Flagg, Wembanyama, LeBron: 2025 Preseason Winners & Losers

Merlin sees a preseason that separated signals from noise: rookies like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey impressed, Victor Wembanyama flashed true MVP upside after an offseason of more "violent" training, and the Rockets looked dangerously balanced even without Fred VanVleet. At the same time LeBron James’ sciatica — now targeting a mid‑November return — looms large for the Lakers, the Kings’ puzzling addition of Russell Westbrook tightens an already crowded and shaky offense, and injuries to key pieces in Philadelphia and Memphis keep both teams’ ceilings unclear. These developments matter because preseason form is shaping rotations, early standing expectations, and who will carry teams through LeBron’s absence. Merlin senses patterns: Dallas’ veteran mix could let Flagg compile steady, workmanlike lines that win Rookie of the Year votes; Houston’s depth may vault them into true title talk; and San Antonio’s Wembanyama could be a household MVP name if the Spurs overperform. The weeks after opener will tell which flashes are prophecy and which are smoke.