Nikola Jokic headlines a tight 2025-26 awards race, with Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in MVP contention. Cooper Flagg runs away with Rookie of the Year in a loaded class, while Victor Wembanyama eyes DPOY if he hits the 65-game mark. Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero, Zion Williamson and LeBron James pepper the field in other categories, as Mosley looks poised to win Coach of the Year amid Orlando’s resurgence.

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.