As the NBA tips off its latest campaign, the league enters a season brimming with intrigue, rising talent and shifting power dynamics. Here’s a look at four key stories set to define the 2025-26 NBA season.
Lebron James’ Future Hangs Between Legacy and Longevity
Four-time NBA Champion LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season, a feat unmatched in league history. But as the 40-year-old Lakers star battles a nagging glute injury and plays on an expiring $52.6 million contract, questions about how and where his legendary career ends are louder than ever.
James’ longevity continues to redefine expectations, becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and part of the first father-son duo to share the court. Yet, as he begins his eighth year in Los Angeles, even James admits he’s uncertain how long he’ll keep going.
“I don’t know when the end is,” James said on Lakers media day. “But I know it’s a lot sooner than later.”
The Los Angeles Lakers paired James with five-time All-NBA Luka Doncic last season, becoming contenders overnight. However, front office patience may be tested if the season sours. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka insists that the franchise hopes James retires in purple and gold. But the symbolism surrounding his new Nike “Forever King” ad and a Cavs throwback uniform appearing across the league schedule has fueled speculation that this could be the final chapter.
For now, James is focused on the present moment.
“Not worried about yesterday and not trying to focus on what the future holds,” James said. “It’s about staying present.”
Beginning of a Dynasty? Teams Poised to Challenge the Thunder’s Reign
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 season as reigning champions, having reached an NBA-high 68 wins last year. With reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren secured on long-term deals, GM Sam Presti’s blueprint for sustained success appears locked in. But several teams are poised to challenge the Thunder’s supremacy.
The Houston Rockets have vaulted into the championship conversation thanks to the acquisition of Kevin Durant. The 37-year-old forward, fresh off a two-year, $90 million extension, is expected to be Houston’s primary scoring option, while young stars like Amen Thompson anchor a defense-heavy lineup. Durant’s presence transforms the Rockets into legitimate contenders capable of challenging the Thunder in the West.
Other potential disruptors include the Denver Nuggets, led by 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Cleveland Cavaliers, fortified by All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and a revamped New York Knicks. Yet, with the Thunder’s core intact, dethroning Oklahoma City remains a daunting task.
A Heartfelt Reunion: Lillard Returns to Where it All Started
Damian Lillard is back in Portland. The nine-time All-Star signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Trail Blazers, ending a two-year stint in Milwaukee and reuniting with the team and city he has long called home.
“It never felt right, not being home,” Lillard said at his introductory press conference. “When I have to make a decision, a lot of thought goes into it… This decision wasn’t hard at all.”
The 35-year-old star revealed his children were overjoyed by the news.
“We got back in the car after signing, and my daughter goes, ‘Wait, we don’t have to get on the airplane to Milwaukee no more? You’re gonna be in your house? In Portland? The whole time?’” Lillard said.
Though he is likely to miss the upcoming season rehabbing a torn Achilles, Lillard is focused on mentoring the Blazers’ young core.
Can Wembanyama Become the Best Player in the World?
Victor Wembanyama’s offseason began with fear and ended with fury. After a blood clot ended his season early last February, the 7-foot-4 Spurs star faced the jarring reality that his seemingly invincible body had limits. But that setback only ignited a summer of self-discovery and motivation.
Wembanyama spent the offseason traveling across China and Japan, visiting a Shaolin temple to practice meditation and Kung Fu while reflecting on life and mortality.
“There’s a big feeling that life isn’t forever,” Wembanyama said. “I want to experience the most I can.”
When he returned to the court, his workouts took on a new edge. His now-famous defensive drill, guarding every teammate one-on-one without rest, has become the new talking point within the Spurs facility.
“I’ve never seen someone work out like that,” teammate Julian Champagnie said. “It’s crazy to see.”
That mindset led him to Katy, Texas, where he trained with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Wembanyama worked on his footwork, post positioning and balance from one of the greatest big men in history. Later, he sought out another Hall of Famer, Kevin Garnett, for guidance on the mental side of the game; how to channel emotion, intensity and focus into leadership.
“He is so intentional in the variety of ways he tries to improve as a player and person,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s something I’ve never seen at that age.”
Now stronger and more deliberate after his “most brutal” summer ever, the former Rookie of the Year is refocused on his defense-centric game.
“It’s non-negotiable,” he said. “If you want to be on this team, you defend.”
Wembanyama enters his third season driven by survival and greatness alike.
“Nobody has trained like I did this summer,” he said. “Everything is a green light.”
Now, after a summer of transformation, Wembanyama has serious potential to become the best player in the world.
