2017-2018 NBA Regular Season Thread

[Black Adam]

He performed well coming off the bench. Having him as an instant offense off the bench/spot starter guy, is a great role for him with the Lakers.

He also hasn't been near the defensive liability that people think. The Lakers defense has actually improved slightly since the all star break and acquiring IT.

Obviously, that improvement is because Luke and the coaches have figured out a way to "hide him" (like Stevens did in Boston) and the players know he's not stopping anybody, so they are probably being extra vigilant defensively.

Also, his defensive liability isn't because he doesn't try. Dude's always in the right spot defensively. He's just too damn short. lol

I was really on the fence about bringing him back at all. But then I read an article where both Luke and his teammates were effusive in their praise of him. Luke has really liked the way he's fit in and how hard he's worked, the players all seem to love him...that's good enough for me.

DEFINITELY agree with your 4th sentence lol...

ok, i can see it if he continues to come off the bench. question is will he be happy with that, especially since he's looking to get paid...

 

[DJ Fieri]

Lost the play in game for the NBA Fantasy mock draft. Thought I had a good defensive squad.

Oh well......really wanted to win some Hoop cash.

 

[bksballer89]

 

[trojanfan12]

DEFINITELY agree with your 4th sentence lol...

ok, i can see it if he continues to come off the bench. question is will he be happy with that, especially since he's looking to get paid...

We'll see. He seemed to be good with it this year. I expect that if he demands to be a starter, they'll move on from him unless they can't find a better 2 on one year deal.

 

[bksballer89]

 

[HurricaneDij39]

Cavs down double digits in the 4th...My dream first round matchup of Pacers/Cavs could still come true as the 4/5 series.

 

[tlance]

Actually, they gave them up for cap space. Clarkson and Nance are fairly easy to replace Clarkson moreso than Nance, imo) and with the Lakers looking to go after 2 max guys, they were going to be gone anyway. They also got a draft pick out of it, which they didn't have. It's a later pick, but they've had some luck with those.

Depending on how things go in the off-season and how they decide to play it. It also gives them a chance to possibly keep Randle (who has been on a nice tear and has averaged 19 and 9 in the 44 games he's started) while adding a couple of max guys.

They wouldn't be able to keep him and add 2 max guys this year. But they way I heard it explained earlier today, depending on the cap the following season, they could possibly keep him, add a max guy this year and another next year. How much he's offered and if he's willing to give the Lakers any kind of "hometown discount" would play into it as well.

You have said this a few times now. I know it is theoretically possible, but to do it they would have to find a trade partner willing to take Deng, and you won't like the cost. It would likely be something like a 1st and Kuzma. Deng's contract is that bad.

Lakers are going to have to choose between Randle and a 2nd max.

 

[Black Adam]

Cavs down double digits in the 4th...My dream first round matchup of Pacers/Cavs could still come true as the 4/5 series.

done in 5 if it comes to that...

 

[tlance]

Wizards are just arrogant enough to think they can beat Cleveland in a series. I have no idea what this team will do in the playoffs.

 

[bksballer89]

Cavs down double digits in the 4th...My dream first round matchup of Pacers/Cavs could still come true as the 4/5 series.

Closer and closer now. If they don't come back then losing in Philly tomorrow would all but lock that match up in

 

[Black Adam]

You have said this a few times now. I know it is theoretically possible, but to do it they would have to find a trade partner willing to take Deng, and you won't like the cost. It would likely be something like a 1st and Kuzma. Deng's contract is that bad.

Lakers are going to have to choose between Randle and a 2nd max.

oh, no doubt...

with Deng's contract(AND Mozgov's), Short Buss left us with the punishment that keeps on punishing...

 

[bksballer89]

Wizards are just arrogant enough to think they can beat Cleveland in a series. I have no idea what this team will do in the playoffs.

Wizards/Philly 2nd round with a bid to the ECF on the line

 

[Black Adam]

Wizards are just arrogant enough to think they can beat Cleveland in a series. I have no idea what this team will do in the playoffs.

sometimes you just gotta hope for the best...

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

You have said this a few times now. I know it is theoretically possible, but to do it they would have to find a trade partner willing to take Deng, and you won't like the cost. It would likely be something like a 1st and Kuzma. Deng's contract is that bad.

Lakers are going to have to choose between Randle and a 2nd max.

Yes.

But, they don't have to make a decision on Randle until the 6th of July.

So, they should have a sense of who is actually in play for them by then.

Well, LeBron does have tendency to drag it out....that's the only issue...imo

 

[bksballer89]

Milwaukee losing to BK all but guarantees them the 8th seed assuming the Wiz don't choke.

They'll be a game behind both Miami and Washington but both teams own the tie-break over the Bucks which basically means they're 2 GB of those teams with 3 games left

 

[Black Adam]

Yes.

But, they don't have to make a decision on Randle until the 6th of July.

So, they should have a sense of who is actually in play for them by then.

Well, LeBron does have tendency to drag it out....that's the only issue...imo

meh, who needs him...?

but as far as the rest, spot on...

 

[Black Adam]

Milwaukee losing to BK all but guarantees them the 8th seed assuming the Wiz don't choke.

They'll be a game behind both Miami and Washington but both teams own the tie-break over the Bucks which basically means they're 2 GB of those teams with 3 games left

what the heck's been the Bucks' problem lately...?

total one man show...

 

[bksballer89]

Sooooo Portland with no Dame went on a 17-0 run to tie it before Houston took back the lead with .8 left

 

[Black Adam]

geeze, are the Wiz really gonna let this one slip away...?

 

[bksballer89]

LOL