Story perspectives

NBA Tackles Tanking: New Rules Under Consideration

3/25/2026

Summary

NBA Tackles Tanking

The NBA faces deliberate tanking as teams seek to improve draft lottery odds.
The Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets have lost 39 games, with the Wizards on a 16-game skid.
The Bucks are in a standoff with Giannis Antetokounmpo over whether he should sit out the season.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is exploring measures to curb tanking, including changes to lottery rules.

Summary

Lakers' Streak Snapped

The Los Angeles Lakers' nine-game winning streak ended with a 113-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers trailed by 16 points but rallied before falling short in the final moments.
Luka Doncic led with 32 points, though his shooting was inefficient.
LeBron James scored only four points.
The Lakers are now third in the Western Conference and will play the Indiana Pacers, who recently ended a 16-game losing streak.

History

Historical Context

The NBA introduced a draft lottery system in 1985 to prevent teams from deliberately losing games, known as tanking, to secure better draft picks. The New York Knicks won the inaugural lottery despite a 24-58 record, raising concerns about fairness. Today, teams like the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards continue to face scrutiny for similar tactics, prompting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to consider further reforms to maintain competitive integrity.

1 of 3

NBA Tackles Tanking

The NBA faces deliberate tanking as teams seek to improve draft lottery odds.
The Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets have lost 39 games, with the Wizards on a 16-game skid.
The Bucks are in a standoff with Giannis Antetokounmpo over whether he should sit out the season.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is exploring measures to curb tanking, including changes to lottery rules.

1 / 3