2020/21 NBA season + Olympics

ButtersSuki · 24-05-2021 4:20pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

To be clear: I'm not saying that.

I'm simply saying the 'why aren't the Lakers playing AD at 5 for 40mins' stuff is ignorant of what they've been doing for two years now. The plan has always involved using a centre rotation.

The relevance of role players is down to whether that has made their rotations better or not. They decided to shake things up significantly after the title last year, and I said at the time it was too much change. Butter's suggestion that LeBron vetoed Howard resigning is unsupported by any of the LA beat writers I've read, but Butters likes to fashion sticks (real or imagined) to beat LeBron with so fair enough. However, whomever decided that they didn't want to simply run it back got it wrong imo - whether that be LeBron or someone else. Particularly given the condensed offseason and the disruptive nature of Covid protocols. They are partially paying a price for this now.

But bottom line is that both LeBron and AD looked a million miles off themselves yesterday. They are probably still not 100% and missed too many weeks leading up to crunch time. They are tentative and out of rhythm and it will be the main reason they lose this series.

LeBron does more than enough of this himself with him acting like he's been shot in each of the last few games.

Also major cringe on the "I saw 3 baskets and aimed for the middle one" crap. He just tries so hard to fashion his own narrative and it almost always backfires.

ButtersSuki · 24-05-2021 4:21pm

I imagined this too I suppose:

https://nypost.com/2021/05/22/lebron-james-broke-nba-covid-19-protocols-hanging-with-drake/

You think any other player doesn't get a ban for that?

LuckyLloyd · 24-05-2021 5:17pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

WTF?

I didn't say it was fact, I said I suspected it. For the record, Bill Plaschke said on either Around The Horn or some pod (I can't remember exactly, it was last November) that he also suspected that Lebron vetoed that. As did Bill Simmons (I know how much you love Bill Simmons :rolleyes:) on several of his pods this past year. Plaschke is one of the few LA journalists who doesn't pander to every LeBron move. If fits LeBron's MO - he's your best friend when he thinks you're of value, the second he thinks there's a better option it's goodbye. Not for the first time he got it wrong when it comes to player evaluation - there's a reason he's called the worst GM in the league.

Are you seriously however suggesting LeBron doesn't have a say on personnel on that roster, or any roster he's been a part of for the last decade? See "worst GM in the league" comment above.

But great to see you coming out with the excuses already AFTER 1 GAME of the Play Offs.
#LakerNation
:rolleyes:

As I said, whoever decided to make a bunch of changes and not run it back was wrong and deserves the blame. Reaching to a conclusion that Howard may have agreed a deal and it was vetoed by LeBron at the last minute is...:pac: If LeBron was the key architect behind moving on from Green, Rondo, McGee and Howard then he's to blame. It hasn't worked out. This summer would have been the time to shake it up.

I've been saying for weeks that if AD and LeBron aren't healthy they aren't going anywhere in the playoffs. Hardly a controversial #LakerNation take.

ButtersSuki wrote: »

LeBron does more than enough of this himself with him acting like he's been shot in each of the last few games.

Also major cringe on the "I saw 3 baskets and aimed for the middle one" crap. He just tries so hard to fashion his own narrative and it almost always backfires.

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I imagined this too I suppose:

https://nypost.com/2021/05/22/lebron-james-broke-nba-covid-19-protocols-hanging-with-drake/

You think any other player doesn't get a ban for that?

As I said last week - make sure you're charging him rent!!

Sweet.Science · 24-05-2021 7:08pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

According to who?

Also this stuff about Drummond seems like narrative of the day. Last year across the playoffs Howard and McGee averaged 26 mins between them. Vogel has always wanted a centre rotation, and the plan has never been to play Davis at 5 for 35mins+. Drummond is playing because that's their team construction for two full seasons now.

The issue is that the Drummond / Gasol / Harrell rotation at 5 is a downgrade from McGee / Howard of last year. That's the error here, if there is one.

According to me . A playoff series with no fans in Disneyworld isn't the same for me.

He can prove it now in Phoenix or Philly/Brooklyn

killwill · 24-05-2021 8:08pm

Lakers were so poor last night but I can see them improving enough to bring it to maybe 6 games. I actually thought this was a good matchup for Lakers. I favoured AD over Ayton and thought he would dominate the paint.
Great to see Booker in the playoffs though, he is a joy to watch.

I love the LeBron bashing in here. It is quite comical to see people jump on the smallest of things and blow them out of proportion.
The NBA is now a supersoft league, where flopping and exaggerating is rampant throughout every single franchise.

LuckyLloyd · 24-05-2021 8:09pm

Sweet.Science wrote: »

According to me . A playoff series with no fans in Disneyworld isn't the same for me.

He can prove it now in Phoenix or Philly/Brooklyn

It's not the same. Probably a tougher ask. A test of emotional aswell as mental and physical stamina.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJOkrA3VB7c

ButtersSuki · 24-05-2021 9:01pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

As I said, whoever decided to make a bunch of changes and not run it back was wrong and deserves the blame. Reaching to a conclusion that Howard may have agreed a deal and it was vetoed by LeBron at the last minute is...:pac: If LeBron was the key architect behind moving on from Green, Rondo, McGee and Howard then he's to blame. It hasn't worked out. This summer would have been the time to shake it up.

I've been saying for weeks that if AD and LeBron aren't healthy they aren't going anywhere in the playoffs. Hardly a controversial #LakerNation take.

As I said last week - make sure you're charging him rent!!

Once again, avoid the question(s).

ButtersSuki · 24-05-2021 9:03pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

As I said, whoever decided to make a bunch of changes and not run it back was wrong and deserves the blame. Reaching to a conclusion that Howard may have agreed a deal and it was vetoed by LeBron at the last minute is...:pac: If LeBron was the key architect behind moving on from Green, Rondo, McGee and Howard then he's to blame. It hasn't worked out. This summer would have been the time to shake it up.

I've been saying for weeks that if AD and LeBron aren't healthy they aren't going anywhere in the playoffs. Hardly a controversial #LakerNation take.

As I said last week - make sure you're charging him rent!!

I should actually be charging you rent for how much of your thoughts I seem to occupy, as evidenced by post number 948 above.

jk23 · 24-05-2021 9:04pm

The key is of Deandre Ayton can sustain his play against Davis, I am sure AD will respond in game 2

but it's how those two play for the rest of the series that will have the biggest impact and how CP3s shoulder is....

jk23 · 25-05-2021 8:37am

Bucks up 2-0...additions of Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker looking shrewd at the moment.

Denver level the series Vs Portland, Jokic has a big game

LuckyLloyd · 25-05-2021 8:50am

Well Miami could have stolen game one, there was little or nothing in it. Wasn’t close last night though.

Sweet.Science · 25-05-2021 9:14am

jk23 wrote: »

Bucks up 2-0...additions of Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker looking shrewd at the moment.

Denver level the series Vs Portland, Jokic has a big game

Bucks / Nets will be a great series .

jk23 · 25-05-2021 9:25am

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Well Miami could have stolen game one, there was little or nothing in it. Wasn’t close last night though.

Has Herro gone back a bit since last year?..also I know you might laugh but losing Olynk has hurt them a bit too.

jk23 · 25-05-2021 9:26am

Sweet.Science wrote: »

Bucks / Nets will be a great series .

Hopefully everyone stays injury free if that comes to pass, I have this feeling one of the big 3 from the nets will get injured

Corvo · 25-05-2021 10:18am

Sleep schedule is f*cked already with the games

Might move to America for the play offs next year :pac:

Dame pulling up from basically half court last night will never get old.

2smiggy · 25-05-2021 10:34am

jk23 wrote: »

I have this feeling one of the big 3 from the nets will get injured

every cloud !!

jk23 · 25-05-2021 10:36am

2smiggy wrote: »

every cloud !!

Haha! not a fan of KD or superteams in general?...Kyrie and Harden are injury prone too!!...

Coneygree · 25-05-2021 10:53am

jk23 wrote: »

Has Herro gone back a bit since last year?..also I know you might laugh but losing Olynk has hurt them a bit too.

Fame has gone to Herro's head and I'd imagine the bubble was a bit of a fluke.

LuckyLloyd · 25-05-2021 11:07am

Jimmy is 8 from 32 too (2 of 9 from 3) in the first two games. He has a difficult task against Giannis of course, but he needs to do more if they’re to take a couple of games.

2smiggy · 25-05-2021 11:27am

jk23 wrote: »

Haha! not a fan of KD or superteams in general?...Kyrie and Harden are injury prone too!!...

IMO I just think this particular trio are fairly unlikable !!

Individually as well

LuckyLloyd · 25-05-2021 11:43am

2smiggy wrote: »

IMO I just think this particular trio are fairly unlikable !!

Individually as well

Harden's alright, a bit strange but sure it's a strange business being an NBA superstar.

Kyrie and KD are off the reservation. From Kyrie's finger pointing media interviews to KD creating catfish social media profiles to argue with critics...I don't think I'd want to have a pint with either.

Corvo · 25-05-2021 11:53am

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Jimmy is 8 from 32 too (2 of 9 from 3) in the first two games. He has a difficult task against Giannis of course, but he needs to do more if they’re to take a couple of games.

Not to worry, Barkley has said that Bucks will sweep Miami so thats 4-2 Miami then

irishguitarlad · 25-05-2021 5:22pm

Man I love Facu Campazzo ever since I saw him play in the fiba world cup a few years ago, man is an absolute baller.

LuckyLloyd · 25-05-2021 11:24pm

https://theathletic.com/2610548/2021/05/25/lakers-need-lebron-james-to-turn-the-corner-for-them-do-the-same-against-suns-can-he/?source=user_shared_article

Excellent analysis of LeBron in game one. On the basis of this I just lumped money on the Suns later, and a much heftier amount on them to win the series.

If LeBron can’t drive on that ankle, no shot.

jk23 · 26-05-2021 12:31am

Do you really think LeBron is struggling that bad luckylloyd?...As you know bet against LeBron at your peril, he could go for 40 tonight..

I think the Lakers will take it tonight...AD had 42 against them before so I I think he will have a big game tonight after his poor performance in game 1...

LuckyLloyd · 26-05-2021 12:45am

Yes, to my eye he looked unexplosive and tentative in game one. The article above is an extensive elaboration on that. He beat a poor Warriors team in a once off. He won’t beat a real team like this.

They’re toast.

jk23 · 26-05-2021 12:49am

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Yes, to my eye he looked unexplosive and tentative in game one. The article above is an extensive elaboration on that. He beat a poor Warriors team in a once off. He won’t beat a real team like this.

They’re toast.

I don't have the sub to The Athletic, I know they have good analysis in their articles but it could be just rustiness after coming back from the sprain.

I would be shocked though if the Suns beat them tonight, the Lakers defence will improve alot tonight I reckon

LuckyLloyd · 26-05-2021 1:02am

I hope I’m wrong!

jk23 · 26-05-2021 1:10am

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

I hope I’m wrong!

Clippers are the ones who are in trouble I think!!

killwill · 26-05-2021 5:45am

Great result for Lakers, AD playing more physical and Schroder stepped up too.
LeBron still off the pace but hopefully the more he plays the better he feels.
CP3 with no luck when it comes to injuries, such a shame.

jk23 · 26-05-2021 7:36am

Really disappointed for the suns, don't know if they will get another opportunity to go 2 up with LeBron not playing to his normal level..AD stepped up in fairness to him

Clippers are in big bother now...think Kawhi might be regretting leaving Toronto so soon...

LuckyLloyd · 26-05-2021 7:44am

Just caught the highlights. AD with a monster game.

Interesting they added Gasol back into the rotation and had one of Gasol / Drummond on the court at all times.

And agree with you - LeBron looked off again (clutch jump shots notwithstanding). Definite chance for the Suns. They’ll feel they can split the next two games at least imo.

=====

The Clippers...wow

Osmosis Jones · 26-05-2021 8:13am

I'm just happy to see whatever team Pat Bev plays for collapse

jk23 · 26-05-2021 8:20am

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Just caught the highlights. AD with a monster game.

Interesting they added Gasol back into the rotation and had one of Gasol / Drummond on the court at all times.

And agree with you - LeBron looked off again (clutch jump shots notwithstanding). Definite chance for the Suns. They’ll feel they can split the next two games at least imo.

=====

The Clippers...wow

Is Chris Paul really struggling with his shoulder? I only seen the last few minutes because of work...

I think the Lakers will take it in 6 now

The Clippers needed to get rid of Beverley, Williams and Morris in the off season...

Lowry and Lonzo Ball would have made them a better playoff team. They are just a good regular season team and Doncic is destroying them with an inferior team bar KP/Hardaway

LuckyLloyd · 26-05-2021 8:43am

Clippers have loads of great individual defenders, but they struggle mightily with rim protection and help D. Also Zubac looks lost out there, in a washing machine at all times.

ButtersSuki · 26-05-2021 12:51pm

I’ve long thought Ty Lue was a bit of a fraud as a coach but he’s been exposed enormously in this series. Yes the Clippers have underperformed ad players but the coaching staff need to take some of the criticism too.

Luka.....unbelievable, as usual.

Kendrick Perkins.....talking absolute sh*t, as usual.

Corvo · 26-05-2021 2:41pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Just caught the highlights. AD with a monster game.

Interesting they added Gasol back into the rotation and had one of Gasol / Drummond on the court at all times.

And agree with you - LeBron looked off again (clutch jump shots notwithstanding). Definite chance for the Suns. They’ll feel they can split the next two games at least imo.

=====

The Clippers...wow

I don't think LeBron went to the rim once and was settling for jumpers (which worked, to be fair) but definitely worrying for the Lakers that he still isn't moving freely.

I actually thought Davis took some strange shots last night, but he was aggressive and got to the free throw line a lot.

And credit where its due...Drummond played well! :pac:

Carcharodon · 26-05-2021 3:19pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I’ve long thought Ty Lue was a bit of a fraud as a coach but he’s been exposed enormously in this series. Yes the Clippers have underperformed ad players but the coaching staff need to take some of the criticism too.

Luka.....unbelievable, as usual.

Kendrick Perkins.....talking absolute sh*t, as usual.

We sound like a broken record but how does Perkins have a job, he must have dirt on someone somewhere...

Luka is phenomenal, I was starting to doubt him when he started season out of shape, wasn’t spectacular in the regular season but when it comes to the big games, he shows up.
The irony of the clippers losing to the Mavericks would be hilarious after they went out of their way to play them instead of LA. If they lose this series then what next year ??? Kawhi is most likely gone, they will probably have to trade George to start another rebuild, dumpster fire

jk23 · 26-05-2021 3:33pm

Carcharodon wrote: »

We sound like a broken record but how does Perkins have a job, he must have dirt on someone somewhere...

Luka is phenomenal, I was starting to doubt him when he started season out of shape, wasn’t spectacular in the regular season but when it comes to the big games, he shows up.
The irony of the clippers losing to the Mavericks would be hilarious after they went out of their way to play them instead of LA. If they lose this series then what next year ??? Kawhi is most likely gone, they will probably have to trade George to start another rebuild, dumpster fire

I don't mind Perkins too much, you know he has his biases already towards certain players.

But I cannot stand Nick Wright, he is unbearable especially today after the clippers lost last night

killwill · 26-05-2021 3:39pm

jk23 wrote: »

Is Chris Paul really struggling with his shoulder? I only seen the last few minutes because of work...

I think the Lakers will take it in 6 now

The Clippers needed to get rid of Beverley, Williams and Morris in the off season...

Lowry and Lonzo Ball would have made them a better playoff team. They are just a good regular season team and Doncic is destroying them with an inferior team bar KP/Hardaway

CP3 played 22 minutes, didn't attempt a 3 point shot and only took 5 shots. His shoulder is definitely in a bad way.

@Butterski, with regards to Ty Lue's coaching, did you see the box and 1 they played? Terrible execution and played right to Luka's strengths. Mavs just spread the floor and pulled the box out wide, Luka used his footwork to get exactly where he wanted to go. I cant see the Clippers getting 4 out of 5 wins now.

Coneygree · 26-05-2021 4:31pm

Kawhi will definitely have something to think about if they go out to Dallas. I know he's happy to be making his money close to home and he has his 2 rings and is a HOF lock but he's got to be enraged by how things have panned out for the Clippers and will be hungry for more if the right team came knocking.

killwill · 26-05-2021 6:58pm

Coneygree wrote: »

Kawhi will definitely have something to think about if they go out to Dallas. I know he's happy to be making his money close to home and he has his 2 rings and is a HOF lock but he's got to be enraged by how things have panned out for the Clippers and will be hungry for more if the right team came knocking.

I feel alot of the issues are Kawhi's doing. He chose Clippers as it was close to home and he named PG13 as the player he wanted to play with. Was everyone not raving about the job the backroom staff did of building such a great team?

LuckyLloyd · 26-05-2021 7:03pm

killwill wrote: »

I feel alot of the issues are Kawhi's doing. He chose Clippers as it was close to home and he named PG13 as the player he wanted to play with. Was everyone not raving about the job the backroom staff did of building such a great team?

Yes, people were. It was universal on here in summer 2019 that Kawhi and the Clippers were massive winners and the Lakers were huge losers after waiting for him and missing out.

Now that being said, Kawhi balled out last night. He didn’t lose the game. They look badly coached to me. Poor defensive structure, questionable rotations, etc. As a unit they are underperforming.

killwill · 26-05-2021 11:53pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Yes, people were. It was universal on here in summer 2019 that Kawhi and the Clippers were massive winners and the Lakers were huge losers after waiting for him and missing out.

Now that being said, Kawhi balled out last night. He didn’t lose the game. They look badly coached to me. Poor defensive structure, questionable rotations, etc. As a unit they are underperforming.

Oh I agree it is a coaching issue more than anything. Kawhi is a fantastic player, top 4 in the league in my eyes. I didnt mean the team were underperforming because of him. I meant he is in the position he is in from personal choices. Picking Clippers as your next team to compete with is admirable but we have seen them mess up time and time again.
From a franchise perspective, not upgrading on Pat Bev and Zubac for me are two of the biggest mistakes after the decision to appoint Ty Lue.

killwill · 26-05-2021 11:59pm

Looking forward to the 6ers/Wizards game. No doubt 6ers go through but I hope Wizards take 2 games at least.
I was never a big Westbrook fan but he grew on my this season. I followed the narrative that he is a stat padder all along but consistently playing with the energy he has night in, night out is impressive. The more teammates come out talking highly of him the more I like him.

jk23 · 27-05-2021 12:15am

My predictions to win tonight

76rs
Knicks
Jazz

Corvo · 27-05-2021 4:30am

jk23 wrote: »

My predictions to win tonight

76rs
Knicks
Jazz

Not bad

jk23 · 27-05-2021 8:35am

Corvo wrote: »

Not bad

Of course I didn't put any money on it!! Typical!!

LuckyLloyd · 27-05-2021 10:02pm

Lakers 6.5 pt favs tonight. Vegas are so bullish. It’s amazing

jk23 · 27-05-2021 10:17pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Lakers 6.5 pt favs tonight. Vegas are so bullish. It’s amazing

Getting the general consensus from the the media over there the feeling is that CP3s injury means the series is over. I think it will be in 5 unfortunately for the Suns

I am going for tonight

Heat
Lakers
Trail Blazers

2020/21 NBA season + Olympics

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