2026 NBA Season

[arwin100]

That Los Angeles Lakers trade with the Charlotte Hornets keeps getting messier and messier. Now they’re saying Mark Williams is refusing to return to the Hornets locker room and wants to be bought out of his contract. That would leave him a free agent and the Lakers could sign him for nothing. They’d have to release another player, but it’s a possibility. In the end Charlotte might end up with nothing and the Lakers get everything. Dumb luck or 3D chess?

Does that mean they'll keep Dalton while picking up Williams soon? That's a big win for the Lakers, I think. But I've read a few articles saying Dalton isn't happy anymore because things just aren't the same. Even though he's back with the team, he hasn't played yet. So now that Luka's in the lineup, will the Lakers still give Dalton the minutes he used to get?

If Hornets would agree on what Williams like to happen then provably that Lakers could get Williams thru buyout market. But I don't think Hornets would like to make this thing happen since they provably got angry on what happen on that trade.

For sure they don't want to make everything easy for Lakers and provably will just keep Williams on their team. Dalton is not really happy on what happen to him but he don't have any choice but to stay on Lakers since he's still a rookie so better take this incident as motivation to get more better and increase his value on next trade that might going to happen in future.

[OgNasty]

That Los Angeles Lakers trade with the Charlotte Hornets keeps getting messier and messier. Now they’re saying Mark Williams is refusing to return to the Hornets locker room and wants to be bought out of his contract. That would leave him a free agent and the Lakers could sign him for nothing. They’d have to release another player, but it’s a possibility. In the end Charlotte might end up with nothing and the Lakers get everything. Dumb luck or 3D chess?

Does that mean they'll keep Dalton while picking up Williams soon? That's a big win for the Lakers, I think. But I've read a few articles saying Dalton isn't happy anymore because things just aren't the same. Even though he's back with the team, he hasn't played yet. So now that Luka's in the lineup, will the Lakers still give Dalton the minutes he used to get?

If Hornets would agree on what Williams like to happen then provably that Lakers could get Williams thru buyout market. But I don't think Hornets would like to make this thing happen since they provably got angry on what happen on that trade.

For sure they don't want to make everything easy for Lakers and provably will just keep Williams on their team. Dalton is not really happy on what happen to him but he don't have any choice but to stay on Lakers since he's still a rookie so better take this incident as motivation to get more better and increase his value on next trade that might going to happen in future.

I actually don’t think the Lakers would pick up Williams in free agency. You have to remember they’re the ones that cancelled the trade when they saw he had medical problems. Alex Len is supposedly playing tonight, so we’ll see what he can do. Most likely they’ll ride him out and see if a better free agent pops up or they can do something in the offseason.

[batang_bitcoin]

I actually don’t think the Lakers would pick up Williams in free agency. You have to remember they’re the ones that cancelled the trade when they saw he had medical problems. Alex Len is supposedly playing tonight, so we’ll see what he can do. Most likely they’ll ride him out and see if a better free agent pops up or they can do something in the offseason.

I agree, they already got Alex Len and they are no longer interested in getting Williams. Maybe they also have realized that it's not yet time for them to release Dalton with that trade.

The really fun thing to see is that Lebron seems to come alive ever since he started to play with Luka. He loved AD, there is no doubt that Lebron loved AD, he didn't see AD just as a teammate but like a very close friend as well, which is why he actually wanted him to join Lakers to begin with, and won a title with him as well on the bubble season.

There is this energy that Luka had spread through the team and that made Lebron even livelier. Any teammate that Lebron comes with, he's giving that energy so there is one goal and Luka likes that as well, into winning a title.

[btc_angela]

That Los Angeles Lakers trade with the Charlotte Hornets keeps getting messier and messier. Now they’re saying Mark Williams is refusing to return to the Hornets locker room and wants to be bought out of his contract. That would leave him a free agent and the Lakers could sign him for nothing. They’d have to release another player, but it’s a possibility. In the end Charlotte might end up with nothing and the Lakers get everything. Dumb luck or 3D chess?

Does that mean they'll keep Dalton while picking up Williams soon? That's a big win for the Lakers, I think. But I've read a few articles saying Dalton isn't happy anymore because things just aren't the same. Even though he's back with the team, he hasn't played yet. So now that Luka's in the lineup, will the Lakers still give Dalton the minutes he used to get?

If Hornets would agree on what Williams like to happen then provably that Lakers could get Williams thru buyout market. But I don't think Hornets would like to make this thing happen since they provably got angry on what happen on that trade.

For sure they don't want to make everything easy for Lakers and provably will just keep Williams on their team. Dalton is not really happy on what happen to him but he don't have any choice but to stay on Lakers since he's still a rookie so better take this incident as motivation to get more better and increase his value on next trade that might going to happen in future.

I actually don’t think the Lakers would pick up Williams in free agency. You have to remember they’re the ones that cancelled the trade when they saw he had medical problems. Alex Len is supposedly playing tonight, so we’ll see what he can do. Most likely they’ll ride him out and see if a better free agent pops up or they can do something in the offseason.

Right, they have move on from the trade, it's obvious that they are hiding something and then the Lakers find it out the hard way that's why they have to cancel the trade and those involved like Dalton have been seen in the Lakers already but didn't play the last game.

So they will have to ride it out on Len. Speaking of centers though, anyone heard of Jahlil Okafor playing with the Pacers in a 10 day contract? He has last played four years ago.

The Indiana Pacers have signed former lottery pick and former Duke Blue Devil, Jahlil Okafor.

Okafor has signed a 10-day deal.

Okafor last played in the NBA for the Pistons in 2020-21. However, he spent time with the Mad Ants of the G League and played fantastic.

https://www.si.com/nba/pacers/news/pacers-signing-center-jahlil-okafor-to-nba-contract-01jks4wqxb1s

[wheelz1200]

An interesting report came out claiming that the Luka Doncic trade didn’t go down quite like they said. Anthony Davis was the Dallas Mavericks third choice. They originally contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about trading for Giannis and when that was declined they contacted the Minnesota Timberwolves about Anthony Edwards. After that was declined they contacted the Lakers.

Thats an odd choice in edwards.  I can see why they wanted AD, size and defensive and offensive lost post presense.  Same type with giannis but edwardsis the same like type player as luka.  I wonder what else was goijg on if this is true.  I can see if ypu have one guy in mind but if ypu are shopping a 25 year old superstar for whoever it just doesnt add up

I still don’t understand why they want Luka out of the Mavs. I mean, defense wins championships, sure, but they could surround Luka with four solid defensive players who can also shoot, and that could give the Mavs a competitive edge. If they did that, the Lakers  secured their future with Luka, while the Mavs are left hoping to manage the injury risk with Anthony Davis.

I do feel happy for Davis, though, since he'll get to play the 4 spot, which is really where he’s more suited. As a huge fan of LeBron since his rookie year, I respect everything he’s done for the game, but I do think the Lakers need to start thinking long-term. LeBron only has a few more years at his peak, but his trade value is still high enough to make a move that sets up the franchise for the future. If they’re smart, the Lakers should capitalize on that to build something sustainable.

Nobody does.  AD now out a month he has his injury issues amd is a big man over 30 years old.  That never ages well.  I like AD but he is nearing the end of his prime because his body breakdown.  Luka at 25 at a minimum males you competitive every year.  And on top of it pissed your other star off kyrie.  I dont see this ending well for the mavs.

[Dave1]

An interesting report came out claiming that the Luka Doncic trade didn’t go down quite like they said. Anthony Davis was the Dallas Mavericks third choice. They originally contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about trading for Giannis and when that was declined they contacted the Minnesota Timberwolves about Anthony Edwards. After that was declined they contacted the Lakers.

Thats an odd choice in edwards.  I can see why they wanted AD, size and defensive and offensive lost post presense.  Same type with giannis but edwardsis the same like type player as luka.  I wonder what else was goijg on if this is true.  I can see if ypu have one guy in mind but if ypu are shopping a 25 year old superstar for whoever it just doesnt add up

I still don’t understand why they want Luka out of the Mavs. I mean, defense wins championships, sure, but they could surround Luka with four solid defensive players who can also shoot, and that could give the Mavs a competitive edge. If they did that, the Lakers  secured their future with Luka, while the Mavs are left hoping to manage the injury risk with Anthony Davis.

I do feel happy for Davis, though, since he'll get to play the 4 spot, which is really where he’s more suited. As a huge fan of LeBron since his rookie year, I respect everything he’s done for the game, but I do think the Lakers need to start thinking long-term. LeBron only has a few more years at his peak, but his trade value is still high enough to make a move that sets up the franchise for the future. If they’re smart, the Lakers should capitalize on that to build something sustainable.

Nobody does.  AD now out a month he has his injury issues amd is a big man over 30 years old.  That never ages well.  I like AD but he is nearing the end of his prime because his body breakdown.  Luka at 25 at a minimum males you competitive every year.  And on top of it pissed your other star off kyrie.  I dont see this ending well for the mavs.

And we have seen that even with AD is still in the Lakers, and they are hoping that this year, he will not be as fragile, but he still got injured and so the wear and tear of AD's body is going to show in the next 2 years if I may say that.

Yes, they still have Kyrie and Klay, but still it's very different when you have the 25 year old as your franchise player and this could be the biggest regret if any of Nico if AD will be injury prone with his Dallas stint and then slowly losing his prime years as a Maverick.

[Maslate]

Nobody does.  AD now out a month he has his injury issues amd is a big man over 30 years old.  That never ages well.  I like AD but he is nearing the end of his prime because his body breakdown.  Luka at 25 at a minimum males you competitive every year.  And on top of it pissed your other star off kyrie.  I dont see this ending well for the mavs.

The Mavs are basically playing without their big man. In their last game, they looked super vulnerable since they couldn’t protect the paint. With Gafford, Powell, Lively, and even Washington - out, AD was supposed to step up, but he's out too. Now, the Dalals' future depends on AD's health. If he gets injured, they pretty much have no shot at getting back to the finals.

[Yaunfitda]

Nobody does.  AD now out a month he has his injury issues amd is a big man over 30 years old.  That never ages well.  I like AD but he is nearing the end of his prime because his body breakdown.  Luka at 25 at a minimum males you competitive every year.  And on top of it pissed your other star off kyrie.  I dont see this ending well for the mavs.

The Mavs are basically playing without their big man. In their last game, they looked super vulnerable since they couldn’t protect the paint. With Gafford, Powell, Lively, and even Washington - out, AD was supposed to step up, but he's out too. Now, the Dalals' future depends on AD's health. If he gets injured, they pretty much have no shot at getting back to the finals.

I also saw the news that Gafford is out with a injury as well, and so with AD out for weeks, it's  very hard to see how the Dallas are going to win with their big man getting injured one by one and worst case is that they might not even make it to the playoff. So yeah, I do not think that even with a healthy lineup, they can go back to the finals again because it was really Luka who carried them last year and now he is not with the team. I still remember them making a significant run prior to the playoff and they are in the contention for a play-in, but suddenly they win consecutively pushing them to 5th and 6th play and out of the dangerous play-in.

[Maslate]

Nobody does.  AD now out a month he has his injury issues amd is a big man over 30 years old.  That never ages well.  I like AD but he is nearing the end of his prime because his body breakdown.  Luka at 25 at a minimum males you competitive every year.  And on top of it pissed your other star off kyrie.  I dont see this ending well for the mavs.

The Mavs are basically playing without their big man. In their last game, they looked super vulnerable since they couldn’t protect the paint. With Gafford, Powell, Lively, and even Washington - out, AD was supposed to step up, but he's out too. Now, the Dalals' future depends on AD's health. If he gets injured, they pretty much have no shot at getting back to the finals.

I also saw the news that Gafford is out with a injury as well, and so with AD out for weeks, it's  very hard to see how the Dallas are going to win with their big man getting injured one by one and worst case is that they might not even make it to the playoff. So yeah, I do not think that even with a healthy lineup, they can go back to the finals again because it was really Luka who carried them last year and now he is not with the team. I still remember them making a significant run prior to the playoff and they are in the contention for a play-in, but suddenly they win consecutively pushing them to 5th and 6th play and out of the dangerous play-in.

In the last game, they were lucky to keep up with the Kings but eventually fell behind because of their lack of big men. The Kings used both Sabonis and Valanciunas to dominate the paint. I think the Warriors might try the same tactic, even though they don't have bigs like the Kings, they know their weakness now.

edit : i was wrong, Warriors lost. 

[dwyane36]

And we have seen that even with AD is still in the Lakers, and they are hoping that this year, he will not be as fragile, but he still got injured and so the wear and tear of AD's body is going to show in the next 2 years if I may say that.

Yes, they still have Kyrie and Klay, but still it's very different when you have the 25 year old as your franchise player and this could be the biggest regret if any of Nico if AD will be injury prone with his Dallas stint and then slowly losing his prime years as a Maverick.

It's funny that Davis played almost all the games during the previous season and half of this season, i.e. he has not been injury-prone all this time, which is unusual for him. Maybe such a long period without injuries made the Mavs management believe that trading Luka for Davis could be a good deal. Imho, the Mavs screwed the pooch on that deal.

[LogitechMouse]

That Los Angeles Lakers trade with the Charlotte Hornets keeps getting messier and messier. Now they’re saying Mark Williams is refusing to return to the Hornets locker room and wants to be bought out of his contract. That would leave him a free agent and the Lakers could sign him for nothing. They’d have to release another player, but it’s a possibility. In the end Charlotte might end up with nothing and the Lakers get everything. Dumb luck or 3D chess?

The Lakers just signed Alex Len a few days ago after this trade didn't push through.

I know the feeling of Mark Williams. I mean you've been tried to be shopped to another team and then for obvious reasons, they decided to get him back. That could affect his self-esteem, and he might think that he isn't a good fit for the Hornets despite of having a mediocre performance hence, getting traded to the Lakers "supposedly". I don't know if the Lakers will sign him though because like I said, they just signed Alex Len and they waived Christian Wood for that. We also don't know if the Hornets will buyout his contract anyway. One thing's for sure though. There will a bit of awkwardness from here there on because of the failed trade.

On the flip side, it's an opposite thing to the Lakers when they got Knecht back, and he just played against the Jazz a few hours ago. If the Hornets will buy out Williams' contract though, for sure there will be some teams that will be interested in getting him.

[TravelMug]

And we have seen that even with AD is still in the Lakers, and they are hoping that this year, he will not be as fragile, but he still got injured and so the wear and tear of AD's body is going to show in the next 2 years if I may say that.

Yes, they still have Kyrie and Klay, but still it's very different when you have the 25 year old as your franchise player and this could be the biggest regret if any of Nico if AD will be injury prone with his Dallas stint and then slowly losing his prime years as a Maverick.

It's funny that Davis played almost all the games during the previous season and half of this season, i.e. he has not been injury-prone all this time, which is unusual for him. Maybe such a long period without injuries made the Mavs management believe that trading Luka for Davis could be a good deal. Imho, the Mavs screwed the pooch on that deal.

Yes, I think it's very obvious that they have screwed up with that kind of trade sending Luka to Lakers and then acquiring injury prone AD which will be out for at least a month because of another injury. And so they also have a lot of injuries with their big man. And with that, I highly doubt as well that they can make the playoff or even to the finals whe Luka was still around.

Although the Lakers lost today to the Jazz which they beat a couple of days ago. Lebron played and Luka, but Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points and had a season-high three steals to lead the Utah Jazz. Clarkson as well scored 21 points. On the positive note, Bronny James scored 9 points, his season high.

[Japinat]

Although the Lakers lost today to the Jazz which they beat a couple of days ago. Lebron played and Luka, but Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points and had a season-high three steals to lead the Utah Jazz. Clarkson as well scored 21 points. On the positive note, Bronny James scored 9 points, his season high.

I'm sure many have also lost bets on that game since the Jazz aren't really a strong team, but one thing I've noticed is that they're a different team when playing at home, they're really good there and can beat even a strong team.

However, when it comes to Luka, I'm not seeing his usual numbers anymore, so I guess his production might drop and his individual records could be affected. Still, I'm optimistic that the trade will work out for the Lakers too, and maybe after a few more games, Luka can blend well with the team since it seems to be just a minor chemistry issue.

[dimonstration]

However, when it comes to Luka, I'm not seeing his usual numbers anymore, so I guess his production might drop and his individual records could be affected. Still, I'm optimistic that the trade will work out for the Lakers too, and maybe after a few more games, Luka can blend well with the team since it seems to be just a minor chemistry issue.

Luca Doncic is still on minutes restriction under 30 minutes due to his recent calf injury. It’s understood that he will play less aggressive since he is still adjusting to Lakers Roster. You can see the repercussions on playing hard after recently recovering to injury with Davis case which is now injured again.


Source: https://hoopshype.com/2025/02/13/luka-doncic-on-a-minutes-restriction-in-the-30-minute-range


Lakers still have a weak center while Jazz center dominates the paint. Clarkson and Markkanen is a beast on the recent game that’s why Lakers is badly lose.

[ultrloa]

However, when it comes to Luka, I'm not seeing his usual numbers anymore, so I guess his production might drop and his individual records could be affected. Still, I'm optimistic that the trade will work out for the Lakers too, and maybe after a few more games, Luka can blend well with the team since it seems to be just a minor chemistry issue.

Luca Doncic is still on minutes restriction under 30 minutes due to his recent calf injury. It’s understood that he will play less aggressive since he is still adjusting to Lakers Roster. You can see the repercussions on playing hard after recently recovering to injury with Davis case which is now injured again.


Source: https://hoopshype.com/2025/02/13/luka-doncic-on-a-minutes-restriction-in-the-30-minute-range


Lakers still have a weak center while Jazz center dominates the paint. Clarkson and Markkanen is a beast on the recent game that’s why Lakers is badly lose.

Well they didn't push him to play more long minutes since they also try to avoid that his injury will get worse. That's why its somehow understandable that Lakers choose to make Luka have that minute restriction since they don't want to get any problem if his injury will go to more worse condition if they push him to play more harder.

Lakers still really have a weak center and I guess they don't just have any choice and they need to cope up with trade deadline then try to seek for anything that can fill temporarily their lacking of inside treat for their team.

[rbynxx]

Nobody does.  AD now out a month he has his injury issues amd is a big man over 30 years old.  That never ages well.  I like AD but he is nearing the end of his prime because his body breakdown.  Luka at 25 at a minimum males you competitive every year.  And on top of it pissed your other star off kyrie.  I dont see this ending well for the mavs.

The Mavs are basically playing without their big man. In their last game, they looked super vulnerable since they couldn’t protect the paint. With Gafford, Powell, Lively, and even Washington - out, AD was supposed to step up, but he's out too. Now, the Dalals' future depends on AD's health. If he gets injured, they pretty much have no shot at getting back to the finals.

Nico Harrison's future projection for that big ball type of play for the Mavs is likely to be out of touch for now, hope he's right with what he deal with. Tonight they're probably gonna go small ball and Klay probably would be fine with that, he's been playing with GSW for years with that kind of setup. I'm thinking Adebayo will have his good stats again considering big mans are out. Getting back to Finals is definitely doubtful or not even at 50% chance, the only chance they'll make it once again is now at Lakers roster.

[danherbias07]

However, when it comes to Luka, I'm not seeing his usual numbers anymore, so I guess his production might drop and his individual records could be affected. Still, I'm optimistic that the trade will work out for the Lakers too, and maybe after a few more games, Luka can blend well with the team since it seems to be just a minor chemistry issue.

Luca Doncic is still on minutes restriction under 30 minutes due to his recent calf injury. It’s understood that he will play less aggressive since he is still adjusting to Lakers Roster. You can see the repercussions on playing hard after recently recovering to injury with Davis case which is now injured again.


Source: https://hoopshype.com/2025/02/13/luka-doncic-on-a-minutes-restriction-in-the-30-minute-range


Lakers still have a weak center while Jazz center dominates the paint. Clarkson and Markkanen is a beast on the recent game that’s why Lakers is badly lose.

Yeah, let's not expect anything from Luka Doncic right now because of the restriction coming from the injury. Then, there's also the chemistry building, he needs to know his teammates first before all those passes will be successful. He needs to know the plays too on where his teammates will be.

I am more concerned with the ball hog problem. Lebron is a ball hog and so is Luka. The ball mostly takes time in their hands before they run a play so who is going to do that now? If both Lebron and Luka are on the floor, what would the other one do while the ball hog is making his play?
I think this was the same dilemma when Kyrie arrived at the Mavs, but I was wrong in thinking it was a big mistake putting two ball hogs in one team because they became the top backcourt duo that defeated the Timberwolves and went on the 2024 Finals.
However, Kyrie stepped back and handed the ball-handling to Luka. Will Lebron do the same? I doubt that.

[Webetcoins]

An interesting report came out claiming that the Luka Doncic trade didn’t go down quite like they said. Anthony Davis was the Dallas Mavericks third choice. They originally contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about trading for Giannis and when that was declined they contacted the Minnesota Timberwolves about Anthony Edwards. After that was declined they contacted the Lakers.

Wow that's really crazy and didn't know they come up with other option aside from contacting Lakers and got curious about why does Mavs would really think that Bucks will trade Giannis out of their team for sure their fans would not gonna love this to happen and also for sure the management doesn't want to let go their franchise player.

For context of this discussion other people could read this article https://www.si.com/nba/bucks/news/mavericks-attempted-to-trade-giannis-antetokounmpo-for-luka-doncic-bucks-refused-report

So this indicate that they are really afraid to give Luka a super max contract and they are desperate to get another player that can help their team. But to bad they land on their last option and they get another injury prone player.

That one makes a lot more sense though. I mean it is not about why they think Bucks would trade for Giannis, first of all Giannis is older, and secondly Mavs just wanted to take a shot, if it happened it happened, if it doesn't then what's bad about just asking?

Secondly, they asked about Edwards, which would have been a pretty good deal if you ask me, Edwards isn't a ball hog, so that means with Kyrie and some bigs, that would mean that Edwards would have been a great penetrating thread without a doubt. So all in all, this makes things a lot better for them considering how they actually did try to make a better deal at first.

However, turns out they couldn't get anyone they wanted, and AD isn't a bad choice neither. Too many people are acting like they just got picks, but they got picks and AD at the same time, and Kyrie with AD isn't a bad team, add Klay there too, who isn't having a great season but if he gets it going, then that team is a short term great team.

The only downside is that they have a short term to do good. If they win the title this season, everyone will forgive Nico.

[Fredomago]

Although the Lakers lost today to the Jazz which they beat a couple of days ago. Lebron played and Luka, but Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points and had a season-high three steals to lead the Utah Jazz. Clarkson as well scored 21 points. On the positive note, Bronny James scored 9 points, his season high.

I'm sure many have also lost bets on that game since the Jazz aren't really a strong team, but one thing I've noticed is that they're a different team when playing at home, they're really good there and can beat even a strong team.

However, when it comes to Luka, I'm not seeing his usual numbers anymore, so I guess his production might drop and his individual records could be affected. Still, I'm optimistic that the trade will work out for the Lakers too, and maybe after a few more games, Luka can blend well with the team since it seems to be just a minor chemistry issue.

Still working and familiarizing with the system I guess, knowing Luka he'll catch up for sure, just letting the system play on him just a couple of games there are more to come we will see him taking in charge, as of now, it's more on how the coaching staff will play them together to bring the right blends and chemistries inside the court, a lost needs to be reassess to bring the better adjustments for the team to recover then win more games to come.

[OgNasty]

Although the Lakers lost today to the Jazz which they beat a couple of days ago. Lebron played and Luka, but Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points and had a season-high three steals to lead the Utah Jazz. Clarkson as well scored 21 points. On the positive note, Bronny James scored 9 points, his season high.

I'm sure many have also lost bets on that game since the Jazz aren't really a strong team, but one thing I've noticed is that they're a different team when playing at home, they're really good there and can beat even a strong team.

However, when it comes to Luka, I'm not seeing his usual numbers anymore, so I guess his production might drop and his individual records could be affected. Still, I'm optimistic that the trade will work out for the Lakers too, and maybe after a few more games, Luka can blend well with the team since it seems to be just a minor chemistry issue.

Still working and familiarizing with the system I guess, knowing Luka he'll catch up for sure, just letting the system play on him just a couple of games there are more to come we will see him taking in charge, as of now, it's more on how the coaching staff will play them together to bring the right blends and chemistries inside the court, a lost needs to be reassess to bring the better adjustments for the team to recover then win more games to come.

He’s still working his way back into game shape also. I imagine that will take a couple weeks. Yesterday’s game seemed to be plagued with bad play at the center position. I wouldn’t blame Luka. A little scary how fast the Jazz were able to change their game plan to destroy the Lakers. They’re going to need to get their defense and center position figured out if they want to make a playoff run.