We know who AD is. Yes, he is inconsistent. However, last season it was pretty clear that he overtook Bron as our #1 (this was looking to be the case before Bron’s foot iniury).
Yet AD being our best player does not imply that he has to be our primary offensive engine. That remains Bron’s role, but luckily Bron did his part offensively tonight.
We disrespect Bron and AD too damn much. I will always give them the benefit of doubt (Bron is old and more injury-prone now, AD is our Defensive anchor and even more injury-prone).
I think more fingers need to be pointed at AR, Rui, and DLo. They don’t have the same excuses that Bron and AD do. They are not old or our defensive anchors. Therefore, efficient offense is a MUST from them (or at least 2/3 of them) every game.
Our fanbase disrespects Bron and AD too damn much because they didn’t watch or have forgotten the 2020 Bubble Ring. Everyone was touting our “depth”. So I want to see that “depth” help out Bron and AD more, since they already have the world on their shoulders.
I think most people (including myself) recognize it’s only one game and any call for drastic change may be an overreaction…
However, it is never too early to make adjustments and wake one’s self up from a delusional reverie. It’s important to take an honest account of the issues the Lakers have, instead of just pretending everything is ok. Examples:
- Overly enthusiastic fans have made every role player on the Lakers sound like a worldbeater, when in actuality the roster is full of "intriguing signings," “players with potential,” and “reclamation projects.” For example, we don’t know if Gabe Vincent will be great for us; we just remember his standout peformances in the playoffs for Miami.
- Austin Reaves is not overrated, but we may be putting too much pressure on him. He’s not a brilliant one-one-player, ballhandler, or defender. He’s a tenacious, heroic player and a solid shooter. He’s the type of player that likes a nice open look; he doesn’t need touches, special plays, or a way to “find his rhythm.” But he really looks more like a 6th Man than the third best player on a championship team. He would probably not start on the Nuggets, Warriors, Bucks, Celtics, or Suns.
- We never solved our problem of finding suitable bigs to relieve the pressure off AD. One of the main identities of the 2020 championship team was a massive frontcourt with the ability to put Howard/McGee at 5, AD at 4, and 6’9" Bron at the 3.
- We do not have a clear starting lineup. Only Bron and AD are locks. Everyone else is a question mark.
AD can’t compete with Joker he’s schools him
I need to be Jokic had to defend AD. The other way around.
AD is not that guy. Solid #2 though.