2026 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

Looks like the Suns are putting a beating on the Lakers.  This one is all but in the books and we haven't even started the 4th quarter.  I'm always surprised when the Suns beat the Lakers considering how much more dominant in size the Lakers are.  Still, they're down 20 in the 3rd quarter, they're being out assisted, out rebounded, out stolen, they're shooting % is worse from the field and the arch...  An all around bad game for the Lakers.  They have taken 12 less 3 pointers than the Suns even with shooting worse...  Doesn't look like LeBron will be bringing home another cup.

Edit: D’Angelo Russell denied by Lithuanian national team

[Fredomago]

Dallas at the moment is such a strange team. It feels like "no Luka no problem" for me. They got some pretty decent wins with Luka sidelined, for example @ Denver and @ OKC. I mean how is this possible, the best man is out and suddenly the team somehow plays better. Maybe he has the ball too often or what is the difference here? I mean there must be something, right?

Most of the time, it's the rotation and ball movements. Teams usually rely on the superstars. They need to touch the ball the most in every possession, so that hinders the other player's ability to get red hot and start making their own shots. Well, that depends on how the superstar's impact to the team when he's on the floor.  Luka is the kind of player who always makes the right play. However, any team knows that he's the main man to prioritized the defense to. With his absence, the team's offense are now less predictable for any teams & that goes to every other team that has superstars.

Yup, depending with how the superstar impacted his squad, though Luka is also a good passer but the ball mostly rotates on him, those other players relies if he will pass the ball or he will take the shots, now that he's resting other players got their chance to touch the ball and have that useful minutes to showcase their talents.

It's also depends on how coaches design the play, with how they plan and execute their design system they might use that adjustments and allow those role players, it helps giving more minutes for the starters to rest and avoid being over-fatigue.

[TravelMug]

Dallas at the moment is such a strange team. It feels like "no Luka no problem" for me. They got some pretty decent wins with Luka sidelined, for example @ Denver and @ OKC. I mean how is this possible, the best man is out and suddenly the team somehow plays better. Maybe he has the ball too often or what is the difference here? I mean there must be something, right?

It's really strange but we all know that when the teams back are against the wall, they will have to really play very hard and that's why they got a good win against a tough team. But when the moment they relax and thought that they are doing good, suddenly they will lost a big lead or blow out lost to some low and average team. In short, there ar still some inconsistencies as their superstar in not there.

Anyways, my parlay lost as the Miami Heat was beaten by the Bucks. They made a great comeback and I thought that they are going to win this game. They played without Giannis and they almost steal the game but Hero missed the game winner.

[Dave1]

^^ That's the problem with teams trying to make a big comeback like what happen to Wolves or in this case the Heat. They are playing at home, so they should be having that confident, but Lillard wax hot in the first two quarters and I think they've built a 20 point lead at one point.

But the Heat was able to adjust in the 3rd and shutdown Dame for good as he was not able to touch the ball and he is being double and triple once he touches the ball. But the Bucks was able to hold that rally and Green was able to hit clutch three's for a good separation. The Heat has a chance, to win the game, unfortunately, Tyler Herro missed his that three point shot.

[danherbias07]

^^ That's the problem with teams trying to make a big comeback like what happen to Wolves or in this case the Heat. They are playing at home, so they should be having that confident, but Lillard wax hot in the first two quarters and I think they've built a 20 point lead at one point.

But the Heat was able to adjust in the 3rd and shutdown Dame for good as he was not able to touch the ball and he is being double and triple once he touches the ball. But the Bucks was able to hold that rally and Green was able to hit clutch three's for a good separation. The Heat has a chance, to win the game, unfortunately, Tyler Herro missed his that three point shot.

And that gives the Milwaukee Bucks their 5th winning streak. It's crazy. I really thought this team was dead but here they are now trying get back up as early as possible so that they won't have any trouble in the future.
The Bucks roleplayers are doing great keeping the team in a good position. Dame and Giannis'  absence in the last few games should've affected them in confidence and energy but they are playing well with balanced offense and defense.

KD is back! Time to win games again. Upon his return KD helped the Suns beat the Lakers 127-100 at their home. 23 points for KD and I bet they will once again be the favorites against their opponents.

[Natalim]

KD is back! Time to win games again. Upon his return KD helped the Suns beat the Lakers 127-100 at their home. 23 points for KD and I bet they will once again be the favorites against their opponents.

Now we know that without Durant, the Suns are a weak team. Durant, on his return, didn’t even look like he came from an injury, which is great news for the Suns. They’ll likely start climbing the standings again, especially since they were 3-7 in their last 10 games before Durant came back.

On the other hand, the Lakers seem to be struggling against strong, legitimate teams. With the way they’re performing, I don’t think they’ll stick with the current lineup next season.

[dwyane36]

On the other hand, the Lakers seem to be struggling against strong, legitimate teams. With the way they’re performing, I don’t think they’ll stick with the current lineup next season.

The Lakers started well this regular season, but for some reason, they have been underperforming for the last few days. The Lakers have already 3 losses in a row, and they definitely need to make some adjustments, as they lost their last 2 games with a very big points gap.
Let's see what happens in the upcoming games, but there's still a long way to go before the regular season ends. Consequently, the Lakers still have plenty of time to improve their standings.

[ultrloa]

On the other hand, the Lakers seem to be struggling against strong, legitimate teams. With the way they’re performing, I don’t think they’ll stick with the current lineup next season.

The Lakers started well this regular season, but for some reason, they have been underperforming for the last few days. The Lakers have already 3 losses in a row, and they definitely need to make some adjustments, as they lost their last 2 games with a very big points gap.
Let's see what happens in the upcoming games, but there's still a long way to go before the regular season ends. Consequently, the Lakers still have plenty of time to improve their standings.

Many thought that they perform different at earliest part of regular season since people see that they are winning their games. Many people got hype up for their past performance but right now its like they are now struggling to perform well. Maybe there's certain big issues happening inside and they cannot execute their rotation and plays. Maybe they really need to find immediate solution and make everything works again like how they perform before.

But this is not the end game for Lakers since maybe they are just to relax and didn't pay much attention to their opponents. But if they can maintain to have good focus and execute well their plays also make their players comfortable on their rotation maybe they could change their next result on their next games. There many games left in this season and they can still find good solution to end up their issues.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

On the other hand, the Lakers seem to be struggling against strong, legitimate teams. With the way they’re performing, I don’t think they’ll stick with the current lineup next season.

The Lakers started well this regular season, but for some reason, they have been underperforming for the last few days. The Lakers have already 3 losses in a row, and they definitely need to make some adjustments, as they lost their last 2 games with a very big points gap.
Let's see what happens in the upcoming games, but there's still a long way to go before the regular season ends. Consequently, the Lakers still have plenty of time to improve their standings.

Well, they are just not deep enough I think. Sure their starting 5 with LBJ, AD, Rui, Russell( or Reddish/Knecht) and Reaves looks fine but then, who comes next? The bench is too inexperienced and the best guy that can actually take over is a rookie. That's says a lot. If they want to get to the playoffs and actually have a chance to compete they really have to be active when the trade window opens, otherwise they should just shut the season down and give Bronny some playing time. 

[Questat]

Well, they are just not deep enough I think. Sure their starting 5 with LBJ, AD, Rui, Russell( or Reddish/Knecht) and Reaves looks fine but then, who comes next? The bench is too inexperienced and the best guy that can actually take over is a rookie. That's says a lot. If they want to get to the playoffs and actually have a chance to compete they really have to be active when the trade window opens, otherwise they should just shut the season down and give Bronny some playing time. 

I guessing, maybe it’s because they haven’t been able to fully utilize their roster with their strategy. It feels like the same story as before, despite having a new coach, we all know LeBron is still the one running the plays.

Take Gabe Vincent as an example. This guy played really well in Miami but now that he’s with the Lakers, his numbers have dropped significantly. He went from averaging 9 PPG in Miami to just 3 PPG with the Lakers. So, I’m not sure if the issue lies with the players or the team just can’t grow as long as they play on Lebron's style.

Look at the standings,......  the Lakers have already dropped to 6th place and are currently on a 3-game losing streak. The bigger issue is that they’re solid at home but terrible on the road - that’s something they seriously need to address.

[xLays]

I feel very weird about the Brooklyn Nets. They often upset power-ranking teams, but they lost to the Sixers and Pistons which we know struggling this season. In their last match, they won against the Golden State Warriors. Do you think they can repeat this, considering their opponent is the Phoenix Suns, whose Big 3 Beal, Durant and Booker are now playing? Brooklyn's odds were x6.9 against the Warriors. Now, it's x3.8 against the Suns. Do you think the Brooklyn Nets can do it to the Suns? The Suns' losing streak ended when Beal and Durant played.

[Baofeng]

On the other hand, the Lakers seem to be struggling against strong, legitimate teams. With the way they’re performing, I don’t think they’ll stick with the current lineup next season.

The Lakers started well this regular season, but for some reason, they have been underperforming for the last few days. The Lakers have already 3 losses in a row, and they definitely need to make some adjustments, as they lost their last 2 games with a very big points gap.
Let's see what happens in the upcoming games, but there's still a long way to go before the regular season ends. Consequently, the Lakers still have plenty of time to improve their standings.

Well, they are just not deep enough I think. Sure their starting 5 with LBJ, AD, Rui, Russell( or Reddish/Knecht) and Reaves looks fine but then, who comes next? The bench is too inexperienced and the best guy that can actually take over is a rookie. That's says a lot. If they want to get to the playoffs and actually have a chance to compete they really have to be active when the trade window opens, otherwise they should just shut the season down and give Bronny some playing time. 

And to add to this perspective, their last win is when Knecht had his best game, that shoulder shrug, like MJ did against Portland when he was hitting those 3's. And last season with Darvin Ham in the first 17 games,

Last season: 10-7
This season: 10-7

So nothing has changed actually, they got JJ, but job is not done. they started very good, but after that, it was the same Lakers as just like season.

Also, I do agree, with the Gabe Vincent acquisition, one of the worst that the Lakers did, averaging 3.0 ppg.

[dwyane36]

Also, I do agree, with the Gabe Vincent acquisition, one of the worst that the Lakers did, averaging 3.0 ppg.

It's worth noting that Gabe Vincent wasn't that bad when he was performing for the Heat. However, for the Lakers, his performance is very weak. He probably can't get back to his old shape because of the last injury, and I think he will never be able to.
By the way, he's only been in the NBA for 6 seasons but has a huge list of injuries in such a short period.

[Finestream]

Also, I do agree, with the Gabe Vincent acquisition, one of the worst that the Lakers did, averaging 3.0 ppg.

It's worth noting that Gabe Vincent wasn't that bad when he was performing for the Heat. However, for the Lakers, his performance is very weak. He probably can't get back to his old shape because of the last injury, and I think he will never be able to.
By the way, he's only been in the NBA for 6 seasons but has a huge list of injuries in such a short period.

I don't think that's the issue, it’s more about the environment or the coaching. Look at Russell Westbrook. He was shooting bricks with the Lakers and was criticized because he didn’t meet their expectations. But now that he’s with the Nuggets, although playing limited minutes but we’re already seeing flashes of the old Westbrook. Why? Probably because he’s more comfortable, and the team chemistry is better.

[OgNasty]

The Suns getting spanked by the Nets right now after just beating the Lakers is crazy. The Nets have taken 15 more shots than the Suns at this point to start the 4th and the Nets are shooting the lights out from three point range. I guess the Suns may still be tired from their game against the Lakers. This is embarrassing.

[Fredomago]

Also, I do agree, with the Gabe Vincent acquisition, one of the worst that the Lakers did, averaging 3.0 ppg.

It's worth noting that Gabe Vincent wasn't that bad when he was performing for the Heat. However, for the Lakers, his performance is very weak. He probably can't get back to his old shape because of the last injury, and I think he will never be able to.
By the way, he's only been in the NBA for 6 seasons but has a huge list of injuries in such a short period.

I don't think that's the issue, it’s more about the environment or the coaching. Look at Russell Westbrook. He was shooting bricks with the Lakers and was criticized because he didn’t meet their expectations. But now that he’s with the Nuggets, although playing limited minutes but we’re already seeing flashes of the old Westbrook. Why? Probably because he’s more comfortable, and the team chemistry is better.

Yeah, there's also a big factor when playing with people who trusting you, look how coach Spo played him way back with the Heat even he's not that star-quality player but his minutes counts, a role player who can contribute when the team needs him, but after being traded he lose his confidence, maybe that injury limits him or other factors might affects him that's why he can't go back on his usual game.

Or we don't know if ever he got traded maybe he can get his minutes and he'll be able to help just if in case his new team gives him that green light.

[Finestream]

I don't think that's the issue, it’s more about the environment or the coaching. Look at Russell Westbrook. He was shooting bricks with the Lakers and was criticized because he didn’t meet their expectations. But now that he’s with the Nuggets, although playing limited minutes but we’re already seeing flashes of the old Westbrook. Why? Probably because he’s more comfortable, and the team chemistry is better.

Yeah, there's also a big factor when playing with people who trusting you, look how coach Spo played him way back with the Heat even he's not that star-quality player but his minutes counts, a role player who can contribute when the team needs him, but after being traded he lose his confidence, maybe that injury limits him or other factors might affects him that's why he can't go back on his usual game.

Or we don't know if ever he got traded maybe he can get his minutes and he'll be able to help just if in case his new team gives him that green light.

LeBron’s always had issues with teammates, even back then. Remember when Kyrie left Cleveland? He felt like LeBron hogged all the spotlight, even though Kyrie was a huge reason they won that championship. Honestly, I don’t think LeBron’s the best team player. Unless he can carry the Lakers every single game, that’s the only time they’ll really be a top contender.

[Dave1]

Also, I do agree, with the Gabe Vincent acquisition, one of the worst that the Lakers did, averaging 3.0 ppg.

It's worth noting that Gabe Vincent wasn't that bad when he was performing for the Heat. However, for the Lakers, his performance is very weak. He probably can't get back to his old shape because of the last injury, and I think he will never be able to.
By the way, he's only been in the NBA for 6 seasons but has a huge list of injuries in such a short period.

Or maybe he is not given enough playing time with the Lakers, or he is not really a perfect fit for them. We have seen a lot of players of that caliber, I mean they performed good with their teams, but when they moved out, it's a totally flip of their performances.

Definitely he got a lot of money from moving out of Miami and joining the Lakers, but as what cost? He got injured and there are no more playing time. And probably he will get traded too if his contract expires or not re-sign by the Lakers because of poor performance.

[el kaka22]

Rockets being second place at western conference is wild to me, with OKC being first as well. I mean these are two teams that heavily tanked and got some good draft picks and they did pick good players on those drafts to make them better, and just trusted their rookies and give them a lot of minutes for a few years and now they are improved a lot.

It goes to show you, if you draft well and give those players 4-5 seasons to be great, they are going to get amazing experience and be much better but you have to first grind through that terrible period. Obviously they added some decent veteran experience around them from free agency as well, but this goes to show you that trusting the future is the key to recover in this day of NBA, instead of hoping for big signing of star players. Rockets do not have any star players at all, all of them are just decent players, none of them are even all-star level player and yet they are second ranked right now.

[Baofeng]

Also, I do agree, with the Gabe Vincent acquisition, one of the worst that the Lakers did, averaging 3.0 ppg.

It's worth noting that Gabe Vincent wasn't that bad when he was performing for the Heat. However, for the Lakers, his performance is very weak. He probably can't get back to his old shape because of the last injury, and I think he will never be able to.
By the way, he's only been in the NBA for 6 seasons but has a huge list of injuries in such a short period.

And that's why it's another bad decision for the Lakers management, and no surprises, as they have made a lot of them in the past, specially hiring coaches and it seems that the trend will continue with JJ Reddick.

Anyhow, landscape in the West is changing, it used to be the Warriors that are hot, now in the Rockets. They don't have one franchise player, but I think that's what made them very good in their last 5 games as anyone can take the lead. And they also have a good defense as well. So let's see if they can keep with this momentum, as we all know, a lot of things can happen in just short amount of time and we don't know who's going to lead the West.