In this episode, we dive deep into the 2025-26 NBA season! We break down why the Los Angeles Lakers look like true contenders under JJ Redick’s second year as head coach and how DeAndre Ayton’s arrival could be the key to their success. We also debate Luka Dončić’s MVP case, Austin Reaves’ breakout, and what the Lakers might look like when LeBron James returns.

Then we shift gears to Northern California to talk about the Sacramento Kings’ struggles, the DeMar DeRozan fit, and whether it’s time to blow it up given their crowded backcourt. We also touch on other MVP frontrunners like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cade Cunningham, and Victor Wembanyama, plus the shocking firing of Mavericks GM Nico Harrisonand what it means for Luka and the Anthony Davis trade fallout.

A full breakdown of storylines, stats, and hot takes from around the league — tap in for a real basketball conversation

The Grizzlies still have the duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. after trading away Desmond Bane & Dillon Brooks two cornerstones of this roster a few season ago. These two key players now gone will be major holes to fill for what now seems like a rebuilding Grizzlies team. Uncertainty in roster direction and other moves signal maybe a slight step-back suggests the team may finish lower than last year. For Morant especially, this might be a final window of opportunity to either get better or time to move off of the young superstar & get assets back in return.

Dallas Mavs has major front court updates when they acquired Anthony Davis via trade & then selected Copper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, Flagg gives them a fresh youth & length plus his shooting ability. AD still brings All-Star level from a two-way ability when healthy he is considered one of the best big men in the league. Kyrie Irving is going to be out most of the beginning of the season after suffering a torn ACL once he is back he will provide an all star level of play to run the team as the starting PG. This Mavs team is deep with talent from the starting 5 & also with their bench which can make them a favorite to get to the Western Conference & possibly the Finals. Can they stay healthy enough to make a playoff push & host the Larry O'Brien Trophy?

The Jazz are clearly in a rebuild phase especially after finishing 17-65 & last place in the Western Conference. in 2024-2025. They have shifted to developing young players rather than competing immediately. They have a young core Walker Kessler, Kyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Ace Bailey to team up with star Lauri Markkanen. The front office appears comfortable with the how is roster is currently constructed which is development & draft positioning which will have them again at the bottom of the strong Western Conference & back into the Draft Lottery.

Los Angeles Lakers acquisition of Luka Doncic signaled a new era in LA. He gives the Lakers a generational-level star to build around. With the veteran presence of LeBron James bringing leadership & still high-level production in his 23rd season. They got some help defensively by bringing in Deandre Ayton & Marcus Smart. Can LeBron & Luka build chemistry with this Lakers team to get them to make a deep playoff run?

The Clippers finished last season 5th in the Western Conference, with a strong defensive but a middling offense. In the 2025 offseason they made significant moves with acquiring John Collins in a three- team trade. Signed veteran guards Bradley Beal and bring back Chris Paul to provide elite scoring and experienced playmaking. The Clippers also added a big man in Brook Lopez to help with their back up center position. Can James Harder & Kawhi Leonard stay healthy enough to help this Clippers team remain contenders & finally get them to the Western Conference Finals?

The Thunder come into the season as reigning champions, having posted a 68-14 record in 2024-2025 to claim their first NBA title. The core is intact with stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), Chet Holmgren & Jalen Williams. Historically, repeating is hard & with the Western Conference continuing to get stronger being champions means you're the target. Can the Thunder repeat last year's success?

The Timberwolves are coming off back to back deep playoff runs, most recently reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2025. The core of the team remains in tact, with Anthony Edwards ascending as a superstar & franchise leader & cornerstone. The locked in a key players in Naz Ried & Juilius Randle to multi-year extensions.The Wolves are firmly in contenders territory with expectations of them reaching at least the Conference Semifinals or possibly the finals.