Eh - the Lakers (the bench and Luka) were just missing good looks.

I'll credit the defense when it forces a tough shot but all too often yesterday it wasn't. The Lakers had plenty of good shots, DFS and Vincent for certain. And they just missed 'em.

DFS has gotten a lot of credit for defensive improvements in LA but his shot has been erratic as hell. Some nights he's good for 6/8 and others he's 1/7. He's taken that streak shooting mantle from Reaves (who's just been ****ing outstanding in the 2nd half).

Him and Vincent have to be better in the playoffs. And if Luka's gonna shoot 9 three balls/gm, he needs to be as well. He's made 3 of his last 24 three point attempts. And at least to his credit, he stopped shooting them yesterday (I don't think he took a 3 in the second half; at least I don't recall one).

The bench just can't be that bad. And it can't be that bad AND that predictable. They took 15 shots last night -- 11 of them from 3. Only 1 assist to 2 turnovers and 7 fouls committed. They were just really shitty. You're not gonna beat a good team like the Warriors playing with a bench that's actively hurting you.

It was just a fun game to watch, all the way through.

If the Thunder win tonight at Houston they aren't losing again this regular season and winning 70 games.

Unless they decide to just rest everyone vs the Lakers. Which they might.

If OKC decides to go full out in both games of a meaningless B2B against the Lakers a week before the playoffs just so they can win 70 games, that's the kind of mistake that should get somebody fired.

Their entire focus needs to be winning a NBA championship.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LEAKED audio of Luka &amp; LeBron trash talking Quinten Post ��<br><br>Luka: “I know your ass ain’t talking, you a p*ssy”<br><br>Post: “What are you talking about?”<br><br>LeBron: “You’re a fucking bum”<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/T3ZGYoo11T">pic.twitter.com/T3ZGYoo11T</a></p>&mdash; LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1908229252409123118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They won't and haven't been. For the last month they've been doing staggered rest. They almost always rest 2 of 5 of SGA, J-Dub, Chet, IHart, and Wiggins.

Seems like normal form for them. Talking shit to a new rookie who isn't even in the same stratosphere as them. Just embarrassing.

The Warriors defense forced him to struggle.

Luka was going through the motions from the first minute last night. Virtually no intensity at all on his part. Won't be the case if the teams play in the playoffs.

He started it.

Draymond Green is by far the most embarrassing in that clip.

Post wasn't wrong. :hmmm:

Post is a 2nd round pick who is contributing to his team. He's developing his skill so far this year.

OKC exposed tonight, the 70 dream is dead

And the Warriors are making a statement by beating the Lakers and Nuggets in consecutive nights.

All of the Warriors championships were won when they played good defense and right now they are playing top notch defense.

Warriors making the playoffs interesting. Jimmy, Curry, and Green have that playoff experience and they think they have something cooking.

(now back to your OKC,LA,& DENVER thread).

Hey, I’m the guy who said the Warriors should be taken seriously as soon as they traded for Butler (amidst many doubters including their own fans).

I’m not the one who has to be convinced Jimmy Butler is a really good impactful player, nothing about what they are doing is surprising to me.

Still would take OKC or LA over them in the West but that’s it right now.

Of course you think that :thumb:

At least Jimmy and the Warriors have a small chance. The Warriors seem to think they have it.

This shit happens every time Jimmy ****its goes to a new team.

There's the honeymoon, and then he randomly decides the team isn't good enough for him.

He might get a ring this time before he goes off half-cocked, but he's still a whacko who shouldn't be trusted with any kind of team leadership whatsoever.

Guys all smiley and laughing. Such weak shit compared to the golden age of basketball.

Exposed?

Ha.

Yeah, too bad Luka just didn’t throw down on some scrub immediately

Bring me back to the 80s

Not sure what era you believe was golden but 90s basketball was truly awful. Putrid.

Go back and watch the games. Holy shit.

What you like is narratives.

Looks like we might have found the team in the West that OKC least wants to play.

For me it is the Clippers or the Wolves.

When Kahwi tries he is tough.

When Edwards doesn't take reeruned shots they are tough.

Those are the two teams Im most worried about. I do like Houstons athleticism other than that scrub Sengun. They just don't have the efficiency.

Houston will muck the game up on OKC and have a great coach. Do worry about them scoring in the half court down the stretch of games.

I too think it’s been overlooked the way Kawhi is playing right now by most. He probably can’t sustain this or his health for a full two months of the playoffs any longer, but as a first round opponent? Scary as ****.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m so sick of y’all �� <a href="https://t.co/Ck4NERsQ8h">pic.twitter.com/Ck4NERsQ8h</a></p>&mdash; The Black Hokage (@TheBlackHokage) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBlackHokage/status/1908226336323412250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What a banger

The golden era is when the league was at the height of its popularity.

MLB's golden era was probably before I was born but damn the steroid era was ****ing awesome.

Obviously, the NFL is in theirs.

The Sunday afternoon games were always Knick/Heat slugfests that contained very little basketball. It was a pretty awful time in the NBA.

Yeah, I'll give you that matchup was god awful..

lol are the thunder supposed to be good?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LeBron with another Lefuck You Three ���� <a href="https://t.co/buCFUtZglI">pic.twitter.com/buCFUtZglI</a></p>&mdash; Hater Report (@HaterReport_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaterReport_/status/1908977259647578135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I will change my tune if they don't at least split with the Lakera in this series.

My guess is OKC will still come back and win.

11-14 from 3 for the Lakers.

Cant beat a team that shoots like that

OKC is terrified of Luka and LeBron and we all know it

Playoffs are looming.

Zero FTs for SGA.

I’m sure that’s just a coincidence that the Thunder look human now.

Yeah tough game for him so far. 10-16 for 21 pts and 8 assists.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shai getting betrayed by the refs <a href="https://t.co/JX9YKwclSF">pic.twitter.com/JX9YKwclSF</a></p>&mdash; LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1908993694994460813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Prepping for the playoffs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SGA on the phone with the NBA league office after the refs didn’t give him any free throws against the Lakers <a href="https://t.co/wENPd7pGKK">pic.twitter.com/wENPd7pGKK</a></p>&mdash; Hater Report (@HaterReport_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaterReport_/status/1909003394301510019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hmm...no. Absolute beatdown from start to finish instead on the self-proclaimed greatest team of all time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“You must be sick if you think Lakers are winning the championship” <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/gXGyNfRAiU">pic.twitter.com/gXGyNfRAiU</a></p>&mdash; LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1908995801227112866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who would you rather have for the next 10 years? <a href="https://t.co/VI4vQj3Oog">pic.twitter.com/VI4vQj3Oog</a></p>&mdash; LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1909007167010807922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Not the FT merchant

Deberg is a Laker fan?

Luka is more of a FT merchant than Shai. Luka averages 9.0 FTA per game. He averages more FTA per game this year and in his career compared to Shai...soooo

Then when you compare the amount of drives per game where SGA drives more than Luka and it is confusing he actually doesn't get more calls.

Always a good day when the Warriors lose. A few minutes away from the 4th-8th in the West being tied in the loss column.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Draymond: &quot;WHAT THE **** WAS THAT REF? I WILL LITERALLY RIP YOUR SPINE OUT OF YOUR BODY AND SHIT DOWN YOUR THROAT.&quot;<br><br>Refs: &quot;lol Draymond stop pls&quot;</p>&mdash; Barry (@BarryOnHere) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarryOnHere/status/1909063021559001229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


The accuracy

Yeah, 3 points from Curry is not going to cut it (1-10 shooting).

Probably due to playing 3 better ranked teams in the West over a 4 day period and still winning 2 of 3 including a win over the Lakers.

Tough competition down the stretch for a lot of teams.

The 2nd round is going to be a real problem for the Lakers and Warriors. Probably the Clippers and a few other teams that are going to be relying on older starters and/or shorter benches.

They just play so much starting in round 2. I think it's every other day for the remainder of the season. That's going to take a massive toll on them.

It's why a team like LAL can't **** around if they have a W on the table for them. If you can end a series in 5 games instead of 6, you HAVE to do it. You need the rest.

And a younger, deeper team like OKC is only going to get stronger as the playoffs go along. If they get taken out, I feel like it'll have to be in round 2. If not, it'll have to be by a team that put up a 5 game series W when the Thunder got pushed to 6 or 7 so the other squad has a rest advantage.

If OKC is playing you on equal rest, they're gonna beat you.

Starting to look more and more like DFS and Vincent control the Lakers ceiling as much as anyone else on that roster.

If one of them are hitting, they're a tough out. If BOTH are, that team will beat anyone on any given night.

So LAL can't lose any games where they get 20 points from those 2. They can't have James take a night off defensively on that evening. They can't have Reaves firing up bricks or Luca's shot being flat.

When you get a winning effort from those 2 guys you HAVE to win. You might get that once in a given series. You hope 2 other wins come on nights that one of them is dialed in and for the 4th win you lean into your Big 3 and hope they steal it for you.

But the lack of a legitimate big-man means that the Lakers MUST get contributions from DFS and Vincent because they just can't stay with that starting 5 and run and gun all night. And they can't steal points in the half-court while they recuperate because Hayes can't just 'take' a possession by backing someone down to get you a bucket and buy you 20 seconds of rest.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: The Denver Nuggets have fired coach Michael Malone, sources tell ESPN. <a href="https://t.co/bZoKRx6kgt">pic.twitter.com/bZoKRx6kgt</a></p>&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1909659154756841864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nuggets fire both the coach and GM today.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: The Denver Nuggets have fired coach Michael Malone, sources tell ESPN. <a href="https://t.co/bZoKRx6kgt">pic.twitter.com/bZoKRx6kgt</a></p>&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1909659154756841864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wow. Why?

Malone should have kept LeBron’s name out of his mouth two years ago. That guy talked way too much shit for a guy whose entire career was dependent on Nikola Jokic.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never forget when LeBron COOKED Mike Malone ��<br><br>“Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN” <a href="https://t.co/02qEJM9KjM">pic.twitter.com/02qEJM9KjM</a></p>&mdash; LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1909676463009546675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

LMAO Holy ****, that's an embarrassing post.

He will outlast all of his enemies, he truly is the sun.

Should the Nuggets have fired Malone immediately after winning the NBA Championship for not showing LeBron the appropriate amount of respect?

Maybe fire him at the parade to really send a message?

I could go either way on that, but I can tell you that it will be discussed on First Take tomorrow.

Good job making it about lebron. He must be so proud of you.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How does firing Michael Malone affect LeBron’s legacy? Next on ESPN. <a href="https://t.co/lxutQtGBtT">pic.twitter.com/lxutQtGBtT</a></p>&mdash; ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonPerna/status/1909667973633393089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I can't believe how many times I've clicked on this thread forgetting that it's actually the Lebron simp thread and not an NBA thread. At this point it's really on me.

Jesus Christ this is a real post?

Man Lebron is just pure cringe.

Would you prefer we discussed Bronny instead? He had the same amount of points as Steph on Sunday.

Oh wow - Curry put up three?

Yikes.

He went through the motions for most of it and didn’t want to exert much effort against Houston’s perimeter defenders. Still, he’s getting old.

I think the more interesting part of LeBron's double digit streak isn't that he hasn't had one since 2007.

It's that he's only had ONE since 2004. And apart from that one, and a game where he got hurt as a sophomore, he hasn't had a single one since his rookie year (when he had 6 such occurrences).

So in 20 years he had one bad game and another one where Dikembe Mutumbo literally broke his face.

Pretty consistent right there...

Your point is what? That perna is also making fun of people that are making this about lebron?

Because he's ineffective.

The greatest there ever was.

Who said there had to be a point?

I mean it's obviously not as bad as Steph's 3 (and 2) this year, but it's not hard to find a game or two where lebron was lucky (or determined enough to not sit down) to get to 10. Like the wolves game in December.

I mean 9 points vs 10 is essentially dick. Or 8 for that matter.

But as a proxy for consistency, it's a pretty solid record.

Absolutely.

Wtf is going in with the Lakers? They are drilling 3s like the Warriors in their hayday.

Two games in a row the Lakers tied their franchise record...ever...for 3FG made in a half.

What. The. Fk.

Lakers elected to play all their starters (in a game I figured they'd punt) and the Lakers have responded with a hilarious display of defensive indifference.

Fellas, when they say "they don't play defense in the NBA" -- show 'em this. THIS is what it looks like when "they don't play defense..."

They should have punted, they just need to beat Dallas tomorrow and Portland to get the 3rd seed.

Yeah - not sure why they didn't. I definitely would have.

Wtf is wrong with ja? He gets fined for the gun celebration so he goes with pretending to throw a grenade into the crowd?

He knows Silver is gutless at this point and won’t do anything this close to the playoffs

He’s a complete braindead dipshit. The kind you can’t fix

This ref just kicked Luka out of the game for talking to a fan LMAO