days ago.

If they can imitate that same game like how they beat the Nets, it's very possible for them to take the 4th spot.

We can't really say as Lakers are fcomposed of talented players, they managed to win against the Nets with KD and Kyrie playing,  also Aldridge is their plus all those role players aside from Jordan and Harden if I'm not mistaken, Kuzma needs to step up and show to his old Buddy (Clarkson) that he also improved his level.

[Jating]

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

The Lakers need only two wins to overtake the Nuggets and move up to 4th place, but the next five matches will probably be hard for them. And it will be unexpected if the Lakers show the same impressive performance against the Jazz as they showed against the Nets a few days ago.

Nuggets also had some injury problem, their Star Player Jamal Murray was injured.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nuggets-jamal-murray-to-undergo-mri-after-suffering-apparent-non-contact-knee-injury-vs-warriors/

Hopefully the injury is not a season ender, he is needed in the playoffs to get a better chance to compete.

It's a torn ACL as far as I know, so it's a season ender injury for him.

And with that, if Nuggets are going to struggle and Lakers win some games it will be a close fight to 4th place in the Western conference. They could be facing tougher teams next, but if they can at least get 50-50 on that teams, it will be good enough to keep 5th or even overtake Nuggets because of Jamal Murray's injury.

[Questat]

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

The Lakers need only two wins to overtake the Nuggets and move up to 4th place, but the next five matches will probably be hard for them. And it will be unexpected if the Lakers show the same impressive performance against the Jazz as they showed against the Nets a few days ago.

If they can imitate that same game like how they beat the Nets, it's very possible for them to take the 4th spot.

Every game Lakers needs to win, the strategy they use against the Nets may not be applicable on different opponent so we can't expect that they'll immitate the same strategy.

We can't really say as Lakers are fcomposed of talented players, they managed to win against the Nets with KD and Kyrie playing,  also Aldridge is their plus all those role players aside from Jordan and Harden if I'm not mistaken, Kuzma needs to step up and show to his old Buddy (Clarkson) that he also improved his level.

Kuzma is good but he needs tso be more consistent with his game, Clarkson has a better stats this season, he will win the 6th man of the year for sure, while Kuzma maybe subject on some criticism due to his inconsistency.

[akirasendo17]

If the current roster can stretch a bit more, while waiting for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, then they can definitely salvage 5th spot. They are 3 games ahead of Portland who losses to Celtics today.

The Lakers need only two wins to overtake the Nuggets and move up to 4th place, but the next five matches will probably be hard for them. And it will be unexpected if the Lakers show the same impressive performance against the Jazz as they showed against the Nets a few days ago.

If they can imitate that same game like how they beat the Nets, it's very possible for them to take the 4th spot.

Every game Lakers needs to win, the strategy they use against the Nets may not be applicable on different opponent so we can't expect that they'll immitate the same strategy.

We can't really say as Lakers are fcomposed of talented players, they managed to win against the Nets with KD and Kyrie playing,  also Aldridge is their plus all those role players aside from Jordan and Harden if I'm not mistaken, Kuzma needs to step up and show to his old Buddy (Clarkson) that he also improved his level.

Kuzma is good but he needs tso be more consistent with his game, Clarkson has a better stats this season, he will win the 6th man of the year for sure, while Kuzma maybe subject on some criticism due to his inconsistency.

simply they need to get better every game since playoffs are getting near the other teams starting to step on the pedal for a spot in the playoffs, they need more consistency like others said, because it will be tougher in the playoffs it will not be a walk in the park for the lakers this year, teams will give them a hard time and earn every game until the finals.

[Botnake]

Lakers will qualify in the playoffs this season, that's for sure.

They may have some struggle but look at their last 10 games, they are 6-4 and I think that's already acceptable as they can still win even without LBJ and Davis. If they'll rank in top 8 or 10, they'll still fight to get a spot but most likely if they'll fall, they'll only be at top 8 the lowest.

It's a torn ACL as far as I know, so it's a season ender injury for him.

This is not a good news for the Nuggets, this season is probably their best season but losing Murray is a big thing.