2024 NBA Season

[Japinat]

Lakers is indeed a powerful team so its players should also represent the outstanding performances that the team needs. However, with Westbrook, even if he has not made outstanding performances in the previous games, but I don’t think Lakers will pursue trading Westbrook, instead the team will add more players that bring more asset to the team.

They are not pursuing it because no team is willing to make a trade. That's why they should just forget about it and move on, use Westbrook as one of their key players again and see if this time he would be productive. Maybe it just needs time to adjust and build some chemistry with Lebron and AD for us to see his worth.

They should give it a try if this trio could work. Last season, they only played together for 21 games. I think no one could build reliable chemistry if you only played too few games together. If AD and Lebron can stay healthy, maybe they could eventually have chemistry with Westbrook. And who knows, their coach wanted Westbrook to remain, maybe he has something in mind that could make Westbrook fit better with the Lakers.

The post above might be the reason why they will be a force in keeping Westbrook. No one is willing to take the guy

as how they've seen the performance of this man after leaving OKC, he's been traded multiple times and nothing happens. He is not
a valuable asset anymore and with his last performance with the Lakers, he's more on liability than being an asset of the team, maybe
yes, the new head coach will try blending him with both AD and LeBron in hope that he can work it out.

Okay, let's give them a chance, they now have at least one season to prove that they have the potential to improve their chemistry and possibly win a championship. No more excuses for sure, they have to had a good start which is the opposite of what happen last season.

They should because the other teams in the league has already improved to be the best version of themselves, especially the Boston Celtics which started from scratch until they reached the Finals recently and now they'll be more dangerous because of that experience they have acquired. Nevertheless, the Lakers could be a great team if they can build a chemistry and Westbrook should also do his role.

[danherbias07]

If you are trying to rebuild, it is the best way forward, I guess. Just look at the teams that rebuild from the scratch. Golden State was successful in building a dynasty team from draft picks and some notable trades. Celtics is also on the verge of doing it. They have built around Tatum and Brown, their own picks. They are successful enough to reach the Finals last season. And I do not think that that is their peak. We can still expect more from Tatum, Brown, and company to achieve more. Also, it would be cheaper to acquire rookies with great potential than a high-paid star when rebuilding.

Yes, sure!
I believe this can be something viable for a certain team, because each one of them has a different way of managing them.

Celtics is a good example, Tatum, Brown are evolving a lot lately and they are getting more competitive this season

And just to add to those lists of teams that started from scratch, Memphis Grizzlies with Ja Morant, Dallas Mavericks with Luka Doncic.
Denver Nuggets did the same with the Joker.
All they need to do is compose a set of roleplayers that would help these guys. Not just in offense and defense but also mentally. That's why they are also adding some veterans to rosters to fill that gap.

Oh, and speaking of Grizzlies.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-trade-rumors-nets-have-told-interested-teams-they-plan-on-keeping-all-star-guard-per-report/

No progress has been made toward a deal for Durant, but there's been no shortage of interested teams in the future Hall of Famer, and that now includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

If Durant got traded, the thinking was that the need for Irving on a team that couldn't contend for a championship would be pointless. 

However, Shams Charania reports the Nets have informed teams around the league that they plan on keeping Irving for the 2022-23 season.

I am intrigued what the Grizzlies are offering.

[mirakal]

Udonis Haslem signs a one-year contract with the Miami Heat and that will be his last season for the team. Despite low average playing time and only playing a few games within the last six seasons, the Miami Heat reportedly convinced him as they still need his locker room presence.

What's on my mind is that they want Haslem to be part of those players who stayed in the franchise for 20+ seasons. Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant are the only players in history to do that. This upcoming season, Haslem marked his 20th season on the Miami Heat.

It makes sense to believe for me that's the reason aside from appreciation by the Miami Heat.

Well, his morale support to the team and its players will still play by a big factor and that's what I can see on this signed contract for him.

Damn, time goes so fast and I've remembered him that I used to watched him with the old roster of Miami. We're that old right now as Haslem also became older.

Good luck to his stay for this probable last contract with Heat.

That's a fact mate, and we're actually much older now because we have also saw Udonis Haslem with the the old roster of Miami way back 2012 and 2013 when they won a back-to-back championship. Man, I haven't noticed that a decade has already passed by since we saw Lebron, Bosh and Wade together.
Well, that's likely and the only reason I see why the Heat gave Haslem a one-year contract. He sure can't be reliable anymore in the court to produce good numbers but his experience and presence will be much used by the team.

[wheelz1200]

If you are trying to rebuild, it is the best way forward, I guess. Just look at the teams that rebuild from the scratch. Golden State was successful in building a dynasty team from draft picks and some notable trades. Celtics is also on the verge of doing it. They have built around Tatum and Brown, their own picks. They are successful enough to reach the Finals last season. And I do not think that that is their peak. We can still expect more from Tatum, Brown, and company to achieve more. Also, it would be cheaper to acquire rookies with great potential than a high-paid star when rebuilding.

Yes, sure!
I believe this can be something viable for a certain team, because each one of them has a different way of managing them.

Celtics is a good example, Tatum, Brown are evolving a lot lately and they are getting more competitive this season

And just to add to those lists of teams that started from scratch, Memphis Grizzlies with Ja Morant, Dallas Mavericks with Luka Doncic.
Denver Nuggets did the same with the Joker.
All they need to do is compose a set of roleplayers that would help these guys. Not just in offense and defense but also mentally. That's why they are also adding some veterans to rosters to fill that gap.

Oh, and speaking of Grizzlies.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-trade-rumors-nets-have-told-interested-teams-they-plan-on-keeping-all-star-guard-per-report/

No progress has been made toward a deal for Durant, but there's been no shortage of interested teams in the future Hall of Famer, and that now includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

If Durant got traded, the thinking was that the need for Irving on a team that couldn't contend for a championship would be pointless. 

However, Shams Charania reports the Nets have informed teams around the league that they plan on keeping Irving for the 2022-23 season.

I am intrigued what the Grizzlies are offering.

Yeah I read the same thing.  Memphis would be stupid to break up anyone of Desmond Bano or jaren Jackson.  Obviously ja is off the trade block. But those 3 are gonna be great together if they can keep em all.  A mix of players and draft picks would be crazy to have Duran on that team.  I'd think they would be the odds on favorite next year if they can keep theor core in tact and get durant.

[Captain Corporate]

Irving staying makes no sense to me at all. The only good offer they have is for Irving. They could get Westbrook, one decent player, and then a bunch of picks from Lakers if they want to .Westbrook will be there only for one year, then they will have bunch of picks, a decent young kid, and a bunch of picks which they could ship together to get even better just one pick. Like 5 second rounds 5 years down the line could always become first round pick next year type of trade. Thats of course much better because Irving is not make it or break it type of player, Durant is a superstar and not many like him exists, its harder to trade him.

[OgNasty]

Irving staying makes no sense to me at all. The only good offer they have is for Irving. They could get Westbrook, one decent player, and then a bunch of picks from Lakers if they want to .Westbrook will be there only for one year, then they will have bunch of picks, a decent young kid, and a bunch of picks which they could ship together to get even better just one pick. Like 5 second rounds 5 years down the line could always become first round pick next year type of trade. Thats of course much better because Irving is not make it or break it type of player, Durant is a superstar and not many like him exists, its harder to trade him.

Irving staying makes sense to me if you're the Nets.  Westbrook is washed and has a worse contract that Kyrie.  They'd be losing money and talent with that deal.  The only thing they'd be getting is losing a headache.  Kyrie and Durant still makes for one of the best teams in the league.  The Nets should be excited to run them with Simmons this year.  I think all 3 probably need to be treated like children and forced to play out their contracts together.

[harizen]

By now, Westbrook should already adapt to his new environment because he is not the alpha in the team anymore and he will be more helpful in supporting Lebron and AD. He can still produce good numbers though if he can but he should know his role and its boundaries. Darvin Ham wanted to keep him because he sees something with Westbrook that could be a big use for the team, I hope Westbrook wouldn't let Darvin down for that because if he is still not consistent then I guess it might be too late for his career then.

Since Russell Westbrook already played a single season with the Lakers I believed he already knows his role and those things he needs to do.

I know Westbrook is trying his best but really having difficulty finding his rhythm. He is surely aware of that and will work on managing it well. Also hard to play smoothly when he is always in the hot seat but supposedly, he should be used on that.

Well then, let's just see if we will see a changed Westbrook or not next season. Quiet unfair to him if we will judge him right away.

[jakelyson]

Irving staying makes no sense to me at all. The only good offer they have is for Irving. They could get Westbrook, one decent player, and then a bunch of picks from Lakers if they want to .Westbrook will be there only for one year, then they will have bunch of picks, a decent young kid, and a bunch of picks which they could ship together to get even better just one pick. Like 5 second rounds 5 years down the line could always become first round pick next year type of trade. Thats of course much better because Irving is not make it or break it type of player, Durant is a superstar and not many like him exists, its harder to trade him.

Irving staying makes sense to me if you're the Nets.  Westbrook is washed and has a worse contract that Kyrie.  They'd be losing money and talent with that deal.  The only thing they'd be getting is losing a headache.  Kyrie and Durant still makes for one of the best teams in the league.  The Nets should be excited to run them with Simmons this year.  I think all 3 probably need to be treated like children and forced to play out their contracts together.

But if they are keeping Irving and not Durant (since Durant requested to be traded) then there is no point in keeping Irving. They are not a championship contender without Durant and just Irving and Simmons on the lineup. Unless keeping Irving is bait to make Durant stay with the Nets, then it makes sense. Durant and Irving are buddies, and if Irving is staying, Durant may be more inclined to try their duo one more chance this season.

[wiss19]

It isn't much for them to have that veteran and it is also a big thing to Haslem to still have contract like that. He's got contribution ready to be made for the team.

He may be given a low playing time but that's it, it's better to have that than nothing. And the same goes to have a contract and be part of the team.

I mean Haslem is not there so he would "play", it is a bit of a Miami tradition to keep him around, dude literally has grey hair already, he is old and he is not there to play and get them buckets. Dude is there so that he would be helping the kids but why not coaching then?

Because, it is always a tradition to have one player who is a player and goes out there with other players that could give help, it is always a bit different than the coach who stays still, being able to play with everyone else equally gives a more credibility that people would relate to and not some person in a suit. All in all he isn't getting any decent money anyway, and he is not keeping roster spot to be fair.

[Baofeng]

If you are trying to rebuild, it is the best way forward, I guess. Just look at the teams that rebuild from the scratch. Golden State was successful in building a dynasty team from draft picks and some notable trades. Celtics is also on the verge of doing it. They have built around Tatum and Brown, their own picks. They are successful enough to reach the Finals last season. And I do not think that that is their peak. We can still expect more from Tatum, Brown, and company to achieve more. Also, it would be cheaper to acquire rookies with great potential than a high-paid star when rebuilding.

Yes, sure!
I believe this can be something viable for a certain team, because each one of them has a different way of managing them.

Celtics is a good example, Tatum, Brown are evolving a lot lately and they are getting more competitive this season

And just to add to those lists of teams that started from scratch, Memphis Grizzlies with Ja Morant, Dallas Mavericks with Luka Doncic.
Denver Nuggets did the same with the Joker.
All they need to do is compose a set of roleplayers that would help these guys. Not just in offense and defense but also mentally. That's why they are also adding some veterans to rosters to fill that gap.

Oh, and speaking of Grizzlies.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-trade-rumors-nets-have-told-interested-teams-they-plan-on-keeping-all-star-guard-per-report/

No progress has been made toward a deal for Durant, but there's been no shortage of interested teams in the future Hall of Famer, and that now includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

If Durant got traded, the thinking was that the need for Irving on a team that couldn't contend for a championship would be pointless. 

However, Shams Charania reports the Nets have informed teams around the league that they plan on keeping Irving for the 2022-23 season.

I am intrigued what the Grizzlies are offering.

Yeah I read the same thing.  Memphis would be stupid to break up anyone of Desmond Bano or jaren Jackson.  Obviously ja is off the trade block. But those 3 are gonna be great together if they can keep em all.  A mix of players and draft picks would be crazy to have Duran on that team.  I'd think they would be the odds on favorite next year if they can keep theor core in tact and get durant.

Shams says "theoretically" Memphis can offer five first round picks but will not include Desmond Bane or Jaren Jackson in the trade. So it means there will be no trade as Nets are not going to accept just picks in exchange of Durant.

This is even the same stances of New York Knicks on a stalemate trade on Donovan Mitchell, they offer Fournier and Obi Toppin and draft picks, but the Jazz says no. So it's hard for the Nets to trade Durant or even Mitchell because they are looking for teams to include their superstars for this trade to happen.

[gagux123]

And just to add to those lists of teams that started from scratch, Memphis Grizzlies with Ja Morant, Dallas Mavericks with Luka Doncic.
Denver Nuggets did the same with the Joker.
All they need to do is compose a set of roleplayers that would help these guys. Not just in offense and defense but also mentally. That's why they are also adding some veterans to rosters to fill that gap.

Oh, and speaking of Grizzlies.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-trade-rumors-nets-have-told-interested-teams-they-plan-on-keeping-all-star-guard-per-report/

No progress has been made toward a deal for Durant, but there's been no shortage of interested teams in the future Hall of Famer, and that now includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

If Durant got traded, the thinking was that the need for Irving on a team that couldn't contend for a championship would be pointless. 

However, Shams Charania reports the Nets have informed teams around the league that they plan on keeping Irving for the 2022-23 season.

I am intrigued what the Grizzlies are offering.

This is a kind of option that a team has to progress, using a player (reference) to be able to assist and help young players. And most of the time this kind of tactic works.

Another example I would also like to mention is Suns... CP3, Booker and Ayton.
CP3 in these last seasons during the playoffs this trio played extremely well, and with CP3 was a reference, I have no doubt, this improved even more Booker, Ayton and other Suns players.

[Dave1]

It isn't much for them to have that veteran and it is also a big thing to Haslem to still have contract like that. He's got contribution ready to be made for the team.

He may be given a low playing time but that's it, it's better to have that than nothing. And the same goes to have a contract and be part of the team.

I mean Haslem is not there so he would "play", it is a bit of a Miami tradition to keep him around, dude literally has grey hair already, he is old and he is not there to play and get them buckets. Dude is there so that he would be helping the kids but why not coaching then?

Because, it is always a tradition to have one player who is a player and goes out there with other players that could give help, it is always a bit different than the coach who stays still, being able to play with everyone else equally gives a more credibility that people would relate to and not some person in a suit. All in all he isn't getting any decent money anyway, and he is not keeping roster spot to be fair.

True, same with the Iggy going back to Warriors, of course he can still play and dunk the ball, but he had limited minutes as per Kerr.

But then you can see his presence outside, you can see him giving pointers to their next set of players, even to Wiggins. And for sure they young players are very happy that they have this experience players beside them. So this is the same case with Haslem Udonis, who are just in the bench for presence. And you can see that he got the respect as well. You can see it here when him and Butler has a heated argument.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWAhKe-CsrE

[ultrloa]

But Westbrook for Irving? That would not happen, he was even traded by the Wizards because he did not fit in their system, in fact, when he got traded Wizards improved, it not only due to the injury problem, they have a chance to be in the playoffs last season.

The problem with Westbrook is he really didn't give much outstanding performance which many fans expect. And he is now the target of bashing then blame him every game they lose so maybe he was so affected with it mentally that's why we see his games so broken. For sure for his past performance many teams will doubt to get him because they might get the same issue with him.

They have a full new season coming, time to fix that doubts and Westbrook has to relive that old Westbrook who is a scoring champ and an MVP as well. It's now or never, because if he still messed up this coming season, Lakers will surely dump him through trade.

Westbrook need to regain his confidence and get back his Mr. Triple status but they need to start by trusting him also forget about their past season struggle. For sure if they develop proper ball rotation and trust each other then provably they can maximize their existing talents. They are championship contender already and the only thing they need to do is to work those piece together to get good results.

[livingfree]

Being the best player would really require balance stats for defense and offense. No doubt that Steph really has changed the shooting since he stepped up.

AFAIK, he's the one that I've seen that's really good in those threes and he has mastered it with his entire career. I guess on players like him, he don't have choice but only to master offense and let his teammates do the rest for defense.

I agree about him as the best shooter.

Yes, best shooter there is no debate about that, he really revolutionize the game with his shooting, going further and further away and even at the logo or 50 feet and beyond. For the defense argument, I somewhat agree but then again, we will go back to the eras. I'm not saying that this era or at least the last decade of the NBA didn't focus on defense. But with coaches like Phil Jackson,  Jerry Sloane retiring, and then we have coaches like Mike D'Antoni employing a run and gun, you need to score in less than 10 seconds or less,

He definitely made shooting like a killing stats for himself and that's why other players are improving their shooting stats because of him. While we know that the other good players like LBJ, he's got a balance stats for both defense and offense.

and playing without true center, the game has chance a lot that maybe the argument for Curry was the best player right now holds true as per Shaq.

Well, it may differ from each perspective and idea per individual and if Shaq tells that, there's a basis on it. While for the other players, they can't accept the fact that the guy plays well and can hold titles like the best player.

But, it's going to be a long argument per se about such titles for Steph.

[wheelz1200]

Being the best player would really require balance stats for defense and offense. No doubt that Steph really has changed the shooting since he stepped up.

AFAIK, he's the one that I've seen that's really good in those threes and he has mastered it with his entire career. I guess on players like him, he don't have choice but only to master offense and let his teammates do the rest for defense.

I agree about him as the best shooter.

Yes, best shooter there is no debate about that, he really revolutionize the game with his shooting, going further and further away and even at the logo or 50 feet and beyond. For the defense argument, I somewhat agree but then again, we will go back to the eras. I'm not saying that this era or at least the last decade of the NBA didn't focus on defense. But with coaches like Phil Jackson,  Jerry Sloane retiring, and then we have coaches like Mike D'Antoni employing a run and gun, you need to score in less than 10 seconds or less,

He definitely made shooting like a killing stats for himself and that's why other players are improving their shooting stats because of him. While we know that the other good players like LBJ, he's got a balance stats for both defense and offense.

and playing without true center, the game has chance a lot that maybe the argument for Curry was the best player right now holds true as per Shaq.

Well, it may differ from each perspective and idea per individual and if Shaq tells that, there's a basis on it. While for the other players, they can't accept the fact that the guy plays well and can hold titles like the best player.

But, it's going to be a long argument per se about such titles for Steph.

Current "best player" and all time best player will always be up for debate with no solution to come to an agreement.  It's a round and round conversation that never ends.  I like to think of players in tiers, with no distinction between them.  Easier done like that.

[goinmerry]

One more season with Russell Westbrook and let's see if his inconsistency last season will be changed. Actually, he won't have to put great numbers per game as long as he is consistent in providing good support for the team. In fairness to him, he can play the entire season without even experiencing a minor injury. Still athletic as always and not injury prone. He just needs to find a way to become his former self where he is draining shots consecutibely and has the ability to slash the paint to put up a score + foul.

I don't think he will last a full season with the Lakers if he plays the way he play last season. I know that the blame should not be put on Westbrook's shoulder, but there was a huge expectations from him specially wih how the play with the Wizards the previous season.

On that matter, we can't really conclude right away what will happen to Westbrook's performance next season.

For me, just give this guy a chance. We can refrain from saying negative speculations for now.
And one more thing, we should not put expectations from him as it will just result in disappointment.

Lakers fans should now be used to doing that.

[agustina2]

Westbrook need to regain his confidence and get back his Mr. Triple status but they need to start by trusting him also forget about their past season struggle.

He established lots of Triple-Double last season but instead of appreciation, he was being criticized because doing such is considered a ball hog.

Where he will put his feet now since regardless if he played well in that game or not, he is still under fire.

That's what some people don't understand as they want to see prime Westbrook which is not present now.

[wheelz1200]

One more season with Russell Westbrook and let's see if his inconsistency last season will be changed. Actually, he won't have to put great numbers per game as long as he is consistent in providing good support for the team. In fairness to him, he can play the entire season without even experiencing a minor injury. Still athletic as always and not injury prone. He just needs to find a way to become his former self where he is draining shots consecutibely and has the ability to slash the paint to put up a score + foul.

I don't think he will last a full season with the Lakers if he plays the way he play last season. I know that the blame should not be put on Westbrook's shoulder, but there was a huge expectations from him specially wih how the play with the Wizards the previous season.

On that matter, we can't really conclude right away what will happen to Westbrook's performance next season.

For me, just give this guy a chance. We can refrain from saying negative speculations for now.
And one more thing, we should not put expectations from him as it will just result in disappointment.

Lakers fans should now be used to doing that.

Wierd how in one year the narrative turns on Westbrook.  I know it's a lot of pity stats but he was a one man wrecking ball when he was on okc.  Maybe it was just an off year.  Dude is a competitor so I wouldn't be surprised if he trained hard this summer and comes out different next year.

[blockman]

Westbrook need to regain his confidence and get back his Mr. Triple status but they need to start by trusting him also forget about their past season struggle. For sure if they develop proper ball rotation and trust each other then provably they can maximize their existing talents.

Many didn't feel him during the last season. He really has to redeem himself and get back in shape for this season.

They are championship contender already and the only thing they need to do is to work those piece together to get good results.

He and his team need consistency and that's going to bring them back to the finals. We saw a lot of teams that are consistent just like GSW and we've seen how it went well. We're optimistic about the Lakers and we as fans want the best out of them. I hope that they'll not disappoint most of us but too many teams are also great that we have to notice as well.

[agustina2]

Many didn't feel him during the last season. He really has to redeem himself and get back in shape for this season.

Because some critics are finding a way to criticize the Lakers. That treatment to Westbrook isn't that harsh when he was playing in Houston Rocket and Washington Wizards. There are just of people who don't like Lakers and Lebron James that's why these people are finding a way to always throw a bad impression at the whole Lakers. There are lots of issues that the Lakers faced but didn't highlight.

Anthony Davis, an injury prone, didn't even receive some backlash for being soft. Westbrook can't carry a team while AD and LBJ are not present.