2024 NBA Season

[Oasisman]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

[arwin100]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

That's a though game for them but lets give a good credit for their win although its not fantastic win but remember nuggets not a joke team they are so strong eventhough they don't have Murray, also Davis just cameback from i jury so I don't expect him to be on his 100% so may e after this though match they will adjust according to what they do on the series, playoffs is different atmosphere so expect more competitive lakers when they possibly face each other again.

[Reid]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

Indeed. They should use Marc Gasol more. They are too inclined to use Drummond only but forgot Gasol can shoot outside which is a big threat for a center.
If they can open up space thru the rim then they could attack more using Davis.
They are lucky Dozier was injured and the Nuggets were having a difficult time finding their offense while Porter was also having a bad night.
It's a good start, perhaps they can now find some determination with this win against a team from the top.

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

[Distinctin]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

Indeed. They should use Marc Gasol more. They are too inclined to use Drummond only but forgot Gasol can shoot outside which is a big threat for a center.
If they can open up space thru the rim then they could attack more using Davis.
They are lucky Dozier was injured and the Nuggets were having a difficult time finding their offense while Porter was also having a bad night.
It's a good start, perhaps they can now find some determination with this win against a team from the top.

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

what we witnessed is another proof that Kuzma is inconsistent, I think he would not last with the Lakers, probably next season he will be traded if he will not improve his game. He can score 30 points at one night, and the next night he will struggle, that's not what the Lakers need now, they need someone who can provide for them as Lakers as a team is struggling.

[wheelz1200]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

Indeed. They should use Marc Gasol more. They are too inclined to use Drummond only but forgot Gasol can shoot outside which is a big threat for a center.
If they can open up space thru the rim then they could attack more using Davis.
They are lucky Dozier was injured and the Nuggets were having a difficult time finding their offense while Porter was also having a bad night.
It's a good start, perhaps they can now find some determination with this win against a team from the top.

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

what we witnessed is another proof that Kuzma is inconsistent, I think he would not last with the Lakers, probably next season he will be traded if he will not improve his game. He can score 30 points at one night, and the next night he will struggle, that's not what the Lakers need now, they need someone who can provide for them as Lakers as a team is struggling.

All depends what they get back no sense in trading someone who is perfectly capable of ballin on any given night for trash back.  Dont know his contract situation but you need guys on the lower end of the cap to be able to field the stars they got.

[OgNasty]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

Indeed. They should use Marc Gasol more. They are too inclined to use Drummond only but forgot Gasol can shoot outside which is a big threat for a center.
If they can open up space thru the rim then they could attack more using Davis.
They are lucky Dozier was injured and the Nuggets were having a difficult time finding their offense while Porter was also having a bad night.
It's a good start, perhaps they can now find some determination with this win against a team from the top.

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

what we witnessed is another proof that Kuzma is inconsistent, I think he would not last with the Lakers, probably next season he will be traded if he will not improve his game. He can score 30 points at one night, and the next night he will struggle, that's not what the Lakers need now, they need someone who can provide for them as Lakers as a team is struggling.

All depends what they get back no sense in trading someone who is perfectly capable of ballin on any given night for trash back.  Dont know his contract situation but you need guys on the lower end of the cap to be able to field the stars they got.

I'd like to see them do some sort of sign and trade with the Pelicans to get Lonzo Ball back.  I think his play style matches well with LeBron, and I think if they had to do the trade for AD over again they would have tossed in Kuzma instead of Lonzo. 

What trade do you guys think would work for Kuzma?  He has been praised by his coach lately for doing the little things, but he hasn't mastered how to fill up that stat sheet every night as others have pointed out.

[wheelz1200]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

Not an impressive win though. The Lakers still needs to improve their ball rotation and plays. Lucky their bench was draining some threes from Gasol and Matthews, and a good winning block from AD at the end of the game.
They were up 10 down the stretch and the Nuggets was able to close the gap at 2.
So, again not an impressive win. I know there was no LeBron and so the Nuggets has no Murray as well.

Indeed. They should use Marc Gasol more. They are too inclined to use Drummond only but forgot Gasol can shoot outside which is a big threat for a center.
If they can open up space thru the rim then they could attack more using Davis.
They are lucky Dozier was injured and the Nuggets were having a difficult time finding their offense while Porter was also having a bad night.
It's a good start, perhaps they can now find some determination with this win against a team from the top.

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

what we witnessed is another proof that Kuzma is inconsistent, I think he would not last with the Lakers, probably next season he will be traded if he will not improve his game. He can score 30 points at one night, and the next night he will struggle, that's not what the Lakers need now, they need someone who can provide for them as Lakers as a team is struggling.

All depends what they get back no sense in trading someone who is perfectly capable of ballin on any given night for trash back.  Dont know his contract situation but you need guys on the lower end of the cap to be able to field the stars they got.

I'd like to see them do some sort of sign and trade with the Pelicans to get Lonzo Ball back.  I think his play style matches well with LeBron, and I think if they had to do the trade for AD over again they would have tossed in Kuzma instead of Lonzo.  

What trade do you guys think would work for Kuzma?  He has been praised by his coach lately for doing the little things, but he hasn't mastered how to fill up that stat sheet every night as others have pointed out.

Honestly he just signed a contract 3 years for $40m with the last one being a player option.  That's not bad but thats not great.  Teams would have to want him locked in for multiple years.  Trades are weird.  Without contracts its fairly easy to say this one for that one but contracts screw all of that up.  If I were the Lakers I'd just sit with him generally speaking thats not a terrible contract.

[bitgolden]

Lakers played a very good game, their defense was on point and that is what they needed during this stretch. However I still find hilarious that people who see that AD is still stretching his legs and trying to get back to what he was, and Lebron missing and they claim that Lakers may stay out of the playoffs this season.

I believe that is not a possibility at all, even if it comes down to the last games, even if they stay for the "play-in" or whatever they are calling for that 8th seed these days, I am sure that they will be capable of beating anyone they face. And looking at who is at the top of the table right now they are either playing Jazz or Suns and they will destroy both of them for sure. So for lakers there is no problem, when they are 100% healthy there is really no team in the league that could stop them, but them being 100% is a big question mark.

[yazher]

What trade do you guys think would work for Kuzma?  He has been praised by his coach lately for doing the little things, but he hasn't mastered how to fill up that stat sheet every night as others have pointed out.

I don't think he will be traded after this season since he is doing his job with his role to keep the team in its current spot in the NBA playoffs. But still, there are a handful of games left. He needs this chance to prove that he is one of the key players on the team so that he won't be traded to the other teams. I doubt that he will still get the people's attention that he is having in the Lakers right now when he will be traded to the other team next season. Things will not be the same for him like his other old buddies in the Pelicans.

[agustina2]

I don't think he will be traded after this season since he is doing his job with his role to keep the team in its current spot in the NBA playoffs. But still, there are a handful of games left. He needs this chance to prove that he is one of the key players on the team so that he won't be traded to the other teams.

Kuzma is inconsistent but he is doing great coming from the bench. He won't be traded at least for 2-3 seasons unless if anything goes wrong. Lakers needs a like of him as their second squad.

The Lakers are rebuilding a young core but they need to secure their future if Lebron James will now finally retired. That's why they force to trade their young players to Anthony Davis since there's no improvement at those players involved even playing for the Lakers for several seasons.

[Sanitough]

I don't think he will be traded after this season since he is doing his job with his role to keep the team in its current spot in the NBA playoffs. But still, there are a handful of games left. He needs this chance to prove that he is one of the key players on the team so that he won't be traded to the other teams.

Kuzma is inconsistent but he is doing great coming from the bench. He won't be traded at least for 2-3 seasons unless if anything goes wrong. Lakers needs a like of him as their second squad.

The Lakers are rebuilding a young core but they need to secure their future if Lebron James will now finally retired. That's why they force to trade their young players to Anthony Davis since there's no improvement at those players involved even playing for the Lakers for several seasons.

Lebron won't retire anytime soon, unless he is seriously injured that it would already affect a major part of his performance, like what happened to Kobe. it's a business, if they see someone not fit anymore to the team, then they will be end of contract or will be traded, that's so simple, and Kuzma is no exception to that.

[harizen]

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

I've pointed that out before. Kuzma is not consistent with his numbers.

Others saying it's because he was outshined with LeBron and AD but now looked, both these guys rested at quite a long period but never seen a consistent Kuzma although, at some games, he was able to produce good numbers (again, but not consistent). Another reason is, he's not receiving a good playing time but checking their previous games, he was averaging 28-30 minutes per game which is enough time to show some explosiveness.

Playing 4 seasons on the Lakers now, he should be aggressive by now but we don't see it yet. Still hoping he will make up to his word before that he's the number 3 on the Lakers.

[Natalim]

Where is Kuzma? 31 minutes 6 points. This should be the time where he could shine most while Lebron is still resting. He had his minutes and was good against the Raptors. No consistency.

I've pointed that out before. Kuzma is not consistent with his numbers.

Others saying it's because he was outshined with LeBron and AD but now looked, both these guys rested at quite a long period but never seen a consistent Kuzma although, at some games, he was able to produce good numbers (again, but not consistent). Another reason is, he's not receiving a good playing time but checking their previous games, he was averaging 28-30 minutes per game which is enough time to show some explosiveness.

Playing 4 seasons on the Lakers now, he should be aggressive by now but we don't see it yet. Still hoping he will make up to his word before that he's the number 3 on the Lakers.

I guess his problem starts when he was injured, he may be playing safe now since he doesn't want to take the risk of ending his career early. The fact that he explodes anytime, means he has the talent, and he can unleash that or be more consistent if he will get a max salary which is a security for him.

All of what I'm saying is just my own opinion though, but that's how I observe on the players now, they are playing smart for the purpose of making a secure future in the NBA.

[dwyane36]

Indeed. They should use Marc Gasol more. They are too inclined to use Drummond only but forgot Gasol can shoot outside which is a big threat for a center.

Yeah, Gasol was helpful on the court, but I guess the Lakers will use him only if Drummond has a bad performance like it was in this match. Look at Andre's stats, he scored only 4 points, and he also didn't grab any rebounds within 21 minutes.

[goinmerry]

- or be more consistent if he will get a max salary which is a security for him.

- but that's how I observe on the players now, they are playing smart for the purpose of making a secure future in the NBA.

If it's about securing the future then I think these players should do their best now while working on being play safe. If they are seen as inconsistent by others teams, the offer maybe less, or trade value will be lessened. Targeting a max contract offer can only be considered if Kuzma's explosiveness is consistent.

I think Kuzma is not thinking about that. He is just really inconsistent and I agree with what others are saying here.

[Dave1]

Lakers looking good without Lebron James, leading by 10 against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is having the best game since he comes back from injury.

I was only able to watch the 4th quarter but I thought they looked pretty bad. Some questionable calls helped them get the victory but I think their bench was the only bright spot in the game. With Jamal Murray out nursing an injury I think this win isn’t as great as it looks. Still, a W without LeBron is exactly what they needed and they got it.

Yeah, they got the breaks in the closing seconds, Nuggets could have tie the game and force an OT.

I agree that Gasol played very well, this is the best game he had so far in Lakers uniform, hitting those big 3's when Nuggets are about to close the gap. As for Kuzma, yeah, maybe we can say that we are disappointed with his performance, specially when AD and Lebron are not playing, he should have been the main scorer when the two are out, however, he can't deliver and inconsistent.

[danherbias07]

- or be more consistent if he will get a max salary which is a security for him.

- but that's how I observe on the players now, they are playing smart for the purpose of making a secure future in the NBA.

If it's about securing the future then I think these players should do their best now while working on being play safe. If they are seen as inconsistent by others teams, the offer maybe less, or trade value will be lessened. Targeting a max contract offer can only be considered if Kuzma's explosiveness is consistent.

I think Kuzma is not thinking about that. He is just really inconsistent and I agree with what others are saying here.

Yes, stats sheets shows it.
He ain't like Draymond Green where most of his moves doesn't record in stats. Boxing out and good defense.
There's just no fire with this kid. Off nights are supposed to be like 1/5 games or 10 games. But with him its like 3/6 games which is not a good percentage.
He's a good shooter and also a big man, creating shots will be an easy task when you have that length advantage.
Rookie years is over, he needs to step up more whenever he consumes minutes.

[Yaunfitda]

- or be more consistent if he will get a max salary which is a security for him.

- but that's how I observe on the players now, they are playing smart for the purpose of making a secure future in the NBA.

If it's about securing the future then I think these players should do their best now while working on being play safe. If they are seen as inconsistent by others teams, the offer maybe less, or trade value will be lessened. Targeting a max contract offer can only be considered if Kuzma's explosiveness is consistent.

I think Kuzma is not thinking about that. He is just really inconsistent and I agree with what others are saying here.

Yes, stats sheets shows it.
He ain't like Draymond Green where most of his moves doesn't record in stats. Boxing out and good defense.
There's just no fire with this kid. Off nights are supposed to be like 1/5 games or 10 games. But with him its like 3/6 games which is not a good percentage.
He's a good shooter and also a big man, creating shots will be an easy task when you have that length advantage.
Rookie years is over, he needs to step up more whenever he consumes minutes.

Yes, there's a lot of hype with Kuzma, remember that he wasn't included in the trading block when they got Lebron James, so the Lakers have a lot of faith in this kid. However, it seems that he can't get over and jump to the next level.

Notice that when he plays and the other team defensive players check his moves, like if he penetrates and gets block, he seems to get out of rhythm already. So it's more of a mental game for this kid, he has the talents no doubt, but if his mind is not in synch, there are days that he can't really or have difficulty adjusting his game.

[Natalim]

- or be more consistent if he will get a max salary which is a security for him.

- but that's how I observe on the players now, they are playing smart for the purpose of making a secure future in the NBA.

If it's about securing the future then I think these players should do their best now while working on being play safe. If they are seen as inconsistent by others teams, the offer maybe less, or trade value will be lessened. Targeting a max contract offer can only be considered if Kuzma's explosiveness is consistent.

I think Kuzma is not thinking about that. He is just really inconsistent and I agree with what others are saying here.

Yes, stats sheets shows it.
He ain't like Draymond Green where most of his moves doesn't record in stats. Boxing out and good defense.
There's just no fire with this kid. Off nights are supposed to be like 1/5 games or 10 games. But with him its like 3/6 games which is not a good percentage.
He's a good shooter and also a big man, creating shots will be an easy task when you have that length advantage.
Rookie years is over, he needs to step up more whenever he consumes minutes.

Yes, there's a lot of hype with Kuzma, remember that he wasn't included in the trading block when they got Lebron James, so the Lakers have a lot of faith in this kid. However, it seems that he can't get over and jump to the next level.

Notice that when he plays and the other team defensive players check his moves, like if he penetrates and gets block, he seems to get out of rhythm already. So it's more of a mental game for this kid, he has the talents no doubt, but if his mind is not in synch, there are days that he can't really or have difficulty adjusting his game.

We would know if he is really good once he is traded and will be a big contributor to the recipient team, for now, let's just enjoy what we are seeing, we might a little frustrated especially if we are a Laker fan, but we have to understand that Kuzma was a big contributor during the NBA Finals where Lakers won.

[akirasendo17]

- or be more consistent if he will get a max salary which is a security for him.

- but that's how I observe on the players now, they are playing smart for the purpose of making a secure future in the NBA.

If it's about securing the future then I think these players should do their best now while working on being play safe. If they are seen as inconsistent by others teams, the offer maybe less, or trade value will be lessened. Targeting a max contract offer can only be considered if Kuzma's explosiveness is consistent.

I think Kuzma is not thinking about that. He is just really inconsistent and I agree with what others are saying here.

Yes, stats sheets shows it.
He ain't like Draymond Green where most of his moves doesn't record in stats. Boxing out and good defense.
There's just no fire with this kid. Off nights are supposed to be like 1/5 games or 10 games. But with him its like 3/6 games which is not a good percentage.
He's a good shooter and also a big man, creating shots will be an easy task when you have that length advantage.
Rookie years is over, he needs to step up more whenever he consumes minutes.

Yes, there's a lot of hype with Kuzma, remember that he wasn't included in the trading block when they got Lebron James, so the Lakers have a lot of faith in this kid. However, it seems that he can't get over and jump to the next level.

Notice that when he plays and the other team defensive players check his moves, like if he penetrates and gets block, he seems to get out of rhythm already. So it's more of a mental game for this kid, he has the talents no doubt, but if his mind is not in synch, there are days that he can't really or have difficulty adjusting his game.

We would know if he is really good once he is traded and will be a big contributor to the recipient team, for now, let's just enjoy what we are seeing, we might a little frustrated especially if we are a Laker fan, but we have to understand that Kuzma was a big contributor during the NBA Finals where Lakers won.

Kuzma still learning under Lebron James, at the same time I still can see light on Kuzma's future at the same time he can't compete with LeBron James since he is the star player he needs to follow the flow, remember when he carries the team without LeBron for a win, this means he can be a superstar, let's not push Kuzma at the moment he's time will come for sure.