2024-25 NBA running thread

[swingline]

So, Lakers fans and interested observers, how has the J.J. hire gone?

 

[sgreenwell]

So, Lakers fans and interested observers, how has the J.J. hire gone?

Seems fine so far! But I don't know, from the outside looking in, it hasn't seemed like coaching has really been their "problem" the last few years. It's more about roster construction and managing expectations.

 

[PCLoadLetter]

So, Lakers fans and interested observers, how has the J.J. hire gone?

Very good. They're well ahead of where they were last season -- they've won 9 out of their last 10 -- and look like a more cohesive unit than they have in recent years.

 

[qtlaw]

Not a Laker fan but Luka looks good in their uni and LAL fan should be thrilled for the next 5-10 yrs.

 

[DanielSimpsonDay]

Seems fine so far! But I don't know, from the outside looking in, it hasn't seemed like coaching has really been their "problem" the last few years. It's more about roster construction and managing expectations.

The coach is not a problem if he can serve as a scapegoat for Klutch and the front office.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

I have a new theory about the trade that I don't think I've seen anywhere. It might be totally off, but I've been trying to figure out why Dallas would do this. I wonder if it's Kyrie. He got the ear of the GM, or the GM was frustrated with Luka first, and Irving said they don't need a scorer, they need an elite defender and rebounder and he can do enough scoring to win in the playoffs. For now Davis looks perfect, if you don't look at the injury history. The age gap doesn't matter because Davis has the same window as Irving.

 

[John]

I've been wondering if Dallas bailing on Luka is like the gorgeous person that always seems to be single -- there's usually a very good reason that only those around them everyday will understand.

 

[PCLoadLetter]

I've been wondering if Dallas bailing on Luka is like the gorgeous person that always seems to be single -- there's usually a very good reason that only those around them everyday will understand.

In the reactions from people close to the league, I keep seeing two things — suggestions that Dallas pretty clearly knows something we don't, and passing references to Luka drinking. I have no idea if there's an issue there, but it would explain a heck of a lot.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

In the reactions from people close to the league, I keep seeing two things — suggestions that Dallas pretty clearly knows something we don't, and passing references to Luka drinking. I have no idea if there's an issue there, but it would explain a heck of a lot.

Still wouldn't explain why they wouldn't shop him around for a better deal

 

[PCLoadLetter]

Still wouldn't explain why they wouldn't shop him around for a better deal

You can't. The second Luka's agent knows you want to trade him you've lost control of the process. Plus, they wanted Anthony Davis. This was the deal they wanted.

 

[TigerVols]

So, Lakers fans and interested observers, how has the J.J. hire gone?

I am gladly eating crow; I posted here and on the carousel threat about how ridiculous the hire is. This team, simply put, is better coached than last year's squad.

 

[Della9250]

I know it's for clicks and no one cares who Jaylen Brown is dating, but some journalistic integrity:

Someone who played five games last season, their first action in three years, and averaged one point in three minutes per game is not a WNBA star