Fran Leiva
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Articles by Fran Leiva
Grading Lakers Players In The Preseason: Who Was Good, Average, Or Disappointing?
The 2026 Preseason is over for the Los Angeles Lakers, and I gotta say, some of these guys really surprised me. They finished 2-3 after losing 121-106 to the Nuggets on Friday night, but the record isn’t really what I’m worried about. I’m much more interested in who actually looked ready to play, who might have earned a starting spot, and who probably made JJ Redick’s life a little more complicated heading into Opening Night. And we’re not wasting time with Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves here.
Grading Lakers Players In The Preseason: Who Was Good, Average, Or Disappointing?
The 2026 Preseason is over for the Los Angeles Lakers, and I gotta say, some of these guys really surprised me. They finished 2-3 after losing 121-106 to the Nuggets on Friday night, but the record isn’t really what I’m worried about. I’m much more interested in who actually looked ready to play, who might have earned a starting spot, and who probably made JJ Redick’s life a little more complicated heading into Opening Night. And we’re not wasting time with Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves here.
4 NBA Teams That Should Try To Steal A Knicks Role Player
Fresh off their first championship in 53 years, the New York Knicks are already facing a massive roster crunch. It’s a bizarre spot for a defending champ, but that’s life when your starting five eats up almost $192 million, and you’re sweating under the second apron. Per Stefan Bondy of the NY Post and Ian Begley of SNY, New York’s actively shopping Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek. The goal?
3 Reasons The Detroit Pistons Could Be The East’s Biggest Disappointment
After reaching the sixth seed and a playoff berth in 2025, the Detroit Pistons were probably the biggest surprise in the NBA last season, and I don’t think anybody expected them to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference that quickly. They went 60-22, finished seven games ahead of the eventual champion Knicks, and looked like one of the most difficult teams to play against for most of the year.
4 NBA Teams That Should Try To Steal A Knicks Role Player
Fresh off their first championship in 53 years, the New York Knicks are already facing a massive roster crunch. It’s a bizarre spot for a defending champ, but that’s life when your starting five eats up almost $192 million, and you’re sweating under the second apron. Per Stefan Bondy of the NY Post and Ian Begley of SNY, New York’s actively shopping Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek. The goal?
3 Reasons The Detroit Pistons Could Be The East’s Biggest Disappointment
After reaching the sixth seed and a playoff berth in 2025, the Detroit Pistons were probably the biggest surprise in the NBA last season, and I don’t think anybody expected them to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference that quickly. They went 60-22, finished seven games ahead of the eventual champion Knicks, and looked like one of the most difficult teams to play against for most of the year.
Karl-Anthony Towns To The Warriors? Why This Trade Could Be Perfect For Both Teams
Things are getting pretty uncomfortable between Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks, and we’re talking about a team that literally just won the NBA championship. The Knicks have officially paused extension negotiations with Towns, despite previously offering him a four-year deal worth around $200.0 million, approximately $76.0 million less than the maximum extension he’s eligible to receive.
Karl-Anthony Towns To The Warriors? Why This Trade Could Be Perfect For Both Teams
Things are getting pretty uncomfortable between Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks, and we’re talking about a team that literally just won the NBA championship. The Knicks have officially paused extension negotiations with Towns, despite previously offering him a four-year deal worth around $200.0 million, approximately $76.0 million less than the maximum extension he’s eligible to receive.
The 10 Most Expensive Starting Lineups In The NBA For 2026-27
The 2026-27 NBA season is just about to begin, and we’ve already had our fair share of massive contracts, extensions, and blockbuster trades throughout one of the craziest offseasons in recent years. With Opening Night coming next week, we’re taking a look at the 10 most expensive projected starting lineups in the entire league. Of course, the Knicks are dealing with a complicated situation involving Karl-Anthony Towns and his contract extension, even after winning the 2026 championship.
How Many Games Can The Warriors Win Without Kristaps Porzingis? Original
The regular season hasn’t even tipped off yet, and Kristaps Porzingis is already out indefinitely with an undisclosed health issue. Nobody has a real timeline for when he’s actually getting back on the floor, which’s just a brutal way to start the year for a Golden State Warriors squad that literally just dropped $40.0 million over two years to keep him around, especially coming off a rough 37-45 season where they missed the playoffs.
How Many Games Can The Warriors Win Without Kristaps Porzingis?
The regular season hasn't even tipped off yet, and Kristaps Porzingis is already out indefinitely with an undisclosed health issue. Nobody has a real timeline for when he's actually getting back on the floor, which's just a brutal way to start the year for a Golden State Warriors squad that literally just dropped $40.0 million over two years to keep him around, especially coming off a rough 37-45 season where they missed the playoffs.
4 Walter Clayton Jr. Trade Destinations That Could Give Him A Fresh Start
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Memphis Grizzlies are exploring trades involving Walter Clayton Jr. and GG Jackson II as they try to clear some roster spots before the 2026-27 season begins. And considering Memphis just acquired Clayton from the Jazz in February as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. blockbuster, that’s a pretty quick change of plans.
4 Walter Clayton Jr. Trade Destinations That Could Give Him A Fresh Start
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Memphis Grizzlies are exploring trades involving Walter Clayton Jr. and GG Jackson II as they try to clear some roster spots before the 2026-27 season begins. And considering Memphis just acquired Clayton from the Jazz in February as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. blockbuster, that's a pretty quick change of plans.
5 NBA Stars Who Could Average Under 20 PPG For The First Time In Years
Averaging 20 points per game has become pretty normal for NBA stars, especially with how much scoring we’ve seen over the last few seasons. But heading into 2026-27, there are some pretty huge names who could suddenly fall below that number for the first time in years. And we’re talking about players who’ve been putting up 20 points almost every season for a decade, so seeing their scoring numbers drop would definitely be something new.
6 NBA Players Who Need A Career Year To Avoid Becoming Bad Contracts
NBA contracts are getting pretty crazy, and some teams might already be nervous about the money they just spent. We’re talking about guys getting $100.0 million, $150.0 million, or even $200.0 million without being established superstars, and now they’ve got to prove they’re actually worth all that money.
6 NBA Players Who Need A Career Year To Avoid Becoming Bad Contracts
NBA contracts are getting pretty crazy, and some teams might already be nervous about the money they just spent. We're talking about guys getting $100.0 million, $150.0 million, or even $200.0 million without being established superstars, and now they've got to prove they're actually worth all that money.
5 NBA Players Who Could Be Waived Despite Strong Preseason Performances
The NBA preseason is almost over, and some players are probably getting a little nervous right now. Most teams already know who’s going to be on their opening-night roster, but there are still a few spots available, and some guys who have played really well might end up getting waived anyway. Teams have until October 19 to finalize their rosters, and with only 15 standard contracts and three two-way spots available, there’s just not enough room for everybody.
NBA Trade Idea Has Jazz Cashing In Draft Picks For Elite Defensive Wing
The Utah Jazz might be one of the most interesting teams heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, because after years of rebuilding, they finally have enough talent to compete for a playoff spot. Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Darryn Peterson give them a pretty exciting core, but there’s still one problem that could ruin everything: their perimeter defense. That’s why I think going after Herb Jones would make a lot of sense.
Lakers’ First 10 Games: How Many Wins Can They Get?
The Lakers are about to start a brand new era because, for the first time in years, LeBron James isn’t on the team, and Luka Doncic is officially calling the shots. They finished 53-29 last season, grabbed the fourth seed in the West, and reached the second round before getting swept by the Thunder, so there’s obviously some pressure to keep winning after changing almost half the roster.
NBA Trade Idea Has Jazz Cashing In Draft Picks For Elite Defensive Wing
The Utah Jazz might be one of the most interesting teams heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, because after years of rebuilding, they finally have enough talent to compete for a playoff spot. Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Darryn Peterson give them a pretty exciting core, but there’s still one problem that could ruin everything: their perimeter defense. That’s why I think going after Herb Jones would make a lot of sense.
Lakers’ First 10 Games: How Many Wins Can They Get?
The Lakers are about to start a brand new era because, for the first time in years, LeBron James isn’t on the team, and Luka Doncic is officially calling the shots. They finished 53-29 last season, grabbed the fourth seed in the West, and reached the second round before getting swept by the Thunder, so there’s obviously some pressure to keep winning after changing almost half the roster.
Blockbuster Trade Could Turn Trail Blazers Into Legitimate Title Contenders
Fresh off making the playoffs for the first time since 2021 last season, and after adding Ja Morant to a roster that already has Damian Lillard, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan, the Portland Trail Blazers should consider going after another superstar. They finished 42-40, grabbed the seventh seed through the play-in tournament, and lost to the Spurs in five games, but they’ve clearly moved past the rebuilding stage.
Blockbuster Trade Could Turn Trail Blazers Into Legitimate Title Contenders
Fresh off making the playoffs for the first time since 2021 last season, and after adding Ja Morant to a roster that already has Damian Lillard, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan, the Portland Trail Blazers should consider going after another superstar. They finished 42-40, grabbed the seventh seed through the play-in tournament, and lost to the Spurs in five games, but they've clearly moved past the rebuilding stage.
8 NBA Players Poised To Average Over 20 PPG For The First Time In 2026-27
Averaging 20 points per game in the NBA is harder than it looks, and with the 2026-27 season about to start, there are several young players who may be ready to reach that mark for the first time. Some were already close last season, others are getting bigger roles because of offseason trades, and a few might just be one good year away from becoming legitimate All-Star candidates.
2 Trade Ideas That Could Help The Dallas Mavericks Land NBA Stars Original
The Dallas Mavericks are supposed to be rebuilding right now, especially after finishing 26-56 last season, but I’m not completely sure they need to spend another two or three years trying to get back into the playoffs. Kyrie Irving just returned from his torn ACL after 19 months without playing, scored 17 points in 22 minutes against the Rockets in preseason, and honestly looked pretty good for someone who missed an entire season.
Los Angeles Lakers 2026-27 Season Preview: Can Luka Doncic Lead Them To The NBA Finals?
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason was a bit of a rollercoaster: they lost LeBron James to the 76ers, gave Austin Reaves a massive $185.0 million contract, and spent two first-round picks to finally get Walker Kessler. That’s a pretty crazy summer for a team that won 53 games last season, but I actually think the Lakers did a good job building a roster that makes way more sense around Luka Doncic than the one they had before. And it’s not like last season was a disaster, either.
Los Angeles Lakers 2026-27 Season Preview: Can Luka Doncic Lead Them To The NBA Finals?
The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason was a bit of a rollercoaster: they lost LeBron James to the 76ers, gave Austin Reaves a massive $185.0 million contract, and spent two first-round picks to finally get Walker Kessler. That's a pretty crazy summer for a team that won 53 games last season, but I actually think the Lakers did a good job building a roster that makes way more sense around Luka Doncic than the one they had before. And it's not like last season was a disaster, either.
NBA Mock Trade: Knicks Avoid Big Miles McBride Contract, Land Elite Shooter From Mavericks
The Knicks just won their first championship in 53 years, but keeping everybody together is already becoming a pretty big problem. Karl-Anthony Towns wants another huge contract, the front office doesn’t seem willing to pay him anywhere near his maximum, and now Miles McBride could end up being one of the players they simply can’t afford to keep.
NBA Mock Trade: Knicks Avoid Big Miles McBride Contract, Land Elite Shooter From Mavericks
The Knicks just won their first championship in 53 years, but keeping everybody together is already becoming a pretty big problem. Karl-Anthony Towns wants another huge contract, the front office doesn't seem willing to pay him anywhere near his maximum, and now Miles McBride could end up being one of the players they simply can't afford to keep.
Controversial Trade Idea Sends Dalton Knecht To Celtics, Gives Lakers A Stretch Center
Two years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers took Dalton Knecht 17th overall and thought they’d landed a sniper to play beside Luka Doncic and growing star Austin Reaves. Now it’s October 2026, and nobody can tell you where he fits with this revamped roster since LeBron’s exit. Preseason hasn’t been kind for Knecht, who got 12 minutes against Sacramento and 22 against Golden State, then sat out Thursday with a contusion.
Controversial Trade Idea Sends Dalton Knecht To Celtics, Gives Lakers A Stretch Center
Two years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers took Dalton Knecht 17th overall and thought they'd landed a sniper to play beside Luka Doncic and growing star Austin Reaves. Now it's October 2026, and nobody can tell you where he fits with this revamped roster since LeBron's exit. Preseason hasn't been kind for Knecht, who got 12 minutes against Sacramento and 22 against Golden State, then sat out Thursday with a contusion.
5 NBA Teams With No Excuse To Miss The 2026-27 Playoffs
There are a bunch of NBA teams entering the 2026-27 season hoping to make the playoffs, but some of them really shouldn’t even be worrying about that. We’re talking about teams with multiple All-Stars, expensive rosters, and enough talent to be thinking about winning a playoff series or two instead of fighting for the No. 10 seed in April. And honestly, a few of these teams have already spent way too much time in the play-in tournament.
Boston Celtics: 3 Realistic Outcomes For The 2026-27 Season Original
I have no idea how the Boston Celtics managed to win 56 games without Jayson Tatum for almost the entire season, but they did it, finished second in the East, and then somehow blew a 3-1 lead against the 76ers in the first round. And just when it looked like Boston would bring everybody back for another run, Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George and four draft picks. So yeah, the Celtics are a pretty weird team right now.
Sacramento Kings Could Land Jimmy Butler In Risky Trade That Might Be Worth It Original
A brutal 2025-26 season left the Sacramento Kings sitting on a 22-60 record, the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and zero clear answers about what’s next. They’ve already got Darius Acuff Jr. stepping up as their new franchise point guard, while Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, and Maxime Raynaud are taking on way bigger roles. But the Kings are still stuck holding some super expensive contracts, and picking an actual direction for the future isn’t easy.
The NBA’s Most Awkward Rosters Entering The 2026-27 Season
I swear some NBA front offices just keep adding talented players without thinking about who’s actually going to play. And looking at a few rosters for the 2026-27 season, there are some pretty ridiculous combinations that I honestly can’t see working for an entire year.
The NBA’s Most Awkward Rosters Entering The 2026-27 Season
Dec 15, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives against Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) in the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA’s Most Awkward Rosters Entering The 2026-27 Season
I swear some NBA front offices just keep adding talented players without thinking about who's actually going to play. And looking at a few rosters for the 2026-27 season, there are some pretty ridiculous combinations that I honestly can't see working for an entire year.
7 Biggest One-Year Experiments In The NBA This Season
Several NBA teams made some pretty surprising moves this summer, but not every new partnership is guaranteed to last beyond the 2026-27 season. Some players are entering the final year of their contracts, others have player options coming up, and a few could find themselves on the trade market again if things don’t work out over the next eight months.
7 Biggest One-Year Experiments In The NBA This Season
Several NBA teams made some pretty surprising moves this summer, but not every new partnership is guaranteed to last beyond the 2026-27 season. Some players are entering the final year of their contracts, others have player options coming up, and a few could find themselves on the trade market again if things don't work out over the next eight months.
Grading Brandin Podziemski’s Extension With The Warriors Original
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors agreed to a five-year, $110.0 million fully guaranteed extension with Brandin Podziemski on Saturday. The deal includes a mutual option in the fifth year and a trade kicker, keeping the 23-year-old guard under contract through the 2031-32 season if the final year is exercised. I like Podz, and I thought he had a pretty good season last year, but five years and $110.0 million?
The Houston Rockets Should Avoid This Dangerous Trade At All Costs Original
Winning 52 games last season wasn’t enough for the Houston Rockets, who finished fifth in the Western Conference before losing to the Lakers in six games during the first round. And with Kevin Durant entering his second season with the team, expectations are pretty high again, especially after all the moves Houston has made over the past year.
Blockbuster Trade Idea Pairs Karl-Anthony Towns With Zion Williamson, Gives Knicks Massive Haul
The New York Knicks are staring down a Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, and it all comes down to one big thing: a $61.0 million player option for the 2027–28 season. As ESPN pointed out, that single figure gives New York’s front office a major headache. If Towns opts in next year, the Knicks immediately cross into the dreaded second apron, with roster restrictions they are desperate to avoid. That’s why contract extension talks have become such a high-stakes issue right now.
Blockbuster Trade Idea Pairs Karl-Anthony Towns With Zion Williamson, Gives Knicks Massive Haul
The New York Knicks are staring down a Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, and it all comes down to one big thing: a $61.0 million player option for the 2027–28 season. As ESPN pointed out, that single figure gives New York's front office a major headache. If Towns opts in next year, the Knicks immediately cross into the dreaded second apron, with roster restrictions they are desperate to avoid. That's why contract extension talks have become such a high-stakes issue right now.
5 Biggest Concerns For The Lakers After 3 Preseason Games Original
Three preseason games are already in the books for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the results have been pretty mixed despite their 2-1 record. They beat the Kings twice but suffered an ugly 124-98 loss to the Warriors, although Luka Doncic has looked excellent so far, scoring 44 points in just 41 minutes across two appearances.
Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 Realistic Outcomes For The 2026-27 Season Original
After finally making it back to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, getting swept by the Knicks wasn’t exactly how the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to finish their best playoff run since LeBron left in 2018. They won 52 games, survived two seven-game series against the Raptors and Pistons, and then lost four straight to the eventual NBA champions, including an embarrassing 130-93 defeat in Game 4.
4 Bold Takeaways From The 76ers’ Stunning Loss To The Nets
The 76ers finally got to see their new starting five together on Thursday night, and somehow they still lost 114-108 to a Nets team that won just 20 games last season. LeBron James made his debut alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid, but Brooklyn ruined the party with a 37-point third quarter and a pretty impressive performance from its younger players. And it’s not like the Sixers were terrible throughout the game.
4 Bold Takeaways From The 76ers’ Stunning Loss To The Nets
The 76ers finally got to see their new starting five together on Thursday night, and somehow they still lost 114-108 to a Nets team that won just 20 games last season. LeBron James made his debut alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid, but Brooklyn ruined the party with a 37-point third quarter and a pretty impressive performance from its younger players. And it’s not like the Sixers were terrible throughout the game.
4 Bold Takeaways From The 76ers’ Stunning Loss To The Nets
The 76ers finally got to see their new starting five together on Thursday night, and somehow they still lost 114-108 to a Nets team that won just 20 games last season. LeBron James made his debut alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid, but Brooklyn ruined the party with a 37-point third quarter and a pretty impressive performance from its younger players. And it's not like the Sixers were terrible throughout the game.
The Nuggets Could Turn Bad Contracts Into A Valuable Wing In A Trade With The Pistons
The Denver Nuggets‘ starting five is already one of the best in the league, but when those guys sit, the trouble starts. Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 13.5 points and shot 40.7% from three off the bench last season, then signed with the Heat, and Peyton Watson, who put up 14.6 points, left for the Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade.
5 Former All-Stars Who Could Fall Out Of The Rotation This Season
Getting older in the NBA is just plain brutal, and a few former All-Stars are finding that out the hard way right now. We’re looking at guys who were casually dropping 20 points a night just a couple of seasons ago, but today they’re grinding for rotation minutes, adjusting to life off the bench, or, in D’Angelo Russell’s case, packing their bags to go play in China for the Shanghai Sharks. Take Khris Middleton, Bradley Beal, and Mike Conley.
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