Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis!

[snackdaddy]

Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves both left games with injuries the last few days. Reaves is day to day so its not that bad. Hachimura will miss more time. Those two are crucial to the Lakers chances. Fortunately it doesn't look like the injuries are enough to cause them to miss significant time.

 

[snackdaddy]

That was some game last night. How many times do you see a whole arena cheering on the opposing team? And that tribute to Luka before the game. Those fans are still pissed at the GM. They're not allowed to bring in signs but they can sure let out a loud Fire Nico chant.

I always knew Luka was a superstar talent. But I never realized what he meant to the fans. While as a Laker fan I'm happy my team got another young superstar. But I do feel bad for the Mavericks fans. A year ago he was the toast of the town. Leading them to the NBA finals. Then he's unceremoniously dumped for a player they can't count on being there when they need him. To a team they used to hate. I'd be pissed if I was their shoes.

 

[snackdaddy]

I never thought the Lakers were championship material. Even with Luka. But I did think they were good enough to get to the conference finals. Maybe not. Game 1 exposed them. If they lose tonight I don't see them coming back from that.

 

[Akrasian]

Well, they did win game 2, and Luka played very good. They still have 3 more to win this series.

 

[snackdaddy]

Today will determine if they have what it takes to go deep. A win and I think it will be a hard fought 7 game series. A loss and I think its see you next year.

When I watched the 4th quarter of the Clippers/Nuggets game yesterday one thing stood out when the Clippers came back from a 22 point deficit to take the lead. Yeah, they still lost. But they rallied because they were consistently outhustling the Nuggets for rebounds, loose balls, etc. And focused on defensive stops. Made the Nuggets work hard for every basket.

Watching the Lakers/Wolves games it sure looked like the Lakers were outhustled the same way. Like they Wolves wanted it more. I hope the Lakers figure that out and match that intensity. Otherwise its gonna end in a disappointing early exit.

 

[snackdaddy]

The announcer said the Lakers will need a double digit lead entering the 4th to have a chance. They had a ten point lead. And it wasn't enough. I don't know if the Lakers will win at home but I don't see them making the next round. They really needed a rim protector.

Does Lebron come back next year? I haven't heard anything about him not returning. If he can still play at the level he played this year, if they get a legit rim protector and rebounder I can see them challenging for a title. Most games they play they will have the two best players on the court. Is that enough?