The new NBA season is fast approaching, and anticipation is building as every team gears up to chase the championship, hoping to replicate the success of last season’s titleholders, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The campaign will tip off with a blockbuster matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, two of the league’s most storied franchises.
However, the Lakers will face an early setback, as LeBron James has been ruled out for the opener due to a sciatica injury. Despite this, the four-time MVP remains optimistic about a swift recovery, determined to return to the court and lead his team, alongside Luka Doncic, in what many expect to be a defining season for the franchise.
As the season draws near, betting lines and analyst predictions have begun to take shape. Surprisingly, one of LeBron’s biggest rivals has downplayed the Lakers’ chances, claiming they are out from favorites. Instead, early odds point toward the Dallas Mavericks as the top contenders to lift the NBA championship trophy this year.
Fierce rival delivers bold take on LeBron James and the Lakers’ title chances
The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several teams aiming to dethrone the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Among those expected to challenge for the title, sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has made his pick clear, he believes the Dallas Mavericks are the team to beat this year.
Smith highlighted the Mavericks’ impressive roster, which features All-Star Anthony Davis, veteran star Kyrie Irving, and top draft pick Cooper Flagg. According to him, this trio has the right balance of talent, leadership, and chemistry to push Dallas toward a championship run.
“If Kyrie Irving comes back healthy and Anthony Davis stays healthy, I think Dallas should be the favorite to win it all,”
Smith pointed out that the Oklahoma City Thunder, as reigning champions, remain the benchmark in the NBA. However, he emphasized that the Dallas Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving, have proven to be their kryptonite, recalling how they previously eliminated Oklahoma City in the playoffs.
The key factor that could define the Dallas Mavericks’ championship hopes
Nevertheless, Stephen A. Smith was clear about what could determine the Mavericks’ fate this season, their ability to stay healthy. Injuries have derailed Dallas in previous campaigns, and consistency will be key if they want to live up to their championship potential.
If the Mavericks fail to find their rhythm, Smith believes other Western Conference teams are capable of stepping up. He mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets as potential dark horses with strong rosters and experienced leadership.
“The Lakers have a chance. I’m not ruling out Houston because Ime Udoka can coach his a** off and KD is KD, and what they really needed was a number one option, and they got in KD, who’s the truth,” Smith concluded.
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