By Ethan Rubio, October 20, 2026
Across campus, students described this summer’s NBA movement as one of the most entertaining in recent years.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade to Miami, LaMelo Ball’s arrival in Minnesota and Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto drove conversations in study rooms and residence halls. The biggest headline, however, came when LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James, who declined his player option to become a free agent, called the move his “last decision” as he enters his 24th NBA season. CPP students Danny Del Muro, Johann Candelo and Reilly Smith following the offseason said Philadelphia’s aggressive approach, including acquiring All-Star Jaylen Brown, made the Sixers one of the most talked-about teams.
The Sixers’ projected opening-day lineup of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown, James and former MVP Joel Embiid have become a frequent topic among CPP basketball fans preparing for the season.
James arrives in Philadelphia after spending last season as the Lakers’ third option behind Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić. Smith said Minnesota would have been a stronger fit.
“They just added LaMelo Ball this past off-season and adding LeBron alongside Anthony Edwards would instantly make them favorites to win the championship this year.” Smith said.
Even without James, students who follow the Western Conference say Minnesota enters the season as one of the stronger teams. Building around Anthony Edwards, Minnesota has surrounded its star with a deeper supporting cast that now includes LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and a strengthened rotation.
James’ departure left the Lakers with $50 million in cap space which they used quickly. The Lakers added 10 new players, headlined by the acquisition of Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz surrendering four draft picks — including unprotected first-round selections in 2028 and 2030, along with two pick swaps.
After finishing 53-29 last season and getting swept by the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, the Lakers also lost key role players such as Rui Hachimura to the Clippers, Marcus Smart to the Rockets and Luke Kennard to the Suns this past offseason.
In addition to losing James, the Lakers will be having a mostly new starting lineup of Dončić, Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamaukelashvili and Walker Kessler on opening night when they take on the Golden State Warriors.
“I think people really sleep on this Lakers team, not only did they not sign anyone super huge aside from Kessler but they did fix their main issue which was their bench depth,” said Danny Del Muro, a political science student. “I think they really improved it and people really aren’t seeing it especially with LeBron’s contract no longer being on the books.”
Smith and Candelo said that one team to watch for this season is the Washington Wizards.
“Selecting AJ Dybantsa with the number one pick with the additions of Anthony Davis and Trae Young is huge,” Smith said.
The Wizards finished with a 17-65 record last season and are hoping to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Alongside Dybantsa, Young and Davis, they have also brought in Deandre Ayton, Tre Mann and Khris Middleton via trade.
Plagued by injuries in recent seasons, the Wizards are heavily relying on the health of Young and Davis to help them return to the postseason. Davis last played a full healthy season back in 2023-2024 with the Lakers, starting in 76 games and averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 blocks. Young, meanwhile, was last fully healthy during the 2024-25 season, starting in 76 games and averaging 24.2 points, 11.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds.
Candelo agreed and said he sees a potential dark horse pick for one of this year’s awards.
“I have Anthony Davis winning Defensive Player of the Year,” Candelo said. “He’s been injured for the last few seasons, but people forget how good he was during his time with the Lakers. If he can get back to that shape with the Wizards they’re going to be scary.”
In addition to the Wizards, the Indiana Pacers have guard Tyrese Haliburton coming back this season after recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals. Along with Haliburton, the Pacers added center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers during last year’s trade deadline to pair him with Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and newcomer Kelly Oubre Jr.
More than a dozen teams reshaped their rotations in pursuit of a playoff push.
The Heat surrounded Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with shooting, bringing in former Mavericks guard Klay Thompson in addition to Tim Hardaway Jr. to complement a roster that is looking to make a run in an improved eastern conference.
“They made a lot of additions, and Kessler is a solid piece, but the Lakers are a first-round exit,” Smith said, “They don’t have the roster to compete with teams like the Thunder, Spurs or Nuggets.”
Each NBA season brings matchups that capture fans’ attention and with so many players changing teams this summer, this year’s schedule is filled with storylines from championship contenders like the Knicks, Thunder, Spurs and 76ers to breakout stars to watch for in players like Dylan Harper, Zach Edey and Cooper Flagg.
Throughout the season, stars will return to face their former teams, creating potential rivalry games that could shape the league for years to come.
Marquee matchups include Ball’s return to Charlotte, Brown facing the Celtics and Leonard’s first game back in Los Angeles against the Clippers. Several other reunions across the league are expected to draw national attention.
“76ers vs Lakers on Christmas Day is going to be a good one,” Candelo said. “Who knows where each team will be by that point in the season. Either way, LeBron vs Luka is going to be must-watch TV.”
Feature graphic courtesy of Cael Cross
