2024 NBA Season

[carlisle1]

^ An important game for them (the Lakers) tomorrow as they go up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who they are tied with for the last play-in tournament spot along with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers winning this game would give them a little separation and maybe take off a little of the pressure of not making the play-in tournament at least.

They really need this one here because they kind of wasted their chance when they lost to Mavericks and the Rockets last time. Looks like this one is not easy either and they really need to play this game as if it's a crucial game to proceed in the playoff series because this is not a joke anymore when they lose more games and also they will gonna lose their chance to participate in the play-in tournament if the other teams will surprisingly take their spot with some few wins away.

Yeah, with few remaining games every win counts in each team who are aiming to move on to the next round.

Lakers still have that chance either to move into playoff or have a chance into another play-inn and take some chances to move forward.

I would like to see them winning while LeBron is still at rest. The chemistries are very important, as they needed each other's help and not
just to rely on stars like LeBron and Davis.

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[mirakal]

Well, carrying out a brief analysis of what was mentioned, I also believe that the Lakers have a little hope to get a seed in these playoffs, but for that to happen they need to be impeccable in the next games, as this will be something decisive for them. ..

OKC, Timberwolves, Mavs and Jazz, these are the other teams that are in a similar situation to the Lakers, that is, it will be extremely close competition for any team to get the last remaining seeds for these playoffs.

That's the result now of the Lakers losing too many games in the early to mid-season.

Aside from they really badly need to win their remaining games, they also need to depend on losing those teams above them.

If only they managed to get on a good track in their early games, they will still be in the close competition in the play-in but not in the status they are now currently that they need to depend on other teams losing their respective games just for Lakers to make a chance for a playoff spot.

Yes, it's kinda too late for them to think about the ifs that could've brought the team to a much comfortable position because they were also the reasons why they are struggling in their situation now and what they should do is just deal with the cards they have now. Fortunately for them, it's not yet too late to make amends because the players they have now are much more capable compared to the old roster that has been around since the season started.

[Maslate]

^ An important game for them (the Lakers) tomorrow as they go up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who they are tied with for the last play-in tournament spot along with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers winning this game would give them a little separation and maybe take off a little of the pressure of not making the play-in tournament at least.

In this game, the Los Angeles Lakers are listed as the favorites with a -5 handicap designation and will happen at Crypto Arena. It will be a tough game for them because aside from the fact that their opponent, the Thunders, can perform well under pressure and just like the Lakers, they are also looking for a safe spot to participate in the game upcoming playoffs. Davis is questionable to play, hopefully he can play because the team needs him.

[dwyane36]

OKC lost today though, and if they are playing tomorrow, then it's a back to back game for them, maybe tired legs and the Lakers should take advantage of it. Currently, Mavs, Pelicans, Lakers and OkC are tied so if Lakers could win, they will have a separation from OKC.

It's funny that so many teams have the same number of wins and losses, and they're all just a couple of wins behind the Suns, who are currently 4th in the Western Conference standings. Honestly, I don't remember there has ever been such a close competition between the teams before. However, that's good because it will make the last games of the regular season more interesting and unpredictable.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

OKC lost today though, and if they are playing tomorrow, then it's a back to back game for them, maybe tired legs and the Lakers should take advantage of it. Currently, Mavs, Pelicans, Lakers and OkC are tied so if Lakers could win, they will have a separation from OKC.

It's funny that so many teams have the same number of wins and losses, and they're all just a couple of wins behind the Suns, who are currently 4th in the Western Conference standings. Honestly, I don't remember there has ever been such a close competition between the teams before. However, that's good because it will make the last games of the regular season more interesting and unpredictable.

Yeah, the more that they are bunch together, the better it will be because the race is going to be tight. Unlike years ago wherein the first 6 teams are already assured of the spot because of their wins. Now they are very close to each other, so in the last games of the regular season, it's hard to predict or even to bet. Although it could be good because underdogs are going to fight it out till the last seconds. So let's see how the team will do, it's going to be very crucial and I think it is also true to the East as well.

[gagux123]

They cannot go back to the past. What's important is that they were able to make the right adjustments to make the team better. So if they end up in the play-in, they can surely win without a problem if they are really good. What we are hoping for with the Lakers is to win another championship, but that will not happen without LeBron James, so it's important for him to come back in case they are successful in the play-in.

I totally agree with what you said.
Unfortunately the Lakers at the beginning and during the season, they had a poor performance, poor management of the team, injured players and other things.

But the good thing is, the Lakers "woke up" at the end of the regular season and are doing their best to get a playoff seed in this season.

Only LJ + AD can take the Lakers to a WCF or even the championship game
I even dare say that the Lakers could perform better compared to the regular season.

In the playoffs,  "children of men" are separated, I have no doubt that a player's experience is a very important factor, and I have no doubt that AD + LJ have this (mainly LJ)

[FanEagle]

The west is so close right now that 8th Mavs have 36 wins and 37 losses, but 9th Pelicans and 10th Lakers and 11th Thunder has the same, and 12th Jazz has 35-37 so if they win the next game it's the same.

It's insane to think so many teams are not just close but at exactly the same games, Lakers could literally be a top 8 seed, or could be out based on just a win or a loss. Hell 6th which is out of play-in and will be in playoff for sure, is Warriors with 38 wins and 36 losses, so they are mere 2 game away from it, any team below could reach there as well, we still have time. It's close up until 4th which is Suns that have 38 wins and 34 losses, if they go on a losing streak and someone else wins, that low team could end up going up 5-6 positions all at once if they are lucky.

[wheelz1200]

The west is so close right now that 8th Mavs have 36 wins and 37 losses, but 9th Pelicans and 10th Lakers and 11th Thunder has the same, and 12th Jazz has 35-37 so if they win the next game it's the same.

It's insane to think so many teams are not just close but at exactly the same games, Lakers could literally be a top 8 seed, or could be out based on just a win or a loss. Hell 6th which is out of play-in and will be in playoff for sure, is Warriors with 38 wins and 36 losses, so they are mere 2 game away from it, any team below could reach there as well, we still have time. It's close up until 4th which is Suns that have 38 wins and 34 losses, if they go on a losing streak and someone else wins, that low team could end up going up 5-6 positions all at once if they are lucky.

This has been one of the best endings to a season that I can remember.  Having so many teams right up against each other is gonna be like bonus playoff basketball for the next 2 weeks.  Going to be some drama shifts in who is going to the playoffs and who isn't in the next 2 weeks.

[Baofeng]

They cannot go back to the past. What's important is that they were able to make the right adjustments to make the team better. So if they end up in the play-in, they can surely win without a problem if they are really good. What we are hoping for with the Lakers is to win another championship, but that will not happen without LeBron James, so it's important for him to come back in case they are successful in the play-in.

I totally agree with what you said.
Unfortunately the Lakers at the beginning and during the season, they had a poor performance, poor management of the team, injured players and other things.

But the good thing is, the Lakers "woke up" at the end of the regular season and are doing their best to get a playoff seed in this season.

Only LJ + AD can take the Lakers to a WCF or even the championship game
I even dare say that the Lakers could perform better compared to the regular season.

In the playoffs,  "children of men" are separated, I have no doubt that a player's experience is a very important factor, and I have no doubt that AD + LJ have this (mainly LJ)

I think it's more of Lakers trading WB and there future draft pick to have this kind of lineup that can deliver, but still though it won't be enough for a title contender or even in a playoff run if Lebron can't play. They still have AD but it won't be enough one big guy to bring that W for them. They have to be consistent, Austin Reaves is developing to be their 3rd option now. And D'Lo and Malik and Dennis should be evolving with the team. Vanderbilt is a good acquisition is defense and very good at the rebounding department that could help AD. But I think they still need a big solid man that's why the name of Tristan Thompson has pop up, but not sure if he will be offered a contract at least if they can make a playoff run.

[livingfree]

Luka's money sign to the referee have resulted for him to be fined with $35,000. Yeah, that's not a much for him and that's too little compare to the other fines that we're seeing for the other players.

Here's the article: Luka Dončić fined $35K by NBA for money gesture toward official during controversial Mavericks-Warriors game

This is too little for the chunk of the salary that he's getting.

[ingiltere]

Luka's money sign to the referee have resulted for him to be fined with $35,000. Yeah, that's not a much for him and that's too little compare to the other fines that we're seeing for the other players.

Here's the article: Luka Dončić fined $35K by NBA for money gesture toward official during controversial Mavericks-Warriors game

This is too little for the chunk of the salary that he's getting.

Another ridiculous decision. The referees directly influenced the outcome of the match and there is a potential match-fixing situation. While this should be investigated and the referees should be suspended, they give fines to the players of the team that hurt by these wrong decisions. The NBA management has completely failed in this regard. We have seen many referee mistakes in recent years, but this year may be the worst year for referees. The sad thing is that the NBA management doesn't make any corrections in this regard. These referees spoil the fun of the game.

[OgNasty]

The Suns are saying that they’re targeting Wednesday as the day Kevin Durant may return to the lineup and play in his first home game as a member of the Suns. They are playing a Timberwolves team that has a few players hopefully returning soon as well. I’m hoping that Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant both get to play on Wednesday.

[danherbias07]

Milwaukee Bucks is really strong. I mean, I saw Utah Jazz play good basketball against good teams like Boston Celtics where they won it, and Sacramento Kings which is also a close game but they won it too even without Markkanen and Clarkson. But today, they are blown out by the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't have to play thru the whole game and neither do Jrue Holiday and Middleton because it was an early big lead with almost the whole quarter being garbage time.

The Suns are saying that they’re targeting Wednesday as the day Kevin Durant may return to the lineup and play in his first home game as a member of the Suns. They are playing a Timberwolves team that has a few players hopefully returning soon as well. I’m hoping that Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant both get to play on Wednesday.

Now that's good news.
I saw Karl Anthony Towns returned and he looks pretty healthy too. This might become a good offensive fight if the Ant-Man will play on that day.
KD's home debut. I bet that will be a big one for him and he will definitely show us how strong the Suns could be with him around "again".
2 wins of 7 without him and now the Kings are trying to make them lose one more.

[YuginKadoya]

Agree on this. Good for him that he manage to perform well on their game against Orlando Magic that gives him an opportunity to have more exposure. Placing him on first 5 now gives him a flexibility to play his own game. He is doing a great job on helping AD to carry Lakers on the play-offs since this is very crucial for them.

I hope that he will be more consistent so that he will not be replaced again once Lebron came back since Lebron decides everything on Lakers that makes them sucks on players management.

Austin Reaves was so effective against Orlando Magic, it is pretty like the Magic is underestimating Reaves that much just because he doesn't have many points in his other games but Austin Reaves is really one of a kind and really has potential in both offenses and defense that is, skillfully guarding Kyrie Irving like that and getting many fouls needed for the teams, I could say he is more agile in getting those fouls than in making the points, but I think he can surely enhance this kind of playstyle,
well, that is how the Lakers will do and I really think Lebron James is more effective than Austin Reaves,

Yeah, with few remaining games every win counts in each team who are aiming to move on to the next round.

Lakers still have that chance either to move into playoff or have a chance into another play-inn and take some chances to move forward.

I would like to see them winning while LeBron is still at rest. The chemistries are very important, as they needed each other's help and not
just to rely on stars like LeBron and Davis.

Right now the Los Angeles Lakers are doing really fine, getting those possible wins but surely because of some injuries their momentum has really been affected by it, like their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 4, this should be a win for the Lakers because Lebron James and D'Angelo Russell are both injured that day and Austin Reaves just played 21 mins that game he doesn't showcase more, In the New Tork Knicks games even though they have D'Angelo Russell and playing Austin Reaves have played 25 mins but have gained 13 points, I think the Lakers needs their full force on the court,

[carlisle1]

Yeah, with few remaining games every win counts in each team who are aiming to move on to the next round.

Lakers still have that chance either to move into playoff or have a chance into another play-inn and take some chances to move forward.

I would like to see them winning while LeBron is still at rest. The chemistries are very important, as they needed each other's help and not
just to rely on stars like LeBron and Davis.

Right now the Los Angeles Lakers are doing really fine, getting those possible wins but surely because of some injuries their momentum has really been affected by it, like their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 4, this should be a win for the Lakers because Lebron James and D'Angelo Russell are both injured that day and Austin Reaves just played 21 mins that game he doesn't showcase more, In the New Tork Knicks games even though they have D'Angelo Russell and playing Austin Reaves have played 25 mins but have gained 13 points, I think the Lakers needs their full force on the court,

If they can play as a whole, the winning chance is far better than how they are bringing the outcome of each game that they are playing.

I can say that with both LeBron, D'Lo and Davis inside together with Reaves and Hachimura or anyone who will be willing to
adjust and play the game with a high level of basketball IQ.

Role player who can adjust to the type of LeBron game playing style, they've got this and they still be playing for the next round.

[TravelMug]

Yeah, with few remaining games every win counts in each team who are aiming to move on to the next round.

Lakers still have that chance either to move into playoff or have a chance into another play-inn and take some chances to move forward.

I would like to see them winning while LeBron is still at rest. The chemistries are very important, as they needed each other's help and not
just to rely on stars like LeBron and Davis.

Right now the Los Angeles Lakers are doing really fine, getting those possible wins but surely because of some injuries their momentum has really been affected by it, like their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 4, this should be a win for the Lakers because Lebron James and D'Angelo Russell are both injured that day and Austin Reaves just played 21 mins that game he doesn't showcase more, In the New Tork Knicks games even though they have D'Angelo Russell and playing Austin Reaves have played 25 mins but have gained 13 points, I think the Lakers needs their full force on the court,

If they can play as a whole, the winning chance is far better than how they are bringing the outcome of each game that they are playing.

I can say that with both LeBron, D'Lo and Davis inside together with Reaves and Hachimura or anyone who will be willing to
adjust and play the game with a high level of basketball IQ.

Role player who can adjust to the type of LeBron game playing style, they've got this and they still be playing for the next round.

Lakers with a good win tonight, and with that, they bolted out to 8 spot now (but still tie with the Wolves though). But still they have taken control of their destination with a win against the OKC.

AD with a monster game with 37 points, and then Dennis the Menace playing good basketball at the start of the 4th quarter with big 21 points.

Reaves just having a regular game with 11 points.

[btc_angela]

It was also a good win by the Warriors, although they are the favorite since it's in their homecourt and usually they play very good at Chase center. But they have a difficult time containing the big men in Joel Embiid, which I thought is not going to play and take a rest.

And it's about time for Poole to catch up in his offense, as he lead the fourth quarter when they are down and the Steph takes over in crucial minutes hitting floater after floater against the big guy. They are still in the 6th spot but 2 game ahead of the T'Wolves. And another lost by the Suns will move them to 5th in the standing. Phoenix lost for the 3rd time against the Kings.

[OgNasty]

Lakers with a good win tonight, and with that, they bolted out to 8 spot now (but still tie with the Wolves though). But still they have taken control of their destination with a win against the OKC.

AD with a monster game with 37 points, and then Dennis the Menace playing good basketball at the start of the 4th quarter with big 21 points.

Reaves just having a regular game with 11 points.

Ya, it would have been bad had they lost that game. Now they can try to get some separation and try to trade places with the Warriors or the Suns to get themselves out of the play-in tourney and into a guaranteed playoff spot. They’re 7-3 in their last 10 games. Starting to look like a real contender.

[LogitechMouse]

Luka's money sign to the referee have resulted for him to be fined with $35,000. Yeah, that's not a much for him and that's too little compare to the other fines that we're seeing for the other players.

Here's the article: Luka Dončić fined $35K by NBA for money gesture toward official during controversial Mavericks-Warriors game

This is too little for the chunk of the salary that he's getting.

Vanvleet's comments regarding a referee during an interview is way harsher than this one. Well, he got fined after that rant, but at least he said the truth.

Vanvleet did it. Luka did it. I expect more of this in the future where players will express their feelings towards the referees thru rant's or gestures like both of them did. As for Luka's actions, I think there is a reason why he did that, and for him it's pretty obvious, and I might agree with him as well, but at the end of the day, referee's calls will not change. I wonder what Scott Foster is doing while seeing these referees doing wrong calls.

It was also a good win by the Warriors, although they are the favorite since it's in their homecourt and usually they play very good at Chase center. But they have a difficult time containing the big men in Joel Embiid, which I thought is not going to play and take a rest.

Splash Brother + Poole Party for the win. All 3 of them scored 83 of the total 120 points with a combined 3-pt shooting of 14-31.

It was a close one TBH, until the final minute, but the three of Poole in the corner sealed the deal for the victory. They spoiled Embiid's 46 point performance, but I'm worried because they can't stop him. Even Looney who is their tallest guy on the Warriors team can't even stop him. For the Warriors to be a playoff contender, or if they want to repeat their title, at least they need to be better in terms of defense. I just hope that Wiggins and GPII will return when playoff comes.

[Oasisman]

Yeah, with few remaining games every win counts in each team who are aiming to move on to the next round.

Lakers still have that chance either to move into playoff or have a chance into another play-inn and take some chances to move forward.

I would like to see them winning while LeBron is still at rest. The chemistries are very important, as they needed each other's help and not
just to rely on stars like LeBron and Davis.

Right now the Los Angeles Lakers are doing really fine, getting those possible wins but surely because of some injuries their momentum has really been affected by it, like their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 4, this should be a win for the Lakers because Lebron James and D'Angelo Russell are both injured that day and Austin Reaves just played 21 mins that game he doesn't showcase more, In the New Tork Knicks games even though they have D'Angelo Russell and playing Austin Reaves have played 25 mins but have gained 13 points, I think the Lakers needs their full force on the court,

If they can play as a whole, the winning chance is far better than how they are bringing the outcome of each game that they are playing.

I can say that with both LeBron, D'Lo and Davis inside together with Reaves and Hachimura or anyone who will be willing to
adjust and play the game with a high level of basketball IQ.

Role player who can adjust to the type of LeBron game playing style, they've got this and they still be playing for the next round.

Lakers with a good win tonight, and with that, they bolted out to 8 spot now (but still tie with the Wolves though). But still they have taken control of their destination with a win against the OKC.

AD with a monster game with 37 points, and then Dennis the Menace playing good basketball at the start of the 4th quarter with big 21 points.

Reaves just having a regular game with 11 points.

I thought they're gonna lose it as they had a very bad 3rd quarter and the momentum suddenly shift. Good thing they played good defense and become more efficient in the 4th quarter. IMO, the Lakers has a good depth, their bench can score as much as the starters. Walker who have been limited with minutes after the trade, scored 20 pts and an efficient fg. If Darvin Ham could execute a good rotation and the Lakers can improve their free throws, they'd be unstoppable in the playoffs.