Where do you rank the Lakers?..

[HarlemHeat37]

Certainly they aren't as bad as their record, and they may not be as good as their current win streak, time will tell..every good team in the NBA has successful stretches, including wins over quality teams..

Where do you think the Lakers will rank as a contender by the beginning of the playoffs?..

All factors considered, they will be the 6th best team in the NBA and a dark horse contender behind Miami/OKC/SA/LA/CHI IMO..

Where does everybody think they will rank, re: as contenders(not seeding)..

[Venti Quattro]

6th in the West is their ceiling. If this streak is their switch, then it came way too late.

[phyzik]

8th or 9th. If they make the 8th seed, Spurs will dismantle them. That's a big "if" as it stands now.

[D12]

We're number one. A team with this amount of talent, it was only a matter of time. I knew it all along.

[midnightpulp]

Certainly they aren't as bad as their record, and they may not be as good as their current win streak, time will tell..every good team in the NBA has successful stretches, including wins over quality teams..

Where do you think the Lakers will rank as a contender by the beginning of the playoffs?..

All factors considered, they will be the 5th best team in the NBA and a dark horse contender behind Miami/OKC/SA/LA IMO..

Where does everybody think they will rank, re: as contenders(not seeding)..

Too early to tell, honestly. Once again, the Lakers have completely revamped their identity, and I think it's catching the opposition off-guard, much like when Bickerstaff came in and had the Lakers playing free and loose after the Mike Brown experiment.

I expect Clark to eventually come back down to earth, and Nash and Jamison to wear down (although since Nash has been reduced to the Derek Fisher role, his wearing down won't hurt the Lakers as much as when he was the engine behind the offense) in the latter half of the season. Once that happens and when teams start gameplanning for this new gimmick of Kobe as playmaker, I think they might struggle again.

They just have too many roster flaws (lack of depth, athleticism, perimeter defense) to be a legitimate contender.

Their absolute ceiling is becoming the '11 Memphis Grizzlies. They have no chance against OKC in the 1st round, but if they go into the playoffs hot, I think they have a puncher's chance to beat the Spurs and the Clippers.

[Ghazi]

:lol at them being a darkhorse contender Harlem, that's hilarious

They're the 10th best team in the NBA or so. They have no argument over Denver whatsoever. Just because they have more starpower does not make them a better team.

Look at their record, look at their point differential, that IS who they are. That's a 45 game sample. It's not gonna get much better or worse.

[midnightpulp]

Too early to tell, honestly. Once again, the Lakers have completely revamped their identity, and I think it's catching the opposition off-guard, much like when Bickerstaff came in and had the Lakers playing free and loose after the Mike Brown experiment.

I expect Clark to eventually come back down to earth, and Nash and Jamison to wear down (although since Nash has been reduced to the Derek Fisher role, his wearing down won't hurt the Lakers as much as when he was the engine behind the offense) in the latter half of the season. Once that happens and when teams start gameplanning for this new gimmick of Kobe as playmaker, I think they might struggle again.

They just have too many roster flaws (lack of depth, athleticism, perimeter defense) to be a legitimate contender.

Their absolute ceiling is becoming the '11 Memphis Grizzlies. They have no chance against OKC in the 1st round, but if they go into the playoffs hot, I think they have a puncher's chance to beat the Spurs and the Clippers.

And all those flaws were magnified in this game.

[ElNono]

I'm with Ghazi on this one...

[HarlemHeat37]

Disagree..

Those other teams I listed on the 3rd tier have just as many flaws, but without Kobe..they have been winning games with Kobe distributing and playing out of the post + Howard's improved effort level..if Howard doesn't get hurt vs. Phoenix, they win by double digits..

[Ghazi]

Howard's injury is no excuse for losing on the road to a horrible team.

They're 20-26, 5-16 on the road (wow) and have a point differential barely above 1.

That is the metrics of a team that's slightly better than average.

They have no injury or effort excuses. The Heat have been half assing on defense and are still 29-13 and +6, and the Spurs deal with injuries and limit minutes and have the best record in the NBA and over a +8 differential.

They're just not a great basketball team..

[midnightpulp]

I'm with Ghazi on this one...

Me too.

That win against OKC was the worst thing to fuckin' happen this week. Overnight, the Lakers become a "contender." What everyone failed to do was analyze that game in context. The Thunder were finishing up a long road trip and were playing very uninspiring basketball as of late. OKC was ripe for an upset and the Lakers just happened to be there at the right time.

They've figured nothing out.

[SpursIndonesia]

We're number one. A team with this amount of talent, it was only a matter of time. I knew it all along.

yep, that lowly ass, cellar dweller Suns team agree to your assertion. :lol

[ElNono]

They're better than Phoenix and New Orleans... that's not saying much though... they only had a fluke win against OKC at home...

They're a terrible road team and they're old... the wear and tear is only going to get worse. Every team has a shot to beat them.

I think their record is actually accurate.

[HarlemHeat37]

Howard has played half-ass basketball for most of the year, they have dealt with injuries and they are still finding their identity..

Their metrics are skewed and inaccurate IMO..

We'll have a better understanding of their potential success by the 2nd week of March IMO..

Teams like the Nuggets and Warriors would not scare me at all, I'd much rather play them in the playoffs, rather than the Lakers, tbh..

[Otaku]

With a passer and unselfish Kobe they are clearly contenders.

With a normal Kobe (superKobe) they are out of the POs.

[Calispursfan11]

We're number one. A team with this amount of talent, it was only a matter of time. I knew it all along.

Shut up Bible Kemp

[DPG21920]

^This. The Nuggets suck (any team Ghazi roots for tbh is always a joke) and GS while playing very well, is not scary. LA is far more scary than any team in the West outside of LAC/OKC and maybe MEM if they gel with their new pieces.

[ElNono]

They have talent to be better than they are. But they also are running a system that doesn't work for old legs, and the younger legs are all tweeners.

Like I said in the game thread, Lakeshow have been riding MWP and Jamison 3pt mirage. At some point that had to regress to the mean, and that's what happened tonight (MWP going 3-10 IIRC).

[ElNono]

Lakers don't scare me at all, tbh

[midnightpulp]

Howard has played half-ass basketball for most of the year, they have dealt with injuries and they are still finding their identity..

Their metrics are skewed and inaccurate IMO..

We'll have a better understanding of their potential success by the 2nd week of March IMO..

Teams like the Nuggets and Warriors would not scare me at all, I'd much rather play them in the playoffs, rather than the Lakers, tbh..

Howard is still a huge question mark.

Is he still "recovering?" Or has his back surgery permanently affected his athleticism? If the latter is the case, Howard will never again be that force he was in Orlando.

[Splits]

There are only 2 teams with fewer road wins than the LOLakers in the entire LEAGUE: Suns and Wizards. Nice company you're keeping there. Figured it out much?

[Ghazi]

:lol Lakers being better than the Nuggets

Nuggets are 100% to make the playoffs at this point

Lakers are less than 50%

Nuggets have flaws and would lose to the Spurs or Heat in 5, but their cohesion/chemistry/depth/athleticism ... LA can only dream of it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Lakers don't scare me at all, tbh

I'm pretty confident that the Spurs would beat LA in a series in 5 games or so, but I'd still rather play Denver or Golden State..teams of that nature are strictly regular season teams that post gaudy advanced metrics and encouraging numbers that don't translate in the playoffs(once coaches focus on adjusting their defense for an entire series)..

Star power is still in LA's favor..Kobe in the post is very effective and they have some experienced playoff performers(unlike those other West teams)..

[Mugen]

They'll be right there with the Pelicans/Kings once Dwight shuts it down for the year tbh

[HI-FI]

:lol Lakers being better than the Nuggets

Nuggets are 100% to make the playoffs at this point

Lakers are less than 50%

Nuggets have flaws and would lose to the Spurs or Heat in 5, but their cohesion/chemistry/depth/athleticism ... LA can only dream of it.
good post tbh

[ElNono]

I'm pretty confident that the Spurs would beat LA in a series in 5 games or so, but I'd still rather play Denver or Golden State..teams of that nature are strictly regular season teams that post gaudy advanced metrics and encouraging numbers that don't translate in the playoffs(once coaches focus on adjusting their defense for an entire series)..

Star power is still in LA's favor..Kobe in the post is very effective and they have some experienced playoff performers(unlike those other West teams)..

I would think the Spurs can take any of those... I would rank them Nuggets, Lakers, GS in scale of 'danger' in a potential matchup, and I have the Nuggets beating the Lakers only because of the altitude.

But IMO, this discussion is a non-starter because that implies the Lakers are at the level of Nuggets or GS, and I don't think they are. I don't think they'll even make the playoffs, tbh, barring some massive injury on teams in the 5-8 seed.

[Calispursfan11]

6th in the West is their ceiling. If this streak is their switch, then it came way too late.

Switched off again for the time being...

[Spursfanfromafar]

Can't see them get past the Warriors and the Nuggets in this form (even if taking improvement in account).

Ceiling for them is No 7 in the WC and a potential playoff spoiler. But their defense is putrid and really bad. I won't be shocked if they lose 4-0 in the first round if they make it there.

[irishock]

50-32, 5th seed

[scanry]

6th in the West is their ceiling. If this streak is their switch, then it came way too late.

Even i had them peaking at a 6 seed. Not anymore.

I actually liked how they played the last 4 games, i hope Kobe doesn't go away from this PG thing.

[Arcadian]

They fucking suck.

[spurraider21]

i really hope lakers squeak in and draw the spurs first round. expose the chucker

[Clipper Nation]

The chucker would be even more exposed by missing the playoffs altogether, tbh....

[Raven]

12th in the west.

[Ashy Larry]

their record is who they say they are ...... i rank them 10th or 11th

[HarlemHeat37]

Like DPG and I have been saying, this Lakers team is scary, tbh..

They are the 4th best team in the West and 5th best team in the NBA, tbh..

:lol my niggas Ghazi and Nono wrong about the Lakers..

[HarlemHeat37]

They aren't a threat to Miami, and I don't think they beat the Thunder/Spurs/Clippers in a series, but none of the teams want to play them in a series, tbh..

[midnightpulp]

Like DPG and I have been saying, this Lakers team is scary, tbh..

They are the 4th best team in the West and 5th best team in the NBA, tbh..

:lol my niggas Ghazi and Nono wrong about the Lakers..

I agree that they're scary to the Spurs. But I see them getting absolutely face fucked by the Thunder if that match up happens.

[thunderup]

I agree that they're scary to the Spurs. But I see them getting absolutely face fucked by the Thunder if that match up happens.

Our squad presents match-up problems galore to them. AT MOST a 5 game series.

[ElNono]

They're better than Phoenix and New Orleans... that's not saying much though... they only had a fluke win against OKC at home...

They're a terrible road team and they're old... the wear and tear is only going to get worse. Every team has a shot to beat them.

I think their record is actually accurate.

[ElNono]

DPG and Harlem still wrong bout dem Lakers, tbh

[whitemamba]

their record is who they say they are ...... i rank them 10th or 11th

lol exactly, what else would you rank them

[spurraider21]

i would rate them 9th in the west. i would rate them as a below .500 team until proven otherwise

[D12]

I'd rank them #1 all things considered. We are going to make the playoffs as either a 7th or 8th seed yet we are way better than our seeding indicates. We are a legitimate contender just based on our talent alone. Injuries, coaching changes, and inner-team drama/turmoil caused us to start off shaky. We are back. We are going to shake the fucking earth with our greatness. I sincerely hope we get the Spurs in the 1st round. The inevitable upset would cause this place to be a post-apocalyptic environment, I'd fuckin' love it. Purple and gold all over, all over, all over.

[InK]

Just the possibility that they get their shit together ranks em higher in terms of PO. Id much rather see the Spurs play against Houston, Utah, GS, Denver in the first round (probably even the Clips and Memphis) then the Lakers.

[Calispursfan11]

They are definitely a top 18 or so team at this point. Way to bounce back.

[Ace]

Before the season I had them as a top 3 team in the NBA. I expected more out of Gasol and didn't think Metta would've lost as much as he has. Now they could be 4th or 5th in the West if they weren't in such a big hole. Their offense is coming around but they still turn the ball over too much, and their defense is horrible. Miami would expose their weaknesses more than any other team but the Thunder could very well do the same. Kobe will run out of gas in the playoffs, Dwight is limited (health? ) and Nash is having back issues again. I get it that Laker fans would have hope due to recent play but they are in a bad position for a old team.

[Ace]

I'd rank them #1 all things considered. We are going to make the playoffs as either a 7th or 8th seed yet we are way better than our seeding indicates. We are a legitimate contender just based on our talent alone. Injuries, coaching changes, and inner-team drama/turmoil caused us to start off shaky. We are back. We are going to shake the fucking earth with our greatness. I sincerely hope we get the Spurs in the 1st round. The inevitable upset would cause this place to be a post-apocalyptic environment, I'd fuckin' love it. Purple and gold all over, all over, all over.
You failed at this troll attempt with ranked #1 overall. Not even the biggest idiot homer (LkrFag) would believe that.

[Ashy Larry]

9th

[Latarian Milton]

before the season started i didn't think the team would be that good as their fans thought they would, but i didn't expect them to suck so bad either tbh. DH ain't guaranteed to be an upgrade over a healthy bynum and replacing sessions with nash at PG was more like a one step forward, two steps back movement imho. they deserved credit for screwing mavs' triple D dream but you were fooling yourself if you thought they were back to the elite level or shit tbh

[dunkman]

That team went as far as Pau took them.

[bus driver]

didnt the rapist guarantee the playoffs this year? so i would say 9th.

[ElNono]

Ghazi & ElNono right boud dem Lakers

[DMC]

didnt the rapist guarantee the playoffs this year? so i would say 9th.

He doesn't take no for an answer.

[Thebesteva]

They fucking suck.


http://i.imgur.com/oHF72.gif

[DMC]

Dwight Howard: 3-14 from the charity stripe. I could make more than that blindfolded. Shaq lite, just like regular Shaq, with less.

[Clipper Nation]

I'd rank them #1 all things considered. We are going to make the playoffs as either a 7th or 8th seed yet we are way better than our seeding indicates. We are a legitimate contender just based on our talent alone. Injuries, coaching changes, and inner-team drama/turmoil caused us to start off shaky. We are back. We are going to shake the fucking earth with our greatness. I sincerely hope we get the Spurs in the 1st round. The inevitable upset would cause this place to be a post-apocalyptic environment, I'd fuckin' love it.
:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao


Purple and gold all over, all over, all over.
It is indeed all over for the purple and gold :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Meh, they would still beat Denver in the playoffs, tbh..

Utah is terrible though..as I said last year, this current version of the Jazz is amongst the worst playoff teams in NBA history..unfortunately for the Spurs, Utah probably won't make it again..

[ElNono]

Harlem & DPG wrong bout dem Lakers...

[Latarian Milton]

Dwight Howard: 3-14 from the charity stripe. I could make more than that blindfolded. Shaq lite, just like regular Shaq, with less.
tbh i can hit almost every shot at the line w/o defense, and make 6-7 out of 10 shots behind the 3pt line w/o any defenders in front of me.

[Latarian Milton]

had i got the average height of an NBA player (6'5 something) i would've been a solid role player for a contender tbh

[HarlemHeat37]

Harlem and DPG were right about the Lakers, as usual, tbh..

My revised rankings, factoring the Lakers winning streak..

1. Miami

2. OKC
3. San Antonio

4. Chicago with healthy Rose
5. LA Clippers
6. LA Lakers
7. Indiana
8. New York
9. Denver
10. Memphis

[HarlemHeat37]

Lakers looking very good lately, as DPG and I predicted, tbh..

Kobe is playing at an elite level, Gasol and Howard are gradually returning to form, Earl Clark and Jamison are contributing at a nice level, Blake and Nash will provide shooting..their team looks more functional with World Peace out of the lineup, tbh..

They are #2 in the NBA in both offensive and defensive FTA per FG, so they get the best whistle in the NBA, as expected..

Harlem's revised rankings..

1. Miami




2. OKC
3. San Antonio

4. Chicago if Rose returns
5. LA Clippers
6. LA Lakers
7. New York
8. Denver without Gallo/Indiana/Memphis

[midnightpulp]

Lakers looking very good lately, as DPG and I predicted, tbh..

Kobe is playing at an elite level, Gasol and Howard are gradually returning to form, Earl Clark and Jamison are contributing at a nice level, Blake and Nash will provide shooting..their team looks more functional with World Peace out of the lineup, tbh..

They are #2 in the NBA in both offensive and defensive FTA per FG, so they get the best whistle in the NBA, as expected..

Harlem's revised rankings..

1. Miami




2. OKC
3. San Antonio

4. Chicago if Rose returns
5. LA Clippers
6. LA Lakers
7. New York
8. Denver without Gallo/Indiana/Memphis

It also helps they're playing Memphis at home tonight. The Lakers are about the only team Memphis can't outsize, and Memphis doesn't really have the athletes to exploit the Lakers defensive weaknesses.

I told Lakers fans many moons ago (when they were in the hunt for the 6th seed) that Memphis would be the best first round matchup for them. No longer the case with Parker hobbled and Manu likely to miss the first round, so obviously the Spurs are currently the best matchup for the Lakers in the first round all things considered, but they would have a chance at upsetting the Grizzlies, as well.

[ElNono]

DPG and Harlem still wrong bout dem Lakers, tbh

[ElNono]

:lol Harlem still trying to spin that turd

At least DPG admitted it was a schtick, tbh

[Grit and Grind]

It also helps they're playing Memphis at home tonight. The Lakers are about the only team Memphis can't outsize, and Memphis doesn't really have the athletes to exploit the Lakers defensive weaknesses.

I told Lakers fans many moons ago (when they were in the hunt for the 6th seed) that Memphis would be the best first round matchup for them. No longer the case with Parker hobbled and Manu likely to miss the first round, so obviously the Spurs are currently the best matchup for the Lakers in the first round all things considered, but they would have a chance at upsetting the Grizzlies, as well. Umm no we can guard for are lives and Really we are great home team

[midnightpulp]

Umm no we can guard for are lives and Really we are great home team

"A chance" doesn't mean "probable." I'd give the Lakers a 20%-30% shot at beating Memphis as opposed to the 1% they would have against OKC.

[irishock]

1. Miami
2. Healthy Spurs
3. OKC
4. LA Lakers
5. Healthy Bulls

the same as last year, tbh