Lakers Nation Writers Forecast Thunder Repeat, Jokic-Doncic MVP Duel as 2025-26 Season Opens
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The Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday to open the 2025-26 NBA calendar, and the editors at Lakers Nation have published their annual roundtable of predictions. Seven writers weighed in on every major award, the NBA Finals matchup and the Lakers’ projected record.
Projected NBA Champion
Oklahoma City Thunder received five of seven title picks. Trevor Lane, Daniel Starkand, Corey Hansford, Ron Gutterman and Matthew Valento all expect the defending champions to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers (four votes) or the Orlando Magic (one vote) in June. Ryan Ward selected the Houston Rockets over the New York Knicks, while Matthew Peralta chose the Denver Nuggets to beat New York.
Most Valuable Player
The MVP forecast is split between reigning three-time winner Nikola Jokić and new Laker Luka Dončić. Lane, Starkand and Gutterman sided with Jokić, while Ward, Hansford, Peralta and Valento believe Dončić will capture the award in his first season in purple and gold.
Defensive Player of the Year
Five writers—Lane, Ward, Hansford, Peralta and Valento—favor Victor Wembanyama to claim the defensive honor. Starkand backed Evan Mobley, and no other player received a vote.
Rookie of the Year
Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks leads the field with five votes (Lane, Ward, Peralta, Gutterman, Valento). Ace Bailey (Starkand) and VJ Edgecombe (Hansford) were the other selections.
Most Improved Player
Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets dominated this category with four votes (Lane, Ward, Peralta, Gutterman). Starkand named Toumani Camara, Hansford chose Ausar Thompson and Valento predicted Jalen Johnson.
Sixth Man of the Year
Josh Hart earned three nods (Lane, Ward, Gutterman). Starkand opted for Naz Reid, Hansford selected Jordan Clarkson, Peralta pointed to De’Andre Hunter, and Valento chose Bennedict Mathurin.
Coach of the Year
Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic collected three votes (Lane, Peralta, Valento). Starkand chose Ime Udoka, Ward picked Mike Brown, Hansford selected JB Bickerstaff and Gutterman backed Quin Snyder.
Lakers Win Projections
The group expects Los Angeles to finish between 47 and 54 victories:
- Ryan Ward: 54-28
- Matthew Valento: 52-30
- Trevor Lane: 51-31
- Matthew Peralta: 49-33
- Corey Hansford: 48-34
- Daniel Starkand: 47-35
- Ron Gutterman: 47-35
Parity across the league, lingering questions about LeBron James’ health and a retooled Lakers roster led most writers to slot the franchise in the Western Conference’s second tier, yet each expects the club to remain firmly in the playoff hunt.
Source: Lakers Nation
