That Pelicans team was pretty good, especially when they surrounded AD and Jrue with shooters (and were healthy). This Lakers team is without LeBron is significantly worse.
Going to be exciting when We get to see Poole in a more defined backup role. Coming in for Klay then staying on the court when Ateph subs out. He’s going to see starting caliber lineups from the bench unit especially that 2nd quarter when he’s flanked by Iguodala, Klay, Lee, Bjeliza/Porter
Not sure. I think it's a culture thing with Minn more than anything else. Too selfish. Too lazy. It's why Butler wanted out. I have a hard time believing LaMelo thrives under that culture.
Scoring is only a subset of offense. Is Edwards a better scorer than Ball? Probably (though his efficiency this year is so bad that it probably is providing negative value if he continues at his current efficiency. It's 50% TS before this game. For context, even Wiggins is at 54% TS).
Ball's scoring isn't what makes him a great offensive player, it's his passing. He gets his team into transition a ridiculous amount (and transition opportunities are super efficient). On our own team, we see how many easy points Steph and Dray create by running fast and using hit-ahead passes. He has loads of layup/dunk passes (again, super efficient offense). So while he has fewer points individually, a team with LaMelo Ball (2021 version) will usually create more points than a team with AntMan (2021 version) because the entire team scores more effectively with Ball being the primary decision-maker.
I think the fact that Charlotte has the 8th best offense this year (in terms of points scored per 100 possessions) while Minnesota has the 25th best offense despite both teams being similarly talented on offense is evidence of my point.
Now, Edwards may develop into a playmaking force into the future (he has some really nice passing flashes sometimes). But he's not there yet while Ball already is.
Good analysis. However, we have to consider the supporting casts of both teams and how Lamelo and Edwards would pair with them, too. No doubt, Lamelo is the better playmaker and rebounder and his BBIQ is very high. Edwards will never reach the heights of playmaking and ball handling that Lamelo has. Ball also has excellent hands and is a great stealer. In my mind, substituting Ball for Edwards in MN, would not be a better fit as long as DLo remains. MN would have to rearrange their team to a great degree in order to compete in the West, while Ball fits perfectly with his teammates, Bridges, Hayward. If Oubre can make that jump to better scoring efficiency, they will have a nice core while trying to replace Rozier and building their bench.
MN is kind of a jinxed team. They have made so many mistakes with their personnel over the years. They usually shoot themselves in the foot. It's a badly run organization and it's damned cold in the winter. They could have had KAT, Wiggins, Lamelo, Covington, and the # 7 pick in the 2021 draft if the Warriors didn't picked their pocket. They are self defeating. While Edwards is a nice piece to have, they don't see the bigger picture and don't know how to build a team that really competes in the West. Warriors made a genius trade getting rid of Dlo who would never fit on our team. Kudos to them.
So are the Lakers without LeBron worse than the AD Pelicans? I say… yes.
Lakers are still a dangerous team.
That Pelicans team was pretty good, especially when they surrounded AD and Jrue with shooters (and were healthy). This Lakers team is without LeBron is significantly worse.
Exactly
ok my friends, post game part is up: https://dubnationhq.com/p/warriors-cannot-be-stopped-hold-off
what a fuckin gaaaaaaaaaame!!!
Loving this team, loving this roster!
Westbrook giveth, Westbrick taketh. Put some OT on those old legs, that'll end well.
Somebody called Lakers Miami OT, whoever you were take a bow
Good game for those solidly on the Looney bandwagon. Same with Wiggins.
They heard the slander!
I think Wiggins island gained a few immigrants tonight. It was getting really deserted.
My chat with him obviously helped.
On vacation
Tucker with the perfect D to bait Westbrook into taking a three
https://dubnationhq.com/p/game-thread-porter-out-iguodala-back/comment/3550389
I mean, just saying.
> stopnpop
> Nov 8
>
> They are playing MIN next sooo maybe he's saving some of his mana for that...
that stopnpop kid gets it!
Westbrook forgot to box out Tucker…..tie game
Westbrook final shot…..we’re headed for overtime
Hope Draymond are ready for the next game esp. for the road trip
What the hell is LeBron wearing
outfit from Dr Evil (Austin Powers)
I was thinking the 4077
Going to be exciting when We get to see Poole in a more defined backup role. Coming in for Klay then staying on the court when Ateph subs out. He’s going to see starting caliber lineups from the bench unit especially that 2nd quarter when he’s flanked by Iguodala, Klay, Lee, Bjeliza/Porter
Westbrook having one of those games that bolsters his overinflated opinion of himself.
See above
You mean ... all of them?
What would Minny look like if they had picked Lamelo over Edwards?
Ball-DLo sounds like a really porous backcourt.
They could have kept Wiggins, kept the draft pick that the Ws used to get Kuminga, and then drafted Lamelo.
Probably better. Would help them understand D'Lo ain't it at least.
Not sure. I think it's a culture thing with Minn more than anything else. Too selfish. Too lazy. It's why Butler wanted out. I have a hard time believing LaMelo thrives under that culture.
Agree with that, but Edwards is a natural scorer. Without his points, MN is nothing.
Basically, there's a reason why Charlotte is 8th in offense while Minnesota is 25th despite comparable offensive talent.
explain, please
Scoring is only a subset of offense. Is Edwards a better scorer than Ball? Probably (though his efficiency this year is so bad that it probably is providing negative value if he continues at his current efficiency. It's 50% TS before this game. For context, even Wiggins is at 54% TS).
Ball's scoring isn't what makes him a great offensive player, it's his passing. He gets his team into transition a ridiculous amount (and transition opportunities are super efficient). On our own team, we see how many easy points Steph and Dray create by running fast and using hit-ahead passes. He has loads of layup/dunk passes (again, super efficient offense). So while he has fewer points individually, a team with LaMelo Ball (2021 version) will usually create more points than a team with AntMan (2021 version) because the entire team scores more effectively with Ball being the primary decision-maker.
I think the fact that Charlotte has the 8th best offense this year (in terms of points scored per 100 possessions) while Minnesota has the 25th best offense despite both teams being similarly talented on offense is evidence of my point.
Now, Edwards may develop into a playmaking force into the future (he has some really nice passing flashes sometimes). But he's not there yet while Ball already is.
Good analysis. However, we have to consider the supporting casts of both teams and how Lamelo and Edwards would pair with them, too. No doubt, Lamelo is the better playmaker and rebounder and his BBIQ is very high. Edwards will never reach the heights of playmaking and ball handling that Lamelo has. Ball also has excellent hands and is a great stealer. In my mind, substituting Ball for Edwards in MN, would not be a better fit as long as DLo remains. MN would have to rearrange their team to a great degree in order to compete in the West, while Ball fits perfectly with his teammates, Bridges, Hayward. If Oubre can make that jump to better scoring efficiency, they will have a nice core while trying to replace Rozier and building their bench.
MN is kind of a jinxed team. They have made so many mistakes with their personnel over the years. They usually shoot themselves in the foot. It's a badly run organization and it's damned cold in the winter. They could have had KAT, Wiggins, Lamelo, Covington, and the # 7 pick in the 2021 draft if the Warriors didn't picked their pocket. They are self defeating. While Edwards is a nice piece to have, they don't see the bigger picture and don't know how to build a team that really competes in the West. Warriors made a genius trade getting rid of Dlo who would never fit on our team. Kudos to them.
Playmaking + Scoring >>> Scoring.
I solemnly request to never see Patrick Beverly on my TV again. That man is irrationally irritating.
He knows his job
He's got GP2s motor and CP3s arsenal of sneaky bullshit. Nasty little pomeranian of a man.
Also, low key Go Heat!
Damn 108-108 in LA.
112-112 ... 23.5 secs to go