2024 NBA Season

[Japinat]

When Lakers won the last night, Russ is fit with Lebron. When they lose tonight against the Grizzlies, Russ is not fit now. And the cycle goes...

We should not blame their losing event on a single player. What are the other guys doing? No one is stepping up, no one has the guts to take over, they are literally just going with the flow either LBJ or Russ.

That problem needs to be addressed by the whole team.

Russ was never fit with Lebron, they are both main ball handlers and that's how they have been for a while and having two "main" ball handlers will be a problem. When you have one great passing guy, who likes to drive inside, and dish out to three pointers, you get three point shooters. They wanted to get Buddy Hield instead of Westbrook and if they did that, it would have been so much different.

Right now, with covid cases are getting out of hand and AD is out, I have to say it is understandable for Lakers to be bad. Remove Lebron from the team and they are worse than Cavs when Lebron first left the team. It is nothing but a tanking team to be fair. Only reason why they are even close to 50% right now is the fact that they have Lebron playing insanely well. At his age, playing nearly 40 minutes a game, scoring 30+ points a night and Lakers are still losing.

So what you are saying here is for the Lakers to be better, they have to trade Westbrook? If Westbrook is not fit then he is the problem in the team, without him the Lakers will be a championship team. We are witnessing the worst season of the Lakers with Lebron James, question is, can they still turn things around?

[Reid]

Another game was postponed and it adds to the long list. Wishing this will stop using the 10 day contract sign up.

Date         Game            Rescheduled Date
Dec. 14   Pistons vs. Bulls   TBA
Dec. 16   Bulls vs. Raptors   TBA
Dec. 19   Cavaliers vs. Hawks   TBA
Dec. 19   Nuggets vs. Nets   TBA
Dec. 19   Pelicans vs. 76ers   TBA
Dec. 20   Magic vs. Raptors   TBA
Dec. 21   Wizards vs. Nets   TBA
Dec. 22   Raptors vs. Bulls   TBA
Dec. 23   Nets vs. Trail Blazers   TBA
Dec. 29   Heat vs. Spurs   TBA

NBA games postponed by team
Bulls, Nets, Raptors: three games
76ers, Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Magic, Nuggets, Pelicans, Pistons, Spurs, Trail Blazers, Wizards: one game

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/which-nba-games-have-been-postponed-due-to-covid-19-impacted-teams-and-schedule-updates/ar-AASh9jD?ocid=uxbndlbing
They will still play those games but schedules are unknown yet, as they just want to follow whatever is written in the schedule given to each team. I think they will insert it before the play-in tournament. Who knows if those games will save teams from being knocked out in the playoffs.

[Pamadar]

So what you are saying here is for the Lakers to be better, they have to trade Westbrook? If Westbrook is not fit then he is the problem in the team, without him the Lakers will be a championship team. We are witnessing the worst season of the Lakers with Lebron James, question is, can they still turn things around?

That's a good question to wait and watch out,

Lakers with LeBron still have the chance, I just saying my point with Russ, if AD able to catch up and play with a healthy condition
they are still in this league.

Sorry for some emotion here, but just like a regular viewer, every game has a different opinion. Every performance counts.

[OgNasty]

I really feel bad for Russ and AD.  Neither of them have the mental toughness to make it in LA.  Especially with LeBron getting frustrated every time someone other than him makes a mistake.  If there's any way in the world the Lakers could put together a 3 team trade and send AD to Portland and Russ to Philly for Ben Simmons and Dame Lillard, I think the team would do much better.  Granted Ben Simmons isn't exactly the right mental giant to survive the LA market either, but I think it would be an improvement over his current situation. 

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I really feel bad for Russ and AD.  Neither of them have the mental toughness to make it in LA.  Especially with LeBron getting frustrated every time someone other than him makes a mistake.  If there's any way in the world the Lakers could put together a 3 team trade and send AD to Portland and Russ to Philly for Ben Simmons and Dame Lillard, I think the team would do much better.  Granted Ben Simmons isn't exactly the right mental giant to survive the LA market either, but I think it would be an improvement over his current situation. 

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

Yeah, hopefully though they can still make the playoffs despite what's going on with the team. But I don't think that there will be trades, AD is not playing and that is a big minus for the team. I think Lebron and AD are still the core of Lakers and not Russ. And I would say that Russ game with Lakers is somewhat deteriorated, not sure what is the reason for that. Plenty of time to really figure out and maybe the all star break will help the Lakers.

[chaser15]

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

I do agree here. It's not that Los Angeles Lakers are already on the grave. There are also teams in the Western Conference that is struggling at the lower tiers. They can even finish at 7th or 6th at most with that inconsistency. And All-Star break still over a month to go means we are not even yet at the half of the season to conclude that Lakers will be out of the playoffs competition.

[Japinat]

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

I do agree here. It's not that Los Angeles Lakers are already on the grave. There are also teams in the Western Conference that is struggling at the lower tiers. They can even finish at 7th or 6th at most with that inconsistency. And All-Star break still over a month to go means we are not even yet at the half of the season to conclude that Lakers will be out of the playoffs competition.

They'll likely qualify in the playoffs but that's the best possibility I see because they'll never be in the WCF the way they are playing now. I never saw in the past that Lebron was able to turn things around when his team started with a bad season, so I don't expect a lot from the Lakers now.

[dwyane36]

Yeah, hopefully though they can still make the playoffs despite what's going on with the team. But I don't think that there will be trades, AD is not playing and that is a big minus for the team. I think Lebron and AD are still the core of Lakers and not Russ. And I would say that Russ game with Lakers is somewhat deteriorated, not sure what is the reason for that. Plenty of time to really figure out and maybe the all star break will help the Lakers.

The problem is that Westbrook doesn't worry about turnovers. Look at his stats, he quite often makes 6-7 turnovers per game, and he doesn't even want to fix it. I know this is normal for him, but it's really bad for his team's performance. Honestly, I guess this may be one of the main reasons why the Lakers keep losing.

[wheelz1200]

Yeah, hopefully though they can still make the playoffs despite what's going on with the team. But I don't think that there will be trades, AD is not playing and that is a big minus for the team. I think Lebron and AD are still the core of Lakers and not Russ. And I would say that Russ game with Lakers is somewhat deteriorated, not sure what is the reason for that. Plenty of time to really figure out and maybe the all star break will help the Lakers.

The problem is that Westbrook doesn't worry about turnovers. Look at his stats, he quite often makes 6-7 turnovers per game, and he doesn't even want to fix it. I know this is normal for him, but it's really bad for his team's performance. Honestly, I guess this may be one of the main reasons why the Lakers keep losing.

I tend to agree Westbrook is not good for this team.  The only good thing is that he is available almost every game and they need more legs and not less given the age of this team.  I think the Lakers will sneak in but probably in the play in games.  A team like the Suns or jazz will eat them up in a series.

[danherbias07]

Warriors-Nuggets game postponed; Rivers, Malone enter protocols
Sad to see another game was postponed due to health and safety protocols. I was expecting for the Warriors to get their revenge against the Denver Nuggets but due to injuries and Covid illness, the Nuggets team lacks the number of players sufficient to play the game.

Also in the protocols: around 120 players, along with an untold number of other staffers from around the league — including assistant coaches, broadcasters, referees, media relations personnel, stat crew members, athletic trainers and more.

“This is mentally exhausting,” said Portland assistant Scott Brooks, who is filling in for Billups during his protocols stint.

I agree with him and I think even the fans are exhausted to see reports after reports about the spreading illness that goes beyond the back office of the league. Now the question, how will the league handle this? Inserting players from G-League seems to be not the solution anymore. 

[Rufsilf]

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

I do agree here. It's not that Los Angeles Lakers are already on the grave. There are also teams in the Western Conference that is struggling at the lower tiers. They can even finish at 7th or 6th at most with that inconsistency. And All-Star break still over a month to go means we are not even yet at the half of the season to conclude that Lakers will be out of the playoffs competition.

They'll likely qualify in the playoffs but that's the best possibility I see because they'll never be in the WCF the way they are playing now. I never saw in the past that Lebron was able to turn things around when his team started with a bad season, so I don't expect a lot from the Lakers now.

That what I'm also thinking, the Lakers being in the playoffs is their maximum limit and no more than that. Lakers this season is really having a bad start up until now especially without Anthony Davis to support LeBron James, they can't even withstand the Timberwolves who's rank at the conference is much more lower than the Lakers on the 7th.

[TravelMug]

Yeah, hopefully though they can still make the playoffs despite what's going on with the team. But I don't think that there will be trades, AD is not playing and that is a big minus for the team. I think Lebron and AD are still the core of Lakers and not Russ. And I would say that Russ game with Lakers is somewhat deteriorated, not sure what is the reason for that. Plenty of time to really figure out and maybe the all star break will help the Lakers.

The problem is that Westbrook doesn't worry about turnovers. Look at his stats, he quite often makes 6-7 turnovers per game, and he doesn't even want to fix it. I know this is normal for him, but it's really bad for his team's performance. Honestly, I guess this may be one of the main reasons why the Lakers keep losing.

For a team that is losing right now? I don't think it will be normal, but the question is, does someone telling WB about this stats from the Lakers? or does he keep on ignoring it? Because if he is really just care for stats and stats padding then obviously he doesn't care about it.

Definitely if they keep on committing turnovers specially in crucial minutes and then the opponents are converting it, they chances are they are going to lose every game.

[Dave1]

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

I do agree here. It's not that Los Angeles Lakers are already on the grave. There are also teams in the Western Conference that is struggling at the lower tiers. They can even finish at 7th or 6th at most with that inconsistency. And All-Star break still over a month to go means we are not even yet at the half of the season to conclude that Lakers will be out of the playoffs competition.

They'll likely qualify in the playoffs but that's the best possibility I see because they'll never be in the WCF the way they are playing now. I never saw in the past that Lebron was able to turn things around when his team started with a bad season, so I don't expect a lot from the Lakers now.

That what I'm also thinking, the Lakers being in the playoffs is their maximum limit and no more than that. Lakers this season is really having a bad start up until now especially without Anthony Davis to support LeBron James, they can't even withstand the Timberwolves who's rank at the conference is much more lower than the Lakers on the 7th.

Well it's really hard to base on the ranking though, I mean there are games that produce big upsets, like the Suns and Warriors losing game. But I do agree that Anthony Davis not playing is a big blow to the Lakers. Westbrook cannot cover, including Carmelo Anthony who is showing inconsistency in the last couple of games.

They need Davis to play on the floor to compliment Lebron. He can't handle all the scoring load for the team, while doing rebounds and assists and then some of his team mates are committing a lot of turn overs.

[Questat]

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

I do agree here. It's not that Los Angeles Lakers are already on the grave. There are also teams in the Western Conference that is struggling at the lower tiers. They can even finish at 7th or 6th at most with that inconsistency. And All-Star break still over a month to go means we are not even yet at the half of the season to conclude that Lakers will be out of the playoffs competition.

They'll likely qualify in the playoffs but that's the best possibility I see because they'll never be in the WCF the way they are playing now. I never saw in the past that Lebron was able to turn things around when his team started with a bad season, so I don't expect a lot from the Lakers now.

That what I'm also thinking, the Lakers being in the playoffs is their maximum limit and no more than that. Lakers this season is really having a bad start up until now especially without Anthony Davis to support LeBron James, they can't even withstand the Timberwolves who's rank at the conference is much more lower than the Lakers on the 7th.

Well it's really hard to base on the ranking though, I mean there are games that produce big upsets, like the Suns and Warriors losing game. But I do agree that Anthony Davis not playing is a big blow to the Lakers. Westbrook cannot cover, including Carmelo Anthony who is showing inconsistency in the last couple of games.

They need Davis to play on the floor to compliment Lebron. He can't handle all the scoring load for the team, while doing rebounds and assists and then some of his team mates are committing a lot of turn overs.

Lebron used to play with good big men like Kevin Love and Thompson in Cavaliers and Bosh in Miami Heat. Right now, they don't have that kind of player because Davis is injured, so they will really struggle as what we seeing, we should not be surprised.

[LogitechMouse]

I really feel bad for Russ and AD.  Neither of them have the mental toughness to make it in LA.  Especially with LeBron getting frustrated every time someone other than him makes a mistake.  If there's any way in the world the Lakers could put together a 3 team trade and send AD to Portland and Russ to Philly for Ben Simmons and Dame Lillard, I think the team would do much better.  Granted Ben Simmons isn't exactly the right mental giant to survive the LA market either, but I think it would be an improvement over his current situation. 

I think the Lakers will make the playoffs regardless though.  They'll get it figured out after the all star break.

Trading AD and Russ would be better for the team but for me, Lebron leaving LA would be better especially if he wants another championship.

Lebron to Cleveland. That might be a good scenario to see at least. The Cavs has a young roster which has a good future like Sexton, Garland and Mobley and at the same time they have veterans who can help this young players like Love, Allen and Rubio (hoping for his fast recovery for next season). Just imagine if Lebron will be inserted into the roster. He can help the team and at the same time, train this young players to be all-star players in the future. The Cavaliers are at the playoff spot as of this moment and lets take note that they don't have any all-star player like the level of Giannis or Lebron.

Either way, what we all saying are just assumptions and nothing is certain to happen so... yeah but I agree that Lakers will enter the playoffs or I think at the play-in part.

[Vaculin]

So the NBA journey of IT with the Lakers is over, but now he have a new home as he is signed for a 10 day contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Here's the full story.

https://www.nba.com/news/mavericks-sign-isaiah-thomas-to-10-day-contract

The Dallas Mavericks added former All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas to their roster on Wednesday via a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship allowance. He arrived just in time to suit up for the Mavs in their 95-94 road loss to the Sacramento Kings.

So what do you think about this news, will he finally have a long term contract after this 10 day contract will expire?

[Yaunfitda]

So the NBA journey of IT with the Lakers is over, but now he have a new home as he is signed for a 10 day contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Here's the full story.

https://www.nba.com/news/mavericks-sign-isaiah-thomas-to-10-day-contract

The Dallas Mavericks added former All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas to their roster on Wednesday via a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship allowance. He arrived just in time to suit up for the Mavs in their 95-94 road loss to the Sacramento Kings.

So what do you think about this news, will he finally have a long term contract after this 10 day contract will expire?

Unless he really shows his prime years during his Celtics days, then maybe a team will finally give him at least a contract for this season. However with the Lakers, he just shows some glimpse of his former self and I'm not sure how big his numbers but he didn't contribute that much. But it's good to hear him joining another team and extended his NBA experience because of Covid, but I don't think that he will remain in the league.

[Sanitough]

So the NBA journey of IT with the Lakers is over, but now he have a new home as he is signed for a 10 day contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Here's the full story.

https://www.nba.com/news/mavericks-sign-isaiah-thomas-to-10-day-contract

The Dallas Mavericks added former All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas to their roster on Wednesday via a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship allowance. He arrived just in time to suit up for the Mavs in their 95-94 road loss to the Sacramento Kings.

So what do you think about this news, will he finally have a long term contract after this 10 day contract will expire?

Unless he really shows his prime years during his Celtics days, then maybe a team will finally give him at least a contract for this season. However with the Lakers, he just shows some glimpse of his former self and I'm not sure how big his numbers but he didn't contribute that much. But it's good to hear him joining another team and extended his NBA experience because of Covid, but I don't think that he will remain in the league.

If the Mavericks were not impressed with his performance with the LA Lakers, they will not sign him. It's a good sign that IT might have a good chance to find a team again, so I hope the Mavericks will give him a chance to be the next J. J. Barea of the team. 

[el kaka22]

It is such an important thing to have a popular team. Like Lakers is much worse than anticipated, they are 7th seed with 17-19 record right now and they have the toughest schedule left as well when you look at the winning rates, they are going to play winning teams more than they played so far. This should mean that they would be ignored like, we do not see people keep talking about rockets or thunder or pelicans, or pistons or magic.

However, we are talking about Lakers constantly. There is something that we need to realize the fact that you can't really lose with this team, not just the game but financially. They can build teams like this and be able to pay the salaries easily because even when they are losing they are getting the most attention.

[Viscore]

However, we are talking about Lakers constantly. There is something that we need to realize the fact that you can't really lose with this team, not just the game but financially. They can build teams like this and be able to pay the salaries easily because even when they are losing they are getting the most attention.

That wouldn't last for long, if the Lakers will continue to lose games, eventually, their fans will be disappointed and they will stop supporting the Lakers. I understand that you are referring to the market but we also have to consider that Lebron is trying to cement his legacy and he will not stay in a team that will not help him achieve his goal.