Another Laker thread

[Jta444]

the lakers really really needed to get that 6th seed, because it's looking really grim vs nuggets or vs wolves

It’s actually better for the Lakers to face the top 2 teams that give them trouble early while Lebron/AD are fresh and while KAT/Murray are banged up and might not even play. I’d take Lakers over Wolves and even Nuggets without a 100% Murray remember last year series was close despite having Bruce Brown this year they don’t have him.

[Statlanta]

This has been the weirdest season in years for me on this forum. I've found myself standing up for LeBron more than I would like ( ) and now feel ridiculous being the person who's been standing up for the Lakers all year too. This team has clearly fooled so many people, and have gone under the radar all season, but anyone who's watched the NBA for years knows this team is essentially the 22 Warriors and 2010 Celtics. IMO Lakers have clearly been the #2 team out West all year when healthy, like they are now, and want to make this thread so when they make the WCF and "overachieve" like they did last season we can bump this thread to quell the talking heads.

For some reason people are treating this team like the 04 Lakers, old and not with it. This team is not old. LeBron is old, everyone else on this roster is at their zenith, and playing the best basketball of their careers. They have one of the deepest rosters in the league, and are one of maybe 4-5 teams that can play big and small. They can kill you inside or out, and have the ability to go off from all 3 levels. They play playoff basketball is what i'm trying to say (yall love the Heat for the same reason, but they are worse)

They have probably the best Big 2 out West in LeBron and AD, two players who are probably going to make All-NBA 2nd, or 1st team if you are a LeBron stan.

Rui, Reaves, and Dlo are fantastic players to have alongside those 2 in the starting lineup, and idk why you all hate on DLo so much. Maybe i'm biased because every time I've watched him play live he smokes people, but the dude is a good player. Not #2 pick worthy, but he's clearly a good player and you all need to acknowledge that.

Their bench has gotten beaten up, but I still like the vets they have. Prince and Dinwiddie are awesome vets to have come off the bench in the playoffs, and the 8th guy for their playoff rotation can be Gabe, Hayes, Cam, Vandy (not sure if he's going to play) depending on what they need on any given night.

The shortest player in their lineup is '6'3 200lb Dlo. They are going to be able to throw size at every single player, and we know that makes a huge difference over the course of a 7 game series when every play is a battle. They have size on the wings in Rui, Cam, LeBron, and Prince. Multiple guys that can make plays, and most importantly, they have dudes that are just shooting lights out from 3 this year.

They are one of the best Defensive rebounding teams in the league, something that is one of the most under rated aspects of basketball, and is one of the barometers of a team that plays solid playoff ball. They've gotten killed on the offensive boards this year, but I don't see that carrying over in the PO.

They can slow the game down, get to the foul line more than most teams, but still are in the top percent in terms of shooting percentage. They are top of the league in FTs, yet commit the least fouls per game. Something that will only stand out more once the games get tighter and more intense.

I see no conceivable way for teams like MInn, OKC, NO, PHX, or SAC to beat this team. LAC are going to need KAwhii to outplay LeBron, and I don't see that happening with his current health and LeBron knowing this is probably his last real chance to get #5. Mavs have a shot given Kyrie and Luka's ability to create something out of nothing, and I think DEN would also be a pick em. People forget, they played Denver well last year, they just kept getting smoked at the end of games. With more cohetion this year, i would expect that series to be different.

I'll take all the smoke if i'm wrong, but i'm calling it, LA in the WCF, and don't be surprised if they give DEN a series

I agree with most of this post and have a similar sentiment with GS. These are just vet teams that don't have time to play hard in the regular season and the play-in gives them extra excuse to not try with having the 9th and and 10th seed being able to make playoffs. I don't trust any of those young teams: NO, MIN, OKC, SAC for anything in the playoffs even if healthy(include MEM and HOU). I think the team though is old though and it will show if they face DEN again. James and Davis don't have the same impact they did since 2021.

[doogie_hauser]

Feel like The Lakers are just too banged up and not deep enough to have another deep playoff run this season. And that's not counting Ham and his deeply flawed coaching and rotations.

I cannot see them getting past Denver, Minnesota, Dallas and probably Phoenix is a 7 game series.

[Ssj16]

This has been the weirdest season in years for me on this forum. I've found myself standing up for LeBron more than I would like ( ) and now feel ridiculous being the person who's been standing up for the Lakers all year too. This team has clearly fooled so many people, and have gone under the radar all season, but anyone who's watched the NBA for years knows this team is essentially the 22 Warriors and 2010 Celtics. IMO Lakers have clearly been the #2 team out West all year when healthy, like they are now, and want to make this thread so when they make the WCF and "overachieve" like they did last season we can bump this thread to quell the talking heads.

For some reason people are treating this team like the 04 Lakers, old and not with it. This team is not old. LeBron is old, everyone else on this roster is at their zenith, and playing the best basketball of their careers. They have one of the deepest rosters in the league, and are one of maybe 4-5 teams that can play big and small. They can kill you inside or out, and have the ability to go off from all 3 levels. They play playoff basketball is what i'm trying to say (yall love the Heat for the same reason, but they are worse)

They have probably the best Big 2 out West in LeBron and AD, two players who are probably going to make All-NBA 2nd, or 1st team if you are a LeBron stan.

Rui, Reaves, and Dlo are fantastic players to have alongside those 2 in the starting lineup, and idk why you all hate on DLo so much. Maybe i'm biased because every time I've watched him play live he smokes people, but the dude is a good player. Not #2 pick worthy, but he's clearly a good player and you all need to acknowledge that.

Their bench has gotten beaten up, but I still like the vets they have. Prince and Dinwiddie are awesome vets to have come off the bench in the playoffs, and the 8th guy for their playoff rotation can be Gabe, Hayes, Cam, Vandy (not sure if he's going to play) depending on what they need on any given night.

The shortest player in their lineup is '6'3 200lb Dlo. They are going to be able to throw size at every single player, and we know that makes a huge difference over the course of a 7 game series when every play is a battle. They have size on the wings in Rui, Cam, LeBron, and Prince. Multiple guys that can make plays, and most importantly, they have dudes that are just shooting lights out from 3 this year.

They are one of the best Defensive rebounding teams in the league, something that is one of the most under rated aspects of basketball, and is one of the barometers of a team that plays solid playoff ball. They've gotten killed on the offensive boards this year, but I don't see that carrying over in the PO.

They can slow the game down, get to the foul line more than most teams, but still are in the top percent in terms of shooting percentage. They are top of the league in FTs, yet commit the least fouls per game. Something that will only stand out more once the games get tighter and more intense.

I see no conceivable way for teams like MInn, OKC, NO, PHX, or SAC to beat this team. LAC are going to need KAwhii to outplay LeBron, and I don't see that happening with his current health and LeBron knowing this is probably his last real chance to get #5. Mavs have a shot given Kyrie and Luka's ability to create something out of nothing, and I think DEN would also be a pick em. People forget, they played Denver well last year, they just kept getting smoked at the end of games. With more cohetion this year, i would expect that series to be different.

I'll take all the smoke if i'm wrong, but i'm calling it, LA in the WCF, and don't be surprised if they give DEN a series

I agree with most of this post and have a similar sentiment with GS. These are just vet teams that don't have time to play hard in the regular season and the play-in gives them extra excuse to not try with having the 9th and and 10th seed being able to make playoffs. I don't trust any of those young teams: NO, MIN, OKC, SAC for anything in the playoffs even if healthy(include MEM and HOU). I think the team though is old though and it will show if they face DEN again. James and Davis don't have the same impact they did since 2021.

NyKnicks1714 poster already debunked this. If look at the playoff history, for the most part GS and LA were already legitimately in the playoffs (8th seed or better), meaning they had to play extra games to make it into the playoffs with the advent of the playin tournament.

[naabzor]

Nah they are going to be steamrolled in the PO

[UglyBugBall]

They played the regular season perfectly as far as their capabillities go. They started slow, and up-ed their form for IST, won it and then went straight down, and started playing again after all-star. Their stars can't play full-season on 100%. Lebron is old, AD is injury prone. They played half of the season on 50% and now they will get to 6th or 7th spot, avoid the Nuggets in the first round. If they get OKC it will be best possible scenario for them because matchup is perfect, but i think they are beating Minny also, mostly on expirience of Lebron and AD.
IMO they have a chance to win it all this season, they are not the favourites, but i wouldn't be surprised at all if they win it. One injury for the Nuggets and series is even, and even without injury Nuggets can have a shoting slump or who knows what and it is still possible.
Even better option would be if the Suns(which i think are best suited team to beat the Nuggets) knock-out Nuggets and then face the Lakers.
IMO favourites to come out of the West in this order are:
1. Nuggets
2. Lakers
3. Clippers
4. Suns
5. OKC
6. Minny

And i'm writing all of that as Pelicans fan and Lakers hater.

No mavs in your top 6? Why are you on a basketball forum if you don't watch basketball?

[laronprofit9]

They played the regular season perfectly as far as their capabillities go. They started slow, and up-ed their form for IST, won it and then went straight down, and started playing again after all-star. Their stars can't play full-season on 100%. Lebron is old, AD is injury prone. They played half of the season on 50% and now they will get to 6th or 7th spot, avoid the Nuggets in the first round. If they get OKC it will be best possible scenario for them because matchup is perfect, but i think they are beating Minny also, mostly on expirience of Lebron and AD.
IMO they have a chance to win it all this season, they are not the favourites, but i wouldn't be surprised at all if they win it. One injury for the Nuggets and series is even, and even without injury Nuggets can have a shoting slump or who knows what and it is still possible.
Even better option would be if the Suns(which i think are best suited team to beat the Nuggets) knock-out Nuggets and then face the Lakers.
IMO favourites to come out of the West in this order are:
1. Nuggets
2. Lakers
3. Clippers
4. Suns
5. OKC
6. Minny

And i'm writing all of that as Pelicans fan and Lakers hater.

Why no mention of Dallas? They are just as hot as the Lakers right now. Ever since the Gafford/Washington Trade, they are playing elite defense. Their front court has size now to contend with the Lakers. Luka can go toe to toe with LeBron. Kyrie is one of the best closers in the game right now.

Lakers would definitely have their hands full in a 7 game series against the Mavs. You could argue the Mavs are actually a better team.

[Edrees]

One thing people never take into account is that in a playoff situation, Lebron teams always play much better, especially Lebron himself. They have another gear in playoff situations. This is what you saw happen last year. Other teams have already been trying their heart out in those head 2 head matchups.

I'll favor the Lakers over anyone in the west besides the Nuggets who clearly have their number.

This has been the weirdest season in years for me on this forum. I've found myself standing up for LeBron more than I would like ( ) and now feel ridiculous being the person who's been standing up for the Lakers all year too. This team has clearly fooled so many people, and have gone under the radar all season, but anyone who's watched the NBA for years knows this team is essentially the 22 Warriors and 2010 Celtics. IMO Lakers have clearly been the #2 team out West all year when healthy, like they are now, and want to make this thread so when they make the WCF and "overachieve" like they did last season we can bump this thread to quell the talking heads.

For some reason people are treating this team like the 04 Lakers, old and not with it. This team is not old. LeBron is old, everyone else on this roster is at their zenith, and playing the best basketball of their careers. They have one of the deepest rosters in the league, and are one of maybe 4-5 teams that can play big and small. They can kill you inside or out, and have the ability to go off from all 3 levels. They play playoff basketball is what i'm trying to say (yall love the Heat for the same reason, but they are worse)

They have probably the best Big 2 out West in LeBron and AD, two players who are probably going to make All-NBA 2nd, or 1st team if you are a LeBron stan.

Rui, Reaves, and Dlo are fantastic players to have alongside those 2 in the starting lineup, and idk why you all hate on DLo so much. Maybe i'm biased because every time I've watched him play live he smokes people, but the dude is a good player. Not #2 pick worthy, but he's clearly a good player and you all need to acknowledge that.

Their bench has gotten beaten up, but I still like the vets they have. Prince and Dinwiddie are awesome vets to have come off the bench in the playoffs, and the 8th guy for their playoff rotation can be Gabe, Hayes, Cam, Vandy (not sure if he's going to play) depending on what they need on any given night.

The shortest player in their lineup is '6'3 200lb Dlo. They are going to be able to throw size at every single player, and we know that makes a huge difference over the course of a 7 game series when every play is a battle. They have size on the wings in Rui, Cam, LeBron, and Prince. Multiple guys that can make plays, and most importantly, they have dudes that are just shooting lights out from 3 this year.

They are one of the best Defensive rebounding teams in the league, something that is one of the most under rated aspects of basketball, and is one of the barometers of a team that plays solid playoff ball. They've gotten killed on the offensive boards this year, but I don't see that carrying over in the PO.

They can slow the game down, get to the foul line more than most teams, but still are in the top percent in terms of shooting percentage. They are top of the league in FTs, yet commit the least fouls per game. Something that will only stand out more once the games get tighter and more intense.

I see no conceivable way for teams like MInn, OKC, NO, PHX, or SAC to beat this team. LAC are going to need KAwhii to outplay LeBron, and I don't see that happening with his current health and LeBron knowing this is probably his last real chance to get #5. Mavs have a shot given Kyrie and Luka's ability to create something out of nothing, and I think DEN would also be a pick em. People forget, they played Denver well last year, they just kept getting smoked at the end of games. With more cohetion this year, i would expect that series to be different.

I'll take all the smoke if i'm wrong, but i'm calling it, LA in the WCF, and don't be surprised if they give DEN a series

I agree with most of this post and have a similar sentiment with GS. These are just vet teams that don't have time to play hard in the regular season and the play-in gives them extra excuse to not try with having the 9th and and 10th seed being able to make playoffs. I don't trust any of those young teams: NO, MIN, OKC, SAC for anything in the playoffs even if healthy(include MEM and HOU). I think the team though is old though and it will show if they face DEN again. James and Davis don't have the same impact they did since 2021.

NyKnicks1714 poster already debunked this. If look at the playoff history, for the most part GS and LA were already legitimately in the playoffs (8th seed or better), meaning they had to play extra games to make it into the playoffs with the advent of the playin tournament.

While that's true, I think it is also true the Lakers, knowing their have the security blanket of falling to the 9th seed and 10th seed, are not needing go all out as much in regular season games as much and able to save themselves for playoffs a bit more instead of having Lebron and AD play 48 mpg in the final stretch of the regular season. If the 9th and 10th seed didn't exist , I highly doubt you'd see Lebron and AD being rested like they have been in some b2b games lately. I hate the play in myself but I think the security blanket has been super nice so they make a fair point.

[Mrakar]

They played the regular season perfectly as far as their capabillities go. They started slow, and up-ed their form for IST, won it and then went straight down, and started playing again after all-star. Their stars can't play full-season on 100%. Lebron is old, AD is injury prone. They played half of the season on 50% and now they will get to 6th or 7th spot, avoid the Nuggets in the first round. If they get OKC it will be best possible scenario for them because matchup is perfect, but i think they are beating Minny also, mostly on expirience of Lebron and AD.
IMO they have a chance to win it all this season, they are not the favourites, but i wouldn't be surprised at all if they win it. One injury for the Nuggets and series is even, and even without injury Nuggets can have a shoting slump or who knows what and it is still possible.
Even better option would be if the Suns(which i think are best suited team to beat the Nuggets) knock-out Nuggets and then face the Lakers.
IMO favourites to come out of the West in this order are:
1. Nuggets
2. Lakers
3. Clippers
4. Suns
5. OKC
6. Minny

And i'm writing all of that as Pelicans fan and Lakers hater.

No mavs in your top 6? Why are you on a basketball forum if you don't watch basketball?

Why no mention of Dallas? They are just as hot as the Lakers right now. Ever since the Gafford/Washington Trade, they are playing elite defense. Their front court has size now to contend with the Lakers. Luka can go toe to toe with LeBron. Kyrie is one of the best closers in the game right now.

Lakers would definitely have their hands full in a 7 game series against the Mavs. You could argue the Mavs are actually a better team.

Brainfart, forgot to write them, i have them 3rd in front of Clippers.

[BigGargamel]

I'll take all the smoke if i'm wrong, but i'm calling it, LA in the WCF, and don't be surprised if they give DEN a series

Both teams are largely the same, Denver swept the Lakers last year, but it's going to be different this year because __________?

[Shaka_Zulu]

Lakers have clearly been the #2 team out West all year when healthy, like they are now, and want to make this thread so when they make the WCF and "overachieve" like they did last season we can bump this thread to quell the talking heads.




I see no conceivable way for teams like MInn, OKC, NO, PHX, or SAC to beat this team.

I'll take all the smoke if i'm wrong, but i'm calling it, LA in the WCF, and don't be surprised if they give DEN a series

Time to:





This thread













You know what time it is:


https://youtu.be/2q35PgSXhKg?si=44YVAj8U0EwA_Xke

[Shaka_Zulu]

Also quoting this because this was word for word the perfectly sensible and grounded in reality reply.

They can kill you inside or out, and have the ability to go off from all 3 levels.

29th in 3-point rate.

MO Lakers have clearly been the #2 team out West all year when healthy, like they are now

The thing is that the Lakers have been healthier than anyone could have ever hoped. AD is about to hit 75 games, and Lebron will hit 70. Everyone was saying "if the Lakers get 65 games out of Lebron and AD they're one of the top teams in the West". The Lakers have had one of the healthiest top 6s in the league this year.

So the sub 50-win season has been a disappointment. The 2010 Celtics and 2022 Warriors you mentioned won 50 and 53 games, respectively.

idk why you all hate on DLo so much. Maybe i'm biased because every time I've watched him play live he smokes people, but the dude is a good player. Not #2 pick worthy, but he's clearly a good player and you all need to acknowledge that.

D'Lo is having a very solid season and deserves recognition for that. He has yet to play well in the playoffs in his career. He's been an extreme hot and cold guy the past 4-5 seasons, and his cold stretches have hit in the playoffs too often. On top of that his screen navigation can make him a defensive liability. I'm down for D'Lo to get hot in the playoffs (and get lucky with matchups so he doesn't get overly exploited on defense), but he's going to get scorn until he does something to change the narrative.

The shortest player in their lineup is '6'3 200lb Dlo. They are going to be able to throw size at every single player, and we know that makes a huge difference over the course of a 7 game series when every play is a battle. They have size on the wings in Rui, Cam, LeBron, and Prince. Multiple guys that can make plays, and most importantly, they have dudes that are just shooting lights out from 3 this year.

The Lakers have size for sure. It helped them get to the WCF last year, and would surely be a nice asset in a matchup with against someone like OKC or Phoenix. But the West is bigger than last year. Last year the Lakers beat up a Memphis team who was missing almost all their rotation bigs and a very tiny Warriors team (who's biggest player was sick). The Lakers were not big enough against the Nuggets and still aren't. I's not just the Nuggets. The Timberwolves are huge, Dallas has multiple big rim protectors, Clippers can play big whenever they want, so can the Pelicans. How many matchups can the Lakers say they definitely have the size advantage against? AD is smaller than almost every other WC center. Sure he can probably bully the rookies (Chet, Lively), but in most matchups he'll be trying to use his quickness (Zu, Nurk, Jokic, Gobert, Val).

They are one of the best Defensive rebounding teams in the league, something that is one of the most under rated aspects of basketball, and is one of the barometers of a team that plays solid playoff ball. They've gotten killed on the offensive boards this year, but I don't see that carrying over in the PO.

They can slow the game down, get to the foul line more than most teams, but still are in the top percent in terms of shooting percentage. They are top of the league in FTs, yet commit the least fouls per game. Something that will only stand out more once the games get tighter and more intense.

The Lakers will continue to get "killed" on the offensive boards if they continue to play the same style. The Lakers strategy is ultra-conservativism. They prioritize transition defense over offensive boards. They don't force turnovers. They don't shoot a ton of 3s. It's all in their gameplan.

I see no conceivable way for teams like MInn, OKC, NO, PHX, or SAC to beat this team. LAC are going to need KAwhii to outplay LeBron, and I don't see that happening with his current health and LeBron knowing this is probably his last real chance to get #5. Mavs have a shot given Kyrie and Luka's ability to create something out of nothing, and I think DEN would also be a pick em. People forget, they played Denver well last year, they just kept getting smoked at the end of games. With more cohetion this year, i would expect that series to be different.

I'll take all the smoke if i'm wrong, but i'm calling it, LA in the WCF, and don't be surprised if they give DEN a series

I'd believe in this team if the defense had been closer to top 5 all season rather than top 15. I don't see what this team does well enough to beat a strong opponent. The Lakers offense isn't good because they're low on shooting, and they don't have a guy who can break down the defense. They rely on a bludgeoning style that is effective, but low upside.

I like the solidness of this team. I liked it last year too after they made those trades and went to the WCF. But the defense is a real concern. It needed to be ELITE and it's just been average. I do think they can kick up the defense a notch in the playoffs, but schematically they're very vulnerable to teams that will gun from deep. The Lakers protect the paint at the expense of 3s, so again I only really see OKC as a good upset candidate. The Wolves are vulnerable to this with Towns' injury, but the Lakers offense is going to have a really hard time scoring against that giant defense.

The Denver thing is just...c'mon man the Nuggets have now beat them 8 times in a row. The Lakers winning a game against the Nuggets would be a cause for celebration at this point. Without injury luck, everyone should be very very surprised if they gave the Nuggets a series.

[shi-woo]

Here for the smoke, even with a drug test coming up.

I didn't expect Denver in the first round, which is the only team I had beating Lakers out West. Given how Davis and LBJ played, I stand by what I said. LA would have smoked most teams out West, especially ones without Size like OKC, PHX, and DAL.

[Shaka_Zulu]

I stand by what I said LA would have smoked most teams out West, especially ones without Size like OKC, PHX, and DAL.

[LaLover11]

Here for the smoke, even with a drug test coming up.

I didn't expect Denver in the first round, which is the only team I had beating Lakers out West. Given how Davis and LBJ played, I stand by what I said. LA would have smoked most teams out West, especially ones without Size like OKC, PHX, and DAL.

Doesn't matter because they can beat all those teams and still would have to deal with the Nuggets in the WCF

DLo a great season player when teams don't guard him without that playoff intensity because he's non athletic

Unfortunately DLo is just another Jordan Poole that gets overpaid because they can make flashy points vs lazy defense. Rui/AR/Vando are great role players vs any team besides the Nuggets, which means they need to be traded to matchup next season with Nuggets or Celtics

Lakers need Bigger Guards in the Starting Lineup and a 10ppg/10 Reb Starting Center. If I was the Lakers GM I would try to find a way to get Steven Adams.

Get that 3rd star like Mitchell/DeRozan and Steven Adams and the Lakers would be a true contender
And the Lakers actually have a chance

[WentzerWuver]

Here for the smoke, even with a drug test coming up.

I didn't expect Denver in the first round, which is the only team I had beating Lakers out West. Given how Davis and LBJ played, I stand by what I said. LA would have smoked most teams out West, especially ones without Size like OKC, PHX, and DAL.

Doesn't matter because they can beat all those teams and still would have to deal with the Nuggets in the WCF

DLo a great season player when teams don't guard him without that playoff intensity because he's non athletic

Unfortunately DLo is just another Jordan Poole that gets overpaid because they can make flashy points vs lazy defense. Rui/AR/Vando are great role players vs any team besides the Nuggets, which means they need to be traded to matchup next season with Nuggets or Celtics

Lakers need Bigger Guards in the Starting Lineup and a 10ppg/10 Reb Starting Center. If I was the Lakers GM I would try to find a way to get Steven Adams.

Get that 3rd star like Mitchell/DeRozan and Steven Adams and the Lakers would be a true contender
And the Lakers actually have a chance

I think Dlo is a much better streaky player than Poole, who goof off too much.

https://youtube.com/shorts/RwY2ERZp-w8?si=PYF_DdkPzpXcC4TQ