2025 NBA Season

[Natalim]

I would like to know if anyone has any further updates on Lonzo Ball's situation ? Is there an exact date for his return? Or are these just rumors?

There's no exact date for his return but definitely he is not gonna come back this season.

Check the latest update here https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/lonzo-ball-4110

Positive update on knee
December 28, 2023
Ball (knee) is expected to return to running in January, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune reports. "The pain that he was experiencing has been eliminated," head coach Billy Donovan said Thursday.
ANALYSIS
While Poe notes that the Bulls still don't expect Ball to return this season, this is nevertheless an encouraging development for the No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, who hasn't played since midway through the 2021-22 campaign. Early in his career, Ball dealt with a handful of lower-body injuries, most notably a cartilage issue in his knee, which was addressed via a transplant procedure in March 2023. The plan is for Ball to accelerate his rehab within the next month, at which point the Bulls may have a better indication as to whether he'll be able to resume his NBA career. Back in October, Ball said at the Bulls' media day that he "definitely" plans to play again. The former UCLA standout has a $21.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season that he'll likely exercise this summer.

He will have more time to heal and get back on his old self if he will not force returning this season. Next season, we will see if Ball would return, and he will probably have to play with new some new teammate/s as Zach Lavine is likely to be traded.

[carlisle1]

I also believe that the Los Angeles Lakers will make it to the play-offs. The nice thing about basketball is that even if you haven't done anything during the season and get into the play-offs, you still have a chance to win the championship.
When LJ and Anthony get tired, D Angelo Russel may be the player who will take the scoring load. He is both young and has a lot of energy to prove himself to be a star.
 I always follow the Lakers because of the king of the NBA. Almost like LeBron, I follow his team. LJ is undoubtedly the biggest legend after Jordan

I also agree with you!
Well, I believe the Lakers (I also include the GSW in this list) are teams that have a reasonable regular season, but that can surprise everyone in the playoffs.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are great reference players for the LAL... D'Angelo Russell is a good player, but I don't know if he's capable of replacing AD or LJ in several games... I won't deny it, sometimes He manages to perform a good performance in some games, but I believe he still needs to improve a little bit, be more consistent to be able to improve his level as a player.
He has potential for this and i have no doubt, I believe he can improve his level in the future.

One of the most fascinating in the NBA is watching the Lakers and the Warriors contending with a lot more youthful teams to get into the playoffs. Anyhow, given that we do not yet know when Draymond Green will return, the Lakers have a better chance of making the playoffs than the Warriors.

Speaking of Draymond, there are reports that his future with the Warriors is bleak. Rumors has it that with his suspension, he might not get back with the team and be traded. Of course this is just a rumor for now and there are a lot of things going on behind the Warriors, like also the news of Andrew Wiggins potential trade.

So we will see, although the Warriors has won in their last game, but we have seen that they have struggled.

Klay Thompson is on a shooting slump and the teams are barely winning against a good team.

There's no assurance to what will going to happen with Green's future after that suspension, it's really tough nowadays inside NBA, stars
and role players are being traded and there's nothing that they can do.

I heard that rumor about Wiggins, just waiting for the confirmation and who's going to be the replacement, not sure why but I read somewhere
that they think Kuminga is more fit than Wiggins in their position.

Let see what will happen next and how Warriors will adjust to whoever player/s that will going to be there for them.

[TravelMug]

I would like to know if anyone has any further updates on Lonzo Ball's situation ? Is there an exact date for his return? Or are these just rumors?

There's no exact date for his return but definitely he is not gonna come back this season.

Check the latest update here https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/lonzo-ball-4110

Positive update on knee
December 28, 2023
Ball (knee) is expected to return to running in January, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune reports. "The pain that he was experiencing has been eliminated," head coach Billy Donovan said Thursday.
ANALYSIS
While Poe notes that the Bulls still don't expect Ball to return this season, this is nevertheless an encouraging development for the No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, who hasn't played since midway through the 2021-22 campaign. Early in his career, Ball dealt with a handful of lower-body injuries, most notably a cartilage issue in his knee, which was addressed via a transplant procedure in March 2023. The plan is for Ball to accelerate his rehab within the next month, at which point the Bulls may have a better indication as to whether he'll be able to resume his NBA career. Back in October, Ball said at the Bulls' media day that he "definitely" plans to play again. The former UCLA standout has a $21.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season that he'll likely exercise this summer.

He will have more time to heal and get back on his old self if he will not force returning this season. Next season, we will see if Ball would return, and he will probably have to play with new some new teammate/s as Zach Lavine is likely to be traded.

It make sense that they don't need to force Lonzo Ball to come back, it might be better if they prolong it till next season so that he will completely heal 100% and so there is a high chance that it will no re-occur.

But it's just a question on whether he can get back to his old self or not.

For the Warriors, they already built a dynasty, but we all know that sooner or later this dynasties, like the Spurs and the Lakers before them, they will not last, core team disbanded. So for this season, I'm not seeing them making the playoffs unless they make a great trade next year.

[Hypnosis00]

It make sense that they don't need to force Lonzo Ball to come back, it might be better if they prolong it till next season so that he will completely heal 100% and so there is a high chance that it will no re-occur.

They need to take care of him as they invested on Lonzo Ball a lot.
His contract is $80,000,000 for 4 years, they could still trade him if he doesn't anymore fit with the team.
Ball and Lavine will be gone, it will be a different Bulls lead by DeRozan, but this guy is also getting bigger, so I would not be surprise if they'll rebuild.

But it's just a question on whether he can get back to his old self or not.

Big question and my answer is 50/50. He is out of a while, so for sure it's a serious injury that needed an surgery.
Klay wasn't the same when he came back after missing a season.

For the Warriors, they already built a dynasty, but we all know that sooner or later this dynasties, like the Spurs and the Lakers before them, they will not last, core team disbanded. So for this season, I'm not seeing them making the playoffs unless they make a great trade next year.

You mean the Warriors? I would say 50/50 also, because they are still a good team and they are good during the playoffs.

[Reid]

One of the most fascinating in the NBA is watching the Lakers and the Warriors contending with a lot more youthful teams to get into the playoffs. Anyhow, given that we do not yet know when Draymond Green will return, the Lakers have a better chance of making the playoffs than the Warriors.

It is uncertain for the Lakers to depend on D'Angelo Russell after Anthony Davis and Lebron James. He is an important piece of the squad but we have seen him in many games and there is no consistency. But Russell can be developed and transform himself into a better teammate.

No doubt about that. Two of the best players in the league playing, it's the games that I don't want to miss as much as possible.
Lebron James and Steph Curry are the players that can dominate even if they are down by 10 or 20, they can still get and try to force a win because of their experience.
In the Lakers team, it's Anthony Davis that I always to step up his game just like what he did in the In Season Tournament. I hope he can always play as competitive like that. Next to him is Austin Reaves, I think that guy has a lot of future in this sport.
When it comes to the Warriors, Kuminga is the next player to Steph Curry that I want to witness. Someday he might become an All-Star so he better perform like there's no tomorrow every game.

[OgNasty]

I also believe that the Los Angeles Lakers will make it to the play-offs. The nice thing about basketball is that even if you haven't done anything during the season and get into the play-offs, you still have a chance to win the championship.
When LJ and Anthony get tired, D Angelo Russel may be the player who will take the scoring load. He is both young and has a lot of energy to prove himself to be a star.
 I always follow the Lakers because of the king of the NBA. Almost like LeBron, I follow his team. LJ is undoubtedly the biggest legend after Jordan

I also agree with you!
Well, I believe the Lakers (I also include the GSW in this list) are teams that have a reasonable regular season, but that can surprise everyone in the playoffs.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are great reference players for the LAL... D'Angelo Russell is a good player, but I don't know if he's capable of replacing AD or LJ in several games... I won't deny it, sometimes He manages to perform a good performance in some games, but I believe he still needs to improve a little bit, be more consistent to be able to improve his level as a player.
He has potential for this and i have no doubt, I believe he can improve his level in the future.

One of the most fascinating in the NBA is watching the Lakers and the Warriors contending with a lot more youthful teams to get into the playoffs. Anyhow, given that we do not yet know when Draymond Green will return, the Lakers have a better chance of making the playoffs than the Warriors.

Speaking of Draymond, there are reports that his future with the Warriors is bleak. Rumors has it that with his suspension, he might not get back with the team and be traded. Of course this is just a rumor for now and there are a lot of things going on behind the Warriors, like also the news of Andrew Wiggins potential trade.

So we will see, although the Warriors has won in their last game, but we have seen that they have struggled.

Klay Thompson is on a shooting slump and the teams are barely winning against a good team.

There's no assurance to what will going to happen with Green's future after that suspension, it's really tough nowadays inside NBA, stars
and role players are being traded and there's nothing that they can do.

I heard that rumor about Wiggins, just waiting for the confirmation and who's going to be the replacement, not sure why but I read somewhere
that they think Kuminga is more fit than Wiggins in their position.

Let see what will happen next and how Warriors will adjust to whoever player/s that will going to be there for them.

I’m not sure why there’s this idea going around that Kuminga is better than Wiggins but I don’t believe it. I don’t think he’s more athletic either. It just seems like maybe he tries harder and wants it more. You never know though. Maybe like Jordan Poole, Wiggins isn’t fitting into the rotation somehow or isn’t sticking to his role.

[FanEagle]

Ball being traded doesn't seem that likely to me, who would want to get a player who hasn't played for 2 years? I mean you need to really find someone who would accept him in exchange for getting some picks as well, because you can't just get rid of that contract. Nobody would want him directly, he has been injured for too long, and there is a possibility that he may never play again.

What he has was basically what Brandon Roy had, and because of the age of those times, Brandon Roy had to retire early, he couldn't continue to play, Lonzo has the better medicine, because it is 10+ years later and we are not at that point anymore, but that doesn't mean that we are going to end up with Lonzo suddenly being as good as he used to be. I think Lavine is the only sensible one, Lakers are interested, and they are trying to sell the farm all over again, they will try to trade away all they have, so they could have a super team of Lavine, Lebron and AD, all other players are on the table.

[wheelz1200]

Ball being traded doesn't seem that likely to me, who would want to get a player who hasn't played for 2 years? I mean you need to really find someone who would accept him in exchange for getting some picks as well, because you can't just get rid of that contract. Nobody would want him directly, he has been injured for too long, and there is a possibility that he may never play again.

What he has was basically what Brandon Roy had, and because of the age of those times, Brandon Roy had to retire early, he couldn't continue to play, Lonzo has the better medicine, because it is 10+ years later and we are not at that point anymore, but that doesn't mean that we are going to end up with Lonzo suddenly being as good as he used to be. I think Lavine is the only sensible one, Lakers are interested, and they are trying to sell the farm all over again, they will try to trade away all they have, so they could have a super team of Lavine, Lebron and AD, all other players are on the table.

Agreed he basically is untradable at this point.  It's a shame because he was a nice point guard and a key piece to what Chicago was building.  They are cursed with point guards and knees.  You bring up Brandon Roy and most casuals won't recognize the name but dude was getting ready to be a superstar.  Seems like more and more knees have destroyed careers more than in the past I wonder if it's because of the agility and insane pace these guys play at.  Another one who would have been great is Shaun Livingston.

[Jating]

Ball being traded doesn't seem that likely to me, who would want to get a player who hasn't played for 2 years? I mean you need to really find someone who would accept him in exchange for getting some picks as well, because you can't just get rid of that contract. Nobody would want him directly, he has been injured for too long, and there is a possibility that he may never play again.

And probably this is the very reason why the Bulls might want to trade him because he might not be the same player when he comes back and so the Bulls might decide to take the risk to opt out get rid of him and get some picks.

What he has was basically what Brandon Roy had, and because of the age of those times, Brandon Roy had to retire early, he couldn't continue to play, Lonzo has the better medicine, because it is 10+ years later and we are not at that point anymore, but that doesn't mean that we are going to end up with Lonzo suddenly being as good as he used to be. I think Lavine is the only sensible one, Lakers are interested, and they are trying to sell the farm all over again, they will try to trade away all they have, so they could have a super team of Lavine, Lebron and AD, all other players are on the table.

Roy's case, yeah, one of the biggest news in the NBA, he was still in his prime, and many "what if" for him. Perhaps it was really in his DNA to have this kind of knees, that degenerated so much, resulting in a lacked cartilage that deprived him of him NBA career. Yeah, there's a lot of noise on Lavine wanting to get out of Bulls now and go to Lakers and I think this could be interesting as who the Lakers are going to give in this trade, although Russell's name pop up.

[gagux123]

There's no exact date for his return but definitely he is not gonna come back this season.

Check the latest update here https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/lonzo-ball-4110

Positive update on knee
December 28, 2023
Ball (knee) is expected to return to running in January, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune reports. "The pain that he was experiencing has been eliminated," head coach Billy Donovan said Thursday.
ANALYSIS
While Poe notes that the Bulls still don't expect Ball to return this season, this is nevertheless an encouraging development for the No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, who hasn't played since midway through the 2021-22 campaign. Early in his career, Ball dealt with a handful of lower-body injuries, most notably a cartilage issue in his knee, which was addressed via a transplant procedure in March 2023. The plan is for Ball to accelerate his rehab within the next month, at which point the Bulls may have a better indication as to whether he'll be able to resume his NBA career. Back in October, Ball said at the Bulls' media day that he "definitely" plans to play again. The former UCLA standout has a $21.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season that he'll likely exercise this summer.

He will have more time to heal and get back on his old self if he will not force returning this season. Next season, we will see if Ball would return, and he will probably have to play with new some new teammate/s as Zach Lavine is likely to be traded.

Thank you so much for this informations!
Well, I didn't know that, I speculated that Lonzo Ball could return to the basketball courts this month... at least doing some activities with ball, warm up during games or things like that.
But I believe it is more plausible to wait for him to recover 100% as was said previously, as a lot of money was invested in Lonzo... anyway, I wish him a good recovery and I confess that I am anxious and curious to see him play basketball again... I hope his performance hasn't dropped too much, which is difficult for a player who was out from basketball court for years.

[jossiel]

Speaking of Draymond, there are reports that his future with the Warriors is bleak. Rumors has it that with his suspension, he might not get back with the team and be traded. Of course this is just a rumor for now and there are a lot of things going on behind the Warriors, like also the news of Andrew Wiggins potential trade.

I've read some statements from Steph that he's like one of the walls of the team and he shouldn't be traded because most of the decisions for each game, he's there to help.

Well, that's from the star players opinion and he might be one of the influence for whatever the management's decision.

But if it's about the actual business and what management think is best for the team, they may or may not consider any words from him.

[OgNasty]

I’m seeing a lot of talk about Zach LaVine and the Los Angeles Lakers. We may see a deal on this sooner rather than later. There aren’t many teams out there interested in taking over LaVine’s contract and it’s no secret that he wants to be in Los Angeles. The Lakers may be able to get him at a steal price and really elevate their roster.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

I’m seeing a lot of talk about Zach LaVine and the Los Angeles Lakers. We may see a deal on this sooner rather than later. There aren’t many teams out there interested in taking over LaVine’s contract and it’s no secret that he wants to be in Los Angeles. The Lakers may be able to get him at a steal price and really elevate their roster.

Offensively LaVine would surely be a big help for the Lakers but defensively he is just another liability in my eyes.
Obviously his offensive output is bigger than his lack of defence but still it's a factor.
Also, who would they give up to get him? Rui and DeLo most likely but does Chicago really want these 2? I have read they actually want Austin Reaves and Rui if there is gonna be a deal. Reaves is kind of a solid "mascot" player for the Lakers, Lebron also really likes him. So I don't know if the Lakers would send him away.

[dwyane36]

Speaking of Draymond, there are reports that his future with the Warriors is bleak. Rumors has it that with his suspension, he might not get back with the team and be traded. Of course this is just a rumor for now and there are a lot of things going on behind the Warriors, like also the news of Andrew Wiggins potential trade.

Well, if Warriors management decides to get rid of Green, I wouldn't be surprised at the outcome. But it's hard to imagine that any other team in the NBA would be interested in him. I mean, Green can be characterized right now as a player who has mediocre stats, who has a huge four-year, $100 million contract, and who can't control his emotions on the court. That sounds like a liability for any team.

[Shinpako09]

Speaking of Draymond, there are reports that his future with the Warriors is bleak. Rumors has it that with his suspension, he might not get back with the team and be traded. Of course this is just a rumor for now and there are a lot of things going on behind the Warriors, like also the news of Andrew Wiggins potential trade.

I've read some statements from Steph that he's like one of the walls of the team and he shouldn't be traded because most of the decisions for each game, he's there to help.

Well, that's from the star players opinion and he might be one of the influence for whatever the management's decision.

But if it's about the actual business and what management think is best for the team, they may or may not consider any words from him.

At the end of the day, business is still a business. They will soon trade even Klay if he will not step up his game. I won't be surprised if the management will trade Draymond Green. They want someone who can help Steph, not someone who will cause problems for them.

[Questat]

Lakers loss again. This team sucks!

After winning the IST championship, they seemed to change their identity. They fall to the Butler-less Miami Heat, and the score wasn't even close. Lebron and Davis badly need a help and it seemed like the supporting players aren't the way they should be.

LA Lakers is really bad on their 3 point shooting, they need to hire a consistent shooter beyond the arc, this game they shot only 13% or 4-30, they can't win with that number.

[xLays]

Looks like a win win trade situation for the Raptors and the Knicks. Both teams have been playing great since the trade happened. Jalen Brunson is performing like a point god with 13+ assists in the last two games. With RJ and Quickley being traded it opens up more plays for Brunson, Randle and every other Knicks player. OG Anunoby has been the best acquisition for the Knicks so far!

[Yamifoud]

Looks like a win win trade situation for the Raptors and the Knicks. Both teams have been playing great since the trade happened. Jalen Brunson is performing like a point god with 13+ assists in the last two games. With RJ and Quickley being traded it opens up more plays for Brunson, Randle and every other Knicks player. OG Anunoby has been the best acquisition for the Knicks so far!

Looking good so far. I'm just more concern about the Knicks here as they don't have some consistency, but winning 2 in a row is something. I mean, they are suppose to be in the adjustments period but after the trade the new player already help the team to win. Bruson is good in scoring, that's his specialty, so getting 13 assists is a big improvement, and if he would continue to show that consistency, he would easily average a double double and could potentially be in the list of MVP candidates this season.

In their game against the Bulls where they won by double digits, it's evident that they are sharing the ball effectively.

As a result their shooting percentage is very high at 52%, in average they are lower than that IMO. Additionally, in the rebounding department, they dominated the Bulls.

[OgNasty]

Lakers loss again. This team sucks!

After winning the IST championship, they seemed to change their identity. They fall to the Butler-less Miami Heat, and the score wasn't even close. Lebron and Davis badly need a help and it seemed like the supporting players aren't the way they should be.

LA Lakers is really bad on their 3 point shooting, they need to hire a consistent shooter beyond the arc, this game they shot only 13% or 4-30, they can't win with that number.

Ya, something is up with them. Now they’re back below .500 after their great start.

The Pistons took the Jazz into overtime and barely lost. That’s pretty huge for them. They seem like they’ve had enough embarrassment and are ready to turn a corner.

The Clippers beat the Suns to improve on their great record. I’m surprised how quickly the Clippers turned things around…

[Oasisman]

Lakers loss again. This team sucks!

Their performance and demeanor are strongly suggesting for a change. This has been the kind of behaviour the Lakers are showing us the past few seasons after they won the championship back in the bubble, after that everything was f*cked up for the Lakers. It's funny to think that they been actually playing good offense and defense in the IST, but it seems like the only encouraging factor for them to become that good is the $500k prize lol.
I don't know what kind of changes/trades the Lakers are going to do this season, but I'm 90% sure they'll gonna pull up a surprising trade and I'm not gonna ve surprised it would involve DLo, Reaves, Rui, or Vando. One or two of these guys would get traded for sure.