2024 NBA Season

[rhomelmabini]

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.

More like it, but his performance in Lakers was really tough this past season and that's why they criticize that much. In terms of Lebron's haters, it's countless and most of the stuff that throws at him is if he's probably the GOAT whatsoever which even if who NBA player in the past and present doesn't care at all, they can vote for themselves but they have their own GOAT too.

[Dave1]

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.

He did suffer some injuries when he was still in Washington but then again, he will always come back strong and even help them reach the playoffs. And I do agree, what a turn around, again, it boils down what the Lakers should be last season with him, AD and Lebron. They are one of the favorites in the beginning and then everything went out of line for them. Started to lose close games, and then the losing streak. And as much as AD trying to get back so that they can make the playoffs, there is nothing that they can do. So let's see how Westbrook is motivated to make a huge comeback this season.

[Smack That Ace]

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

Everything changes with age. For athletes, age is one of the most significant factors. Even though players become a lot more experienced through time, they cannot perform as well as they did once. So it is inevitable that this is going to happen. Haslem is already 42 years old. That is really old in my opinion. And yes he already has white hair.

Also, I think they are on the bench just for the sake of showing up and probably also to give advice to the younger players since he has a lot of experience.



Regards

Duke

[jossiel]

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.

Well, you just made mw guilty about it that it has been a decade since that moment.

We are older and getting older more.

His share based on his experience to the current roster is going to be worth it with the value of his contract.

[arwin100]

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.

He did suffer some injuries when he was still in Washington but then again, he will always come back strong and even help them reach the playoffs. And I do agree, what a turn around, again, it boils down what the Lakers should be last season with him, AD and Lebron. They are one of the favorites in the beginning and then everything went out of line for them. Started to lose close games, and then the losing streak. And as much as AD trying to get back so that they can make the playoffs, there is nothing that they can do. So let's see how Westbrook is motivated to make a huge comeback this season.

For huge number of bashing he gets last season due to his performance and disappointing trade rumors for sure Westbrook will do all to regain back his reputation what he gain from the past. We know how good Westbrook is when he is on OKC or even in Wizards, if his teammates and coaches will motivate and know how to use him most provably we can see a quality contributor Westbrook next season.

[Yaunfitda]

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.

Ham already says that he wanted Westbrook to stay with the Lakers as he might have something in mind for the 3 to work out and make a good chemistry. And I agree that 20 games is not enough for them to build a rapport and it should be consistent as well. But they have their issues like AD getting injured and then Lebron so it's really hard for the Lakers to win games if any of the 3 are injured or not playing.

I believe the Lakers can do it as long as they keep being healthy all season long. Davis is so fragile and would cost them to lost momentum when they start winning.
Ham, also mentioned they could retain Westbrook and run their offense mainly with AD and Westbrook.
I don't really know how they'll run their offense, but I think they should improve more with their defense.

That is really the key for the Lakers, when they won their title with Davis and Lebron, they guy didn't get any worst injuries so they are a healthy unit. But in a span of like 2-3 years, maybe it was their age specially for Lebron he is now injury prone. In the case of Davis its his height and it really takes a lot of toll in his body. So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

[Kelvinid]

So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

Every team has to take care of their players so they can play on their full potential, the Lakers is a championship team (if they are healthy), and actually, it's only Davis who are prone to energy, so they need some back up of him, especially in the regular season, so he will be fully healthy in the playoffs.

Less playing time, less injury.

[yazher]

That is really the key for the Lakers, when they won their title with Davis and Lebron, they guy didn't get any worst injuries so they are a healthy unit. But in a span of like 2-3 years, maybe it was their age specially for Lebron he is now injury prone. In the case of Davis its his height and it really takes a lot of toll in his body. So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

They also have some role players who helped them climb the ladder so easily and they didn't sign them back and others get traded as well. That's the start of their misfortune and they can't even win the first-round playoffs after that. Anyway, that's all in the past and I think they already learned from their mistakes. with some other players added to them, I think they can now have better games than the last season. As you said, let's just hope they won't catch another serious injury.

[Natalim]

So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

Every team has to take care of their players so they can play on their full potential, the Lakers is a championship team (if they are healthy), and actually, it's only Davis who are prone to energy, so they need some back up of him, especially in the regular season, so he will be fully healthy in the playoffs.

Less playing time, less injury.

If they think that's the solution, then they have already employed that method a long time ago. it's just that, as a superstar, he is required to play good minutes, and with that, Davis should not be limited on the floor, also, the fans are watching the game because they want to see their favorite players on the court, so with that, it might disappoint the fans.

[carlisle1]

So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

Every team has to take care of their players so they can play on their full potential, the Lakers is a championship team (if they are healthy), and actually, it's only Davis who are prone to energy, so they need some back up of him, especially in the regular season, so he will be fully healthy in the playoffs.

Less playing time, less injury.

If they think that's the solution, then they have already employed that method a long time ago. it's just that, as a superstar, he is required to play good minutes, and with that, Davis should not be limited on the floor, also, the fans are watching the game because they want to see their favorite players on the court, so with that, it might disappoint the fans.

Last season they've got Howard, but they didn't maximize him just giving him limited time to play, not sure what's going on with the Lakers

but I agree with how they need to balance the time for both Davis and LeBron. If they wanted to have them healthy this season, they need

to bring someone who can give these two superstars enough time to rest while still competing. More on a good working system for the rest

of the team.

[Baofeng]

That is really the key for the Lakers, when they won their title with Davis and Lebron, they guy didn't get any worst injuries so they are a healthy unit. But in a span of like 2-3 years, maybe it was their age specially for Lebron he is now injury prone. In the case of Davis its his height and it really takes a lot of toll in his body. So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

They also have some role players who helped them climb the ladder so easily and they didn't sign them back and others get traded as well. That's the start of their misfortune and they can't even win the first-round playoffs after that. Anyway, that's all in the past and I think they already learned from their mistakes. with some other players added to them, I think they can now have better games than the last season. As you said, let's just hope they won't catch another serious injury.

It's because they traded them with they acquire Westbrook from the Wizards. But I do agree that they should all move on, they did try to get some veterans and experience players but it didn't give them dividends or maybe it was the chemistry and no one become the leader when Lebron is out. Russ did try, but it just make matter worst for them. But it seems the Lakers is different from last year, they have a new coach already so that is a start.

[Natalim]

So they really have to take care and make themselves healthy and Westbrook too so that they will have a good chance this season and for sure Lebron is eager to come back strong.

Every team has to take care of their players so they can play on their full potential, the Lakers is a championship team (if they are healthy), and actually, it's only Davis who are prone to energy, so they need some back up of him, especially in the regular season, so he will be fully healthy in the playoffs.

Less playing time, less injury.

If they think that's the solution, then they have already employed that method a long time ago. it's just that, as a superstar, he is required to play good minutes, and with that, Davis should not be limited on the floor, also, the fans are watching the game because they want to see their favorite players on the court, so with that, it might disappoint the fans.

Last season they've got Howard, but they didn't maximize him just giving him limited time to play, not sure what's going on with the Lakers

but I agree with how they need to balance the time for both Davis and LeBron. If they wanted to have them healthy this season, they need

to bring someone who can give these two superstars enough time to rest while still competing. More on a good working system for the rest

of the team.

That's a big task the Lakers have to do, but with the big contract of the big 3, are they still capable of signing a player that maybe close a bit to Davis to substitute him to have more rest? They have already maxed their salary cap, so I think they have to stick to the current roster, maybe this new coach could make a successful experiment.

[jakelyson]

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.

That is what you get when you clap back to fans, you get more flak, and the narrative is turned against you.

He may have his chance to redeem himself since the Lakers are likely to retain him on their roster. No matter what, he should just focus on improving his game and avoid social media. It does not do him go clapping back to fans or haters and it takes away the focus that should have been put into the game.

It's because they traded them with they acquire Westbrook from the Wizards. But I do agree that they should all move on, they did try to get some veterans and experience players but it didn't give them dividends or maybe it was the chemistry and no one become the leader when Lebron is out. Russ did try, but it just make matter worst for them. But it seems the Lakers is different from last year, they have a new coach already so that is a start.

Nothing much has changed though. Aside from the Big 3 being healthy now, they are still lacking help from the bench. That is what they need to build too. They still have ample of time to build it before the season starts, let's see what they will do to complement the big 3.

[blockman]

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.

It's not all about the critics but it's about them. Critics are normal and they are everywhere, whether you do good or bad, you will always have a critic.
It's noticeable because last season was really not as good as what they're expecting from him and that's why there are critics and we can't blame them for telling the truth.

[Oasisman]

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.

I think it's how he can blend his style of play along with LeBron, AD, and the rest of the Lakers squad that he needs to develop. He is indeed and explosive guard that can split defenders. What he needs to minimize is his turnovers and improve his passing accuracy and long range shooting percentage.
I'd really love to see the Lakers run again with LeBron, AD, and of course Westbrook.
There will be improvement and adjustments for sure as coach Ham said they'll run the offense through AD and Westbrook.

[OgNasty]

Media reporting now that Durant has reached an agreement with Nets management and will be playing for the Brooklyn Nets this year. I imagine that means Kyrie is staying also so no LeBron Kyrie reunion. I think this is probably the best outcome for everyone, but I did want to see them stir up the league. Should be fun to watch anyway. Two more months…

[livingfree]

snip

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.

You said it right.

It will be a long debate and conversation and in the end, it's either both opinions are correct based on the basis of proving who's the best player. Well, fans and veterans are the ones that are having this conversation.

For me, it's a good conversation because this only proves that are many really are interested on this topic and many are following on who's the best and when it's about the achievement of a player. We're pretty interested and sure want to be there.

[dwyane36]

Media reporting now that Durant has reached an agreement with Nets management and will be playing for the Brooklyn Nets this year. I imagine that means Kyrie is staying also so no LeBron Kyrie reunion. I think this is probably the best outcome for everyone, but I did want to see them stir up the league. Should be fun to watch anyway. Two more months…

It's funny to see how quickly Durant changes his mind. Let me remind you that he tried to put an ultimatum to the Nets' owner a couple of weeks ago, and now they somehow managed to reach some kind of agreement. Honestly, I think Durant has been acting a little weird this offseason, and he definitely deserves to get some boos from Nets fans during the first home game of the upcoming season.

[OgNasty]

Media reporting now that Durant has reached an agreement with Nets management and will be playing for the Brooklyn Nets this year. I imagine that means Kyrie is staying also so no LeBron Kyrie reunion. I think this is probably the best outcome for everyone, but I did want to see them stir up the league. Should be fun to watch anyway. Two more months…

It's funny to see how quickly Durant changes his mind. Let me remind you that he tried to put an ultimatum to the Nets' owner a couple of weeks ago, and now they somehow managed to reach some kind of agreement. Honestly, I think Durant has been acting a little weird this offseason, and he definitely deserves to get some boos from Nets fans during the first home game of the upcoming season.

He's a bit of an emotional guy for someone who's getting paid millions of dollars per month.  I think he came to the conclusion that any team who trades for him was going to be left with not enough talent to win it all and Brooklyn is his best shot at winning.  This is going to be a tough year for him though.  He had the chance to sign anywhere and chose the Nets, so it's really his own fault for tangling himself up with Kyrie.  Nobody saw the pandemic coming (except Bill Gates) but with so much money on the line, I wouldn't be lumping myself in with someone like Kyrie.

[Jating]

Media reporting now that Durant has reached an agreement with Nets management and will be playing for the Brooklyn Nets this year. I imagine that means Kyrie is staying also so no LeBron Kyrie reunion. I think this is probably the best outcome for everyone, but I did want to see them stir up the league. Should be fun to watch anyway. Two more months…

It's funny to see how quickly Durant changes his mind. Let me remind you that he tried to put an ultimatum to the Nets' owner a couple of weeks ago, and now they somehow managed to reach some kind of agreement. Honestly, I think Durant has been acting a little weird this offseason, and he definitely deserves to get some boos from Nets fans during the first home game of the upcoming season.

He's a bit of an emotional guy for someone who's getting paid millions of dollars per month.  I think he came to the conclusion that any team who trades for him was going to be left with not enough talent to win it all and Brooklyn is his best shot at winning.  This is going to be a tough year for him though.  He had the chance to sign anywhere and chose the Nets, so it's really his own fault for tangling himself up with Kyrie.  Nobody saw the pandemic coming (except Bill Gates) but with so much money on the line, I wouldn't be lumping myself in with someone like Kyrie.

That's why there are a lot of "what if" for Durant, live what if he didn't leave the Golden State. Anyways, he chooses Kyrie and it seems that Irving is the one that really brought some kind of jinx to the Nets or made them suffer for his decision not to get vaccinated and Durant was the only one carrying the team. So it's better for him to stay with the Nets and see how it goes, who knows, maybe he can build a chemistry with Ben Simmons and make it a fresh start for both of them.