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LakerTom wrote a new post
Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell warming up… Gonna need a big game from these two pic.twitter.com/9z2Cstq066
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 23, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
The Lakers finished second in a 4-way tiebreaker for the 2024 NBA Draft order after closing the season tied with Philly, Orlando and Indiana with 47 wins.
The teams will pick as follows:
16) Sixers
17) Lakers
18) Magic
19) Pacers— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 22, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
LAKERS MUST BLOW OUT NUGGETS!
Only way the Lakers can truly exorcise themselves of their Denver Demons is by brutally blowing them out on their home court tonight.
From opening tip, every Lakers player on the court needs to be 100% in the moment and ready to make winning plays. pic.twitter.com/d9ajB16WHN
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Let’s see if the Lakers can even up the series tonight! They have to be better defensively and cut down the turnovers on offense – 5 Nuggets players can’t score in double figures like they did in game one. And I’m looking forward to DLo and Reaves having a better shooting night!…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 22, 2024
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Count me in the column for the Lakers to even up the series at one game each tonight and steal Game 2 from the Nuggets.
I'm looking for Russell, Reaves, and Hachimura to all have great games tonight to support LeBron and AD.
Lakers win tonight. Take series in 6 games. https://t.co/zPzymuRsSY
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Anthony Davis on the DPOTY award👇
(Via: @mcten) #LakeShow“‘I'll never get it,’ Davis told ESPN when asked about the award. "They're not giving it to me. The league doesn't like me. I'm the best defensive player in the league. I can switch 1 through 5. I can guard the… pic.twitter.com/7bNZSPFNP2
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) April 22, 2024
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Anthony Davis was not selected by voters as a top 3 finalist for DPOY.
Davis, without a defensive weakness, anchored offensively-focused LAL groups, and was elite both at the rim and on the perimeter. He averaged 12.6 boards (3rd) and 2.3 blocks (3rd). https://t.co/1NCylRpw5T
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 21, 2024
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132 NBA players voted on the best defender in the league via @TheAthletic
Isaac Okoro, Jalen Suggs, Jaylen Brown and OG Anunoby received more votes than AD
AD received the same number of votes as Pat Bev, Wesley Matthews & Andrew Nembhard pic.twitter.com/foX4nSeEL7
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) April 22, 2024
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Gonna ignore this too? https://t.co/VJBMCTeSVu pic.twitter.com/HoG1OhtBi8
— Richard Staple, BSN, RN🇯🇲 (@RichStapless) April 22, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Lakers’ promising start turns into same depressing story vs. Nuggets https://t.co/57VSCAFgo2
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham’s message to his team entering its rematch with the defending champion Denver Nuggets was to learn from the past and, more importantly, move forward.
That last part will be difficult for the Lakers to do when their tortured history with the Nuggets continues to repeat itself.
In many ways, the Lakers’ 114-103 loss to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series felt like an extension of the previous eight losses. Nikola Jokić was the best player on the floor, with Los Angeles finding no way to prevent him from scoring easily or generating wide-open layups and 3s for his teammates. Jamal Murray hit circus shot after circus shot. Once the Nuggets ratcheted up their intensity and execution in the second half, they were on a different level than the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell struggled and looked unplayable.
Denver has now beaten the Lakers nine straight times, with little indication that will change anytime soon.
“We could have been better,” LeBron James said. “I thought we played some good ball tonight, but we could’ve been better. We know … we just don’t have much room for error versus this Denver team, especially on their home floor. It’s just a team that’s been through everything. Obviously, they’re the defending champions, so you gotta execute, you gotta make shots, you gotta defend. And then, you can’t give them extra possessions.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Lakers’ promising start turns into same depressing story vs. Nuggets https://t.co/57VSCAFgo2
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
Davis said he’s willing to switch onto Jokić full-time, if necessary.
“We’ll make a proper adjustment going into Game 2, and, if that means I’m on him for the whole game, then so be it,” Davis said.
With each consecutive loss to Denver, the pressure against the Lakers grows heavier. They’re not just battling the rest of the series — they’re fighting the matchup’s history, too. Each Nuggets win cements that this has been a one-sided rivalry over the past 12-plus months.
The Lakers are remaining optimistic, at least publicly. Ham said he’s convinced this will be a “hard-fought series.” James dismissed the notion that the previous results will lead to LA doubting its chances of winning the series.
“I don’t ever get into it a ‘here we go again’ mindset,” James said. “It’s one game. They protected they homecourt. We have another opportunity on Monday to come back and be better. We know how challenging it’s going to be. We know how difficult this opponent is and how great they are. So, that’s all a part of the game.”
And what exactly gives James the confidence the Lakers can eventually break through?
“Because it’s a seven-game series,” James said.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
I'm happy to hear Darvin Ham say he was not going to bench DLO because of one bad shooting game. At this point, you go with who got you here and do what you can to get him going. I look for LeBron to focus on getting Russell and Reaves some wide open looks to get them going. https://t.co/9qUXEAkovn
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 22, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Nikola Jokic with Anthony Davis as the primary defender
3/8
7 points
0 assists
2 shots blockedAD did a damn good job matching the physicality + maintaining a good lower body base
Think Ham needs to lean into AD vs Joker 1v1 a bit more in game 2 pic.twitter.com/ZtIUFNCYDH
— LAbound (@LAbound2) April 21, 2024
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AD talking about “I’m willing to guard him more”…nobody wants to hear that wishy-washy bullsheeeiit!!!! “Give him to me..I’m gonna go out there & lock his azz UP!!!!” That’s the correct response. This is one of the reasons he gets disrespected around the league and why he’ll never be The Man.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
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Unless Russell and Reaves can bounce back Monday and help the Lakers even their first round series with the Nuggets at 1 game each, it’s highly unlikely either player would still be wearing purple and gold next year.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/T0685fIhf3
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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That means Monday night’s Game 2 in Denver is a ‘must win’ game that will not only determine who likely wins this series but could also have major ramifications on what the Los Angeles Lakers decide to do this summer. https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/IJTKwVcPcO
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Getting swept again by the Nuggets would likely result in the Lakers finally accepting they could not win a championship with a D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves backcourt and moving on from both players this summer.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/i7nvrlLoOQ
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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What Lakers Hoped Would Happen in Game 1?
Since Feb 1, the Lakers have transformed their formula for winning games by shooting a dramatically higher percentage on 3-point shots, reducing their reliance on points in the paint and made free throws. https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/7Wyj7dttke
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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As you can see from the above chart, the Lakers’ formula from the start of the season to the end of January has essentially been the same as it has been since the Lakers signed LeBron James as a free agent 4 years ago.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/QVRswiTBC8
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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The Lakers lose close to 10 points per game from their 3-point shooting differential but are able to make up most of that difference by outscoring opponents via made free throws and points in the point per game.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/bsmpijJOMV
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Starting back in February, when Darvin Ham reinstated D’Angelo Russell as the team’s starting point guard, the Lakers’ 3-point shooting has taken off and L.A. has shot a torrid 39.3% from deep, second best in the league.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/MhC8bcvaeG
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Lakers need to stay positive and understand this is a 7-game series and all the Nuggets did was hold home court in Game 1. Lakers improved 3-ball game is legitimate. All they need to do is to hit their shots Monday night.https://t.co/AqqiyAl1Y1 pic.twitter.com/LjOF75wklu
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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Guard play. It was always gonna be a problem for us. Starters can’t defend and the backups can’t score. D.Russell got lazy coming off those screens and let KCP catch fire as DEN went on that run. Not good.
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Nope, it couldn’t have. They had neither the assets nor matching salaries to get Dame. Considering he’s a small, negative on defense, aging guard with over 200mm remaining on his contract, they’d have an even worse team. You’re still clueless on how all this contract & cap business works, so you should probably lay back and just marvel at Lebron’s hollow stats instead.
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I doubt it. Reaves is cheap and impactful and LBJ has endorsed him publicly multiple times. Not sure how S&T’s work nowadays but my gut tells me a S&T with Cleveland for Donovan makes the most sense for all involved.
DLo and Spyda both opt out, Cavs re-up DM from a base of $40 mil with annual raises, Lakers re-up DL0 for $30 mil + raises and add in one of TP, Rui or Vando plu whatever it takes to get the deal done. Add a pick if needed.
This keeps both teams in contention, moves an oft-injured player for a more available but brings the better player here. Great trade? Not really, but better for both teams than watching talent walk for nothing.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
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Man, this is great news, especially if we can steal Game 2 on Tuesday. We need Chris’ rebounding and scoring. Having him back for Game 3 could be huge.
Lakers need to stay positive. We didn’t shoot well from deep other than LeBron. DLO and Reaves need big games on Tuesday. Come back to LA tied and we can win in 6.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
LAKERS LOST GAME BECAUSE OF THREES
Denver was +21 in 3PM, +10 in PIP, and -12 in FTM for a +19 point advantage over LA.
Russell & Reaves laid huge egg, shooting 3/15.
If they had made just 4 more 3's, Lakers could have won game.
Hit our 3's & we will win Game 2.
LAKERS IN 6!
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
3 Comments-
Don’t go lumping Reaves & Russell together. Reaves shot at a respectable clip (5/9 & 2/6 from 3) and at least helped contain Murray. DLo did a repeat of his no show again and put up a buncha bricks on 20 shots! Hard for the rest of the crew to get going where your one-dimensional guard becomes no dimensional.
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Reaves did not have a good game. His -12 was worst on team. He lacked aggressiveness. Both disappointed greatly but it’s just one game and nothing changes until somebody wins on the road.
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Reaves wasn’t getting the ball enough to get going while snitchy put up brick after brick. It’s always something against this team, some lame excuse and coach blaming. Bottom line is Jokic outplays the Lakers top two by a healthy margin each time. It’s 10 in a row now, not some outlier. They may eek out a win here or there should Denver lose focus, but the Lakers are just outmatched. Denver has their number and wants to rub it in the washed King’s face every time. I didn’t see anything last night to make this year feel any different than last.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Anthony Davis says he is willing to guard Jokic more if that's needed.
"We'll look at it and make our adjustments, talk among ourselves and just kind of see… We'll make the proper adjustments going into Game 2, if I have to be on him the whole game then so be it."
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) April 21, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
2 Lakers to blame for Game 1 loss to Nuggets in NBA Playoffs https://t.co/Hp6P1laM8u
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
D’Angelo Russell continues his playoff struggles vs. the Nuggets
On a night where the Lakers could’ve benefitted from D’Angelo Russell stepping up and helping James and Davis will the team to a victory, he didn’t show up. Russell seemed flat the whole night, finishing the game with 13 points on 6/20 shooting and only one three-pointer in nine attempts in 41 minutes on the court. Compare that to his play-in tournament performance where he scored 21 points and dished out six assists while hitting five three-pointers in 37 minutes of play. Where was the D’Angelo Russell from New Orleans on Tuesday night? The Lakers really needed the Russell from April 16th, especially when the Nuggets dominated the game in the third quarter, extending their lead to 15 points in the fourth.
Darvin Ham must step his coaching prowess up
Darvin Ham is definitely not popular among Lakers fans. He routinely receives criticism for his questionable lineups, poor timeout management, and refusal to adapt to the opponent’s game plan. All his coaching flaws were evident tonight and on display for millions to see. After leading the Nuggets 33-25 entering the second quarter, Ham put out a lineup that featured Gabe Vincent, D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, and Jaxon Hayes. The lineup combination was odd and did nothing to pad their eight-point lead in the opening part of the quarter. Denver was uncharacteristically out of rhythm to start the period but the Lakers, due to Ham’s lineup mismanagement, weren’t able to capitalize.
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D’Angelo Russell says he’s ‘excited’ for Game 2 after shooting struggles in Game 1 vs. Nuggets https://t.co/4C2k3tq0od via @LakersSBN
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 21, 2024
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