The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on April 18. The 2025-26 regular season wraps up on April 12, giving teams a short break before the postseason tips off. The Play-In Tournament, introduced in 2021 to keep more teams competitive and reduce tanking, determines the final two playoff spots in each conference.

Just before this season, LeBron James called the hot culture take tiring. No doubt those statements are often exaggerated. That’s why looking back at those takes makes it more interesting.

The Los Angeles Lakers spent the weekend looking to regroup following a three-game losing streak, including a loss on Christmas Day.