EuroBasket cemented Luka Doncic as a fantasy force again, posting 34.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game to lead Slovenia into the quarterfinals. A brutal trade in February—Dallas to L.A. for Anthony Davis—spurred a dramatic offseason conditioning push: long rests, resistance work, and a split schedule that emphasized pure fitness and padel tennis. In L.A., Luka and LeBron form a high-IQ, high-usage duo, setting the stage for a potential MVP-type season. The season-opening clash with Golden State on Oct. 21 could be a watershed moment for fantasy managers tracking the Lakers’ ceiling.

The piece connects Silver’s remarks about the trade to Luka’s revamped approach, suggesting the kick in the pants fueled a transformation that could translate to sustained, elite production in a crowded Western Conference. Lakers fans and fantasy managers alike will be watching to see if the conditioning translates to durable, peak-volume performances across 82 games and into late-season playoff pushes.

Jimmy Butler joined Golden State midseason and immediately impacted the rotation, linking with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. A Warriors highlight reel showcases his Bay Area moments, while a full training camp could unlock his best version and fuel another title run.

Butler’s presence brings elite defense and secondary scoring, with Curry’s gravity amplifying his drive-and-kick game. If health and fit align, Golden State’s ceiling rises and fantasy managers should track Butler’s minutes, usage, and matchup-driven splits all season.

Jonathan Kuminga remains in a high-stakes stalemate with Golden State as the Warriors push a four-year deal with a team option, while Kuminga seeks greater control and a path to unrestricted free agency. In August, ownership and front office pressed: Do you want to be here? The stalemate drags into September as the club plans around Curry and a potential post-contest roster strategy, keeping a trade-or-bench path alive.

Key leverage centers on an $8 million qualifying offer, offering next-summer flexibility but risking market value and team control. The Warriors pursue cap-friendly, trade-ready structure with early Bird rights, while Kuminga and his agent push for a player option or other paths to true long-term autonomy. The surrounding chatter links to Horford, Melton, and a broader plan to stay competitive while preserving options.