2024 NBA Season

[avp2306]

[....]
In the case of Ben thought it was different, he suffered it when everything went sour, with the Sixers and himself because Ben was a different player in that season. He doesn't want to shoot and then perhaps there is already tension between him the coach and the players themselves.

As compare to Rubio, he was injured that season, so he never see some playing time. Perhaps he just wanted to gave away from the limelight of FIBA as he started very young then and chooses to stay and perhaps focus on his comeback in the NBA.

I agree that the two are different cases. Ben's situation is probably closer to what happened with Markelle Fultz. Remember him? The former no. 1 pick that also became a laughing stock due to his poor shooting and that awkward free throw release. Both suffered the "yips" but Fultz seems to have overcome that unlike Simmons.

Yup, two different situations as Simmons' pride eats his mindset against his former team while Rubio suffers from an injury. Situation
that he can't control, unlike with Simmon, it's his pride why he doesn't want to play.

Hopefully Rubio will take time to think deep if he will also file his leave when the new season starts, or maybe it's just all for FIBA and
his main goal is to focus coming back to NBA.

Looking forward to hear some updates with his next journey, for now, let's leave him with his way of curing his mental concern.

It will be much better for him if he cannot hear any news involving his situation and name because that will not help him in his case as there will be a chance that he will bump into an article that is saying nonsense about him and his career, just a click bait so that they can ride the situation while Rubio's case is still hot.

But then again, that will certainly not help him as instead of feeling comfortable that he got some support from his fans and from the basketball community, rather he will feel that he is doubted by many because of that certain article he bumped into.

The bad side of socmed, while it's hot, they will use it to gained attentions, even there's nothing about the content, simply a clickbait
but people will tend to get some interest.

Like what you said, it's not going to be helpful for Rubio knowing his condition it might affect him and cause additional concern.

Let's hope for the best. Whatever decision he takes as long as it will help him to cope with his current situation.

Not new about them? They just create that scenery to make it readable to their audiences. They always do that since this is how they can earn money.

They don't care if this news gonna help or not for Rubio since as long as they can get a lot of engagement then there business still good.

But for sure he's fine and he can handle all troubles what he is facing on.

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[Sanitough]

It could be Damian Lillard as the biggest surprise to come. I believe the Miami Heat is having a 50/50 chance of getting him or even lower so I'd still be surprised if they can acquire Lillard which I am hoping to happen.

James Harden might be a little surprised, this guy can still play well, especially in play-making and shooting so a contending team getting him will become a better team. We don't know yet how much the other teams are willing to give up to take him but teams will take him pretty sure unless Philly will do the waiting game. And lastly, there's Zach LaVine who earlier wants out of Chicago so a possible trade before the start of the season will happen. 

As for the favorites next season, I am also expecting Denver and the Phoenix. Milwaukee and Boston are possible 50/50 unless Miami gets Lillard.

Lillard joining the Miami Heat wouldn't necessarily make them the heavy favorites to win the championship. However, it would be interesting to see if he lands with the Heat, as the team would likely improve due to the potential chemistry. As for James Harden, he isn't as entertaining anymore, so I'm not thrilled about which team he will join. After he was traded from the Rockets, his career hasn't been the same. I don't understand why the Nets gave up on him so easily. I mean, the big 3 is talented enough to make the team a championship contender, but it seems the Nets might have been in a hurry.

[blockman]

They are locked into Lebron and AD and both are older and on the downward trajectory of theor careers.

This is so true. It cannot get better. I don't understand what Lakers are doing and what are they thinking for the next 2-3 years.

It's simple, they've got their own terms and still trust the two. That's why even if they're older, they're putting a bet on that roster and won't change anytime soon or have them traded. As long as they can still see the value in them, they'll continue to work with them until these two are the ones to demand a trade. We do understand that the value of these two are not that at its peak anymore and there are better options. But, that's what Lakers are for, they're impressed with what just happened on the last season when they're actually in the deepest and still managed to the play-in/playoffs.

[Hypnosis00]

They are locked into Lebron and AD and both are older and on the downward trajectory of theor careers.

This is so true. It cannot get better. I don't understand what Lakers are doing and what are they thinking for the next 2-3 years.

It's simple, they've got their own terms and still trust the two. That's why even if they're older, they're putting a bet on that roster and won't change anytime soon or have them traded. As long as they can still see the value in them, they'll continue to work with them until these two are the ones to demand a trade. We do understand that the value of these two are not that at its peak anymore and there are better options. But, that's what Lakers are for, they're impressed with what just happened on the last season when they're actually in the deepest and still managed to the play-in/playoffs.

Let's think this way: if the Lakers had beaten the Nuggets in the WCF, they would certainly have won the championship. So, probably what the management is thinking is that there's still a chance for both AD and LeBron to win a championship. The roster is still complete, at least with the starters, and they have added more depth, so it's expected to see this team improve next season.

Personally, I don't find any problem with retaining these two. Besides, LeBron is nearing retirement, so they just want to honor what he has done with the Lakers before his retirement. Having LeBron on the team also makes the Lakers more popular, which will result in bigger ticket sales and more views.

[yazher]

Nah it's too soon that AD will get injured and cannot contribute to the championship because the season haven't even started yet and discussing about them going to the championship rounds is a bit premature for now. Knowing AD, he is likely to get injured and that will not get out of his system just like KD, but both stars are known to make a comeback and will be utilized in the playoffs to help the team in their run unlike any other players that after injury, there's not much to expect because their play is not that the same anymore.

Maybe they can still go to play in the playoffs this upcoming season because they already had a great run last year and they were the ones who easily beat the GSW who was the defending champion at that time. Since they already get rid of Westbrook and gather more good players, I'm sure the start of the season will be different, and what they need to work on is thinking about how to defeat the Nuggets so that they won't be ended up swept in 2 consecutive seasons in the NBA playoffs.

[dwyane36]

Nah it's too soon that AD will get injured and cannot contribute to the championship because the season haven't even started yet and discussing about them going to the championship rounds is a bit premature for now. Knowing AD, he is likely to get injured and that will not get out of his system just like KD, but both stars are known to make a comeback and will be utilized in the playoffs to help the team in their run unlike any other players that after injury, there's not much to expect because their play is not that the same anymore.

In Davis' case, he can literally injure himself from any touch, even in offseason workouts. So it's not too early to assume that he could miss part of the season due to injuries again. Honestly, I wouldn't even be surprised if betting sites started offering bets on whether Davis would be injured next season or not. It would be a win-win bet for users.

[FanEagle]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

[wheelz1200]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

That's just it, the whole team rely on Bron and AD being on the floor for the majority of the time/games.  Time nor injury history is not on theor side.  Those guys you mention are fine players on their own but as a starting crew without Bron and AD they are one of the worst squads assembled.  Hope to see the older fellas stay on the court but history says they wont.

[carlisle1]

They are locked into Lebron and AD and both are older and on the downward trajectory of theor careers.

This is so true. It cannot get better. I don't understand what Lakers are doing and what are they thinking for the next 2-3 years.

It's simple, they've got their own terms and still trust the two. That's why even if they're older, they're putting a bet on that roster and won't change anytime soon or have them traded. As long as they can still see the value in them, they'll continue to work with them until these two are the ones to demand a trade. We do understand that the value of these two are not that at its peak anymore and there are better options. But, that's what Lakers are for, they're impressed with what just happened on the last season when they're actually in the deepest and still managed to the play-in/playoffs.

Let's think this way: if the Lakers had beaten the Nuggets in the WCF, they would certainly have won the championship. So, probably what the management is thinking is that there's still a chance for both AD and LeBron to win a championship. The roster is still complete, at least with the starters, and they have added more depth, so it's expected to see this team improve next season.

Personally, I don't find any problem with retaining these two. Besides, LeBron is nearing retirement, so they just want to honor what he has done with the Lakers before his retirement. Having LeBron on the team also makes the Lakers more popular, which will result in bigger ticket sales and more views.

I follow that sentiment from the last statement, Lakers is known for creating good money, it's business and having LeBron even
if he's no longer at his prime will still bring money to the franchise.

Though on a competitive level, the team still have that shot as per my opinion as long as Davis is healthy, and LeBron will facilitate
in passing the ball to the open man.

Waiting for the upcoming season to see how teams and players will showcase their competitiveness.

[blockman]

They are locked into Lebron and AD and both are older and on the downward trajectory of theor careers.

This is so true. It cannot get better. I don't understand what Lakers are doing and what are they thinking for the next 2-3 years.

It's simple, they've got their own terms and still trust the two. That's why even if they're older, they're putting a bet on that roster and won't change anytime soon or have them traded. As long as they can still see the value in them, they'll continue to work with them until these two are the ones to demand a trade. We do understand that the value of these two are not that at its peak anymore and there are better options. But, that's what Lakers are for, they're impressed with what just happened on the last season when they're actually in the deepest and still managed to the play-in/playoffs.

Let's think this way: if the Lakers had beaten the Nuggets in the WCF, they would certainly have won the championship. So, probably what the management is thinking is that there's still a chance for both AD and LeBron to win a championship. The roster is still complete, at least with the starters, and they have added more depth, so it's expected to see this team improve next season.

Personally, I don't find any problem with retaining these two. Besides, LeBron is nearing retirement, so they just want to honor what he has done with the Lakers before his retirement. Having LeBron on the team also makes the Lakers more popular, which will result in bigger ticket sales and more views.

Yup, I think that retiring as a Lakers and also being labeled as one of the greatest players with them, that's such an honor. Basically, there are many criteria as to why they're doing that and it's not questionable on their side why they want to retain both. Just as other teams retaining their main stay, there should be no problem if that's decided and soon these two will be passing the torch of the team to the other younger generation and players that they're with together.

[harizen]

Will the Chicago Bulls make a big mistake if they trade Zach LaVine? IMO, yes. They don't need a rebuild, they need an upgrade on other sections. They already have the best offensive players in the league but something is missing after Lonzo Ball was hurt.

I agree. They just need a little tweak to their roster without trading their key players.

There are lots of good role players around which they can fish without giving up the part of their core. Remember last season, when they almost make sounds in the early phase of the season, LaVine is one of the key reasons why the Bulls are having a good run that time. It's really hard to cover what Lonzo Ball left but that shouldn't end up for the Bulls breaking the core.

It's hard to build chemistry again if they will change the main core where it's already clear that the current ones are properly blended with each other.

[livingfree]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

In fairness with Lakers, they don't have a look as strong as the others but they've got probably a balance there although with a leadership of course by LBJ.

But as the other teams are bumping their rosters, I don't know what's the plan of Lakers ahead of the season. Maybe they'll just play it like last time as they weren't expected to what they've landed there and still can be said a good job to them.

Reaves no doubt, he's like a star in the making.

[danherbias07]

Will the Chicago Bulls make a big mistake if they trade Zach LaVine? IMO, yes. They don't need a rebuild, they need an upgrade on other sections. They already have the best offensive players in the league but something is missing after Lonzo Ball was hurt.

I agree. They just need a little tweak to their roster without trading their key players.

There are lots of good role players around which they can fish without giving up the part of their core. Remember last season, when they almost make sounds in the early phase of the season, LaVine is one of the key reasons why the Bulls are having a good run that time. It's really hard to cover what Lonzo Ball left but that shouldn't end up for the Bulls breaking the core.

It's hard to build chemistry again if they will change the main core where it's already clear that the current ones are properly blended with each other.

Yes. I do remember that. The first 20 games they were explosive and there are a lot of discussions where they are assuming the Chicago Bulls will be one of the top in the Eastern Conference.
Surely they don't need an overhaul. Plus, they were given an extension for their salary cap so I think that can cover some of what they need to surround their core with good players.

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

Austin Reaves. Truly, a rising star in the making. What he needs is just experience so playing in the USA team will boost that and then some confidence to make him a better player once he goes back to the Lakers game. He is a point guard and a good one. Watching him I can see a Jason Kidd style of play. He can shoot, pass, and rebound, and he doesn't stay idle so that's a big discovery for the Lakers after giving him a chance to play. I actually did not expect that from him but he did step up his game and now he is reaping the rewards.

[Russlenat]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

Right, that is why they are being named as a dark horse by some people and fans because even if the Los Angeles Lakers are not that actually strong mainly in the regular season but you can count on them to have a good run and adjustment during the playoffs run. Just like what they did recently, that revamped they got truly helped the whole roster.

Even Steve Kerr himself is praising Austin Reaves because he can see the improvement of the kid throughout the years and his potential that he will be an asset to the team. He might be one of those stars but he can do something on his own and the fact that he can learn fast means that he truly got a potential.

[OgNasty]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

Right, that is why they are being named as a dark horse by some people and fans because even if the Los Angeles Lakers are not that actually strong mainly in the regular season but you can count on them to have a good run and adjustment during the playoffs run. Just like what they did recently, that revamped they got truly helped the whole roster.

Even Steve Kerr himself is praising Austin Reaves because he can see the improvement of the kid throughout the years and his potential that he will be an asset to the team. He might be one of those stars but he can do something on his own and the fact that he can learn fast means that he truly got a potential.

I’m a fan of Austin’s game but I think it might be a little early for him to be receiving the praise he’s getting. Playing with LeBron opens up a lot of opportunities and that has benefitted Reaves quite a bit. I think next year defenses will start paying attention to him, which would probably end up being a good thing for the Lakers.

[Oasisman]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

In fairness with Lakers, they don't have a look as strong as the others but they've got probably a balance there although with a leadership of course by LBJ.

But as the other teams are bumping their rosters, I don't know what's the plan of Lakers ahead of the season. Maybe they'll just play it like last time as they weren't expected to what they've landed there and still can be said a good job to them.

Reaves no doubt, he's like a star in the making.

I don't want the Lakers to make anymore adjustments with the current rosters they have. You're right, they looked pretty balanced with this roster and they looked better currently than the last one. I'd say the Lakers did a good job in retaining Rui, Reeves, Vando, and Russel. These 4 guys have stepped up in the playoffs, though off nights are normal, but with a better offense, the Lakers will become great again. They already had that defense since last year they just need to maintain and improve it a little more.

On the other hand, I'm really curious on what would be the Denver Nuggets' next move after they let go of Bruce Brown, which I was really surprised of. I mean that guy was literally making huge impact on both ends of the floor. I don't know what they're thinking that's why I'm pretty curious about their next move.

[btc_angela]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

Right, that is why they are being named as a dark horse by some people and fans because even if the Los Angeles Lakers are not that actually strong mainly in the regular season but you can count on them to have a good run and adjustment during the playoffs run. Just like what they did recently, that revamped they got truly helped the whole roster.

Even Steve Kerr himself is praising Austin Reaves because he can see the improvement of the kid throughout the years and his potential that he will be an asset to the team. He might be one of those stars but he can do something on his own and the fact that he can learn fast means that he truly got a potential.

I’m a fan of Austin’s game but I think it might be a little early for him to be receiving the praise he’s getting. Playing with LeBron opens up a lot of opportunities and that has benefitted Reaves quite a bit. I think next year defenses will start paying attention to him, which would probably end up being a good thing for the Lakers.

But he is doing good though in his first 2 years that's why he is getting praises as early as today and we can't take that away from Austin Reaves and I will say he deserves it. For me has has surpassed Caruso as a White Mamba Lakers, in terms of impact.

He is also a underrated defender, so most likely it's one area that he needs to improved, but we will see. Core of the Lakers are back and although they are considered like only 7th favorite to win, still a good odds if you are a Laker fan.

[Shinpako09]

Checking in for the season I could say that Lakers are not as bad as people think they are, they are just injured a lot. Now I know that's not the story of the season so far, but they are my wildcard for the ring and let me explain why.

They have Reaves that is getting better every season, Russel that is looking to take the PG spot and be good, Rui that is a great bench guy who defends very well, Vanderbilt as a great defensive guy as well, Lebron and AD is still there and being an all-star level amazing people, those names alone looks like they are actually pretty good team. I know that it sounds like they are not going to be all that great to some people, but I feel like they could actually be pretty good team for sure.

Right, that is why they are being named as a dark horse by some people and fans because even if the Los Angeles Lakers are not that actually strong mainly in the regular season but you can count on them to have a good run and adjustment during the playoffs run. Just like what they did recently, that revamped they got truly helped the whole roster.

Even Steve Kerr himself is praising Austin Reaves because he can see the improvement of the kid throughout the years and his potential that he will be an asset to the team. He might be one of those stars but he can do something on his own and the fact that he can learn fast means that he truly got a potential.

I’m a fan of Austin’s game but I think it might be a little early for him to be receiving the praise he’s getting. Playing with LeBron opens up a lot of opportunities and that has benefitted Reaves quite a bit. I think next year defenses will start paying attention to him, which would probably end up being a good thing for the Lakers.

Last season, he made significant contributions. I believe he deserves the praise he is receiving. He's quite talented and will get much better if fame doesn't get into his head like what happened to JP. He might become one of the Lakers' core players in the coming years, especially if LeBron retires and he continues to improve.

[Sanitough]

Nah it's too soon that AD will get injured and cannot contribute to the championship because the season haven't even started yet and discussing about them going to the championship rounds is a bit premature for now. Knowing AD, he is likely to get injured and that will not get out of his system just like KD, but both stars are known to make a comeback and will be utilized in the playoffs to help the team in their run unlike any other players that after injury, there's not much to expect because their play is not that the same anymore.

In Davis' case, he can literally injure himself from any touch, even in offseason workouts. So it's not too early to assume that he could miss part of the season due to injuries again. Honestly, I wouldn't even be surprised if betting sites started offering bets on whether Davis would be injured next season or not. It would be a win-win bet for users.

That's not new; there are sites already that offer that kind of bet. However, I'm not sure about the odds for that since, based on statistics, there's no season that Davis won't be injured. It's only a matter of when it would happen. Well, if Davis were to be injured next season (hopefully not), I hope that it would not happen nearing the playoffs. They really need him in the playoffs, and the Lakers without him might struggle, and worse, they could face a first-round exit.

Although the Lakers' chemistry was formed later in the season this year, they were still able to upset teams with higher standings before falling short to the Nuggets. So, it's already a big achievement on their part, and I'm pretty sure they will come back strong next season.

Injury problems are really an issue for Davis, but I'm sure the management has already learned how to manage his playing time to minimize that risk.

[dwyane36]

Last season, he made significant contributions. I believe he deserves the praise he is receiving. He's quite talented and will get much better if fame doesn't get into his head like what happened to JP. He might become one of the Lakers' core players in the coming years, especially if LeBron retires and he continues to improve.

Austin Reaves has developed his skills well over his first two seasons in the NBA, and I agree with you that he deserves some praise. Moreover, it's worth noting that he averaged 16.9 points per game in the last playoffs, and I think he was one of the key players that helped the Lakers get this far. In my opinion, that's a very good result for a player who played in the playoffs for the first time in his career.