استمتع بـUnlimited مع Magzter GOLD

استمتع بـUnlimited مع Magzter GOLD

احصل على وصول غير محدود إلى أكثر من 9000 مجلة وصحيفة وقصة مميزة مقابل

$149.99
 
$74.99/سنة

يحاول ذهب - حر

Defending champion Thunder looking to reign in era of parity

October 21, 2025

|

Los Angeles Times

One title isn’t enough for Oklahoma City, which is aware that dynasties are a rarity.

- BY TIM REYNOLDS

The defending NBA champions aren't thinking of themselves in that way.

The 80th season of the NBA starts Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder — the “defending” champions, even though they don’t seem to like the term — will get their rings and enjoy one final moment of celebrating last season's seven-game triumph over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.

“Everybody is saying ‘defending,’” guard Jalen Williams said, “but we're trying to be on the offensive as well.”

Translation: One title isn’t enough for the Thunder. They want more.

They are fully aware that this is the NBA's parity era— seven different franchises have won titles in the last seven years, a run unprecedented in league history. Commissioner Adam Silver has seen nine different franchises win in his 12 seasons leading the NBA; his predecessor, David Stern, saw eight different franchises win in his 30-year run as commissioner. The Thunder would like to be the ones to put at least a temporary halt to parity, and with basically everyone back from a 68-win team that won the crown last season, it’s easy to see why BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Thunder as favorites to win the 2026 title.

المزيد من القصص من Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

8 fire-damaged sites a 'public nuisance'

L.A. officials' declaration puts pressure on Palisades property owners to clear debris. Some say they can't afford the cost.

time to read

5 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Hit-Boy hits refresh with new LP, outlook

The rapper says 'Software Update' is more than just his musical reinvention.

time to read

6 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Inside LACMA, an artistic look into science and hidden histories

[Strachan, from E1] North Pole to understand the harsh conditions that in 1909 greeted Matthew Henson — the Black explorer who accompanied Cmdr. Robert Peary on polar expeditions and was likely the first human to stand on top of the world. His feat went unacknowledged for years because he was Black.

time to read

4 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Founding lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss

In his alter ego as the Spaceman, he helped the group become a pop phenomenon.

time to read

3 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

New NBA TV deal begins Tuesday. Where are my games?

Viewers may have to rely on streaming as coverage moves to NBC and Amazon.

time to read

3 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Mom may have taken girl out of state

New details emerge in case of 9-year-old who was reported missing in Lompoc.

time to read

3 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Japan on track to name its first female prime minister

Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi, 64, secures votes with a new coalition partner.

time to read

4 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Tylenol maker urges FDA to reject warning about autism

Kenvue urged U.S. regulators to deny a request warning against Tylenol’s use during pregnancy, laying out the most detailed defense of its biggest product after Trump administration officials tied its use to autism.

time to read

2 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Stars essential to a successful run

Production from James and a motivated Doncic are big topics as Lakers begin their quest

time to read

4 mins

October 21, 2025

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

He holds court until the King returns

Doncic assumes the role of Lakers franchise leader as James sits out the beginning of his 23rd season. The superstar duo will then resume their dynamic in pursuit of a championship.

time to read

4 mins

October 21, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size