2024 NBA Season

[Pamadar]

There will always be a team that will sign Russell Westbrook but not the same as what the Lakers offered him.

It's a good catch if teams can get him at a fair price.

During the off-season, there are lots of trade packages offered from other teams that the Lakers received for Westbrook but none of those satisfy them because as reported, part of the Westbrook deal should also include some of the future first-round picks of the Lakers which seems a bad idea to risks with.

Therefore, instead of pushing trading Westbrook, they keep the current roster intact for this season and that's what we are seeing right now. As I said before, trading Westbrook depends on how the team will behave this season. I'm thinking that the decision of trading Westbrook will be finalized after seeing their progress in the mid-half of the season.

You're right. The Lakers' reluctance to include future draft picks in deals with other teams is one of the main reasons why they still haven't been able to get rid of Westbrook. If I'm not mistaken, it was also the reason why the Lakers and Rockets couldn't agree to trade Westbrook for Wall last season.
Honestly, I don't know if the Lakers plan to trade Westbrook before the deadline or not, but I'm more than sure that there aren't too many teams that would be interested in him at the moment.

Without that future pick and with Westbrook performance currently, teams will be hesitant to accept the trade.

Westbrook got a huge contract. It will affect the team's. cap might be the reason why it's really
tough to settle his contract with another team.

It should be a two-way benefits, but with how Lakers dealing with Westbrook's case, there's a possibility that they
will keep him for the entire season, but who knows what fate will dictate..

[1715489618]

1715489618

[Reid]

It's still a bit early to be talking MVP, there are nine guys currently averaging over 30 points per game.  I think when that calms down a bit, if Luka is still the scoring leader then we can talk.  Giannis is having an amazing season already as well and if he can stay healthy he will definitely be in the MVP conversation. 

Agree with that. Then injuries could also happen so we cannot tell this just yet. There are also instances where other players will find their own rhythms after 10 - 20 games so expect sudden changes in the score rankings.
Rookie of the year might be Paolo Banchero if he keeps that promising performance every game.

For today's Lakers talk...  It looks like they're already starting to fall behind the Timberwolves...  The real game of the night for me will be the Suns vs the Pelicans on ESPN in just over an hour.  I'm hoping that Zion will play and is feeling better after his back injury from being fouled hard while driving to the basket earlier in the week.

Suns won. No Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram yet. Expect Ingram to miss the next game too against the Clippers but let's see if Zion can make it.
It will be an entertaining game if he does so.

[blockman]

I think this season Luka has a high chance of finally winning an mvp award, his stats is really impressive. Last two season is dominated by the Joker, so I think Luka will try to make his own name this season, hopefully he will continue to be healthy.

Although I believe that he will win the regular season MVP

We'll see if this is the season and time that's going to be his. We all know how talented Luka is but if it's going to be about the MVP regular season award, it's still going to be a long way for him and for the other prospects.

It's still a bit early to be talking MVP, there are nine guys currently averaging over 30 points per game.  I think when that calms down a bit, if Luka is still the scoring leader then we can talk.  Giannis is having an amazing season already as well and if he can stay healthy he will definitely be in the MVP conversation. 

For today's Lakers talk...  It looks like they're already starting to fall behind the Timberwolves...  The real game of the night for me will be the Suns vs the Pelicans on ESPN in just over an hour.  I'm hoping that Zion will play and is feeling better after his back injury from being fouled hard while driving to the basket earlier in the week.

Another sad day for the Lakers, a losing streak indeed and I'm sure the fans are disappointed by what they're going through. They are more disappointed than the fans are.
As for the Suns and Pelicans, good game by Suns as they take this game. Suns got a 4-1 standing which makes them on the top next to the Blazers who got 5-1.

[YuginKadoya]

I agree with the odds since their own big 3 has been ruled out. This would have been a good game to watch if most of the key Pelicans players were available.

And then the Phoenix Suns win the match it seems that the odds are quite accurate this time, seems that the Pelican's questionable players really didn't play,


Here are the results for the games today it is a good thing that I didn't make any parlay because right now my picks are not looking too good, but at least I still got 2 wins, so it was really fine,

Orlando Magic VS Charlotte Hornets SCORE 113 - 93 - LOST

Toronto Raptors VS Philadelphia 76ers SCORE 90 - 112 - LOST

Boston Celtics VS Cleveland Cavaliers SCORE 123 - 132 - LOST

Milwaukee Bucks VS New York Knicks SCORE 119 - 108 - WIN

Phoenix Suns VS New Orleans Pelicans SCORE 124 - 111 - WIN

[LogitechMouse]

I think there would be no team in the league right now who will accept Westbrook if in case the Lakers will choose to trade him. I guess it's just too late.

There will always be a team that will sign Russell Westbrook but not the same as what the Lakers offered him.

It's a good catch if teams can get him at a fair price.

During the off-season, there are lots of trade packages offered from other teams that the Lakers received for Westbrook but none of those satisfy them because as reported, part of the Westbrook deal should also include some of the future first-round picks of the Lakers which seems a bad idea to risks with.

Therefore, instead of pushing trading Westbrook, they keep the current roster intact for this season and that's what we are seeing right now. As I said before, trading Westbrook depends on how the team will behave this season. I'm thinking that the decision of trading Westbrook will be finalized after seeing their progress in the mid-half of the season.

If I'm Rob Pelinka, I'd rather just stick to their current roster right now than pushing West-brick to get traded. After all, he will be an Unrestricted Free Agent after this season, so he is free to sign with any team, but expect his value to be way lesser than he was because of how he played is playing with the Lakers.

Like you said, there will always be teams that will sign Russ, but right now there aren't because his current contract compared to his performance isn't equal. He is being overpaid and you aren't expecting him to play like he was few years ago. He isn't helpful at the Lakers as well.

He will be UFA next season so there will be teams that will get him. The only question is how much? If he does not make some developments this season, his value will decline significantly.

[Cryptmuster]

Another sad day for the Lakers, a losing streak indeed and I'm sure the fans are disappointed by what they're going through. They are more disappointed than the fans are.
As for the Suns and Pelicans, good game by Suns as they take this game. Suns got a 4-1 standing which makes them on the top next to the Blazers who got 5-1.

Incredibly, the Lakers lost again for the fifth loss in a row, and Westbrook was unable to help the Lakers to their first win of the season. The game was relatively even in the first two quarters, but the Lakers players still make too many inaccurate shots. The last quarter was the worst. So far, only the laker and Sacramento have failed to pick up a single win.

[blockman]

Another sad day for the Lakers, a losing streak indeed and I'm sure the fans are disappointed by what they're going through. They are more disappointed than the fans are.
As for the Suns and Pelicans, good game by Suns as they take this game. Suns got a 4-1 standing which makes them on the top next to the Blazers who got 5-1.

Incredibly, the Lakers lost again for the fifth loss in a row, and Westbrook was unable to help the Lakers to their first win of the season. The game was relatively even in the first two quarters, but the Lakers players still make too many inaccurate shots. The last quarter was the worst. So far, only the laker and Sacramento have failed to pick up a single win.

They really need some help in outside shooting and that's what most of us see that they lack. Too sad that they have to be into this streak and we don't know if the next game of theirs will be their first win.
It will be on Monday against the Denver Nuggets and this team isn't going to go easy on them as they also have a good run at the first games that they've got unlike the Lakers.

[harizen]

Like you said, there will always be teams that will sign Russ, but right now there aren't because his current contract compared to his performance isn't equal. He is being overpaid and you aren't expecting him to play like he was few years ago. He isn't helpful at the Lakers as well.

Honestly, if we will analyze what happened during the off-season when the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade Westbrook, there are teams that maybe disregard the value of Westbrook's contract and are even willing to pay him based on what is left on his Lakers contract as long as part of the deal will involve the future 1st round picks of the Lakers. That's how valuable first-round picks that's why they might gamble paying Russ with such an amount as long as these teams will get the rights of the Laker's future 1st round picks.

But as you said, it's good to keep the current roster as it is and I even pointed out that prior to the season. And besides, the Lakers seem not aggressive in trading Westbrook as we all know that if the Lakers really push on something, they are good at that.

The Lakers are now at a 0-5 start and the last time Lebron James experienced that 0-5 start of the season was way back in his rookie years in the Cavaliers, 2003-2004 NBA season. Instead of Westbrook, we might see LBJ showing signs of leaving the team lol.

[danherbias07]

Tyrese Maxey really felt the zone. Even the heat checks are sinking in.
9 out of 12 three-point shots, 15/20 field goals, 44 points, his new career high, and possibly one of the best games of his career.
Maybe even the Raptors fans did love this kind of performance. For the 76ers fans, it's a good sight, they know there will be players that will step up their game while Embiid is resting his knee.

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

[Hypnosis00]

Tyrese Maxey really felt the zone. Even the heat checks are sinking in.
9 out of 12 three-point shots, 15/20 field goals, 44 points, his new career high, and possibly one of the best games of his career.
Maybe even the Raptors fans did love this kind of performance. For the 76ers fans, it's a good sight, they know there will be players that will step up their game while Embiid is resting his knee.

At least they won a game, and thanks to Maxey because he save Harden from his poor performance. However, I don't think he can continue to have this kind of contribution, he still needs Harden and Embiid to play well, besides he is not really the main superstar of the team.

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

Chicago will surely win this game, they are at home and yet they are still a slight underdog.

[Japinat]

Honestly did not expected Lakers to start this bad. I get the warriors loss, but this latest Portland loss is a big bells are ringing type of deal. They were not ready for the season? Did they not really worked hard on figuring out how they could get better?

It's obvious that they were bad last year, you can't just roll the dice again and hope for a better result, they needed to change some things, even if not in the roster (which they have a bit) but also with the plays. Look at Spurs, they have one of the worst teams in the league and yet they started 2-1, one of the wins coming from Sixers. That's the difference between a good coach and a bad coach.

I mean what was really expected.  They haven't changed from last year.  They lack a true point guard.  I know you have lebron but you need someone that can set the table for everyone including Bron.  And their bench depth is terrible.  I expect vet injuries which will only deepen the losses.  This team is looking at easily under .500 and missing the playoffs again.  It will be the lebron scoring title and passing Kareem this year and that's about it.

I would agree though, I mean the Westbrook is still with the Lakers and so the problem is still there. They got some players, but it is just some average point guard like Pat. Lebron is on the way to past Kareem all time high scoring and maybe some records as well.

The whole management of the Lakers from the front office to the players should took the blame here. It's just bad chemistry and even if they have Lebron and AD, they can't find the success they have since the bubble.

They even form good relationship to each other and maybe their locker room is so toxic that's why they cannot blend well together. Maybe they need to trade their guys while they still can because if they perform so bad the rest of the series then provably no team will agree on their trade offers because they think this roosters sucks and they will just get a problem if they decide to trade with them.

I guess it is time for the Lakers to rebuild the whole team because LeBron James won't be around soon and he himself said that he's going to go that team where his son, Brony, will be drafted. It's been a while too since they had a risky step because in the past few years, they are too busy building a superteam and following around LeBron, it's time to stop that and focus to the new generation that will carry the name of the franchise.

They didn't bite when teams are asking for 2 of their future drafts in exchange of Russell Westbrook. So that alone will tell us that in the next couple of years they will be in a rebuild phase when contracts of Westbrook and AD will be up. Other teams build around their superstar and I think the Lakers really got the secret formula when they won a ring with Lebron and AD and surrounded themselves with good supporting cast. However, they can't follow it up because they got wash up players last season and then Westbrook was not a perfect fit for the Lakers regardless which coach they have. So yes, rebuilding will happen.

Yes, I almost forgot about that one. Having Westbrook is a sacrifice for sure but also mean that they had successfully saved some future draft picks, it's just that they didn't expected that Westbrook's performance will go down hill right after they acquired him while carrying a heavy salary from the Houston Rockets. It seems that the Wizards had that feeling that is why they agreed to trade Westbrook. Rebuilding will take time and I think they will slowly commence that process in 2025 where AD's contract will end.

[Sanitough]

Current standing of the Los Angeles Lakers is 0-4 which is indeed a very chaotic and frustrating start for the franchise this season, their next game is against the Timberwolves and I bet their standing will turn to 0-5 because AD is still questionable to return in that said game while Westbrook is also probable because of his Hamstring Injury.

It looks to me that Westbrook's situation has gotten worse and I think there would be no team in the league right now who will accept Westbrook if in case the Lakers will choose to trade him. I guess it's just too late.

There's a chance that Lakers might get their 5th loss from Timberwolves. I guess that they should figure it out on which part of their losses they have to learn.

Everything, hehehe, and yeah, they could go 0-5 against the Timberwolves.

They are a huge underdog at 3.xx ML. Might be tempting for some bettors.

Looking at the standings, for Utah Jazz, they're always like this during the early games up to the playoffs but can't manage to land in the finals. Hopefully by this season, we may see some teams like them going to the finals.

But it's a different team now, they have almost disbanded the team that always fell short in the playoff. And it seems that it rejuvenated the team itself. But it's too early to say how they will fare in this season. They could pull a surprised and make the playoff.

Just what we expected, the Lakers have the lost the game versus the Timberwolves, now they're 0-5. What a start in LeBron James 20th year, it feels like when he's still in his rookie season because he also got the same record at the start of the season. I've expected that they can't make it because AD can't play as he is having some soreness.

Looking at the standings, for Utah Jazz, they're always like this during the early games up to the playoffs but can't manage to land in the finals. Hopefully by this season, we may see some teams like them going to the finals.

But it's a different team now, they have almost disbanded the team that always fell short in the playoff. And it seems that it rejuvenated the team itself. But it's too early to say how they will fare in this season. They could pull a surprised and make the playoff.

The season have just started and it's still to early too say that the Jazz will make it to the playoffs. Don't take it wrong because I don't have any doubts on them but in most cases, there are some teams who are just too good right at the start of the new season.

[Russlenat]

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

Chicago will surely win this game, they are at home and yet they are still a slight underdog.

That's questionable for me, I would stay away from this game. Bulls are at home and yet they are the underdog, for sure the public would take the Bulls so most likely it's just a trap and Sixers will again win this game. As per status, Embiid is questionable, but I have a feeling that he'll play.

[OgNasty]

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

Chicago will surely win this game, they are at home and yet they are still a slight underdog.

That's questionable for me, I would stay away from this game. Bulls are at home and yet they are the underdog, for sure the public would take the Bulls so most likely it's just a trap and Sixers will again win this game. As per status, Embiid is questionable, but I have a feeling that he'll play.

It is a tough one. The 76ers are a good team and this Bulls team has a horrible record (last year) against good teams. The 76ers had a horrible start to the year though and the Bulls are at home… Also, the 76ers looked great in their last outing and got the win, so maybe they’re getting things figured out. Both teams played yesterday so the Bulls being at home while the 76ers are on a road trip may also be a factor. It could really go either way, but I tend to think the 76ers will keep their win streak going.

[mirakal]

Looking at the standings, for Utah Jazz, they're always like this during the early games up to the playoffs but can't manage to land in the finals. Hopefully by this season, we may see some teams like them going to the finals.

But it's a different team now, they have almost disbanded the team that always fell short in the playoff. And it seems that it rejuvenated the team itself. But it's too early to say how they will fare in this season. They could pull a surprised and make the playoff.

There's nothing to lose for the Jazz even if they'll have an 1st round exit in the playoffs. Getting to the playoffs is already a big achievement and I'm pretty sure the management will be happy with their young rosters, and of course, they will eventually improve in the seasons to come if they will keep their players and add more role players.

With the current performances of Jazz, the management might consider the rebuilding as successful.

Though still early from this season and maybe they will be contented if ever the team manage to move to the next round,
the current your roster is doing great and the chemistry between players is really blending well.
I can say that even they might choke again during the next round. It is safe to say that they are not
composed of stars who are really capable of winning a series.

Not yet to be labeled as a successful in rebuilding the team because they are still one the process, the team is not that yet complete, IMO. But the most important thing is that they're currently on the process and that's much better because so far, the team is receiving some good results from that rebuilding they started, and the current roster is already impressive considering that most of these players doesn't have that much experience.

[stadus]

I think there would be no team in the league right now who will accept Westbrook if in case the Lakers will choose to trade him. I guess it's just too late.

There will always be a team that will sign Russell Westbrook but not the same as what the Lakers offered him.

It's a good catch if teams can get him at a fair price.

During the off-season, there are lots of trade packages offered from other teams that the Lakers received for Westbrook but none of those satisfy them because as reported, part of the Westbrook deal should also include some of the future first-round picks of the Lakers which seems a bad idea to risks with.

Therefore, instead of pushing trading Westbrook, they keep the current roster intact for this season and that's what we are seeing right now. As I said before, trading Westbrook depends on how the team will behave this season. I'm thinking that the decision of trading Westbrook will be finalized after seeing their progress in the mid-half of the season.

He will be traded if there's a good package from other teams who are also interested to get him to without risking the Lakers future draft picks, currently, Westbrook's salary is too high for other teams especially when his performance doesn't synch well with the price of his contract. It might happen this season but the chance is slim and other teams might wait Westbrook until he lands in the free agency.

[btc_angela]

Tyrese Maxey really felt the zone. Even the heat checks are sinking in.
9 out of 12 three-point shots, 15/20 field goals, 44 points, his new career high, and possibly one of the best games of his career.
Maybe even the Raptors fans did love this kind of performance. For the 76ers fans, it's a good sight, they know there will be players that will step up their game while Embiid is resting his knee.

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

Yes, congrats to him making a career high, it's good that he was still with the Sixers, he really improved a lot and could be their future.

How about the game of Mitchell and Caris Levert? scoring 40+ points against the Boston Celtics and a win in Overtime? Not sure when was the last duo who score that big in Boston Garden. I thought that the Celtics will win this game as they have taken the majority of the lead in the 4th, but the Cavs handcuffed Jayson Tatum, mostly double teaming him forcing outside pass. Good win by the Cavs.

[OgNasty]

Tyrese Maxey really felt the zone. Even the heat checks are sinking in.
9 out of 12 three-point shots, 15/20 field goals, 44 points, his new career high, and possibly one of the best games of his career.
Maybe even the Raptors fans did love this kind of performance. For the 76ers fans, it's a good sight, they know there will be players that will step up their game while Embiid is resting his knee.

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

Yes, congrats to him making a career high, it's good that he was still with the Sixers, he really improved a lot and could be their future.

How about the game of Mitchell and Caris Levert? scoring 40+ points against the Boston Celtics and a win in Overtime? Not sure when was the last duo who score that big in Boston Garden. I thought that the Celtics will win this game as they have taken the majority of the lead in the 4th, but the Cavs handcuffed Jayson Tatum, mostly double teaming him forcing outside pass. Good win by the Cavs.

The Cavs are definitely making some noise out in Cleveland.  Mitchell is doing his part and getting them wins, Love looks rejuvenated and ready to make a strong effort out there (I believe he's in a contract year and trying to score a new deal) and the other guys are all coming along.  I think they've got the chance to win against anyone every night due to their size and now with Mitchell, scoring capability.  I doubt anyone expected them to start off 4-1 though.  They're outperforming and for gamblers, that's great to see.    I'm not sure how long they'll be able to keep up this momentum though.  I believe they're just catching people off guard because it's a new look team with a lot of talent and size.  At some point the league will figure out how to beat them.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

There will always be a team that will sign Russell Westbrook but not the same as what the Lakers offered him.

It's a good catch if teams can get him at a fair price.

During the off-season, there are lots of trade packages offered from other teams that the Lakers received for Westbrook but none of those satisfy them because as reported, part of the Westbrook deal should also include some of the future first-round picks of the Lakers which seems a bad idea to risks with.

Therefore, instead of pushing trading Westbrook, they keep the current roster intact for this season and that's what we are seeing right now. As I said before, trading Westbrook depends on how the team will behave this season. I'm thinking that the decision of trading Westbrook will be finalized after seeing their progress in the mid-half of the season.

You're right. The Lakers' reluctance to include future draft picks in deals with other teams is one of the main reasons why they still haven't been able to get rid of Westbrook.

It's because they don't want to lose their future draft picks. They know that if they include it for a Westbrook trade, they could potentially lost a good picks.

If I'm not mistaken, it was also the reason why the Lakers and Rockets couldn't agree to trade Westbrook for Wall last season.
Honestly, I don't know if the Lakers plan to trade Westbrook before the deadline or not, but I'm more than sure that there aren't too many teams that would be interested in him at the moment.

They just have to stomach everything moving forward. Speaking of the Lakers, Lebron though break Karl Malone's record for more 20 points in a game. And perhaps this could be the bright side on the team. James next target is Kareem's record.

[Baofeng]

Tyrese Maxey really felt the zone. Even the heat checks are sinking in.
9 out of 12 three-point shots, 15/20 field goals, 44 points, his new career high, and possibly one of the best games of his career.
Maybe even the Raptors fans did love this kind of performance. For the 76ers fans, it's a good sight, they know there will be players that will step up their game while Embiid is resting his knee.

Sadly, they will be playing back-to-back with an exhausted body tomorrow but so is their opponent Chicago Bulls.

Yes, congrats to him making a career high, it's good that he was still with the Sixers, he really improved a lot and could be their future.

How about the game of Mitchell and Caris Levert? scoring 40+ points against the Boston Celtics and a win in Overtime? Not sure when was the last duo who score that big in Boston Garden. I thought that the Celtics will win this game as they have taken the majority of the lead in the 4th, but the Cavs handcuffed Jayson Tatum, mostly double teaming him forcing outside pass. Good win by the Cavs.

The Cavs are definitely making some noise out in Cleveland.  Mitchell is doing his part and getting them wins, Love looks rejuvenated and ready to make a strong effort out there (I believe he's in a contract year and trying to score a new deal) and the other guys are all coming along.  I think they've got the chance to win against anyone every night due to their size and now with Mitchell, scoring capability.  I doubt anyone expected them to start off 4-1 though.  They're outperforming and for gamblers, that's great to see.    I'm not sure how long they'll be able to keep up this momentum though.  I believe they're just catching people off guard because it's a new look team with a lot of talent and size.  At some point the league will figure out how to beat them.

True, they were the slight underdog in their game against the Celtics and so I put a bet on them at +5.5 and it's good that they win and it's really impressive on what Mitchell is doing for the Cavs right now as if he got something to proved in this season when he got traded.

And yeah that is the question, too early to rate them this good, but it they can maintain this level in the first half of the season which is very hard to do as teams as going to step up after 10 games or so. So let's see how far the the Cavs can go this season.