Joined: 14 Apr 2001 Posts: 144686 Location: The Gold Coast
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2019 12:31 pm Post subject:
yinoma2001 wrote:
venturalakersfan wrote:
Some call it “activate playoff mode”.
Both have no excuses now, huh?
One was injured though he tried looking like he wasn’t. I’m guessing that he activates playoff mode in the upcoming season. _________________ RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023.
I will go back to what I saw. He coasted all season long.
When he returned from his injury it was amazing how he somehow found the strength to run the floor for a thunder dunk but then was "injured" when he was asked to play defense or block out on the boards.
I'm sorry. But this is so petty.
1. do you agree by XMAS before he got hurt he was spearheading the team to a top 4 standing in the WC?
2. did you want him to break his body after BI/Zo got hurt just b/c?
You have to think longer than 1 year. Those are microcosms. There's a bigger picture involved here and now we see it. It's a 2 year championship window now.
If he acts the way he did last year with this veteran laden championship roster, sure I'll agree with you.
Awesome. James chooses to coast and show questionable leadership in his first year as a Laker. After taking max payment and the face of the franchise role... yet I'm petty?
Curious if you will be forgiving of Davis if he chooses to "coast" this year on defense too? Maybe he want Cousins back or another best buddy to be on the team before he gives full effort?
Lakers don't get last year back. But I'll be watching for James' increased intensity and leadership this season. No guarantees of any two year plan. Who knows what the roster looks like next year.
Championship or bust!
One thing is for certain in my mind. There is no way AD is coasting on anything this season. Regardless he took many unnecessary games off last season, and he is worried about his legacy. Not to mention, he is in a contract season. Come on AD just sign that extension lol!
I think Four Decade Bandwagon and VLF are cousins or something. The inability to ever be anything but negative must run in the family. _________________ “Christ did not die to forgive sinners who go on treasuring anything above seeing and savoring God. And people who would be happy in heaven if Christ were not there, will not be there."
- John Piper
I think Four Decade Bandwagon and VLF are cousins or something. The inability to ever be anything but negative must run in the family.
I always figured that one of them is Chaz the Bartender and the other is Johnny Buss. _________________ On Lakersground, a concern troll is someone who is a fan of another team, but pretends to be a Lakers fan with "concerns".
Got to give him props for letting AD be the main focus even if he doesn’t actually believe it or he actually might. But very smart especially since he can book it if he wanted to
Joined: 20 Jul 2002 Posts: 3200 Location: Orange County, CA
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:37 pm Post subject:
About LeBron "coasting" at times last season, I think that was to be expected, and he would be wise to continue intelligent load management throughout the course of the season. He has by far the most miles on his body of any superstar player in the NBA. His contemporaries from the 2003(!) NBA draft are all retired/out of the league currently:
And none of them played deep into the playoffs every year as much as LeBron did. He made it all the way to the NBA Finals for 8 straight seasons before last year. The fact that he's still playing at such a high level is really impressive considering how many actual miles he has.
About LeBron "coasting" at times last season, I think that was to be expected, and he would be wise to continue intelligent load management throughout the course of the season. He has by far the most miles on his body of any superstar player in the NBA. His contemporaries from the 2003(!) NBA draft are all retired/out of the league currently:
And none of them played deep into the playoffs every year as much as LeBron did. He made it all the way to the NBA Finals for 8 straight seasons before last year. The fact that he's still playing at such a high level is really impressive considering how many actual miles he has.
Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 22936 Location: La Jolla, San Diego
Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2019 7:45 pm Post subject:
Unless Melo hops on a team, I believe everyone in the 2003 draft are done. Think about that for a moment. Lebron looks to have a few more great seasons left. This man is amazing. Not only is he last man standing from 2003, but he was the first pick, lived up to his hype, a conversation for Mt. Rushmore, etc. I ain't mad at a little coasting when I look at it from this perspective.
Unless Melo hops on a team, I believe everyone in the 2003 draft are done. Think about that for a moment. Lebron looks to have a few more great seasons left. This man is amazing. Not only is he last man standing from 2003, but he was the first pick, lived up to his hype, a conversation for Mt. Rushmore, etc. I ain't mad at a little coasting when I look at it from this perspective.
Respectfully disagree. Leaders should lead. Preferably by example.
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 36306 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:21 am Post subject:
Triumph wrote:
About LeBron "coasting" at times last season, I think that was to be expected, and he would be wise to continue intelligent load management throughout the course of the season. He has by far the most miles on his body of any superstar player in the NBA. His contemporaries from the 2003(!) NBA draft are all retired/out of the league currently:
And none of them played deep into the playoffs every year as much as LeBron did. He made it all the way to the NBA Finals for 8 straight seasons before last year. The fact that he's still playing at such a high level is really impressive considering how many actual miles he has.
I think LeBron might have the most longevity out of any HOFer ever. Kareem played 20 seasons, 17 at an elite level. Kobe played 20 seasons, but only 14 at an elite level. LeBron has already played 16 seasons, 15 of which have been at an elite level, and is now going into his 16th elite level season. If he plays this season after this one at an elite level too, he's basically tied with Kareem.
It's strange how players like Wade, Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony (and Chris Kaman) are all relics from the past but LeBron is still a top 5 player. Even the stars from the draft class after are mostly has-beens-- Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, Luol Deng, Iguodala, Jameer Nelson, Devin Harris, Al Jefferson.
And the draft class after that one-- Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Bynum, David Lee. And the one after that-- Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Milsap, and Rondo. And even the one after that-- Durant, Horford, Joakim Noah, and Marc Gasol. And even the one after that-- Rose, Westbrook, Rose, Brook Lopez, Hibbert, DeAndre Jordan.
Lebron’s elite level ended in 2016, the last time he played defense.
true. maybe his upcoming longevity will endear him to Laker fans though. I think in 3 years, he can turn up in the playoffs to look athletically like he did last night. Wouldn't surprise me at all if he's still dropping 24ppg in the playoffs in the last year of his contract. Bron will still be a top 2 player these playoffs, top 5 next playoffs, and still look like a top 10 player in the league in the playoffs his last year. He'll be hopefully a great 2b that year
Last edited by KeepItRealOrElse on Sun Oct 06, 2019 8:55 am; edited 1 time in total
Joined: 14 Apr 2001 Posts: 144686 Location: The Gold Coast
Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 8:57 am Post subject:
Lebron will be fine on offense until the wheels fall off, just as Kobe was. Especially if the coaching staff is smart enough to limit his minutes. _________________ RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023.
Lebron’s elite level ended in 2016, the last time he played defense.
So you're saying Harden, Curry and Lillard have never been elite
Since they have never been known for playing much defense?
Also Magic was never much of a defender yet some argue he is the best ever
Very good argument about Magic. _________________ “Christ did not die to forgive sinners who go on treasuring anything above seeing and savoring God. And people who would be happy in heaven if Christ were not there, will not be there."
- John Piper
It's amazing what Lebron can do when he doesn't have to get past 3 or 4 defenders on the way to the basket. When there was only 1 between him and the rim Lebron just abused his defender in all manner of ways.
This luxury is something most other superstars enjoy except Lebron. The Warriors may be Curry's team, but Durant's been carrying the load in the finals the past 2 years. Durant may be carrying the load but Curry still has significant gravity. Harden always gets relief from refs. Giannis' breakout year only happened because of the improved spacing.
So it's nice Lebron gets the same benefit this year.
Also that extended pre-season has paid off. Lebron looks in good shape coming into this season.
Lebron’s elite level ended in 2016, the last time he played defense.
true. maybe his upcoming longevity will endear him to Laker fans though. I think in 3 years, he can turn up in the playoffs to look athletically like he did last night. Wouldn't surprise me at all if he's still dropping 24ppg in the playoffs in the last year of his contract. Bron will still be a top 2 player these playoffs, top 5 next playoffs, and still look like a top 10 player in the league in the playoffs his last year. He'll be hopefully a great 2b that year
As cerebral as LBJ is, he has the ability and desire to make the changes necessary to stay as a high contributor. To me, the model is John Havlicek, who altered his role based on the team's needs:
- 6th man on 4 championship teams when he was young
- High scoring/primary playmaking SF on 2 championship teams at 28 & 29
- 2nd best player deferring to a young big on 2 championship teams at 33 & 35
- All-Star/All D/All NBA at 35
- All Star at 36 & 37
I think LeBron can exceed Havilcek and make ALL-NBA at 36 & 37. _________________ On Lakersground, a concern troll is someone who is a fan of another team, but pretends to be a Lakers fan with "concerns".
LeBron’s a different player when he has some legit players surrounding him. I’m so glad he doesn’t have to play hero and carry the team like last year.
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