2025 NBA Season

[Russlenat]

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He might not be the best PG but he is a real PG, for a guy that averages a triple-double and won his first MVP back in Oklahoma City Thunder, I think we should not doubt him. Lots of positive expectations by him now that he is playing with the Lakers, but we can never guarantee that chemistry will work.

Yeah, the question is what is a bench mark for a PG? isn't it the assists category? and we all know that he broke the great Oscar Robertson record, so I also consider him as a real PG. As far as chemistry goes, I don't think he has the James Harden attitude, he has work recently with Beal and it seems that they click. And maybe with James and Davis around, he could still play high level basketball and can continue his triple double game every night with the Lakers.

It's how you carry the team and give success, well, we still have doubt with Westbrook as he did not win a championship first. Actually, I don't see him only as a good PG but he is an all-around player that you'd like to play with in a team, I'm sure Lebron will be happy having him as he doesn't have to exert a lot of effort, they have Davis and Westbrook to help him.

Irving is a good PG also, but if he did not pair with Lebron, he could have not won a championship, Cavaliers was a shitty team when Lebron left, and even when Irving was with the team, they can even barely quality in the playoffs.

[Hypnosis00]

The Lakers maybe up to something else. Record breaking. 2 players with triple doubles in the Finals.  
I saw WB's tweet just now. "Hometeam". I guess that settles it. I don't even need to read the whole story about it. The 3 Lakers stars also met at Lebron's home to discuss about their egos being set aside. I hope they can do that. WB and LBJ had some bad history throwing words with each other on interviews and even off camera. I think they will need to work out that history first to play better this season.

Lebron has got some influence on this trade and this is some sort of his last dance before retiring for good. He can't win championships anymore if he relies on the picks. With WB on board, I think he will take over the handling chores most of the time.

Egos and prides are set aside for that seat of the Finals next season, they are pros so they are very good with that.

Definitely, Lebron has some influence here, and he loves to work with Russ for a long time and finally he was able to get him on-board and let go of one of his favourite, Kyle Kuzma. I think these guys have matured already, there could be no egos anymore but to set only one goal, to win that championship next year and then they can celebrate and talk another run with them together as a team. Durant did it when he left OKC and move to GSW to chase a ring. I think Westbrook can also do it with Lebron.

It's Westbrook's chance to win an NBA Championship, he has already achieved a lot, an MVP but a championship is an ultimate success for any NBA player. I hope the Lakers will have a healthy season so we will see a very competitive playoff. Giannis was criticized, but now that he won a championship, everyone is already respecting him.

[Karartma1]

There is a lot of discussion about Mike Conley's future within Utah Jazz. Some expect a farewell from the player, some say he's looking for a big team, while others are convinced that the bond with the city and the fans will convince Conley to stay.
Keeping Conley will be a priority for the Jazz anyway. It's no coincidence that the management is preparing a three-year offer worth around $75 million.

[Ziskinberg]

There is a lot of discussion about Mike Conley's future within Utah Jazz. Some expect a farewell from the player, some say he's looking for a big team, while others are convinced that the bond with the city and the fans will convince Conley to stay.
Keeping Conley will be a priority for the Jazz anyway. It's no coincidence that the management is preparing a three-year offer worth around $75 million.

Conley is not a superstar like Lebron James, well, the Utah Jazz management has to think wisely as Conely is not getting any younger.
his stats are not so impressive but his contribution to the team is really impressive, especially in the playoffs.

Jazz IMO is not a championship team, if they'll give Conley this salary, I'm not sure how much cap is available they have to acquire players that would help the team to improve.

[danherbias07]

How could you confidently say the Beal - Westbrook strategy will be used by the Laker's coach? Different team. Different teammates. Different roles.

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He still won't be the PG because Lebron is. The play will be at him and WB will need to follow that if he badly want to wear a nice ring in his finger.
I think they took Westbrook for a different purpose. He is all-around and the same goes for Lebron James. Both can also score on their own forceful way just by ramming the paint.
Or, it could be for Lebron to have his rest. Lowering his minutes means they can have him at full power once he steps on the floor again while WB is doing the damage without him. Also a good way to avoid injuries.

[Sanitough]

How could you confidently say the Beal - Westbrook strategy will be used by the Laker's coach? Different team. Different teammates. Different roles.

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He still won't be the PG because Lebron is. The play will be at him and WB will need to follow that if he badly want to wear a nice ring in his finger.
I think they took Westbrook for a different purpose. He is all-around and the same goes for Lebron James. Both can also score on their own forceful way just by ramming the paint.
Or, it could be for Lebron to have his rest. Lowering his minutes means they can have him at full power once he steps on the floor again while WB is doing the damage without him. Also a good way to avoid injuries.

Westbrook is not 100% effective playing other positions, he has a bad field goal percentage, so he cannot be a spot-up shooter, he will have to carry the ball, drive and kick, that's his style. Maybe Lebron has to adjust if he wants Westbrook to be fully contributing to the team, maybe Lebron will play like how he played during his Cleveland Cavaliers seasons.

[ChiBitCTy]

How could you confidently say the Beal - Westbrook strategy will be used by the Laker's coach? Different team. Different teammates. Different roles.

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He still won't be the PG because Lebron is. The play will be at him and WB will need to follow that if he badly want to wear a nice ring in his finger.
I think they took Westbrook for a different purpose. He is all-around and the same goes for Lebron James. Both can also score on their own forceful way just by ramming the paint.
Or, it could be for Lebron to have his rest. Lowering his minutes means they can have him at full power once he steps on the floor again while WB is doing the damage without him. Also a good way to avoid injuries.

Westbrook is not 100% effective playing other positions, he has a bad field goal percentage, so he cannot be a spot-up shooter, he will have to carry the ball, drive and kick, that's his style. Maybe Lebron has to adjust if he wants Westbrook to be fully contributing to the team, maybe Lebron will play like how he played during his Cleveland Cavaliers seasons.

Why would Lebron need to adjust his style?  Lebron is arguably the most versatile National Basketball Association member to ever play he game.  Part of what makes Lebron so special is the fact that he is able to facilitate with the best of them despite the fact that he is one of the greatest scorers of all time.  This has sort of been a knock on Lebron in-fact throughout his career, that he passes too much or is too much of a facilitator.  If they can all stay healthy ( Lebron, Anthony Davis and Westbrook ) for the whole year, this team has got to be considered one of the top 3 favorites.

[Reid]

Westbrook is not 100% effective playing other positions, he has a bad field goal percentage, so he cannot be a spot-up shooter, he will have to carry the ball, drive and kick, that's his style. Maybe Lebron has to adjust if he wants Westbrook to be fully contributing to the team, maybe Lebron will play like how he played during his Cleveland Cavaliers seasons.

We are still speculating but I have high hopes that their newly added star will bring the spark back to the Lakers team.
They were damaged by injuries and Lebron is not getting younger. He will be prone to injuries if the same NBA theme will happen just like this past season.
Remember, he is the one who is talking about more players being injured due to fatigue.
I think it's just him and his health that he is worried about that's why Shaq answered him back with the "200 million dollars" card. 
So, that's the reason I can think of for signing Rus, it's not just strengthening the team but also a backup plan for worse case scenarios.

[stadus]

Westbrook is not 100% effective playing other positions, he has a bad field goal percentage, so he cannot be a spot-up shooter, he will have to carry the ball, drive and kick, that's his style. Maybe Lebron has to adjust if he wants Westbrook to be fully contributing to the team, maybe Lebron will play like how he played during his Cleveland Cavaliers seasons.

We are still speculating but I have high hopes that their newly added star will bring the spark back to the Lakers team.
They were damaged by injuries and Lebron is not getting younger. He will be prone to injuries if the same NBA theme will happen just like this past season.
Remember, he is the one who is talking about more players being injured due to fatigue.
I think it's just him and his health that he is worried about that's why Shaq answered him back with the "200 million dollars" card. 
So, that's the reason I can think of for signing Rus, it's not just strengthening the team but also a backup plan for worse case scenarios.

Actually, I am more concerned about the health of Davis than of Lebron James, Davis is known to be a fragile big man that can be easily injured, let's look back on his past team, injury is the main reason why the team struggle and that shoulder injury of his is a big one. Lebron is also more careful now, he doesn't drive a lot in the paint like he usually does before, so they need Westbrook to do that and to lessen the burden of Davis.

[Pamadar]

How could you confidently say the Beal - Westbrook strategy will be used by the Laker's coach? Different team. Different teammates. Different roles.

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He still won't be the PG because Lebron is. The play will be at him and WB will need to follow that if he badly want to wear a nice ring in his finger.
I think they took Westbrook for a different purpose. He is all-around and the same goes for Lebron James. Both can also score on their own forceful way just by ramming the paint.
Or, it could be for Lebron to have his rest. Lowering his minutes means they can have him at full power once he steps on the floor again while WB is doing the damage without him. Also a good way to avoid injuries.

Even moving LeBron out for some good rest,  Davis and Drummond together with Westbrook still damaging,

It's all about how the coach will rotate his players those stars have their individual skills which can really take the game on their shoulders.

Win win for Lakers if they can utilize Westbrook, I use to remember how Kobe commend this guy as he see himself by the way Westbrook play the game.

[fullhdpixel]

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He might not be the best PG but he is a real PG, for a guy that averages a triple-double and won his first MVP back in Oklahoma City Thunder, I think we should not doubt him. Lots of positive expectations by him now that he is playing with the Lakers, but we can never guarantee that chemistry will work.

I like him a lot as well but let's face it, his game is not compatible with todays game at all. Lakers were thinking about or at least in talks for Hield, and that is a shooter, that dude would definitely be perfect fit for Lakers because they direly need a shooter. Let's look at westbrook, dude is a triple double machine and even on last year when he was on Wizards dude managed to grind and worked hard to bring them to playoffs, dude is just THAT good.

That means that maybe we should not be doubting him right? Well the difference is that we are talking about Lakers, the best players are Lebron who likes to drive to basket, and AD who is already at basket, so Westbrook will be another clogging reason who will drive inside. I am not saying he is bad, all I am saying is he is not a great fit, you can bring the great player who can drive inside and it would not be a good fit, a mediocre shooter could be better.

[Sanitough]

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He might not be the best PG but he is a real PG, for a guy that averages a triple-double and won his first MVP back in Oklahoma City Thunder, I think we should not doubt him. Lots of positive expectations by him now that he is playing with the Lakers, but we can never guarantee that chemistry will work.

I like him a lot as well but let's face it, his game is not compatible with todays game at all. Lakers were thinking about or at least in talks for Hield, and that is a shooter, that dude would definitely be perfect fit for Lakers because they direly need a shooter. Let's look at westbrook, dude is a triple double machine and even on last year when he was on Wizards dude managed to grind and worked hard to bring them to playoffs, dude is just THAT good.

That means that maybe we should not be doubting him right? Well the difference is that we are talking about Lakers, the best players are Lebron who likes to drive to basket, and AD who is already at basket, so Westbrook will be another clogging reason who will drive inside. I am not saying he is bad, all I am saying is he is not a great fit, you can bring the great player who can drive inside and it would not be a good fit, a mediocre shooter could be better.

There's a reason why the Lakers choose Westbrook and gave up some of their players, they know better than us honestly. I hear the same doubt when Harden was acquired by the Nets, people are concern than Harden and Irving playing together in the court might be a problem, but we are surprise because they have great chemistry, the only reason why the Nets failed our expectation is due to injury.

[Yamifoud]

Westbrook was not actually in the priority list of the lakers according to https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/7/29/22601297/russell-westbrook-plan-b-lakers-trade-rumors-offseason-free-agency-buddy-hield-chris-paul

However, this happens already, the trade is official and I think fans are happy with this.
Finally, Westbrook find a championship team and by paper, this is the best team so far he played.

Having James and Davis who had won a championship, I think Westbrook will be more confident in playing and that will make the Lakers a very dangerous to face this coming new season.

[ultrloa]

Westbrook improved his all-around game but I still do not see him as a real PG.

He might not be the best PG but he is a real PG, for a guy that averages a triple-double and won his first MVP back in Oklahoma City Thunder, I think we should not doubt him. Lots of positive expectations by him now that he is playing with the Lakers, but we can never guarantee that chemistry will work.

I like him a lot as well but let's face it, his game is not compatible with todays game at all. Lakers were thinking about or at least in talks for Hield, and that is a shooter, that dude would definitely be perfect fit for Lakers because they direly need a shooter. Let's look at westbrook, dude is a triple double machine and even on last year when he was on Wizards dude managed to grind and worked hard to bring them to playoffs, dude is just THAT good.

That means that maybe we should not be doubting him right? Well the difference is that we are talking about Lakers, the best players are Lebron who likes to drive to basket, and AD who is already at basket, so Westbrook will be another clogging reason who will drive inside. I am not saying he is bad, all I am saying is he is not a great fit, you can bring the great player who can drive inside and it would not be a good fit, a mediocre shooter could be better.

There's a reason why the Lakers choose Westbrook and gave up some of their players, they know better than us honestly. I hear the same doubt when Harden was acquired by the Nets, people are concern than Harden and Irving playing together in the court might be a problem, but we are surprise because they have great chemistry, the only reason why the Nets failed our expectation is due to injury.

Many got concern about the chemistry of  Lakers as Westbrook is known as statd padder if he can give up his triple double reputation and willing to pass the ball well this is dangerous lakers for sure but since we don't  see him play yet and maybe the one we think will not happen. This team needs a lot of fueling since working with 3 superstars need a lot of adjustment to make it work.

[OgNasty]

Big rumor of the day is that Lonzo Ball is about to secure an $80 million dollar contract from the Chicago Bulls. The Pelicans made him an offer so he’s a restricted free agent, but they’re unlikely to match that in my opinion. All bad news for the Pelicans as they should be trying to keep Zion happy and Zo was good friends with him. Makes you wonder where Zion will end up when his deal is over.

[danherbias07]

Big rumor of the day is that Lonzo Ball is about to secure an $80 million dollar contract from the Chicago Bulls. The Pelicans made him an offer so he’s a restricted free agent, but they’re unlikely to match that in my opinion. All bad news for the Pelicans as they should be trying to keep Zion happy and Zo was good friends with him. Makes you wonder where Zion will end up when his deal is over.

20+ million per year. That's what Lonzo Ball is expecting for the new contract or maybe that's what his father is trying to make.
Pelicans still have the final say thanks to the RFA. I'd keep the 3 young future stars if I am the Pelicans management. Let them be the face of the Pelicans and be remembered like that for long years. If they win a championship then great, if not they might still find higher ticket sales with the 3 playing together like every game is a highlight of the day.

[gagux123]

I stayed away of the NBA news, and I just realize, westbrook is going to the Lakers, I'm surprised.

I even think the Lakers made a good choice, the only significant loss in this trade was losing Montrezl Harrell and first pick in the draft. Just for Kuzma leaving the Lakers was already something good (I'll feel so sorry to Wizards for accepting Kuzma lol)

Guys, What did you think of this negotiation? Who got a bigger advantage, Lakers or Wizards?

[Dave1]

I stayed away of the NBA news, and I just realize, westbrook is going to the Lakers, I'm surprised.

I even think the Lakers made a good choice, the only significant loss in this trade was losing Montrezl Harrell and first pick in the draft. Just for Kuzma leaving the Lakers was already something good (I'll feel so sorry to Wizards for accepting Kuzma lol)

Guys, What did you think of this negotiation? Who got a bigger advantage, Lakers or Wizards?

Obviously, it will be the Lakers, as they added a premier point guard in Westbrook that can make the Lakers good again next season. And they will be the favorite again, with Bron and Davis so that's already a big 3. Harrell game though as a Laker dip this season as compare when he was with the Clippers, and he plays center position, and I think he is undersized for that. And Lakers still have Drummond and Gasol in the middle.

As for Kuzma, he didn't let to the expectations in the last two years, so it's good that he still in the NBA and not with the Shanghai Sharks,  .

Wizard is the loser here, WB and Beal is a good combination and they bring Wizards in the playoffs after 2 years if I'm not mistaken. Can you imagine Beal and Kuzma lifting Wizards to at least 6th-8th place at least next season?

[TravelMug]

Utah Jazz make a move and trade Derrick Favors to OKC,

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/utah-jazz-trade-derrick-favors-to-oklahoma-city-thunder-for-a-future-second-round-pick/

The Utah Jazz have agreed to trade big man Derrick Favors and a future first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2027 second-round pick and cash considerations, the team announced on Friday. The move adds yet another draft pick to the Thunder's arsenal over the next couple years, while the Jazz save some money as Favors is owed nearly $20 million over the next two years.

Just sad to see Favors go, but Jazz need to offload him to clear salary cap and for some cash considerations, and they are below luxury tax, They are going to re-sign Mike Conley though. And OKC has a lot of of first round draft picks spread over the next NBA drafts so that huge for them as they are on a rebuilding phase.

[Reid]

Actually, I am more concerned about the health of Davis than of Lebron James, Davis is known to be a fragile big man that can be easily injured, let's look back on his past team, injury is the main reason why the team struggle and that shoulder injury of his is a big one. Lebron is also more careful now, he doesn't drive a lot in the paint like he usually does before, so they need Westbrook to do that and to lessen the burden of Davis.

I forgot that. Thank you.
AD had been on a mess ever since that shoulder injury and it's been going on for 6-7 years I guess.
I think it was May 2021 when it went back with a sprained shoulder.
It's like the Kyrie shoulder injury that messed up his attendance for a lot of years (Celtics, Nets).
Just how I am excited to see how Harden will fit with KD and Kyrie, this WB trade also thrills me to analyze how they are going to play with each other.