Dallas’ 45-year run begins with a focus on the franchise’s most impactful veterans, spanning scoring punch, shooting, durability and rebounding. Dale Ellis, A.C. Green, Detlef Schrempf, Adrian Dantley, Herb Williams, George McCloud, Nick Van Exel, Jim Spanarkel, Popeye Jones and Maxi Kleber each left a lasting mark in Dallas and beyond, shaping the Mavericks’ identity and offering clear fantasy threads for different eras.

Key takeaways for fantasy managers: Ellis’ outside volume, Green’s durability and boards, Schrempf’s scoring-playmaking mix, Dantley’s prolific scoring, Williams’ rim presence, McCloud’s shooting touch, Van Exel’s scoring bursts off the bench, Spanarkel’s floor leadership, Jones’ rebounding motor, and Kleber’s modern two-way role that blends spacing with defense. The list emphasizes longevity and peak-prime impact across positions.

The Lakers are stacking around Luka Dončić with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, while weighing Maxi Kleber’s future. Rob Pelinka surveys a trade-deadline window, aiming to add Gabe Vincent and Kleber on expiring deals to boost shooting and defense without destabilizing Dončić’s comfort zone. The plan hinges on a precise balance of upside and chemistry, with a February move likely to define the ceiling of this duo-anchored core.

Vincent alongside Kleber could unlock spacing for Dončić’s playmaking, while Ayton provides rim protection and finishing at the rim. If Pelinka preserves Dončić’s happiness, he may hesitate to move Kleber midseason, but both expiring contracts keep the Lakers active in pursuit of a true rotation upgrade.

Los Angeles sits with a near-identity roster for 2025-26, built to win games and score, even as the front office keeps eyes on the next wave of star talent. Ayton arrives as a clear upgrade at center, Jaxson Hayes returns to a solid depth role, and Marcus Smart adds grit and defense. Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber are valued assets unlikely to be traded away before camp, while Rui Hachimura is kept in the rotation. LeBron James remains the engine, and Luka Doncic’s peak form looms as a reminder of the league’s elite. The Lakers intend to preserve cap space for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic in upcoming summers, while staying aggressive at this season’s trade deadline.

Los Angeles added Kylor Kelley to its center mix on an Exhibit 10 contract, aiming to bolster Ayton's spellings behind him. Ayton's star potential remains, with Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber backing up the bigs. Kelley, seven feet, undrafted in 2020, spent last season with South Bay in the G League, posting 11.1 points on 67.4% FG, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 24.3 minutes, after brief NBA stints with Dallas and New Orleans and a season in Italy. The move signals depth-building ahead of training camp.