r/lakers • u/AvocadoSpiritual8849 • 1d ago
Reason, why I'm not worried
When was the last time we had even a good preseason? 2020-21? Which was over 5 years ago? Can all the doomers chill out until the start of opening night? Remember, we basically have an entirely new team. So, I'm pretty sure we'll be just fine.
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u/BladeRunnerDMC 17 Championships 1d ago
Even in preseason we already saw moments of the team looking really good and the team looking really bad. However none of it matters until the real thing so I dont know why ppl are calling us a play-in team at best right now....
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u/Ok_Communication_297 1d ago
Everything matters
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u/BladeRunnerDMC 17 Championships 1d ago
2020 Lakers went 3-3 in the preseason. 2021 went 4-0. I think we'll be alright.
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u/Leoyakin00 1d ago
Results in preseason are whatever but basketball is basketball. You can see some worrying signs for sure.
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
Thank you!
It's totally fine to notice worrying trends.
This "everything is ok" Lakers reddit thing during rough times is so goofy.
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u/stafford32s 1d ago
I suspected this thread could have a low impact on our community, and that's why I kudo the original insight from its title.
Like it or not, THIS is year 0.
LeBron is gone, get a grip on that, for love or hate.
Full Luka era started this summer. 9 new players (and the suspect is they're going to become 10 cutting/trading Dalton sooner than a sneeze). Players that are quick, with talent, and they can improve our otherwise full iso attack in Luka's minutes (don't get me wrong, he's the best iso player on the planet, but we needed a plan B to not become predictable).
Using the AI mantra, "attention is all you need", I turn it into "offense is all you need". What JJ is truly trying to do is to create two full quintets capable of scoring tons, at the sacrifice of some less than ideal points conceded on our side. Greedy? Maybe. But can work.
In Luka's minutes (forget preseason) the team is stellar against any other defense. In Luka's non minutes this year there's the projected leap of a team that wanna say: "Do you score on me? I score on you more"Can't wait honestly
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u/AvocadoSpiritual8849 1d ago
Oh yeah, don't get me wrong. There are definitely some worrying signs. I'm just saying don't conclude that we're a play-in team already.
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u/Ok_Communication_297 1d ago
Broooo the team is soooo shit y’all were so happy to get rid of bron but didn’t think about the reasons why bron could not sign back n signed a 4 milli deal to get OUT … it’s a shit show . A bunch of nobodies
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u/VicenteMica 1d ago
its not like bron would make any difference, he getting his ass blasted in pre season aswell.
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u/Ilsestameliore 1d ago
No preseasons are good.. we get too excited while the teams don’t even care about winning
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u/EverythingLakers16 1d ago
even 2019/2020 Lakers didn't have a great preseason. Statistically, preseason means nothing in terms of eventually deep runs and champs.
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
LOL!
Oh boy...
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u/VicenteMica 1d ago
thunder are 1-4 spurs 2-3 knicks 1-4, it literally doesn't matter, pre season games are for testing.
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
I can't believe I have to say this to so many ppl here. I mean, I can, and here we are.
It's not about the wins and losses. That IS preseason.
It's about performances and trends that you see going the wrong way.
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u/Phyzmatic 1d ago
We didn't even have the entire roster for some of these games. Kessler played 2 games, Luka played 2 or 3 games (I forgot), reaves played... 2 games I think? Missed ziaire multiple games, carr missed 2 or 3 games, adou missed 2 games I think, completely missed sexton who is supposed to be our scoring off the bench, we tried developing certain guys like bronny with actual players (looked horrible), we played Jaden Hardy in an NBA basketball game (unfortunately).
Like, I agree with you but seriously, just hold the intense criticisms of "performances and trends" until the season ACTUALLY starts lol.
edit: (Hot take) For example, I watched the 76ers a good bit with starters and non starters on the court and I'm not really impressed that they are contenders... I think toronto, pacers, and knicks are better teams, personally. Does this mean they are going to be terrible based off performances and trends of their preseason? Probably not, but who really knows until we see some regular season and playoffs.
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u/EyelessSK 23h ago
"Like, I agree with you but seriously, just hold the intense criticisms of "performances and trends" until the season ACTUALLY starts"
This is gonna be one of the weirder analogies I've ever made, but this is like if you went out to dinner and before you ordered you saw samples of what you wanted to have as a main course. You try it...it sucks. It COULD be better when you order the full serving, but based off of the sample you're not feeling great about ordering the full meal.
Then let's say I go to my girlfriend and say "Not feeling the steak." She asks why. I told her I tried a sample and she says "Why don't you just wait until you have the FULL dinner before you make an "intense" (lol, really?) criticism?" There's already been a bad size what you wanted to order might not be good, and it would be fair to think that. I'm sure you'll jump all over this analogy because it's easy to laugh at and pick apart, so you do you. It's the easier route than telling me how I'm wrong.
I've been all over the sub post game so I forgot what I said where, but my basic critique of the team, which I already had questions about when players were signed, and we've seen Austin play for YEARS now, is this:
1) AUSTIN'S CANT BE THE SECOND BEST PLAYER ON A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM, and him getting the contract he did could severely hurt future flexibility.
2) Walker might be good, but not worth the haul that was given for him, which also hurts future flexibility.
3) The roster fit is clunky, with career turnover prone players, and lacking size.
So you're acting as if I saw a pre season few games and I'm running around screaming, crying, and throwing up saying the season is over, when in all actuality I'm saying that I saw flaws that I expected and they got worse as the competition got better.
I think fans on here who criticize those who they think are "overreacting" are either not smart enough to see the flaws themselves so it seems like we're "panicking", or deep down you know there's gonna be issues, but you'd rather ignore it and hope it just gets better which isn't how this works.
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u/Phyzmatic 15h ago
This entire reply and rant is based off you thinking I'm implying you "running around screaming" when I didn't. I'm disagreeing that you are making "performance and trends" arguments off of preseason games. If you ever played sports before, the team is not trying nearly as hard as they would when there isn't something to play for. That doesn't mean the team isn't trying, what I'm saying is they can figure something out.Â
Everyone thought the roster was doomed when we had to play the rockets and no analysts thought we would win vs the rockets when Austin and Luka went down. Teams play different when they have prep time which is why you see random teams like the 8th seeded heat go on runs, 5th seeded pacers go on runs, lukas 2024 mavs go on runs when playoffs start.Â
Also why are you saying im implying you are running around screaming?? Where did I imply this??? My main argument (you didn't address) was our roster didn't even play a full game together which is why I am arguing we can be better than what the flaws are pointing out to be.Â
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u/Green_Bowl_9582 21h ago
- Austin getting better from year to year, you didn't properly saw him as a second option. Last year we were 10-2 with Luka and AR without Bron and looked pretty great. Even if you don't like Austin as second option anyway we had to pay him the contract, in other case he walks away for free, because there were teams ready to pay him that. Detroit were aiming to get him for that money and you saw how they treated their home grown stars this offseason. Austin said himself that he choose to stay in LA. Retaining him was one of the main goals.
- He looked underwhelming. Man didnt played for a year and had to guard Jokic in the second game, limiting his ability to help in interior, leaving him open. In many times Joc is staying on the perimeter leaving Kessler on 3pt line and not in inside where we want him. Nuggets made some tough shots over him. I thought against gsw he played great.
- Grimes is your 2-way guard with poa defence and outside scoring. JJ loves him, wants to raise his children to be like Grimes apparently. They tried to get him for a long time, so there must be something in him. Mamu looking great from the bench. We didnt seen sexton yet, but his need is obvious with current ballhandelling. For that reason Grimes came from the bench today. And Thybulle with Williams are steals for the minimum contracts. I hate Lonney signing though. With the possibilities in free agency most deals are justifiable.
We looked that bad mostly because of turnovers. Guys simply dont know how to get open when blitzing for Luka and AR. In the second half thay dealt with double much better. We are not close to SAS or OKC and assuming the assets highly likely wont be even in the future. But with that squad I believe we will have a puncher chance every year. SAS and OKC tanked the whole Lebron era, while we were actively competing, so its understandable
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u/bluelugafail 1d ago
It's cool Lakers waking up late for season and got embarrassed probably for the best tbh
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u/thesqrrootof4is2 1d ago
I’m not worried about this team, but it’s very clear that this entirely new squad definitely needed the preseason reps to build chemistry with each other and also see how their gameplan works against other teams that live practices just can’t replicate
I get the injury concerns, but also there’s no reason that we only got one full half of Luka Austin and Walker together in the last preseason game. Something has to give a little
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u/Mean-Nothing8598 1d ago
The team was much more focused on refining the bench than winning games, which after last year I agree with 100%. I feel like we've added so much depth with excellent rotational players like Thybulle, Grimes, and especially Mamukelashvili. Thiero and Carr showed promise in the minutes they had. I'm looking forwards to this season immensely
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u/no_crust_buster 1d ago
Yeah, I’m not worried at all. If this continues into December, yes… lol. But what IS irritating, it’s the same old vs Denver; they have 1 or 2 huge quarters either offensively, defensively, or both And win by 10+. Then, the other quarters they just keep it close and cruise.
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u/AvocadoSpiritual8849 1d ago
I agree to certain extent, but Luka didn't play in the second half and from what I could tell from the games he's played against them, he seems to be the perfect counter.
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u/OnlyGetTheFactsWrong 1d ago
I still remember the Mavs winning 67 games (only losing 15) just to get demolished by their former coach Don Nelson and a three ball chucking Baron Davis in the first round. Little did we know Nellie created the blueprint of the NBA for the following decade. But still hurt(s). Im short, the season is long and somehow, the post season is even longer.
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u/CartoonsAndAppleJack Shaq and Kobe 1d ago
Relax
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u/Immediate-Clock-816 Magic Johnson 32 10h ago
Exactly it’s the pre season with a bunch of new dudes
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u/Hysterical_Squanch 1d ago
Luke hasn't gotten out of 1st gear. Will be much different come the regular season.
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u/AvocadoSpiritual8849 1d ago
Looked like the Nuggets were trying to get him out that first gear when they sent a million double teams every time, he had the ball for one second.
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u/satangod666 1d ago
Only preseason, chemistry takes time, nuggets are a settled unit we have a lot of new guys that have to learn to play together. Have some patience
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u/savage1289 Luka Magic 77 1d ago
Exactly they know each other and have built chemistry whereas this squad literally played together for the first time. Things take time
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u/neiljust07 1d ago
It's this mentality why we don't fuckin win games. It's okay. Relax. It doesn't count. Fuck that shit. If we're not playing to Win and just figure out what works (which should be what fuckin practices are for), where's the fuckin pride of the team AT HOME COURT?!?
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u/manindenim 1d ago
?? What does anybody’s mentality on Reddit have to do with the Lakers winning? You think you’re more important than you are lol
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u/onsome0 Los Angeles Lakers 1d ago
Yeah, how dare the Knicks/Thunder go 1-4 and the Spurs go 2-3 in the preseason too??
How dare they not give a shit about the result of games that don't count for anything?
/s
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
It's not about the records.
It's about trends you see occuring.
AR is doing WAY too much. Defense is concerning. TURNOVERS are insanely concerning.
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u/onsome0 Los Angeles Lakers 1d ago
AR/Luka are generally always going to be a bit up there in turnovers because they orchestrate literally everything offensively for the team. Throw in some careless turnovers because they're playing at half speed in the preseason and some chemistry related ones since they're playing with almost an entirely new team and it feels worse than it will be long-term.
You're panicking about turnovers specifically, but the team only had 14 on the night despite a horrendous start with them lol. Getting too lost in the momentary vibes and being irrational.
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
"You're panicking" "Getting too lost in the momentary vibes and being irrational."
WRONG and WRONG.
Austin has been a playoff downer and not a riser. Don't act like Austin JUST got here like he's Kessler.
For the price he was playing at for all these years he was a really fun story as he's gotten better every year. Now we're in a place where he's expected, and being paid as such, to be the second best player on a Luka championship squad. He's not Kyrie. He's not Brunson. BTW because I feel like you're gonna go here - I'm not a Luka stan who's bringing up former/current Mavs. I'm a Laker fan of 27 yrs.
Luka's turnovers seriously need to be cut down as well, but at least Luka still scores at a high volume and makes other players better the same way LeBron did.
I know "it's only preseason, derpppp" but Austin is playing like a guy who's trying too hard because he knows he's not worth what he's getting paid.
The problem is Jeanie said she was the "president of the AR fan club", Rob loves him, and JJ's kids call him "Uncle A". There was too much of an emotional thing that went into hanging onto Austin this long.
They shouldn't have let him walk and sign w Detriot this offseason as that's losing an asset for nothing, but he was never worth being "untouchable" all these yrs in trade talks.
Now Luka is even in a rough spot where he loves AR and likes playing with him, but he'll realize this season, and I'd love to be wrong, that he can't win a championship with AR as the "second best" player on this team.
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u/onsome0 Los Angeles Lakers 1d ago
There's nothing I can say that can change this convo because you've come to your own conclusion and are looking at every game going forward with confirmation bias.
The reality is Austin is a damn good player that multiple teams in the NBA have tried to trade for and would have given a max contract to. IDC what reservations you have about it but complaining about him on Reddit every day is more of a reflection of your mental instability than a truly objective analysis of his talent as a basketball player.
Get some help.
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u/friendo20 1d ago
I disagree I love Austin but he's not a max player happy for him to prove me wrong haven't seen him on an all star team he's 28 not 21
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u/Dabithebeast 1d ago
For some unfathomable reason we like to go against the norm and not try to build team chemistry during the preseason. Then the hiccups start showing up once the actual season starts and we question why these things are happening.
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
This is one of those cases where when you get downvoted here it means you said something that was spot on.
We have thin skinned fans who run from reality at all costs.
I agree with everything you said here.
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u/KeyRepresentative262 1d ago
If youre getting worried in the preseason you need to take a break, from literally everything.Â
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u/friendo20 1d ago
It's okay to observe if players haven't played well even the coach can say if a player hasnt played well chill
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u/KeyRepresentative262 1d ago
Did i say it wasnt? Saying someone didnt play well is way different from being worried about how the regular season will go.
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u/friendo20 1d ago
So you trust bronny and others in the regular season then I take it?
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u/KeyRepresentative262 22h ago
No? But i havent trusted him since he got picked. I could literally care less about his preseason performance.
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u/friendo20 1d ago
You don't lose LeBron and get better this team is a 7 or 8 seed
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u/Flimsy-Trust-2821 16h ago
41 year old Lebron not so sure. And Philly starters looked not the best against Celtics.
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u/redflowerz29 1d ago
Let’s just call us what it is gonna be a long year ufff
Definitely overpaid for Reeves. He just doesn’t have that star potential
Also another thing, if we face a team that’s very athletic and physical, we’re gonna shrink
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u/EyelessSK 1d ago
"So, I'm pretty sure we'll be just fine."
So basically you just look at results and trends from TOTALLY DIFFERENT TEAMS and apply it here. Brilliant.
We saw lots of warts. I don't think AR is gonna play up to his contract. Grimes and Kessler are under the microscope too.
Mamu is the only player who has looked the part.
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u/myelrecsy 1d ago
Don't be caught up with the game thread, especially when losing...