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“LAKERS-SEEING IS BELIEVING”
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No one expected this, but here we are, with a week to go in the season, and the Lakers are playing at a frantic pace that has gotten them to 50-wins.
This is the same team that scuffled early in the season.
The one that had 10-games where they lost by 20 points or more.
A team that was staggered by nagging injuries, to Luka Doncic, an aging LeBron James, and the wear and tear type things that took Austin Reaves and others out of the lineup.
But that was then, this is now.
The message to players changed from JJ Redick. This is your role. Be part of this. This is Luka’s team, add to what he can do.
LeBron has come back different.
The dual centers Jaxon Hayes and DeAndre Ayton are different now.
Rui Hachimura has found health and his 3-point shot.
The trade deadline deal brought in Luke Kennard and his 3-point artistry.
And this hot streak, 15-wins in 17-games, has not necessarily come against the have-nots in the league, Utah-Portland-Washington etc.
The Lakers beatup really good teams, Minnesota, Denver, Oklahoma City, Houston.
They did it with lots of 3’s, a high octane fastbreak, and some sizzling in your face defense.
Granted the playoffs match your talent against really good teams. You face Oklahoma City or Detroit, the Knicks or Minnesota in home and home playoff series, the road gets rougher. Boston-Cleveland and others are looming out there too.
But for once, this looks like a complete Lakers team, not some false facade living on past laurels. They look, complete, dangerous, explosive, committed, and maybe ready to go deep into post season.
The Lakers have 1-championship in a decade plus. Shaq & Kobe, Magic & Showtime, West-Baylor-Jabbar was a long time ago.
This looks different, feels different, seems to be like a season of greatness.
Only time will tell. But this potential has come together.
It might be LeBron’s farewell season in LA. Might be Luka’s greatest season ever. Might be the best team we have seen in years. And no one could have expected this.
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