The 2025-26 NBA season is expected to shake things up in both conferences.
During the 2025-26 NBA season, every team will be looking forward to dethroning the Oklahoma City Thunder as the defending champions of the league.
This includes the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the two juggernauts are in for a surprise next season – at least, that’s what experts believe.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesMilwaukee Bucks, LA Lakers most likely to ‘take a tumble’ next season
The Lakers have already had a terrific offseason, but the front office is still making moves. That was evident with the addition of Kylor Kelley in a backup center role for Deandre Ayton.
On the other hand, the Bucks have had a terrible offseason, one where they waived Damian Lillard to sign former Indiana Pacer Myles Turner.
Evidently, many believe that the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks are in for a terrible season. However, an anonymous poll featuring top ESPN insiders confirmed that doubt.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo is still one of the best players in the world. Still, the talent gap between him and the rest of the roster is striking, even after Milwaukee made an unprecedented move to sign Myles Turner in free agency.
“… The Bucks’ plan for success this season will be to lean heavily on Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has shouldered massive tasks before, but getting this roster into contention without a clear second star will require, perhaps, his most herculean effort,” Jamal Collier wrote.
For context, the Bucks topped the list with 41 points while the Lakers came second at 32 points. The Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics were tied for third spot with 28 points each.
LA Lakers were voted the second-most likely NBA team to make a blockbuster trade
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
While the Lakers have made terrific additions to their roster, the future of LeBron James remains a big question mark heading into the 2025-26 season.
With Luka Doncic taking on the responsibility as the face of the franchise, the Lakers were voted the second-most likely team to make a blockbuster trade before the deadline by the panel.
“The Lakers, who are transitioning into the Luka Doncic era, have maintained a few first-round sweeteners that can be used to get a deal done as LeBron James’ expiring contract looms.
“For the Cavaliers’ situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement,” Anthony Slater wrote for ESPN.
He added: “If they fear their high-value core four won’t get it done in the playoffs again, they may decide to flip one and change up the mix.”
The Golden State Warriors were named the most likely team on the list. Obviously, due to the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga saga.