The NBA is back in action on Wednesday evening when Los Angeles Lakers host Charlotte Hornets.
Ironically, these two teams were involved in a trade in Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht and Charlotte Big Man Mark Williams. After this trade was published, it was repealed due to a problem with Williams physical, and he will return to Hornets for the first time in this matchup.
While the whole debate made too big theater, the NBA is a league built on the spine in drama. With that in mind, it is the three stories to monitor before the playoffs arrive.
1. Luka Doncic’s fit with Los Angeles Lakers
When Dallas Mavericks did the fantastic trade in Lakers around Doncic and Anthony Davis, it quickly understood that this was a move that created Los Angeles for the future.
But the Lakers are currently No. 5 seed in the Western conference. They have an opportunity to make some sound in the playoffs in 2025. Looking at how Doncic and Lebron James work together will be very interesting. Two ball -dominant stars that play a slightly similar style.
James has a player option after this season, and it seems that his future is a gigantic question mark right now. It is difficult to see him retire without a big farewell tour, but how he gels with Doncic and how far the Lakers do in the NBA finals are likely to determine his future.
2. Can Jimmy Butler save Golden State Warriors?
February 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) reacts during the fourth quarter against Milwaukee Bucks on the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Pictures Warriors decided to move the mountains for Butler at the trade deadline and seemingly ignoring the fact that they are the 10th seed in the Western conference.
Maybe Butler can go back to Warriors rested, not only from the All-Star break, but from his several suspensions from Miami Heat.
Stephen Curry looks old. Draymond Green spent the entire all-star weekend serving as an analyst. Warriors need help in the worst possible way, and they knock on Butler to keep them relevant in the playoffs for this season and then.
3. Will Cleveland Cavaliers continue to own the eastern conference?
December 23, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavalier’s head coach Kenny Atkinson stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against Utah Jazz at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard Imagn Images One of the biggest surprises from the first half of the NBA season was how easily Cavs could handle literally anyone who was in their way. They are 44-10, 5.5 games up at Boston Celtics for the top seed in the east.
The new head coach Kenny Atkinson arrived in Cleveland with one blow. CAVS doubled his early success at the deadline and acquired De’andre Hunter from Atlanta Hawks for Caris Levert, Georges Niang and a few other rounds.
If the caves unlock the No. 1 seed in the east, they are a strength to be counted on the upcoming playoffs.
