Aloha,
Another fun game to watch. So how do win without AD, Austin, Lonnie and Troy? Well you have 3 guys in Thomas, Dennis and Russ are playing like all stars to add to LeBron’s stellar play. No defense but it was the 2nd of a back to back.
It will be interesting to see how they use Thomas when AD comes back. I don’t know if I would want to start him with AD, primarily because LeBron not great defending the wing anymore. But they definitely should play them together when LeBron rests. And of course he will give AD plenty of rest as well.
And Dennis is just scorching hot right. I never saw any of the Euro tournament but he was tearing it up and he’s playing like it again. It’s a shame he missed the first month. We may have a few more wins.
Now if we can just keep it going until we can start getting guys back, this can be a pretty good squad.
To use a food analogy, you can’t make barbecue in a microwave.
This team is like a box of Chocolates. You really never know what you’ll get game to game. Well, if they can keep it up, they probably won’t have an MVP, but MIP and 6MOY could be in store. Maybe the trade chatter will die down some if they can get and stay in the playin/playoff hunt.
Can’t say why they stunk it up so bad at the start of the season. New players, new system. Lebron looking like the decline was real, and in year 20, who can really be surprised? He’s still elite, but the outside shot is lacking. Seemed like a bunch of mismatched parts playing at career lows outside of AD, and when his typically injury hits, seemed like they were sunk. They’re showing some heart. Guys keep playing like this and there’ll be some tough decisions to make come the offseason.
Even Russ has shot decently and the boneheaded plays have somewhat subsided. Contract year bump? Could be.
Bryant playing like a max guy. Shroeder playing like a guy who should’ve turned down 4/84. Lebron looking like he still could be 2nd team All-NBA. Even Nunn showing some signs of life. Once Walker, Reeves, and AD get back, you’ll have a too many guys problem.
As we approach the midway mark, there’s certainly more reason for hope than they had at the quarter pole. Hopefully they can keep this level of play up. Keep AD healthy and let everyone else round into peak form, and they maybe could make some playoff noise.
An optimistic Stan? Who woulda thought?
I just call it like I see it. Winning cures all.
Still great to see there’s still a Lakers fan in there. 😀
Are you kidding? I’m the biggest fan you know. The only one here who regularly attends games. I’m just capable of being objective when the stars begin to lose their luster. Cap held on too long. Kobe did too, and took way too much money in the end. Magic never got the chance. Lebron, win something outside the bubble and we can talk.
Very good analysis, @Therealhtj. Great points!