2024 NBA Season

[Yamifoud]

Rondo would be willing to play that minutes if he will be given a chance, however, he is not a starter so it's hard to expect he will earn that minutes unless someone in the starting lineup with the same position he has will be injured, but we don't hope it will happen though, at least Rondo is ready to step up anytime.

This is probably why Rondo is with them again.
He's too flexible and can get in at any situation if he's needed to be in. But I guess he's not there just to get with those situations that crucial, likewise, he's there to play well anytime.

But if they are chasing veterans, that could help in short-term success. Because veterans will have the experience in the pitch. But alongside veterans, they should also focus on acquiring young talents keeping the future in mind. I don't think Rondo is capable enough to play more than 20 minutes. Because Lakers already have good enough starting 5 in their squad. Rondo might be getting like 15 to 20 minutes a game I'm guessing.

I guess that minutes is too much for him, Westbrook and James could play his role, I'm not even sure if Westbrook would be able to play a PG position since Lebron is still here and we know ever since he became a Laker, he already play that PG position, despite his big.

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[freedomgo]

I guess that minutes is too much for him, Westbrook and James could play his role, I'm not even sure if Westbrook would be able to play a PG position since Lebron is still here and we know ever since he became a Laker, he already play that PG position, despite his big.

Lebron james can play any rules Point Guard, center or side cause he is in average height he can adjust his given position. But some of his game he played as a Forward then he Carry his teammates to the victory .

I don't care what Lebron's position is written in the book, but he is really playing as a PG as he usually holds the ball. I have a feeling that Lebron will destroy Westbrook's triple-double consistency and I think even a double-double, Westbrook would still struggle as the lakers have a lot of bigs that could grab the rebounds unless they will intentionally give the rebound to Westbrook.

[danherbias07]

I'd really love to see them having no chemistry issue, they are both legit big man and they have a lot of playoff experience.
Howard already had a championship that he never had before when he play with Kobe, so it's time for DJ to join the part as the Lakers could probably make it this year again with their loaded lineup.

DJ must really be excited playing with champions and I hope he can become a new spark for their team. Last year was just too bad for the Lakers and if AD and Lebron didn't come back after the injury, they could've loss in the play-in tournament.

Lebron james can play any rules Point Guard, center or side cause he is in average height he can adjust his given position. But some of his game he played as a Forward then he Carry his teammates to the victory .

Any position, that's true. But now, he mostly stay outside to command plays and that kind of strategy also preserves his energy for a better offensive attack.
There's no doubt he is one of the best player in the league but it's not his era anymore and that's why he is looking for more help from co-veterans and some soon to be young stars.

[Oasisman]

I guess that minutes is too much for him, Westbrook and James could play his role, I'm not even sure if Westbrook would be able to play a PG position since Lebron is still here and we know ever since he became a Laker, he already play that PG position, despite his big.

Lebron james can play any rules Point Guard, center or side cause he is in average height he can adjust his given position. But some of his game he played as a Forward then he Carry his teammates to the victory .

I don't care what Lebron's position is written in the book, but he is really playing as a PG as he usually holds the ball. I have a feeling that Lebron will destroy Westbrook's triple-double consistency and I think even a double-double, Westbrook would still struggle as the lakers have a lot of bigs that could grab the rebounds unless they will intentionally give the rebound to Westbrook.

It is expected. Westbrook will most probably lose his triple double stats consistency, because he joined a super team where more than 2 players could dish like a pass-first point guard and another 2 who can dominantly grab rebounds.
The best thing Westbrook can do is to continue being an explosive point guard. Drive the lane and draw defenders and dish out to the spot up shooters.
If he can perfectly compliment LeBron and AD's style of play, they'll be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

[Pamadar]

It is expected. Westbrook will most probably lose his triple double stats consistency, because he joined a super team where more than 2 players could dish like a pass-first point guard and another 2 who can dominantly grab rebounds.
The best thing Westbrook can do is to continue being an explosive point guard. Drive the lane and draw defenders and dish out to the spot up shooters.
If he can perfectly compliment LeBron and AD's style of play, they'll be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

Yes! he might lose that stats knowing that he's now playing with both LeBron and Davis, who are always capable in producing that stats.
But for sure, if the right blend will be developed between these 3 stars, then adding up the spice by bringing Melo and Howard.
It's Excite me to see if how good Lakers stars in terms of adjusting in every position that they'll going to play.

They are not in their prime but by experienced, they are still capable of beating any teams from this league. Just my personal opinion.

[Questat]

It is expected. Westbrook will most probably lose his triple double stats consistency, because he joined a super team where more than 2 players could dish like a pass-first point guard and another 2 who can dominantly grab rebounds.
The best thing Westbrook can do is to continue being an explosive point guard. Drive the lane and draw defenders and dish out to the spot up shooters.
If he can perfectly compliment LeBron and AD's style of play, they'll be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

Yes! he might lose that stats knowing that he's now playing with both LeBron and Davis, who are always capable in producing that stats.
But for sure, if the right blend will be developed between these 3 stars, then adding up the spice by bringing Melo and Howard.
It's Excite me to see if how good Lakers stars in terms of adjusting in every position that they'll going to play.

They are not in their prime but by experienced, they are still capable of beating any teams from this league. Just my personal opinion.

I hope Westbrook is willing to accept his new role, the Lakers will not be successful if they will not play as a team, or have good chemistry. It's not about the individual numbers now, it's the team that should win the championship, and since Davis and James had already achieved that success in Lakers, I guess Westbrook has to follow the orders to have his first championship as well.

[OgNasty]

It is expected. Westbrook will most probably lose his triple double stats consistency, because he joined a super team where more than 2 players could dish like a pass-first point guard and another 2 who can dominantly grab rebounds.
The best thing Westbrook can do is to continue being an explosive point guard. Drive the lane and draw defenders and dish out to the spot up shooters.
If he can perfectly compliment LeBron and AD's style of play, they'll be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

Yes! he might lose that stats knowing that he's now playing with both LeBron and Davis, who are always capable in producing that stats.
But for sure, if the right blend will be developed between these 3 stars, then adding up the spice by bringing Melo and Howard.
It's Excite me to see if how good Lakers stars in terms of adjusting in every position that they'll going to play.

They are not in their prime but by experienced, they are still capable of beating any teams from this league. Just my personal opinion.

I hope Westbrook is willing to accept his new role, the Lakers will not be successful if they will not play as a team, or have good chemistry. It's not about the individual numbers now, it's the team that should win the championship, and since Davis and James had already achieved that success in Lakers, I guess Westbrook has to follow the orders to have his first championship as well.

Westbrook isn’t going to change overnight and I think that’s fine. He brings a ton of energy to the table which LeBron lacks, and he’s a great rebounder which should take some slack off the Lakers big men. As long as Westbrook improves his 3 point shooting I think he’ll be just fine. Especially when LeBron is off the floor. My main concern is that LeBron might find his lack of compassion for his teammate’s dumb mistakes may find him in a rocky relationship with the sometimes streaky guard.

[mirakal]

Does anyone know what happens to Jahlil Okafor?

I read in the news that he was waived by the Nets.
https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2021/09/09/brooklyn-nets-waive-jahlil-okafor

Actually I almost forget this guy as I was not following the team he was playing, but I was following the 76ers that time when he was still with the team, and despite of the number 1 picks added to the team, that team still struggles, it only improves when Embiid came to the team.

If we look at the stats, https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/okafoja01.html
Not really what I'm expecting. 

[TheGreatPython]

If I have to list the roster for Lakers that makes sense.

PG : Westbrook / Rondo
SG : Monk / THT / Ellington / Nunn / Wesley Matthews , all these could play actually, but some of them will probably get a lot less minutes

SF : Lebron / Melo / Ariza / Bazemore
PF : AD (and Melo )
C  : Deandre Jordan / Howard ( and AD sometimes)

Can anyone really imagine that this team will not be champions if they stay healthy. I get that there are many times good teams end up losing because they have injured players, a team with Curry/Klay/Durant/Draymond/Cousins ended up losing to Toronto, all because GSW missed nearly all their players on that finals, it was lucky for Toronto. However if there is no big injuries then we are 100% going to see Lakers winning for sure.

[Viscore]

If I have to list the roster for Lakers that makes sense.

PG : Westbrook / Rondo
SG : Monk / THT / Ellington / Nunn / Wesley Matthews , all these could play actually, but some of them will probably get a lot less minutes

SF : Lebron / Melo / Ariza / Bazemore
PF : AD (and Melo )
C  : Deandre Jordan / Howard ( and AD sometimes)

Can anyone really imagine that this team will not be champions if they stay healthy. I get that there are many times good teams end up losing because they have injured players, a team with Curry/Klay/Durant/Draymond/Cousins ended up losing to Toronto, all because GSW missed nearly all their players on that finals, it was lucky for Toronto. However if there is no big injuries then we are 100% going to see Lakers winning for sure.

They will be champion, though the Nets also have their big 3 I think the Lakers always have the edge as they have more experience and their big men are solid. Howard and Davis could dominate the paint and the Nets will just focus on 3 point shooting which is a low percentage shot when the player is under pressure.

Lebron could switch to PG too.

[chaser15]

Can anyone really imagine that this team will not be champions if they stay healthy. I get that there are many times good teams end up losing because they have injured players, a team with Curry/Klay/Durant/Draymond/Cousins ended up losing to Toronto, all because GSW missed nearly all their players on that finals, it was lucky for Toronto. However if there is no big injuries then we are 100% going to see Lakers winning for sure.

Don't based because of names. Most of players on that list is not in their prime anymore.

Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Kendrick Nunn are the only players I see that we can expect to explode. Golden State Warriors main lineup is even ahead on that. Lakers are only ahead to most teams because of their good bench.

a team with Curry/Klay/Durant/Draymond/Cousins ended up losing to Toronto, all because GSW missed nearly all their players on that finals, it was lucky for Toronto.

That's not a lucky one. Phoenix Suns is the one more lucky I guess.

[gagux123]

DeAndre will just be another back up center with the Lakers, they already have Anthony Davis and then newly acquired Dwight Howard. Nothing personal though about acquiring DeAndre from Nets, they drop him so Lakers pick him up. And I don't think there is rivalry between the two, not right now, we will need to see them play first and developed this so called rivalry.

Hmm, okay, thanks for this information!
Well, I still imagined that Gasol could retire to the Grizzlies and not return to Spain. I have no doubts that in a few years he will be able to retire.

Yes, I agree exactly with that, DeAndre Jordan fits very well with the Lakers. I may be talking something nonsense, but depending on the situation, I believe DeAndre could be more useful than Howard in the Lakers.

If I have to list the roster for Lakers that makes sense.

PG : Westbrook / Rondo
SG : Monk / THT / Ellington / Nunn / Wesley Matthews , all these could play actually, but some of them will probably get a lot less minutes

SF : Lebron / Melo / Ariza / Bazemore
PF : AD (and Melo )
C  : Deandre Jordan / Howard ( and AD sometimes)

Can anyone really imagine that this team will not be champions if they stay healthy. I get that there are many times good teams end up losing because they have injured players, a team with Curry/Klay/Durant/Draymond/Cousins ended up losing to Toronto, all because GSW missed nearly all their players on that finals, it was lucky for Toronto. However if there is no big injuries then we are 100% going to see Lakers winning for sure.

Dude, honestly, I've analyzed this post of yours and I'm very impressed with the combinations the Lakers can do.
For example...

If DeAndre Jordan and Howard are in bad shape or maybe injured, the Lakers can make that lineup

C - AD will automatically turn to Center
PF - LeBron or Melo will be PF (depending on the situation)
SF - Ariza / LeBron or Melo
SG - Monk / THT others
PG - Russ or Rondo

If any of the SGs embezzle the team or they aren't playing well, one possibility could be

SG - LeBron or Russ
PG - Rondo
SF - Melo or Ariza
PF - AD
C - DeAndre or Howard

Amazingly, the Lakers can even make a new combination without their SG's and Centers depleted for example

PG - Rondo
SG - Russ / LeBron
SF - Melo / Ariza / Bazemore
PF - LeBron / Melo
C - AD

By the way, I even believe Ariza can play as an SG, although the team already has LeBron and Russ who can help in that area of ​​the team.

Basically the Lakers this season is a "wild" team there are possibilities to create different lineups against their opponents, for example, you can make the team much faster with Rondo, Russ, LeBron, Melo and AD.
If they are playing against a team that the players are short, they can assemble the team with Russ, LeBron, Melo, AD and DeAndre.

I believe that this season the Lakers have great chances to be champions, but we'll need to see what the chemistry between these players looks like during the regular season!

[agustina2]

Not trying to be rude here but your projected lineup will not happened hehe. Try to check the Lakers playing time distribution since Vogel handled the team. You can see veterans mostly in the bench. That lineup above my post will only be used mostly when either Lebron or Davis will be injured or sideline.

Russell Westbrook will have the most playing time on the Lakers, even more compare to Lebron or Davis. Currently, he is the most athletic player in the team with good point guard skills. He is changed now and won't do any stat padding attempt.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Not trying to be rude here but your projected lineup will not happened hehe. Try to check the Lakers playing time distribution since Vogel handled the team. You can see veterans mostly in the bench. That lineup above my post will only be used mostly when either Lebron or Davis will be injured or sideline.

Sure, those are just projected line-ups, we may see more combinations as well, as Vogel is known to experiment with different line up base on the complexion of the games.

Russell Westbrook will have the most playing time on the Lakers, even more compare to Lebron or Davis. Currently, he is the most athletic player in the team with good point guard skills. He is changed now and won't do any stat padding attempt.

He is still capable of playing 40 minutes just like what he did when he was in Wizards uniform. But with so many good players that can play multiple positions in Lakers uniform, maybe Westbrook could have less time, which is good as well as he is not getting any younger and last year he has a injury.

[gagux123]

Not trying to be rude here but your projected lineup will not happened hehe. Try to check the Lakers playing time distribution since Vogel handled the team. You can see veterans mostly in the bench. That lineup above my post will only be used mostly when either Lebron or Davis will be injured or sideline.

Russell Westbrook will have the most playing time on the Lakers, even more compare to Lebron or Davis. Currently, he is the most athletic player in the team with good point guard skills. He is changed now and won't do any stat padding attempt.

Sorry, but I partially agree with you....
Lakers have great players nowdays

I believe Vogel will make several combinations to create the best team possible!!!

[danherbias07]

Wow. Lakers on hype again at this thread because of the signing of DJ.  

Russell Westbrook will have the most playing time on the Lakers, even more compare to Lebron or Davis. Currently, he is the most athletic player in the team with good point guard skills. He is changed now and won't do any stat padding attempt.

But that's a habit of him and it's not easy to take out that stat grabbing when you are used to it. He will still do it but I think he will be in control or Lebron will try to push and control him and avoid being reckless.
I am not a fan of Lakers but I can see they stretched their defensive roster. Ariza, DJ, and Howard are good at it while Westbrook also has his good times. I think Coach Vogel will be more focused on that while their offense is already not a problem. Strengthen the weakness.

[harizen]

But that's a habit of him and it's not easy to take out that stat grabbing when you are used to it. He will still do it but I think he will be in control or Lebron will try to push and control him and avoid being reckless.

Yes, once a habit always a habit. Before Westbrook's arrival at the Los Angeles Lakers, he met with Lebron and Anthony Davis and talked about putting their egos aside and playing as one to bring the Lakers another NBA championship.

Russell Westbrook met with LeBron James, Anthony Davis weeks ago to discuss playing for Lakers,

According to the article, I like their plan of changing position if necessary when Westbrook is on the floor. Lebron James moving from SF to Pf and Davis from PF to Center. And in terms of offense, Westbrook will just let Lebron or Davis initiate it as he's now used on it playing in the Houston Rockets alongside James Harden and Bradley Beal playing with the Washington Wizards.

If that was perfectly executed and not just written in the paper, Lakers' core is now complete and hard to deal with.

[gagux123]

According to the article, I like their plan of changing position if necessary when Westbrook is on the floor. Lebron James moving from SF to Pf and Davis from PF to Center. And in terms of offense, Westbrook will just let Lebron or Davis initiate it as he's now used on it playing in the Houston Rockets alongside James Harden and Bradley Beal playing with the Washington Wizards.

If that was perfectly executed and not just written in the paper, Lakers' core is now complete and hard to deal with.

Yes, I also agree and this will be an advantage for the Lakers because there are many players who can easily play in various positions, for example LeBron James, he can easily play in, SG, SF and PF.

I'm sure, LeBron James with his experience will control Westbrook for him do not commit any reckless attitude during the games

because sometimes so he doesn't do any reckless actions.
to he doesn't do any reckless actions during the games.

I'm anxious to seeing the Lakers play in the future, let's see if the team has a chemistry, especially with this new trio (LeBron, AD and Westbrook),
By the way, I also believe that this combination could have the same level like Miami Heat trio in 2010 - 2014 (LeBron, Wade and Bosh)
Let's see if this new Lakers trio can be better than the Heat trio from a few seasons ago

[stadus]

According to the article, I like their plan of changing position if necessary when Westbrook is on the floor. Lebron James moving from SF to Pf and Davis from PF to Center. And in terms of offense, Westbrook will just let Lebron or Davis initiate it as he's now used on it playing in the Houston Rockets alongside James Harden and Bradley Beal playing with the Washington Wizards.

If that was perfectly executed and not just written in the paper, Lakers' core is now complete and hard to deal with.

Yes, I also agree and this will be an advantage for the Lakers because there are many players who can easily play in various positions, for example LeBron James, he can easily play in, SG, SF and PF.

I'm sure, LeBron James with his experience will control Westbrook for him do not commit any reckless attitude during the games

because sometimes so he doesn't do any reckless actions.
to he doesn't do any reckless actions during the games.

I'm anxious to seeing the Lakers play in the future, let's see if the team has a chemistry, especially with this new trio (LeBron, AD and Westbrook),
By the way, I also believe that this combination could have the same level like Miami Heat trio in 2010 - 2014 (LeBron, Wade and Bosh)
Let's see if this new Lakers trio can be better than the Heat trio from a few seasons ago

This is good for Lebron James as Westbrook IMO has a better vision compared to him, it's my personal view only, you can oppose, and though Westbrook does not have a good shooting percentage, he sometimes calls the last shot, unlike Lebron as PG who would just past the ball. It will be the first time Lebron playing sa SF if this plan will be realize, so let's see.

[freedomgo]

I guess that minutes is too much for him, Westbrook and James could play his role, I'm not even sure if Westbrook would be able to play a PG position since Lebron is still here and we know ever since he became a Laker, he already play that PG position, despite his big.

Lebron james can play any rules Point Guard, center or side cause he is in average height he can adjust his given position. But some of his game he played as a Forward then he Carry his teammates to the victory .

I don't care what Lebron's position is written in the book, but he is really playing as a PG as he usually holds the ball. I have a feeling that Lebron will destroy Westbrook's triple-double consistency and I think even a double-double, Westbrook would still struggle as the lakers have a lot of bigs that could grab the rebounds unless they will intentionally give the rebound to Westbrook.

It is expected. Westbrook will most probably lose his triple double stats consistency, because he joined a super team where more than 2 players could dish like a pass-first point guard and another 2 who can dominantly grab rebounds.
The best thing Westbrook can do is to continue being an explosive point guard. Drive the lane and draw defenders and dish out to the spot up shooters.
If he can perfectly compliment LeBron and AD's style of play, they'll be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

I'm not sure if the Lakers will focus on 3 point shooting, I guess with the current lineup, they will take advantage of their size and they will bring the ball inside where the big 3 can drive. I know they have 3 point shooters too but are they consistent enough, or can be trusted to produce a good percentage of shot?