The Lakers are clearly the best team in the NBA, they cranked up the defensive intensity in the second half and LeBron is playing like an MVP at 36.
And we haven't even seen the best from this team — there are another couple of gears they don't even need yet.
As of today, we have added to our NBC staff by bringing in
@KeithSmithNBA
He's a fantastic NBA writer (with Real GM, Celtics Blog and more) with a deep knowledge of the cap and front offices, and he is a great person to work with. Welcome aboard Keith, this will be fantastic.
What hurt the "Lakers chemistry" far, far more than anything the Pelicans' did was LeBron's agent — so seen by extension as LeBron — asking publicly for a trade, forcing Lakers to put all their youth in the package. Those players now think LeBron wants them traded.
LeBron's contract extension feels like a prelude to Anthony Davis signing a 2+1 deal with the Lakers that lines up their contracts and makes sure Davis gets paid more (35% of cap) he gets to 10 years of service.
It also keeps the Lakers in title contention though 2023
I am one of the media members with a vote for the All-Star Game. In the name of transparency, here's my vote:
WEST
James Harden
Stephen Curry
Kevin Durant
Anthony Davis
LaMarcus Aldridge
EAST:
Kyrie Irving
DeMar DeRozan
LeBron James
Giannis Antentekumpo
Joel Embiid
$ome out there are wondering how the NBA (and it$ player$ union) can continue on with game$ a$ more and more player$ are $idelined — or at lea$t quarantined — due to the coronaviru$. If only there wa$ one factor that drove all of thi$.
Tyrese Haliburton calls NBA's new 65-game threshold for awards a "stupid rule"
Coming off missing 10-of-11 due to a hamstring strain, if Haliburton misses 3 more games this season he will lose out on about $41 million in his next contract.
I really don't understand the need of some fans to tear down LeBron to prop up Jordan. First, MJ doesn't really need you to defend his legacy, it stands on its own. Second, why do you feel threatened/bothered by the idea of LeBron's greatness?
Re: LeVert
The Pacers win with this. Oladipo is older, and a free agent after this season, where LeVert is playing well, has three years left on his deal, and should fit next to Brogdon. And Indy is already playing well this season. A lot to like there.
Jimmy Butler wants to play for Clippers/Knicks/Nets and Twitter's reaction:
"Why would he want to play for those loser franchises."
If he wanted to play for Lakers/Sixers the reaction would be:
"Another superstar taking the easy way to form a super team."
What the Brooklyn Nets are really saying to Kyrie Irving:
"You think there's great demand for your services on a long-term max contract? Then go find a sign-and-trade, or opt-in and trade, yourself. Good luck with that. Oh, and by the way, we don't want Russell Westbrook."
Sources: Kyrie Irving has requested and received permission from the Nets to find sign-and-trade offers from other teams. Kevin Durant still hasn't spoken to Nets front office. Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn remains unlikely. More for
@NYDNSports
Lakers announced Brandon Ingram — who had been a force since the All-Star break averaging 27.8 points per game and was being aggressive — is out for the rest of the season with Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot) in his arm. Tough blow.
Just remember: Every last one of us would do what exactly what Carmelo Anthony is doing and take the cash if we were in his shoes. Do not blame the man.
ESPN Sources: Los Angeles Clippers haven’t abandoned pursuit of acquiring San Antonio Spurs’ All-Star Kawhi Leonard. He remains a high offseason priority for LAC.
I'm glad fans will get a chance to see just how impressive (and fun to watch) Tyrese Haliburton is through the World Cup before the NBA hides the Pacers during the season and keeps them off national television.