"During 2025, the NBA gave us the shocking Luka Doncic trade in February, the Dallas Mavericks beating 1.8% draft lottery odds in May, a historic Oklahoma City Thunder title in June and a first half of a 2025-26 season filled with the emergence of new stars and contenders on the court, and major scandals off it. What lies ahead as the calendar flips to 2026?"
"How many wins will the Thunder rack up in their pursuit of back-to-back titles, and can their newest rivals from San Antonio deny a dynasty? Where are trade sagas headed for the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Mavericks' Anthony Davis, and could each spill over into the offseason? What's next for potential league expansion -- domestic and overseas -- as commissioner Adam Silver continues to make his mark on the future of the NBA? Which rule changes could be on the horizon?"
"Let's break down the 10 biggest, starting in Los Angeles, where one of the league's most storied franchises and its all-time great player are headed for a crossroads. MORE: Need an NBA season refresher? Here's what you missed in 2025-26 LeBron's next (and possibly final) decision Brian Windhorst: At the start of the season, Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka tried to be as respectful as possible when dealing with the delicate matter of LeBron James' future."
2025 featured the shocking Luka Doncic trade, the Dallas Mavericks beating 1.8% draft lottery odds, a historic Oklahoma City Thunder title and a 2025-26 season marked by emerging stars and major off-court scandals. The 2026 calendar raises questions about how many wins the Thunder will record while pursuing back-to-back championships and whether San Antonio can challenge a potential dynasty. Trade sagas around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis could carry into the offseason. Commissioner Adam Silver continues to push potential domestic and overseas expansion. Possible rule changes and LeBron James' next career decision loom as pivotal league storylines.
Read at ESPN.com
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