(LOCK THREAD) The LeBron James- 23-24 NBA Thread - 40K POINTS+(Part 1)(NO INSULTING)

[AEnigma]

Ham did lose a couple of guys from his staff this summer. I have no idea what their roles were and exactly how important they were but it's odd how much trouble this team is having getting to things that were automatic last year.

For mulitple offseasons people practically screamed in Laker fans faces about the importance of continuity. They bring back the core of a WCF team; add some ancillary pieces and all that continuity has gotten them nowhere. Zero margin for error.

I am not too bothered by the offseason approach. Team worked well over a small sample of games, so try to (mostly) run it back and see how it goes. Again, wish they had taken that approach during the 2021 offseason.

This season, the team has generally not worked well outside of the in-season tournament. We are nearing the season’s halfway point. Trade deadline a month away. Now is the time to change things up.

[nzahir]

Doc Rivers will be the best coaching choice.. I can't believe I'm saying that because I've given him a lot of **** over the years.

But Doc Rivers coaching talent is culture setting and I think the Lakers need a culture change. He's used to handling superstar players.
He also reveres LeBron and would probably let LeBron do in-game coaching.

Oh boy

Its really over for this teams chance barring a Kyrie, Mitchell, or Trae Young deal

If we make a move for Lavine and or others our only real chance will be if we face multiple teams with impactful injuries

[zimpy27]

Doc Rivers will be the best coaching choice.. I can't believe I'm saying that because I've given him a lot of **** over the years.

But Doc Rivers coaching talent is culture setting and I think the Lakers need a culture change. He's used to handling superstar players.
He also reveres LeBron and would probably let LeBron do in-game coaching.

Oh boy

Its really over for this teams chance barring a Kyrie, Mitchell, or Trae Young deal

If we make a move for Lavine and or others our only real chance will be if we face multiple teams with impactful injuries

I would bring in Doc ASAP and then make a trade by the deadline (gives Doc 6 weeks to see what he can do with the players they have).

LaVine deal is the most likely to happen. It just has gone quiet because nothing can happen until Jan 15.

[Ursusamericanus]

Where do y'all think he goes if he does leave? Back to Cleveland for his swan song?

It won't be NY, though to this day, I wish he joined us in 2010...

[Heej]

Where do y'all think he goes if he does leave? Back to Cleveland for his swan song?

It won't be NY, though to this day, I wish he joined us in 2010...

Only place that makes sense to me is Cleveland or maybe Indiana because they're the franchise that has gotten bullied by LeBron the most lmao. Would have to be somewhere he can perfectly fill the 4 spot which is basically the most saturated position in the league

Imagine he went to Denver in 2018 tho...

[zimpy27]

Cavs would be the team or a team that never won.

Clippers would be hilarious.

[nzahir]

Cavs would be the team or a team that never won.

Clippers would be hilarious.

Never.....?

Very good young teams that havent won yet but are right there or could win with a vet star:
Okc: Great fit at the 4. Sga, Jdub, Dort, Bron, Chet (Bron can focus more on defense as well)
Minny: Would come off the bench likely, but a top team that hasnt won

The tier under them would be:
Sac: Okay fit, would probably need another move to be a contender. Defense is not great and they run a lot, But Lebron gets to stay in CA at least
Dallas: Gets to play with an mvp candidate in Luka and gets Kyrie again, the issue would be the defense. Lazy older Lebron, plus Lazy Luka and Kyrie....but maybe the offense is just too good
Indi: Have a legit star in Haliburton and some other decent pieces, but the defense is just too poor for now

Only a few vet teams make sense that havent won yet

Phi: Embiid hasnt gotten over the hump yet, but super talented. Bron comes there and helps push him and Maxey over the top
NY: Would need to move Randle and try and use some assets to upgrade. But a nice core of Brunson, OG, Robinson, and whoever else they can get.

Phi or OKC would be the best picks in terms of winning

[RRR3]

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=03VMWS49WBcQFjNGjqNl6Q




Love how everyone on Reddit is blaming LeBron for this as if Ham hasn’t proven himself to be incompetent.

[nzahir]

Doc Rivers will be the best coaching choice.. I can't believe I'm saying that because I've given him a lot of **** over the years.

But Doc Rivers coaching talent is culture setting and I think the Lakers need a culture change. He's used to handling superstar players.
He also reveres LeBron and would probably let LeBron do in-game coaching.

Oh boy

Its really over for this teams chance barring a Kyrie, Mitchell, or Trae Young deal

If we make a move for Lavine and or others our only real chance will be if we face multiple teams with impactful injuries

I would bring in Doc ASAP and then make a trade by the deadline (gives Doc 6 weeks to see what he can do with the players they have).

LaVine deal is the most likely to happen. It just has gone quiet because nothing can happen until Jan 15.

I feel like Doc wants to chill for a year too

Just not realistic to bring in a brand new coach at almost the mid point of the year from outside

Feels like Handy would be next up and maybe get him an assistant like Joerger or Stotts?

[zimpy27]

Oh boy

Its really over for this teams chance barring a Kyrie, Mitchell, or Trae Young deal

If we make a move for Lavine and or others our only real chance will be if we face multiple teams with impactful injuries

I would bring in Doc ASAP and then make a trade by the deadline (gives Doc 6 weeks to see what he can do with the players they have).

LaVine deal is the most likely to happen. It just has gone quiet because nothing can happen until Jan 15.

I feel like Doc wants to chill for a year too

Just not realistic to bring in a brand new coach at almost the mid point of the year from outside

Feels like Handy would be next up and maybe get him an assistant like Joerger or Stotts?

True.. Handy might work.

Remember Blatt to Lue worked.

[Mos_Heat]

Cavs would be the team or a team that never won.

Clippers would be hilarious.

Never.....?

Very good young teams that havent won yet but are right there or could win with a vet star:
Okc: Great fit at the 4. Sga, Jdub, Dort, Bron, Chet (Bron can focus more on defense as well)
Minny: Would come off the bench likely, but a top team that hasnt won

The tier under them would be:
Sac: Okay fit, would probably need another move to be a contender. Defense is not great and they run a lot, But Lebron gets to stay in CA at least
Dallas: Gets to play with an mvp candidate in Luka and gets Kyrie again, the issue would be the defense. Lazy older Lebron, plus Lazy Luka and Kyrie....but maybe the offense is just too good
Indi: Have a legit star in Haliburton and some other decent pieces, but the defense is just too poor for now

Only a few vet teams make sense that havent won yet

Phi: Embiid hasnt gotten over the hump yet, but super talented. Bron comes there and helps push him and Maxey over the top
NY: Would need to move Randle and try and use some assets to upgrade. But a nice core of Brunson, OG, Robinson, and whoever else they can get.

Phi or OKC would be the best picks in terms of winning

Just accept the fact that he loves, LOVES being a Laker. And he doesn't care about how competent FO as much as you

[nzahir]

Cavs would be the team or a team that never won.

Clippers would be hilarious.

Never.....?

Very good young teams that havent won yet but are right there or could win with a vet star:
Okc: Great fit at the 4. Sga, Jdub, Dort, Bron, Chet (Bron can focus more on defense as well)
Minny: Would come off the bench likely, but a top team that hasnt won

The tier under them would be:
Sac: Okay fit, would probably need another move to be a contender. Defense is not great and they run a lot, But Lebron gets to stay in CA at least
Dallas: Gets to play with an mvp candidate in Luka and gets Kyrie again, the issue would be the defense. Lazy older Lebron, plus Lazy Luka and Kyrie....but maybe the offense is just too good
Indi: Have a legit star in Haliburton and some other decent pieces, but the defense is just too poor for now

Only a few vet teams make sense that havent won yet

Phi: Embiid hasnt gotten over the hump yet, but super talented. Bron comes there and helps push him and Maxey over the top
NY: Would need to move Randle and try and use some assets to upgrade. But a nice core of Brunson, OG, Robinson, and whoever else they can get.

Phi or OKC would be the best picks in terms of winning

Just accept the fact that he loves, LOVES being a Laker. And he doesn't care about how competent FO as much as you

Well he doesnt LOVE Ham

He also LOVES to win

I am also not talking about this season, but in 1-2 seasons(more likely in 2 seasons)

He will go where his son goes, if Bronny makes it ofc

I truly think playing for 1-2 years where his son is, and hopefully winning there, is the goal

I wonder if he also wants to play with Bryce...

[Dr Positivity]

Isn't the team Philly? I think the cap works.

[rk2023]

Obviously I want James to retire a Laker given my fandom. This level of organizational failure for a star duo of him / Davis is telling however.

In the event James would leave, I’d hope that he (alongside Jr) ends it as a Cavalier or Spur due to the meaning or storyline of playing for either franchise - a ring need not influence anything at this point. Don’t really care to see him / them on a lot of teams , even contending hopefuls

[Mos_Heat]

Never.....?

Very good young teams that havent won yet but are right there or could win with a vet star:
Okc: Great fit at the 4. Sga, Jdub, Dort, Bron, Chet (Bron can focus more on defense as well)
Minny: Would come off the bench likely, but a top team that hasnt won

The tier under them would be:
Sac: Okay fit, would probably need another move to be a contender. Defense is not great and they run a lot, But Lebron gets to stay in CA at least
Dallas: Gets to play with an mvp candidate in Luka and gets Kyrie again, the issue would be the defense. Lazy older Lebron, plus Lazy Luka and Kyrie....but maybe the offense is just too good
Indi: Have a legit star in Haliburton and some other decent pieces, but the defense is just too poor for now

Only a few vet teams make sense that havent won yet

Phi: Embiid hasnt gotten over the hump yet, but super talented. Bron comes there and helps push him and Maxey over the top
NY: Would need to move Randle and try and use some assets to upgrade. But a nice core of Brunson, OG, Robinson, and whoever else they can get.

Phi or OKC would be the best picks in terms of winning

Just accept the fact that he loves, LOVES being a Laker. And he doesn't care about how competent FO as much as you

Well he doesnt LOVE Ham

He also LOVES to win

I am also not talking about this season, but in 1-2 seasons(more likely in 2 seasons)

He will go where his son goes, if Bronny makes it ofc

I truly think playing for 1-2 years where his son is, and hopefully winning there, is the goal

I wonder if he also wants to play with Bryce...

Ok, but what if Bronny doesn't wanna play with him

He wants to win, but he also wants to live in LA. And it seems that living in LA is nearly as important as winning

[PistolPeteJR]

LeGone James babyyyy. Can't wait for our boy to leave this incompetent piece of s*** franchise. Gonna be amazing to see them turn into Knicks West over the years and these undeserving inbred fans get what they deserve.

He's gonna pick up his option for the next year, you know it

Why are you like this

[khaltheball]

They were only underdogs in 4 games after ist. Wolves okc (small -3), wolves on b2b pels on b2b with no Bron vs wolves bigger -6.

They started the year 12/1 , they’re now 18/1 abd that’s generous . They’re at bearing 50% missing playoffs , over under drop of 4. Was 47.5 and it was still thst just after ist finals. That is horrendous. Clippers climbed from 20/1 to 12/1, minny n okc 40/1 50/1 to 18/1. And imo we should be behind them . This team is dreadful I continue to be infuriated that Pelinka has a job . Just fir joy this is epm ;

Lebron James: 7 out of 432

Anthony Davis: 10 out of 432

D’Angelo Russel: 145 out of 432

Taurean Prince: 184 out of 432

Cam reddish: 206 out of 432

Rui Hachimura: 242 out of 432

Christian wood: 260 out of 432

Austin reaves: 272 out of 432

Gabe Vincent: 364 out of 432

Jackson Hayes:398 out of 432

Jarred Vanderbilt: 401 out of 432

Max Christie: 405 out of 432

Maxwell Lewis: 430 out of 432

Jalen hood schfino: 432 out of 432

Reaves is also 2nd last in defensive epm . Podz the n19 pick is +0.1 off , -0.2 def and watching him he’s better then a single role player on this team : guy legit hustles takes charges grabs rebounds n shoots better then anyone on this team where a 39 year old Lebron James is the best shooter. It might be time to give up on reaves as being untouchable he purely looks for his own shot too much poor vision …. The defence… and the turnovers are rookie like . The crazy thing is Rui had a near identical year ti this year every year he’s played . None of the guys I listed were top 100 last year except Russel around 90. And he was there till December . I think it’s pure copium to just blame ham . Pelinka clearly never looks at advanced stats ( Russ in Washington was barely a top 100 guy yet he sold the farm for him same with Schroeder).

Ham might need to go but you also need to magic a top 50 guy guard/wing creator n a top 100 defence minded player who can shoot. I disliked the Vando n Rui contracts at the time but god Damn they’re even worse . Heakthy Vincent on average last two years is 100-200.

Pick number 10 ( I really wanted cason somehow I admit I didn’t look OUTSUDE him but thought he’d go around 14), n12,n16,n18,n19 AND N20 and n14 would be legitimate quality top 8 guys on this awfuk team . I know this draft is talented but a low upside bust with no athleticism no shooting who I thought had a nba ready buddy n defebce atleast just makes it worse cos many of those guys I listed woukd make impact to this team. I don’t think it can be under estimated his incompetent this FO is. Even their best area : drafting they jerk off too long wingspan guys who can’t play offebce : look up jhs on tankathon or advanced stats fir a laugh . Atleast if we had magically traded up to get cason Wallace or lively or picked the two guys after us I’d feel less miserable. It’s fun watching rookies hoop. Im st thst point . This team is embarrassingly bad, Rui is a guy who i wasn’t sure woukd get a second contract nvm 51m. These contracts will be just as bad as Westbrook to move .

At this point I pray Bron calls up morey cos I feel like he’d fit there . He would have minimal responsibilities n have to gamble on embid a heakth but could actually contribute to winning n not just ring chase. Unless they can get both a lavine + Caruso/nurray I can’t see it.

Two top ten guys and you can’t compete , no other team has that.

Possible ideal options : okc, minny ( doubtful on both okc more likely n in minny be replaced Conley ), Philly ( best one but embid heakth gamble ), Memphis ( gets most credit best player ), can also see these teams moving for him except okc who might considering how bad giddey is. Pacers ? But not good enough , Mavs ? But same n I don’t like Luka much as a fit . Options can be fun . Gsw stay away from it Boston . Bucks unlikely maybe when Giannis was younger even tho he admires n has brin as goat . Ideally go somewhere that hasn’t won but can. Miami might be ok but they’d need another move ti be favourites b soscing is weird but butler is smart at at extracting value

I’ll feel bad for AD but honestly I’d have more fun. I can’t believe lakers fans think Luka will come here one day or Shai with how poorly run it is vs clippers n clippers money

[nzahir]

Just accept the fact that he loves, LOVES being a Laker. And he doesn't care about how competent FO as much as you

Well he doesnt LOVE Ham

He also LOVES to win

I am also not talking about this season, but in 1-2 seasons(more likely in 2 seasons)

He will go where his son goes, if Bronny makes it ofc

I truly think playing for 1-2 years where his son is, and hopefully winning there, is the goal

I wonder if he also wants to play with Bryce...

Ok, but what if Bronny doesn't wanna play with him

He wants to win, but he also wants to live in LA. And it seems that living in LA is nearly as important as winning

And you know this how?

He was fine all those years living in Cle, then back to Mia, then back to Cle. Yes he loves LA and it makes it easier for business stuff likely, but I bet if he could leave to go play with his son on a contender, he would

[nzahir]

They were only underdogs in 4 games after ist. Wolves okc (small -3), wolves on b2b pels on b2b with no Bron vs wolves bigger -6.

They started the year 12/1 , they’re now 18/1 abd that’s generous . They’re at bearing 50% missing playoffs , over under drop of 4. Was 47.5 and it was still thst just after ist finals. That is horrendous. Clippers climbed from 20/1 to 12/1, minny n okc 40/1 50/1 to 18/1. And imo we should be behind them . This team is dreadful I continue to be infuriated that Pelinka has a job . Just fir joy this is epm ;

Lebron James: 7 out of 432

Anthony Davis: 10 out of 432

D’Angelo Russel: 145 out of 432

Taurean Prince: 184 out of 432

Cam reddish: 206 out of 432

Rui Hachimura: 242 out of 432

Christian wood: 260 out of 432

Austin reaves: 272 out of 432

Gabe Vincent: 364 out of 432

Jackson Hayes:398 out of 432

Jarred Vanderbilt: 401 out of 432

Max Christie: 405 out of 432

Maxwell Lewis: 430 out of 432

Jalen hood schfino: 432 out of 432

Reaves is also 2nd last in defensive epm . Podz the n19 pick is +0.1 off , -0.2 def and watching him he’s better then a single role player on this team : guy legit hustles takes charges grabs rebounds n shoots better then anyone on this team where a 39 year old Lebron James is the best shooter. It might be time to give up on reaves as being untouchable he purely looks for his own shot too much poor vision …. The defence… and the turnovers are rookie like . The crazy thing is Rui had a near identical year ti this year every year he’s played . None of the guys I listed were top 100 last year except Russel around 90. And he was there till December . I think it’s pure copium to just blame ham . Pelinka clearly never looks at advanced stats ( Russ in Washington was barely a top 100 guy yet he sold the farm for him same with Schroeder).

Ham might need to go but you also need to magic a top 50 guy guard/wing creator n a top 100 defence minded player who can shoot. I disliked the Vando n Rui contracts at the time but god Damn they’re even worse . Heakthy Vincent on average last two years is 100-200.

Pick number 10 ( I really wanted cason somehow I admit I didn’t look OUTSUDE him but thought he’d go around 14), n12,n16,n18,n19 AND N20 and n14 would be legitimate quality top 8 guys on this awfuk team . I know this draft is talented but a low upside bust with no athleticism no shooting who I thought had a nba ready buddy n defebce atleast just makes it worse cos many of those guys I listed woukd make impact to this team. I don’t think it can be under estimated his incompetent this FO is. Even their best area : drafting they jerk off too long wingspan guys who can’t play offebce : look up jhs on tankathon or advanced stats fir a laugh . Atleast if we had magically traded up to get cason Wallace or lively or picked the two guys after us I’d feel less miserable. It’s fun watching rookies hoop. Im st thst point . This team is embarrassingly bad, Rui is a guy who i wasn’t sure woukd get a second contract nvm 51m. These contracts will be just as bad as Westbrook to move .

At this point I pray Bron calls up morey cos I feel like he’d fit there . He would have minimal responsibilities n have to gamble on embid a heakth but could actually contribute to winning n not just ring chase. Unless they can get both a lavine + Caruso/nurray I can’t see it.

Two top ten guys and you can’t compete , no other team has that.

Possible ideal options : okc, minny ( doubtful on both okc more likely n in minny be replaced Conley ), Philly ( best one but embid heakth gamble ), Memphis ( gets most credit best player ), can also see these teams moving for him except okc who might considering how bad giddey is. Pacers ? But not good enough , Mavs ? But same n I don’t like Luka much as a fit . Options can be fun . Gsw stay away from it Boston . Bucks unlikely maybe when Giannis was younger even tho he admires n has brin as goat . Ideally go somewhere that hasn’t won but can. Miami might be ok but they’d need another move ti be favourites b soscing is weird but butler is smart at at extracting value

I’ll feel bad for AD but honestly I’d have more fun. I can’t believe lakers fans think Luka will come here one day or Shai with how poorly run it is vs clippers n clippers money

Jesus this is depressing

So we have 2 top 10 guys EPM wise and then nobody decent....

I think Prince is fine for what we are paying him, but seems better when not overplayed

Vando needs to get healthy and is more of a limited use guy

Need to unlock Wood somehow, he has talent and length. Dont see many guys who have as much potential for 2.7m

I still believe in Reaves due to last years playoffs, but something needs to be done about the defense. He is literally getting hunted.

Everyone else can go basically

Main salaries

Rui:15.7
Dlo: 17
Vincent:10

Then its vet min guys and rookie deals (JHS is at 3.5m though)

Time for Pelinka to do some magic

[rk2023]

At this point I pray Bron calls up morey cos I feel like he’d fit there . He would have minimal responsibilities n have to gamble on embid a heakth but could actually contribute to winning n not just ring chase. Unless they can get both a lavine + Caruso/nurray I can’t see it.

Two top ten guys and you can’t compete , no other team has that.

Possible ideal options : okc, minny ( doubtful on both okc more likely n in minny be replaced Conley ), Philly ( best one but embid heakth gamble ), Memphis ( gets most credit best player ), can also see these teams moving for him except okc who might considering how bad giddey is. Pacers ? But not good enough , Mavs ? But same n I don’t like Luka much as a fit . Options can be fun . Gsw stay away from it Boston . Bucks unlikely maybe when Giannis was younger even tho he admires n has brin as goat . Ideally go somewhere that hasn’t won but can. Miami might be ok but they’d need another move ti be favourites b soscing is weird but butler is smart at at extracting value

I’ll feel bad for AD but honestly I’d have more fun. I can’t believe lakers fans think Luka will come here one day or Shai with how poorly run it is vs clippers n clippers money

How do the Spurs sound, assuming if they get Bronny?