2024 NBA Season

[wheelz1200]

During the building of the so-called "superpowered" Lakers team, I thought to myself that with so much old all-star players, they will not be as efficient compared to the time back when they are at their prime. This is the consequences right now- all of those players are old and starting to show some age. While we may argue that Lebron James is still the King with his athleticism, talent, and raw strength, he cannot carry his team alone.

The whole Lakers team were scattered and all around the place. Booker was just effortlessly shooting perimeters and corners without any effort at all. With that kind of defense, I do think that Lebron is slowly getting frustrated to the point that he "MAY" be considering on retiring or switching to another team.

You predicted it right. 
Lebron is not getting any younger. He want to have more championships at the remaining years he got before retiring but I don't think this is the team that would help him on that path.
Coach Vogel was a defensive coach. "Was." I think they are missing that because we don't see it anymore. They lack young guys now, those who would sacrifice anything for a championship while they are young. When I see Reaves doing all the work in their defensive line, I also see the problem. It's not just the coach but also the veterans and that's why it's difficult for them to win.

I understand completely the criticism with this Lakers team this year. And they most definitely haven't made the trades to excite fans compared to other teams. But the Lakers might have enough. The playoffs is not the regular season. LeBron is the king of playoffs and sees every play. With the likes of Malik and Anthony who can heat up, ad will hopefully be healthy and even Westbrook can always drive to the basket and can play as a backup pg when LeBron is not there. I hope he doesn't play center too much. The Lakers will be hard to put away in 7 come play off time

Only way they can sniff a tough played series is if AD is in top form.  Throwing out this squad against the likes of a full powered Suns, jazz, gs team will be way to much to ask out of lebron.  AD is the key here.

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[Yaunfitda]

^^ I do agree, if AD can just remain healthy throughout the season, it could be a different Lakers this year. Unfortunately, he is down almost half of the season that's why the Lakers are now suffering and could be not making the playoffs and if they did, it could be an first round exit. Lebron can do anything he wants but if his team mates are not going to help him, chances are even if he scores 30,40, 50 points per game, they are still going to lose.

[btc_angela]

During the building of the so-called "superpowered" Lakers team, I thought to myself that with so much old all-star players, they will not be as efficient compared to the time back when they are at their prime. This is the consequences right now- all of those players are old and starting to show some age. While we may argue that Lebron James is still the King with his athleticism, talent, and raw strength, he cannot carry his team alone.

The whole Lakers team were scattered and all around the place. Booker was just effortlessly shooting perimeters and corners without any effort at all. With that kind of defense, I do think that Lebron is slowly getting frustrated to the point that he "MAY" be considering on retiring or switching to another team.

You predicted it right. 
Lebron is not getting any younger. He want to have more championships at the remaining years he got before retiring but I don't think this is the team that would help him on that path.
Coach Vogel was a defensive coach. "Was." I think they are missing that because we don't see it anymore. They lack young guys now, those who would sacrifice anything for a championship while they are young. When I see Reaves doing all the work in their defensive line, I also see the problem. It's not just the coach but also the veterans and that's why it's difficult for them to win.

It's just history repeating itself for the Lakers, they used to have superpowered teams before but it failed. Perhaps Lakers are really not built to have this kind of teams. Or at least teams in NBA because as we look thru it, it should be like a tandem and then a lot of role players, players know how to contribute on their positions and their is the willingness to sacrifice their body day in day out. Not in the Lakers team right now, majority are old and torn, while the young players can do only certain things.

[emrecemsan]

Phoenix Suns simply destroyed LA Lakers by 140-111 last night. Suns' performance in the first quarter was just amazing and it had a big role in this comfortable victory. Lebron James was the best player at Lakers as always and he had 31 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He did his part but the rest of the players weren't able to make the needed contribution to compete with Suns harder. And Booker - Ayton duo were the best players for Suns. Booker had 30 points. And Ayton made a double-double by 23 points and 16 rebounds.

[püsür]

Philadelphia 76ers - Orlando Magic game was quite intense and had a good ending. 76ers didn't start good against the supposedly weaker Magic, but managed to catch up with them at the end. Cole Anthony played a huge clutch time. I highly respected him and how big he played. And he is only 22 years old, second season. Joel Embid is also just being Joel Embid... 35 - 16 and 7. He is utterly owning this season. One of the biggest candidates for the MVP.

[Yogee]

.... One of the biggest candidates for the MVP.

The reigning MVP will pay him a visit soon as they establish who is the better big man in the league. Jokic has a lot of respect for him and it's hard not to when he's playing really good this season. Safe to say both will score at least 20 points. Jokic will most likely win in assists while Embiid will have more rebounds.

[wheelz1200]

.... One of the biggest candidates for the MVP.

The reigning MVP will pay him a visit soon as they establish who is the better big man in the league. Jokic has a lot of respect for him and it's hard not to when he's playing really good this season. Safe to say both will score at least 20 points. Jokic will most likely win in assists while Embiid will have more rebounds.

Jokic might beat him out in all aspects but then still lose the game.  This isn't 1 on 1 can't really determine who is better purely in terms of numbers.  Philly has a lot of other options than just embid and right now everything for Denver runs through jokic.  Should be a great matchup none the less.

[Velvet78]

Tonight is starting with a Cavaliers - Clippers game. Cavaliers are a very clear favourite in this game by bookmakers. They had a game against each other once in Los Angeles and Cavaliers won that game by 92-79. I think that we can see a similar scenario in this game too. These are normally very close teams if we compare their statistics now. Cavaliers have had a poor form lately and they really need to ramp up their performance. And they can start by defeating Clippers first.

[harizen]

^^ I do agree, if AD can just remain healthy throughout the season, it could be a different Lakers this year. Unfortunately, he is down almost half of the season that's why the Lakers are now suffering and could be not making the playoffs and if they did, it could be an first round exit. Lebron can do anything he wants but if his team mates are not going to help him, chances are even if he scores 30,40, 50 points per game, they are still going to lose.

While waiting for Anthony Davis to return, at least the remaining Lakers roster is doing their best to make it to the playoffs. There's no problem with AD's performance even coming back to injury and the only concern they need to do is to hope for Davis not to be injured again.

Lebron's big production is kind of a waste if his teammates are not doing well.

Hello Play-in or being eliminated, they should act right now. Currently sitting on the 9th spot on the Western Conference behind 7 wins on the 8th, that's alarming and the chance of not making it to the playoffs is high.

[gagux123]

Tonight is starting with a Cavaliers - Clippers game. Cavaliers are a very clear favourite in this game by bookmakers. They had a game against each other once in Los Angeles and Cavaliers won that game by 92-79. I think that we can see a similar scenario in this game too. These are normally very close teams if we compare their statistics now. Cavaliers have had a poor form lately and they really need to ramp up their performance. And they can start by defeating Clippers first.

The Cavaliers are a team that is surprising me a lot this season. Without having an all-star player or a player who is one of the best in the league, the Cavs are a team that is moving forward and progressing after the departure of LeBron James and that's a good thing.
I believe it will be an interesting game today against the Clippers.

While waiting for Anthony Davis to return, at least the remaining Lakers roster is doing their best to make it to the playoffs. There's no problem with AD's performance even coming back to injury and the only concern they need to do is to hope for Davis not to be injured again.

Lebron's big production is kind of a waste if his teammates are not doing well.

Hello Play-in or being eliminated, they should act right now. Currently sitting on the 9th spot on the Western Conference behind 7 wins on the 8th, that's alarming and the chance of not making it to the playoffs is high.

I hope AD comes back soon lol, if the Lakers don't "wake up" they can lose the last spot in the playoffs, which isn't too hard to happen.
LeBron James is doing his part, but he alone can't "carry the team on his back".
A player that I mentioned some time ago that is standing out even though he's on the bench is Carmelo Anthony. He's not the player who scores the most, but he always manages to build for the team from the bench.

[el kaka22]

Lakers having a "bad night" is not really an excuse anymore. They are just having a bad season, they are not built properly and the team doesn't gel together very well. All they have to do now is wait for the season to end because this season will not be anything special for them at all. This means after the season ends they will have a chance to get better eventually.

I personally believe that they will be able to make some changes in the off-season that will allow them to get better and that will be the getting out point for them. Otherwise if they do not do well off-season moves then we are talking about them not even getting better next season too.

[ChiBitCTy]

What a frustrating game for the Chicago Bulls. They were down 20, able to make it all the way back to within just a couple points , only to let blow it in the end. Was ugly shooting tonight. This game versus the Sacramento Kings is not the type of game & opponent you can afford to lose to down the stretch with the Bulls schedule being very difficult going forward. Super frustrating loss. 

[Wolfencloud]

I think Golden State will grab another championship, Suns is good actually but I think there is something missing in there team. Lakers will surely not win another championship knowing that the team composition is not that good, also AD is injured and LeBron do all the lifting, Westbrook does not fit in their team, Caruso is the better point guard. I think Bucks vs Golden State in the finals. But let see if Suns will not choke.

[Reid]

I think Golden State will grab another championship, Suns is good actually but I think there is something missing in there team. Lakers will surely not win another championship knowing that the team composition is not that good, also AD is injured and LeBron do all the lifting, Westbrook does not fit in their team, Caruso is the better point guard. I think Bucks vs Golden State in the finals. But let see if Suns will not choke.

Chris Paul is the missing piece and he is injured. Better now than be like what happened with Rockets where he is hurt before the playoffs. Just when they needed them the most.
They are secured now on the top spot so there would be no reason to force every game for a win.
They can relax now and just wait for CP3 to comeback. I am a Nuggets fan but I think it will be Suns this year. But who knows, unexpected things suddenly happens.

[Japinat]

I think Golden State will grab another championship, Suns is good actually but I think there is something missing in there team. Lakers will surely not win another championship knowing that the team composition is not that good, also AD is injured and LeBron do all the lifting, Westbrook does not fit in their team, Caruso is the better point guard. I think Bucks vs Golden State in the finals. But let see if Suns will not choke.

Chris Paul is the missing piece and he is injured. Better now than be like what happened with Rockets where he is hurt before the playoffs. Just when they needed them the most.
They are secured now on the top spot so there would be no reason to force every game for a win.
They can relax now and just wait for CP3 to comeback. I am a Nuggets fan but I think it will be Suns this year. But who knows, unexpected things suddenly happens.

Don't forget about the GSW, they are also showing some toughness and I believe they have a shot to be in the NBA Finals this season. They are not new to this kind of situation as they have won championships before, so I wouldn't be surprise if they will make it.

[Questat]

I think Golden State will grab another championship, Suns is good actually but I think there is something missing in there team. Lakers will surely not win another championship knowing that the team composition is not that good, also AD is injured and LeBron do all the lifting, Westbrook does not fit in their team, Caruso is the better point guard. I think Bucks vs Golden State in the finals. But let see if Suns will not choke.

Chris Paul is the missing piece and he is injured. Better now than be like what happened with Rockets where he is hurt before the playoffs. Just when they needed them the most.
They are secured now on the top spot so there would be no reason to force every game for a win.
They can relax now and just wait for CP3 to comeback. I am a Nuggets fan but I think it will be Suns this year. But who knows, unexpected things suddenly happens.

Don't forget about the GSW, they are also showing some toughness and I believe they have a shot to be in the NBA Finals this season. They are not new to this kind of situation as they have won championships before, so I wouldn't be surprise if they will make it.

At least this season there's a balance between the East and the West. If GSW will advance, I think they will also face a good team, could be the Sixers or the Bucks, or even the Miami Heat, no team now that are so dominant so the playoffs will be very unpredictable.

I like that the Warriors are winning now, they finally corrected their mistakes during the last few games that they experience a long losing streak.

After Thompson's great performance, now Curry had 47 against the Wiz.

[danherbias07]

At least this season there's a balance between the East and the West. If GSW will advance, I think they will also face a good team, could be the Sixers or the Bucks, or even the Miami Heat, no team now that are so dominant so the playoffs will be very unpredictable.

I like that the Warriors are winning now, they finally corrected their mistakes during the last few games that they experience a long losing streak.

After Thompson's great performance, now Curry had 47 against the Wiz.

Indeed. It's exciting and difficult to predict who will take that trophy and be the last team standing.
Regarding the East, I am not giving up with the Nets just yet and if Kyrie decides to take the shot, I bet it will be worth the sacrifice. Still praying for the change of mind because Durant will have a hard time carrying the Nets.

Curry's birthday performance, a big gift for himself.  That's how Draymond impacts the whole Warriors team. Their chemistry is certainly higher once again.

[Baofeng]

I think Golden State will grab another championship, Suns is good actually but I think there is something missing in there team. Lakers will surely not win another championship knowing that the team composition is not that good, also AD is injured and LeBron do all the lifting, Westbrook does not fit in their team, Caruso is the better point guard. I think Bucks vs Golden State in the finals. But let see if Suns will not choke.

Chris Paul is the missing piece and he is injured. Better now than be like what happened with Rockets where he is hurt before the playoffs. Just when they needed them the most.
They are secured now on the top spot so there would be no reason to force every game for a win.
They can relax now and just wait for CP3 to comeback. I am a Nuggets fan but I think it will be Suns this year. But who knows, unexpected things suddenly happens.

Don't forget about the GSW, they are also showing some toughness and I believe they have a shot to be in the NBA Finals this season. They are not new to this kind of situation as they have won championships before, so I wouldn't be surprise if they will make it.

Chances are high for the GSW to be in the finals this year specially if they keep healthy, they are deep and even the second stringers are tough and can score and play defense.

Curry, Thompson and Jordan Poole are a threat outside, they should be could Splash Triplets now, hehehe. There rookie is also playing good so the fight for the West is going to be close with Suns, Memphis and Utah.

[LogitechMouse]

Lakers having a "bad night" is not really an excuse anymore. They are just having a bad season, they are not built properly and the team doesn't gel together very well. All they have to do now is wait for the season to end because this season will not be anything special for them at all. This means after the season ends they will have a chance to get better eventually.

It already came to a point where seeing the Lakers playing like this a common thing already because... they are playing like this the whole season. Lebron is busy carrying the team while other players are just playing without any sense or urgency or they aren't that competitive anymore.

Lets just wait for this season to end and lets not expect that the Lakers will at least enter the 2nd round at least because we might see a miracle especially when we see Davis playing the whole playoffs.

I think Golden State will grab another championship, Suns is good actually but I think there is something missing in there team. Lakers will surely not win another championship knowing that the team composition is not that good, also AD is injured and LeBron do all the lifting, Westbrook does not fit in their team, Caruso is the better point guard. I think Bucks vs Golden State in the finals. But let see if Suns will not choke.

I'm a Warrior fan so I will agree with what you said that they will get a championship. .
On the other hand though, I don't like disregarding other strong teams especially the Suns because they are the top seeded team right now and they almost got a ring if only they have a substitute for Ayton at that time to defend the paint. Another team that must be added into the list is the Brooklyn Nets. With Kyrie, KD and Ben Simmons playing at the same time, we know how deadly this team are. With a complete roster and no injuries, we might see them in the NBA Finals. Lakers? Nahh lets stop talking with them now and lets just wait for their move in the off-season.

[ChiBitCTy]

At least this season there's a balance between the East and the West. If GSW will advance, I think they will also face a good team, could be the Sixers or the Bucks, or even the Miami Heat, no team now that are so dominant so the playoffs will be very unpredictable.

I like that the Warriors are winning now, they finally corrected their mistakes during the last few games that they experience a long losing streak.

After Thompson's great performance, now Curry had 47 against the Wiz.

Indeed. It's exciting and difficult to predict who will take that trophy and be the last team standing.
Regarding the East, I am not giving up with the Nets just yet and if Kyrie decides to take the shot, I bet it will be worth the sacrifice. Still praying for the change of mind because Durant will have a hard time carrying the Nets.

Curry's birthday performance, a big gift for himself.  That's how Draymond impacts the whole Warriors team. Their chemistry is certainly higher once again.

This is one of the reasons why I’m so excited about this year, there finally being a balance between most of the top tier teams instead of having just one or two teams leading the way, like with the Warriors when it was a forgone conclusion that they were going to win it all. Also of course since my Chicago bulls are finally playing well. It’s about time for them lol.