tamaraw08 wrote:LAKESHOW wrote:Let's say we land 6th. OKC lands 3rd. I say that's a 1st round dub. It's still early, let's see how it plays out
Oh my, I wish I can have some of your optimism. 6th place right now has 4 fewer losses than the Lakers then followed by the surging Mavs at 7th with 3 less defeats.
Lakers face the surging Warriors 3 times, hot teams like the Clips and Suns this month.
Then March, they battle to top teams like Denver, OKC, Kings (2x) which have been butchering them the past 5 games of so, then Bucks twice, Sixers etc. That's 6 more losses if they go .500 at least. If they go 8-4, that's 4 defeats more.
That’s a tough stretch.
To be the best, you have to beat the best, right? Kobe used to say that.
I’m optimistic we can go on a bit of a tear from here on out. It depends on when LeBron will turn on his post-season defense.
Our team defense seems to have finally plugged the gaping hole we had at the top of the key for 1.5 years, which is a really good thing.
If our 3PT defense can improve, too… And, once LBJ turns his post-season mode D on, we should be able to win quite a few of those tough games. See NBA cup. He still has it physically, can’t go 100% for 82 games.
But yeah, significantly above .500 will be tough without Vando.
In an interview the other day, LBJ had that locked in look in his eye. I think he smells blood. Rings are within reach if he goes full throttle, and he’s got to go for it while he still can.
If relatively healthy we can go on a run and scare some teams going into the playoffs. If Vando is back by April, we’re a contender. I’m hopeful, but I know it’s a bit of a stretch.