I got in tonight around 9:45, and from the moment I turned on the TV, I was locked in for NBA Opening Night on NBC! Did you tune in?
The double-overtime thriller between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren (OKC Thunder) versus Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets) was epic! What had you on the edge of your seat? Was it KD’s almost Chris Webber moment (if you’re scratching your head, just Google “Chris Webber timeout”), Sengun scoring at will, Chet’s mix of dominance and questionable fouls, or Shai’s clutch shot-making down the stretch?
Then came Game Two, where Steph, Jimmy, and the crew put on a team-ball clinic, while Luka carried the Lakers offensively with LeBron sidelined. And let’s talk about Jonathan Kuminga—did he just prove he’s ready to take over as the Warriors’ #3 option?
It’s only night one, but basketball is back, and it feels so good. What stood out most to you from opening night? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s talk hoops!
The Lakers have one of the most stacked rosters in NBA history, headlined by four future first-ballot Hall of Famers (LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis). In addition, they have a core of accomplished role players and former all-stars (Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Avery Bradley, D J Augustine, and Malik Monk). They have five players who average double figures and LeBron is in the top three in scoring on the season. On paper, this is at the very worst a 50 win team, yet somehow, they currently sit at an abysmal 31-48. Sadly with three games remaining, they have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Who is to blame for this terrible season?
Is it LeBron? The King has dealt with some injuries this year. He has only played in 56 games and the Lakers are 25-31 in those games! I’m not a big LeBron fan, but I have to say from looking at his stats, he has played consistently well in both wins and losses. King James does however average 3.5 turnovers per game, which ranks near the top of the league (Not Good)!
Is it Anthony Davis? The brow has only appeared in 40 games and the Lakers are 17-23 with him on the floor. His averages for points, rebounds, and shooting % from the field and from deep are both better in the wins.
Is it Russ? Of the Lakers’ superstars, he has played in the most games, starting 78 this year. The Lakers are 31-47 with Russ in the lineup. He is shooting about 44% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc in both wins and losses. He surprisingly turns the ball over more in wins than he does in losses (4.3 v. 3.4). He has committed a league-leading 286 turnovers this season! Wow!
The Lakers are 11-10 when the three stars are on the floor together. Clearly, they are better together, but far from great.
Is Coach Frank Vogel to blame? He has coached every game this year. He is regarded as a solid coach, yet L.A. is 26th in points allowed, they turn the ball over more than all but two teams in the league, and they rank in the top 10 for fouls committed. That says to me that they don’t play defense, they are reckless with the ball, and they lack discipline. I know coaches don’t play, but they do develop strategy, motive, & inspire. Seems as if Vogel has not done any of these things this season!
Vogel is not solely to blame for the lackluster outing this year, neither are the Lakers stars. I say they are all at fault. Collectively the Lakers have failed to stay healthy, make adjustments, or consistently play good team basketball.
What do you think? Who is to blame for this disappointing display this season? Sound off in the comments section below and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share!
For the first time in his storied 19 year career LeBron James was suspended, but did he deserve it?
Tempers flared on November 21st when LeBron James “inadvertently” struck Piston’s Center Isaiah Stewart in the face. The subsequent turn of events ended in both James and Stewart being ejected and suspended (James for one game and Stewart for two games). Watch the video of the scuffle and let me know if you think King James deserved his one game ban.
I’m certainly not a LeBron fan or sympathizer at all. However, I have to say that his part in the incident did not warrant a suspension. The two were tangled up and James’ blow to Stewart seemed to be an accident. At the very least, he flailed, but he definitely did not intend to hurt Isaiah Stewart. After the initial altercation, James seems to be focused on de-escalating, while a bloodied Stewart is determined to avenge himself! Despite being restained by players, officials, and security, Stewart repeatedly broke free and charged towards James. Stewart looked like an old-school NFL power runningback a la Terrell Davis or Jerome Bettis busting through holes and bowling over would-be defenders! I get it, he wanted to show LeBron and the world that he’s no pushover, but did he have to knock down all those innocent people? 😁
Anyway back to my original question, did Lebron deserve to be suspended? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!!!
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