2025 NBA Season

[Yamifoud]

They seem to have a problem, that's obvious.. They are -7.5 in this game and yet they can't win even if they don't have to cover the spread. Yes, the starters played a decent minutes that they might do the same in the regular season.

https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/boxscore/250464
Lebron James    26:09 minutes -    17 points
C. Anthony 24:40 minutes - 20 points
R. Westbrook 28:08 minutes -    10 points only ( he has to level up)

Yes, Coach Vogel will need to tweak some plays and strengthen their chemistry. Melo is doing great, he will surely give everything this year.
Westbrook though doesn't look like he is comfortable yet. Let's give it more time. He got used to being in control of everything and this is a big leap because now he is adjusting with Lebron with almost the same type of play.
Jordan Poole is the player of the game, I can see so much room for improvement. It's obvious he is growing from shouldering the team whenever Steph is out.

And that makes GSW still dangerous even without Klay because of Jordan Poole. Hopefully he can bring that on step further when the regular seasons start.

Yes, that's the trade mark of Coach Vogel, even in-game he will make some tweaks if he see some weakness in the chemistry of Lakers. I do agree with giving some time to WB, just one game at a time. We might be surprised to see him anchoring the offense for the Lakers and seeing a prime WB again.

Hopefully, it will be a different story in the regular season, Westbrook based on his numbers seems not really in synch, I mean, he used to deliver a triple-double in a game but now it looks like it's a different Westbrook what we are seeing now.

[Yaunfitda]

~
I'm just looking at the odds for the Regular season MVP from sportsbet, what can you say about it?



I'm thinking it's going to be close between KD and Giannis, so I"m surprised that Luka is somewhat the favorite this season.

I'm not surprised that Luka is the favorite especially how he's been playing the last two seasons. I'm more surprised that Embiid is at 7.50 while Jokic is at 15. No disrespect to Joel and the bookies but come on man, it has to be closer than that. Is he injured? What am I missing?

Luka is really playing very well, hopefully we can bring the Mavs to the championship this year so that the MVP odds will be validated.

Surprising the reigning MVP at 15, that's some disrespect in my opinion. No he is not injured or something, but maybe sports bookies are not taking him just like what last year when he was a long shot. Joel has been consistent in the MVP voting, it's that the injury somewhat diminished his chances last season.

[ChiBitCTy]

Just saw that Kyrie will not be playing for the Nets until he is vaccinated.  I am all for people whom have concerns about the vaccine, but the science is out now and it's proven to be safe and helping save lives. I would probably take Kyrie a bit more serious if I didn't already know he's a nut job.  I mean the guy believes that the earth is flat, what more do you need to say lol.

[Yogee]

...
Harden can be the guard focus and Durant to lead the team.  Got so.e good role players around him.

I thought Nets was crazy when they acquired Harden but he's becoming more valuable to the team now and actually makes his acquisition a great move. I think the decision made by the management on Kyrie became easier since they knew they still have Harden.

[btc_angela]

...
Harden can be the guard focus and Durant to lead the team.  Got so.e good role players around him.

I thought Nets was crazy when they acquired Harden but he's becoming more valuable to the team now and actually makes his acquisition a great move. I think the decision made by the management on Kyrie became easier since they knew they still have Harden.

I would say that it is a big gamble on them, acquiring Harden and Kyrie and Durant and giving up so many players and future draft rights.

But in the end, it might be a good move, last season was really good, if not for the injuries on Harden and Kyrie they could have been in the finals. And now that Kyrie seems to be an issue for the team, perhaps they will have no qualms on trading him since they still have Harden to help Durant.

[el kaka22]

Lakers did not play bad, they just have chemistry issues for now because there are three players who build their whole careers out of being the main ball handler and then passing out. Lebron, Westbrook and Rondo. Rondo and Westbrook could play at different times, that can be arranged, but Westbrook and Lebron will need to learn to play together, which may take some time.

I still believe that they are by far the best team in the league right now. I know they are old, but they are also old but great players, not like they are bad now, sure most of them are beyond their peak nowadays but they are still playing like they are the best and that is what matters the most. I believe unless some big injuries happen, Lakers will cruise to 1st seed and championship.

[Russlenat]

Lakers did not play bad, they just have chemistry issues for now because there are three players who build their whole careers out of being the main ball handler and then passing out. Lebron, Westbrook and Rondo. Rondo and Westbrook could play at different times, that can be arranged, but Westbrook and Lebron will need to learn to play together, which may take some time.

I still believe that they are by far the best team in the league right now. I know they are old, but they are also old but great players, not like they are bad now, sure most of them are beyond their peak nowadays but they are still playing like they are the best and that is what matters the most. I believe unless some big injuries happen, Lakers will cruise to 1st seed and championship.

IMO, they are bad based on what they showed in the last game, yes, I believe that the main problem is the chemistry, they haven't built effective game chemistry yet so it's right that we should not easily assume that they'll win a championship together as they still have to fix that main problem.

Westbrook and Lebron are both main scorers on their team, they love to hold the ball most of the time and that is something they need to sort out to make their respective positive be as effective as expected. Anyway, preseason is still preseason, the real battle is in the regular season, so it's still early to make a judgment.

[wheelz1200]

Warriors vs Lakers tonight on TNT. A preview matchup of their season opener that will be played in just one week. Something tells me the outcome of the two games will be vastly different, but maybe we’ll get a glimpse of the stars going at it tonight at some point.

The NBA is back baby!!!

Exactly why nobody should be betting preseason.  If blindly I told someone GS stars aren't playing and the Lakers are going to run theirs you would think the Lakers would blow them out.  Preseason is just that.  But with that being said Lakers are gonna skid at some point in the year.  That team doesn't look good together.  Just no flow.

[ultrloa]

Warriors vs Lakers tonight on TNT. A preview matchup of their season opener that will be played in just one week. Something tells me the outcome of the two games will be vastly different, but maybe we’ll get a glimpse of the stars going at it tonight at some point.

The NBA is back baby!!!

Exactly why nobody should be betting preseason.  If blindly I told someone GS stars aren't playing and the Lakers are going to run theirs you would think the Lakers would blow them out.  Preseason is just that.  But with that being said Lakers are gonna skid at some point in the year.  That team doesn't look good together.  Just no flow.

Not betting either since I know that we cannot see a full performance on each team playing since for sure they are just testing their piece on how they can work together on regular season so best to save our bets later on once they are really rolling since for sure we can see them playing well since they want to be the number one of their division.

Maybe for now we can see them struggle since for sure there big accumulate players will adjusting the system where they are not the main man inside the court but for sure we can see a different lakers once the the new season open.

[dwyane36]

IMO, they are bad based on what they showed in the last game, yes, I believe that the main problem is the chemistry, they haven't built effective game chemistry yet so it's right that we should not easily assume that they'll win a championship together as they still have to fix that main problem.

Westbrook and Lebron are both main scorers on their team, they love to hold the ball most of the time and that is something they need to sort out to make their respective positive be as effective as expected. Anyway, preseason is still preseason, the real battle is in the regular season, so it's still early to make a judgment.

I agree with you that the current roster of the Lakers has a problem with chemistry. I think it will take them several months to improve the mutual understanding on the court. Westbrook wants to make a triple-double every game while James needs to score enough points per game to break Kareem's record. So it will be very difficult for them to share the ball with each other.

[harizen]

Just saw that Kyrie will not be playing for the Nets until he is vaccinated.  I am all for people whom have concerns about the vaccine, but the science is out now and it's proven to be safe and helping save lives. I would probably take Kyrie a bit more serious if I didn't already know he's a nut job.  I mean the guy believes that the earth is flat, what more do you need to say lol.

It's only for their "Home Games" I believed and not the whole game season. It's because of Brooklyn's protocol regarding in-game activities. I don't know what kind of convincing does Kyrie needs in order to get vaccinated. Whatever his reason, he should disregard it unless he had some medical issues before.

Nets already gamble their future the first time they acquired him. Until now, he is creating more problems. Stay tuned for his next crazy action lol.

[Dave1]

IMO, they are bad based on what they showed in the last game, yes, I believe that the main problem is the chemistry, they haven't built effective game chemistry yet so it's right that we should not easily assume that they'll win a championship together as they still have to fix that main problem.

Westbrook and Lebron are both main scorers on their team, they love to hold the ball most of the time and that is something they need to sort out to make their respective positive be as effective as expected. Anyway, preseason is still preseason, the real battle is in the regular season, so it's still early to make a judgment.

I agree with you that the current roster of the Lakers has a problem with chemistry. I think it will take them several months to improve the mutual understanding on the court. Westbrook wants to make a triple-double every game while James needs to score enough points per game to break Kareem's record. So it will be very difficult for them to share the ball with each other.

I wouldn't say that it will take several months to improve the chemistry of the team.

They just have to play in the regular season, next couple of games, and we will already know if there is a chemistry issue or not.

We have said this to Brooklyn when they acquire KD and then Irving, but there is no issue in the beginning. Same as with Harden joining. Majority are veterans and can adjust and adapt fairly quickly as they have been in the league for years already.

[Pamadar]

Just saw that Kyrie will not be playing for the Nets until he is vaccinated.  I am all for people whom have concerns about the vaccine, but the science is out now and it's proven to be safe and helping save lives. I would probably take Kyrie a bit more serious if I didn't already know he's a nut job.  I mean the guy believes that the earth is flat, what more do you need to say lol.

It's only for their "Home Games" I believed and not the whole game season. It's because of Brooklyn's protocol regarding in-game activities. I don't know what kind of convincing does Kyrie needs in order to get vaccinated. Whatever his reason, he should disregard it unless he had some medical issues before.

Nets already gamble their future the first time they acquired him. Until now, he is creating more problems. Stay tuned for his next crazy action lol.

The last update that I've read about vaccines is not mandated, but players won't be paid in each game that they will not play

Due to these restrictions. Kyrie still refusing and still not convinced that he will take his shots. You are right, acquiring him was already
a gamble, his game is not their problem but his attitude, which is showing now.

Good thing that they have Harden who are flexible and willing to work with KD and the rest to continue the chased for the title.

[yazher]

I agree with you that the current roster of the Lakers has a problem with chemistry. I think it will take them several months to improve the mutual understanding on the court. Westbrook wants to make a triple-double every game while James needs to score enough points per game to break Kareem's record. So it will be very difficult for them to share the ball with each other.

Gladly they have some preseason games before the actual games to test their skills with their new teammates. Looks like we will know if the combination will work if we see them play together just like LBJ played with Bosh and Wade that was one of my favorite Big 3 that ever happens in NBA history. Sadly they ended up losing and decided to part ways. if not, they can easily dominate and continue straight to the NBA Finals before Wade has retired.

[OgNasty]

~
I'm just looking at the odds for the Regular season MVP from sportsbet, what can you say about it?



I'm thinking it's going to be close between KD and Giannis, so I"m surprised that Luka is somewhat the favorite this season.

I'm not surprised that Luka is the favorite especially how he's been playing the last two seasons. I'm more surprised that Embiid is at 7.50 while Jokic is at 15. No disrespect to Joel and the bookies but come on man, it has to be closer than that. Is he injured? What am I missing?

Luka is really playing very well, hopefully we can bring the Mavs to the championship this year so that the MVP odds will be validated.

Surprising the reigning MVP at 15, that's some disrespect in my opinion. No he is not injured or something, but maybe sports bookies are not taking him just like what last year when he was a long shot. Joel has been consistent in the MVP voting, it's that the injury somewhat diminished his chances last season.

I would agree Luka has MVP potential, but I don't think the Mavs are going to do well enough for him to truly be in MVP contention.  I also think Giannis has a lot to prove still.  I don't think he was ready to be made MVP when he got it, and now that he's earned it, I'm not sure if he's deserving of another yet.

I think I'd go with Durant as the obvious choice because he's the best basketball player in the world right now.  Harden might be a sleeper though if Kyrie misses a lot of games and he's able to run the point largely by himself for the Nets.

One surprising thing to myself about my own opinion...  I don't think any of the Lakers have a shot at MVP this year.

[Bttzed03]

Just saw that Kyrie will not be playing for the Nets until he is vaccinated. ~

It's only for their "Home Games" I believed and not the whole game season. It's because of Brooklyn's protocol regarding in-game activities. ~

Nets already gamble their future the first time they acquired him. Until now, he is creating more problems. Stay tuned for his next crazy action lol.

The last update that I've read about vaccines is not mandated, but players won't be paid in each game that they will not play

~

~ Full Nets statement:

^ Based on that, Kyrie  won't play any of the Nets home or road games.

About his payment for games he will miss:

~ But,.. yes there's a twist even if he doesn't play road games the deduction that will be made with his salary are just the home games that was announced by the NBA for whoever will not take the vaccine.

^ He's still a lucky MF even if he sit out the entire season. Maybe he should just lay low and start his own community league where all players are free to play with/against him.

~
I would agree Luka has MVP potential, but I don't think the Mavs are going to do well enough for him to truly be in MVP contention.

The award is supposed to be for individual performances but yeah how they can carry their own team plays a big factor in the voting.

I think I'd go with Durant as the obvious choice because he's the best basketball player in the world right now.  Harden might be a sleeper though if Kyrie misses a lot of games and he's able to run the point largely by himself for the Nets.

No argument here. KD is really a special player and Harden could also deliver.

One surprising thing to myself about my own opinion...  I don't think any of the Lakers have a shot at MVP this year.

Must be tough for a Laker fan to say that The ball and the responsibility will be spread out which lessen a player's chance to stand out.

[TravelMug]

...
the Nets are still afraid to lose him and still giving him a chance, not playing with salary is too good for an offer.

Nets management is definitely in a losing position if Kyrie doesn't play all games this season but it's good they made their position very clear. They passed the ball on Irving's court and it's up to him if he wants the team to lose a key player because he wants to exercise his right. I hope the team does well without him.

As a business entity, I don't think that Nets are in total agreement of Kyrie getting his salary but not playing. Maybe this is just their initial statement, but for sure they are going to iron things out maybe in the next month that will help them recover the losses in the Kyrie drama. They might trade him, or like Ben he will get deducted sums of money for not participating in the Nets game. Kyrie still owns the Nets for singing a contract, and the Nets deserves something in return for Kyrie's services.

[danherbias07]

Just saw that Kyrie will not be playing for the Nets until he is vaccinated.  I am all for people whom have concerns about the vaccine, but the science is out now and it's proven to be safe and helping save lives. I would probably take Kyrie a bit more serious if I didn't already know he's a nut job.  I mean the guy believes that the earth is flat, what more do you need to say lol.

LOL!  
His case will be the one that will never be forgotten for a long time. I mean, his stubbornness is out if this world and he has the money to make something possible. Like looking for the most trusted vaccine or paying up someone in the health industry to make sure there is nothing else in the vaccine but just the vaccine itself. There are ways to do it professionally with the use of money but it looks like he doesn't want to go that far and just believe whatever he thinks.
I respect him and his decisions but he should think about how many people already took the vaccine and that includes people that is mostly around him.
The world doesn't revolve just for him. Oh sorry, it doesn't revolve according to his belief.

They might trade him, or like Ben he will get deducted sums of money for not participating in the Nets game. Kyrie still owns the Nets for singing a contract, and the Nets deserves something in return for Kyrie's services.

He also has a card for that. "I will retire if they trade me."

[Questat]

They might trade him, or like Ben he will get deducted sums of money for not participating in the Nets game. Kyrie still owns the Nets for singing a contract, and the Nets deserves something in return for Kyrie's services.

He also has a card for that. "I will retire if they trade me."

He is playing a blackmail game, very clever, usually, it's the company or organization that blackmail their employees, in this case, it's different as Kyrie knows how to play the dirty game, no debt of gratitude or something, it's all straight-up business for him, whether in a good or bad way.

[Kyraishi]

I think that Kyrie will definitely come around, just give him some time.

He is known to be a bit idiosyncratic, and this is not the first time that he's pulled something like this.

But at the end of the day he will be out of literally hundreds of millions of dollars and he isn't stupid. Same deal with Simmons.