Brian Windhorst, the most consequential basketball journalist since Frank DeFord, is still on the case with indispensable commentary on the changing NBA paradigm. Windhorst has been ESPN Senior Writer since 2010. In the years since, he’s developed quite the reputation — and a large following — as a go-to, trustworthy source for NBA analysis. He previously covered the Cleveland Cavaliers for seven years, earning a reputation for delivering comprehensive coverage of the league’s dynamics. Moreover, Windhorst is the author of two acclaimed books that explore the inner workings of professional basketball.
We all know what’s been going on in the NBA lately—it’s amazing stuff! The Los Angeles Lakers have just been sold to a group headed by Mark Walter, and his investment firm TWG Global. This sale, which was approved by the board of governors without exception, represents a radical departure from the franchise’s ownership history. Jeanie Buss will continue as the team’s governor for at least five additional years after this sale closes.
It’s a move the league has been anticipating since the 2025-26 season. When combined with the league’s average 118 points-per-game we’re witnessing a glaring trend of high-scoring shootouts. Just like Miami Heat, the smart brands are proactively playing catch-up to new tactics. Led by head coach Erik Spoelstra, they are rolling out a new positive surface level offensive trajectory.
Miami’s Innovative Offense
The Miami Heat’s offensive system is making waves for its unique style of play. Analysts can’t help but point out how different this is from the orderly system that used to be the foundation under former coach Pat Riley. Offensively, Riley was notorious for his detailed play designs.
As one NBA front-office executive told me, “Spo is going the other way. Whereas Pat Riley used to call every single play down to the exact design—very detailed—Spo is just giving the players freedom to play more. This shift towards a more fluid style emphasizes movement over isolation plays, which many teams have adopted in recent years.
Coaches across the league are singing Miami’s system’s praises. One scout commented, “Coaches love this type of system because it’s about movement and team concepts—not the ‘hunt the mismatch’ style you see a lot of places.” This strategic pivot to more frequent run plays is a perfect fit with Miami’s foundational defensiveness and rush-rush-rush ethos.
To avoid these pitfalls and improve the chances of success in this new system, experts don’t think we need a ball-dominant superstar to do so. As one scout pointed out, for this to work you probably need to NOT have a ball-dominant star. What you likely need, though, is a great conductor to hold that orchestra together. Well, that’s what they have in Miami. It’s the combination of strong leadership and versatile players that lets this Heat team excel under this fun but shaky offensive model.
Lakers Transition Amid Ownership Changes
The Lakers’ acquisition this week by TWG Global represents a tipping point for that franchise as well. With Jeanie Buss retaining her role as governor, many observers are curious about how this transition will affect team operations and overall strategy.
A team president highlighted the unique challenges facing the Lakers amidst these changes: “The instability is in local media rights. The Lakers are the most exposed because they have the most to lose.” With real uncertainty around the local media deals that have helped create initial speculation over the ownership picture, this is proving to be a critical time for the franchise.
For now, the Lakers are living up to expectations on the floor while the situation remains murky off it. That’s three consecutive titles in quick succession! The team’s capacity to stay on the cutting edge of competitiveness will be pivotal as they lead through this time of transition.
In response to potential revenue fluctuations stemming from media rights negotiations, another team president remarked on the league’s financial stability: “With the new national media rights deal, revenue in the league is very stable. Ticket sales and sponsorships are stable.” That balance indicates that though local rights issues can be problematic, the state of the league is healthy.
Player Developments and Free Agency Implications
Quite a few guys are breaking into the news as well, as they work their way through contract negotiations and injuries. Austin Reaves has big decisions to make though, as he holds a $14.9 million player option for next year. If he passes on this route, Reaves will be an unrestricted free agent. Reaching this status as an unrestricted player would open up a world of exhilarating possibilities for his future.
Tyler Herro is still on the mend from a foot injury. This is quite the setback, likely impacting not only his on the field success, but future contract negotiations. His health will be paramount, as teams look to shake up their rosters and make winning-at-all-costs gambits during this upcoming offseason.
Teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks have taken some of those risks in the past. They waived Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith, their second-round draft picks in 2023 and 2024. These types of moves, like many throughout this silly season, underscore changes teams are still figuring out to maximize their rosters as they look forward to 2022 and beyond.
The NBA landscape remains dynamic as franchises adapt to new ownership structures and innovative strategies on the court. With experienced figures like Brian Windhorst leading discussions around these developments, fans can expect continued insights into how these changes will shape the future of basketball.
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