After a chaotic trade deadline, a monotone All-Star Weekend and the shocking news that phenom Victor Wembanyama was shut down for the season because of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the NBA returned over the weekend for the final seven-week sprint to the end of the regular season.
There are plenty of storylines to digest — from Luka Doncic's acclimation in Los Angeles to the playoff races in each conference to what, if anything, can be done about the league's two most disappointing teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
As a result, we canvassed the league on the 10 most important questions for the stretch run, including where key postseason and award races could be headed.
But we start with the new-look Lakers and what executives said about their championship timeline.
Before Doncic's 32-point performance Saturday in Denver, he had been a slow start with the Lakers after sitting out six weeks because of a calf injury before his stunning trade to Los Angeles.
«There's still an adjustment period to play with LeBron,» an East executive said. «But he's going to be just fine once he gets his feet wet and gets comfortable.»
Everyone also agreed that the fit between Doncic and LeBron James — two of the most cerebral and creative players in NBA history — will eventually be seamless this season. But with a roster still featuring some significant flaws, including a lack of outside shooting and need for an interior presence after the rescinded Mark Williams trade with Charlotte, it will take time for the deal's impact to manifest — time that might extend beyond this season.
«When Jaxson Hayes is your only lob threat, it's only going to look so good,» a West executive said. "[Doncic] is a great player, so I
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