The Lebron '20 Thread (Pt. 7)

[GSP]

Is Caruso gonna be on Herro? Wonder how they match up with him

[xb3at band1tx]

The offense in the 4th was bad but this helps lol

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Read on Twitter

?s=20

[A_Biased_Fan]

If the Lakers win it all this year, it really shows the silliness of using rings as a barometer. This playoff run isn’t even close to 2017 or 2018 for Bron, yet if the win it all it will be seen as the better run.

Yes, that's essentially the difference between the people who actually watch the games with a critical eye and the people who casually watch and actually watch the 'debate' shows.

[Heej]

LMFAO seriously the man was getting walled off in the paint and not making them truly pay with his jumper or particularly amazing passing. The Lakers role players were contested on like 65% of their shots I feel. He wasn't dining them up for wide open looks the way the Nuggets were doing the first half

It was definitely worrying, Nuggets are one step away from guarding him like Giannis. His all-around game was fantastic today, but it felt like he only scored in semi transition or from free throws.

That's fine, let them build the wall. If the Nuggets build the wall, it will force Vogel to finally put LeBron in the post. Go super small, spread the floor and let LeBron post-up. Right now they are not posting him up at all. I remember before the pre-Covid season ended LeBron was killing it in the post and looking like his 2018 self in there.

IDK Paulie. The few times Lebron tried to take it into the post on Murray and getting swarmed he didn't generate a real advantage. Lebron barely got enough out of postups vs Steph+a wall to make it a strategy. Murray is 1 inch taller and like 15lbs stronger with the higher percentage of type 2 fibers that he has. He doesn't body Murray enough to get to his spots before the swarm comes. I don't find him being effective whatsoever in the post this series. The mid-post looks like his best area rn if anything.

[PaulieWal]

It was definitely worrying, Nuggets are one step away from guarding him like Giannis. His all-around game was fantastic today, but it felt like he only scored in semi transition or from free throws.

That's fine, let them build the wall. If the Nuggets build the wall, it will force Vogel to finally put LeBron in the post. Go super small, spread the floor and let LeBron post-up. Right now they are not posting him up at all. I remember before the pre-Covid season ended LeBron was killing it in the post and looking like his 2018 self in there.

IDK Paulie. The few times Lebron tried to take it into the post on Murray and getting swarmed he didn't generate a real advantage. Lebron barely got enough out of postups vs Steph+a wall to make it a strategy. Murray is 1 inch taller and like 15lbs stronger with the higher percentage of type 2 fibers that he has. He doesn't body Murray enough to get to his spots before the swarm comes. I don't find him being effective whatsoever in the post this series. The mid-post looks like his best area rn if anything.

He's not going to be effective posting when either one of Dwight or McGee are in the game. In 2013 and 2014 he used to destroy teams in the post with Birdman on the floor but they would have 3 legit shooters that teams couldn't help off of. If the Lakers want Lebron to post in this series they have to at least try and spread the floor. It has to be AD at the 5 and try with KCP, Green, and maybe Morris. It's not going to work with McGee and Dwight, Nuggets are not guarding them at all.

[nzahir]

My head hurts from that game

Gutsy win, Lebron was **** huge, has to dig deep and he did it on both ends

Refs helped a bit, but a lot was deserved after last 2 games

I am worried about AD, was limping and non existent really

One more win and Lebron is back

[MyUniBroDavis]

It was definitely worrying, Nuggets are one step away from guarding him like Giannis. His all-around game was fantastic today, but it felt like he only scored in semi transition or from free throws.

That's fine, let them build the wall. If the Nuggets build the wall, it will force Vogel to finally put LeBron in the post. Go super small, spread the floor and let LeBron post-up. Right now they are not posting him up at all. I remember before the pre-Covid season ended LeBron was killing it in the post and looking like his 2018 self in there.

IDK Paulie. The few times Lebron tried to take it into the post on Murray and getting swarmed he didn't generate a real advantage. Lebron barely got enough out of postups vs Steph+a wall to make it a strategy. Murray is 1 inch taller and like 15lbs stronger with the higher percentage of type 2 fibers that he has. He doesn't body Murray enough to get to his spots before the swarm comes. I don't find him being effective whatsoever in the post this series. The mid-post looks like his best area rn if anything.

I really do feel like countering building a wall is alot more based off of what the team chooses to do to counter at times, rather than the player sometimes.

The idea of prerotating on lebron drives is hardly new

[xb3at band1tx]

3-1 Nuggets meme aside, it does feel like Lakers are getting these wins more gritty then when the Clippers got up on them.

[trickshot]

If the Lakers win it all this year, it really shows the silliness of using rings as a barometer. This playoff run isn’t even close to 2017 or 2018 for Bron, yet if the win it all it will be seen as the better run.

So this is what a playoff run on a western conference team feels like. You only have to show up every quarter or so and your teammates do the rest and take you to the finals. If Lebron knew it was this easy he would have signed up when he was still young. WC stars like Steph and Kawhi been living good, the cheeky bastards

[PaulieWal]

If the Lakers win it all this year, it really shows the silliness of using rings as a barometer. This playoff run isn’t even close to 2017 or 2018 for Bron, yet if the win it all it will be seen as the better run.

So this is what a playoff run on a western conference team feels like. You only have to show up every quarter or so and your teammates do the rest and take you to the finals. If Lebron knew it was this easy he would have signed up when he was still young. WC stars like Steph and Kawhi been living good, the cheeky bastards

You are saying this tongue in cheek but Curry after 2016 basically lived that charmed life. Kawhi has done a few carry jobs, like round 2 last year but even that Raptors team carried him for his off games and quarters. LeBron had that on and off in 2012-2013 when Wade was healthy but even at their best in 2016 didn't feel like the Cavs could really carry him when needed.

[trickshot]

If the Lakers win it all this year, it really shows the silliness of using rings as a barometer. This playoff run isn’t even close to 2017 or 2018 for Bron, yet if the win it all it will be seen as the better run.

So this is what a playoff run on a western conference team feels like. You only have to show up every quarter or so and your teammates do the rest and take you to the finals. If Lebron knew it was this easy he would have signed up when he was still young. WC stars like Steph and Kawhi been living good, the cheeky bastards

You are saying this tongue in cheek but Curry after 2016 basically lived that charmed life. Kawhi has done a few carry jobs, like round 2 last year but even that Raptors team carried him for his off games and quarters. LeBron had that on and off in 2012-2013 when Wade was healthy but even at their best in 2016 didn't feel like the Cavs could really carry him when needed.

That's actually exactly what I'm getting at. Said it for years he wouldn't be playing with the Cavs in the west but the common lazy response was he would keep strong teams/teammates from performing at that level

[picko]

Goddamn this thread is pathetic sometimes. It isn't a secret that LeBron doesn't have the same quickness he did years ago. Get used to it already. He doesn't have to score 30 on 60% shooting and 10+ layups to have a good game. It also doesn't help that LA has garbage spacing, especially for a 2020 team. You guys got too used to his 2017-2018 PS production which he was only able to put up because CLE was running 4 and 5 out with elite shooters at every position. Who knows, if he had the shooting cast he had in Cleveland he might still be able to put up those performances. He's at 64% TS right now which is a goddamn miracle at his age with this offensive load

Yeah, you'd never know that he's been the second best player in the playoffs thus far reading this thread.

There are some things that he cannot do now that he did a few years ago. But there is also the reality that he doesn't have to do those things now to win. That's a good thing.

The Lakers are a better constructed team than those Cavs line-ups, albeit with inferior spacing. They defend much harder and Davis is a legitimate best player in the world candidate. Also relevant is that LeBron is using more energy on defence than we've seen in years. For the first time since 2016 he is a genuine two-way player.

All of those things are going to create a different focus for LeBron. He doesn't have to score 40 for the Lakers to win. And quite frankly I'd rather he only have to score 25, apply himself on defence and keep the role players involved rather than taking over every game.

[Heej]

If the Lakers win it all this year, it really shows the silliness of using rings as a barometer. This playoff run isn’t even close to 2017 or 2018 for Bron, yet if the win it all it will be seen as the better run.

So this is what a playoff run on a western conference team feels like. You only have to show up every quarter or so and your teammates do the rest and take you to the finals. If Lebron knew it was this easy he would have signed up when he was still young. WC stars like Steph and Kawhi been living good, the cheeky bastards

You are saying this tongue in cheek but Curry after 2016 basically lived that charmed life. Kawhi has done a few carry jobs, like round 2 last year but even that Raptors team carried him for his off games and quarters. LeBron had that on and off in 2012-2013 when Wade was healthy but even at their best in 2016 didn't feel like the Cavs could really carry him when needed.

Yea Im not gonna lie this team has felt the most like they can actually pick up LeBron when he's down. Well deserved for the old man after what he's put up with throughout the years.

It's funny because LeBron from 2008 to like 2013 Lebron basically was good for 5 great games in a series and 2 subpar or average ones. That's typical for a superstar tbh. Then from like 2014-18 Bron was basically consistently good to great 6 or 7 games in a series, which is insane for a superstar. Now he's back to that 4 or 5 regular superstar level. But we were really spoiled in the playoffs the last few years by LeBron's consistency. That was truly his GOAT peak imo. Now we're back to LeBron being at regular superstar levels instead of GOAT. The fact that he still got it like this at his age is special.

AD can't be this.soft on the glass tho this is just weird

[PaulieWal]

Goddamn this thread is pathetic sometimes. It isn't a secret that LeBron doesn't have the same quickness he did years ago. Get used to it already. He doesn't have to score 30 on 60% shooting and 10+ layups to have a good game. It also doesn't help that LA has garbage spacing, especially for a 2020 team. You guys got too used to his 2017-2018 PS production which he was only able to put up because CLE was running 4 and 5 out with elite shooters at every position. Who knows, if he had the shooting cast he had in Cleveland he might still be able to put up those performances. He's at 64% TS right now which is a goddamn miracle at his age with this offensive load

Yeah, you'd never know that he's been the second best player in the playoffs thus far reading this thread.

There are some things that he cannot do now that he did a few years ago. But there is also the reality that he doesn't have to do those things now to win. That's a good thing.

The Lakers are a better constructed team than those Cavs line-ups, albeit with inferior spacing. They defend much harder and Davis is a legitimate best player in the world candidate. Also relevant is that LeBron is using more energy on defence than we've seen in years. For the first time since 2016 he is a genuine two-way player.

All of those things are going to create a different focus for LeBron. He doesn't have to score 40 for the Lakers to win. And quite frankly I'd rather he only have to score 25, apply himself on defence and keep the role players involved rather than taking over every game.

Minor nitpick, tonight's game shows why he has been the best player even in the playoffs. I said this in the POY thread, even when his scoring is off he can control the game in a way guys like Kawhi, Harden, and Giannis can't. Secondly, his defense for the most part has been otherworldly and AD's defense is getting overrated.

[PaulieWal]

So this is what a playoff run on a western conference team feels like. You only have to show up every quarter or so and your teammates do the rest and take you to the finals. If Lebron knew it was this easy he would have signed up when he was still young. WC stars like Steph and Kawhi been living good, the cheeky bastards

You are saying this tongue in cheek but Curry after 2016 basically lived that charmed life. Kawhi has done a few carry jobs, like round 2 last year but even that Raptors team carried him for his off games and quarters. LeBron had that on and off in 2012-2013 when Wade was healthy but even at their best in 2016 didn't feel like the Cavs could really carry him when needed.

Yea Im not gonna lie this team has felt the most like they can actually pick up LeBron when he's down. Well deserved for the old man after what he's put up with throughout the years.

It's funny because LeBron from 2008 to like 2013 Lebron basically was good for 5 great games in a series and 2 subpar or average ones. That's typical for a superstar tbh. Then from like 2014-18 Bron was basically consistently good to great 6 or 7 games in a series, which is insane for a superstar. Now he's back to that 4 or 5 regular superstar level. But we were really spoiled in the playoffs the last few years by LeBron's consistency. That was truly his GOAT peak imo. Now we're back to LeBron being at regular superstar levels instead of GOAT. The fact that he still got it like this at his age is special.

AD can't be this.soft on the glass tho this is just weird

Well keep in mind, the 2017 Cavs team is winning the title in 99.9% of the seasons, just ran into the most loaded team ever in NBA history. It is what it is. 2018 LeBron with another star would have been spectacular. Would have taken the Warriors to 6 or 7 IMO.

[trickshot]

Goddamn this thread is pathetic sometimes. It isn't a secret that LeBron doesn't have the same quickness he did years ago. Get used to it already. He doesn't have to score 30 on 60% shooting and 10+ layups to have a good game. It also doesn't help that LA has garbage spacing, especially for a 2020 team. You guys got too used to his 2017-2018 PS production which he was only able to put up because CLE was running 4 and 5 out with elite shooters at every position. Who knows, if he had the shooting cast he had in Cleveland he might still be able to put up those performances. He's at 64% TS right now which is a goddamn miracle at his age with this offensive load

Yeah, you'd never know that he's been the second best player in the playoffs thus far reading this thread.

There are some things that he cannot do now that he did a few years ago. But there is also the reality that he doesn't have to do those things now to win. That's a good thing.

The Lakers are a better constructed team than those Cavs line-ups, albeit with inferior spacing. They defend much harder and Davis is a legitimate best player in the world candidate. Also relevant is that LeBron is using more energy on defence than we've seen in years. For the first time since 2016 he is a genuine two-way player.

All of those things are going to create a different focus for LeBron. He doesn't have to score 40 for the Lakers to win. And quite frankly I'd rather he only have to score 25, apply himself on defence and keep the role players involved rather than taking over every game.

Minor nitpick, tonight's game shows why he has been the best player even in the playoffs. I said this in the POY thread, even when his scoring is off he can control the game in a way guys like Kawhi, Harden, and Giannis can't. Secondly, his defense for the most part has been otherworldly and AD's defense is getting overrated.

AD has basically checked out on the defensive end since the Rockets series. He isn't helping on drives or protecting the paint. Hope he doesnt go the way of Kawhi who stopped all of that when his offensive load increased

[Heej]

You are saying this tongue in cheek but Curry after 2016 basically lived that charmed life. Kawhi has done a few carry jobs, like round 2 last year but even that Raptors team carried him for his off games and quarters. LeBron had that on and off in 2012-2013 when Wade was healthy but even at their best in 2016 didn't feel like the Cavs could really carry him when needed.

Yea Im not gonna lie this team has felt the most like they can actually pick up LeBron when he's down. Well deserved for the old man after what he's put up with throughout the years.

It's funny because LeBron from 2008 to like 2013 Lebron basically was good for 5 great games in a series and 2 subpar or average ones. That's typical for a superstar tbh. Then from like 2014-18 Bron was basically consistently good to great 6 or 7 games in a series, which is insane for a superstar. Now he's back to that 4 or 5 regular superstar level. But we were really spoiled in the playoffs the last few years by LeBron's consistency. That was truly his GOAT peak imo. Now we're back to LeBron being at regular superstar levels instead of GOAT. The fact that he still got it like this at his age is special.

AD can't be this.soft on the glass tho this is just weird

Well keep in mind, the 2017 Cavs is winning the title in 99.9% of the seasons, just ran into the most loaded team ever in NBA history. It is what it is. 2018 LeBron with another star would have been spectacular. Would have taken the Warriors to 6 or 7 IMO.

I was saying that year just give LeBron Victor Oladipo and that's enough to take the Warriors. Or at least enough to outplay Steph and KD 2v2

[PaulieWal]

Yeah, you'd never know that he's been the second best player in the playoffs thus far reading this thread.

There are some things that he cannot do now that he did a few years ago. But there is also the reality that he doesn't have to do those things now to win. That's a good thing.

The Lakers are a better constructed team than those Cavs line-ups, albeit with inferior spacing. They defend much harder and Davis is a legitimate best player in the world candidate. Also relevant is that LeBron is using more energy on defence than we've seen in years. For the first time since 2016 he is a genuine two-way player.

All of those things are going to create a different focus for LeBron. He doesn't have to score 40 for the Lakers to win. And quite frankly I'd rather he only have to score 25, apply himself on defence and keep the role players involved rather than taking over every game.

Minor nitpick, tonight's game shows why he has been the best player even in the playoffs. I said this in the POY thread, even when his scoring is off he can control the game in a way guys like Kawhi, Harden, and Giannis can't. Secondly, his defense for the most part has been otherworldly and AD's defense is getting overrated.

AD has basically checked out on the defensive end since the Rockets series. He isn't helping on drives or protecting the paint. Hope he doesnt go the way of Kawhi who stopped all of that when his offensive load increased

I think Jokic is just a tough cover for him, he's still good on switches but he hasn't really looked that good on that end overall. If his defense falls off with an increased offensive load, then can't call him the best.

[PaulieWal]

Yea Im not gonna lie this team has felt the most like they can actually pick up LeBron when he's down. Well deserved for the old man after what he's put up with throughout the years.

It's funny because LeBron from 2008 to like 2013 Lebron basically was good for 5 great games in a series and 2 subpar or average ones. That's typical for a superstar tbh. Then from like 2014-18 Bron was basically consistently good to great 6 or 7 games in a series, which is insane for a superstar. Now he's back to that 4 or 5 regular superstar level. But we were really spoiled in the playoffs the last few years by LeBron's consistency. That was truly his GOAT peak imo. Now we're back to LeBron being at regular superstar levels instead of GOAT. The fact that he still got it like this at his age is special.

AD can't be this.soft on the glass tho this is just weird

Well keep in mind, the 2017 Cavs is winning the title in 99.9% of the seasons, just ran into the most loaded team ever in NBA history. It is what it is. 2018 LeBron with another star would have been spectacular. Would have taken the Warriors to 6 or 7 IMO.

I was saying that year just give LeBron Victor Oladipo and that's enough to take the Warriors. Or at least enough to outplay Steph and KD 2v2

Oladipo that year would have been nice, still would have lost though. Still too much talent but at least wouldn't have got swept

[xb3at band1tx]

Minor nitpick, tonight's game shows why he has been the best player even in the playoffs. I said this in the POY thread, even when his scoring is off he can control the game in a way guys like Kawhi, Harden, and Giannis can't. Secondly, his defense for the most part has been otherworldly and AD's defense is getting overrated.

AD has basically checked out on the defensive end since the Rockets series. He isn't helping on drives or protecting the paint. Hope he doesnt go the way of Kawhi who stopped all of that when his offensive load increased

I think Jokic is just a tough cover for him, he's still good on switches but he hasn't really looked that good on that end overall. If his defense falls off with an increased offensive load, then can't call him the best.

Yeah Joker is just a lot of work, I think if they close out Saturday, Davis can get back to that defensive level against Miami.