LeBron James apologized to the Lakers Nation on social media after the recent explosive loss.
So the promise: “… we will be better!”
James and the Lakers are currently in a position to compete in play-in tournaments after the end of the regular season. Of course, it’s not ideal.
But in reality, the mantras of any team this season just need to be involved, whenever possible. Given the high number of injuries to celebrity players and the hourly uncertainty of the virus, getting healthy for the playoffs is a priority this season.
This is the main reason that the approaching closing date of February 10 can be a significant dilemma for the general manager. Because the ranking may not accurately reflect where the team is standing.
Imagine these scenarios. Jamal Murray has rejoined active MVPs Nikola Jokić and Denver Nuggets in time for the post-season match. Or if Victor Oladipo in Miami continues to make progress from leg surgery that has kept him out for almost a year, or perhaps the Los Angeles Clippers are regaining Kawhi Leonard.
Consider the impact of Anthony Davis returning to the Lakers lineup.
Any or all of them can change the landscape.
So don’t think too much, looking at the NBA’s rankings from time to time, as Nuggets coach Michael Malone does.
“I was injured. I had a COVID. But again, I’m not saying,” The calamity is me, “Malone said. “This is our reality and you have to deal with it.”
Klay Thompson was recently absent from the Golden State lineup for more than two years, and after a month of standoffs stemming from vaccination status, Kyrie Irving was able to make her season debut in Brooklyn. Needless to say. Currently, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is sprained, so it is expected that the net will be free of Kevin Durant.
One of the recent postseason runs has shown that timely peaks are at least just as important, if not more than sowing during that period. Last year’s conference finals featured 2nd and 4th seeds in the west, as well as 3rd and 5th seeds in the east. The previous season, Miami’s Fifth Seed entered the NBA Finals. In 2018, James brought the fourth seeded Cleveland to the title series.
Therefore, even if teams like the Nuggets and Clippers don’t have the seed playoff time they want, both teams are willing to trade the chance to open a series at home to have a star like Murray. There is no doubt. — Or Leonard is ready to go back.
“One day at a time is the mantra we have to live in,” Malone said.
Malone and his staff recently discussed that this season could be even more difficult than the previous two.
Indeed, the bubble playoffs were long isolated and difficult.
And last season was a challenge in navigating all protocols.
But this season, when we reach the midpoint, we can be at the next level of complexity and more uncertainty. As the team finds consistency and rhythm, key players (or coaches) enter the league’s health and safety protocol.
The Clippers remain another team currently in the western play-in spot. The return of Paul George and perhaps Leonard could be the boost they need to get back to the Conference Finals.
Or they may become sellers on the trading deadline.
In Portland, Chauncey Billups, Blazers’ first-year coach, has a fair amount of imprint. He suffers major injuries after major injuries such as Dynamic Guard Damian Lillard (surgery to treat abdominal injuries) and CJ McCollum (lung collapse).
“It was incredible this year,” said Billups, who saw McCallum return with a win at Orlando on Monday as the Blazers remained in 10th place in the west. “It was just crazy …. but that makes me a better coach.”
Inevitably, it’s frustrating, like after the Lakers lost 133-96 to the Nuggets over the weekend. The Lakers were great, and the Hall of Famer Magic Johnson echoed on social media. Owner (at) Jeanie Buss, you are more suitable. “
Guard Russell Westbrook was asked about Johnson’s assessment of the injured during the Lakers season. Davis has been absent since mid-December due to a sprained ligament in his left knee.
“Everyone in this world has the right to accept their opinions, no matter what they are,” Westbrook said, adding that Johnson isn’t around the team every day. “He doesn’t know what’s going on inside us and is trying to understand things.”
The Lakers aren’t the only ones to navigate the next step.
“It’s like a nightly junk shoot,” Billups said. “Everyone deals with this kind of thing. All teams. If it’s not COVID, it’s an injury. It means everyone.”
Conclusion for both fans and teams: just wait, wait.
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AP basketball writer Tim Reynolds contributed to this report.
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Other APNBAs: https: //apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Viruses, injuries, and standings all affect the NBA’s trading deadlines | WGN Radio 720
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