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

[falcolombardi]

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I don't deserve to watch a Russ/Smart backcourt pairing. Those jumpers are gonna sound like gunfire

smart defense actually would be great to have tho

[McBubbles]

I think it's crazy Westbrook is only just now being accountable for these things. He has been doing these things for years. Makes you wonder if the media have only been looking at boxscores all these years. Where was all of this when it was still possible to improve? Then early okc didn't help him by protecting and enabling these traits. Playing hard isn't a pass. Should a player get a pass for running into a dead end just because he did it at a 100mph? because that's Westbrook's effort in a nutshell.

Westbrook is the first star in league history to have zero play to play consistency, effortlessly chains assist possessions with alley oops that smash the backboard then goes from well weighted bank shots to blown layups. You can't really go anywhere when your pg play is that bipolar.

Then in the big games his scoring is no different from Ben Simmons, even his revenge games where he comes out on fire end poorly. At least he's consistent in the clutch, consistently unimpactful, don't be fooled by the raw production.

Just a few days ago, KAT called Westbrook a stat chaser ( before complimenting him mind you)and what happened? Random players, most notably Draymond felt the need to defend Westbrook's honour and clap back at KAT .___.

It's like he has a passive telepathic superpower that constantly makes everyone on the planet reluctant to let him accept criticism.

[MisterHibachi]

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I mean if that Utah offer is the alternative, Lakers definitely can get Grant for that THT/Nunn/FRP package. It's not looking too out of the question...

[nzahir]

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I don't deserve to watch a Russ/Smart backcourt pairing. Those jumpers are gonna sound like gunfire

I would assume Russ would be in that deal or at least I could hope

[PistolPeteJR]

I saw that pistons asking for THT Nunn and a FRP for Jerami Grant? Am i crazy for thinking I'd take that deal in a heartbeat?

Link?
If Grant’s good to go, I’m all in.

[PistolPeteJR]

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I don't deserve to watch a Russ/Smart backcourt pairing. Those jumpers are gonna sound like gunfire

I would assume Russ would be in that deal or at least I could hope

Cross your fingers on Stevens being a trash GM or on his tension with Smart to force him to move Smart for Russ lol…

[The Master]

Btw. if there's a positive of RWs acquisition, that's its impact on LeBron's offball numbers and scoring, he's right now at Heat level in terms of assisted field goals and assisted field goals at rim, and that's mainly due to RWs presence. That's interesting, because while it seems LeBron has benefited from playing alongside RW (28pts per36 on 64ts%, with >45% FGs assisted and ! 56% rim FGs assisted, against 24pts per36 on 58ts%, with ~30% FGs assisted and 25% rim FGs assisted without), Westbrook expectedly sucks with LeBron on a court (48TS%). On the other hand, LeBron is at the lowest numbers of assists per 100 possessions with Westbrook on a court (7.0 per 100 poss).

It kinda sucks we've never seen LeBron alongside elite playmaker like CP3, we would've gottten probably more Heat-like seasons in terms of rTS and scoring volume. He's at 28ppg on 6.6 rTS at age 37 with washed Westbrook just because he plays as a primary playmaker in lineups with both of them.

Obviously, that's the only positive of having Westbrook.

I won't lie, LeBron gives me post-trade deadline-2018 vibe in terms of intensity and consistency, I badly want Lakers being at least competitive when AD is back to see the playoff LeBron for the last time.

[Heej]

I saw that pistons asking for THT Nunn and a FRP for Jerami Grant? Am i crazy for thinking I'd take that deal in a heartbeat?

Link?
If Grant’s good to go, I’m all in.

Just some LeBron page on IG. That's why I wanted to come in here first and ask around. Grant has been my #1 target acquisition all season long. I think he's the perfect 3&D guy for this team cuz he can also attack closeouts and function as a secondary or tertiary ballhandler; hell even a primary for stretches in certain lineups.

He's the type of 3rd or 4th guy that I think the NBA meta has trended towards. A solid 2-way player that doesn't present a schematic weakness that opposing coaches can target in their gameplans. Also the ability to attack closeouts and keep the churn going on offense after someone creates an opening is vital to modern offense. I remember the fact that Trevor Ariza was just barely competent enough to do that as the 4th guy on the 2017 Rockets was enough to vault them into damn near contending with peak Warriors.

[trickshot]

Btw. if there's a positive of RWs acquisition, that's its impact on LeBron's offball numbers and scoring, he's right now at Heat level in terms of assisted field goals and assisted field goals at rim, and that's mainly due to RWs presence. That's interesting, because while it seems LeBron has benefited from playing alongside RW (28pts per36 on 64ts%, with >45% FGs assisted and ! 56% rim FGs assisted, against 24pts per36 on 58ts%, with ~30% FGs assisted and 25% rim FGs assisted without), Westbrook expectedly sucks with LeBron on a court (48TS%). On the other hand, LeBron is at the lowest numbers of assists per 100 possessions with Westbrook on a court (7.0 per 100 poss).


Obviously, that's the only positive of having Westbrook.

I won't lie, LeBron gives me post-trade deadline-2018 vibe in terms of intensity and consistency, I badly want Lakers being at least competitive when AD is back to see the playoff LeBron for the last time.

This is going to absolutely kill the team in the playoffs when Lebron's usage has to rise for team success. Stems from Westbrook's scoring weakness of being unreliable without rhythm, you can even see him missing open layups off catches. You can't really create for Westbrook or raise his efficiency. We know volume and usage naturally drops playing beside other stars but he might be on pace to be the first star to become more inefficient beside Lebron. This is virtually impossible for everyone else.

Significance of this is Westbrook's efficiency or lack thereof is dependent on high usage, not just 'touch the ball' usage he needs actual 'first option on offense' usage with full creative freedom. It's a catch 22 because his inefficient scoring even with this kind of usage is why his teams can't be successful, the ultimate losing situation for teambuilding.

[MisterHibachi]

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[homecourtloss]

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While also casually contributing 30/9/7 on 65% TS playing an old-man game.

Also, here’s something. As of games played through December 30th:

Durant: 29.9 ppg., 62.6% TS (10.9 FGs per game, 6.3 FTs per game)
James, 28.0 ppg., 62.2% TS (10.5 FGs per game, 4.2 FTs per game)
Curry, 27.7 ppg., 60.9% TS

Probably zero people saw this type of scoring coming. The ultimate shot maker efficient scorer is basically tied with LeBron in scoring/making shots.

[thebigbird]

Btw. if there's a positive of RWs acquisition, that's its impact on LeBron's offball numbers and scoring, he's right now at Heat level in terms of assisted field goals and assisted field goals at rim, and that's mainly due to RWs presence. That's interesting, because while it seems LeBron has benefited from playing alongside RW (28pts per36 on 64ts%, with >45% FGs assisted and ! 56% rim FGs assisted, against 24pts per36 on 58ts%, with ~30% FGs assisted and 25% rim FGs assisted without), Westbrook expectedly sucks with LeBron on a court (48TS%). On the other hand, LeBron is at the lowest numbers of assists per 100 possessions with Westbrook on a court (7.0 per 100 poss).

It kinda sucks we've never seen LeBron alongside elite playmaker like CP3, we would've gottten probably more Heat-like seasons in terms of rTS and scoring volume. He's at 28ppg on 6.6 rTS at age 37 with washed Westbrook just because he plays as a primary playmaker in lineups with both of them.

Obviously, that's the only positive of having Westbrook.

I won't lie, LeBron gives me post-trade deadline-2018 vibe in terms of intensity and consistency, I badly want Lakers being at least competitive when AD is back to see the playoff LeBron for the last time.

LeBron’s hunger may be his least recognized attribute. You see a guy like AD with all the talent in the world just completely lose his hunger to be great after winning one ring. LeBron’s 19 years and 62k minutes into his career and he’s still the hungriest guy on the team, playing 37 mpg. Putting in a helluva lot of work on his shot so he can still be elite as he loses his athleticism. Keeps his body in tip top shape. With all the great players in NBA history, no one did what LeBron is doing at this stage in their careers.

AD should feel like an absolute p**** for getting thoroughly outworked by a dude a decade older than him. Superstar my ***.

[toodles23]

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While also casually contributing 30/9/7 on 65% TS playing an old-man game.

Also, here’s something. As of games played through December 30th:

Durant: 29.9 ppg., 62.6% TS (10.9 FGs per game, 6.3 FTs per game)
James, 28.0 ppg., 62.2% TS (10.5 FGs per game, 4.2 FTs per game)
Curry, 27.7 ppg., 60.9% TS

Probably zero people saw this type of scoring coming. The ultimate shot maker efficient scorer is basically tied with LeBron in scoring/making shots.

It would be pretty cool to see Lebron be the oldest player to ever win a scoring title. I think it's unlikely he'll win over KD, but with AD out for at least 4 weeks (and probably quite a bit longer) the Lakers are going to be heavily relying on his scoring.

[McBubbles]

Only just clicked, shouldn't we have started a new thread like a month ago

[D.Brasco]

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I'm at the point where I don't doubt at all LeBron could be a top level player into his 40s.

Remember a few years back people laughed at the idea of Tom Brady still dominating in Football into his 40s? (Hello Max Kellerman). Also I'm not comparing them 1 to 1, very different roles and sports but more so what LeBron is still doing in his late 30s.

[falcolombardi]

i unironically think lebron could be a efficient 20ppg scorer at 40 if he wanted to play that long

[Heej]

Btw. if there's a positive of RWs acquisition, that's its impact on LeBron's offball numbers and scoring, he's right now at Heat level in terms of assisted field goals and assisted field goals at rim, and that's mainly due to RWs presence. That's interesting, because while it seems LeBron has benefited from playing alongside RW (28pts per36 on 64ts%, with >45% FGs assisted and ! 56% rim FGs assisted, against 24pts per36 on 58ts%, with ~30% FGs assisted and 25% rim FGs assisted without), Westbrook expectedly sucks with LeBron on a court (48TS%). On the other hand, LeBron is at the lowest numbers of assists per 100 possessions with Westbrook on a court (7.0 per 100 poss).

It kinda sucks we've never seen LeBron alongside elite playmaker like CP3, we would've gottten probably more Heat-like seasons in terms of rTS and scoring volume. He's at 28ppg on 6.6 rTS at age 37 with washed Westbrook just because he plays as a primary playmaker in lineups with both of them.

Obviously, that's the only positive of having Westbrook.

I won't lie, LeBron gives me post-trade deadline-2018 vibe in terms of intensity and consistency, I badly want Lakers being at least competitive when AD is back to see the playoff LeBron for the last time.

LeBron’s hunger may be his least recognized attribute. You see a guy like AD with all the talent in the world just completely lose his hunger to be great after winning one ring. LeBron’s 19 years and 62k minutes into his career and he’s still the hungriest guy on the team, playing 37 mpg. Putting in a helluva lot of work on his shot so he can still be elite as he loses his athleticism. Keeps his body in tip top shape. With all the great players in NBA history, no one did what LeBron is doing at this stage in their careers.

AD should feel like an absolute p**** for getting thoroughly outworked by a dude a decade older than him. Superstar my ***.

Yea his Drive and consistency is really some once in a lifetime living legend s***

[zimpy27]

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This is the problem I've been screaming about.

Lakers don't have role players that do this stuff. Their role players don't hustle besides Howard.

[homecourtloss]

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This is the problem I've been screaming about.

Lakers don't have role players that do this stuff. Their role players don't hustle besides Howard.

And Reaves. THT should but doesn’t.

[thebigbird]

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I'm at the point where I don't doubt at all LeBron could be a top level player into his 40s.

Remember a few years back people laughed at the idea of Tom Brady still dominating in Football into his 40s? (Hello Max Kellerman). Also I'm not comparing them 1 to 1, very different roles and sports but more so what LeBron is still doing in his late 30s.

A catastrophic injury is the only thing that can stop him, imho. He turns 40 in three years. Three years ago he was in his first year as a Laker. So, the decline between his first LA season and now is the decline we’ve seen in three years. There’s been some decline. He’s no longer the clear cut best in the NBA. But he’s still absolutely elite. I think he can still be elite in another three years.