2025 NBA Season

[Dave1]

@harizen - thanks for sharing, yeah, strange that KP and Luka are not in the same pic? It's this a sign that KP and Luka relationship are not going well? lol.

Their issue from the moment they were paired. KP do not like the idea of being on the corner just waiting for the ball to be passed to him. That's the play given by their coach and he was mad about that. They keep on focusing everything to Luka and forgot he is also a dagger that could contribute a lot.
We could say there is part jealousy on how they gave everything to Luka and made the Unicorn a fictional character, literally.
I am hoping this year it won't be like that. They should set aside their emotion and just straightly look at the goal for a championship just like how Shaq and Kobe did it despite their differences. Just be professional when you step on that basketball floor.

We will see if KP will be healthy, if he is throughout the season then it might be a different Dallas team this year. For sure they have learn a lot from last year's playoff, KP doesn't need to stand in the corner to wait for the pass. He should do and get the ball and play behind his back in the middle. He will be effective with that. But with a new coach, maybe we will see some drastic move. Still Luka's team but KP can be a big part of the success this season.

[agustina2]

It looks like "old" players need more time to rest because there are rumors that James, Westbrook, Melo, and Ariza will miss the first preseason match. So the Lakers vs. Nets game will not be interesting, and I expect it should be an easy win for the Nets if KD, Harden, and Irving play.

That rumor can be classified as not a rumor already because, in most of the cases in the history of pre-season games, starters don't usually play. Even if they will play, just for limited minutes to just test the environment after a long break.

Fans are already used to seeing pre-season games without the team's respective superstars that's why it's not really a big deal if they won't play. It's just less than a month to go before the official opening of the season games so just a short wait now for fans to watch their idols in the court.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

People are forgetting that Lebron has been an iron man for so long, yes he had some injuries but at the end of the day he is Lebron and he takes care of his body like a temple. I believe that injury concerns should be aimed at AD because dude has been injury prone ever since he came into the league and he has that potential again. I know the team is old and all but they are still a very talented bunch of players and they would keep on being like that.

Yeah, that's separates Lebron from the rest, and that's why he is still playing high level at his age. He has his own medical team and or trainers and even nutritionist to help him and his body to be 100% all the time.

But we can't say that to AD, maybe it's the way he was built, very tall and lanky.

Westbrook added to the already great team made this team insane, they had one more superstar contract left in their team just so they could get Kawhi a few years ago, but they now know that they can't get him so they just got Westbrook instead. This is just a super team if I have ever seen one, I do not remember many teams that had overall better talent when you look at the roster, unless something unexpected happens I could see even 16-0 playoff run from them.

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

[agustina2]

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

Russell Westbrook is seen as still being athletic at his age. The early '30s is not a veteran to consider but just not playing already on their 100% prime. I don't know what kind of training Westbrook is underdoing but he's becoming stronger and still a high leaper even past his prime. If Lebron will be injured or sidelined, the Lakers are still in good hands but of course no one wants that to happen as we like to see all are healthy throughout the season.

[harizen]

@harizen - thanks for sharing, yeah, strange that KP and Luka are not in the same pic? It's this a sign that KP and Luka relationship are not going well? lol.

Their issue from the moment they were paired. KP do not like the idea of being on the corner just waiting for the ball to be passed to him. That's the play given by their coach and he was mad about that. They keep on focusing everything to Luka and forgot he is also a dagger that could contribute a lot.
We could say there is part jealousy on how they gave everything to Luka and made the Unicorn a fictional character, literally.
I am hoping this year it won't be like that. They should set aside their emotion and just straightly look at the goal for a championship just like how Shaq and Kobe did it despite their differences. Just be professional when you step on that basketball floor.

I'm looking forward to that. I don't like Kristap Porzingis to be traded. He's a good teammate but their ego just gets in their way. KP should try to blend with Luka and cooperate. Their tandem is good. They just need to work it out. Admiring them as despite the fact that they have both problems, as even shared by Mark Cuban, they remain professional on the court and never we see they are arguing in front of the camera.

If Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki are able to work that problem before, it's always possible with Luka and KP too.

[Jating]

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

Russell Westbrook is seen as still being athletic at his age. The early '30s is not a veteran to consider but just not playing already on their 100% prime. I don't know what kind of training Westbrook is underdoing but he's becoming stronger and still a high leaper even past his prime. If Lebron will be injured or sidelined, the Lakers are still in good hands but of course no one wants that to happen as we like to see all are healthy throughout the season.

And I think that's what the Lakers is doing this year. Last year was the worst, No Bron and AD, but we thought that someone can still step up, unfortunately no one did. That's why they got so many players that can carry the team even without them (hopefully they won't get injured). Westbrook is one of them, even at Washington he can still leaped and give us that dunks that posterised many players during his prime. Even winning games that are very close against high caliber team, so I expect the same Westbrook or even more.

[Reid]

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

Russell Westbrook is seen as still being athletic at his age. The early '30s is not a veteran to consider but just not playing already on their 100% prime. I don't know what kind of training Westbrook is underdoing but he's becoming stronger and still a high leaper even past his prime. If Lebron will be injured or sidelined, the Lakers are still in good hands but of course no one wants that to happen as we like to see all are healthy throughout the season.

His height and physical attributes might be the reason for his athleticism and agility.
Westbrook's overall stats are not even descending a bit.
He can still make triple-doubles during the Wizards and Rockets years and that's what the Lakers will need if they will put him in a different rotation with Lebron.
2 playmakers, 2 top players who can deal with any position above and even inside the paint. They can help with rebounds, defensive or offensive.
Roleplayers will have so much easy time playing with these 2 guys.

[chaser15]

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

Russell Westbrook is seen as still being athletic at his age. The early '30s is not a veteran to consider but just not playing already on their 100% prime. I don't know what kind of training Westbrook is underdoing but he's becoming stronger and still a high leaper even past his prime. If Lebron will be injured or sidelined, the Lakers are still in good hands but of course no one wants that to happen as we like to see all are healthy throughout the season.

And I think that's what the Lakers is doing this year. Last year was the worst, No Bron and AD, but we thought that someone can still step up, unfortunately no one did. That's why they got so many players that can carry the team even without them (hopefully they won't get injured). Westbrook is one of them, even at Washington he can still leaped and give us that dunks that posterised many players during his prime. Even winning games that are very close against high caliber team, so I expect the same Westbrook or even more.

And the best part of Westbrook is, he didn't act as the main scorer for the Washington Wizards. He just try to adopt the system there and let Bradley Beal do the work on his usual. Westbrook also making lots of triple-double even without an intention of stat-padding as he can't just command his teammates to help him do that as he's new there compare to OKC where most are helping him to do triple-double.

In Lakers, changing and adjusting to other systems will not be difficult for him as he already paired with superstars right from the start of his career.

[gagux123]

It looks like "old" players need more time to rest because there are rumors that James, Westbrook, Melo, and Ariza will miss the first preseason match. So the Lakers vs. Nets game will not be interesting, and I expect it should be an easy win for the Nets if KD, Harden, and Irving play.

That rumor can be classified as not a rumor already because, in most of the cases in the history of pre-season games, starters don't usually play. Even if they will play, just for limited minutes to just test the environment after a long break.

Fans are already used to seeing pre-season games without the team's respective superstars that's why it's not really a big deal if they won't play. It's just less than a month to go before the official opening of the season games so just a short wait now for fans to watch their idols in the court.

I also believe that preseason games are something similar to a "warm up", allstars play for a shortly time to get the "feeling" and team chemistry, coaches analyze and do various substitutions and others things.

By the way, @dwyane36 , I believe this is only applies to Melo and Ariza. Even though Westbrook is 32 years old, he's still fast and explosive, and LeBron James is practically a machine, I've never seen a player in my life play for several seasons consistently like him.

[Yaunfitda]

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

Russell Westbrook is seen as still being athletic at his age. The early '30s is not a veteran to consider but just not playing already on their 100% prime. I don't know what kind of training Westbrook is underdoing but he's becoming stronger and still a high leaper even past his prime. If Lebron will be injured or sidelined, the Lakers are still in good hands but of course no one wants that to happen as we like to see all are healthy throughout the season.

And I think that's what the Lakers is doing this year. Last year was the worst, No Bron and AD, but we thought that someone can still step up, unfortunately no one did. That's why they got so many players that can carry the team even without them (hopefully they won't get injured). Westbrook is one of them, even at Washington he can still leaped and give us that dunks that posterised many players during his prime. Even winning games that are very close against high caliber team, so I expect the same Westbrook or even more.

And the best part of Westbrook is, he didn't act as the main scorer for the Washington Wizards. He just try to adopt the system there and let Bradley Beal do the work on his usual. Westbrook also making lots of triple-double even without an intention of stat-padding as he can't just command his teammates to help him do that as he's new there compare to OKC where most are helping him to do triple-double.

In Lakers, changing and adjusting to other systems will not be difficult for him as he already paired with superstars right from the start of his career.

Right, Lebron emphasized that as well during their media workout. There are still critics who says that it won't work. But James reply is that it was also said when he went to Miami, that him and DWade plays the same position. But they won championships so for him, it's a perfect scenario again. He had AD before producing a ring, now with Westbrook? it won't be difficult as WB can adjust in any situation that call for. And one thing we notice during last year is that there are no impact players in the Lakers, yes they have Caruso and Kuzma to some extend. But they didn't produce energy. Just imagin Westbrook running the floor for the Lakers, that explosiveness in transition.

[Oasisman]

It looks like "old" players need more time to rest because there are rumors that James, Westbrook, Melo, and Ariza will miss the first preseason match. So the Lakers vs. Nets game will not be interesting, and I expect it should be an easy win for the Nets if KD, Harden, and Irving play.

Pre-season isn't an interesting game in the first place. When you bet on a pre-season that's like literally rolling a dice.
But that doesn't mean age is affecting this veteran players. The rest is necessary after a long workout to make their chemistry work as they have a completely new set of players.

In addition, Coach Vogel said AD will only play in the first quarter. On the other hand, it's not certain as well whether the Nets big 3 will play more minutes in the pre season.

[ultrloa]

Westbrook addition is already huge, another player who pushes the ball and for sure the Lakers are going to run this season eventhough some of them are already in thir mid 30's.

Russell Westbrook is seen as still being athletic at his age. The early '30s is not a veteran to consider but just not playing already on their 100% prime. I don't know what kind of training Westbrook is underdoing but he's becoming stronger and still a high leaper even past his prime. If Lebron will be injured or sidelined, the Lakers are still in good hands but of course no one wants that to happen as we like to see all are healthy throughout the season.

And I think that's what the Lakers is doing this year. Last year was the worst, No Bron and AD, but we thought that someone can still step up, unfortunately no one did. That's why they got so many players that can carry the team even without them (hopefully they won't get injured). Westbrook is one of them, even at Washington he can still leaped and give us that dunks that posterised many players during his prime. Even winning games that are very close against high caliber team, so I expect the same Westbrook or even more.

And the best part of Westbrook is, he didn't act as the main scorer for the Washington Wizards. He just try to adopt the system there and let Bradley Beal do the work on his usual. Westbrook also making lots of triple-double even without an intention of stat-padding as he can't just command his teammates to help him do that as he's new there compare to OKC where most are helping him to do triple-double.

In Lakers, changing and adjusting to other systems will not be difficult for him as he already paired with superstars right from the start of his career.

Right, Lebron emphasized that as well during their media workout. There are still critics who says that it won't work. But James reply is that it was also said when he went to Miami, that him and DWade plays the same position. But they won championships so for him, it's a perfect scenario again. He had AD before producing a ring, now with Westbrook? it won't be difficult as WB can adjust in any situation that call for. And one thing we notice during last year is that there are no impact players in the Lakers, yes they have Caruso and Kuzma to some extend. But they didn't produce energy. Just imagin Westbrook running the floor for the Lakers, that explosiveness in transition.

We can't judge anything on what will be the outcome of the performance of Westbrook on this season since we know he used to handle the ball and manage either to score or to assist as he is always on the spotlight by creating triple double on each game. But let see if he can really adjust since if they can make Westbrook a good point guard which can help the team to rotate the ball then provably we can see them got more higher chance to win the championship this season.

[harizen]

We can't judge anything on what will be the outcome of the performance of Westbrook on this season since we know he used to handle the ball and manage either to score or to assist as he is always on the spotlight by creating triple double on each game. But let see if he can really adjust since if they can make Westbrook a good point guard which can help the team to rotate the ball then provably we can see them got more higher chance to win the championship this season.

Russell Westbrook is averaging 11.7 assists per game for 65 games last season. Another one, he is also averaging 22.2 points per game and take note, as a backup and not the main scorer. It's impressive that he is producing that kind of stats with Beal as the ball handler most of the time.

With that stats, LeBron doesn't need to perform most of the PG position and just allows Westbrook to do plays. Fewer loads mean a more comfortable LeBron James which is better as he's not in his prime already. Westbrook will surely follow with the Lakers system just like he did on his previous team.

[Hypnosis00]

We can't judge anything on what will be the outcome of the performance of Westbrook on this season since we know he used to handle the ball and manage either to score or to assist as he is always on the spotlight by creating triple double on each game. But let see if he can really adjust since if they can make Westbrook a good point guard which can help the team to rotate the ball then provably we can see them got more higher chance to win the championship this season.

Russell Westbrook is averaging 11.7 assists per game for 65 games last season. Another one, he is also averaging 22.2 points per game and take note, as a backup and not the main scorer. It's impressive that he is producing that kind of stats with Beal as the ball handler most of the time.

With that stats, LeBron doesn't need to perform most of the PG position and just allows Westbrook to do plays. Fewer loads mean a more comfortable LeBron James which is better as he's not in his prime already. Westbrook will surely follow with the Lakers system just like he did on his previous team.

I hope for the success of the team, Westbrook will follow because he wants to win a championship and Lebron is proven to be a winner and this is the best timing that Westbrook might play his first-ever championship that the team he is playing with has a huge chance to win.

IIRC, Westbrook's first championship was against the Heat or Lebron James, and they only won 1 game in the series, so this time, if the Nets will also perform well, he will be playing against his two teammates back in OKC.

[Sanitough]

IIRC, Westbrook's first championship was against the Heat or Lebron James, and they only won 1 game in the series, so this time, if the Nets will also perform well, he will be playing against his two teammates back in OKC.

That was the only time Westbrook went to the Finals, he and Harden were unfortunate enough not being able to come back in the Finals, but Durant made a good decision by joining the GSW and won a back-to-back Finals MVP and a championship with the team. Now, the game is fair because Durant has Harden and Irving, while Westbrook has James and Davis.

[goinmerry]

In addition, Coach Vogel said AD will only play in the first quarter. On the other hand, it's not certain as well whether the Nets big 3 will play more minutes in the pre season.

Maybe that was just what Vogel said but in the actual game, there will be changes.

That was different last year where the Lakers all starters played good minutes against the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Davis and Lebron James combined for 55 points for 30 mins and 25 mins of playing time respectively.

But even with limited minutes for Lakers and Nets superstars, still interested to watch as these 2 teams are again the favorites to win the championship for the upcoming season. What's the news for Irving by the way? I doubt we will see him in the pre-season games or even in the first weeks of the NBA season.

[Russlenat]

In addition, Coach Vogel said AD will only play in the first quarter. On the other hand, it's not certain as well whether the Nets big 3 will play more minutes in the pre season.

Maybe that was just what Vogel said but in the actual game, there will be changes.

That was different last year where the Lakers all starters played good minutes against the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Davis and Lebron James combined for 55 points for 30 mins and 25 mins of playing time respectively.

But even with limited minutes for Lakers and Nets superstars, still interested to watch as these 2 teams are again the favorites to win the championship for the upcoming season. What's the news for Irving by the way? I doubt we will see him in the pre-season games or even in the first weeks of the NBA season.

This is preseason, their presence is highly appreciated already as the fans understand they will not play harder as they might get injured. Seeing Davis in the full 1st quarter, that's more than a gift for the fans because we will again see Davis healthy again. I would still consider him very fragile, so hopefully, the Lakers coaching staff learn last season and put a minute restriction for Davis, or a load management type.

[danherbias07]

If Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki are able to work that problem before, it's always possible with Luka and KP too.

We had a lot of examples of duos who have that kind of problem but somehow it works. I don't know how, but maybe it's the rivalry that makes them better. 

What's the news for Irving by the way? I doubt we will see him in the pre-season games or even in the first weeks of the NBA season.

There is a recent news about it and it looks like the NBA management will show its fangs if they will keep on resisting to be vaccinated.
NBA draws line as stars like Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins balk at Covid vaccine

“Any player who elects not to comply with local vaccination mandates will not be paid for games that he misses,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement.

Not paid during games at States that doesn't allow entertainers or players to perform without vaccination proof. Oh, there is going to be a lot of games on that list and they will lose a lot of money.

[carlisle1]

In addition, Coach Vogel said AD will only play in the first quarter. On the other hand, it's not certain as well whether the Nets big 3 will play more minutes in the pre season.

Maybe that was just what Vogel said but in the actual game, there will be changes.

That was different last year where the Lakers all starters played good minutes against the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Davis and Lebron James combined for 55 points for 30 mins and 25 mins of playing time respectively.

But even with limited minutes for Lakers and Nets superstars, still interested to watch as these 2 teams are again the favorites to win the championship for the upcoming season. What's the news for Irving by the way? I doubt we will see him in the pre-season games or even in the first weeks of the NBA season.

Same question, what's the latest news with Kyrie? Is he going to show or he still inside his own world?

It's interesting to watch even it's just a game opener and we don't know if all the players will have their minutes inside the court.

What is best now is the fact that the new season is about to start and we will see how teams will improve this year.

[Yogee]

Have you read or watched Ray Allen's take on Ben Simmon's shooting?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WqsouKSCdE - starts at 10:00

He's basically saying Ben should practice with a mindset as if it was an actual game where the stakes are higher and not some soft pick up games. Put himself in tough situations until he gets used to it. Maybe he should keep on watching how Micheal Jordan would take practice or learn from Kobe Bryant's work ethics.

It's also noteworthy that Ray said there's anything wrong with Ben's form.