2024 NBA Season

[Bttzed03]

~ What are your reactions on the ranking fellas? Do you agree or disagree with it?

Personally, I don't care. This ranking would probably matter a bit if I'm to take an early bet for the regular season's MVP.

[yazher]

Or wait till one of his son gets drafted in the NBA and they play along in one team.
He takes care of his body more than anyone in the NBA that's why he can still play great despite his age. Wherein some of his contemporaries are either retired or no longer in their prime.
I guess he will still be the same Lebron, with another goal to win a ring as a Laker. But it's not only him, it should be a total team effort.

Lebron is just simply amazing when it comes to maintaining his body though his stamina is no longer like how he used to be, his skills and the way he plays are still there and I'm pretty sure the reason he is protecting his body is to have a chance to play with his son in the NBA. As we know, even MJ doesn't have the opportunity even if he wants to because his sons are not qualified because they didn't inherit their father's height and skills. Now we have Brony and he is still improving one thing that can boost his skills is to play an actual NBA game with his Dad.

[ChiBitCTy]

Or wait till one of his son gets drafted in the NBA and they play along in one team.
He takes care of his body more than anyone in the NBA that's why he can still play great despite his age. Wherein some of his contemporaries are either retired or no longer in their prime.
I guess he will still be the same Lebron, with another goal to win a ring as a Laker. But it's not only him, it should be a total team effort.

Lebron is just simply amazing when it comes to maintaining his body though his stamina is no longer like how he used to be, his skills and the way he plays are still there and I'm pretty sure the reason he is protecting his body is to have a chance to play with his son in the NBA. As we know, even MJ doesn't have the opportunity even if he wants to because his sons are not qualified because they didn't inherit their father's height and skills. Now we have Brony and he is still improving one thing that can boost his skills is to play an actual NBA game with his Dad.

You're right, Lebron is an absolute freak of nature as well as someone who works as hard, if not harder than anyone in the league.  It's amazing the guy is nearing his 40's and still playing at an MVP level.

However when it comes to Bronny, the guy doesn't look to be an NBA talent.. at least he sure isn't going to be a one and done in college which makes his chances of playing w/his dad in the NBA slim to none.  From what I've been reading the youngest son may be the better of the two.  

[freedomgo]

Speaking of coming off the bench, there's a rumor that Westbrook might probably become a part of the Lakers' backup squad for the first time in his career since his rookie days. Westbrook is always part of the starting lineup the entire his career.

Schroder will now be the starting PG adding to that.

Maybe part of Coach Darvin Ham's plan. Let's see.

Ooh, that's like a liver punch to Westbrook if they implement it. I am not sure, maybe this will be good. If it's not, then he could just change it back.
Spice things up a bit unlike what Coach Vogel did benching Dwight Howard which is still strong even at his age.
So, we might see Westbrook decreasing in minutes per game. That's his plan that he had been telling after he was announced as the new coach.
We will see, it's difficult to judge now. If it works, Lakers bandwagon will be back.

I think the plan is not to lower his playing minutes, but more like who he plays with instead. I still think that he will be starting point guard for sure, maybe not for a few games to test some stuff but he will get back, but even if he is not it is going to be Dennis starting, and then whenever people are benched, Westbrook will take the spot and finish the game.

I think I heard some news that he is still on starting line up and this is good news if he retain that spot because it shows that Lakers will give him second chance to prove his self to them and to their fans. If he fail again for sure he will be replaced by Schroder or Bev then he might go more lower knowing that many teams already avoid him for what performance he show last season.

There are so many rumors nowadays that are surfacing on the internet regarding Westbrook's situation on the Lakers, he might start in the starting five but there's another option that he will come from bench as part of the back-up squad. As of now, I think those rumors will remain rumor while they haven't started their training camp yet. I bet Darvin Ham is still drawing some sketch nowadays on how will he utilize the team that is almost full of point guards.

[Vaculin]

Biggest news in the NBA today… LeBron has finally decided to go bald. No more crazy headband and hair plugs. I think this can only be a good thing for him. I’m expecting Bald Bron to go hard this year, as his championship window is rapidly closing. I’m glad his hairline won’t be a distraction any more. It seemed like that was taking up more of his time than it should have been.

Lol, but yes, that hairline though, it become a internet meme years ago and yeah, I would say that somewhat it become a distraction. So him going bald might signify that he will go hard for this year to forget last season's performance by the Lakers.

As for Kawhi, he could be just ready as anyone and I'm thinking that he can comeback like KD. As if he didn't go to their worst injuries. And I don't know about this load management that the coaches are doing, if players wanted to play they let them.

Ya, besides the Bald LeBron picture, that photo going around showing Kawhi’s legs also went viral. You can tell he’s been putting in work and definitely not skipping leg day. There’s a photoshopped image going around that makes his legs look insane, but even the unedited photo is shocking. He definitely looks like he wants to come back and put in some work.

ROFL.
Bro, that was hilarious. 
There are two possibilities of what may happen to Lebron James.
1. He will be stronger because he won't think about whatever hair is left.
2. He will be weaker just like Samson after Delilah cut his hair. 

The Kawhi Leonard legs. I recently saw it on social media and it went viral. Damn those thighs are enormous. I wish those kinds of upgrades will help him avoid leg injuries.

LOL! I saw his new look too, he's gone completely bald while he maintained his beard. Although I think that this is just his routine every off-season or before the season will commence just like how he looked few years back, but his hair might be the least of his priorities once the new season started. I'm starting to think that Kevin Durant may follow this too, just joking

Regarding Kawhi's gigantic legs, I really hope so too that it will help him avoid injuries this time and those legs might be a sign that he will go beast mode anytime in the center grabbing rebounds offensively and defensively.

[Japinat]

Biggest news in the NBA today… LeBron has finally decided to go bald. No more crazy headband and hair plugs. I think this can only be a good thing for him. I’m expecting Bald Bron to go hard this year, as his championship window is rapidly closing. I’m glad his hairline won’t be a distraction any more. It seemed like that was taking up more of his time than it should have been.

That was crazy. Father time is indeed calling him not through his physical capacity but with his hair on his head. The hairline did not held back for long and just decided to get bald.
I am excited for the next season because there are a lot of young bloods who does looks promising. I wanna see how the old players like Lebron would catch up to the new generation players.

So it didn't take long enough, I think it was last year when I saw some LeBron fanatics making fun of KD's bald spot in the middle of his head. Anyways, I wish these 2 superstars to stay healthy and play at their best this coming season. Both players though are in tough positions.

LeBron and his team aren't all-in this coming season after the management's unwillingness to exchange their future first-round draft picks to avoid Westbrook this season and his $47 million salary. Imagine how many good role players or even a superstar can the Lakers take for that $47 million out of Westbrook.

KD on the other hand has 2 superstar teammates, Kyrie and Simmons but both can be dramatic and problematic to the team. I also wish KD to get out of Brooklyn so he can still maximize his potential.

Yes, as said, nobody can escape father time even if you are LeBron James but the king body is still keeping up. Maybe that hair started to get lazy already that's why LeBron himself decided to shave everything off to keep it balanced hehe.

Well, the Brooklyn Nets and LA Lakers will still have the spotlight this time just like the last season because their current situation. People will surely watch if the Nets will be the same after all what KD have put them through and how will Simmons behave as well as Irving. While the Lakers has been watched on how will the new head coach work them off to stay in synch. Staying healthy is the least of their problems.

[püsür]

He added that he didn’t think he gave everything he could to the Lakers as he played alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who he considers “two of the best players in the NBA.” Schröder continued, “At the end of the day, I feel like for me, personally, I got to be comfortable in the environment I’m in. I love the Lakers organization and they did great things, but I think for me, and this is just business, I don’t think I fit in 100 percent.”

https://hypebeast.com/2021/9/dennis-schroder-explains-why-he-turned-down-84-million-usd-los-angeles-lakers-deal-boston-celtics
So when he turn down that $84 million contract, him and his agent says that he is not a perfect fight with the Lakers.
And now he change his tune, and agreed with a minimum contract? What a sudden change of event, isn't it. From "I don't what to play with AD and Lebron because I can't evolved and i don't need that money, to now, I'm fine with $2 million, show me the money!!!".

Wow! If that is true then we all know why it went sour for him.
A hypocrite player plus a bad agent is a recipe for disaster. I doubt he will get a better contract after this. He must show something different in this 1-year contract playing for the Lakers to please other teams and offer better than a veteran contract.
He's already creating a new path by showing his skills again in the Eurobasket, he should've used that as his upper hand as there are many scouts lurking around that league to make offers to a lot of European players.
Well, I bet he and his agent cannot wait anymore.

Dennis Schroder is 29 years old but it does feel like he is really old for some reason. And I really can't explain why. And I really think that the price that they have accepted is actually okay. Not that cheap in my opinion. And with this price tag, he is going to be a really good value for money. But I hope that he will be able to perform well with the Lakers. But I hope at this age he has not become prone to injury. Staying healthy is going to be a big priority for him.

Wow, on the contrary I always thought he is quite a young player than he is. His playing style is also energetic, so he never seemed old to me. He was born in 1993, it could still be his prime years. Personally, I like the Lakers' move a lot. Schröder played really good in the Eurobasket Tournament and with responsibility. He could be the guard Lakers needs. I can understand the situation with Westbrook but he can still be a not starter and contribute to the team a lot. Westbrook is 33 years old(born in 88), gonna be 34 soon, and he was not in his prime last year, obviously. Schrönder can be the driving force Lakers needed. And still get a big help from Westbrook.

If you are insinuating that Schroeder is better than Westbrook right now you are crazy.  Westbrook gets hack because of how much his salary is, but 10 out of 10 times I'd take Westbrook over Schroder.  They are 2 different players though.  Dennis will be a distributer and won't be looked for to be a scoring punch like Westbrook still will be looked at for.

I was talking about Westbrook was planned to be bench player, not a starter. I saw the news about that. I should have been more clear about that, that was what I meant. Westbrook, of course, was a superstar but at the age 34, I don't think he can be as effective as before. Schröder can get more minutes than him. Although, Schröder himself is questionable player as how much consistent performance he can give. Westbrook's salary is of course still a big issue in my opinion. Lakers could have done so much better with that much money. Sad thing is, it is kind of wasting Lebron's last good years. It is highly doubtful how good can Lakers be this season.

[jakelyson]

was talking about Westbrook was planned to be bench player, not a starter. I saw the news about that. I should have been more clear about that, that was what I meant. Westbrook, of course, was a superstar but at the age 34, I don't think he can be as effective as before. Schröder can get more minutes than him. Although, Schröder himself is questionable player as how much consistent performance he can give. Westbrook's salary is of course still a big issue in my opinion. Lakers could have done so much better with that much money. Sad thing is, it is kind of wasting Lebron's last good years. It is highly doubtful how good can Lakers be this season.

They lack depth as usual. Their starters look good especially if they could stay healthy and could be a championship team. But once any of their starters get injured, they do not have a very deep bench that could replace them. If they could trade Westbrook, it would open up a lot of options since they can bring in a lot of good role players with that salary. But they cannot trade Westbrook because of how his name has been muddied in the last months. No team wants him right now. Maybe later in the season, they can trade Westbrook out but right now, they just have to make things work with him as much as possible because he is not going away.

[Kasabus]

Speaking of coming off the bench, there's a rumor that Westbrook might probably become a part of the Lakers' backup squad for the first time in his career since his rookie days. Westbrook is always part of the starting lineup the entire his career.

Schroder will now be the starting PG adding to that.

Maybe part of Coach Darvin Ham's plan. Let's see.

Ooh, that's like a liver punch to Westbrook if they implement it. I am not sure, maybe this will be good. If it's not, then he could just change it back.
Spice things up a bit unlike what Coach Vogel did benching Dwight Howard which is still strong even at his age.
So, we might see Westbrook decreasing in minutes per game. That's his plan that he had been telling after he was announced as the new coach.
We will see, it's difficult to judge now. If it works, Lakers bandwagon will be back.

I think the plan is not to lower his playing minutes, but more like who he plays with instead. I still think that he will be starting point guard for sure, maybe not for a few games to test some stuff but he will get back, but even if he is not it is going to be Dennis starting, and then whenever people are benched, Westbrook will take the spot and finish the game.

Sort of like Manu Ginobili if anyone remembers him, dude played as sixth man but he played more than most players, and ended the games with him on the floor, he was by all means a starter, but he didn't started the games in the first five, hence why he was seen as a bench player when he was at some point their best player.

I hope that it's coach Ham plans, there are lots of criticism for Westbrook staying with the lakers

it will be a test of him if how he will adjust to this new treatment. Coming out from the bench might give him time to assess how the team performs and how he can help once he is already playing.

Lakers need to play smart in terms of executing their game plan. If coach Ham will maximize the use of his stars, the chance is still possible for this team in terms of chasing the title.

We don't actually know if that is the new head coach's plan or is the management pushing some pressures again to put Westbrook in the benched, but I surely hope that it's Ham who's calling the shots now, I want him to try what he thinks for the good of the team because he surely doesn't want to fail the expectations for him in his 1st season as the head coach. Putting Westbrook on the sideline will indeed help to have some fresh though and for him to decide what the team needed rather than playing at the start.

[OgNasty]

I was glad to read that Robert Sarver will be selling the Phoenix Suns and Mercury teams.  He's going to walk away with close to a billion dollars in profit, or possibly more, but I think this is the right move for everyone involved.  The NBA doesn't have to force their players to play for a racist guy anymore, and Sarver is a businessman who gets to walk away with a billion without having to worry about letting people down (since he already did that).  I think this is a win-win, which started out pretty ugly, so congrats to the NBA for getting what they wanted without having to strong arm an owner.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I was glad to read that Robert Sarver will be selling the Phoenix Suns and Mercury teams.  He's going to walk away with close to a billion dollars in profit, or possibly more, but I think this is the right move for everyone involved.  The NBA doesn't have to force their players to play for a racist guy anymore, and Sarver is a businessman who gets to walk away with a billion without having to worry about letting people down (since he already did that).  I think this is a win-win, which started out pretty ugly, so congrats to the NBA for getting what they wanted without having to strong arm an owner.

And I think the players themselves wanted this to happen, they have been calling it since the news broke out. And I think this is the right decision for him, walk out, take the profit and NBA will continue as it is. And hopefully this will be the last, and for sure team owners now who are racist might be thinking that they could be the next one and being investigated.

And yes, "cancel culture" is bad in the headline again and they caught another big fish in the NBA.

[jossiel]

It is because everyone is aiming to be at the top and get that championship. Every team has the same goal for each season and that's to be the season's champ.

And that's the reason why they're upgrading and getting anyone that they can that's suit their budget and thinks that will fit the team, based on their roster.

We'll still see that chemistry, hopefully, all of them will click.

Lakers does not have to spend big money for the upgrade because they paid cheap to get a great players, yes, Dennis is great, his stats with lakers are good, and that's the reason why they offered him with a huge contract, but unfortunately he got greedy and decline it.

So, before Dennis got an offer from them with a huge contract and he declined it? And now, he's got a contract with them but it's no longer great as before.

The contract is only for a year but it's still a great deal.

Basically, before the signing, I've read an article that he's already got along with the team and already reunited with them. Which means it was already in the work until they've announced it to the public.

[harizen]

So, before Dennis got an offer from them with a huge contract and he declined it? And now, he's got a contract with them but it's no longer great as before.

To summarize what happened to Dennis Schroder;

- traded from Oklahoma City Thunders to Los Angeles Lakers (2020-21)
- he rejected the 4-year $84 million Lakers contract extension (end of 2021 season) as he is eyeing a much higher deal as a UFA
- he couldn't find his expected long-term deal - in other words, no teams offered what he wants
- no choice but to accept a deal with the Boston Celtics - a 1-year, $5.9 million

He received a BIG LOL from the basketball community because of what happened. And now returning to Lakers with a 1-year, $2.6 million contract, the BIG LOL continues. However, it was reported that Schroder really wants to return to the Lakers, if he says so, then I will buy it. If he plays well this upcoming season, I'm sure the Lakers will offer him a good contract extension.

[carlisle1]

Wow, LA Clippers have a huge chance to be a champion this season, as long as John Wall will be healthy and he will still perform the way he used to when he was still with the Wizards, I think LA Clippers can make it to the NBA finals. I know we have the Warriors here, but I'm now rooting for a new team that is a great contender.

Hopefully, they stay healthy. I wonder if they will put John Wall into load management like they are doing with Kawhi. Wall is also prone to injury, so if they load manage him, they can prevent some serious injury. They are great team in paper, hopefully they can convert it in the court.

They can manage him for sure as the Clippers is a good team, and even their 2nd unit is very competitive, remember when Paul George was injured? No PG and Kawhi and yet the Clippers still remained competitive. I like the way they play as a team, to be honest, they are really good, and they'll get better once they are fully healthy.

I like to see how Wall will contribute playing alongside with PG and Kawhi, it will be a challenge in terms of chemistries.
All three stars are known to be a legit scorer and they love to dribble the ball and create their own offensive attacks.

It will be more on how the system and the rotations together with all the role players who will be playing with them.

They are indeed a competitive squad this upcoming season hope they will keep the system that involves everyone.

[Baofeng]

So it seems that that Kawhi is really building up his physique in preparation this season, those huge legs will obviously help him to stay injury free (hopefully).

And as I have said previously, he shouldn't be treated as fragile and be on the minute restriction, well in the first couple of his comeback games, maybe. But as he gets back to the gruelling 82 games he should be at least playing more minutes for the Clippers. They need to maximized their big 3, not preventing them to play and have fun.

[dwyane36]

So, before Dennis got an offer from them with a huge contract and he declined it? And now, he's got a contract with them but it's no longer great as before.

The contract is only for a year but it's still a great deal.

Basically, before the signing, I've read an article that he's already got along with the team and already reunited with them. Which means it was already in the work until they've announced it to the public.

It's worth noting that Schroeder averaged 13.5 points per game during the previous season. That's a good number, and I'm more than sure other teams could offer him a better contract than what the Lakers offered him. At the same time, I guess the Lakers management offered him a minimum contract because they want to see if he can perform well in the upcoming season or not.

[goinmerry]

So it seems that that Kawhi is really building up his physique in preparation this season, those huge legs will obviously help him to stay injury free (hopefully).

And as I have said previously, he shouldn't be treated as fragile and be on the minute restriction, well in the first couple of his comeback games, maybe. But as he gets back to the gruelling 82 games he should be at least playing more minutes for the Clippers. They need to maximized their big 3, not preventing them to play and have fun.

Kawhi's load management might be the reason why he dealt with some injuries Look at those players who averaging 30 MPG and playing the entire games in a season, not injury-prone because they are now used to doing it. For who are those players, don't ask me.

Anyways, it does not seem a good tactic now to put Kawhi on load management unlike during his tenure in Toronto Raptors where he's really the key on that team. I agree with you that Clippers should just allow their Big 3 to go all out.

My concern is, Paul George and John Wall, are known for being injury prone. Hope they will be healthy the entire season.

[jossiel]

So, before Dennis got an offer from them with a huge contract and he declined it? And now, he's got a contract with them but it's no longer great as before.

To summarize what happened to Dennis Schroder;

- traded from Oklahoma City Thunders to Los Angeles Lakers (2020-21)
- he rejected the 4-year $84 million Lakers contract extension (end of 2021 season) as he is eyeing a much higher deal as a UFA
- he couldn't find his expected long-term deal - in other words, no teams offered what he wants
- no choice but to accept a deal with the Boston Celtics - a 1-year, $5.9 million

He received a BIG LOL from the basketball community because of what happened. And now returning to Lakers with a 1-year, $2.6 million contract, the BIG LOL continues. However, it was reported that Schroder really wants to return to the Lakers, if he says so, then I will buy it. If he plays well this upcoming season, I'm sure the Lakers will offer him a good contract extension.

That's a huge gap from what has been offered to him and yet he still fall back to Los Angeles Lakers that has cared for him. But, not anymore with the high offer that was given to him before.

That 4 year deal was already as a good as what he wants to make. Well, he probably have that proud issue then and thought that many teams would like to get him.

We'll just wait what will the Lakers do once his contract expires.

[chaser15]

That 4 year deal was already as a good as what he wants to make. Well, he probably have that proud issue then and thought that many teams would like to get him.

He thinks that he is more valuable than a 4-year $84 Million. Sometimes there are players who think they are at the point of their very best performance. Not wrong at all but at least he was able to open his eyes to reality. That deal is already good but since he believes other teams will offer him a $100M deal, that's not what happened.

Not late though. Schroder can show what he got on this season and see if he will be eligible for a much decent contract later on.

[Dave1]

That 4 year deal was already as a good as what he wants to make. Well, he probably have that proud issue then and thought that many teams would like to get him.

He thinks that he is more valuable than a 4-year $84 Million. Sometimes there are players who think they are at the point of their very best performance. Not wrong at all but at least he was able to open his eyes to reality. That deal is already good but since he believes other teams will offer him a $100M deal, that's not what happened.

Not late though. Schroder can show what he got on this season and see if he will be eligible for a much decent contract later on.

Yes, he is still very young, yeah, be become a sensation when he turn that huge contract and then decided to play at Celtics with just 1 year contract and obviously less money.

So it's time for him to show his talent once again with Los Angeles, and maybe they will offer him some better options next year.

Anyone heard of Jae Crowder wanted to be traded by Phoenix suns? it just pop up on my feed but I haven't read the story yet.