2025 NBA Season

[Reid]

....
The problem is that if he stays with the Lakers, it will only be the best option for him, but not for the team.

I see an unmotivated Russ so yes it's bad for the team but it's also bad for him. He really wants to be out that's why he fired his agent who suggested he stays. Westbrook is not some no name and newbie anymore. I think he is already at a point where he cares more where he can play happily than the money he gets.

Maybe. But I disagree with unmotivated Russ.
He doesn't have a championship yet so he still has that aim to achieve. My take on this is he is looking for a real championship caliber and he just doesn't see it in the Lakers team anymore that's why he fired his agent who is opposing his decision.
There's a big problem though. His salary is succumbing the whole roster which makes it difficult for other teams to create a championship caliber roster.
That's why he is best suited for a team with a broad salary cap like the Lakers. That might be the reason of his agent on why he wants him to stay with them.

[LogitechMouse]

In Kyrie/Lakers news...  It seems the Nets are still unimpressed by the trade packages that the Lakers are offering them for Kyrie.  I'm not sure if I want Kyrie to go to the Lakers or not, but it would be one hell of a move for them to get Kyrie and lose Russell's contract with one move.

Still to early I guess and with what is happening right now between two teams, I believe that they will meet halfway and there will be a trade that will happen. LeGM and Kyrie the Lazy wants a reunion and the Lakers doesn't want Ninja Turtle (Westbrook) in a Laker uniform anymore because of how he played last season so I believe in the next few weeks, a blockbuster trade will happen between the 2 teams and same with KD as well. Many are waiting where Kyrie and KD will land this time including me.

I see an unmotivated Russ so yes it's bad for the team but it's also bad for him. He really wants to be out that's why he fired his agent who suggested he stays. Westbrook is not some no name and newbie anymore. I think he is already at a point where he cares more where he can play happily than the money he gets.

Russell Westbrook just needs some push. I don't see him as a hindrance to the Lakers' success. Maybe give him several games to work again on his consistency. Westbrook is still one of the most athletic guards in the NBA today. He also understands that he needs to cooperate with LBJ or AD and last season, he didn't show the behavior that he is the main scorer on the team. He just does his usual Westbrook stuff although the problem is, he is not consistent.

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

Remember when Westbrook is with Harden in the Rockets, many expected that they will be an explosive duo at that season but what happened? It's a disaster and they aren't a good duo together. Same situation here but this time it's 3 of them. I don't know but LBJ and Russ kinda have the same way of playing. Scoring and passing and maybe that is also a reason why we don't see any chemistry with the team. No one wants to make adjustment for the betterment of the team and look how they played this whole season. I don't think some push is necessary right now because I think the Lakers are doing everything just to trade him. On the other hand, Westbrook also wants to be out in the Lakers as well and play with another team.

[YuginKadoya]

That's the problem. They cannot rush it. KD is such a gem, you cannot just give him away for anyone. This is like an investment made by the Brooklyn Nets and they know they can exhange him for something fair or more.
It's not their problem if other teams could not equal the proposed exchange that they want.
The amount of money the Nets had spent when Durant was not playing was enormous so it would be best if they could maximized the trade that they want.
2 years, they paid him 2 years without play time.

I really think the Brooklyn Nets will surely want to get back their investment on getting Kevin Durant, so they are very desperate on getting him traded for a higher price and some players on the team, which is reasonable, in my opinion, but Donovan Mitchell is not a bad trade for the Brooklyn Nets if they can get a trade with the Suns, with Kevin Durant so it is really not a bad idea, but Mitchell wants to be on the New York Knicks, that is why this trade is pretty much hard to take, that will be in Fruition when the Suns can get Mitchell from the Jazz,

If Westbrook plays like he did last season, there is no chance any team will offer him another maximum 5-year contract. However, Westbrook still has a player option on his current contract, and he will likely use it to earn another $47 million next season. The problem is that if he stays with the Lakers, it will only be the best option for him, but not for the team.

It will be a win for him, but not for the Los Angeles Lakers, this is very depressing to hear that the triple-double king is now the center of conversation among the Lakers fans, they are saying that they don't want Russell Westbrook on the team anymore, hearing such things will surely make him depressed, I think he needs to pick up his self and prove his worth next season, but if he would play just the same as the last season then this is going to be his last, in my opinion,

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

Remember when Westbrook is with Harden in the Rockets, many expected that they will be an explosive duo at that season but what happened? It's a disaster and they aren't a good duo together. Same situation here but this time it's 3 of them. I don't know but LBJ and Russ kinda have the same way of playing. Scoring and passing and maybe that is also a reason why we don't see any chemistry with the team. No one wants to make adjustment for the betterment of the team and look how they played this whole season. I don't think some push is necessary right now because I think the Lakers are doing everything just to trade him. On the other hand, Westbrook also wants to be out in the Lakers as well and play with another team.

He is already 33 and I think he can still push his limits any further, I don't really like Russell Westbrook because he doesn't really fit well if a team has their own superstar, I think if the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving was traded and gone to the other teams then I think he can surely fit the bill in filling in the Brooklyn Nets, while he is the only Superstar on that team his other teammates can now focus on defense and a little support on his offense, I think he wants to be a one-man army and be relevant again,

[jakelyson]

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

I agree with this one. Westbrook does not have the same explosiveness that he have before. He is still very athletic compare to others but the explosiveness that he needs to drive into the basket is simply lacking now. He cannot run as fast or jump as high as before.

... Same situation here but this time it's 3 of them. I don't know but LBJ and Russ kinda have the same way of playing. Scoring and passing and maybe that is also a reason why we don't see any chemistry with the team. No one wants to make adjustment for the betterment of the team and look how they played this whole season.

This must be a unpopular opinion but I think the one that needs to adjust is Lebron. Since he is the one who brought WB into the team, he should let WB play to his natural position. Anyway, Lebron can play all positions, except may be as center, because of his skill, talent and athleticism. WB can drive, can be a good PG but what he cannot do is to consistently shoot. He have poor shooting average. If Lebron can give way and let WB be point guard and Lebron can be the receiving end for the outside shooting. Maybe they could fair better.  I am not confident though if they have not tried this set up last season.

[stadus]

....
The problem is that if he stays with the Lakers, it will only be the best option for him, but not for the team.

I see an unmotivated Russ so yes it's bad for the team but it's also bad for him. He really wants to be out that's why he fired his agent who suggested he stays. Westbrook is not some no name and newbie anymore. I think he is already at a point where he cares more where he can play happily than the money he gets.

Maybe. But I disagree with unmotivated Russ.
He doesn't have a championship yet so he still has that aim to achieve. My take on this is he is looking for a real championship caliber and he just doesn't see it in the Lakers team anymore that's why he fired his agent who is opposing his decision.
There's a big problem though. His salary is succumbing the whole roster which makes it difficult for other teams to create a championship caliber roster.
That's why he is best suited for a team with a broad salary cap like the Lakers. That might be the reason of his agent on why he wants him to stay with them.

Well, Westbrook could stay with the Lakers, but what if the Lakers will decide to trade him? He has no choice but to accept his faith because whether he likes it or not, it's very evident that he is not helping the Lakers achieve their goal to win a championship again.

[jossiel]

Well, Westbrook could stay with the Lakers, but what if the Lakers will decide to trade him? He has no choice but to accept his faith because whether he likes it or not, it's very evident that he is not helping the Lakers achieve their goal to win a championship again.

Saw some article rumor just recently that it's likely that Westbrook will be traded to Spurs while Kyrie to replace him in Lakers.

It seems that you're saying is really possible to happen but until it's official and there's not yet actual statement, it should remain as a rumor. But yeah, it's very likely that he'll be traded if the Lakers decides.

There really is nothing he can do if he'll be traded then.

[Baofeng]

Anyone heard of James Harden taking a $15 million pay cut with the Sixers?

He basically wanted to have players that can help the team win a championship with him and Joel Embid. Not sure if this is true though, but in any case, it seems James Harden goal next season is to win that championship. He has a lot of individual accolades and for sure he doesn't want to retire without even a ring.

[danherbias07]

Just finished talking to a friend who is a big fan of Blake Griffin. Told him he is a free agent now.
What team do you think this 2009 number 1 draft pick will end up to?
He is just 33 years old, may not be a strong impact on the offensive end but he may be able to still help defensively.

Perhaps the Chicago Bulls? we all know that Blake is already way past his prime, his best years where with the Clippers with CP3. But when he got injured, no more high flying acts for him, but he did try to evolved and be a good 3 point shooter and a defender just like what he did with the Nets.

And the Bulls needed some veteran and experience players. Especially in close out games and during the playoff as well. If some savvy veteran like Blake can mentor Lavine and him also helping like in defense and rebounds in like 10-15 minutes a game, he will be a big help for the Bulls.

Blake still has a career IMO, he can still be useful to any team, and the fact that he is not expensive as he was before, he can easily be added to a roster of a team that needs an experienced big man. How about the Warriors? Maybe that will give him a chance to win a championship since the Warriors are a great team.

Good choices. Bulls need a veteran while the Warriors are aiming for cheap players but could contribute even just on the defensive end.
Perhaps they could offer him a veteran minimum contract like Iggy.
Oh and speaking of Iggy, there also no offer for him yet but he is joking around about going back to the Warriors 1 more time.
https://www.audacy.com/957thegame/sports/golden-state-warriors/joe-lacob-andre-iguodala-joke-about-new-contract-on-podcast
So to conclude, Griffin should be aiming for teams with young players and help out by feeding veteran perspective.
Sad to see it turning out like that after his high flying career.

[yazher]

Saw some article rumor just recently that it's likely that Westbrook will be traded to Spurs while Kyrie to replace him in Lakers.

It seems that you're saying is really possible to happen but until it's official and there's not yet actual statement, it should remain as a rumor. But yeah, it's very likely that he'll be traded if the Lakers decides.

There really is nothing he can do if he'll be traded then.

Looks like he will gonna go somewhere and he should really go because the Lakers fans don't like the guy and if he is still in the Lakers in this upcoming season, it would be the same result for them, they will gonna struggle to sync their play together and with the other teams are drastically improving, they won't a chance to get to the NBA finals or might not get to the NBA playoffs anymore. They really need to fix their roosters while they have the chance because they cannot miss the opportunity they have these days for the upcoming season are hard than the last one because some injured star players are more likely to return.

[ultrloa]

Saw some article rumor just recently that it's likely that Westbrook will be traded to Spurs while Kyrie to replace him in Lakers.

It seems that you're saying is really possible to happen but until it's official and there's not yet actual statement, it should remain as a rumor. But yeah, it's very likely that he'll be traded if the Lakers decides.

There really is nothing he can do if he'll be traded then.

Looks like he will gonna go somewhere and he should really go because the Lakers fans don't like the guy and if he is still in the Lakers in this upcoming season, it would be the same result for them, they will gonna struggle to sync their play together and with the other teams are drastically improving, they won't a chance to get to the NBA finals or might not get to the NBA playoffs anymore. They really need to fix their roosters while they have the chance because they cannot miss the opportunity they have these days for the upcoming season are hard than the last one because some injured star players are more likely to return.

If he stays in lakers then provably he will get all the blame if the team will be on bad shape so its best for him to go on another team and do more better performance to prove that he's still the mr triple double on NBA. For sure there are other teams showing interest with Westbrook because compare to Irving Westbrook's play more games than Irving.
 

[mirakal]

Saw some article rumor just recently that it's likely that Westbrook will be traded to Spurs while Kyrie to replace him in Lakers.

It seems that you're saying is really possible to happen but until it's official and there's not yet actual statement, it should remain as a rumor. But yeah, it's very likely that he'll be traded if the Lakers decides.

There really is nothing he can do if he'll be traded then.

Looks like he will gonna go somewhere and he should really go because the Lakers fans don't like the guy and if he is still in the Lakers in this upcoming season, it would be the same result for them, they will gonna struggle to sync their play together and with the other teams are drastically improving, they won't a chance to get to the NBA finals or might not get to the NBA playoffs anymore. They really need to fix their roosters while they have the chance because they cannot miss the opportunity they have these days for the upcoming season are hard than the last one because some injured star players are more likely to return.

If he stays in lakers then provably he will get all the blame if the team will be on bad shape so its best for him to go on another team and do more better performance to prove that he's still the mr triple double on NBA. For sure there are other teams showing interest with Westbrook because compare to Irving Westbrook's play more games than Irving.
 

Depending on his performance, if he will have the same performance as last season, then most likely he will take the blame for the failure of the Lakers. However, it's still the management decision that would matter in the end, if they see that Westbrook isn't fit, then they have to move him through a trade.

[inthelongrun]

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

I agree with this one. Westbrook does not have the same explosiveness that he have before. He is still very athletic compare to others but the explosiveness that he needs to drive into the basket is simply lacking now. He cannot run as fast or jump as high as before.

A common issue to some basketball players that relied only on their speed and strength. That is why more and more players really want to practice their shooting, big man or not, it helps to prolong their careers. Imagine Giannis 10 years from now if he cannot develop his shooting. Although the guy is developing and is somehow smart. Maybe he can play basic simple basketball like Tim Duncan when his body is past its prime. I think Westbrook's ego is also a problem. That would be hard to teach. Even during his younger years with KD and Harden, I think most of the time he's got more attempts than KD and others. 

[wheelz1200]

Anyone heard of James Harden taking a $15 million pay cut with the Sixers?

He basically wanted to have players that can help the team win a championship with him and Joel Embid. Not sure if this is true though, but in any case, it seems James Harden goal next season is to win that championship. He has a lot of individual accolades and for sure he doesn't want to retire without even a ring.

Yeah I read they were redoing his contract.  Haven't seen too much of the details but yes less per year so they can open up space for more talent.  My guess is he isn't losing money in the deal though in that some sort of signing bonus or some other snaking way to game the system its done all the time to clear cap space.  Wonder what the NBA would look like if they had a system like mlb 😵

[danherbias07]

Anyone heard of James Harden taking a $15 million pay cut with the Sixers?

He basically wanted to have players that can help the team win a championship with him and Joel Embid. Not sure if this is true though, but in any case, it seems James Harden goal next season is to win that championship. He has a lot of individual accolades and for sure he doesn't want to retire without even a ring.

Yeah I read they were redoing his contract.  Haven't seen too much of the details but yes less per year so they can open up space for more talent.  My guess is he isn't losing money in the deal though in that some sort of signing bonus or some other snaking way to game the system its done all the time to clear cap space.  Wonder what the NBA would look like if they had a system like mlb 😵

I just finished reading about it.
https://sports.yahoo.com/exclusive-james-harden-tells-sixers-sign-who-we-need-to-sign-and-give-me-whatever-is-left-over-with-new-deal-024605439.html

“I had conversations with Daryl, and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over,” Harden told Yahoo Sports. “This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. That’s all that matters to me at this stage. I’m willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that.”

This is good news.
Stepping up in a different way. Offer your own salary to strengthen the roster and have a higher chance for a championship.
Someone did this before. Was it Kobe? I forgot, but I remember someone did.
It tells how badly he wants to have that ring. He was near it years ago versus the Warriors and now trying to remake with a better ending with Joel Embiid. It might work.

[vennali]

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

I agree with this one. Westbrook does not have the same explosiveness that he have before. He is still very athletic compare to others but the explosiveness that he needs to drive into the basket is simply lacking now. He cannot run as fast or jump as high as before.

A common issue to some basketball players that relied only on their speed and strength. That is why more and more players really want to practice their shooting, big man or not, it helps to prolong their careers. Imagine Giannis 10 years from now if he cannot develop his shooting. Although the guy is developing and is somehow smart. Maybe he can play basic simple basketball like Tim Duncan when his body is past its prime. I think Westbrook's ego is also a problem. That would be hard to teach. Even during his younger years with KD and Harden, I think most of the time he's got more attempts than KD and others. 

Giannis is already improving on his shooting and is trying to turn into a complete player. He has also started taking 3's since the opponents were just putting men into the paint and not letting him drive through and even when there is space. He's getting battered trying to get to the rim. Which is perfectly fine for a player like him but you cannot do that day in and out.

[OgNasty]

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

I agree with this one. Westbrook does not have the same explosiveness that he have before. He is still very athletic compare to others but the explosiveness that he needs to drive into the basket is simply lacking now. He cannot run as fast or jump as high as before.

A common issue to some basketball players that relied only on their speed and strength. That is why more and more players really want to practice their shooting, big man or not, it helps to prolong their careers. Imagine Giannis 10 years from now if he cannot develop his shooting. Although the guy is developing and is somehow smart. Maybe he can play basic simple basketball like Tim Duncan when his body is past its prime. I think Westbrook's ego is also a problem. That would be hard to teach. Even during his younger years with KD and Harden, I think most of the time he's got more attempts than KD and others. 

Giannis is already improving on his shooting and is trying to turn into a complete player. He has also started taking 3's since the opponents were just putting men into the paint and not letting him drive through and even when there is space. He's getting battered trying to get to the rim. Which is perfectly fine for a player like him but you cannot do that day in and out.

I don't know...  Giannis seems to be a different beast.  His thin frame and willingness to put in work along with his past, leaves no doubt that he'll continue doing the work to stay healthy.  A guy like Zion Williamson will probably be battling injuries his entire career, but I don't think Giannis will have this problem.  I think we'll continue to see him improve for some time and as stated, he'll put in the work to increase his skills as age wears on his athleticism.  That's a long way from now though...  Giannis still probably hasn't hit his peak and may be a couple of years away still.

[wheelz1200]

Westbrook is 33 years old already and near to past his prime. He is athletic I agree with that and yes he is one of the most athletic and most explosive guards in the NBA. The problem is that, he doesn't fit with the system.

I agree with this one. Westbrook does not have the same explosiveness that he have before. He is still very athletic compare to others but the explosiveness that he needs to drive into the basket is simply lacking now. He cannot run as fast or jump as high as before.

A common issue to some basketball players that relied only on their speed and strength. That is why more and more players really want to practice their shooting, big man or not, it helps to prolong their careers. Imagine Giannis 10 years from now if he cannot develop his shooting. Although the guy is developing and is somehow smart. Maybe he can play basic simple basketball like Tim Duncan when his body is past its prime. I think Westbrook's ego is also a problem. That would be hard to teach. Even during his younger years with KD and Harden, I think most of the time he's got more attempts than KD and others. 

Giannis is already improving on his shooting and is trying to turn into a complete player. He has also started taking 3's since the opponents were just putting men into the paint and not letting him drive through and even when there is space. He's getting battered trying to get to the rim. Which is perfectly fine for a player like him but you cannot do that day in and out.

I don't know...  Giannis seems to be a different beast.  His thin frame and willingness to put in work along with his past, leaves no doubt that he'll continue doing the work to stay healthy.  A guy like Zion Williamson will probably be battling injuries his entire career, but I don't think Giannis will have this problem.  I think we'll continue to see him improve for some time and as stated, he'll put in the work to increase his skills as age wears on his athleticism.  That's a long way from now though...  Giannis still probably hasn't hit his peak and may be a couple of years away still.

I agree giannis was so raw when he came into the league, and agreed he probably hasn't even peaked.  Hope we get to see an injury free climb over the next couple of years.  He is always one of the players I hate to watch my team against because they literally have no plan to stop him.  Imagining him getting better is a real issue for the east.

[püsür]

There is an interesting article on nba.com about James Harden. I was quite surprised that he is on the verge of making a new deal with his team that instead of getting 46 million dollars next season, he is helping the team and making a deal for two years that will get him 32 million dollars next season, and it includes a player option for the second season. He is really trying to show everyone that his mentality is different and he is focused on a better team and winning. I genuinely tried to remember any player who did this but I can't remember a big player doing such a thing. Good for Harden. There was a huge hype about him in the last season and he played not bad, at least better than how he did in Nets. I like his new attitude.

[jossiel]

There is an interesting article on nba.com about James Harden. I was quite surprised that he is on the verge of making a new deal with his team that instead of getting 46 million dollars next season, he is helping the team and making a deal for two years that will get him 32 million dollars next season, and it includes a player option for the second season. He is really trying to show everyone that his mentality is different and he is focused on a better team and winning. I genuinely tried to remember any player who did this but I can't remember a big player doing such a thing. Good for Harden. There was a huge hype about him in the last season and he played not bad, at least better than how he did in Nets. I like his new attitude.

Much love for Harden.

Many fans are counting him in getting a ring every season and that mindset of his might really bring him to that someday, we don't know when but other teams are also focused on getting that championship ring.

Too many good players out there that haven't got their own rings so hopefully, he's going to be one of those but let's see the other teams now, they are kind of promising and really strong.

[Captain Corporate]

I think Lebron making a big deal out of drew league is not as much of a thing as we think it is. He probably had a little vacation and didn't want to stay at home and that was about it. I do not think that it was anything more than that. Of course it could be to get in shape, btu he could have done that in a much less competitive way, this dude is not just playing basketball in the nba because he wants to make money, of course he is a genius level business person and he made a ton of money so far, but he doesn't care about that anymore if you ask me, being the best basketball player for a few more years wouldn't be that important. I think he just plays because he loves the game so much, like he could continue to play until he is 50 if the teams still get him, and thats the main reason he is in the drew league as well.