Cavaliers fans project a 60+-win pace this season, with nearly 50% predicting 58-63 wins and 18% matching or exceeding last year’s total. Wing depth remains the primary concern, even after a February addition of De’Andre Hunter. Regular-season optimism is high, but postseason success remains the true benchmark for the team. Betting markets peg the Cavs around 56.5 wins, underscoring the tension between regular-season production and playoff impact.

The conversation centers on whether Cleveland’s stars can stay aligned in the postseason as depth at wings, guards, and bigs is tested. Hunter’s presence eases some wing anxiety, but the Cavaliers’ ceiling will hinge on how well the rotation scales in playoffs and whether the core can translate regular-season momentum into deep playoff runs.

Max Strus will miss the start of Cleveland's season after foot surgery, likely sidelining him for roughly 20-30 games. The Cavaliers shift to a rotation that leans on De’Andre Hunter at the three, increasing his early fantasy value while testing wing depth behind him. Beasley remains a potential, but the club’s payroll and luxury tax constraints make a major signing unlikely right away. For fantasy managers, Hunter’s immediate role and Beasley’s next step are the key questions as the season opens.

LeBron James trade rumors are heating up as speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues. A report suggests that a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers could unfold, creating a compelling narrative for his storied career. A proposed five-team trade would see LeBron, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler heading to Cleveland, while the Lakers would acquire Lauri Markkanen, De'Andre Hunter, and Max Strus, among others. This trade could reshape the landscape of the NBA, particularly for the Lakers as they look to build around Luka Doncic.

Markkanen, an All-Star, has shown consistent performance with averages of 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds. Meanwhile, Hunter’s scoring potential adds depth to the Lakers' roster. Strus brings three-and-D capabilities that align with the current defensive strategy necessary for a successful run. The challenge lies in parting with Reaves, a young scorer with upside, which raises questions about the Lakers' long-term strategy. A shift away from LeBron would significantly impact the franchise.

The Los Angeles Lakers have entered a transformative phase for the 2025-26 season, bolstered by the addition of Deandre Ayton. With a core comprising Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have the potential to be a championship contender. However, the front office is aware that merely having star power isn’t sufficient to navigate the competitive landscape of the Western Conference.

In their pursuit of strengthening the roster, the Lakers are eyeing veteran players in the buyout market, strategic free-agent acquisitions, and potential trades aimed at enhancing perimeter defense and shot creation. Notably, the team is considering players like De'Andre Hunter, Quentin Grimes, Andrew Wiggins, and Malcolm Brogdon, each bringing unique skills that could complement the Lakers’ star trio.

The Cleveland Cavaliers concluded the 2024-25 season with an impressive 64-18 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. This season showcased multiple fantasy stars, with four players finishing in the top 55 and six in the top 130 for per-game value. Evan Mobley emerged not only as the team’s defensive anchor, winning the Defensive Player of the Year at just 23 years old, but also made strides offensively. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 made three-pointers per game. Meanwhile, Ty Jerome proved vital off the bench, bouncing back from injury to average a career-high 12.5 points. However, Donovan Mitchell's performance fell short of expectations, ranking 30th in per-game value while dealing with reduced playing time.

As the Cavaliers prepare for the 2025-26 season, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Mobley for early-round consideration. The team’s strategy to deepen their rotation paid off with notable efficiency gains across the board. Look for players like Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen to maintain their solid contributions, while newcomers like De'Andre Hunter and Max Strus aim to carve out more significant roles.