We hope you stay for the full clip. The Lakers have been awesome lately. AD has been playing at an MVP level which is a huge part to them winning games. We definitely stress that in this video. But The Lakers improved shooting has been important as well and we believe the two go hand-in-hand. PS: Apologies for the chicken scratch lol.
@Analog Matrix that's no joke, man. I've thought that a lot watching these podcasts, Hell, Mike Miller did it for Miami and Bron. So can you, brother!!@
There are terrible defensely. Here is the prove 117 pelicans no ingram 115 suns no cp3 or johnson clippers 114 no kawhi 121 pistons no cade 109 no dame and hart and they where tired from playing the previous night. More prove when the offense cools off and they cant depend on there defense the cavs game 2nd half the pacers 4th quarter the blazers towards the end of the game the first time warriors in the 3rd quarter. Should i continue.
We have to give credit to Westbrook too. Those pick & rolls between him and AD are deadly ! 10 of his 15 assists resulted in AD buckets against Washington last night !
AD has been great! However, the teams success started with Russ. He has been great by giving the ball energy, attacking the basket, and assisting. As a result, everyone on the team is more confident because they are involved in the flow of the offense. Give Russ his respect.
@Gregory James u definitely don’t watch the games cuz Westbrook assisted 10 of his 15 to AD alone against the wizards the other day. That’s 20 easy points off of dimes from Westbrook but yet somehow whenever Westbrook come in these guys don’t get going? Cmon now let’s be real
Russ helps but he is definitely not the reason we are winning..We need shooting,and wings..We can do without what russ brings actually Playoffs the game slows down,and russ pushing the ball would be eliminated ..Sorta the reason he stinks in the playoffs
@Jason U how can you put AD at 3rd the man just smoked the Wizards with 55 points and 17 boards and beat Giannis at his own game with 44 and 10 and every game he’s stepping up another level. AD bullied Giannis with 44 points and you still disrespect him as 3rd in MVP. AD is playing like The Best Player In The League Currently Playing Today. AD is taking on A Kobe mindset of attacking and is taking no prisoners. AD will win MVP as he continues to carry the Lakers on his back and win these games. AD is MY EARLY VOTE FOR MVP!
@DJ Sai I watch every second of every Laker game. When Russ comes in AD really gets going as well as other guys. Nevertheless, the success is a complete team effort not an individual.
Suddenly Russ looks like an absolutely integral piece to this team. So glad they didn’t trade him for Turner and Hield. I was someone who thought that was a bad trade because of how much they were giving up. I think they just need to figure out a way to flip Nunn and a pick into a knock down shooter and they’re good to go.
@Controversial Mann then what is Curry ? ? J Murray ? Kyrie ? Lillard ? Dinwiddie ? There’s lots of skilled scorers at the 1 position their still classified as point guards
AD changed his play style in any temp to try and stay healthy. He became more of a jump shooter that would play defense when he needed to. This year he has put that all aside and is playing with no fear of injury
Its called being Healthy... This is the AD LeBron has wanted from the moment he came to LA. AD is showing what we all know he is capable of but its all about being consistent and healthy. Lebron was happy to hand over the keys to the kingdom but AD needs step up and be this version of himself at all times. He doesnt have to drop 55 but a consistent 30 and 15 would be nice.
You cant hand the Keys to street clothes period because he is not dependable and not mental tough enough especially when he does not have another superstar like lechina around him. Plus street clothes is not good enough to continue 30 and 15 consistantly every night he is not wilt chamberlain.
Russ was awful but his turnaround is to be praised big time. he's huge now. The Lakers just need two consistent 3pt shooters. Hopefully, they can do something by the trade deadline. If they get that, this team could be very fun to watch come the playoffs.
@Austin IraborI mean it’s not a crazy feet for AD, the 15 boards might be a little tough but he can be a 30 PPG scorer that’s not an issue for that guy as long as he’s assertive in their offense
JJ's right. Shooting makes it easier for your stars, especially when they're primarily paint scorers. You would think that because of LeBron's age (and the speed/durability decline the comes with it), and because of AD's injury history, the Lakers would want to assemble a roster with as much shooting as possible to minimize the load on their stars. But for some reason, they've done the opposite. A recent shooting surge has allowed AD/LeBron to be more optimal over the last five games. The Lakers need to add more shooting ASAP.
When he played with yhr Pelicans, him and Cousins went on that 6 game run or something like that that was one of the best AD seasons also. I'm glad to see him staying consistent with health and his game play, plus the Lakers are letting the players play there type of game.
Man. That was some of the most impressive basketball I had seen since Peak Bron & Wade. Boogie & AD were having 40 point games with 20 rebounds a piece. I hate Boogie got hurt
Maaannn we finally got the old AD back, either he was really injured or he got tired of the critics but this is what we needed...AGGRESSION! That two hand dunk over Gafford and Porzingis last night had me through the roof almost.
I’m just happy AD is starting the game inside and slowly working out. In last 8 games not many 3s and when he shot them it was later in the game and open. Not forcing the jumper and letting himself find a rhythm by going to the line and being physical so the jumpers come later and easier
AD did have a better stretch. In 2018 in the middle of the season at one point he averaged 35 a game for 10 games and he averaged 2.6 blocks and 2.4 steals which is ridiculous. He also shot over 50% from the field and that's with only 2.1 turnovers a game which is incredible for any position for a statline like that.
JJ you make valid points. AD playing at this all time level shows how efficient the shooting and the role players tie into being able to play like this.
A big part of it too is always having a pick and roll maestro on the court with him. When LeBron goes to the bench, Russ can run the pick and roll with him and they are dynamic together.
@Joshua James exactly right bruh the whole time fixing the lakers was getting russ to accept his role while still allowing him to play his game..great job by darvin ham
Nice to read all the comments here but surprised not to see a comment about the #1 reason the team is playing better. Coach Ham.... As a communicator, motivator, and team leader, this man grades out at an A++!!! As a coach coaching the coaches and running a program, he probably grades out at about a B- because i have to knock him on the defensive side and the awful start to the season offensively. As a game manager and leader on the bench i have to be honest and give Coach Ham a D- All Coach Ham has to do is tighten and improve his rotation decisions and do a better job of managing the games on game night. In particular 1st qtr starts, 3rd qtrs overall, and late games(both with big leads and close games, he is a mess) The team is responding to Coach Ham's positivity, energy, vision, and authenticity. It was clear from the opening press conference that they probably chose the right "leader" and it helps that that leader also had a vision of the style of basketball he wanted to play. It was more than just bringing in the systems he learned while working under Coach Bud, who learned while working under Coach Pop. It was tweaking those systems to match The Lakers current personnel(sign of a really good head coach) and being able to have great communication with all the players but in particular the 3 stars. He asked AD to play the 5 because that was best for the team, Bron to shift to the 4 because that was best for the team, and Russ to lead the bench because that was good for the team... So how are the other 12 Lakers not going to do what's best for the team when the stars are all doing things they would prefer not to do? I even like how he is not only encouraging but pushing role players like Walker, Reaves, Brown, and others to shoot/score and be aggressive when they are on the floor! Don't defer! When you got your man beat, go get that bucket and when you are open, let it fly!
Russ, Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker, Thomas Bryant, Troy Brown Jr, and Wenyen Gabriel all have made it easier for AD and Bron by just playing within their roles.
Bron has been really good since coming back from injury - by the end of the year, he could be one of the best guys in the league again and the Lakers could look like title contenders fr
@B. Rashad they need shooters that bench is not a title contender we can’t hope every night lebron and ad both combine for at least 80 just to win that’s absurd and lots of load for them and they not even a half way through the season you don’t want them to get injuried . Also in the playoffs teams will double team lebron and ad because they have no shooters at all! If Russ stays he will be a factor because in the playoffs teams always leave Russ open for the 3 and that makes him shoot the 3 and if he drives in they collapse and make him make a bad play . Just like the lakers did to Houston in the bubble playoffs they literally doubled harden and let Russ be Russ and that made them lose. Definitely need a trade Pat bev nunn Damian Jones and those picks maybe even trade russ. In the playoffs their isn’t many fast break high temp where Russ plays the best it’s halfcourt low tempo where you need to shoot to create space for lebron and ad . The team is good but definitely need some changes to be a title contender . Also having 2 ball dominating guys like Russ and lebrkn both can’t have more than 3 tov a game man that will hurt them in the playoffs and we all know russ always has high tov last night he had 6! Those will hurt in the playoffs which is why I think it’s best to trade him if they can’t get a good deal for Pat bev and nunn if they do then it’s okay to keep Russ but he has to limit his tov in the playoffs and not shoot as much. But yea the team definitely needs a shooter a wing and a center to help ad
Lakers have finally bonded with each other. I think that’s helping contribute to their success. They definitely seem to understand how each player plays their game
Question is, do you think the Lakers have found their identity, or are they going to need to grow more? Are they a one trick pony? Not to jinx any one, but they are one injury away from becoming a lottery team.
When I see the Lakers winning, I see Russ playing his game, Lebron playing his game, and Ant playing to his strengths. They're all three extremely used to covering for other positions instead of simply playing their own spot to the best of their abilities. When they're all playing their own positions and not trying to double cover for each other, it's an extremely dangerous team.
It’s funny how Ham was saying he wanted AD to take a lot of 3’s now we see game plan has done a total 180 to him only taking a couple a game. The whole thing is coming together. Everything.
The Lakers success relies solely on their ability to hit 3s. They have great pieces to mitigate shooting slumps, which is why they’re competitive in games where it looks like they can’t shoot at all. When they shoot well, it takes pressure off AD and Lebrons 2 man game. Provides spacing for Russ to attack.
Charles Barkley been saying it since last year, which was the Lakers' success will depend on how well AD plays. Yes, Westbrook coming off the bench and players coming back from injury also helps the Lakers but ultimately it falls on AD. If he plays great, the Lakers will play great.
It’s AD. I know the other players play a role, but if AD is healthy this team is immediately put in the convo for possible contenders. In about 5 games of being healthy he went from being criticized to a front runner for MVP.
The biggest thing i see with AD is he is not falling down as much. Maybe he has more energy or not injured anymore. Also, AD has stopped doing his point guard impression.
@Fur Kan no, he has a point. What does any of this matter when AD will inevitably be injured again most likely by Christmas. I've said it before and I'll say it again. What good is it to have a Ferrari if it's always in the shop?
@BrooksHOF TV and as the one biggest Westbrook haters got to give him credit great spark as a 6th man when’s he’s keeping ball safe and him scoring is a plus at this point. Need him keep facilitating it!
How is Schroeder a solid piece. Every time I watch him he seems like the least effective person on the court. He doesn’t score, his defense is average or below average. Every time he turns the ball over or gets beat he has this dumb look on his face.
@Austin Abney He ain`t in his prime no more like he was in 2020. This is a totally different roster than it was in 2020 so that play a major role in his decline
This really makes you wonder why shooting is often an afterthought in the NBA draft. You have guys drafted in the top 5 on "potential" who have shown zero ability to shoot the three. They don't even shoot FTs well. I'm thinking of someone like RJ Barrett. And yet you have guys like Trey Murphy, who has great size, great athleticism, and posted 50/43/93 shooting splits at UVA. How in the world does that guy go outside the lottery? It still seems to be that teams undervalue shooting touch as a baseline skill.
Selflessness now coming from lebron as well as him playing more consistent defense has been key. Numbers won’t tell you that tho. If lebron kept playing how he was since before Indiana. They would of lost the last two games
AD has been injury for the passes seasons after the bubble, he is finally health and in shape. These experts being experts think they know all the reasons, it is purely he is healthy and finely in form
Do your research JJ! In 2018 AD finished top 3 in MVP and DPOY voting for a reason. He BEEN a beast! Y'all just started paying attention after he went to LA!
You have to give credit to the new coach philosophy You can his focus is Keeping AD involved at all times.. Basically the team works off of AD. #1 OPTION.. BRINGING RUSS Off the bench GREAT ENERGY!!!!!!!!!!
with all that in mind. It is almost inconceivable how great Jokic is. He literally was getting a better record having a worst roster than AD and Lebron. He also never gets calls.
@Eric Peterson I agree he can be better but it’s been good to see more so on the offensive end. Perimeter wise he still contests so I’ll live with it .
@Kevonte Jones He gets burned consistently on the perimeter, but his team defense has been solid... and he's been great with his shot selection, off ball movement, and playing off AD/LBJ
Are you gonna talk about the Kings soon? You still think it was a bad trade? Sabonis is a 2-time all-star. I would like to hear what you think about the Kings right now
Ride the momentum. If I'm Lebron, I'm feeding AD early get him goin... turn on that switch mid game then let AD close it out. That way Bron is gettn rest staying fresh and AD Is able to gt comfortable as a closer
Lakers didn’t start winning until LeBron got hurt When he came back, the Lakers continued to win Got to stop giving LeBron all the credit when he wins, but give the teammates, the coach & front office all the blame when he loses AD, Coach Ham, & Russ deserves way more credit than LeBron LeBron was hindering the team putting up empty numbers until he got hurt and now he’s back; now buying into Coach Ham’s system when he came back like AD, Russ & the rest of the team AD is carrying the team on both ends LeBron is accepting his role as the 2nd option Walker is now the 3rd option Westbrook is the 6th man & 2nd option when LeBron is out the game resting Lakers need 1 more shooter to go with Reaves and they will be a West Contender The West is up for grabs no dominant team
I think Darvin Ham Deserves alot of credit … he from day 1 said this guy is gonna be mvp consideration this year … he stuck with this is our horse and we are gonna ride him all year :.. also KG and Barkley other former players basically saying he has top 5 talent but might not even be a top 20 talent the last year and half which is still good but nothing close to his talent now imagine buddy there spacing the floor for him he is doing this with minimal talent no real 3 option maybe a 4th or 5th but no real 3 option .. if he can sustain like a 28-12 year couple blocks and bron and him stay healthy and take games of seldomly they can be a playoff team not play in … and they can easily upset a team but saying finals contenders but way hell of a different team then we saw first 10 games .. and this team easily could be 12-10 not 10-12 but that’s not here or there let’s see how they do the last 60 games
This is the type of song that makes you feel happy for others when you are single,and makes you appreciate the moment more when you are with somone you love
*"Just put guys that can knock down open shots on his team and"... You can literally say that for **_anyone_** on **_any_** team lmao.* Winning teams hit open shots 😔
I think it’s way simpler than this. We are talking about a team that has barely played together. Russ Lebron and AD had like 21 games together last year. Not to mention pretty big roster turn over for the 4th year in a row and a new coach. These numbers don’t really mean that much with the lakers team because a lot has changed since the first 12 games. Freaking lebron was shooting like 10% from 3! They have found an identity and almost everyone has figured out their roles now. The chemistry keeps getting better as well. The west is also pretty open. I don’t see a juggernaut type team. I see some really good teams that are beatable.
Pretty Basic, because AD demands a double team, other guys are going to have open looks. The key is AD is healthy, Lakers will continue to win as he stays healthy If he can stay healthy they have a good chance for another title.
So we’re just acting like AD wasn’t in the MVP conversation before he came to LA. Like damn JJ you played against the dude. Him and boogie were supposed to carry the pelicans but that never happened
8-2 split up: 3 wins on San Antonio, 1 win vs. Detroit. Mediocres like Brooklyn (1) Portland (1) and Washington (1) - I only record one impressive team they beat and that was Milwaukee....I only see one team with homecourt advantage and I probably see 3 wins vs Playins (7-10) - and 4 wins vs Wemba Chasers - so this isn't real, don't get hyped up on that video. They lost vs. Suns and Pacers.....that's the 2 Losses - and I'm not a prophet to tell you that the next 10 they got 4-6 at best (my bet is on 3-7 but if someone tells me 2-8 I wouldn't be surprised either way). Check the schedule - it's becoming harder....
Lot of talk about getting Myles Turner. I wouldn't. If AD is playing this great at the 5 why move him? I doubt if you trade for Turner he would be ok being the back up, playing 15 min a night in a contract year. Even if he did accept the role he would probably walk in free agency. Buddy Hield would be a better pick up. It would be an easier player to plug right into the offense. So if you trade maybe Russ and a 1st for Hield then go and trade guys like Pat Bev and Nunn, who aren't great fits right now, and the other 1st for another 3 point shooter... Thats what will make you a contender.
Not enough credit is being given to Coach Ham and Russ......Ham in particular. He's got all these egos buying into their roles. The offense is very similar to Budz' Bucks. The defense is there too. Huge props to Ham for all this.
We got so used to LeBron putting up great stats that when someone else does it we gloss over his that man is averaging 26,9 and 7 in year 20 and people are talking about passing torches they both are equally good both need to be aggressive to win we're in the honeymoon with ad we've been married with Bron so to speak...let's not take him for granted
Lol nah yall tripping its AD’s team ever since lebron went down. The energy is just different. If you been tuning in you’ll know. ANTHONY DAVIS HAS ARRIVED.
@El Niggabeing the #1 scorer on offense doesn’t mean you’re the leader. It’s Brons team, the ball and most decisions especially late game go through him the most still
I think you don't need great shooting you just need guys who are threats to like 2 or 3 when the lakers won they where 20th in 3pt makes and percentage
Friendly Reminder: JJ Reddick Couldnt Make WIDE OPEN Shots On The Clippers or The 76ers. in A Lot Of Their Losses He Shot Terrible 😂 0 Rings Giving 0 Ring Advice
AD is for sure a huge part in them winning. Last 10 games he’s been ridiculous. And those last 10 games they are 8-2. Edit: Lakers role players are seriously underrated. Ne
Helps when westbrick isn’t forcing the jumpshot, opponents were literally baiting him and leaving him wide open like he’s draymond or rudy gobert. The disrespect was warranted
Can y'all give Russ his flowers too I mean he shifted his playstyle to become somewhat of a pure point guard damn there were games where he already has 10 assists before half time.
I agree, but AD is mostly what is making it unstoppable. Tbh, I think Lonnie Walker if given the opportunity could run the pick in roll with AD just as effectively as Russ. So, I'd still try to trade Russ if possible for someone with more reliable shooting or anyone that can fulfill a current need for Lakers
Definitely, they just kept running the P&R the whole game and the wizards couldn’t stop it. If you help on Lebron he just bounce passes or throws a lob to AD. If you help on AD, Lebron just bullies the opponent at the rim. Russ and AD P&R is the same, except if they try to help on AD Russ just uses his crazy speed to finish at the rim OR they can just kick out to Lonnie or Austin for 3. It’s a cheat code!
I live in lexington and was here when we won it all with AD in 12'. I can tell back then that AD is special. The only things that can stop him are injuries and himself.
The lebron AD pick and roll is the most unstoppable in the league and it’s not even close.. whether it’s bron using the screen to score, using it and then lobbing to AD, or BOTH bron and AD getting doubled and opening up shooters, it’s unstoppable. And it’s beautiful basketball
I think it's guys getting over the LA land shine and buying into their roles, I think the 1st domino was Hamm getting Russ to buying into being the leader off the bench. As soon as that happened all the non starters really started playing better. AD looks healthy and you can even see on some of his dunks he's making sure he's landing safely, He isn't playing afraid to get injured he's playing smart to prevent injuries but more so smart heads up basketball. And Lonnie Walker, can't say enough of how good this guy is doing, I was watching some highlights and he was easily their 3rd best player in many games. The fact that young guys now are getting the green light really means the team is in a place of growth and so far nobody is really running away with the West. The Lakers will be a playoff team and can go on a run if they just keep the trajectory. To see AD outplay Giannis hasn't really happened in a long long time.
We hope you stay for the full clip. The Lakers have been awesome lately. AD has been playing at an MVP level which is a huge part to them winning games. We definitely stress that in this video. But The Lakers improved shooting has been important as well and we believe the two go hand-in-hand.
PS: Apologies for the chicken scratch lol.
How would you feel if the nba made 2 points 4 points, free throws 2 points and 3 pointers 5 points? I think the issue is 2 3s are worth 3 buckets.
Thank you for your hard work and your non-bias approach.
@Analog Matrix that's no joke, man. I've thought that a lot watching these podcasts, Hell, Mike Miller did it for Miami and Bron. So can you, brother!!@
There are terrible defensely. Here is the prove 117 pelicans no ingram 115 suns no cp3 or johnson clippers 114 no kawhi 121 pistons no cade 109 no dame and hart and they where tired from playing the previous night. More prove when the offense cools off and they cant depend on there defense the cavs game 2nd half the pacers 4th quarter the blazers towards the end of the game the first time warriors in the 3rd quarter. Should i continue.
Don't forget coach Ham. He convinced AD to be a center, Bron to play more defense and Russ to come from the bench. He's a great motivator
We have to give credit to Westbrook too. Those pick & rolls between him and AD are deadly ! 10 of his 15 assists resulted in AD buckets against Washington last night !
@lou ha and wenyan scores too
@ColdJelly Greene I swear, that dude Wenyen can defend too
Honestly, Russ makes any big better. Him & Adams in OKC, Him & Gafford/Bryant in Washington, now Him & AD is finally reaching that potential
@Joel Aleman those TIMELY 3’s at that! Lakers really have a solid SQUAD!
Bron and Davis pick and roll
AD has been great! However, the teams success started with Russ. He has been great by giving the ball energy, attacking the basket, and assisting. As a result, everyone on the team is more confident because they are involved in the flow of the offense. Give Russ his respect.
@Gregory James u definitely don’t watch the games cuz Westbrook assisted 10 of his 15 to AD alone against the wizards the other day. That’s 20 easy points off of dimes from Westbrook but yet somehow whenever Westbrook come in these guys don’t get going? Cmon now let’s be real
Well said
Russ helps but he is definitely not the reason we are winning..We need shooting,and wings..We can do without what russ brings actually
Playoffs the game slows down,and russ pushing the ball would be eliminated ..Sorta the reason he stinks in the playoffs
@Jason U how can you put AD at 3rd the man just smoked the Wizards with 55 points and 17 boards and beat Giannis at his own game with 44 and 10 and every game he’s stepping up another level. AD bullied Giannis with 44 points and you still disrespect him as 3rd in MVP. AD is playing like The Best Player In The League Currently Playing Today. AD is taking on A Kobe mindset of attacking and is taking no prisoners. AD will win MVP as he continues to carry the Lakers on his back and win these games. AD is MY EARLY VOTE FOR MVP!
@DJ Sai I watch every second of every Laker game. When Russ comes in AD really gets going as well as other guys. Nevertheless, the success is a complete team effort not an individual.
Suddenly Russ looks like an absolutely integral piece to this team. So glad they didn’t trade him for Turner and Hield. I was someone who thought that was a bad trade because of how much they were giving up. I think they just need to figure out a way to flip Nunn and a pick into a knock down shooter and they’re good to go.
@zellie7th he’s way better, Zion is over rated and worshipped by younger nba fans bud
@Abz Da traded? You living under a rock? 😂
is AD better than Zion? nah son he aint
@Controversial Mann then what is Curry ? ? J Murray ? Kyrie ? Lillard ? Dinwiddie ? There’s lots of skilled scorers at the 1 position their still classified as point guards
@Alex Escutia You're right, forgot about him.
AD changed his play style in any temp to try and stay healthy. He became more of a jump shooter that would play defense when he needed to. This year he has put that all aside and is playing with no fear of injury
Its called being Healthy... This is the AD LeBron has wanted from the moment he came to LA. AD is showing what we all know he is capable of but its all about being consistent and healthy. Lebron was happy to hand over the keys to the kingdom but AD needs step up and be this version of himself at all times. He doesnt have to drop 55 but a consistent 30 and 15 would be nice.
Yeah lakers are totally winning the play in this year ! Wow !
You cant hand the Keys to street clothes period because he is not dependable and not mental tough enough especially when he does not have another superstar like lechina around him. Plus street clothes is not good enough to continue 30 and 15 consistantly every night he is not wilt chamberlain.
Russ was awful but his turnaround is to be praised big time. he's huge now. The Lakers just need two consistent 3pt shooters. Hopefully, they can do something by the trade deadline. If they get that, this team could be very fun to watch come the playoffs.
@Nick Olas u mean the same teams that every other team plays ? U mean THE NBA ? 😱
@Austin IraborI mean it’s not a crazy feet for AD, the 15 boards might be a little tough but he can be a 30 PPG scorer that’s not an issue for that guy as long as he’s assertive in their offense
JJ's right. Shooting makes it easier for your stars, especially when they're primarily paint scorers. You would think that because of LeBron's age (and the speed/durability decline the comes with it), and because of AD's injury history, the Lakers would want to assemble a roster with as much shooting as possible to minimize the load on their stars. But for some reason, they've done the opposite. A recent shooting surge has allowed AD/LeBron to be more optimal over the last five games. The Lakers need to add more shooting ASAP.
@Stannis Khan funny you should say that, the Lakers gave up Kuz and KCP for a Walmart price
they dont sell good shooters at wal-mart
When he played with yhr Pelicans, him and Cousins went on that 6 game run or something like that that was one of the best AD seasons also. I'm glad to see him staying consistent with health and his game play, plus the Lakers are letting the players play there type of game.
@Edgewood Aldridge Facts Holiday average about 20 and 2 steals...
Yeah that was a good team
If Cousins didn't get injured I think they beat the warriors with KD
Man. That was some of the most impressive basketball I had seen since Peak Bron & Wade. Boogie & AD were having 40 point games with 20 rebounds a piece. I hate Boogie got hurt
Maaannn we finally got the old AD back, either he was really injured or he got tired of the critics but this is what we needed...AGGRESSION! That two hand dunk over Gafford and Porzingis last night had me through the roof almost.
I’m just happy AD is starting the game inside and slowly working out. In last 8 games not many 3s and when he shot them it was later in the game and open. Not forcing the jumper and letting himself find a rhythm by going to the line and being physical so the jumpers come later and easier
AD did have a better stretch. In 2018 in the middle of the season at one point he averaged 35 a game for 10 games and he averaged 2.6 blocks and 2.4 steals which is ridiculous. He also shot over 50% from the field and that's with only 2.1 turnovers a game which is incredible for any position for a statline like that.
JJ you make valid points. AD playing at this all time level shows how efficient the shooting and the role players tie into being able to play like this.
A big part of it too is always having a pick and roll maestro on the court with him. When LeBron goes to the bench, Russ can run the pick and roll with him and they are dynamic together.
Bron finally got outta Russ’ way
Yep.... Dynamic duo 💪
@Joshua James exactly right bruh the whole time fixing the lakers was getting russ to accept his role while still allowing him to play his game..great job by darvin ham
Nice to read all the comments here but surprised not to see a comment about the #1 reason the team is playing better.
Coach Ham....
As a communicator, motivator, and team leader, this man grades out at an A++!!!
As a coach coaching the coaches and running a program, he probably grades out at about a B- because i have to knock him on the defensive side and the awful start to the season offensively.
As a game manager and leader on the bench i have to be honest and give Coach Ham a D-
All Coach Ham has to do is tighten and improve his rotation decisions and do a better job of managing the games on game night.
In particular 1st qtr starts, 3rd qtrs overall, and late games(both with big leads and close games, he is a mess)
The team is responding to Coach Ham's positivity, energy, vision, and authenticity.
It was clear from the opening press conference that they probably chose the right "leader" and it helps that that leader also had a vision of the style of basketball he wanted to play.
It was more than just bringing in the systems he learned while working under Coach Bud, who learned while working under Coach Pop.
It was tweaking those systems to match The Lakers current personnel(sign of a really good head coach) and being able to have great communication with all the players but in particular the 3 stars.
He asked AD to play the 5 because that was best for the team, Bron to shift to the 4 because that was best for the team, and Russ to lead the bench because that was good for the team...
So how are the other 12 Lakers not going to do what's best for the team when the stars are all doing things they would prefer not to do?
I even like how he is not only encouraging but pushing role players like Walker, Reaves, Brown, and others to shoot/score and be aggressive when they are on the floor!
Don't defer!
When you got your man beat, go get that bucket and when you are open, let it fly!
Facts. It's the rondo dynamic but with Russ
Russ, Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker, Thomas Bryant, Troy Brown Jr, and Wenyen Gabriel all have made it easier for AD and Bron by just playing within their roles.
Bron has been really good since coming back from injury - by the end of the year, he could be one of the best guys in the league again and the Lakers could look like title contenders fr
@Mike Quaglia are you dumb,? Lebron won a title with AD already
@Mike Quagliawhat game are you watching ? cuz the tv you on is broken …..
@Sup Wit It Productionzthe bench with the 6th man of the year yes 😂
@Mike Quaglia bron an ad most definitely can an Russ helps ad just like rondo did so nice try on the shade
@B. Rashad they need shooters that bench is not a title contender we can’t hope every night lebron and ad both combine for at least 80 just to win that’s absurd and lots of load for them and they not even a half way through the season you don’t want them to get injuried . Also in the playoffs teams will double team lebron and ad because they have no shooters at all! If Russ stays he will be a factor because in the playoffs teams always leave Russ open for the 3 and that makes him shoot the 3 and if he drives in they collapse and make him make a bad play . Just like the lakers did to Houston in the bubble playoffs they literally doubled harden and let Russ be Russ and that made them lose. Definitely need a trade Pat bev nunn Damian Jones and those picks maybe even trade russ. In the playoffs their isn’t many fast break high temp where Russ plays the best it’s halfcourt low tempo where you need to shoot to create space for lebron and ad . The team is good but definitely need some changes to be a title contender . Also having 2 ball dominating guys like Russ and lebrkn both can’t have more than 3 tov a game man that will hurt them in the playoffs and we all know russ always has high tov last night he had 6! Those will hurt in the playoffs which is why I think it’s best to trade him if they can’t get a good deal for Pat bev and nunn if they do then it’s okay to keep Russ but he has to limit his tov in the playoffs and not shoot as much. But yea the team definitely needs a shooter a wing and a center to help ad
That Bron/AD, Russ/AD pick and roll is deadly
Lakers have finally bonded with each other. I think that’s helping contribute to their success. They definitely seem to understand how each player plays their game
Question is, do you think the Lakers have found their identity, or are they going to need to grow more? Are they a one trick pony? Not to jinx any one, but they are one injury away from becoming a lottery team.
Would love to hear you discuss assists to makes ratio from a triple threat touch. Perhaps it's hidden within the PER stat.
AD is gonna score 100 points in a game this season. When he does I would like to be invited onto the show.
When I see the Lakers winning, I see Russ playing his game, Lebron playing his game, and Ant playing to his strengths. They're all three extremely used to covering for other positions instead of simply playing their own spot to the best of their abilities. When they're all playing their own positions and not trying to double cover for each other, it's an extremely dangerous team.
It’s funny how Ham was saying he wanted AD to take a lot of 3’s now we see game plan has done a total 180 to him only taking a couple a game. The whole thing is coming together. Everything.
Man I love this team and this AD is what I have been hyping up the last two seasons I feel so good that this AD is back
@Carter weirdo hatred
Back until his legs give out again. Dude's always been soft
The Lakers success relies solely on their ability to hit 3s. They have great pieces to mitigate shooting slumps, which is why they’re competitive in games where it looks like they can’t shoot at all. When they shoot well, it takes pressure off AD and Lebrons 2 man game. Provides spacing for Russ to attack.
They get a good 3&D during the trade and I can't see any other team stopping them.
Charles Barkley been saying it since last year, which was the Lakers' success will depend on how well AD plays. Yes, Westbrook coming off the bench and players coming back from injury also helps the Lakers but ultimately it falls on AD. If he plays great, the Lakers will play great.
It’s AD. I know the other players play a role, but if AD is healthy this team is immediately put in the convo for possible contenders. In about 5 games of being healthy he went from being criticized to a front runner for MVP.
The biggest thing i see with AD is he is not falling down as much.
Maybe he has more energy or not injured anymore.
Also, AD has stopped doing his point guard impression.
AD defense & offense is the reason they are winning games
@Fur Kan no, he has a point. What does any of this matter when AD will inevitably be injured again most likely by Christmas. I've said it before and I'll say it again. What good is it to have a Ferrari if it's always in the shop?
@Bean Slider why would you wait for somebody you dont even know personally to fail at his job to hate him? Like how pathetic is your life?😂
@isaiah burrell was also the reason they were losing don’t forget. Wait till he gets injured again
@BrooksHOF TV and as the one biggest Westbrook haters got to give him credit great spark as a 6th man when’s he’s keeping ball safe and him scoring is a plus at this point. Need him keep facilitating it!
Their team playing in their roles is why they are winning
Ad-28-13-2
Bron-26-9-7
This song never gets old even when the years past I love it
He's playing like a big man and he's getting good help.
People are forgetting they started the year without backup center Thomas Bryant and backup point Schroeder. Two very solid pieces for depth.
How is Schroeder a solid piece. Every time I watch him he seems like the least effective person on the court. He doesn’t score, his defense is average or below average. Every time he turns the ball over or gets beat he has this dumb look on his face.
Bryant and Schroder combine for 12 pts a night
@Austin Abney He ain`t in his prime no more like he was in 2020. This is a totally different roster than it was in 2020 so that play a major role in his decline
@Lionel Grisbane Strongly agree with you!
Bryant is an injury prone big who cant stay health and Schroeder is a volume scorer period.
This man has always had stretches of great but never a whole season, not even half a season, until he just stopped trying or gets injured
This really makes you wonder why shooting is often an afterthought in the NBA draft. You have guys drafted in the top 5 on "potential" who have shown zero ability to shoot the three. They don't even shoot FTs well. I'm thinking of someone like RJ Barrett. And yet you have guys like Trey Murphy, who has great size, great athleticism, and posted 50/43/93 shooting splits at UVA. How in the world does that guy go outside the lottery? It still seems to be that teams undervalue shooting touch as a baseline skill.
Selflessness now coming from lebron as well as him playing more consistent defense has been key. Numbers won’t tell you that tho. If lebron kept playing how he was since before Indiana. They would of lost the last two games
AD has been injury for the passes seasons after the bubble, he is finally health and in shape. These experts being experts think they know all the reasons, it is purely he is healthy and finely in form
Do your research JJ! In 2018 AD finished top 3 in MVP and DPOY voting for a reason. He BEEN a beast! Y'all just started paying attention after he went to LA!
JJ Reddick are u doing research?
Defense has not been a question for the Lakers this season, their offense was. Now they are figured it out..
Healthy LeBron+Davis is a tough duo. They some monsters.
Lebron is playing less iso beyond the 3 and passing the ball to AD around the basket more, same with Westbrook. They're also playing faster.
Lakers dont need a trade if they can somehow get Miles Bridges via Free Agency then they're set. they have Loonie Walker consistent 3rd Option.
You have to give credit to the new coach philosophy You can his focus is Keeping AD involved at all times.. Basically the team works off of AD. #1 OPTION.. BRINGING RUSS Off the bench GREAT ENERGY!!!!!!!!!!
This also shows that midrange and big men aren't dead. That an old school formula for winning still works.
Most of the Lakers role players had decent three point career averages, so when they were all only around 15-20%, I knew they were overdue to get hot
Great discussion. Makes me want to subscribe to the pod. I won’t, but it makes me want to
with all that in mind. It is almost inconceivable how great Jokic is. He literally was getting a better record having a worst roster than AD and Lebron. He also never gets calls.
Austin Reaves and Lonnie walker have stepped up their game so much. That’s a huge part. Russ off the bench is definitely the move as well.
@Eric Peterson I agree he can be better but it’s been good to see more so on the offensive end. Perimeter wise he still contests so I’ll live with it .
@Sam Mcglynn the point is not typing his entire first and last name
@Kevonte Jones He gets burned consistently on the perimeter, but his team defense has been solid... and he's been great with his shot selection, off ball movement, and playing off AD/LBJ
@Kevonte Jones whats the point of an acronym thsts just two letters shorter?
Austin Reaves has been really impressive this year, as well as LWIV
With the recent team success should they just keep Russ and hope for the best?
Are you gonna talk about the Kings soon? You still think it was a bad trade? Sabonis is a 2-time all-star. I would like to hear what you think about the Kings right now
It's more than AD but everybody pretty much agreed that as long as AD can stay on the court the Lakers are going to be decent at the very least
Ride the momentum. If I'm Lebron, I'm feeding AD early get him goin... turn on that switch mid game then let AD close it out. That way Bron is gettn rest staying fresh and AD Is able to gt comfortable as a closer
Lakers didn’t start winning until LeBron got hurt
When he came back, the Lakers continued to win
Got to stop giving LeBron all the credit when he wins, but give the teammates, the coach & front office all the blame when he loses
AD, Coach Ham, & Russ deserves way more credit than LeBron
LeBron was hindering the team putting up empty numbers until he got hurt and now he’s back; now buying into Coach Ham’s system when he came back like AD, Russ & the rest of the team
AD is carrying the team on both ends
LeBron is accepting his role as the 2nd option
Walker is now the 3rd option
Westbrook is the 6th man & 2nd option when LeBron is out the game resting
Lakers need 1 more shooter to go with Reaves and they will be a West Contender
The West is up for grabs no dominant team
I think Darvin Ham
Deserves alot of credit … he from day 1 said this guy is gonna be mvp consideration this year … he stuck with this is our horse and we are gonna ride him all year :.. also KG and Barkley other former players basically saying he has top 5 talent but might not even be a top 20 talent the last year and half which is still good but nothing close to his talent now imagine buddy there spacing the floor for him he is doing this with minimal talent no real 3 option maybe a 4th or 5th but no real 3 option .. if he can sustain like a 28-12 year couple blocks and bron and him stay healthy and take games of seldomly they can be a playoff team not play in … and they can easily upset a team but saying finals contenders but way hell of a different team then we saw first 10 games .. and this team easily could be 12-10 not 10-12 but that’s not here or there let’s see how they do the last 60 games
If you take 2pt fg into shooting % then Shaq is a great shooter. Maybe I missed it but it seems to conflate spacing with talent
"you surround lebron with shooters and youre going to the finals" quote of the year lmfao lets go tommy
This is the type of song that makes you feel happy for others when you are single,and makes you appreciate the moment more when you are with somone you love
That pick and roll with lebron and AD on the short corner is lethal
Pick and Roll is such a simple play yet is so effective.
Unstoppable no team can guard tht
Lakers may think how to optimize lebron and ad athletecism by putting a good shooter but also have a good defender.
I don't think he should be going all out in the regular season, it's not even January. Pelinka needs to shore up the roster.
Westbrick has been spectacular working pick and roll with AD
The Celtics stats just might be fantasy. Just ridiculous! 😂
*"Just put guys that can knock down open shots on his team and"... You can literally say that for **_anyone_** on **_any_** team lmao.*
Winning teams hit open shots 😔
Something about Russ I like is he is always trying to feed the bigs
I think it’s way simpler than this. We are talking about a team that has barely played together. Russ Lebron and AD had like 21 games together last year. Not to mention pretty big roster turn over for the 4th year in a row and a new coach. These numbers don’t really mean that much with the lakers team because a lot has changed since the first 12 games. Freaking lebron was shooting like 10% from 3! They have found an identity and almost everyone has figured out their roles now. The chemistry keeps getting better as well. The west is also pretty open. I don’t see a juggernaut type team. I see some really good teams that are beatable.
Pretty Basic, because AD demands a double team, other guys are going to have open looks. The key is AD is healthy, Lakers will continue to win as he stays healthy If he can stay healthy they have a good chance for another title.
All they need is a true backup center for AD
Am I blind or JJ didn’t mark who the 5th ranked team was in makes
Edit: he put 18 twice between pelicans & okc
When he was with Boogie, Rondo and Holiday he was pretty good
So we’re just acting like AD wasn’t in the MVP conversation before he came to LA. Like damn JJ you played against the dude. Him and boogie were supposed to carry the pelicans but that never happened
8-2 split up: 3 wins on San Antonio, 1 win vs. Detroit. Mediocres like Brooklyn (1) Portland (1) and Washington (1) - I only record one impressive team they beat and that was Milwaukee....I only see one team with homecourt advantage and I probably see 3 wins vs Playins (7-10) - and 4 wins vs Wemba Chasers - so this isn't real, don't get hyped up on that video.
They lost vs. Suns and Pacers.....that's the 2 Losses - and I'm not a prophet to tell you that the next 10 they got 4-6 at best (my bet is on 3-7 but if someone tells me 2-8 I wouldn't be surprised either way). Check the schedule - it's becoming harder....
If the lakers shot 37% from 3 in the majority of their games, their record would be killer
Lot of talk about getting Myles Turner. I wouldn't. If AD is playing this great at the 5 why move him? I doubt if you trade for Turner he would be ok being the back up, playing 15 min a night in a contract year. Even if he did accept the role he would probably walk in free agency.
Buddy Hield would be a better pick up. It would be an easier player to plug right into the offense.
So if you trade maybe Russ and a 1st for Hield then go and trade guys like Pat Bev and Nunn, who aren't great fits right now, and the other 1st for another 3 point shooter...
Thats what will make you a contender.
The brow stay healthy lakers are dangerous. Could use more shooting and defense
Not enough credit is being given to Coach Ham and Russ......Ham in particular. He's got all these egos buying into their roles. The offense is very similar to Budz' Bucks. The defense is there too. Huge props to Ham for all this.
Klay didn’t have 5 straight games with 50 percent plus from three 3/7 against the clippers and 4/10 against new york
Playoffs come they’re sagging off russ just like we did. I’m pretty scared IF we even get there
Laker could actually make some noise if... AD stays healthy! And that's a massive if
Its ALL Russ they winning! If it was his fault they lost (even though it wasn’t) then he’s the reason they winning 😂
I thought I knew about basketball until I started listening to JJ. Lmao
We got so used to LeBron putting up great stats that when someone else does it we gloss over his that man is averaging 26,9 and 7 in year 20 and people are talking about passing torches they both are equally good both need to be aggressive to win we're in the honeymoon with ad we've been married with Bron so to speak...let's not take him for granted
Lol nah yall tripping its AD’s team ever since lebron went down. The energy is just different. If you been tuning in you’ll know. ANTHONY DAVIS HAS ARRIVED.
Ad is #1 option but it's still lebron's team. Like how kd was #1 option but it's stil steph's team
100% facts
@El Niggabeing the #1 scorer on offense doesn’t mean you’re the leader. It’s Brons team, the ball and most decisions especially late game go through him the most still
@El Nigga yea finally we been wanting that since the bubble
AD was a monster Boogie Rondo era PELICANS
I think you don't need great shooting you just need guys who are threats to like 2 or 3 when the lakers won they where 20th in 3pt makes and percentage
Friendly Reminder: JJ Reddick Couldnt Make WIDE OPEN Shots On The Clippers or The 76ers. in A Lot Of Their Losses He Shot Terrible 😂 0 Rings Giving 0 Ring Advice
Do one on how the Kings are winning JJ. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. LIGHT THE BEAM JJ !
The defense is much better than last year
AD is for sure a huge part in them winning. Last 10 games he’s been ridiculous. And those last 10 games they are 8-2. Edit: Lakers role players are seriously underrated. Ne
Yea better give us credit JJ, you hate on us when we losing, better give us credit when we winning brother!
Someone teach this man how to do a spread sheet 🤣🤣🤣
Helps when westbrick isn’t forcing the jumpshot, opponents were literally baiting him and leaving him wide open like he’s draymond or rudy gobert. The disrespect was warranted
It’s been like 3 years since you talked about the best team in basketball please get Jaylen on here
Can y'all give Russ his flowers too I mean he shifted his playstyle to become somewhat of a pure point guard damn there were games where he already has 10 assists before half time.
I was at that game last night. LeBron/AD or Russ/AD pick n roll is unstoppable. Not to mention Lonnie Walker has been really good for the Lakers.
Lonnie Walker isn't talked about enough. He is a well rounded bucket. He does mid range, 3s, dunks, fastbreaks
Yeah is Jrue,Giannis and Brook couldn't stop it then it is pretty much unstoppable..... I couldn't believe that even Giannis couldn't even do anything
@El Nigga y’all be saying anything smh
I agree, but AD is mostly what is making it unstoppable. Tbh, I think Lonnie Walker if given the opportunity could run the pick in roll with AD just as effectively as Russ. So, I'd still try to trade Russ if possible for someone with more reliable shooting or anyone that can fulfill a current need for Lakers
Definitely, they just kept running the P&R the whole game and the wizards couldn’t stop it. If you help on Lebron he just bounce passes or throws a lob to AD. If you help on AD, Lebron just bullies the opponent at the rim. Russ and AD P&R is the same, except if they try to help on AD Russ just uses his crazy speed to finish at the rim OR they can just kick out to Lonnie or Austin for 3. It’s a cheat code!
I live in lexington and was here when we won it all with AD in 12'. I can tell back then that AD is special. The only things that can stop him are injuries and himself.
The lebron AD pick and roll is the most unstoppable in the league and it’s not even close.. whether it’s bron using the screen to score, using it and then lobbing to AD, or BOTH bron and AD getting doubled and opening up shooters, it’s unstoppable. And it’s beautiful basketball
I think it's guys getting over the LA land shine and buying into their roles, I think the 1st domino was Hamm getting Russ to buying into being the leader off the bench. As soon as that happened all the non starters really started playing better. AD looks healthy and you can even see on some of his dunks he's making sure he's landing safely, He isn't playing afraid to get injured he's playing smart to prevent injuries but more so smart heads up basketball. And Lonnie Walker, can't say enough of how good this guy is doing, I was watching some highlights and he was easily their 3rd best player in many games. The fact that young guys now are getting the green light really means the team is in a place of growth and so far nobody is really running away with the West. The Lakers will be a playoff team and can go on a run if they just keep the trajectory. To see AD outplay Giannis hasn't really happened in a long long time.
They are getting him the ball and finding him wide open he's under the basket and it has everything to do with the passing and nothing to do with AD
AD has tapped into ultra instinct and is now a problem for the rest of the league
Y’all really forgot about Pelicans AD 😅
Westbrook holds it all together
This is the year when AD emerges as the guy