Overview
- LeBron James, 40, will miss the start of 2025-26 with sciatica and is entering the final year of his contract worth about $52.6 million.
- Luka Dončić signed a three-year, $160.8 million extension and enters his prime as the franchise’s long-term anchor.
- Defensive concerns persist after a 17th-place finish last season and the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith, with Marcus Smart’s impact at age 31 uncertain.
- The offseason brought in Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia while departing pieces included Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton.
- Opening night is Oct. 21 vs. Golden State, offering an early gauge of health, chemistry and JJ Redick’s approach.