Ironically, these two teams were involved in a trade featuring Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht and Charlotte big man Mark Williams. After this trade was made public, it was rescinded due to an issue with Williams’s physical, and he will be rejoining the Hornets for the first time in this matchup.
While that whole debacle made for great theater, the NBA is a league built on the backbone of drama. With that in mind, these are the three storylines to monitor before the playoffs arrive.
1. Luka Doncic’s Fit With Los Angeles Lakers
When the Dallas Mavericks made the stunning trade with the Lakers surrounding Doncic and Anthony Davis, it was quickly understood that this was a move that sets up Los Angeles for the future.
But the Lakers are currently the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. They have an opportunity to make some noise in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Watching how Doncic and LeBron James work together will be very interesting. Two ball-dominant stars that play a somewhat similar style.
James has a player option after this season, and it seems like his future is a gigantic question mark right now. It’s hard to see him retiring without a big farewell tour, but how he gels with Doncic and how far the Lakers make it in the NBA Playoffs will likely determine his future.
2. Can Jimmy Butler Save the Golden State Warriors?
Feb 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images The Warriors decided to move mountains for Butler at the trade deadline, seemingly ignoring the fact that they’re the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
Stephen Curry looks old. Draymond Green spent all of All-Star Weekend serving as an analyst. The Warriors need help in the worst possible way, and they’re banking on Butler to keep them relevant in the playoff picture for this season and beyond.
3. Will the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to own the Eastern Conference?
Dec 23, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson stands on the sideline in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images New head coach Kenny Atkinson arrived in Cleveland with a bang. The Cavs doubled down on their early success at the deadline, acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and some second-round picks.
If the Cavs lock up the No. 1 seed in the East, they’re a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.
