Welcome to the NBA.
The highly anticipated Media Day takes place on Monday for 25 of the league’s 30 teams, as they unveil their uniforms, pose for photos, and answer questions from reporters ahead of the first training camp practice. (Brooklyn, New York, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Philadelphia conducted their Media Day last week, allowing them to start camp early in preparation for overseas preseason games.)
Here are some key storylines to keep an eye on this Monday:
Will LeBron Drop Any Hints?
LeBron James of Los Angeles Lakers aims to surpass Vince Carter’s record by entering his 23rd NBA season. While this may not be an imminent topic, remember that Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul is in his 21st season, and Philadelphia’s Kyle Raleigh is kicking off his 20th season.
Thus, the annual countdown begins. Is this the final chapter for James?
He will certainly be asked this on Monday, and whatever his response—be it an affirmative, negative, or ambiguous—will make headlines. With no contract signed for next season, the speculation will persist about whether he’ll finish this year with the Lakers or seek a trade.
It’s tough to envision James committing to a definitive future plan, especially since he hasn’t indicated a desire for a “farewell tour” season.
Moreover, he still has more than enough left in the tank. At 40 (41 on December 30), he remains an elite player with statistics that defy logic for someone his age. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists—numbers no other player aged 32 or older has achieved in NBA history.
Kawhi’s Situation
What can we say about Kawhi Leonard? While it may not be a focal point, it will definitely be a subplot during Media Day.
The Clippers star is under NBA investigation to determine if salary cap rules have been violated, involving Leonard, his team, and team owner Steve Ballmer, all linked to an approval agreement with the team’s former sponsors.
The NBA is not rushing the investigation; they have hired an external lawyer to look into the matter. Earlier this month, the NBA initiated inquiries regarding a $28 million approval agreement connected to LENARD, Aspiration Fund Adviser, LLC, which recently filed for bankruptcy following reports by journalist Pablo Torre.
The Clippers firmly deny any wrongdoing and have expressed eagerness for the league’s investigation.
Is Jason Tatum Ready to Return?
Injuries will be a significant storyline as the new season approaches. Eastern Conference Champion Indiana has lost Tyrese Haliburton for the entire season after he tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, Portland’s Damian Lillard is uncertain about his return following his own Achilles injury, and Dallas is awaiting the recovery of Kyrie Irving’s surgically repaired ACL.
And then there’s Jason Tatum, who tore his Achilles in the playoffs last season.
However, the Boston star has hinted recently that it may be premature to rule him out for the season.
“I just want everyone to know that I appreciate all the love and support,” Tatum stated in a YouTube video he shared over the weekend. He mentioned this was his third on-court training session since the surgery. “It’s been a long journey, but I’m back, and I’m dedicated to being healthy for the love of the game and for the fans who support me and the team.”
What’s Next for the Champions?
Oklahoma City winning the NBA title will ensure they retain most of their roster from last season into this one. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will return with scoring champion, MVP, and Finals MVP honors.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Thunder are heavy favorites (+250) to clinch the 2026 title. The looming question for the Thunder is the status of Jalen Williams after his offseason surgery and whether he’ll be ready for the regular season’s start.
“It’s well-known that last season was a special chapter in our brief organizational history,” said Sam Presti, general manager of the Thunder. “However, the journey to becoming a great team did not conclude last season. Every team in the league faces challenges as they transition into their next phase of growth and development.”
Wemby’s Comeback
There are high hopes that Victor Wembanyama is fully prepared to kick off the regular season for San Antonio, after his 2024-25 season was cut short due to deep venous thrombosis in his shoulder back in February.
Wembanyama’s offseason was certainly eventful: he traveled to a Chinese temple in June to train with a monk. Recently, he mentioned participating in various activities during holidays, like playing soccer with his kids, and engaging in initiatives where fans could join a new supporter section to emulate the behaviors of European soccer and basketball fanbases.
It’s been 30 years since the Spurs have approached Media Day without Greg Popovich as head coach. Mitch Johnson, who took over the helm for the final 77 games last season, has now been officially appointed as the head coach after Popovich’s retirement.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Source: apnews.com