LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

Meaning what exactly? Where was Luka?

 

Meaning he hates LeBron just because. Every single comment.

 

it means a lot of s***
because Lakers can't sign anyone and can't waive Bronny

 

Bronny isn't the problem, it's the other people we signed. You are picking on the 12th man on the bench. While the other 11 are making millions of dollars to play basketball too.

 

So by that logic, max players should be the least hungrier and bust their a** the least. Wow. You really come up with the most random arguments. Sometimes I think you're here conducting some type of devil's advocate experiment ahah

Anyway, I heard the first the buzz about his statement and thought it was another case of Bron using the media for whatever narrative he wanted for his benefit.
But hearing him, I don't think it's all that. It's a fact we're not a championship team and it's a fact that one of the reason is our "competitive intensity" consistency.

And I think he means more "mental readiness and sharpness" than "running a lot and hustling". Making correct decisions and be fully connected with the game and what the game is asking.
For example, Ayton is low motor and his energy levels fluctuate too much. But also his mental aptitude. He went for a steal while guarding J-Dub in crunch time. He's a center on a mismatch and goes for the steal at the top of the key. It's absurd.
But it's also guys like Smart, that hustle a lot but on a 12-0 run by OKC, he gets a fast break of like 3 on 1 and chucks a 3 at the top of the key. Misses, OKC rebound, fast break and easy dunk. We just needed to score at that point and cut the momentum, these things cost playoff games that end up costing seasons.

I do agree the timing is odd, as we battled the champions while having half-AR (Luka/Shai even out) and it's a good sign. But I do agree with what he's saying and I think it can benefit the team as a wake-up call for some guys to reach a higher level. We have the whole team on a contract year, so it's good to use that and try to spark a reaction from the guys.

 

That's a good post. My point in general is that your best players, are expected to carry a heavier load than your role players. So I'm not as critical on those guys about some things. Plus in LeBron's case, he's the oldest player in the league, I'm not really looking to him for energy plays. On the flipside, I don't crucify some of these role players, if they aren't making shots or plays as much either. They are role players not stars, however I do expect them to play with energy and urgency, because that's more effort (want to) than skill. That part is also important.