You know the drill, you make the fold over desk holder for all the Valentines you’re going to get in school, take home far too many chalky ‘Be Mine’ candies that end up in all nooks and crannies of the house and the folks spend all night getting yours ready for you to give out. Here are my Laker Valentines.
- LeBron James “Love U”. What isn’t to love about the season The King is turning in? It defies logic, it defies modern sport science and there’s no sign of it stopping any time soon. While he may not lead the league in any single category, win MVP or receive the accolades from pundits he ought to it doesn’t matter to me to me. James is having one of the best season’s for a sporting figure his age in any sport. Except, maybe, golf.
- Anthony Davis “U R Special”. Anthony Davis has been the first one to critique his play on both ends of the court. That’s what you want to hear from your superstars. Nobody likes to see the highest paid, most-talented, up-and-coming best player in the league whining about the coach or his teammates. AD does not disappoint on most nights, especially when he’s healthy. Like LBJ he may not win the gaudy end of season awards that make the cover of magazines or inspire Zach Lowe to write nice things about you on ESPN+ but if he’s holding another Larry-O in June I don’t think he’ll care.
- Alex Caruso “U Rule”. There are few players that impact a basketball without scoring the way Alex does. It’s why he’s my favorite player these days. If there’s a role player that defines the Laker team values at this point in the franchises history it really is The Carushow. His defense helped win a banner, and could do so again. He started hot from 3, came back to Earth, and promptly didn’t let that effect his game in any way.
- Kyle Kuzma “Be Mine”. Everyone is starting to take notice we have been talking about here pretty much all season long: Kuzma has found a peace on the court that he didn’t have in past seasons. Whether it’s extreme focus on rebounding at an elite level, playing within the offense or continuing to improve his overall team game Kuzma is having his best season of professional basketball.
- Frank Vogel “U R Awesome”. Someone who gets far too little credit for the success the Lakers are enjoying is coach Vogel. The Coaching Carousel we were forced to ride since Phil retired has come to a stop. That it would ever have landed where it did was so far beyond anyone’s wildest guess that I ever read or heard is kind of on par for this version of the Lakers. Thanks Frank, your hard work does not go unnoticed.
Looking to continue the win streak tonight but it’s bound to be a tough one. Denver is still looking for some playoff payback and is likely to come out gunning. If we can stick to our defense, maybe hit a few more three pointers than we have of late and weather the opening salvo I still like our chances. Of course that’s true most nights. Go Lakers.
Maybe my favorite of your Fivers this season, Jamie.
Perfect time for a Lakers lovefest. Let’s hope the Lakers continue the win streak tonight.
1. Man, what a stretch of MVP play by LeBron at the end of the third quarter. That was as dominant a display I’ve seen by any player this year. LeBron at 36 has become a synergy of talents.
2. AD back in the lineup and finally draining those midrange jumpers. Looking next for his threes and free throws to follow. That’s the playoff caliber AD that’s nobody could stop.
3. AC had team best +24 plus/minus for the game despite only scoring 2 points. Clearly more valuable than his stats show, Alex is becoming more untradable everyt game. Needs to start hitting his three though. At some point, that becomes a proboem.
4. Have to love what we’re seeing from Kuz. Frankly, signing that contract with the poison pill to keep him here all year was a great move by the player and the team. Gives Kuz the breathing room to play his best basketball of the last three years. Bravo.
5. The way Frank has handled the shift in defensice strategy and ups and downs in 3-point shooting has been revolutionary and deserving of COY recognition. Despite the cratering rim protection and makes from three, the Lakers just chug along winning at the same rate all year long. COY!