Los Angeles Lakers

A Wheeler’s Opinion: Paul George is Headed for LA Next Season

It’s unlikely that Oklahoma will keep PG13 after this season

Paul George Oklahoma Thunder
Paul George’s 42 points against the Clippers may not be enough for his team to keep him. 
There was no doubt in everyone’s mind that from the moment Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joined forces with Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder would have the firepower and more talent to take on the Houston Rockets or even the defending champions, Golden State Warriors come the playoffs. 
In fact, most people were saying back then that with their newest Big 3 in the post-Kevin Durant era, the Thunder can now contend for a championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers- should both teams make it that far come June of next year. It’s really nice to dream about winning championships with this kind of a team and it seems that OKC fans may have to wait much longer before their team makes that dream into a reality. Why?
Here’s why.
Sure, the Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday, 120-111. Sure, Paul George has played his best game yet with Oklahoma, scoring 42 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Sure, the Thunder rank 3rd in the league in terms of limiting their opponents’ total points in a game, only allowing their opponents to 98 points on the average. 
But these don’t outweigh the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder are lagging behind in the Western Conference as they are standing with a record at 5-7- good for 10th place in the West. Is that how a team with a talented Big 3 supposed to perform?
Nope!


But let’s just focus on one specific player: Paul George. Through 12 games into the 2017-2018 regular season, below are his averages:

  • 21 points (leads the team)
  • 5 rebounds
  • 2 assists
  • 2.58 steals (leads the NBA)
Now, those are good averages especially for a player who sustained a massively gross injury a few years back. And #13 is playing like the same player he was once during his stints with the Indiana Pacers before he sustained that injury while preparing to play for Team USA. His 42 points against the Clippers is one reminder that he has still more than left in his tank. 
However, let’s keep in mind that the deal that sent PG13 from Indiana to Oklahoma came as a surprise to the majority of the NBA fans as Oklahoma was not the destination everyone had thought where George would play this season. Nope! Even before the end of last season, Paul George has repeatedly stated that he intended to play for the Los Angeles Lakers come free agency 2018. 
But instead, he was traded to Oklahoma.
Now here’s the catchy part: The Thunder can only afford to keep either Carmelo Anthony OR Paul George. They cannot keep both beyond this season. Why? Even if both players want to come back next season, Anthony and George have player options for next season which are amounting to 27 million US Dollars and 20 million US Dollars respectively which means the Thunder will have to pay a big amount of luxury tax assuming they want to keep both players. 

Conclusion

Let’s just assume that either the Thunder choose to stick with Carmelo Anthony or, Paul George decides to leave after 1 season alongside Anthony and Russell Westbrook. Where is he heading next? One possible: Hollywood to play ball with Lonzo Ball and probably, LeBron James?

By the Numbers: Boston Extends Streak to 10, Beats Struggling Lakers

The Lakers falter after roaring back in the 3rd quarter

Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with another all-around performance.

The Boston Celtics got Kyrie Irving in a trade that had them send Isaiah Thomas plus some other players to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a deal that unquestionably shook the balance in the Eastern Conference- if we are to look at the current positions of both squads. Even before that, the Celtics already had Gordon Hayward on board after  Hayward decided to sign with Boston. So on paper, the Cs have two new players who can hopefully help them beat the Cavs come playoff time.
However, things didn’t start well for Boston as they lost to the Cavs to open the season in a game which saw them lose Gordon Hayward who twisted his foot, 6 minutes into the game. After that, the Celtics next lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. Since then, Kyrie Irving and company haven’t dropped a game coming into their game against their all-time rival, Los Angeles Lakers.
After watching the young Lakers trim down the lead to just 3 points late in the 3rd quarter,  the Celtics outscored Los Angeles, 20-15 in the final quarter en route to a 107-96 victory over the Lakers in a game which Boston didn’t have Al Horford due to injury and Jayson Tatum who was hurt during the game. Fortunately, the rest of the Celtics did more than enough to keep their winning streak going and below are the numbers that will explain how good were the Boston against the Lakers:

Terry Rozier and Aron Baynes: Because Kyrie Irving Cannot do it Alone

In a game where the Celtics were already without Hayward, Horford and now, Tatum, the Boston Celtics were clearly outmanned this time around against their archrivals. 
Don’t forget, folks, Kyrie Irving had a miserable shooting night, going 7 for 21 in the field while missing all 7 of his attempts from the three-point line. Fortunately, Aron Baynes scored 21 points in in just 23 minutes of play. Terry Rozier complimented Baynes and Marcus Morris’ (18 points) outputs with 14 points on his own while coming off the bench. With Hayward missing out the entire season, Kyrie Irving cannot do it all alone and save the Celtics every now and then. Fortunately, he didn’t have to do everything alone. He had help. Lots of it.

The Team that Makes more Shots, Wins

In a game where both teams were shooting under 50% (Lakers at 43% while Celtics at 38%), Boston won because they were able to make more shots than the Lakers, especially from the free throw line. In fact, it was the number of free throws which won the game for Boston as the Celtics made 24 of 31 31 charities which is a far cry to Los Angeles’ 17 of 23 performance from the line. 

Conclusion

If anything, the Celtics have already proven that yes, they can win even when Kyrie Irving was missing 14 shots. Their unimpressive victory against the struggling Lakers proved that yes, they are still a complete team even without Gordon Hayward. Imagine if Gordon Hayward was around. But then, the Celtics won’t be needing Hayward around for now, especially if they are winning without him. 

The Most Talked About NBA Rookie: Is Lonzo Ball a Bust or Not?

Lonzo’s numbers are not lying

Has Lonzo Ball turned out to be that rookie that was advertised? 

10 games into the regular season as the Los Angeles Lakers are sitting at 5-5 as they are currently playing against their arch-nemesis, the league-leading Boston Celtics, let’s take a look at the numbers of one specific rookie who has been in the center of the spotlight ever since his grand arrival in Hollywood, Lonzo Ball. 
In fact, Ball was already the most hyped rookie even before he was drafted by the Lakers as the social media was flooded with videos featuring Ball’s performances during his 1-year stint at the University of California, Los Angeles. 
When the inevitability happened as the Lakers finally drafted Ball despite worries from fans and pundits alike that  Ball’s equally famous father, LaVar Ball might interfere with the Lakers’ way of managing minutes, fans erupted in hope as they began posting on social media with Lonzo Ball teaming up with Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and fellow rookie Kyle Kuzma, some fans were saying that this will be the young core that might break the Lakers’ dry spell in making the playoffs. 
Might. 
As mentioned, the Lakers are currently playing against the Celtics and they were down big back in the first half but came back in the 3rd quarter. While the game is ongoing, let’s answer one question: was Lonzo Ball all hype?

Yes. He’s a bust!

  • 8 points per game
  • 29% field goal shooting (23% from the three-point line)
  • 6 rebounds per game
  • 6 assists per game
Performance-wise, Lonzo Ball has become nothing but a hyped player who only scored in double-figures, twice in 10 games, 29 points against the Phoenix Suns, and 13 points against the Detroit Pistons. 
Then, he was held scoreless by the Portland Trail Blazers. 
One may say that he’s still adjusting to playing in the pro ranks but if the Lakers want to return to the playoffs, they will need Lonzo to perform on a certain level that made him an early candidate for the Rookie of the Year award. 
Why? Just look at Kyle Kuzma’s numbers, folks. Kuzma is averaging 15 points per game while making 56% of his shots. And Kuzma has been playing 29 minutes on the average.

It’s only 10 games and he’s a rookie

Let’s be fair. He’s only 20 years old and a rookie. 
While he’s great during his college days, adjusting to the physicality in the NBA alone, takes time and so is proving that he’s worth all the hype. 
Believe the pundit on wheels, folks, Lonzo Ball will become one of the brightest stars in the NBA and when that happens, his haters can only eat their hatred. He might not be able to score consistently but believe it or not, Lonzo Ball is one of the reasons why the Lakers are at 5-5.

Conclusion

Lonzo Ball still has a long way to go in his young NBA career and yes, he will make all of us watch once he finds his groove in the league. Give him time and the right training, it will not be long ’til he starts playing like the player he was advertised to be: Balling like nothing else matters. 
Otherwise, LeBron James might want to reconsider his plans to join Lonzo come July of next year. 

A Wheeler’s Opinion: Why LeBron Should Stay in Cleveland Despite the Struggles

The Cavs have just lost 5 of their previous 6 games. And the Cavs should be worried

Don’t be surprised if #23 will be elsewhere come after the trade deadline.

The Cleveland Cavaliers got Isaiah Thomas plus a couple of players who can score. The Cavs got Dwayne Wade. And most importantly, the Cavs got former league MVP Derrick Rose who is starting in most games since Thomas is still recovering from the injury that he sustained during last season’s playoffs while still playing for the Boston Celtics.

On paper even without Thomas and Rose, the Cavs are still the best team- at least in the Eastern Conference.

10 games into the regular season, are they really the best team in the East?

After opening the season with two consecutive wins over the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks,  the Cavs suddenly became a team like they were before LeBron James came back- a bad team, as evident by their 4-game losing streak which included disappointing loses at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks within a span of a week, which was followed by a 124-107 defeat at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.

To get back into the win column, they needed a franchise record-tying 57 points from LeBron James against the Washington Wizards. However, the Cavs next lost to the lowly Atlanta Hawks who won, 117-115.

Now you tell this pundit on wheels, is that how a super team with LeBron James, Dwayne, Kevin Love and Derrick Rose, supposed to be playing?  Losing to bad teams?  Falling to a 4-6 record to open the season? Lagging way behind the standings in the East?

Nope


Now, if you’ve been watching the NBA even during the offseason, one of the hottest topics that have been making the talks among NBA pundits was the inevitability of LeBron James leaving the Cavs, again, for the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of the current season. And all previous signs have been pointing towards that scenario.

The only question is this: Will it happen? Answer: Yes!

Follow-up question: How soon will it happen? Answer: It depends on how the Cavs will perform from here on.

Despite scoring 26 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing away 13 assists against the Atlanta Hawks- NBA’s current worst team, LeBron James was a beaten man. Badly beaten. He had to play for 41 minutes. He had to take 17 shots, second-most to Wade’s 19. But still, his MVP-like numbers weren’t enough to propel the Cavs to a victory.  And, observers have been saying that LeBron James has become more frustrated with the Cavs’ struggles.
If anything, don’t get surprised if LeBron drastically demands a trade even before the trade deadline especially if things don’t improve in Cleveland. However, the Lakers knew that they would have to send one of their young guys to Cleveland if a trade is to happen. And, having LeBron on board wouldn’t assure a playoff appearance for LA this season so trading your promising stars isn’t worth it. For now.

While the Cavs are struggling and there’s no doubt that His Majesty is really frustrated but leaving Cleveland this season will not change his situation. The Lakers are not yet seasoned to make their much-awaited return to the playoffs and whether he likes it or not, LeBron’s only chance to beat the Golden State Warriors, for now, is to stay with the Cavs and hope that things get better. ASAP.

If not, then LeBron-to-LA it is.

A Wheeler’s Opinion: 3 Reasons Why the Lakers will Improve this Season

A Ball, A KuzMazing Steal and more…

The dynamic duo of Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma will bring good things for the Lakers. 
Ever since the possibility of Lonzo Ball coming to the Purple and Gold was hyped up, many of the Laker fans around the world had their hopes went high especially considering how talented Lonzo is in his lone playing year in UCLA. 
And right after picking up Ball as the 2nd pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers also received the rights to pick Kyle Kuzma as the 27th pick after acquiring the rights from the Brooklyn Nets which also landed them another star big man in Brook Lopez. 
While Lonzo Ball is beyond reasonable doubt, the main attraction in the Lakers nowadays, who would have thought that Kyle Kuzma is a hidden treasure in the draft, someone whom the Nets sorely missed?
Let this basketball pundit break the good things that will bring more success to the Lakers this season and beyond:

Lonzo Ball

Let’s start with the most obvious one. After averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists with UCLA, Lonzo Ball made sure that his presence was felt as he averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists while playing in 8 games during the Summer League in Las Vegas- a competition which the Lakers won. Oh and one more thing, Lonzo Ball bagged the MVP award during the Summer League, too.
Although his numbers had dropped the moment the preseason games began when he only played in two games before he was shut down due to an injury, we can expect him to be healthy and ready to rumble come the opening night. 

KuzMazing Steal from the Draft

While Lonzo Ball may be the most hyped rookie entering the 2017-2018 season, probably the most hyped rookie in the history of the NBA,  many are already saying that Kyle Kuzma will become the face of the Lakers and not Lonzo Ball, or Brandon Ingram, or even Julius Randle. 
This claim is backed by Kuzma’s numbers in the preseason games of the Lakers when he averaged close to 20 points and 3 assists while making 56% of his shot attempts in 27 minutes of action. This will cost some of the veterans in the rotation of Luke Walton their playing minutes because Kuzma is actually playing better alongside Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle despite losing tons of their games during the preseason. 
If anything, Kyle Kuzma has already attracted attention from basketball fans around the world and this guy will likely give Lonzo Ball a run for his money because despite being the 27th pick in the draft, Kyle Kuzma, this early, is already being included as a candidate for the Rookie of the Year award. 
Yes, folks. Kyle Kuzma may steal the limelight away from Lonzo Ball. 

Out Mozgov. In Lopez.

Simply put it this way: Timofey Mozgov is USELESS. Brook Lopez is way BETTER. Lopez can contribute more for the Lakers than Mozgov who only wasted away the Lakers’ money and the minutes that would be better given to more deserving AND performing players. Sure, the swap also included sending an immature D’Angelo Russell but this basketball pundit firmly believes that this swap will be worth it especially in the long run.

Conclusion:

While the three things mentioned above won’t guarantee a return trip to the playoffs for the Lakers, they will certainly make things better. For starters, they will improve the chances of the Lakers in winning more games than just lagging below the standings in the packed and stacked Western Conference. And who knows? The dynamic duo of Kuzma and Ball might be the final piece to adding LeBron James into the picture, right? 

A Wheeler’s Opinion: Why Letting Go of Mozgov Benefits the Lakers

And why they should let go of Luol Deng, too…

Timofey Mozgov is a complete waste of money for the Lakers. 
When it was first announced that the Los Angeles Lakers and Timofey Mozgov agreed to a 4-year, 64 million Dollar-contract, even die-hard Laker fans, including this basketball pundit on wheels, were surprised, shocked and some, angered by this stunning development. 
Everyone was like: Have those guys inside the Lakers front office completely lost their minds? 
With all due respect to the fans of Mozgov, the primary reason why that disgusting deal wasn’t worth the money that paid for Mozgov was that Mozgov wasn’t even averaging in double figures for almost his entire career with the lone exception with one of his two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers back during the 2014-2015 season when he averaged 10 points per game. 
He, of course, was traded off to the Denver Nuggets in the same season. His stint with the Purple and Gold during the 2016-2017 season was no different at all as he only averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds per game while playing for 54 of the 82 regular season games, starting 52 of those games- for 22 minutes of action. That, folks, was a waste of time and a roster spot for a team who has been in rebuilding mode a season after their vocal leader, Kobe Bryant, walked away from the game, for good.
Fast-forward to the off-season prior to the 2017-2018 season. The Lakers- right after picking Lonzo Ball as the 2nd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, acquired Brook Lopez and the rights to Kyle Kuzma, the draft’s 27th pick from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell AND Timofey Mozgov. FINALLY!
Okay! Calm yourselves down, folks. This basketball pundit used to cheer for D’Angelo Russell during his stint with the Lakers but his immaturity both on and off the court was one of the reasons why this trade needs to happen and this pundit was very much relieved that the Lakers did the right thing. Russell has the potential to evolve into one of the best point guards in the NBA but his unnecessary actions are hampering and hurting his growth.
As for Mozgov, the Lakers letting him go for Brook Lopez AND Kyle Kuzma- definitely a steal in this year’s draft, is a good deal especially for the part of the Lakers. Why?
  1. First and foremost, Brook Lopez is already an established big man in the NBA, having produced big numbers during his 9 seasons with the Nets franchise. His numbers during the 2016-2017 season saw him average 20 points and 5 boards per night. He will be a welcome addition to the starting line-up of Coach Luke Walton once the regular season kicks off.
  2. As mentioned, Kyle Kuzma is one of the best things that have happened to the Lakers this off-season. In fact, during the ongoing preseason games, Kuzma is in 8th place in points per game, norming 19 points. While the Lakers just lost another preseason game to the Utah Jazz, 105-99, that doesn’t change the fact that the future of the Lakers has thanks to the arrival of Kuzma.
  3. Simply put it this way: Even though Timofey Mozgov once scored 23 points and grabbed 29 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors during his stint with the Denver Nuggets back in 2014, Mozgov remains as one of the most overpaid and yet, underperforming big men the league has ever witnessed. 

Conclusion:

Letting go of Timofey Mozgov along with his hefty contract frees up a roster spot in the rotation of Luke Walton. This means that guys like Ivaca Zubac, Thomas Bryant and even journeyman forward, Corey Brewer will likely see their playing minutes increase come the regular season. Now, if the Lakers got rid of Timofey Mozgov, then it only means that they can also get rid of Luol Deng, right?  

Jordan Clarkson will not be a Starter this Season, How does Clarkson Feel About it?

Magic Johnson Wants Jordan Clarkson to be Sixth Man of the Year

Jordan Clarkson sixth man of the year
In his three years in the NBA where he played with the Lakers, he has averaged in double figures and was one of the most consistent contributors for the Lakers.
The 25-year-old Filipino-American made news and turned some heads as he played above expectation. Clarkson is a second round pick / 46 overall back in 2014.  He has averaged 14.7 points per game last year with 44% FG percentage in 29 minutes of play.
This year, the Lakers have acquired the highly advertised rookie Lonzo Ball and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope both will be getting the starting role for the Lakers.
This leaves Jordan Clarkson with a backup role and his minutes maybe just be decreased this year as the Lakers management has shown great anticipation and support for their two new guards.
Magic Johnson has scripted the situation well and has challenged Jordan Clarkson to be the Sixthman of the year.
Jordan Clarkson responded and said that it’s really nothing new to him and that his job is to make an impact when his number is called.
Coincidentally, Jordan Clarkson has been wearing jersey number 6 which should be a reminder of his task this year.

The Dwayne Wade Effect

This deal will have a series of rippling effects

The Cavs has just gotten stronger. Or have they?
When the news about the Chicago Bulls and Dwayne Wade finally had agreed on the buyout agreement with regards to Wade’s contract, the rest of the NBA went crazy because of the great number of teams already lining up to get Wade’s services. And believe it or not, one of those teams that approached the Flash is the Oklahoma City Thunder which recently acquired another star in Carmelo Anthony via a trade just last week. 
Of course, there were talks about the possibility of a return to the Miami Heat but if anything, no rumors grew louder than the one surrounding the possibility of a reunion between Wade and LeBron James, in Cleveland. And true to form, one of the greatest dynamic duos that the NBA has seen, has just been reunited after Dwayne Wade agreed to play with his pal, LeBron James, for the defending Eastern Conference champions, Cleveland Cavaliers.
Many NBA pundits, including the one writing this piece, has already predicted this reunion but to some, it’s not the question of the talents of both Wade and LeBron because when it comes to talent, we all know how talented both players are especially during their championship runs with the Miami Heat.
It’s the question of how Wade will be able to blend in a Cavaliers roster that already has Kevin Love, Isaiah Thomas and of course, Derrick Rose. While Wade has been expected to start for the Cavs, Rose will likely start in place of Thomas who is likely to miss some games as he is still recovering from the hip injury he sustained during last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. 
With  everything that has been said, below are the major effects of this deal not just to the Cavs, but to the rest of the league:

A Super Team Gone More Super(?)

During the past 3 seasons, super teams have been popping out in the NBA thanks to the effect that is called, the Golden State Warriors effect. While some say that it was LeBron James who started this trend when he joined the Heat back in 2010, the balance in the NBA has never been the same since  Kevin Durant joined the Warriors last season after the latter blew a 3-1 lead in the Finals the season before it. That’s how everyone wanted to beat the Warriors so badly. 
While the Cavs are still considered as a powerhouse team in the East even before Dwayne Wade came over, there’s no doubt in everyone’s mind that this deal will cement the Cavs’ status as one of the strongest teams in the league- at least on paper. In fact, they might be better come the regular season and the playoffs because we all know that Wade has been one of the most reliable clutch players any coach can trust to make the final shot. It’s now the question of how Coach Tyronn Lue will manage his rotation and how the players will react to Wade’s arrival. 
But like it or not, the Cavs is now a team which can go miles and miles away with four superstars in their starting line-up.

The East Belongs to the Cavs. For now.

Like it or not, even a Boston Celtics team that has Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward plus Al Horford cannot compete with the Cavs- at least on paper. The Bulls have lost Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo to the West. The Toronto Raptors will have to hope that DeMar DeRozan will lessen his tendency to shoot bricks should they want to compete against the Cavs. 
The Washington Wizards? John Wall can’t carry the Wizards even if he has magic powers like Harry Potter. Who is left to challenge the Cavs come the playoffs? Answer:  Nobody. The Celtics can try but the Cavaliers will have more firepower by then should Wade, Thomas and Rose stay healthy come playoff time. 

Increased Chances of Keeping LeBron. For now.

While the rumors surrounding LeBron’s impending move to the Los Angeles Lakers come next season are refusing to die, having one of his best pals in the team will help LeBron rebuild his strained relationship with the Cavs front office. Or at the very least, keep the tensions minimal. Wade’s arrival will also add leadership which will be very much needed especially during clutch situations. 
But one important effect of the Dwayne Wade deal for Cleveland, in general, is that one way or another, this deal will increase the Cavs’ chances of keeping LeBron especially if this reunion will produce a championship assuming Cleveland makes it back to the Finals and beat the Warriors. And should that scenario happens, there’s a high chance that the King will reconsider his decision to sign with the Lakers come July of 2018. But given the fact that this is the NBA, anything can happen between now and 2018 so basically, it’s a wait-and-see game. 
In the end, chemistry will dictate how far this reunion will go and if this reunion will indeed, end in a championship parade. Yes, the Cavs have gotten themselves a veteran star in Wade. Yes, the Cavs have no one else in the East to at least, challenge them come playoffs. And yes, NBA fans, the Cavs have formed an even deadlier-on-paper super team who will try to dethrone the Warriors. 

LeBron to Lakers in 2018: The Inevitability?

His Majesty will take his talents to the West

The King’s next destination: Hollywood?
Make no mistake about it. LeBron James, despite his recent NBA Finals defeat at the hands of Stephen Curry and the rest of the Golden State Warriors, remains as one of the best basketball players that the world has seen. And whether you love him or not, you know, as well as the rest of the league knows, that the King is not yet done. He still has a healthy body which can enable him to play for a couple of years. And yes, even at the age of 32, LeBron James is the definition of greatness.

Throughout the 2016-2017 season, His Majesty has averaged 26 points per game, 8 assists and 8 rebounds. That’s the kind of stat line anyone would expect from a player of LeBron’s calibre. And as mentioned, he is not slowing down any time soon especially now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have traded its star point guard, Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for another star, Isaiah Thomas and a bunch of role players.

While Thomas’ game has flourished tremendously as we saw during the entire 2016-2017 season and eventually leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, Thomas himself sustained a hip injury during their series against Cleveland which almost vetoed the said trade. This trade plus LeBron’s apparent strained relationship with the management is just one of the many reasons why he is about to break the hearts of the Cavs fans. Again.

If we’re going to look back at history, LeBron James has already jumped from one ship to the other, the first being in 2010 when he took his talents to Miami where he joined Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form the Big 3. Most people thought that the Heat’s Big 3 would dominate the league for a long period of time.

Nope. LeBron again, broke the heart of Miami fans in 2014 when he left and returned to the Cavs where he would join Irving and Kevin Love for another Big 3 of their own. Now? If we are to believe the rumors, the King is about to make a big jump, literally and figuratively. As far as people around LeBron are concerned, LeBron Raymone James will be taking his talents out West, and is seasoned to be joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Yep. You read it right, folks. The Lakers, whether we like it or not, will likely be the next beneficiary of LeBron’s services.

Assuming that it will happen, will this impending move change the fortunes of the Lakers who have been struggling to even win winnable games during the recent years? The answer is: yes. Adding a LeBron James to the Purple and Gold will change the direction of the wind for Los Angeles, drastically. Keep in mind, folks. The Lakers have one of the most hyped rookies in recent history in Lonzo Ball. And, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle are improving too.

Just imagine if the King crosses to the West, yes, he can help the Lakers win more games. But can he help them dethrone the Warriors, challenge the Spurs, diffuse the Rockets?

The answer is: It depends. It depends on the chemistry that will be built come LeBron’s arrival. It depends on how the rest of the Lakers will react. And most importantly, the success of the Lakers will depend on who is willing to take the shot come clutch situation and that’s where LeBron is needed, right?

July 2018 is still far away and we have a 2017-2018 season ahead of us. For the fans of the Lakers and the Cavs, it’s going to be a long, agonizing wait. It’s like waiting for your love of your life to leave you on that specific date. Many things can still happen between now and Free Agency 2018, and if you’ve been watching the NBA during the last few years, then you know that anything can happen.

Kobe Bryant’s Jersey Retirement on December 18!

TMZ Sports reported that the Los Angeles Lakers will retire Kobe Bryant’s jersey when they host the Golden State Warriors on December 18, which according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN sources confirmed.
Now the question is that which of the numbers The Black Mamba wore with the Lakers will be retired, the afro Kobe (no. 8) or bald Kobe (no. 24)? All of his fans want their idol to be the first to have both hanging in the rafters of the Staples Center.
Kobe Bryant will be joining Wilt Chamberlain (13), Elgin Baylor (22), Gail Goodrich (25), Magic Johnson (32), Abdul-Jabbar (33), O’Neal (34), James Worthy (42), Jerry West (44) and Jamaal Wilkes (52) as the 10th Laker to have his jersey retired by the team.
Kobe Bryant has been retired for more than a year already. He played 20 seasons with the Lakers, winning five championships. The man have set the record of eighteen  All-Star. Currently, he is the third all-time on the NBA scoring list behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
Vino is not yet a Basketball Hall of Famer. Bryant is not yet eligible for enshrinement, but the Los Angeles Lakers is confident he will be inducted.
December 18 is going to be “legendary-est”!

Johnson Told Lakers to Take $500K Tampering Fine out of his Paycheck

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The National Basketball Association issued a fine to the Los Angeles Lakers for violating the NBA’s anti-tampering rule after general manager Rob Pelinka was found to have had contact with Paul George’s agent after the team had already been warned.
The fine was $500,000.00 as a penalty for anti-tampering rule.
Lakers’ president of basketball operations Magic Johnson took full responsibility for the teams tampering fine and said he told owner Jeanie Buss to take the money out of his paycheck.

“I apologize to Jeanie, and that was the main thing. I told her she could take it out of my salary because I don’t want the Lakers to be paying that fine. I don’t want her spending $500,000, because she didn’t do anything. That’s on me.” Johnson said..

Lakers Trades their 2015 Number 2 Draft, What Will They Do this Year?

There will be a changing of the guards this year and the Lakers are leading the pack. They are set to pick Lonzo Ball but there is also a big possibility that he can be traded.
The Lakers is thinking long term and every move that they are doing is basically in preperation for Paul George.
The Lakers hold the No. 2 pick for the third year in a row. Before selecting D’Angelo Russell in 2015 and Brandon Ingram in 2016, they hadn’t picked as high as second since selecting James Worthy first overall in 1982. Last year’s selection of Ingram was the franchise’s fifth pick ever in the lottery (1985-present). The Lakers selected Eddie Jones with the 11th pick in 1994, chose Andrew Bynum with the 10th pick in 2005 and tapped Julius Randle with the seventh pick in 2014.

D’Angelo Russell is Going To Brooklyn for Brook Lopez Expiring Contract to Open Up a Space for PG13 and LeBron

Magic Johnson, the current basketball of operations of the Los Angeles Lakers is true to his word when he said that only and only Brandon Ingram is safe from being traded.
The 2015 2nd overall pick apparently isn’t who the Lakers is looking for as they now braced for his replacement this year.
Another 2nd overall pick is on the horizon and it is looking like Lonzo Ball will be that person.
And since you practically will get the point guard Lakers wanted, there is no sense of keeping another.
The recent move of the Los Angeles Lakers to trade away D’Angelo Russell and Timothy Mozgov is clearly a salary cap clearing move to make way for their big push in the upcoming 2018 free agency season that could land them two potential superstars with the name of Paul George and LeBron James.
Brooklyn was the chosen destination. The Nets was willing to absorb the contract of  worth about $54 from  the Lakers in exchange for Brook Lopez expiring contract.
Lakers also receives 27th pick of this year’s rookie draft.

Paul George Said His Early Goodbye to Pacers. Indiana Scrambles, Talks to the Cavaliers

It’s official, Paul George wants to be a Laker after his contract expires in 2018.
Lakers fans right now has something to smile about as the 27-year-old George is set to sign with them in an obvious move after revealing a number of times on television how he likes to be a Laker. That is punctuated after he officially informed the Pacers franchise that he would be leaving for the former.
Paul George is having the times of his life averaging his best point production in seven seasons at 23.7. He is the epitome of a comeback player, after having an almost career ending injury breaking his leg. He is playing as if nothing happened.
Indiana Pacers is left scrambling to their feet and would not probably wait for 2018 to let go of the star forward. It would make sense for them to trade him to a team that would need instant offense and would accept him for one year and one year only.
Who would be crazy to do that?
According to news and reliable NBA insider from the Vertical, Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pacers is engaged in a conversation with the Cavaliers for a short term trade/rental of Lakers bound Paul George in exchange for Kevin Love who recently has not found the rhythm to work with the Cavaliers roster.
Paul George is an exciting prospect for any team but to have him for just one year may not be as attractive as it is.
Do you think the Cavaliers should get Paul George?

Potential Trade: It’s Fultz NOT Ball for the Lakers

Lakers has been, well not the Lakers for years.
Last season, they once again finished at the bottom of the standing and the fans simply deserved more. 
This season, Lakers has a chance to really change for the better. The number 2 draft overall is in their possession and they have a number of pawns to make some big league shaking move.
A lot of news on Lakers picking Lonzo Ball and the standout from UCLA wanted the same. Unfortunately, Lakers President Magic Johnson is probably thinking of someone else in Markelle Fultz. 
After the two prospect workouts with the Lakers, we have been hearing that Lakers was not impressed with Lonzo and Markelle Fultz is the better choice. 
According to sources, they are even willing to trade The number 2 pick and Julius Randle just to get Fultz.
What do you think about this move?

Oh No! Oh Yes! Lakers Not Sold On Lonzo Ball

Mixed reactions. That’s what I am feeling now about the recent rumors about Lakers not taking Lonzo. Sure there are other great prospects in the draft pool but to pass on Lonzo, you would always wonder what if.  
Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon explain that while Lonzo Ball’s workout with the Los Angeles Lakers did not play to his strengths, they believe he will still be drafted No. 2 overall by L.A.

Spread Love: Happy NBA Valentines!

Valentines day is upon us. Today it would really be a lot of fun to know players who are somehow connected to this romantic day.

“Can You Be My Valentine?”

These players can be literally your “Valentine”. Check these Mr. Valentines of the NBA now and then.
The 1980 NBA Draft’s 51st pick, Ronnie Valentine was the first Mr. Valentine of the NBA. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and played in only 24 games of 1980-1981 NBA season, scoring 84 points. 
Then, the point guard from the Chicago, Darnell Valentine courted the NBA. He was not rejected and proved himself, scoring career 5,400 points, dishing 3,080 assists and grabbing 1,318 rebounds in his 10 years of his relationship with the NBA, specifically for the Portland Trailblazers (1981-1986), Los Angeles Clippers (1986-1988), and for the Cleveland Cavaliers (1988-1991).
Today, another Mr. Valentine showed up in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls Shooting Guard, Denzel Valentine. But, he is currently playing for the Windy City Bulls in the NBA Development League.

“Keep Calm and Love Balling”

Many fall in love with this sport. The proof was the three “Love” of the NBA that suited teams to play the sport  they love.
First was Bob Love, that brought great impact for the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, New York Nets and Seattle SuperSonics because of his playing style. He is a versatile forward who could shoot either with his left or right hand. He ended up with 13,895 points, 4,635 rebounds and 1,123 assists. 
Stan Love entered the League next, he played for the Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs and retire having 1,579 points, 929 rebounds and 181 assists. 
Stan Love’s love of the game was the heritage of the current Cavalier, Kevin Love. It’s undeniable that Kevin is one of the best Forwards to ever play the game, his devotion and love to the game inspire others to also love the sport. Love played for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2008-2014 and is playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-present.
Happy Valentines Day! Spread the love this Valentines Day. #NBA

Luke Walton and The Lakers are Doing Something that is Very Rare in the NBA

The Los Angeles Lakers changed for the better this season. Like it or not, the long overdue departure of Kobe Bryant helped the Lakers not only win games but open up opportunities for young and talented players to flourish and achieve their potentials. None would have happened if Kobe Bryant was still around.
Luke Walton and the Los Angeles Lakers is still not considered as a top team but their performances are turning heads and they are in potential contention this year for the playoffs. Standing number 3 in the pacific and number 9 in the west, they are withing striking distance to achieve a goal that the Lakers in recent years have failed to do with old Kobe Bryant leading the pack.
Lakers’ young guys are also thriving with the system of Luke Walton. Young guys like Jordan Clarkson, D’Angleo Russel, Julius Randle had been impressive this season, but they are not the one that should get credit for the renewed energy surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Other young men like Larry Nance Jr and Tarik Black who were undrafted, 2nd round draft pick and rookie Brandon Ingram and even veteran Nick Young has suddenly emerged again under the new system.
The Lakers is a young team and is now considered as an emerging power in the west and  they are making waves doing something that is rarely being done by other teams today.  Coach Luke Walton values his reserves and the team’s balance so much that no Laker is averaging even 28.5 minutes per game – a rarity in the NBA.
Will the Lakers reach the playoffs this season?

Getting Wiggy with it . Wiggins 47 career high against LA Lakers! 125-99.

Just after a beat down from the other Los Angeles team, The Wolves headed by Andrew Wiggins were on a mission to win and get closer to the .500 record. They improved to 3-6 and the Lakers fall to 6-5. 

Wiggins is proving to be an all star type of player who shot 14-21 .667% with 4 rebs, 3 assists and a block. Bjelica also had a career high scoring 24 points and 8 rebs, Karl Towns had a decent game as well 22 points, 12 rebounds and 1 block. LA was headed by Lou Williams with 17, Clarkson and Randle added 14 however DLo struggled and only had 7 pts who shot 3-10 from the field. 

Here’s the highlight of Wiggins Career Night courtesy of Free Dawkins




Written by:
Aldrin C.
Team Powcast
Solid Twolves and Celtics fan 🙂 

Rudy Gay and the Kings Win To The Lakers

The Kings win to the Lakers, 116-104, in their second exhibition game without Demarcus Cousin, Ty Lawson and Omri Casspi. Lakers beat them in the preseason opener.

Darren Collison  has 20 points, Anthony Tolliver scored for the Kings, made 21 points off of the bench. Rudy Gay finished the game with a 19-9-7.

Lakers went down nineteen in the first half and came back strong. They had a great third quarter. They tied it at 80 a few minutes into the fourth. D’Angelo Russell was killing it. The game showcased what this young prospect is capable of.  He has 31 points.

Tough match up coming up. The Lakers will go against the warriors twice.

Lakers Waive Auguste, Jacobs, Wear


Posted by Lakers.com: Oct 12, 2016

EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have waived forward Zach Auguste, guard Julian Jacobs, and forward Travis Wear, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Auguste was signed on August 29 and did not appear in any of the four preseason games for the Lakers. He averaged 5.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15:41 minutes per game in four games (one start) for the Lakers’ entry in the 2016 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Jacobs was signed September 1 and appeared in two preseason games for Los Angeles, scoring three points with two assists in 11 minutes.

Wear was also signed September 1, and saw action in two preseason games for the Lakers, scoring three points in addition to two rebounds in 11 minutes.

The Lakers training camp roster stands at 17.

Lakers Second Win Of Their Third Preseason Game

Photo credit: Lakers Nation

October 10, 2016 – Lakers bounced back from their loss to Denver Nuggets last Saturday, 124-115, as they face each other for the second time at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario.

Their first game against the Nuggets was the bench’s night, the second game was the starters’.

Lakers’ backcourt D’Angelo Russell’s sharp shooting and Lou Williams’ fourth quarter explosion dominated the headlines.

With Jusuf Nurkic 16 rebounds, Lakers frontcourt on the other hand was outrebounded by the Nuggets more than 20 times.

This is the team’s third exhibition game. Ingram still needs to work to finally emerge, but his defense is looking nice.

D’Lo with 33. Lou Will with 25. Randle with 16 and Swaggy P with 14.

Lakers Came up Short Against the Nuggets

Nuggets took the win today against the Lakers. The Nurkic-Jokic duo was pretty good, but Jamaal Murray did all the work for the Nuggets to win.

Coach Luke Walton gave the third unit some playing time in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter. Despite the loss, Lakers are looking good so far..

The Lakers played back at Staples Center for the first time this season. The last time the Lakers were in their home arena was when Kobe Bryant played his final game, scoring 60 points and leading Los Angeles to a comeback victory.

Coach Luke gets to play his former team on Saturday, October 15 as the LA Lakers take on the 2015 Champion Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Areana. The game starts at 7:00 pm.

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Headline pic 📷: NBA l Denver Nuggets