The LeBron James - 21-22 Regular Season Thread - New Thread Soon Part 2

[nzahir]

That nutty Westbrook fan from the GB had me looking up their DRTG on/offs. Might as well leave this here.
Through the first 7 games.

Carmelo -4.1
Bazemore +7.6
AD +2.1
Jordan +3.5
Monk -1.1
Westbrook -5.4
Lebron +0.9
Dwight -1.8

I know Westbrook has been part of some trainwreck lineups but he has no excuse to be in the negative if he plays the first 6 minutes of the first and 3rd quarter with 4 starters in the positive. Thing is he's part of why those lineups are trainwrecks defensively. He brought the Wizards defense with him. I seriously can't yet tell if the Lakers are title contenders yet or just playoff contenders. .

Melo and Westbrook's defense is a serious concern for this team

Tbf Carmelo is scoring efficiently enough to offset it and he looked good on both ends in the last game so he might have net neutral defense buried somewhere. Actually seemed to take it personal that the Rockets were targeting him. Realistically I still carry the sneaky feeling he's just Enes Kanter mk2, an amazing end efficient scorer who couldn't see the floor in the postseason no matter how good he scored. On one hand I think AD/lebron will make him playable but on another they couldn't make Harrell and Mcgee playable so that might be asking a lot. Only a player can make himself playable in the playoffs.

Trez can't shoot the 3 like Melo and he is too poor to be a defensive C

I thought there was no way we could play Melo in the playoffs, but maybe he is playable in certain lineups and vs certain matchups and units

Need Melo out there with Bron and AD

We legit are handicapped with Russ

Imagine having Hield, KCP, and AC right now...

[trickshot]

Melo and Westbrook's defense is a serious concern for this team

Tbf Carmelo is scoring efficiently enough to offset it and he looked good on both ends in the last game so he might have net neutral defense buried somewhere. Actually seemed to take it personal that the Rockets were targeting him. Realistically I still carry the sneaky feeling he's just Enes Kanter mk2, an amazing end efficient scorer who couldn't see the floor in the postseason no matter how good he scored. On one hand I think AD/lebron will make him playable but on another they couldn't make Harrell and Mcgee playable so that might be asking a lot. Only a player can make himself playable in the playoffs.

Trez can't shoot the 3 like Melo and he is too poor to be a defensive C

I thought there was no way we could play Melo in the playoffs, but maybe he is playable in certain lineups and vs certain matchups and units

Need Melo out there with Bron and AD

We legit are handicapped with Russ

Imagine having Hield, KCP, and AC right now...

Harrell was the 3rd ranked most efficient player in the league when he shared the floor with Lebron (68.5%). Harrell's finishing was just as valuable as 3s. Maybe even the most efficient player in the league if you consider volume and the fact that the 2 guys ahead of him didn't iso anywhere as much as him. If i recall he and Lebron also formed the Laker's best 2 man lineup defensively in the regular season. Heading into the playoffs he had a lot of evidence pointing to him being a lock for the rotation.

Then the playoffs start and he's guarding the wrong side of Booker PnRolls like an amateur. Just try manage those expectations reasonably because playoffs are a different beast.

[nzahir]

Tbf Carmelo is scoring efficiently enough to offset it and he looked good on both ends in the last game so he might have net neutral defense buried somewhere. Actually seemed to take it personal that the Rockets were targeting him. Realistically I still carry the sneaky feeling he's just Enes Kanter mk2, an amazing end efficient scorer who couldn't see the floor in the postseason no matter how good he scored. On one hand I think AD/lebron will make him playable but on another they couldn't make Harrell and Mcgee playable so that might be asking a lot. Only a player can make himself playable in the playoffs.

Trez can't shoot the 3 like Melo and he is too poor to be a defensive C

I thought there was no way we could play Melo in the playoffs, but maybe he is playable in certain lineups and vs certain matchups and units

Need Melo out there with Bron and AD

We legit are handicapped with Russ

Imagine having Hield, KCP, and AC right now...

Harrell was the 3rd ranked most efficient player in the league when he shared the floor with Lebron (68.5%). Harrell's finishing was just as valuable as 3s. Maybe even the most efficient player in the league if you consider volume and the fact that the 2 guys ahead of him didn't iso anywhere as much as him. If i recall he and Lebron also formed the Laker's best 2 man lineup defensively in the regular season. Heading into the playoffs he had a lot of evidence pointing to him being a lock for the rotation.

Then the playoffs start and he's guarding the wrong side of Booker PnRolls like an amateur. Just try manage those expectations reasonably because playoffs are a different beast.

True, but watching Trez during certain regular season matchups, you could see him getting exposed hard in pick and rolls

I think portland was a big example early on

Also he was a poor/unwilling passer when the help came and even when he did kick it out, our guys didn't make shots

I can see Melo also getting picked on a bit, but I really prefer having a great catch and shoot guy rather than another guy who can only finish around the rim

I pray we flip Russ, but I just don't see it

[dcstanley]

Tbf Carmelo is scoring efficiently enough to offset it and he looked good on both ends in the last game so he might have net neutral defense buried somewhere. Actually seemed to take it personal that the Rockets were targeting him. Realistically I still carry the sneaky feeling he's just Enes Kanter mk2, an amazing end efficient scorer who couldn't see the floor in the postseason no matter how good he scored. On one hand I think AD/lebron will make him playable but on another they couldn't make Harrell and Mcgee playable so that might be asking a lot. Only a player can make himself playable in the playoffs.

Trez can't shoot the 3 like Melo and he is too poor to be a defensive C

I thought there was no way we could play Melo in the playoffs, but maybe he is playable in certain lineups and vs certain matchups and units

Need Melo out there with Bron and AD

We legit are handicapped with Russ

Imagine having Hield, KCP, and AC right now...

Harrell was the 3rd ranked most efficient player in the league when he shared the floor with Lebron (68.5%). Harrell's finishing was just as valuable as 3s. Maybe even the most efficient player in the league if you consider volume and the fact that the 2 guys ahead of him didn't iso anywhere as much as him. If i recall he and Lebron also formed the Laker's best 2 man lineup defensively in the regular season. Heading into the playoffs he had a lot of evidence pointing to him being a lock for the rotation.

Then the playoffs start and he's guarding the wrong side of Booker PnRolls like an amateur. Just try manage those expectations reasonably because playoffs are a different beast.

I agree that expectations should be tempered but Melo's position and overall skillset might make it easier for him to see the floor at the highest levels. There wasn't adequate spacing with Harrell at PF since he would be playing in lineups that often featured Caruso/Schroeder, Lebron, and AD/Morris.. Offensively, Harrell was best utilized as a center. However, Harrell struggled mightily defending pick and rolls at the center position. So the spacing wasn't optimal with him at the 4 and the defense struggled with him at the 5. Harrell's lack of a modern skillset pigeonholed him at the 5 where he couldn't reap the benefits of having AD clean up his mistakes.

Melo's skillset doesn't overlap with the Lakers stars as much as Harrell's did. Melo's catch and shoot ability enhances Lebron and AD actions. I would expect a lineup with Melo, Bron, AD and 2 positive defenders to fare better defensively than the playoff lineups that featured Harrell at the 5.

[Ballerhogger]

Melo has been playing out his mind these first two weeks. Hes perfect spot shooter who by the way just had 4 blks.

[Greyhound]

I will start off by admitting that I have only watched one and a half games this season, so I will not be too adamant about anything I say. I watch game breakdowns and study the box scores.

That being said.

Why does it seem like the Lakers are being (massively) outshot at the free throw line every game? With all of the people pleased with the increased physicality of this season, why does it seem like that courtesy is not being extended to the Lakers?

They are being hit with a number of touch calls, while not getting those calls themselves.

What’s going on here?

Are they really just hacking and not attacking to the extent that the numbers suggest?

[Ballerhogger]

I will start off by admitting that I have only watched one and a half games this season, so I will not be too adamant about anything I say. I watch game breakdowns and study the box scores.

That being said.

Why does it seem like the Lakers are being (massively) outshot at the free throw line every game? With all of the people pleased with the increased physicality of this season, why does it seem like that courtesy is not being extended to the Lakers?

They are being hit with a number of touch calls, while not getting those calls themselves.

What’s going on here?

Are they really just hacking and not attacking to the extent that the numbers suggest?

The lakers are getting hosed on lot of calls .. I don’t get why either . Several continuation plays were Lebron clearly gets fouled in shooting motion was missed against the rockets.

[homecourtloss]

I will start off by admitting that I have only watched one and a half games this season, so I will not be too adamant about anything I say. I watch game breakdowns and study the box scores.

That being said.

Why does it seem like the Lakers are being (massively) outshot at the free throw line every game? With all of the people pleased with the increased physicality of this season, why does it seem like that courtesy is not being extended to the Lakers?

They are being hit with a number of touch calls, while not getting those calls themselves.

What’s going on here?

Are they really just hacking and not attacking to the extent that the numbers suggest?

The lakers are getting hosed on lot of calls .. I don’t get why either . Several continuation plays were Lebron clearly gets fouled in shooting motion was missed against the rockets.

Lakes are currently 25th in free-throw rate and 25th in 3 point attempt rate, the two rates that correlate the strongest with offensive efficiency. Basically the opponent is shooting more threes and more free throws, which of course makes winning very, very difficult.

2021: Lakers were 6th in FTr and 22nd in 3-point attempt rate
2020: Lakers were 6th in FTr and 22nd in 3-point attempt rate

LeBron with his lowest FTr of his career with 3 of his 4 lowest coming in Los Angeles (other one being rookie year).

[Homer38]

The lakers lead the league in pace right now... I don't think it's a great idea, but maybe they don't have the choice because of Westbrook

Sometimes they need to be more patient on offense... Being 10-15th in pace would be more ideal

[Greyhound]

I will start off by admitting that I have only watched one and a half games this season, so I will not be too adamant about anything I say. I watch game breakdowns and study the box scores.

That being said.

Why does it seem like the Lakers are being (massively) outshot at the free throw line every game? With all of the people pleased with the increased physicality of this season, why does it seem like that courtesy is not being extended to the Lakers?

They are being hit with a number of touch calls, while not getting those calls themselves.

What’s going on here?

Are they really just hacking and not attacking to the extent that the numbers suggest?

The lakers are getting hosed on lot of calls .. I don’t get why either . Several continuation plays were Lebron clearly gets fouled in shooting motion was missed against the rockets.

Lakes are currently 25th in free-throw rate and 25th in 3 point attempt rate, the two rates that correlate the strongest with offensive efficiency. Basically the opponent is shooting more threes and more free throws, which of course makes winning very, very difficult.

2021: Lakers were 6th in FTr and 22nd in 3-point attempt rate
2020: Lakers were 6th in FTr and 22nd in 3-point attempt rate

LeBron with his lowest FTr of his career with 3 of his 4 lowest coming in Los Angeles (other one being rookie year).

To my point, I don’t really care how the refs call the game, just call it evenly.

If they choose to be quick with the whistle, then give the Lakers those same calls. If they choose to swallow the whistle, then swallow it both ways. The problem comes when one team is not allowed to be physical (typically the bigger team), while the other team gets to carry pocket knives and improvised shanks (typically the smaller team).

Something has to give.

Are the Lakers going to get doubled up at the stripe all season long?
It’s one thing to be outshot, but differentials of 30 to 10, that’s just ridiculous.

[Mos_Heat]

The lakers lead the league in pace right now... I don't think it's a great idea, but maybe they don't have the choice because of Westbrook

Sometimes they need to be more patient on offense... Being 10-15th in pace would be more ideal

They are 5th in transition offense

[Homer38]

The lakers lead the league in pace right now... I don't think it's a great idea, but maybe they don't have the choice because of Westbrook

Sometimes they need to be more patient on offense... Being 10-15th in pace would be more ideal

They are 5th in transition offense

I'm talking about the pace,not transition offense.

[Mos_Heat]

The lakers lead the league in pace right now... I don't think it's a great idea, but maybe they don't have the choice because of Westbrook

Sometimes they need to be more patient on offense... Being 10-15th in pace would be more ideal

They are 5th in transition offense

I'm talking about the pace,not transition offense.

Why would you play slower if you are good in transition and bad at half court?

[trickshot]

Imagine bubble Butler with help. Heat aren't just good on paper, they are matchup proof. Also can't believe Bucks let a key piece like Tucker go. Was a huge part of why they could keep KD in single coverage and limit his teammates. They can run a 5 man fully switchable ox strong lineup. In a playoff series they'll have so many adjustment options. Will especially give Milwaukee a tough time. Lakers should also consider bolstering their depth versatility rather than running 5 Wayne Ellingtons. Carmelo is enough for the role.

[Ballerhogger]

Imagine bubble Butler with help. Heat aren't just good on paper, they are matchup proof. Also can't believe Bucks let a key piece like Tucker go. Was a huge part of why they could keep KD in single coverage and limit his teammates. They can run a 5 man fully switchable ox strong lineup. In a playoff series they'll have so many adjustment options. Will especially give Milwaukee a tough time. Lakers should also consider bolstering their depth versatility rather than running 5 Wayne Ellingtons. Carmelo is enough for the role.

the test next Wednesday..

[MisterHibachi]

Imagine bubble Butler with help. Heat aren't just good on paper, they are matchup proof. Also can't believe Bucks let a key piece like Tucker go. Was a huge part of why they could keep KD in single coverage and limit his teammates. They can run a 5 man fully switchable ox strong lineup. In a playoff series they'll have so many adjustment options. Will especially give Milwaukee a tough time. Lakers should also consider bolstering their depth versatility rather than running 5 Wayne Ellingtons. Carmelo is enough for the role.

Obviously things can change but the Heat feel like early title favorites to me. They are TOUGH all around the roster and don't have clear weaknesses, and as you said can put out some nasty two way lineups. They're basically the 2019 Raptors with a slightly worse lead star.

Currently, I would favor them over both Brooklyn and the Bucks.

[Greyhound]

Imagine bubble Butler with help. Heat aren't just good on paper, they are matchup proof. Also can't believe Bucks let a key piece like Tucker go. Was a huge part of why they could keep KD in single coverage and limit his teammates. They can run a 5 man fully switchable ox strong lineup. In a playoff series they'll have so many adjustment options. Will especially give Milwaukee a tough time. Lakers should also consider bolstering their depth versatility rather than running 5 Wayne Ellingtons. Carmelo is enough for the role.

Obviously things can change but the Heat feel like early title favorites to me. They are TOUGH all around the roster and don't have clear weaknesses, and as you said can put out some nasty two way lineups. They're basically the 2019 Raptors with a slightly worse lead star.

Currently, I would favor them over both Brooklyn and the Bucks.

I could see them being susceptible to a big team, capable of horsing them on the glass. Those Raptors were a bigger team btw.

In theory that (big team) could be the Lakers, but Westbrook…

[trickshot]

It's foolish that they haven't gone back to the Lebron/Westbrook pick and roll that looked so promising 3 games ago. If they think they can just shelf it like some top secret play to return to it in the playoffs then they don't have a clue how Westbrook's process works.

Get him as many reps as you can in the regular season so he sees all the defensive adjustments now rather than in a playoff series. By then it will be too late because Westbrook is slow figuring out adjustments. Now is the time to teach him how to play a 4v3 halfcourt situation. If not now you'll learn in cancun.

[Ballerhogger]

why does lebron pout after he misses a easy one.

[MisterHibachi]

AD is getting so many paint/at rim attempts without DJ mucking things up. This isn't rocket science.