2025 NBA Season

[dwyane36]

It isn't tough but it's impossible for me.

Now that AD is injured "again", they are at the bottom of the standings. When AD, Lebron and Westbrook played, they are still at the bottom spot (highest that they've got I guess is around 12th). What I'm trying to say is that, their standings isn't changing at all. Whether their big 3 play or not, they will still remain at the bottom spot. Play-ins is the highest that they can get but looking at how they are right now, even that might be hard for them to achieve this season. It's your opinion though but for me, they will not enter the playoffs this season whether their big 3 will play or not.

It may seem like the Lakers' place in the standings doesn't change, and they're still at the bottom, but the fact is they only have 3 fewer wins than the Jazz, who are currently in 8th place in the standings. So the Lakers still have a chance to make both the play-in tournament and the playoffs, but they need Davis for that. Honestly, I think the Lakers have been performing a lot better lately compared to their performance earlier this season. Let me remind you that the Lakers started this season extremely poorly, as they had 2 wins and 10 losses at that moment.

[carlisle1]

It isn't tough but it's impossible for me.

Now that AD is injured "again", they are at the bottom of the standings. When AD, Lebron and Westbrook played, they are still at the bottom spot (highest that they've got I guess is around 12th). What I'm trying to say is that, their standings isn't changing at all. Whether their big 3 play or not, they will still remain at the bottom spot. Play-ins is the highest that they can get but looking at how they are right now, even that might be hard for them to achieve this season. It's your opinion though but for me, they will not enter the playoffs this season whether their big 3 will play or not.

It may seem like the Lakers' place in the standings doesn't change, and they're still at the bottom, but the fact is they only have 3 fewer wins than the Jazz, who are currently in 8th place in the standings. So the Lakers still have a chance to make both the play-in tournament and the playoffs, but they need Davis for that. Honestly, I think the Lakers have been performing a lot better lately compared to their performance earlier this season. Let me remind you that the Lakers started this season extremely poorly, as they had 2 wins and 10 losses at that moment.

They improved those early poor performances but like what you mentioned, they need to keep winning if they wanted to move to next round,
right now, the standing is still poor.

If they wanted to push their way up, they need to work more harder, try to execute good plays and try to depend on each other, AD is
out and there's nothing he can do to help aside from moral support.

While all the other remaining players needs to maximize everything to try winning more games to be qualified to the next round.

[danherbias07]

Reports saying that the Lakers are trying to talk LeBron into riding out this year and then in the offseason they'll try to get Dame or Beal.  I honestly think from a business perspective, this is the only thing that makes sense with Westbrook's contract.  They're going to have to eat that money and then try again to get a championship level point guard.  I'd personally love to see Dame and LeBron play together, as they're both a couple of the best ever at what they do.  They're both getting pretty old though.  I hope there's still time for them to play at a high level.  In any event, this is bad news for people who wanted to see the Lakers in the playoffs this year.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/nba-insider-says-the-los-angeles-lakers-are-trying-to-sell-lebron-james-on-acquiring-damian-lillard-or-bradley-beal-this-summer/ar-AA16knMc

This is the last year of Westbrook if I am not mistaken. If they are waving the white flag this season then it's best to create a plan for the next one.
A big plan, that's if they want to maximize the strength of Lebron James because I don't think he is stopping just yet. He is still able to put huge numbers in his stats and he ain't the one dragging them down but actually lifting them up even at his age.
Bradley Beal's contract is max, they cannot go wrong in this decision or else it will be a Deja Vu Westbrook.
I like to see them sign players that are extraordinarily avoiding injuries and can contribute on both ends of the floor.

[Shinpako09]

It isn't tough but it's impossible for me.

Now that AD is injured "again", they are at the bottom of the standings. When AD, Lebron and Westbrook played, they are still at the bottom spot (highest that they've got I guess is around 12th). What I'm trying to say is that, their standings isn't changing at all. Whether their big 3 play or not, they will still remain at the bottom spot. Play-ins is the highest that they can get but looking at how they are right now, even that might be hard for them to achieve this season. It's your opinion though but for me, they will not enter the playoffs this season whether their big 3 will play or not.

It may seem like the Lakers' place in the standings doesn't change, and they're still at the bottom, but the fact is they only have 3 fewer wins than the Jazz, who are currently in 8th place in the standings. So the Lakers still have a chance to make both the play-in tournament and the playoffs, but they need Davis for that. Honestly, I think the Lakers have been performing a lot better lately compared to their performance earlier this season. Let me remind you that the Lakers started this season extremely poorly, as they had 2 wins and 10 losses at that moment.

6th place to 13th place doesn't have much difference and could be changed but I agree with you. With David less Lakers, it won't be easy to climb to the 8th spot. If Anthony Davis will always be like this, it is not far from happening that he will be like others who lose their shine because of injury. Oh, and I'd take Damian Lillard over Westbrook any day. Westbrook isn't productive as before. I don't expect Schroder to become consistent or reliable right now.

[gagux123]

Whats more surprising is the players they started. Only LeBron and Westbrook are actual starters, everyone else is really nobody in the NBA at this point.

The Lakers are in a complicated situation these days, I even dare to say that they are a goner, unfortunately.

But if the LAL can play like they played against the Kings, with chemistry and teamwork, I even imagine that they might have a chance to go to the playoffs.
In that game against Sacramento, they surprised me, because I had no doubt that the Kings would win that game, but that didn't happen.
Other players that have been calling my attention are Schroder and Thomas Bryant.
Currently they are being important players, and literally in almost every game they are able to help the Lakers, especially Schroder.

While AD doesn't return to games, the Lakers will have to do everything to win without AD's help.

They have been a goner since like the firt week of the season, they are definitely not good at all. We are talking about a team that has been under 0.500 for the whole season, how could people still have any hopes about them at all is beyond me. I know that it's not going to be that easy, I know that it's going to be difficult to handle, and I know it's going to hurt a lot of people emotionally if they are Lakers fans, but that's true.

You have to just realize that Lebron gave you a title, and that's it, there isn't anything else this team could do with this roster, it gave success already and now it's going to suck for a while until it is good again years later.

Yes, I believe, this is the trend!
Few people are positive about the Lakers, I reiterate, but I have no doubt that the Lakers can reach the playoffs this season, but for that to happen, the team will need to have a significant improvement in its performance, chemistry and teamwork, if that doesn't happen, the Lakers can already say goodbye to the playoffs before the regular season ends.
If LeBron James leads the team, Westbrook returns to perform well and a possible AD return, I have no doubt that this chance of going to the playoffs will be high.

[Ziskinberg]

I can't believe, Clarkson is again playing like an all star, he scored 38 points against the 76ers. But it's just unfortunate that they lose the game, but it's a 1 point lose only. The level of accuracy and the high level of confidence, that's what Clarkson is now, I believe the management are really pressured because they cannot give the demand of Clarkson, but they want him to stay.

[Pamadar]

I can't believe, Clarkson is again playing like an all star, he scored 38 points against the 76ers. But it's just unfortunate that they lose the game, but it's a 1 point lose only. The level of accuracy and the high level of confidence, that's what Clarkson is now, I believe the management are really pressured because they cannot give the demand of Clarkson, but they want him to stay.

The level of his game really improve a lot thanks to this team who give him the chance to prove his worth after being traded to Cavs, not sure about his contract there's no update if Jazz will keep him.

Things in NBA will only be intact once it's already happening, so better to keep an eye on the latest
updates to know whether he will get what he is asking or he will be traded to another team that
will risk for his demand.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Finally, the Portland Trailblazers have broken their slump as they took a needed win against the Dallas in their homecourt.

Dame has a good game with 36 points, and he had a good support from the team, as 6 other players score in the double digit. Luka though with just a quiet 15 points, very uncanny for him maybe the defense of GPII affected him. It was Dinwiddie and the sharp shooting Reggie Bullock which lead the Mavs in this game. But it was not enough.

[Jating]

Reports saying that the Lakers are trying to talk LeBron into riding out this year and then in the offseason they'll try to get Dame or Beal.  I honestly think from a business perspective, this is the only thing that makes sense with Westbrook's contract.  They're going to have to eat that money and then try again to get a championship level point guard.  I'd personally love to see Dame and LeBron play together, as they're both a couple of the best ever at what they do.  They're both getting pretty old though.  I hope there's still time for them to play at a high level.  In any event, this is bad news for people who wanted to see the Lakers in the playoffs this year.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/nba-insider-says-the-los-angeles-lakers-are-trying-to-sell-lebron-james-on-acquiring-damian-lillard-or-bradley-beal-this-summer/ar-AA16knMc

I love me some Dame time.  But he is on the backend of his career he can't be the young juice they bring in.  AD and Bron will be another year older.  Bringing in vets barely ever works.  Honestly Beal might be a good option though, haven't followed his injury history although I know he has been out this year a bunch already.  They need bodies on the floor 82 games a year.  That is their issue.

Yeah, but maybe he can still bring some championship to the Lakers? He is still good no doubt about that, it's that the Portland management was not able to surround Dame with good players. and maybe if him and Lebron can be team mates, who knows, maybe they will click as long as the second unit will be their to assists them.

I understand that they have to play gruelling 82 games and then the playoffs, but that's the true testament of a good player and solid team.

And I think Dame + Lebron might be a good combo.

[danherbias07]

I can't believe, Clarkson is again playing like an all star, he scored 38 points against the 76ers. But it's just unfortunate that they lose the game, but it's a 1 point lose only. The level of accuracy and the high level of confidence, that's what Clarkson is now, I believe the management are really pressured because they cannot give the demand of Clarkson, but they want him to stay.

I watched him the whole game and I could say I am amazed at how far he would go to claim a win for his team. Remember, Markkenen was not playing a while ago and it's Philly they are up against, one of the strong teams with Embiid and Harden present. That means they are like -10 or -15 without one of their top scorers and yet they fought too damn close and even had the chance to win the game.
Sure, that last defensive feat by the 76ers was great but that's because Clarkson was the only threat so they doubled him.
I have no comment about the contract yet, I just believe Clarkson will stay as a Jazz.

[jakelyson]

And I think Dame + Lebron might be a good combo.

Looks good on paper. That would be Dame + AD + Lebron. Dame is the outside shooter that the Lakers need. He would complement very well how AD and Lebron play. The only problem I see here is that these 3 will eat a big chunk of their salary cap. They will have the same problem that they have now. There is no budget left to get good role players that they need to support these 3. They will end up getting aging veterans to fill up their roster. But knowing the Lakers, if given the chance, they will push through in getting these trio together.

6th place to 13th place doesn't have much difference and could be changed but I agree with you. With David less Lakers, it won't be easy to climb to the 8th spot. If Anthony Davis will always be like this, it is not far from happening that he will be like others who lose their shine because of injury.

They don't need to climb to the 8th spot. They just need to qualify for playin and force their way into the playoffs. This is possible if AD is healthy since the standing is very closely knit together. I think that is the only way they can make it to the playoffs. Anyway, even if they qualify, there is no way they are beating the top teams in the west. Not with this current roster. 

[Cryptmuster]

It may seem like the Lakers' place in the standings doesn't change, and they're still at the bottom, but the fact is they only have 3 fewer wins than the Jazz, who are currently in 8th place in the standings. So the Lakers still have a chance to make both the play-in tournament and the playoffs, but they need Davis for that. Honestly, I think the Lakers have been performing a lot better lately compared to their performance earlier this season. Let me remind you that the Lakers started this season extremely poorly, as they had 2 wins and 10 losses at that moment.

Yes, they still have a chance, I was very positive after a series of 5 wins in a row, but then again these two losses against Denver and Dallas. By the way, they won Atalanta and Sacramento without Davis, and this was also a very good sign, the game with Sacramento was especially difficult, the struggle in every quarter and such a difficult and important win. But still, I agree with you that they need Davis, although I can’t remember when he last played, if i'm not mistaken it was mid-December, after such a break it’s not so easy to immediately enter the game.

[Reid]

I do believe he have a good team behind him. Jerami Grant is there and then Anfernee Simons. It's the consistency that is missing especially from Simons which I think is a good player, but he is young and badly need more experience.
GPII has also returned so they have some defense running now when they needed to stop guards like Mitchell. It's just a matter of time before he makes chemistry with the team.
IMO, it's a good fought game against the Cavaliers, it's just that they are a strong team to deal with.

I think they need to change their system, moving the ball more is probably the best solution. The reason why Lillard's teammate is inconsistent because they are focusing so much on Lillard when it comes to offense. Simons and Grant can drop 30 points in a game, actually it's not only Simons who are inconsistent but also Grant, maybe the problem is the system.

Now we all saw how big of a change a defensive player can do for a team. Gary Payton II. 4 Steals in 5 minutes then he rests. Played more minutes and scored two 3 points. Big ones that buried the Mavericks.
But thats not what made him shine, its his defense that made the Trail Blazers look stronger than any team now. He is a pandemic in the defensive end and all his teammates are infected by it. He is definitely the son of The Glove. I hope they give him more minutes when his health is better.

[Baofeng]

I do believe he have a good team behind him. Jerami Grant is there and then Anfernee Simons. It's the consistency that is missing especially from Simons which I think is a good player, but he is young and badly need more experience.
GPII has also returned so they have some defense running now when they needed to stop guards like Mitchell. It's just a matter of time before he makes chemistry with the team.
IMO, it's a good fought game against the Cavaliers, it's just that they are a strong team to deal with.

I think they need to change their system, moving the ball more is probably the best solution. The reason why Lillard's teammate is inconsistent because they are focusing so much on Lillard when it comes to offense. Simons and Grant can drop 30 points in a game, actually it's not only Simons who are inconsistent but also Grant, maybe the problem is the system.

Now we all saw how big of a change a defensive player can do for a team. Gary Payton II. 4 Steals in 5 minutes then he rests. Played more minutes and scored two 3 points. Big ones that buried the Mavericks.
But thats not what made him shine, its his defense that made the Trail Blazers look stronger than any team now. He is a pandemic in the defensive end and all his teammates are infected by it. He is definitely the son of The Glove. I hope they give him more minutes when his health is better.

He has been a defensive gem with the Warriors, and as you can see how good his hands and have that kind of numbers are far as steal goes. And his 1st three, he look at the bench of the Dallas team, and then he hit again and that could be the dagger for the Mavs as they give up already.

Dame had one of his best games and so is Grant and Nurkic a quiet 22 points. Simons though and Sharpe could be the key difference for the Portland in this game as they really put a big help for Dame.

[mendace]

Less than a month from the market deadline, rumors of possible exchanges between the various teams are starting to intensify.  From John Collins who is free to look for a team on his behalf to the Lakers who want two Detroit Pistons players up to the possible farewell of Derrick Rose in New York, what do you think?

[Yamifoud]

Dame had one of his best games and so is Grant and Nurkic a quiet 22 points. Simons though and Sharpe could be the key difference for the Portland in this game as they really put a big help for Dame.

Dame always have the best game, I mean he is a real superstar, he can drop 30 points easily. But this time, they finally won a game after a long drought, good for them and I'm hoping they will start a winning streak as they are already behind in the standing. Rank number 11 now with 20-22 record, they will not even qualify in the play-in tournament if they'll stay at that standing.

[Russlenat]

Reports saying that the Lakers are trying to talk LeBron into riding out this year and then in the offseason they'll try to get Dame or Beal.  I honestly think from a business perspective, this is the only thing that makes sense with Westbrook's contract.  They're going to have to eat that money and then try again to get a championship level point guard.  I'd personally love to see Dame and LeBron play together, as they're both a couple of the best ever at what they do.  They're both getting pretty old though.  I hope there's still time for them to play at a high level.  In any event, this is bad news for people who wanted to see the Lakers in the playoffs this year.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/nba-insider-says-the-los-angeles-lakers-are-trying-to-sell-lebron-james-on-acquiring-damian-lillard-or-bradley-beal-this-summer/ar-AA16knMc

I love me some Dame time.  But he is on the backend of his career he can't be the young juice they bring in.  AD and Bron will be another year older.  Bringing in vets barely ever works.  Honestly Beal might be a good option though, haven't followed his injury history although I know he has been out this year a bunch already.  They need bodies on the floor 82 games a year.  That is their issue.

Yeah, but maybe he can still bring some championship to the Lakers? He is still good no doubt about that, it's that the Portland management was not able to surround Dame with good players. and maybe if him and Lebron can be team mates, who knows, maybe they will click as long as the second unit will be their to assists them.

I understand that they have to play gruelling 82 games and then the playoffs, but that's the true testament of a good player and solid team.

And I think Dame + Lebron might be a good combo.

Dame is proud of his loyalty with the Trail Blazers, so I don't think we will see him in another team. Lebron already had Westbrook, in fact, before Westbrook played with the Lakers, the hyped was very high since Westbrook is a triple double machine, but they failed our expectation.

Lillard's statement here;

Damian Lillard Is Proud Of Loyalty To Trail Blazers, Says That Winning A Championship With Another Team Wouldn't Be As "Fulfilling"

[dwyane36]

Looks good on paper. That would be Dame + AD + Lebron. Dame is the outside shooter that the Lakers need. He would complement very well how AD and Lebron play. The only problem I see here is that these 3 will eat a big chunk of their salary cap. They will have the same problem that they have now. There is no budget left to get good role players that they need to support these 3. They will end up getting aging veterans to fill up their roster. But knowing the Lakers, if given the chance, they will push through in getting these trio together.

LeBron, Davis, and Dame on the same team sounds great, but I don't think it's possible since Dame has a huge contract with the Blazers until the end of the 25/26 season, including a player option until the end of the 26/27 season. I mean, there's no way the Blazers would trade him for nothing. So if the Lakers really want to get him, they will have to include both Davis and half the team in the trade.

[yazher]

I can't believe, Clarkson is again playing like an all star, he scored 38 points against the 76ers. But it's just unfortunate that they lose the game, but it's a 1 point lose only. The level of accuracy and the high level of confidence, that's what Clarkson is now, I believe the management are really pressured because they cannot give the demand of Clarkson, but they want him to stay.

That's why he wants to prove to everyone that he can tank a team with only himself but that's obviously not enough and they are falling behind like they are not gonna make it to the playoffs this year. That's why we are hearing rumors that he is not really interested anymore in playing in Utah and probably might gonna consider playing in San Antonio Spurs because he reportedly bought a mansion there. I don't know if it it's true but he probably considering taking another road if he wants to win a championship.

[mirakal]

Clarkson is indeed playing like an all star, he is now a go to guy of the Jazz, even without Lauri Markkanen on the floor, the coaching staff are still choosing him to produce in crunch time because he is a clutch player. He dropped 38 points last night, that's a serious statement because it's against Embiid and Harden, actually, it looks like a batter between Harden and Clarkson, and see the level of Harden, he was a former MVP.

Jazz will miss the opportunity to have a player that will make the team better if they will let go of Clarkson, I guess he would stay if they will give him his desired range.