(02-14-2025, 12:17 PM)Dahlsim Wrote: For the record, I think its worth noting that Jason Kidd has shown some signs of being a very good NBA coach especially in terms of handling the players and the teams motivation.  

Give him credit not only for having a finals appearance already which is very rare in this franchises history, but even for navigating this team through this fiasco of a trade and tidal wave of injury.  The way the team played the last 2 games is indicative also of great leadership and coaching.

(02-14-2025, 12:19 PM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: And yet he led the entire nba in pretty much every statistical playoff category while dragging a 5th place team to the finals. What did the rest of the team shoot against the Celtics? Luka is 2nd all time, out of every player who’s ever played over decades of basketball, in playoff scoring, and he can still lead all current players in rebounding, assists, minutes, and even steals. We’ll never see his like again.

(02-13-2025, 07:00 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I doubt it truthfully. Dirk himself said he barely did anything for Luka his rookie year because he already came in playing like a pro. Maybe Luka would’ve built some better habits just by being in proximity to Dirk but i don’t think that’s how Luka operates. 

Still there is no excuse as to why he can’t keep himself at the apex of his physical condition. Doesn’t take away that he’s arguably the best player in the world when healthy. I miss my Slovenian. *Siri, play Miki Milane*

(02-14-2025, 11:28 AM)michaeltex Wrote: Sorry to butt in, but...

FWIW, I think AD is going to be a monster along side a true center like Gaff or Lively, now that he doesn't have to defer to LBJ. His debut was just a glimpse.

(02-14-2025, 09:54 AM)michaeltex Wrote: I think this is very telling, especially from someone of Kyrie's talent. 

I'll always remember the sh*t-eating grin he gave Booker and the barking at Gobert. But, in the last few years, even with an improved roster, it was more about his Luka-centric game which often limited contributions by other players. Honestly felt like watching Harden MkII sometimes. 

Everyone agrees that Luka has the ability to generate a WOW moment every time he touches the ball. That's why a lot (most?) of us tuned in. But because he was "our guy" it was difficult to try and air any criticism on this board. To the point that some very significant contributors left rather than deal with the crap sent their way. Now, since he's now "their guy" it's OK to try and be realistic about his strengths and weaknesses. Not to delight in his failings, but to take off the rose-colored glasses and try and see him objectively. I honestly hope he gets the message, and I'll continue to look forward to those WOW plays, but pulling for the Lakers to win just isn't going to happen for me.

(02-14-2025, 02:27 PM)audiosway Wrote: Those wow moments were amazing to watch. I think people forget as well how much better he moved when he came into the league. At that point he had a "pace" to his game. He made you play at his speed. Now he just can't get by anyone. I saw something yesterday that floored me. Someone had a picture of him right now (close to 270lbs) next to Joey Bosa who is a 49ers defensive end. Bosa is 266lbs. That's not what you want out of a PG.

Look at what his weight does hindering Zion and he is a 4. Zion is only about 14 pounds heavier than Luka and he is overweight for a 4.

Not only does it slow him down so that he can't get by anyone but it also is hard on his joints and muscles. I've watched highlights from his 2 games so far with LA. He can't get by anyone and he doesn't look right with his gait and movement. Something just seems off. Time will tell if he listens to someone. I hope he does. Even then though, he still doesn't look healthy or right if that makes sense.

(02-14-2025, 03:56 PM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: I mentioned that earlier on page 63. He doesn't look right. I think he's still injured and not letting on to it.

(02-14-2025, 04:06 PM)Winter Wrote: Most all of the NBA sports sites like ESPN say Doncic weighs 230 lbs. I wonder if there's any reliable spot that records his recent weight.

(02-14-2025, 12:44 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: They were in 5th place because he wasn't ready to start the season, basically. 

He led the NBA in pretty much every statistical playoff category because the entire offense was just having him on-ball, 24/7. 

I get it. You don't think there was anything wrong with his last playoff run, and you don't think he should've been traded. I'm telling you, I legitimately (as in, not to make an argument - this is how I felt, PRIOR to the trade) didn't like where his game, his body, his attitude or his career were headed. If you think that makes me dumb, so be it. I respect your opinion, friend.

(02-14-2025, 03:56 PM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: I mentioned that earlier on page 63. He doesn't look right. I think he's still injured and not letting on to it.

(02-14-2025, 05:02 PM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: That’s right, no one is perfect, but I didn’t have a problem with his playoff run. Few in history have done better. The Mavs were just outmatched against the Celtics, and Kyrie didn’t show up against them.  I also didn’t think he should be traded, especially for the return we got back. As far as the criticism of how he showed up this season, I agree, but not enough to sell him off for an old player with an even greater history of injuries who plays a less valuable position.

(02-14-2025, 12:17 PM)Dahlsim Wrote: For the record, I think its worth noting that Jason Kidd has shown some signs of being a very good NBA coach especially in terms of handling the players and the teams motivation.  

Give him credit not only for having a finals appearance already which is very rare in this franchises history, but even for navigating this team through this fiasco of a trade and tidal wave of injury.  The way the team played the last 2 games is indicative also of great leadership and coaching.

(02-14-2025, 08:32 PM)audiosway Wrote: Good call. I think something serious is going on. He hasn't looked right in a while now. Like Killer mentioned, the last time he looked really good was the bubble. He has gotten slower each year since. Now he is still walking with an odd gait.

It's really strange that nothing has shown up during physicals. He's definitely not right. Not sure if it's the weight or what.

(02-16-2025, 11:01 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: It is still really tough.  I have been trying to put my head in the sand and just focus on the current team.  It is going to be really tough though.

I think I have settled on two routes on why Nico made the trade.  This is obvoiusly a bet against Luka.  Although, I think it was one of two reasons...maybe a combo of both.

1) Nico became frustrated with Luka.  There may or may not have been known friction but Nico thought his message was not being taken seriously.    So Nico made it personal in a you or me type of scenario.    This is why another voice in the room would have been helpful.

2) Nico is proud of this team he put together and sees a 2-4 year window with the team he put together.  He has a lof pride of the his recent moves.    So while he had some doubts in Luka, he decided to make a move where he thinks improves the teams chances in the short term to be able to win with "his roster"  Although having another voice in the room here would also have been helpful.  Another strong voice should have been in the room telling Nico that if you move Luka in reality your window closes.

(02-16-2025, 05:15 AM)burekemde Wrote: If he "doesnt look right" and plays MVP level like he did every season, im totally fine with that. It is not Luka that disseapeared in the playoffs and finals, its Kyrie. Its just the style of baskebtall Luka plays, much similar to Jokic. This will never change and he will keep dominate in that way. We have seen the AD's and Max Christies running around him trying to defende and cant do anything about it.

The first two games with Lakers he looks still in shock being traded. He is all about loyalty. Its not the injury or the weight or anythyng like that. Luka is all about loyalty. he is completely shocked (like at the press conference) being in a different team with new teammates. Be sure that this will go away and he will get his revenge, and this will hurt. He will build loyalty with the Lakers. It wil take time.