Clippers at Heat Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 12
The Clippers are currently 13-19 on the road with a point differential of 2, while the Heat have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home. The Clippers won the first meeting of the season in Los Angeles, 109-98, on Jan. 13.
Miami has lost four straight games and five of the past six, while Los Angeles is 3-1 over the previous four contests.
We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Clippers vs. Heat live today
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time: 8:00PM EST
Site: Kaseya Center
City: Miami, FL
Network/Streaming:
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Clippers vs. Heat
The latest odds as of Wednesday:
Odds: Clippers (+100), Heat (-120)
Spread: Heat -1.5
Over/Under: 209 points
That gives the Clippers an implied team point total of 104.13, and the Heat 104.91.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports' Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Wednesday's Clippers vs. Heat game
'Although this game is in Miami, the Heat are not playing quality basketball to be taking them -1.5 against a lot of teams, including ones with winning records. Miami lost winnable games against Chicago and Charlotte, and the main calling for why the Heat can win this time around is that the Clippers are on the second night of a back-to-back. The Clippers are 5-8 ATS and 7-6 on the ML in games with no rest this season. It's Clippers +1.5 or pass.'
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today's Clippers & Heat game:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Miami Heat on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Clippers at +1.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 209.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today's calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Clippers vs. Heat on Wednesday
Each of the last 4 matchups between the Heat and the Clippers have stayed under the Total
The Clippers have covered the Spread on their last 7 road trips to the Heat
The Clippers are on a 3-game win streak
If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Every NBA Team's All-Time 3-Point Leader: Stephen Curry's Record Will Last Forever
Every NBA Team's All-Time 3-Point Leader: Stephen Curry's Record Will Last Forever originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Every franchise has its sharpshooting legend, and in this piece, we'll spotlight the players who stand above the rest as the all-time three-point kings for each NBA team. These aren't just numbers; they're the threads of the three-point era, painting a picture of how each team evolved (or didn't) to embrace the long ball. Expect names you know, like Stephen Curry, blowing past every mark, and surprising vaults by unexpected heroes who redefined their franchises with distance shooting. There's no soft landing in this list: Curry's jaw-dropping 4,058 career threes make him a one-man dynasty for Golden State; no one else is even in the same zip code. But it's not just about the NBA's greatest shooter; every team has its own story. Let's provide the single greatest three-point shooter in each franchise's history in total makes. Atlanta Hawks Trae Young - 1,277 3PM, 35.2% 3PT Trae Young has etched his name atop Hawks history with 1,277 made three-pointers over seven seasons (483 games) since being drafted in 2018. He's averaged 25.3 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, playing around 34.4 minutes while hitting over 35% from downtown. He also has six straight seasons of averaging at least 24 points per game. That is a solid blend of volume and precision that reshaped Atlanta's identity and made him the face of their modern era. Hopefully, the Hawks can capitalize on their point guard's presence and begin building a contender in the Eastern Conference. Boston Celtics Paul Pierce - 1,823 3PM, 44.7 % 3PT Over an iconic 15-year Celtics career and 1,102 games, Paul 'The Truth' Pierce drained 1,823 threes at an elite 37.0% clip, while averaging 21.8 PPG, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, a clutch, efficient marksman with unmatched longevity who anchored Boston's deep scoring for over a decade. Many remember Pierce for being a go-to scorer in the mid-range and even in the paint, but he was a lethal shooter from deep. Make no mistake, if Pierce played today, he would rank among the 3-point leaders in terms of makes. Brooklyn Nets Joe Harris - 984 3PM, 44.0% 3PT Joe Harris stands at the summit of Brooklyn Nets franchise history with 984 career three-pointers made, vaulting past Jason Kidd's previous record of 813 over seven productive seasons in Brooklyn (2016-2023) in 432 games. During his Nets tenure, Harris averaged 11.6 PPG, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while playing 26.9 minutes per contest and shooting a scorching 44.0% from deep on roughly 5.2 attempts per game, a rare model of volume and accuracy. In the 2020-21 season alone, he drilled a franchise-best 211 threes, leading the NBA in three-point percentage that year (47.5%) and doubling down on his reputation as among the league's elite long-range marksmen. Charlotte Hornets Kemba Walker - 1,283 3PM, 35.7% 3PT Kemba Walker tops Hornets history with 1,283 made threes, accumulated over eight-plus seasons while averaging roughly 19.8 PPG, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. To no one's surprise, Walker will likely hold that record until LaMelo Ball most likely beats him. Kemba's street-ball flair and consistent scoring made him the clear deep threat who lifted Charlotte's mid-2000s identity. Walker might not have delivered much success for the franchise, but he won't be forgotten as a true marksman. Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine - 1,130 3PM, 39.0% 3PT Zach LaVine stands alone atop Chicago Bulls history with 1,130 made three-pointers, overtaking Kirk Hinrich's 1,049 to become the franchise's deep-ball king as of July 2025. LaVine amassed that total across eight seasons and 416 games in Chicago, averaging 24.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and roughly 34.5 minutes per game, while shooting 39.0% from deep. His tenure from 2017-18 through 2024-25 saw him evolve into one of the league's most dynamic scorers, blending volume and accuracy as a modern shooting guard. In terms of having the purest and beautiful sniper of a shot, LaVine ranks among the top players in the league today. Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James - 1,251 3PM, 33.7 % 3PT LeBron James owns Cleveland's top deep-ball total with around 1,251 three-pointers, amassed over 11 seasons and 849 games, while averaging 27.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Pure shooting wasn't his M.O., but his production and longevity made him a volume king whose legacy for the Cavaliers extends far beyond the arc. It is very possible and likely that a player of Donovan Mitchell's caliber could one day surpass James, but so far, Cleveland still belongs to The King until further notice when it comes to rings, impact, scoring, or threes made. Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki - 1,982 3PM, 38.0% 3PT Dirk Nowitzki is Dallas's deep-range pioneer with 1,982 made threes at 38.0%, accumulated over his 21-year Mavericks career. He averaged 20.7 PPG for his career, combining size and perimeter touch in a way nobody else did in franchise history, leading the long-ball revolution for his team. We don't imagine that any player could ever surpass Dirk for the Mavericks, because he meant that much to the franchise for at least two decades. We don't anticipate any player wearing a Mavericks uniform who could surpass the big German. Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray- 1,146 3PM, 38.1% 3PT Jamal Murray is the Denver Nuggets' all-time leader in made three-pointers, with 1,146 career threes, surpassing Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic to claim the top spot. Over approximately 536 games, Murray has averaged 18.0 PPG, 4.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, playing about 31.3 minutes per game while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. A four-year, $208 million extension signed in 2024 reflects Denver's belief in his role as a foundational long-range scorer for its championship aspirations, mainly because Murray helped deliver the franchise's only NBA title in the 2023 campaign. Detroit Pistons Joe Dumars - 990 3PM, 38.2% 3PT Joe Dumars stands as the Detroit Pistons' all-time leader in made three-pointers, with 990 career threes in 1,018 games, shooting 38.2% from deep over his storied career. In his era, that level of deep-ball production wasn't common, especially for a guard whose offense was grounded in poise, mid-range consistency, and high-pressure playoff situations. Dumars regularly played 34.5 minutes per game, put up 16.1 points, 4.5 assists, and was a steady, efficient offensive presence during the Pistons' Bad Boys era. His productivity from deep helped the franchise bridge the old school and modern spacing-controlled eras, even before analytics elevated the three-pointer's value. Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry - 4,058 3PM, 42.3 % 3PT Stephen Curry didn't just break franchise records; he shattered NBA history with 4,058 made threes in 16 seasons (1,026 games), averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and playing 34.1 MPG. With 42.3% accuracy, his deep shooting transformed the modern game and made Golden State a long-range dynasty. Curry is the first player anyone will ever remember when they think about shooting because nobody did it better than him. The superstar point guard is undeniably the best shooter we have ever seen, and his all-time three-point record for the Warriors will likely stand the test of time. Houston Rockets James Harden -2,029, 36.2 % 3PT James Harden sits atop Houston Rockets franchise history with an astonishing 2,029 career three-pointers, far surpassing the previous mark of Eric Gordon's 1,054, cementing his legacy as Houston's deepest shooter ever. Over 621 games in a Rockets uniform, Harden averaged 37.0 minutes, 29.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and hoisted 9.0 attempts per game, all while maintaining a respectable 36.2% from long range. That is simply proof of elite volume and efficiency. He led the league in three-point attempts three seasons in a row (2018-2020) and is a three-time scoring champion. After Stephen Curry and probably Damian Lillard, James Harden helped revolutionize the game in terms of relying on the three-point shot. Indiana Pacers Reggie Miller - 2,560 3PM, 39.5 % 3PT Reggie Miller not only owns Indiana's record with 2,560 threes at 39.5%, but cemented himself as one of the NBA's all-time clutch shooters. His volume and consistency across two decades defined the Pacers' long-range reputation and playoff success, pure legacy fuel. Miller would have been a force in today's NBA, but he was during his time. Miller averaged 39.5% from deep, ranks 6th all-time in total threes made, and was the face of the Pacers franchise throughout his career. Los Angeles Clippers Paul George - 820 3PM, 39.7% 3PT Paul George holds the Clippers' three-point record with 820 made threes, ahead of Eric Piatkowski, who sits at 738. George's stroke, two-way play, and shot volume over multiple seasons made him the long-range engine of a team often starved for consistency. George's stint with the Clippers might be forgotten due to the lack of postseason success that came as a result of very high expectations, but he was still a capable scorer. He posted 23.0 PPG with the Clippers, and his sharpshooting was without a doubt a key part of his game. Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant - 1,827 3PM, 32.9% 3PT Despite not being known as a three-point sniper, Kobe Bryant topples Lakers history with 1,827 made threes at 32.9%, amassed over 20 seasons. His volume shooting and fearless, deep-ball confidence reflected his killer instinct and elevated the Lakers' long-range totals across eras. Bryant is obviously one of the greatest offensive players of his time, capturing two scoring titles and having 12 seasons of posting at least 24 points per game. Kobe hit the all-time mark for the Lakers when it comes to threes, and we don't imagine anyone will usurp that. Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley - 1,086 3PM, 37.5% 3PT Mike Conley is the Grizzlies' undisputed long-range king with 1,086 made threes over a 12-season tenure and 788 games in Memphis, surpassing Mike Miller's previous mark of 844 deep balls. Known more for his defense and steadiness, Conley was also a consistent shooting threat, averaging around 1.2 threes per game late in his career while logging around 30 minutes per night, 20.9 PPG, 4.4 APG, and 28.6% effort from deep in his final seasons. His three-point accuracy and smart decision-making complemented Memphis's gritty identity, turning him into the franchise's most dependable perimeter anchor of an era defined by toughness and team culture. Miami Heat Duncan Robinson - 1,202 3PM, 39.7% 3PT Over seven seasons in Miami (423 games), Duncan Robinson emerged as the Miami Heat's premier deep threat, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in made threes with 1,202 triples, surpassing Tyler Herro and Tim Hardaway. Robinson was a model of efficiency, notching 39.7% from deep across roughly 7.2 attempts per game. His precision and volume made him a constant floor spacer and an uninterrupted fixture in Miami's pick-and-roll-heavy system, and he earned a place in two All-Star Weekend three-point contests. Milwaukee Bucks Khris Middleton - 1,382 3PM, 38.9% 3PT Khris Middleton holds the Bucks' franchise record with 1,382 career three-pointers made, surpassing Ray Allen's 1,051 and anchoring his standing as Milwaukee's most prolific deep-ball shooter. Over 735 games, Middleton averaged 17.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, and shot 38.9% from three, blending scoring versatility with efficiency and climbing to over 3,550 career makes at age 33. He quietly delivered from deep throughout Milwaukee's title run and beyond, using consistent accuracy, despite injury setbacks, to claim franchise leader status. Middleton formed a dynamic duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he certainly was able to generate threes because of the big man's presence. Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards- 1,109 3PM, 36.4% 3PT Anthony Edwards became the Timberwolves' all-time leader in 3-point field goals made when his 976th trey surpassed Karl-Anthony Towns on January 25, 2025, and has since risen to 1,109 career threes at 36.4% from three in his career to date. As a scoring dynamo, he averaged around 27.6 points per game, led the league with 320 made threes in one season, and consistently converted at a high clip in Minnesota's breakout playoff runs. Edwards' ability to mix iso scoring with deep shooting has transformed the T-Wolves' offensive identity from perimeter-challenged to modern spacing reliability. As great as Edwards is from deep, he will be far more dominant if he focuses more on attacking the rim because of his supreme athleticism. New Orleans Pelicans CJ McCollum- 692 3PM, 39.8% 3PT CJ McCollum is the New Orleans Pelicans' all-time leader in career threes with 692 made, overtaking previous franchise marks, achieved over 223 games in New Orleans with an efficient 39.8% clip. He averaged 21.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 39.8% from deep, anchoring the team's spacing and veteran leadership. McCollum officially set the Pelicans' record on January 29, 202,5, with a dramatic corner three in crunch time, solidifying his reputation as a reliable scorer in high-leverage moments, no matter what team he plays for. New York Knicks John Starks - 982 3PM, 34.5 % 3PT John Starks leads the Knicks with 982 three-pointers made at 34.5%, delivering volume and grit through his mid-'90s prime. His fearless, catch-and-fire mentality made him a rare deep specialist in a rugged offensive era in New York. Starks was mainly known for his raw scoring and defensive toughness instead of his three-point shot specifically, as the guard posted 14.1 PPG for his career with the Knicks, and he has a little under 500 threes more than the current superstar point guard of the franchise, Jalen Brunson. Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant- 1,143 3PM, 38.0% 3PT Kevin Durant holds the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise record in made three-pointers with 1,143 career treys, ahead of long-time teammate Russell Westbrook's 922, a mark amassed over 641 games, with 37.8 minutes per game, 27.4 PPG, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, all while shooting a sharp 38.0% from three-point range. He dominated OKC from 2008 to 2016, earning multiple scoring titles, seven All-Star selections, and leading the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals. His deep ball volume was a foundational part of one of the most prolific scoring eras in franchise history. Durant's three-point prowess wasn't just about volume; it was a defining weapon in a high-scoring repertoire, one that reshaped Oklahoma City's identity long before the era of maximum modern spacing. Orlando Magic Dennis Scott - 981 3PM, 40.3 % 3PT Dennis Scott holds Orlando's record with 981 made threes at an efficient 40.3%, anchoring the Magic's formative '90s teams with deep-ball credibility. His proportionally high percentage and volume underscored Orlando's early run to national relevance. Scott is one of the most underrated shooters of his generation, considering his elite shooting form that never seemed to waver. Had he played today, Scott would have been a major impact player because of his floor spacing. Philadelphia 76ers Allen Iverson - 885 3PM, 30.9 % 3PT Despite his low efficiency (30.9%), Allen Iverson tops the 76ers' history with 885 made threes, reflecting volume and aggressiveness in his prime. His overall scoring dominance overshadowed accuracy, but it still puts him atop the franchise's deep-ball leaderboard. There isn't anybody on the Sixers not named Tyrese Maxey who could have the green light from deep like Iverson had. The four-time scoring champion and all-time great had his way with the ball, and he managed to climb to second for total points and first for threes made for the Sixers. Phoenix Suns Devin Booker- 1,424 3PM, 35.4% 3PT In Phoenix Suns history, Devin Booker stands alone at the top with 1,424 career three-pointers made, surpassing Steve Nash's previous mark of 1,051, all while playing 10 seasons and 673 games in the orange-and-purple uniform. Over that span, Booker has logged 34.4 minutes per game, averaged 24.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, and maintained a steady 35.4% clip from downtown, combining volume and consistency like few before him. His deep shooting exploded in 2024-25, during which he averaged 25.6 PPG, 7.1 APG, shot 46.1% from the field, and even hit 33.2% from three, career-high usage with elite efficiency management. Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard -2,387 3PM, 37.2 % 3PT Damian Lillard leads Trail Blazers history with over 2,300 threes at 37.2%, delivering shot-making and veteran poise during Portland's stint year after year. His appearance as Blazers' all-time deep snipers underscores his clutch, consistent contributions from outside. Lillard has to be firmly in the conversation for being the greatest player in Blazers history, at least alongside Clyde Drexler. Lillard was also an elite scorer beyond just a shooter, holding an average of 25.2 PPG with 8 seasons of at least 24 PPG scored for the franchise. Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield - 1,248 3PM, 40.2 % 3PT Buddy Hield sank over 1,200 threes at a nearly 40.2% clip during his Kings tenure, a mark that still anchors franchise history. His pure stroke and volume were central to Sacramento's difficult years until the sharpshooter moved on to greener pastures. Amazingly, Hield managed to break Peja Stojakovic's record. One of the best pure shooters in NBA history, Peja was a very capable scorer who probably wished he played in today's era. San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili - 1,495 3PM, 36.9 % 3PT Manu Ginobili leads Spurs history with 1,495 threes made at 36.9% across his 16-year Spurs run. His crafty play, clutch shooting, and high basketball IQ made him San Antonio's most prolific perimeter threat and a cornerstone of their dynasty. Ginobili had to accept a sixth man role for the majority of his career in San Antonio, and yet still managed to drain the most threes. In second place comes Patty Mills, who managed 1,171 threes. Toronto Raptors Kyle Lowry - 1,518 3PM, 37.7% 3PT Would anybody think that another player would pop up when discussing the Raptors? Kyle Lowry is Toronto's deep-range king with 1,518 made threes at 37.7%, offering shooting stability and leadership during the Raptors' playoff and championship era. His steady scoring left an outsized mark on a franchise that certainly has its ups and downs throughout the 2010s. Anybody who watched the Raptors knows the importance of Lowry, and his three-point shot was a major addition. Utah Jazz Joe Ingles - 1,071 3PM, 40.8% 3PT Joe Ingles stands atop Utah Jazz history with 1,071 career three-pointers made, surpassing Hall-of-Fame John Stockton's previous franchise record of 845 deep balls. Over 590 regular-season games with Utah, he averaged 25.7 minutes, 8.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting a highly efficient 40.8% from beyond the arc, making him not just prolific but elite in accuracy. Ingles played across eight seasons (2014-22) in Salt Lake City, seamlessly blending floor spacing with smart playmaking as both a starter and an impact reserve. Even if you might have expected John Stockton, there is no denying Ingles' impact as a raw shooter. Washington Wizards Bradley Beal - 1,514 3PM, 37.2% 3PT Bradley Beal tops Wizards history with 1,514 three-pointers made, easily outpacing the next player, Gilbert Arenas, at 868. While his exact percentage isn't listed, his volume and scoring consistency over a decade make him Washington's deep-ball cornerstone. It's a shame that Beal can no longer drain threes for the Wizards franchise, but his record will likely stand for a while, and we don't see anybody on the current roster who could make more outside story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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NBA Insider Hints Lakers Can Still Make A Trade; Lists 4 Players Who Could Be Traded originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Los Angeles Lakers insider Jovan Buha has suggested that while the franchise is currently in a holding pattern, there is still the possibility of a meaningful trade this summer. Speaking on his podcast, Buha outlined the Lakers' tradeable assets and how they could pivot depending on how the season unfolds. "The Lakers can still make a move, and that's what you mentioned in your tweet. They still have their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick, and they've got the expiring contracts of Rui, Gabe, and Maxi. They also have Dalton Knecht, so there is a move to be made this summer." "That said, I still think there are limitations to how much they can actually improve. It seems like they're trying to keep their first-round pick for 2026 or 2027, possibly with the intention of making a bigger trade down the road, one where they'd have multiple picks to offer." "Right now, they also have a second-rounder they can move. But if we're talking about a trade package of just Rui, Gabe, Maxi, Dalton, and a second, or some combination of those pieces, I don't think you're getting anything great or a meaningful upgrade." "To really get something of substance, it would probably require including a first-rounder. If they're willing to put that first on the table and truly go for it with all their tradeable assets, then yeah, I think they can find something that upgrades this roster." That list of four names: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht, form the current trade base the Lakers could use without sacrificing their core. Buha was quick to point out that such a package, unless paired with a first-round pick, would likely not bring back a game-changer. The Lakers currently hold over $110 million in expiring deals, including those of LeBron James and Austin Reaves. LeBron is expected to play out the final year of his contract in 2025–26, with no indication of a trade or buyout request from his camp. Reaves, on the other hand, is projected to decline his player option and command a long-term deal in the $30 million per year range. There's also the Luka Doncic factor. Following the shocking blockbuster trade that brought him to Los Angeles, the Lakers' top priority now is extending the generational star. Doncic is reportedly all-in on the franchise, showing commitment through a major physical transformation and an aggressive recruiting spree that brought in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. He is expected to sign a four-year, $220 million extension or opt for a shorter deal to maximize his next payday. With Luka seemingly entering win-now mode and LeBron still performing as arguably the best No. 2 option in basketball, the Lakers could be contemplating two parallel strategies. First, they want to preserve cap space for the 2026 free agency class, where they could target a major superstar or add multiple high-level contributors. Second, if the 2025–26 season begins strong and the roster looks just one piece away, the Lakers could flip the switch and include their 2031 first-round pick in a midseason trade to elevate their title odds. It all comes down to timing. While the Lakers are playing the long game with one eye on cap flexibility and Luka's extended prime, they're also not ruling out going all-in if the right situation story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Jovan Buha Lists 5 Reasons Why Lakers Should Be Considered A Major Threat originally appeared on Fadeaway World. With the offseason heating up and contenders reshuffling for a championship push, NBA insider Jovan Buha believes the Los Angeles Lakers should be taken seriously as a legitimate title threat heading into the 2025–26 season. Buha outlined five key reasons behind his belief, and none of them require outlandish optimism. If anything, the stars in Lakerland are finally aligning. Here's why. 1. Luka's Revenge Season Is Coming Luka Doncic heard it all last year that he was traded from Dallas due to questions about his commitment, leadership, conditioning, and long-term potential. And the sting of that criticism only deepened during the Lakers' first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Luka was relentlessly targeted on defense and visibly worn down late in games. The noise got louder. Doncic's body language, effort, and defense were criticized by fans, media, and former players alike. But instead of sulking, Luka responded. Hard. This offseason, Doncic has undergone a complete physical and mental transformation. His recent feature in Men's Mental Health magazine revealed a redefined physique and strict regimen, 16-hour fasting, no gluten, no sugar, and an intense training program that has reshaped his frame. But it's not just about the weight loss. It's about mindset. Sources close to the team believe Luka is entering 'revenge season' with MVP-caliber urgency. His offseason recruitment of Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton further signals he's bought into the Lakers long term. All indications point to him signing a four-year, $220 million extension in the coming week. If that happens, expect monster numbers and a relentless drive to silence every critic. The kid is out for blood. 2. Deandre Ayton Addresses The Lakers' Biggest Weakness The Lakers' biggest flaw last season wasn't hard to spot. Once again, they lacked a reliable starting center. Jaxson Hayes showed flashes but simply wasn't consistent enough to anchor the paint. Enter Deandre Ayton. Bought out by Portland, Ayton joins the Lakers with a chip on his shoulder and a golden opportunity. A former No. 1 overall pick with career averages hovering over a double-double, Ayton has all the tools to thrive alongside Luka and LeBron. At just 27, he could become the Lakers' long-term answer at center, provided he brings consistent effort and improves defensively. Jaxson Hayes' re-signing adds bench depth, and sources say the Lakers are still exploring other big men such as Robert Williams III or Nikola Vucevic to fortify the rotation. For the first time in years, the Lakers have the flexibility and now the personnel to finally plug the center hole. 3. The Lakers Can Still Make A Trade As Buha recently noted on his podcast, the Lakers aren't done. Despite their limited draft capital, they still have several key assets that could be moved in-season: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht, plus their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick and at least one second-rounder. While those assets alone may not net a star, packaging them with a first could land a meaningful upgrade at the trade deadline, especially if the Lakers are a piece away from contending. With over $110 million in expiring deals and LeBron James still on the roster, don't be surprised if the Lakers get aggressive midseason. They're also holding out cap space for 2026, but that won't stop them from pushing the chips in if the time is right. Luka and LeBron are too good to waste a year. 4. LeBron James Is Still the Best No. 2 Option In the League LeBron James will be 41 during the 2025–26 season. He's entering his 23rd NBA campaign. And he's still one of the 10 best players in the world. Even last season, James made an All-NBA team and regularly took over down the stretch. His explosiveness might have declined slightly, but his IQ, passing, shooting, and clutch shot-making remain elite. Most importantly, LeBron has seemingly embraced his role as the second option behind Luka, and that makes the Lakers dangerous. Despite offseason noise suggesting friction with the front office over the team's long-term Luka focus, LeBron never demanded a trade or buyout. In fact, his camp clarified that he's fully committed. As the best No. 2 option in basketball, LeBron elevates the Lakers into contender territory automatically. He's been here before. He knows how to win. 5. Roster And Coaching Continuity Will Pay Off The Lakers finished third in the West last year with 50 wins, and that was with Luka joining midseason and struggling with fitness. Even amid all that, the roster clicked. Now, they've added Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia, three pieces that address key needs. More importantly, they've retained the rest of the core. JJ Redick, entering his second year as head coach, showed promise as a tactician and communicator. Players trust him. He has the locker room. And with a full offseason to implement his schemes around Luka and LeBron, this team could take another leap. While other contenders undergo roster shakeups or navigate superstar drama, the Lakers are stable and motivated. Continuity matters in the NBA, especially when your stars are aligned and the locker room is united. The Lakers Are A Sneaky Contender The Lakers aren't just a legacy team relying on past glory. They're built to win now, and Jovan Buha's five reasons make a compelling case. Luka Doncic's transformation and leadership. Deandre Ayton's arrival at a position of need. Smart midseason trade flexibility. LeBron James is still a top-10 player. A cohesive roster with coaching stability. In short: don't sleep on the Lakers. They're not just a threat. They might be the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
