Luka Doncic flashed preseason form, slicing defenses and knocking down step‑back threes to pace a Lakers showing while LeBron James is sidelined. A fiery Birmingham moment between Jos Alvarado and Amen Thompson added heat to a night that underscored how Luka’s usage could carry a rebuilding Lakers depth chart. Zion Williamson and Zion’s teammates highlighted Pelicans’ upside with health on his side, while the Spurs’ Wembanyama talked MVP odds and the West’s depth kept questions flowing about who can actually separate in a crowded race.

The West Coast update layered in MVP chatter—SGA, Luka, and Wemby among the front‑runners—while discussions of health risk, load management, and long seasons kept bettors and fantasy managers weighing value all the way through spring. The mini brawl and highlight plays served as a reminder that every fixture matters for season-long projections and playoff pacing, not just storylines.