While James was quick to squash the narrative that the Lakers' 117-96 win over the defending champion Celtics meant anything beyond a regular season victory in January, it's no secret that the Lakers have been on a heater as of late.

The 2025 NBA trade deadline started in earnest with the trade bombshell that seemed so ludicrous, fans and players alike thought someone was playing a prank: Luka Dončić being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal that also included Anthony Davis going to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the NBA trade deadline with a couple of needs, and they filled one of them with their big move for De'Andre Hunter. The Cavaliers already owned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference prior to the trade,

We also had a Donatas Motiejūnas trade in 2016 get rescinded due to back issues. The Rockets traded him to Detroit, but the Pistons voided the deal. It was the second time these two teams were involved in a voided trade. The Pistons traded Sean Elliot to the Rockets for Robert Horry and Matt Bullard in 1994, but Elliot failed his physical.

Welcome to a fresh set of HoopsHype Power Rankings! As always, these involve a proprietary mix of science, magic, herbs, and spices; they’re both reflective of the standings and forward-looking.

The highly anticipated debut of Luka Doncic with the Lakers came on Monday night against the Utah Jazz in a 132-113 victory in Los Angeles. Lakers fans gave Doncic a rousing ovation when his name was called out last -- after LeBron James -- to introduce the starting lineups.