1. Forcing role players to beat us. Yes, Lakers did a great job on Book, CP3, and Ayton. I also agree 100% with your comments about offensive players creating contact to get foul calls. This needs to be changed so it’s a no call or offensive foul depending on the advantage gained. Lots of ghost calls defending Book.
2. Acceptance of roles. Great point, Jamie. I would add I even think we’re seeing some guys expand their roles successfully. The perfect example for me has been Caruso’s scoring the last two games. While I’ve been critical of his defense, I’ve loved how he is attacking the paint and looking to score or get to the line. Good to see Dre, Trezz, Wes, and others contribute and support teammates.
3. This was the first few games we’ve seen the Anthony Davis who starred in the playoffs last year. Most important were his shooting. Last few games, he’s make his paint shots, midranges, threes, and free throws (15 of 17 last night), which is key to his effectiveness on offense and impacting defense with stocks. This is the AD who might steal the Finals MVP award from LeBron this year.
4. Great to see Wes back in the rotation and hitting his shots. I personally think he is maybe our best guard defender, even better than Caruso and Caldwell-Pope because he can defend bigger guards and wings. Right now, his 105.2 DEFRTG is 5th on team after Caruso, LeBron, THT, and Gasol.
5. Lots of great positive news about LeBron and his ankle to make us optimistic that he will return tomorrow. Love hearing from Woj that LeBron’s had heavy full court action with hard cutting and has not had any pain. That along with AD’s great play give us hope Playoff LeBron and Playoff AD will be back, which is bad news for all of the other NBA teams in the playoffs.
Prediction: Lakers take the Suns in 5 games in the first round. Healthy LeBron and AD will turn this playoffs into a similar march to victory as last year. Congrats to Suns for winning #2 seed. Sorry but your reward is playing the Lakers in the first round.
May 10, 2021 1 Comment 
Great fiver, Jamie. Thank you.
1. Forcing role players to beat us. Yes, Lakers did a great job on Book, CP3, and Ayton. I also agree 100% with your comments about offensive players creating contact to get foul calls. This needs to be changed so it’s a no call or offensive foul depending on the advantage gained. Lots of ghost calls defending Book.
2. Acceptance of roles. Great point, Jamie. I would add I even think we’re seeing some guys expand their roles successfully. The perfect example for me has been Caruso’s scoring the last two games. While I’ve been critical of his defense, I’ve loved how he is attacking the paint and looking to score or get to the line. Good to see Dre, Trezz, Wes, and others contribute and support teammates.
3. This was the first few games we’ve seen the Anthony Davis who starred in the playoffs last year. Most important were his shooting. Last few games, he’s make his paint shots, midranges, threes, and free throws (15 of 17 last night), which is key to his effectiveness on offense and impacting defense with stocks. This is the AD who might steal the Finals MVP award from LeBron this year.
4. Great to see Wes back in the rotation and hitting his shots. I personally think he is maybe our best guard defender, even better than Caruso and Caldwell-Pope because he can defend bigger guards and wings. Right now, his 105.2 DEFRTG is 5th on team after Caruso, LeBron, THT, and Gasol.
5. Lots of great positive news about LeBron and his ankle to make us optimistic that he will return tomorrow. Love hearing from Woj that LeBron’s had heavy full court action with hard cutting and has not had any pain. That along with AD’s great play give us hope Playoff LeBron and Playoff AD will be back, which is bad news for all of the other NBA teams in the playoffs.
Prediction: Lakers take the Suns in 5 games in the first round. Healthy LeBron and AD will turn this playoffs into a similar march to victory as last year. Congrats to Suns for winning #2 seed. Sorry but your reward is playing the Lakers in the first round.