Lakers pivot to Luka Doncic as their focal point, signing a three-year extension in a reshaped offense designed to run through him while LeBron James and Austin Reaves play off the ball. Doncic is working on catch-and-shoot efficiency and off-ball movement to free space for teammates, aiming to make the offense less vanilla and more versatile. A full training camp with the trio could finally unlock rhythm they’ve chased since the deal was struck, mirroring dynamic eras where star combos clicked with late-season chemistry and strategic spacing.

The plan hinges on Doncic’s shooting gravity, his comfort without the ball, and collaborative coaching input (including EuroBasket ties) to map a path for him to impact the game when James or Reaves has the ball. All three shooters carry above-average 3-point marks, so spacing isn’t just viable—it’s essential. If the Lakers can blend Doncic’s ball handling with off-ball precision, they could dodge last season’s ad-hoc chemistry while capitalizing on a modern, drive-and-kick offense during a loaded Western slate.

Fantasy take: Doncic’s off-ball growth could lift his efficiency and 3-point volume, while LeBron and Reaves may see steadier shot opportunities and better clean looks. A settled camp could push Doncic toward higher assist-through-shooting combos and more reliable off-ball scoring, nudging overall production up for multiple Lakers in a fantasy round this season.

Luka Doncic lands at 95 overall in NBA 2K26, the fourth-highest rating, signaling elite status as the new season approaches. A modest dip from last year’s 97 is noted, but improved conditioning shown in Slovenian exhibitions sparks MVP‑caliber expectations for the Mavericks’ star. LeBron James sits at 94, seventh, with Jokic still looming as the standard bearer. The piece frames Doncic as the focal point whose on‑court dominance could surge again as shape and usage align this season.

2K26’s reveal sets a clear storyline: Doncic remains the franchise engine, LeBron still a fantasy cornerstone for LAL, and Jokic’s star power anchors the era’s top tier. The chatter around 2K27 hints at ongoing evolution, but real‑world performance will determine fantasy value far more than virtual ratings ever could.

LeBron James heads into his 23rd NBA season, a landmark at age 40, and NBA 2K26 reinforces his enduring relevance with a 94 overall rating that ranks seventh among players. The update follows a season in which he averaged 24.4 points on 51.3% shooting, 37.6% from three, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds. The Lakers legend now shares the floor off-ball with Luka Dončić, a setup that could help sustain elite counting stats by easing shot creation duties while keeping Lakers’ offense dynamic. The 2K26 roster reveals drop as the game hits shelves on Sept. 5, with early access for some editions starting Aug. 29.

Paige Bueckers exploded for 44 points in a career night, the most by a rookie in WNBA history, as the Dallas Wings fell 81-80 to the Los Angeles Sparks. The performance amplified her star power, with All-Star starter status and a courtside spotlight that included Ellen Pompeo and Shemar Moore, who later connected with Bueckers in the tunnel. The night underscored the draw of a breakout rookie who can lift a franchise’s fantasy appeal even in a loss.

The scene wasn’t only about Bueckers; Holmgren and Green were among the onlookers, signaling cross-sport interest in the league. Bueckers is averaging 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.7 steals this season, a profile that fantasy managers will monitor as Dallas tries to maximize her playmaking around a Wings attack. The Sparks’ late-game defense slammed the door on a potential playoff push for Dallas, but the legend-in-the-making moment should echo through the rest of the season for fantasy and bettors alike.

NBA 2K26 unveils its Top 100, and the Dallas Mavericks punch three players into the elite group: Anthony Davis sits at No. 12 with a 93 overall, Kyrie Irving is right behind at No. 24 with a 90, and Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the draft, lands at No. 79 with an 82. Flagg earns a special nod as the game’s top rookie, surpassing Dylan Harper by four points. The list also notes that PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford did not crack the Top 100 this year.

Irving’s ACL rehab will shape early-season usage, while Davis is anticipated to shoulder Mavericks’ heavy lifting as the primary option. Lively II and Gafford are highlighted as solid shot-blocking talents (both at 91), and the game assigns Jokic and Curry standout mid-range and ball-handling benchmarks. Irving’s ball-handling reaches 99; Jokic sits at 98 mid-range, while Thompson checks in with 89 from deep. The release schedule lands Sept. 5 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access on Aug. 29 for deluxe versions. Dallas fans also get a preseason test versus Oklahoma City in Fort Worth ahead of the full launch.