2025 NBA Season

[lixer]

Westbrook was healthy last season and yet he doesn't play like a real big 3. If Davis will have a great season, I hope Westbrook will not ruined his moment as his inconsistency is really a big problem to the team, especially during crucial times.

The upcoming season will probably be Westbrook's last chance to prove to everyone that he can still dominate the court and perform impressively like an all-star player. So if Westbrook is able to analyze his poor performance from the previous season and draw appropriate conclusions, he could be useful for the Lakers. Although I honestly don't have much faith in that.

I do not think that Westbrook has anything to show for anymore, he lost his super fast moves and he can't drive anymore and his "act like driving but stop and shoot midrange" act is not getting anything important and he is missing them too. Which means that he is going to just get worse and worse and he would be lucky to find a minimum salary next season. His future is just like Carmelo Anthony's future, dude was one of the best scorers of his era and then he wasn't even wanted, same will happen to Westbrook.

[jakelyson]

Westbrook was healthy last season and yet he doesn't play like a real big 3. If Davis will have a great season, I hope Westbrook will not ruined his moment as his inconsistency is really a big problem to the team, especially during crucial times.

The upcoming season will probably be Westbrook's last chance to prove to everyone that he can still dominate the court and perform impressively like an all-star player. So if Westbrook is able to analyze his poor performance from the previous season and draw appropriate conclusions, he could be useful for the Lakers. Although I honestly don't have much faith in that.

I do not think that Westbrook has anything to show for anymore, he lost his super fast moves and he can't drive anymore and his "act like driving but stop and shoot midrange" act is not getting anything important and he is missing them too. Which means that he is going to just get worse and worse and he would be lucky to find a minimum salary next season. His future is just like Carmelo Anthony's future, dude was one of the best scorers of his era and then he wasn't even wanted, same will happen to Westbrook.

It is the consequence of not developing his game. His game was the same since his rookie years and it is always based on his athleticism. Now that he is aging and losing that athleticism that he heavily relies on, his game is suffering. He never developed defense or any reliable perimeter or 3 points shooting. It all depends on this coming season. He should show that he can still play and adopt so he can still get another contract after his current contract expires. Otherwise, you will be right, he will have a hard time even securing a veteran's minimum contract. But let's see how will events turn on Westbrook's career.

[jossiel]

It would be a jackpot for the Lakers if, in any case, Blazers will release Lillard for Westbrook, maybe in my opinion if that's still

the prime Westbrook, the chance is high for Blazers to sit and negotiate, but after that several trades and we don't see any impact of Westbrook

being added to another team. For sure Blazers will not let their superstar to leave, unless another offer that will convince Blazers management

to deal with the trade.

Much better to get into Lakers than to stay in Blazers without having that much impact from the teammates. That matters, the chemistry.

And I think that wherever Westbrook lands, that team has been longing to have been. Blazers might not want to release their star player but if they've been offered with a good deal, they might take it and won't decline it.

Maybe if Westbrook goes into that team, we may see him back play at what he used to be.

[jakelyson]

It would be a jackpot for the Lakers if, in any case, Blazers will release Lillard for Westbrook, maybe in my opinion if that's still

the prime Westbrook, the chance is high for Blazers to sit and negotiate, but after that several trades and we don't see any impact of Westbrook

being added to another team. For sure Blazers will not let their superstar to leave, unless another offer that will convince Blazers management

to deal with the trade.

Much better to get into Lakers than to stay in Blazers without having that much impact from the teammates. That matters, the chemistry.

And I think that wherever Westbrook lands, that team has been longing to have been. Blazers might not want to release their star player but if they've been offered with a good deal, they might take it and won't decline it.

Maybe if Westbrook goes into that team, we may see him back play at what he used to be.

Maybe he will get the normal stats pre Lakers, but he will not be able to carry that team. He will be dominating the ball again because there are no other stars, and he will be the first choice. So, his stats will go up like before, but he will not be able to carry that team to any significant finish because he will have no help. If dame cannot carry the Blazers to the finals, I do not think Westbrook will. His carrying days are over. Most likely, he will just be padding his stats to fish the next contract. That is, if Blazers will take WB, that I doubt will happen. They will stick to Dame most probably.

[Baofeng]

Westbrook was healthy last season and yet he doesn't play like a real big 3. If Davis will have a great season, I hope Westbrook will not ruined his moment as his inconsistency is really a big problem to the team, especially during crucial times.

The upcoming season will probably be Westbrook's last chance to prove to everyone that he can still dominate the court and perform impressively like an all-star player. So if Westbrook is able to analyze his poor performance from the previous season and draw appropriate conclusions, he could be useful for the Lakers. Although I honestly don't have much faith in that.

I do not think that Westbrook has anything to show for anymore, he lost his super fast moves and he can't drive anymore and his "act like driving but stop and shoot midrange" act is not getting anything important and he is missing them too. Which means that he is going to just get worse and worse and he would be lucky to find a minimum salary next season. His future is just like Carmelo Anthony's future, dude was one of the best scorers of his era and then he wasn't even wanted, same will happen to Westbrook.

But he can still drive to the basket though, but there were times that he will missed a dunk or easy shots inside and that's why he prepared those middle shot bank. Just remember that when he was in Washington, he was still super athletic and even lead them to the playoffs. Something that just really happen to Westbrook when he plays with the Lakers. Carmelo though is not as athletic as Russ though during his prime, he is just pure scoring machine.

[Pamadar]

It is the consequence of not developing his game. His game was the same since his rookie years and it is always based on his athleticism. Now that he is aging and losing that athleticism that he heavily relies on, his game is suffering. He never developed defense or any reliable perimeter or 3 points shooting. It all depends on this coming season. He should show that he can still play and adopt so he can still get another contract after his current contract expires. Otherwise, you will be right, he will have a hard time even securing a veteran's minimum contract. But let's see how will events turn on Westbrook's career.

All will be analyzed and decide this upcoming season. Whatever he comes out of the court will lead him to his next journey,

He's no longer in his prime and with a lot of rising talents, there's no assurance that he will be able to secure another contract
but if he again comes up strong, the chance is always possible for him to play with another team or he will be re-sign by the Lakers

We really don't know what's cooking is and how productive he can be, maybe a surprise development and adjustment coming from him.

[LogitechMouse]

For sure Blazers will not let their superstar to leave, unless another offer that will convince Blazers managementto deal with the trade.

Blazers will not surely let go of Damian Lillard but that was their only dedication for the team. They are not doing their best to give Lillard a good set of teammates. I'm really amazed that Lillard didn't force and demand the Blazers management to trade him even he is vocal about his concern with the team.

Lillard is now entering his 10th season at 32 years old. He will surely start showing signs of slowing down from here. Still not to late for the Blazers to act and do their best to give Lillard all the help he needs.

With how the Blazers is right now and with their current roster, I think Lillard will join the likes of Barkley, Stockton, Malone etc. The all-star players who never won a title in his career.

I mean it's too early to tell I think but with how the Blazers' roster is right now, it's easy to tell that they are still at the bottom. The only way for Lillard to win a title right now is if he will go to another team who is capable of winning a title. If he will stay with Portland, the chance of him winning a title is very slim to none. Well, I'm not expecting Lillard to have some superstar teammates or at least the Blazers being a playoff team for the next 2 years.

[yahoo62278]

For sure Blazers will not let their superstar to leave, unless another offer that will convince Blazers managementto deal with the trade.

Blazers will not surely let go of Damian Lillard but that was their only dedication for the team. They are not doing their best to give Lillard a good set of teammates. I'm really amazed that Lillard didn't force and demand the Blazers management to trade him even he is vocal about his concern with the team.

Lillard is now entering his 10th season at 32 years old. He will surely start showing signs of slowing down from here. Still not to late for the Blazers to act and do their best to give Lillard all the help he needs.

With how the Blazers is right now and with their current roster, I think Lillard will join the likes of Barkley, Stockton, Malone etc. The all-star players who never won a title in his career.

I mean it's too early to tell I think but with how the Blazers' roster is right now, it's easy to tell that they are still at the bottom. The only way for Lillard to win a title right now is if he will go to another team who is capable of winning a title. If he will stay with Portland, the chance of him winning a title is very slim to none. Well, I'm not expecting Lillard to have some superstar teammates or at least the Blazers being a playoff team for the next 2 years.

Noone wants to go to Portland. There's no draw for anyone to consider it. Lillard should seek a trade to a team with a shot at a championship before he really does join the superstars you mentioned.

[Invester]

It is the consequence of not developing his game. His game was the same since his rookie years and it is always based on his athleticism. Now that he is aging and losing that athleticism that he heavily relies on, his game is suffering. He never developed defense or any reliable perimeter or 3 points shooting. It all depends on this coming season. He should show that he can still play and adopt so he can still get another contract after his current contract expires. Otherwise, you will be right, he will have a hard time even securing a veteran's minimum contract. But let's see how will events turn on Westbrook's career.

All will be analyzed and decide this upcoming season. Whatever he comes out of the court will lead him to his next journey,

He's no longer in his prime and with a lot of rising talents, there's no assurance that he will be able to secure another contract
but if he again comes up strong, the chance is always possible for him to play with another team or he will be re-sign by the Lakers

We really don't know what's cooking is and how productive he can be, maybe a surprise development and adjustment coming from him.

Many players in the NBA developed their shooting skills while young and capable. Why Westbrook failed to develop his shooting before? Did he believe that his athleticism will last forever? I observed his ego is what stops him from becoming a complete package. The big question is his ability to change at 34 years old. This season is highly critical for his future NBA career as his contract is expiring.

Are we expecting the Lakers to begin this season with Russ?

[yazher]

Many players in the NBA developed their shooting skills while young and capable. Why Westbrook failed to develop his shooting before? Did he believe that his athleticism will last forever? I observed his ego is what stops him from becoming a complete package. The big question is his ability to change at 34 years old. This season is highly critical for his future NBA career as his contract is expiring.

Are we expecting the Lakers to begin this season with Russ?

I don't see them anywhere going this upcoming season either, as long as they have Westbrook in their rosters and take a look at their team this year, they mostly lose everyone who was part of their winning the 2020 championships, and this year they again need to create some new chemistry with their newly acquired players which is kinda hard for them in their first few games. Let's see if they already improved or if they are still the same as last season.

[carlisle1]

For sure Blazers will not let their superstar to leave, unless another offer that will convince Blazers management to deal with the trade.

Blazers will not surely let go of Damian Lillard but that was their only dedication for the team. They are not doing their best to give Lillard a good set of teammates. I'm really amazed that Lillard didn't force and demand the Blazers management to trade him even he is vocal about his concern with the team.

Lillard is now entering his 10th season at 32 years old. He will surely start showing signs of slowing down from here. Still not to late for the Blazers to act and do their best to give Lillard all the help he needs.

It will be too hard for Lillard to carry the team even before he will be paired with another star,

with how the other super teams accept the challenges, it will be a tough competition for this new sets of players that will surround Lillard.

Expect that his performances might be affected by his age and those known injuries, but let's see how and what kind of adjustments

the management has this season after they've released CJ last season.

[gagux123]

I don't see them anywhere going this upcoming season either, as long as they have Westbrook in their rosters and take a look at their team this year, they mostly lose everyone who was part of their winning the 2020 championships, and this year they again need to create some new chemistry with their newly acquired players which is kinda hard for them in their first few games. Let's see if they already improved or if they are still the same as last season.

A variable I've seen discussed here a few times is the AD situation.
Unfortunately he is in a delicate situation and has regrettably spent more time off the court due to his injuries than playing.

But anyway, I believe for the Lakers to be champions in this season, they need to evolve a lot, not specifically improve their roster (this is an important factor), but something more relevant, is the chemistry between the players, which I saw a few times in some games the Lakers played in the previous NBA season.

[Oasisman]

Many players in the NBA developed their shooting skills while young and capable. Why Westbrook failed to develop his shooting before? Did he believe that his athleticism will last forever? I observed his ego is what stops him from becoming a complete package. The big question is his ability to change at 34 years old. This season is highly critical for his future NBA career as his contract is expiring.

Are we expecting the Lakers to begin this season with Russ?

I don't see them anywhere going this upcoming season either, as long as they have Westbrook in their rosters and take a look at their team this year, they mostly lose everyone who was part of their winning the 2020 championships, and this year they again need to create some new chemistry with their newly acquired players which is kinda hard for them in their first few games. Let's see if they already improved or if they are still the same as last season.

I don't want to put my vindication to Russel Westbrook just yet. If they can't get rid of him this year, then that's all up to his teammates and coaches to adjust in his style of play and improve. Otherwise they'll still going to struggle this season. One of the burdens they have last season is the injuries. Couple of players were not able to play with their full potential and Nunn did not even played a single game in the regular season. AD became more fragile that the last season when he's in the Lakers uniform.
So yeah, I'm giving them a chance to redeem themselves next season.

[danherbias07]

It would be a jackpot for the Lakers if, in any case, Blazers will release Lillard for Westbrook

That's the perfect word for it. "Jackpot"

A variable I've seen discussed here a few times is the AD situation.
Unfortunately he is in a delicate situation and has regrettably spent more time off the court due to his injuries than playing.

But anyway, I believe for the Lakers to be champions in this season, they need to evolve a lot, not specifically improve their roster (this is an important factor), but something more relevant, is the chemistry between the players, which I saw a few times in some games the Lakers played in the previous NBA season.

It's difficult to create strong chemistry if they keep on rotating new players on their roster. It cannot even be compared with the likes of GSW, Phoenix Suns, and Grizzlies. There's a savior though, Lebron James. He had been a leader for a long time and he knew how to create chemistry in a short span of time. I remember him creating events for the Lakers players a lot of times to strengthen that chemistry so it will just depend on them if they want to join.
AD and Lebron won't have a problem and they kept Austin Reaves which I think will be a lot of help to them.

[Natalim]

It would be a jackpot for the Lakers if, in any case, Blazers will release Lillard for Westbrook

That's the perfect word for it. "Jackpot"

Haha, but who knows, right?

I think Westbrook can lead the Blazers if he will be the main man, just like his role with the OKC Thunder, they will become an exciting team to watch but of course, they will never become a championship team. Well, I guess every team are aiming to become a championship team, but it's not for everyone.

[wheelz1200]

I just read an article that said the Lakers are considering trading Anthony Davis for Damian Lillard.  I'm pretty sure these reporters are just making things up for clicks now, as I don't see either team wanting to make that trade.  The idea of LeBron and Dame on the same team is pretty exciting though.  I put a 1% chance on that happening, but it's still fun to think about.  They're both killers on the court and I imagine would make one hell of a playoff run no matter who else is around them.

They are mixing things up just to make a scoop or yes it's just for clickbait.
The Lakers are lacking sharpshooters so reporters are trying to figure out who or what team they are making a deal with.
Reports last time were Lakers being interested with Bojan Bogdanovic and Mike Conley, iirc.
https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/10/report-suns-lakers-mavericks-knicks-all-interested-in-bojan-bogdanovic-trade/
Those veterans should think about pushing that trade as the Jazz will be nowhere near the playoffs next season and it will pause their championship chance.
So, let's also expect more rumors will come out about sharpshooters being linked to the Lakers team.

Not a good idea, Davis for Lillard, I don't think that will make the Lakers better. I guess the right thing to do is to trade Westbrook for Lillard, that if the Blazers will accept the trade, as for sure Lakers will be happy with that.

Yeah that's a wierd trade for both teams doesn't really make either better, dependent on in injuries.  I would like to see Dame in LA where he would get  some national show time.  Dude has been buried in a market not able to get the proper limelight he deserves.  Interesting if this does go down.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Many players in the NBA developed their shooting skills while young and capable. Why Westbrook failed to develop his shooting before? Did he believe that his athleticism will last forever? I observed his ego is what stops him from becoming a complete package. The big question is his ability to change at 34 years old. This season is highly critical for his future NBA career as his contract is expiring.

Are we expecting the Lakers to begin this season with Russ?

I don't see them anywhere going this upcoming season either, as long as they have Westbrook in their rosters and take a look at their team this year, they mostly lose everyone who was part of their winning the 2020 championships, and this year they again need to create some new chemistry with their newly acquired players which is kinda hard for them in their first few games. Let's see if they already improved or if they are still the same as last season.

I don't want to put my vindication to Russel Westbrook just yet. If they can't get rid of him this year, then that's all up to his teammates and coaches to adjust in his style of play and improve. Otherwise they'll still going to struggle this season. One of the burdens they have last season is the injuries. Couple of players were not able to play with their full potential and Nunn did not even played a single game in the regular season. AD became more fragile that the last season when he's in the Lakers uniform.
So yeah, I'm giving them a chance to redeem themselves next season.

Having said that, I am not certain if Westbrook will perform well in the upcoming season.
Moreover, I do not think that all the players on the team will be able to stay healthy for the entirety of the season.

As far as I am concerned, they will take all of these things into consideration, and I am confident that they will be able to manage them somehow. However, the best thing that could happen is that they get rid of Westbrook and replace him with another player who is better suited for the position. In terms of the health of the players, I don't think they will have any problems, but at the same time, I am worried about how they will deal with Westbrook if they are not healthy.

[Japinat]

I just read an article that said the Lakers are considering trading Anthony Davis for Damian Lillard.  I'm pretty sure these reporters are just making things up for clicks now, as I don't see either team wanting to make that trade.  The idea of LeBron and Dame on the same team is pretty exciting though.  I put a 1% chance on that happening, but it's still fun to think about.  They're both killers on the court and I imagine would make one hell of a playoff run no matter who else is around them.

The Lakers just signed Beverley, and they still haven't gotten rid of Westbrook. So I also think this rumor about the Davis-to-Lillard trade sounds unrealistic at the moment. Besides, I doubt that the Blazers' management has any plans to trade Dame. As for Davis, I guess the Lakers management will seriously consider trading him if he misses more than half of the upcoming season again due to injuries.

Getting rid of Davis is not on the Laker's radar for now because as of this moment they are prioritizing Westbrook on a trade to avoid paying his high salary in fear of getting minimum production from him, they just wanted to get rid of him asap while getting a valuable player in exchange. Also, I seriously don't think that the Blazers will trade Lillard for Davis, that's just not true.

[Ziskinberg]

For sure Blazers will not let their superstar to leave, unless another offer that will convince Blazers managementto deal with the trade.

Blazers will not surely let go of Damian Lillard but that was their only dedication for the team. They are not doing their best to give Lillard a good set of teammates. I'm really amazed that Lillard didn't force and demand the Blazers management to trade him even he is vocal about his concern with the team.

Lillard is now entering his 10th season at 32 years old. He will surely start showing signs of slowing down from here. Still not to late for the Blazers to act and do their best to give Lillard all the help he needs.

With how the Blazers is right now and with their current roster, I think Lillard will join the likes of Barkley, Stockton, Malone etc. The all-star players who never won a title in his career.

I mean it's too early to tell I think but with how the Blazers' roster is right now, it's easy to tell that they are still at the bottom. The only way for Lillard to win a title right now is if he will go to another team who is capable of winning a title. If he will stay with Portland, the chance of him winning a title is very slim to none. Well, I'm not expecting Lillard to have some superstar teammates or at least the Blazers being a playoff team for the next 2 years.

Noone wants to go to Portland. There's no draw for anyone to consider it. Lillard should seek a trade to a team with a shot at a championship before he really does join the superstars you mentioned.

I don't why but that is really true, Portland Blazers is like a ghost team that no one wants to get traded there or wanted to be drafted in the said team. Anyway, I dig through Lillard's contract, it says here that he cannot be traded until Jul 09, 2023. So, that means that he ain't going anywhere until next season's summer and last July Lillard already signed his two-year extension through 26-27 season worth $225 Million even if he still have 3 years left in his contract. I don't know why Blazers opted much earlier but I guess that means that he will retire in Portland Blazers when his whole contract is finished.

[stadus]

Westbrook was healthy last season and yet he doesn't play like a real big 3. If Davis will have a great season, I hope Westbrook will not ruined his moment as his inconsistency is really a big problem to the team, especially during crucial times.

The upcoming season will probably be Westbrook's last chance to prove to everyone that he can still dominate the court and perform impressively like an all-star player. So if Westbrook is able to analyze his poor performance from the previous season and draw appropriate conclusions, he could be useful for the Lakers. Although I honestly don't have much faith in that.

I do not think that Westbrook has anything to show for anymore, he lost his super fast moves and he can't drive anymore and his "act like driving but stop and shoot midrange" act is not getting anything important and he is missing them too. Which means that he is going to just get worse and worse and he would be lucky to find a minimum salary next season. His future is just like Carmelo Anthony's future, dude was one of the best scorers of his era and then he wasn't even wanted, same will happen to Westbrook.

But he can still drive to the basket though, but there were times that he will missed a dunk or easy shots inside and that's why he prepared those middle shot bank. Just remember that when he was in Washington, he was still super athletic and even lead them to the playoffs. Something that just really happen to Westbrook when he plays with the Lakers. Carmelo though is not as athletic as Russ though during his prime, he is just pure scoring machine.

Both Carmelo and Westbrook will be in the same path because they failed to maintain their strengths after their prime years is over and actually, that is the biggest challenge for being an player, well except for being an injury prone, because if you can't maintain your style and strengths then surely you will be in free agent in no time just like what happen to Carmelo now.

And soon, Westbrook too because this is the last year of his contract in Lakers and I don't think that the Lakers will give him an extension too because of fact that the team is currently busy to get him traded.