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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their season last night the way they’re going to spend most of their season this year – looking rather mediocre against a team that is far superior.
The Lakers’ opening night loss wasn’t a surprise to anyone – they were playing against the defending champion Warriors, who are favorites to win it again this year and are just a lot better than the Lakers. It would have been a complete stunner if the Lakers would have won the game. They never really threatened to do that, however, and often showed everyone watching just who they are – a blah team with big names and little hope.
LeBron, who shared a hug with Draymond Green during the game, wasn’t surprised about it afterwards and he had no problems addressing the issue with this Lakers team, as he basically said they don’t have any shooters and they’re going to see a lot of open looks because defenses know the Lakers can’t shoot and if they don’t get any shooters then this season will be like the last one – pointless.
And that, right there, is why the LeBron and the Lakers, barring any huge moves, are largely going to be a waste of time this season.
They don’t have the pieces to be serious contenders in the Western Conference.
They are going to be on national TV a lot which mens we’re going to watch them come up short in a lot in games that kind of seemed winnable before the opening tip but then turned into what we saw last night.
We’re going to have to hear lots and lots of analysts breaking down the Lakers and what they need to do to be better. Lakers chatter is easy business (look what I’m doing right here) so they will remain in the conversations throughout the season no matter how bad or boring things get for them.
In the big picture of the NBA this Lakers team is merely playing a bit part that could – at best – see them claiming a spot in the playoffs before being sent home pretty quickly.
It’s a shame, too, because LeBron is a legend and easily one of the best to ever play the game and it would be awesome for the NBA if he was back in the championship mix. But that ain’t happening this year, and it seems like he already knows just that.
Quick hits: NBA’s top players over 30… Kevin Harlan’s hilarious line in Lakers-Warriors… Bryce Harper’s awesome reaction to HR… And more.
– Prince Grimes breaks down the top 20 NBA players over the age of 30, including the great Steph Curry.
– Kevin Harlan was back to his hilarious self during the Lakers-Warriors game.
– Bryce Harper’s reaction to Kyle Schwarber’s 488-foot home run was too good.
– The Yankees had fun mocking Josh Naylor right after their Game 5 win.
