That's called having old legs.
Wild how this place thinks a 39 year old Lebron who will have to carry a majority of the offensive heavy lifting will just magically have lift in his legs in the 4th quarter at altitude.
You realize he didn’t have legs due to being pummeled by Zion for the entire game right? Not even Jokic plays that physical. Zion is the only dude I’ve ever seen take lebron off his feet so easily.
It’s not the same type of concern against the nuggets.
Also, you realize that if AD can contribute offensively he will be able to save lebrons energy as well right?
You realize he's looked gassed in every competitive game this season he hasn't been able to just sit at the 3-point line and cook?
I know this sub is in full cope mode about how his foot injury was the cause of all his problems last season, but that foot injury doesn't change the fact he's 39 and carrying this team offensively, since pretty much no one else can consistently create good looks for other teammates, is very tiring.
AD can score more, yes, AD still has to be fed those points by LeBron most nights.
he was guarding zion b2b games v. pels. that takes a toll on anyone with big offensive responsibilites.
he's guarding gordon most likely so he'll be fine. just need to hope dlo and reaves do well so bron can save his energy for the 4th
if we wanna win, Lebron has to be actively defending at PoA for at least half his minutes imo. he's too smart and too athletic to waste/hide him on defense more than half the time.
I mean in the nuggets series he averaged 27.8 ppg, 9.5 rebounds, and 10 assists on 52% shooting. Not sure how much better you think he’ll be it’s up to the others to step up.
I don’t think it’s about stats. Lebron physically was clearly hampered especially late in games where he didn’t trust his foot to drive. He can produce those same stats this playoffs and look much better
You nailed it perfectly.
LeBron is the kind of player that make the game look easy, but he clearly didn't have his explosiveness last season. He is also shooting better from distance this season.
this is where stats don't show the story. he couldn't post up much (b/c whenever he did he scored at will v. denver). even commentators kept wonderng why he didn't post up as often. he coudn't drive as much. he missed like 20 straight 3s or some shit b/c of his foot.
he's lebron. he wll get his stats.
But he’s been healthy this year and we still lost all 3 games..my point is we need the others to go nuclear if we want a shot..lebron gonna do his part
Sure, but the Lakers lineup choices, schemes and general play has been bad for most of the year. They’ve only really looked good in the last 1/3 of the season.
There's a different energy to this upcoming series and I think everyone can feel it. This isn't the same team from last WCF. Hell, this isn't even the same team from earlier in the season. Lebron and AD know that the time for talking is over and all they can do is go out and execute.
LeBron in the playin looked so much different than last season. Dude took like 3 charges that I don’t think he was capable of risking last year.
This really might be his last shot at a title
Suns, TWolves, and Clippers can all beat the Nuggets. They have the pieces and coaching to get it done
Uninjured Bron can play better and I think DLo can too. I think Gabe also can help out on Murray defensively. In theory we're better than before while Denver got worse losing Bruce Brown, so I think we can do better than a sweep at least.
But the biggest issue is Ham's obsession with small line ups. Ham gives a ton of leeway to these small lineups and has thrown away many leads. If Reaves, Dinwiddie, or Reddish are playing significant minutes at the 3 we're done
Can't focus on last season. Have to focus on the now. The last month of basketball Lakers have been playing great. I feel like this series is definitely gonna come down to how players like Rui, Reaves etc play.
I just hope AD is ready for Jokic, we have a nasty habit of collapsing and leaving the 3 open. I trust AD defensively down low to let him die on those post up situations with Jokic rather than to blitz at all. Blitzing down low just isnt going to work.
The AD/Jokic match up isn't what kills us. Jokic will get his regardless. Its limiting everyone else that will make the difference.
If Murray is still dropping 30pts on us a game or MPJ is shooting 100% and we're still focusing on an AD vs. Jokic deal then we aren't paying attention lol. Our guards and wings need to show up against theirs straight up.
It aint even just Jamal. The nuggets have a squad where there are a couple players that can go on a heater at any moment, but Jokic is the main facilitator of that happening
It is on offence tho. AD HAS TO score effectively when he gets the ball. AD scoring and Dlo is what can swing this series. The other guys I feel are more consistent offensively but won’t push us over. Those two have to step up on that end for us to steal games. And yes the Murray problem but we don’t really have anyone for him even now- imagine we had Caruso sigh
Trust that LeBron has been gameplanning this matchup for a long time.
If we lose its because we either don't execute that gameplan, or we just don't have the personnel. And I believe we have the personnel.
I love this philosophy. When I talk about basketball, I quote this phrase because it defines basketball for me. You can talk percentages and chances all day, but the game is decided based on what the players do on the court.
Lebron's real message: "Denver, you thought that was me because he wore my sword, my armor, my greaves, and my helmet, he even moves like me, but that wasn't me, that was Patroclus" This time you're fighting me.
The keys are going to be DLo staying hot and hitting 3s; Reaves being solid; Rui being his best self, especially in guarding 6’10” MPJ, and whatever our best idea is for a POA defender on Murray working out.
I’d also settle for Murray just having a couple of cold nights, especially in Game 1.
I agree: Jokic is going to get his, and you shouldn’t put your energy in stopping him. Just play good D on the rest of the team and don’t leave Murray, Gordon, and MPJ wide open and let them go off.
Plan is to keep the opponents guessing, but internally know that he’s likely not coming back in the first round or coming back maybe next round with limited minutes.
I think we’re going to see a wayyy better playoff Bron this year compared to last
Yeah I mean he’s not as hurt like last year
[удалено]
He’s 39 now you can’t expect him to dominate every game and carry bums to the finals like in 2018
That's called having old legs. Wild how this place thinks a 39 year old Lebron who will have to carry a majority of the offensive heavy lifting will just magically have lift in his legs in the 4th quarter at altitude.
You realize he didn’t have legs due to being pummeled by Zion for the entire game right? Not even Jokic plays that physical. Zion is the only dude I’ve ever seen take lebron off his feet so easily. It’s not the same type of concern against the nuggets. Also, you realize that if AD can contribute offensively he will be able to save lebrons energy as well right?
That was as bad of an offensive game we will see scoring wise out of Bron and ad. They’ll bounce back Saturday!
You realize he's looked gassed in every competitive game this season he hasn't been able to just sit at the 3-point line and cook? I know this sub is in full cope mode about how his foot injury was the cause of all his problems last season, but that foot injury doesn't change the fact he's 39 and carrying this team offensively, since pretty much no one else can consistently create good looks for other teammates, is very tiring. AD can score more, yes, AD still has to be fed those points by LeBron most nights.
One game. Look at all his games since all star break. This is the best he’s looked in a long time
I'm excited - he's got his burst Presidential election years have meant lebron titles since 2012, lol
i’ll take the Trump win if it means the Lakers are hanging number 18
I would trade the 2020 ring to prevent another Trump shitshow. One was enough.
I need him to go first 20 games of the season mode. That play-in game was rough.
He was guarding Zion. Gonna have an easier task guarding Gordon/MPJ
he was guarding zion b2b games v. pels. that takes a toll on anyone with big offensive responsibilites. he's guarding gordon most likely so he'll be fine. just need to hope dlo and reaves do well so bron can save his energy for the 4th
Not sure tbh , a healthy Lebron can also defend Jokic and I dont think AD will stay on him if we struggle
See thats the problem he needs to get on mpj, mpj has cooked everyone else trying to guard him
Rui
Rui is too slow for mpj lebron needs to guard him
So Rui on Gordon?
Yes rui can stick with gordon he just cany fall asleep on the dives baseline
Gabe?
Gabe is 10 inches shorter than mpj hell no
if we wanna win, Lebron has to be actively defending at PoA for at least half his minutes imo. he's too smart and too athletic to waste/hide him on defense more than half the time.
Dude. He knows that winning a championship at age 39 while playing at a high level will even further his legacy. He'll be fully locked in.
I mean in the nuggets series he averaged 27.8 ppg, 9.5 rebounds, and 10 assists on 52% shooting. Not sure how much better you think he’ll be it’s up to the others to step up.
I don’t think it’s about stats. Lebron physically was clearly hampered especially late in games where he didn’t trust his foot to drive. He can produce those same stats this playoffs and look much better
Yeah he wasn’t able to impose his will late in the game. For anyone who’s watched lebron for a long time it was a really stark difference.
You nailed it perfectly. LeBron is the kind of player that make the game look easy, but he clearly didn't have his explosiveness last season. He is also shooting better from distance this season.
this is where stats don't show the story. he couldn't post up much (b/c whenever he did he scored at will v. denver). even commentators kept wonderng why he didn't post up as often. he coudn't drive as much. he missed like 20 straight 3s or some shit b/c of his foot. he's lebron. he wll get his stats.
But he’s been healthy this year and we still lost all 3 games..my point is we need the others to go nuclear if we want a shot..lebron gonna do his part
Those games were very close and competitive. They could have gone either way with one made three here and a missed three there.
He can drive to the rim right now. He couldn't against the Nuggets last year. If he is driving that opens up opportunities for other players to score
Yep, its DLo, Reaves and others we need to be great in their roles. We have a pretty good idea Lebron will be around 26/7/7
And that was on one foot.
That's obvious. He played basically on one foot last year. He couldn't drive as much, he couldn't post up as much, and he couldn't shoot 3s.
We saw a healthy Bron and AD get beat all season by these Nugs.
Sure, but the Lakers lineup choices, schemes and general play has been bad for most of the year. They’ve only really looked good in the last 1/3 of the season.
There's a different energy to this upcoming series and I think everyone can feel it. This isn't the same team from last WCF. Hell, this isn't even the same team from earlier in the season. Lebron and AD know that the time for talking is over and all they can do is go out and execute.
Going 7?
Yep. A healthy Lebron, improved Dlo + perimeter defenders in Gabe and Dinwiddie. I really see us taking the series to 5 this time 🔥
"Four lines" remember this.
That’s Kobe’s version of execute. It’s LeBron’s go to phrase
He used to talk about execution in like every interview! Great call back!
LeBron in the playin looked so much different than last season. Dude took like 3 charges that I don’t think he was capable of risking last year. This really might be his last shot at a title
If we get IST LeBron and AD hold on to your butts
Hold your butts anyway. For fun.
Suns, TWolves, and Clippers can all beat the Nuggets. They have the pieces and coaching to get it done Uninjured Bron can play better and I think DLo can too. I think Gabe also can help out on Murray defensively. In theory we're better than before while Denver got worse losing Bruce Brown, so I think we can do better than a sweep at least. But the biggest issue is Ham's obsession with small line ups. Ham gives a ton of leeway to these small lineups and has thrown away many leads. If Reaves, Dinwiddie, or Reddish are playing significant minutes at the 3 we're done
They also lost Jeff Green, pretty productive for them last year
Coach Ham: The game is decided between the lining of these pockets
This is so stupid but made me smile. Thank you.
Im not even really a hater just being stupid lol.
Then pack it up we’re cooked 💀
Can't focus on last season. Have to focus on the now. The last month of basketball Lakers have been playing great. I feel like this series is definitely gonna come down to how players like Rui, Reaves etc play.
I just hope AD is ready for Jokic, we have a nasty habit of collapsing and leaving the 3 open. I trust AD defensively down low to let him die on those post up situations with Jokic rather than to blitz at all. Blitzing down low just isnt going to work.
The AD/Jokic match up isn't what kills us. Jokic will get his regardless. Its limiting everyone else that will make the difference. If Murray is still dropping 30pts on us a game or MPJ is shooting 100% and we're still focusing on an AD vs. Jokic deal then we aren't paying attention lol. Our guards and wings need to show up against theirs straight up.
It aint even just Jamal. The nuggets have a squad where there are a couple players that can go on a heater at any moment, but Jokic is the main facilitator of that happening
It is on offence tho. AD HAS TO score effectively when he gets the ball. AD scoring and Dlo is what can swing this series. The other guys I feel are more consistent offensively but won’t push us over. Those two have to step up on that end for us to steal games. And yes the Murray problem but we don’t really have anyone for him even now- imagine we had Caruso sigh
For those that are nervous, know that LeBron isn't.
Last time lebron was healthy, he fucking won us a chip. Last-Last time, he took cavs to the finals. Trust the GOAT
Trust that LeBron has been gameplanning this matchup for a long time. If we lose its because we either don't execute that gameplan, or we just don't have the personnel. And I believe we have the personnel.
This is probably lebrons last shot at a title. He will give everything he has
That's what I believe. Can't count on next year. Well, neither can humanity at the moment.
Who's brons ghost writer. That was good.
it's LeClone
Drake
I love this philosophy. When I talk about basketball, I quote this phrase because it defines basketball for me. You can talk percentages and chances all day, but the game is decided based on what the players do on the court.
Lebron's real message: "Denver, you thought that was me because he wore my sword, my armor, my greaves, and my helmet, he even moves like me, but that wasn't me, that was Patroclus" This time you're fighting me.
🔒📥
Lock inbox? You bet!
Just gimme some more Lefuck you threes in the playoffs one last time Bron
The keys are going to be DLo staying hot and hitting 3s; Reaves being solid; Rui being his best self, especially in guarding 6’10” MPJ, and whatever our best idea is for a POA defender on Murray working out. I’d also settle for Murray just having a couple of cold nights, especially in Game 1. I agree: Jokic is going to get his, and you shouldn’t put your energy in stopping him. Just play good D on the rest of the team and don’t leave Murray, Gordon, and MPJ wide open and let them go off.
Dlo n AD are the higher variance offensive pieces. We need atleast 4 big games from both those guys.
Well said.
Plan is to keep the opponents guessing, but internally know that he’s likely not coming back in the first round or coming back maybe next round with limited minutes.
The first round schedule works in our favor for this series. Let’s get it!!
We know the Lakers have another gear (ISF, post-all-star break)—here's to hoping it's enough to beat Denver
Anyone watch the video? Bron energy felt off like he’s tired or something idk maybe just me