2024-25 NBA Thread

[The Sultan]

LeBron averaged 24.4 ppg on 51% shooting, 8.2 apg and 7.8 rpg this season. Nobody out there can replace that, even if he were the worst defensive player in the league (which he isn't).

So I don't get "He should be done." Especially the matter-of-fact, shoulder-shrugging way some are delivering that opinion - as if LeBron has become the NBA version of Willie Mays on the '73 Mets.

There are two things you can't count on from forgetful come playoff time:

1. Complaining about the refs, and

2. Underselling Lebron

He can obviously still play basketball at a high level. Obviously not as dominant as he used to be, but putting a younger scorer with him in Luka, and getting some size as you point out, and they are going to be a high level team next year. So my guess is that he rolls it back for one more.

[forgetful]

LeBron averaged 24.4 ppg on 51% shooting, 8.2 apg and 7.8 rpg this season. Nobody out there can replace that, even if he were the worst defensive player in the league (which he isn't).

So I don't get "He should be done." Especially the matter-of-fact, shoulder-shrugging way some are delivering that opinion - as if LeBron has become the NBA version of Willie Mays on the '73 Mets.

The Lakers expect to contend every season. Unless they can replace LeBron with someone at least as good - and they can't - why would they want him to be done? And unless LeBron is no longer enjoying the challenge - something I've seen no evidence of - why would he want to be done?

What they should do (and maybe will do) is try make the Mark Williams trade again or go after someone similar. They need a shot-blocker/rebounder with some size who can play 25-30 minutes.

Lebron has always been a stats collector by being ball dominant. He is better at this age than I expected, because he has completely restructured his shot and is a very effective outside shooter now. That is impressive.

But he is terrible on defense. He is usually out of position, and largely just stands around. On offense he also does not move at all without the ball, but largely stands around. He never demands a double team, and teams honestly leave him open much of the time.

Is he still a good player, yes, definitely, but despite the stats he is, in my opinion, holding back the team a bit.

Doncic, healthy Anthony Davis, and Reaves might make it to the finals. Doncic, healthy Lebron, and Reaves are out in round 1.

[wadesworld]

Clueless. You really think the best possible NBA team is to put 5 of the most ball dominant players on the floor at the same time?

No concept how to build a roster. I'm sure you'd have KD as the 6th man so he could lead them to the title.

LOL.  The only player Draymond replacing that might make forgetful's proposed roster better than would be Luka.  Suggesting replacing Giannis with Draymond makes that roster better is an even worse take than KD can't lead the Warriors to a title (despite 2 Finals MVPs to show otherwise) but Jimmy Butler can.

[Jockey]

LOL.  The only player Draymond replacing that might make forgetful's proposed roster better than would be Luka.  Suggesting replacing Giannis with Draymond makes that roster better is an even worse take than KD can't lead the Warriors to a title (despite 2 Finals MVPs to show otherwise) but Jimmy Butler can.

I notice how you never mention that Iguadala also 'led' GS to a title.

But you are right about replacing Doncic. I don't even know if it exists, but I'd love to see a stat that measures scoring to time of possessing the ball. Even as a prolific scorer, Luka would be no where near the top.

One final point: you and Sultan act as though a team plays all 48 minutes on the offensive end. It don't work that way. Defense decides as many titles (or more) than offense.

[wadesworld]

I notice how you never mention that Iguadala also 'led' GS to a title.

But you are right about replacing Doncic. I don't even know if it exists, but I'd love to see a stat that measures scoring to time of possessing the ball. Even as a prolific scorer, Luka would be no where near the top.

One final point: you and Sultan act as though a team plays all 48 minutes on the offensive end. It don't work that way. Defense decides as many titles (or more) than offense.

Are you suggesting that Giannis doesn't defend?  Because LOL again.

[The Sultan]

One final point: you and Sultan act as though a team plays all 48 minutes on the offensive end. It don't work that way. Defense decides as many titles (or more) than offense.

WTF are you talking about? I never entered into this inane discussion.

[Jockey]

Who is mad?

Not you, but he gets a lot of criticism for being who he is.

[Jockey]

Are you suggesting that Giannis doesn't defend?  Because LOL again.

No I didn't say that.

[Billy Hoyle]

Ty Halliburton's dad banned from Pacers games for an indefinite period. FAFO:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1918035610075578404

[Pakuni]

Choosing a middling former college basketball coach as your GM is an interesting choice by the Suns.

[MuggsyB]

I can't believe the disrespect you have for the immortal jellyfish. They beat Father Time every time

Fair enough!  I have tremendous respect for them and apologize profusely. 

[MuggsyB]

There are two things you can't count on from forgetful come playoff time:

1. Complaining about the refs, and

2. Underselling Lebron

He can obviously still play basketball at a high level. Obviously not as dominant as he used to be, but putting a younger scorer with him in Luka, and getting some size as you point out, and they are going to be a high level team next year. So my guess is that he rolls it back for one more.

The officiating was beyond atrocious and pro Lakers last night.  No rational person who saw the game could think otherwise.  Lebron fell down when no one touched him at least 3 times and they called fouls.  Once he fell down banging into his teammate.  Forgetful doesn't deserved to be attacked, he's 100% correct. 

[The Sultan]

The officiating was beyond atrocious and pro Lakers last night.  No rational person who saw the game could think otherwise.  Lebron fell down when no one touched him at least 3 times and they called fouls.  Once he fell down banging into his teammate.  Forgetful doesn't deserved to be attacked, he's 100% correct. 

No worry Muggs. I already ignore most of your posts, and this just makes it easier to continue doing that. 

[MuggsyB]

I get Luka being criticized heavily (no pun intended) for his defense but the guy had food poisoning for one game and back spasms for another.  Meanwhile, Lebron was awful yesterday on both ends of floor.  And he was terrible all series in the 4th Q.  Both should be taking the heat, not just Luka.

[MuggsyB]

No worry Muggs. I already ignore most of your posts, and this just makes it easier to continue doing that. 

Doesn't read like you're ignoring the post.  You are wrong about the refs last night.  Period. 

[The Sultan]

Doesn't read like you're ignoring the post.  You are wrong about the refs last night.  Period. 

You should triple down on your nonsense. It makes you look even more whacky.

[Uncle Rico]

I know one thing for certain, the NBA will do everything in their power to cheat for LeBron and the Lakers because that's what ESPN wants, just like they did for Magic, Bird, MJ, Kobe, Shaq and Tim Duncan

[MU82]

Pretty embarrassing performance by the Dubs. 

I just heard that their starters scored only 40 points - the lowest total for starters in the HISTORY of NBA playoffs.

A team with 2 and possibly 3 Hall of Famers, including the greatest shooter ever, set this record. Wow!

[MuggsyB]

I know one thing for certain, the NBA will do everything in their power to cheat for LeBron and the Lakers because that's what ESPN wants, just like they did for Magic, Bird, MJ, Kobe, Shaq and Tim Duncan

I watched the game.  Magic, Bird, Kobe, Shaq, and Duncan didn't flop like crazy.  They also didn't fake read or create fake narratives for optics.   Although, some of them had other issues. 

[MuggsyB]

I just heard that their starters scored only 40 points - the lowest total for starters in the HISTORY of NBA playoffs.

A team with 2 and possibly 3 Hall of Famers, including the greatest shooter ever, set this record. Wow!

Curry's thumb is fked up. Very upsetting. 

[MuggsyB]

Ouch.   RIP Detroit Pistons. 

[MuggsyB]

Wow!  I guess I jumped the gun!

[tower912]

Ouch.   RIP Detroit Pistons. 

Thanks for the muggsy jinx.

[Uncle Rico]

Wow!  I guess I jumped the gun!

What was the score?  2-0?

[forgetful]

The officiating was beyond atrocious and pro Lakers last night.  No rational person who saw the game could think otherwise.  Lebron fell down when no one touched him at least 3 times and they called fouls.  Once he fell down banging into his teammate.  Forgetful doesn't deserved to be attacked, he's 100% correct. 

Thank you.

My favorite call was when Lebron grabbed a defender by both shoulders, including yanking on the jersey with one and quite literally throwing him to the side, while holding him...and the refs calling a foul on the defender and sending him to the FT line.