LeBron James starts his 23rd NBA season, chasing a historic longevity run while remaining one of fantasy basketball’s premier assets when healthy. Lakers chatter centers on whether LA will pursue a dramatic LeBron–Knicks swap, a move that would instantly reshape title odds in the East and test the balance of the Lakers’ roster. While the odds fluctuate, James’s continued excellence keeps him squarely in fantasy rosters, with Bronny James and Dalton Knecht in the mix as potential future pieces. Luka Doncic anchors attention as a co-leader in the league’s fantasy landscape, and the conversation widens with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Desmond Bane as possible trade or lineup fulcrums. The Knicks’ hypothetical bid would push rival teams to reconfigure, while the Lakers’ path remains geared toward championship contention rather than a blockbuster reboot.

Orlando Magic unveil retro-inspired pinstripe jerseys to honor 36 years and spark a fresh era. Sam Quinn's ranking puts their primary look high, with a modern font that stirs nostalgia and minor quibbles about a blue accent. The rebrand targets fan excitement and fantasy buzz ahead of 2025-26.

On the court, Orlando lands Desmond Bane from Memphis in a four-first-round-picks deal, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony moving to Memphis. Bane joins Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs as the centerpiece of a young, high-upside core aimed at top Eastern contention.

NBA insiders spot a wave of high-upside arrivals that could bend fantasy value this season. Durant joins Houston as a trusted closer, Bane slides into Orlando to lift the Magic’s 3-point game, and Cameron Johnson lands in Denver to pair with Jokic and boost spacing. Ayton’s move to the Lakers adds interior punch, Porzingis shores up Atlanta’s defense and floor spacing, while Beal and Powell provide seasoned scoring depth in L.A. and Miami. Dylan Harper and Edgecombe enter as rookies and wings poised to surprise, with Mike Brown’s Knicks and a reshaped supporting cast stirring the mix.

Coaching swaps, new surrounding casts, and the year’s top rookies reshape roles across the board. Expect big swings in top-line usage, late-round breakouts, and a few surprise fantasy risers as the 2025-26 season unfolds. This preview highlights the new paths for impact players and where fantasy managers should look for late-season leverage.

Five breakout candidates to watch in fantasy basketball this season are Matas Buzelis, Desmond Bane, Andrew Nembhard, Kevin Porter Jr., and Sam Hauser. Buzelis Michał‑style growth could push him into a steady starting role with Chicago, especially with the Bulls balancing a playoff push and developing his outside shot. Desmond Bane could see a higher usage bucket after roster moves, while Nembhard and Porter Jr. stand to benefit from increased minutes and multi‑category production. Hauser offers late‑round threes and rebounds with strong shooting history and a path to bigger minutes in Boston.

The piece emphasizes role shifts, longer seasons, and the potential for career-best numbers as rookies mature and veterans adapt to new supporting casts. It also notes how air-tight shooting and multi‑cat contributions can unlock value in adjacent categories, making these players appealing targets late in drafts and in daily fantasy leagues.