NFL Mock Draft-courtesy LA Times. and NFL Beat Writers

============.

 

1. Chicago Bears — Caleb Williams (QB) | USC
All signs point to USC quarterback Caleb Williams being drafted by the Chicago Bears with the first pick.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
“It’s a shot to get a franchise quarterback, a player that changes the trajectory of a team that has gone nearly 20 seasons without consecutive winning seasons.” (Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune)

2. Washington Commanders — Jayden Daniels (QB) | Louisiana State
The Washington Commanders seem interested in LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy last season.
(Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Associated Press)
“The Commanders have cycled through 22 starting quarterbacks over the last two decades and only two of those have started full consecutive seasons. With new GM Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn now pulling the strings, Washington hopes Daniels can finally bring some stability — and wins. His accuracy, knack for big plays and dangerous running ability give Washington a dual threat and natural playmaker at the position, maybe, a star for not just this year, but years to come.” (Nicki Jhabvala, Washington Post)

ADVERTISEMENT

3. New England Patriots — Drake Maye (QB) | North Carolina
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye might be wearing Patriots colors soon.
(Jacob Kupferman / Associated Press)
“Maye has the size, arm strength and athleticism needed to play in the inclement weather of Foxborough. He has some areas to fix, and it may be tempting to trade down with the Bears or Vikings, but the Pats need a franchise QB, no need to overthink it.” (Ben Volin, Boston Globe)

4. Arizona Cardinals — Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) | Ohio State
Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will still be wearing red if he is drafted by the Cardinals.
(Jay LaPrete / Associated Press)
“GM Monti Ossenfort will be tempted to trade down with a quarterback-needy team, but he’s got enough draft capital as it stands with 11 picks and gets the top wide receiver to give Kyler Murray a huge weapon on offense.” (Bob McManaman, Arizona Republic)

5. Los Angeles Chargers — Joe Alt (OT) | Notre Dame
Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt could start at right tackle for the Chargers.
(Jacob Kupferman / Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT

“Every move the Chargers’ new regime has made on offense this offseason has had the net effect of aiding the run game and boosting the line of scrimmage. Why would that trend not continue in the draft? Alt was a left tackle at Notre Dame but possesses the athletic ability and gifted feet to move to the right side opposite standout LT Rashawn Slater.” (Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times)

6. New York Giants — J.J. McCarthy (QB) | Michigan
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, left, and coach Jim Harbaugh celebrated a national championship last season.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
“The Giants probably don’t have to trade up to get their QB of the future, as this draft indicates, but the biggest threat will be other teams trying to leapfrog them to snag McCarthy, the fourth of the big four at the position. It’s why the Giants may have to make a deal with New England or Arizona to make sure they get him.” (Tom Rock, Newsday)

7. Tennessee Titans — Malik Nabers (WR) | Louisiana State
Louisiana State’s Malik Nabers (8) could be the second receiver drafted.
(Matthew Hinton / Associated Press)
“The Titans have to find a starting left tackle in this draft and they lack a third-rounder from their 2023 trade up to select Will Levis. But in this scenario, the explosive Nabers is too good to pass up as a weapon for Levis and piece of Brian Callahan’s new offense. With Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins, they will be as dangerous as they’ve been at WR since the 1999 reinvention as the Titans.” (Paul Kuharsky, PaulKuharsky.com)

ADVERTISEMENT

8. Atlanta Falcons — Dallas Turner (OLB) | Alabama
Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15) could fill a void for the Falcons.
(Mike Stewart / Associated Press)
“The Falcons are switching to a 3-4 and Turner is a wonderful scheme fit. He can rush the passer and was not lost when he dropped in coverage. Instant upgrade.” (D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

9. Chicago Bears — Taliese Fuaga (OT) | Oregon State
The Bears could bring in Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga to protect their new quarterback.
(Young Kwak / Associated Press)
“In this scenario, it probably comes down to an offensive tackle or Rome Odunze if the Bears stay true to their board. Neither would be a bad pick, but the Bears probably need an impact player for the defense more.” (Dan Pompei, the Athletic)

10. New York Jets — Rome Odunze (WR) | Washington
Washington receiver Rome Odunze would be another weapon for Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
(Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT

“The Jets face a decision — add a playmaker or a protector for Aaron Rodgers, their 40-year-old quarterback. If the draft falls this way, I think they grab Odunze and pair him with Garrett Wilson to give the Jets offense a jolt.” (Brian Costello, New York Post)

11. Minnesota Vikings — Byron Murphy II (DT) | Texas
Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II would bolster the Vikings’ front.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)
“I think the Vikings will actually trade up for a quarterback here, but if they were to stay and pick at 11, Murphy makes sense for them. They spent time with him before the draft, and he’d provide a disruptive force for Brian Flores’ defense they haven’t had in the middle of their line for years.” (Ben Goessling, Minneapolis Star Tribune)

12. Denver Broncos — Brock Bowers (TE) | Georgia
Georgia’s Brock Bowers is considered to be a generational tight end.
(John Bazemore / Associated Press)
“There is a gravitational pull to take Bo Nix, but the value is not there at 12. Instead, coach Sean Payton takes a player who can be a joker — a wild card — in his offense and provide much-needed yards in the middle of field for years to come.” (Troy Renck, Denver Post)

ADVERTISEMENT

13. Las Vegas Raiders — Michael Penix (QB) | Washington
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could end up with the Raiders, who have had a legendary left-handed quarterback before in Kenny Stabler.
(Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)
“Ideally the Raiders can pick Penix up in the second round. But they can’t risk passing on him at 13 and missing out of him later.” (Vincent Bonsignore, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

14. New Orleans Saints — Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT) | Penn State
Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) could help the Saints.
(Nick Wass / Associated Press)
“The Saints are desperate for tackle help. They need a blindside protector for Derek Carr after former first-rounder Trevor Penning bombed there last season, and there’s also concern about right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s chronic knee issues.” (Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times Picayune)

15. Indianapolis Colts — Quinyon Mitchell (CB) | Toledo
The Colts have a young secondary but like depth at cornerback, and Toledo corner Quinyon Mitchell could be a fit.
(Doug McSchooler / Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT

“The Colts have one of the younger secondaries in the NFL, but they like the upside of their talent and could add to it again here. The Colts ranked 21st in allowing explosive completions last season.” (Stephen Holder, ESPN)

16. Seattle Seahawks — Laiatu Latu (DE) | UCLA
The pass-rushing abilities of UCLA’s Laiatu Latu (15) are well documented.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
“With a new defensive-minded coach in Mike Macdonald, Seahawks add a dynamic pass rusher who began his college career in Seattle.” (Bob Condotta, Seattle Times)

17. Jacksonville Jaguars — Terrion Arnold (CB) | Alabama
Alabama ‘s Terrion Arnold (3) is one of the nation’s top-rated cornerbacks.
(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
“The Jaguars’ biggest need is cornerback, and an Alabama corner being available seems like better value than Clemson’s Nate Wiggins.” (Gene Frenette, Florida Times-Union)

ADVERTISEMENT

18. Cincinnati Bengals — JC Latham (OT) | Alabama
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow probably would not mind having Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) in front of him.
(Vasha Hunt / Associated Press)
“As the Bengals reflected on their Super Bowl loss to the Rams, they pivoted and started prioritizing a different style of offensive lineman. The type of tackle they’re trying to build around looks just like JC Latham, [whose] size, strength, arms and power would fit perfectly on one of the bigger lines in the NFL.” (Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati Enquirer)

19. Los Angeles Rams — Jared Verse (DE) | Florida State
Florida State’s Jared Verse could help the Rams defensive front.
(Erik Verduzco / Associated Press)
“Sean McVay might opt for a player on offense, but Verse helps fill an immediate need.” (Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers — Troy Fautanu (OT) | Washington
Washington’s Troy Fautanu would be a benefit to the Steelers’ offensive line.
(Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT

“The Steelers traded up a year ago to grab tackle Broderick Jones in the first round and don’t be surprised if they have the same mindset this year. The Steelers are all-in on being a power running team and are a right tackle (and a center) away from being in that spot.” (Mark Kaboly, the Athletic)

21. Miami Dolphins — Jer’Zhan Newton (DT) | Illinois
Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton could add to the Dolphins’ pass rush.
(Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press)
“Christian Wilkins will be difficult to replace because of his impact on and off the field, but Jer’Zhan Newton might match his sack production in a season or two because he’s a slippery defensive tackle who knows how to hunt quarterbacks.” (Omar Kelly, SI.com)

22. Philadelphia Eagles — Tyler Guyton (OT) | Oklahoma
The Eagles are looking for a future replacement of Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson. Could Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton be the answer?
(Alonzo Adams / Associated Press)
“I’m thinking Howie Roseman doesn’t want to pick at No. 22, especially if the board falls this way. He’s best when he trades up, and worst when he has to stay in the 20s. But if he can’t move under these circumstances, I could see him selecting for Lane Johnson’s eventual replacement.” (Jeff McLane, Philadelphia Inquirer)

ADVERTISEMENT

23. Minnesota Vikings — Bo Nix (QB) | Oregon
The Vikings are looking to groom a starting quarterback and Oregon’s Bo Nix could be their project.
(Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)
“If the Vikings decide the best course of action is indeed to stick and pick at both No. 11 and No. 23, based on the way the draft board has fallen to this point, they are going to make damn sure they leave the first round with a quarterback. Though it might not be the sexiest selection on the surface, Nix fits the mold of what head coach Kevin O’Connell is looking for under center.” (Dane Mizutani, St. Paul Pioneer Press)

24. Dallas Cowboys — Graham Barton (C) | Duke
The Cowboys need to replace departures on the offensive line and Graham Barton is a candidate.
(Chris Seward / Associated Press)
“Amarius Mims was almost the pick here, and if this scenario surfaces Thursday, I’d argue he should be — insert him at left tackle, keep Tyler Smith at left guard, and draft a center later. But without knowing where the Cowboys stand on Mims’ inexperience, Barton is a safe projection for a team that values versatility and just lost center Tyler Biadasz in free agency.” (Michael Gehlken, Dallas Morning News)

25. Green Bay Packers — Amarius Mims (OT) | Georgia
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) could help the Packers.
(John Bazemore / Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT

“GM Brian Gutekunst has plenty of needs, and Mims has big upside for an offensive line that needs a young challenger for a starting job at left tackle.” (Pete Dougherty, Green Bay Press-Gazette)

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jackson Powers-Johnson (C) Oregon
The Buccaneers would welcome Oregon defensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) with open arms.
(Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)
“The Bucs were last in rushing average the past two seasons. They have never adequately replaced Ryan Jensen, who suffered a career-ending knee injury in training camp in 2022. Center Robert Hainsey has been adequate at best and could backup guard or center.” (Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times)

27. Arizona Cardinals — Chop Robinson (OLB) | Penn State
Chop Robinson (44) was a good pass rusher for Penn State.
(Barry Reeger / Associated Press)
“The Cardinals were inconsistent with their pass rush last season and while players would have a couple of good games, they tended to disappear after that. Arizona gets a playmaker in Robinson who should have a chance to make an immediate impact with a fairly young group of edge rushers.” (Jose M. Romero, Arizona Republic)

ADVERTISEMENT

28. Buffalo Bills — Brian Thomas Jr. (WR) | Louisiana State
Brian Thomas Jr. (11) could be the second Louisiana State receiver drafted in the first round.
(Gerald Herbert / Associated Press)
“Thomas being on the board at this point would be the ideal scenario for Bills GM Brandon Beane, who traded away No. 1 wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason. Thomas’ combination of size, speed and proven production provides excellent value at this point in the first round.” (Jay Skurski, Buffalo News)

29. Detroit Lions — Cooper DeJean (CB ) | Iowa
Iowa’s Cooper DeJean (3) could boost the Lions’ secondary.
(Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press)
“The Lions got good returns on two Iowa players they drafted last year, Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell, so they go back to the well again for DeJean, one of the most versatile defensive backs in the class and someone who has excellent return ability.” (Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press)

30. Baltimore Ravens — Nate Wiggins (CB) | Clemson
The Ravens like depth in the secondary and Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) would be a help.
(Jacob Kupferman / Associated Press)
ADVERTISEMENT

“The best-case scenario for the Ravens would be landing a first-round offensive tackle, but with Guyton and Mims off the board and Jordan Morgan and Kingsley Suamataia more second-round guys, there’s no obvious fit. Cornerback is both a current and future need, too, and Wiggins is the type of long and athletic corner with ball skills that the Ravens love.” (Jeff Zrebiec, the Athletic)

31. San Francisco 49ers — Darius Robinson (DE) | Missouri
Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) would be a great addition to the 49ers’ already impressive front.
(Michael Woods / Associated Press)
“As any self-respecting mock drafter knows: When in doubt, give the pass-rush-obsessed 49ers a defensive lineman. It’s not clear the 49ers came out ahead in the offseason reshuffling of their front four in which they added Leonard Floyd (good) but parted with Arik Armstead (not great). And adding Robinson should ensure they’ll upgrade a unit that was less than the sum of its parts in 2023. Robinson, who had a breakout final season (8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss) and wowed at the Senior Bowl, could form a formidable edge-rushing trio with Floyd and Nick Bosa. (Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle)

32. Kansas City Chiefs — Adonai Mitchell (WR) | Texas
Georgia wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) makes a touchdown catch against Ohio State. The Chiefs have been thin a receiver in recent seasons.
(Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)
“If the draft played out like this with a few receivers falling, the Chiefs most likely would’ve tried to trade up with an NFC team in the 20s (Tampa Bay? Arizona?) to snipe Brian Thomas Jr. away from Buffalo. As it stands, Adonai Mitchell is too good of a talent to pass up at 32, with the Chiefs getting quarterback Patrick Mahomes a cost-controlled, “X” receiver of the future.” (Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star)

================

Hacksaw’s Monday Bonus Podcast-NFL DRAFT PREVIEW
You Tube Channel-Lee Hacksaw Hamilton
Look-Listen-Share-Subscribe

=================
“NFL–The QB Derby”
=================

Just days before the NFL draft, and it’s hard to pick and choose, what to believe, what might be truth, what might be a smoke screen with the teams that pick at the top of the NFL draft board.

We could have 4-QBs go in picks 1-thru-4.

We should have 6-QBs go in the entire first round.

Trades, high price trades, could be part of Thursday.

Here’s the latest on scouting reports on the top four QBs and what’s left after that.

CALEB WILLIAMS…USC star, an  ideal create on the fly QB.  Likes to throw on the move,  Obviously can run too, though you might not want that in the NFL.  He will be better with better protection-production, which he did not have at USC his last year.  Looks to be surrounded by good skill people in Chicago too.

DRAKE MAYE…North Carolina star, electric sophomore year, not as good a statistical year as a junior after his receivers went to the NFL.  Big, tall, strong in pocket, good arm, but there are questions about his arm slot, mechanics, foot movement.  But they said alot of the same things about Philip Rivers as he got to the Chargers.  People think he could be
a wildcard in the draft..big future or big disappointment.

JAYDEN DANIELS…Put up amazing numbers against SEC defenses.  Hints keep dropping he does not want to go to Washington with the 2nd pick.  Don’t see any way he can work his way to the Raiders.  Likely the Patriots pick, but they don’t have much offensive talent either.  Can throw, can run, is on equal skill level with Caleb Williams.

JJ MC CARTHY…Michigan man surrounded by alot of talent at Michigan, so did he win two years in a row as a great quarterback, or just because he had so much talent around him.  Great unknown, though a bunch of teams interested in him.

MICHAEL PENIX…Climbing boards to being close to a top 10-pick.  Yes big injuries at Indiana, but no injuries at Washington.  Moves the pocket, won’t run that much, strong arm deep, accurate short, and real student of the game.  Looks like alot of the traits of Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.  Suddenly Denver, in front of Raiders, may take him after trading also for ex-Jet Zach Wilson.

BO NIX..Dropping on boards.  Systems QB, very accurate in all kinds of short routes, but not the strong arm.  Student of the game.  Maybe a later first round pick.  Keep hearing Seahawks may take him towards the back end of the round.

Fun day coming on Thursday, and in a QB league, 6-more about to join the fraternity in that first round.

=====================

===========

HACKSAW’S NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Monday Bonus Podcast 1pm
You Tube Channel..Lee Hacksaw Hamilton
Look-Listen-Subscribe-Share
===========
“Lots of Stories-Lots of Opinions”
============

PADRES…I didn’t expect them to continue to go (1-20) with runners in scoring position but they are not a complete batting order. Yes they can hit home runs, but stringing hits together and putting runs on the board, is a challenge.  And these defensive lapses continue…15-errors  and 17-unearned runs.

DODGERS..Lose 7-of-9 and a bunch of series at home and alot of grumbling from fans.  Then you destroy the Mets 10-0 and all is alright.  The starting rotation is nicked up and shorthanded.  The injuries in the bullpen have yet to heal, but help is coming shortly.  Walker Beuhler-Dustin May, Blake Trienen and Brusdar Graterol, will be off the DL-shortly.

ANGELS…Losing setting in.  Not much pitching help for Reid Detmers.  And now Anthony Rendon is back on the DL after starting to hit.

LAKERS..LeBron James-Anthony Davis need help.  Denver has beaten them 9-games in a row.  LA must get D’Angelo Russell out of his rut vs the Nuggets that dates to last years’ playoff blowout.  LA just cannot play a full 48-minutes against Nikola Jokic.

CLIPPERS..No Kawhi Leoinard, but what a show by James Harden and Paul George in the opening day blowout of Dallas.  A 29-point first half lead.  I thought Mark Cuban might fire Jason Kidd at halftime.  The Mavs did not show up.

NBA..Injuries dominating conversation.  Milwaukee gets 35-points from G-Damian Lillard, who had a calf injury, and they won without Giannia Antetokounmpo.  The Sixers have to be scared about Joel Embiid banging that knee in game one.  Boton looks unbeatable.  The Knicks look explosive.  Miami is devastated by the loss of two guards.

CHARGERS….Who knows which rumor is true?  Bolts to stay at the 5th slot and take an OT or a WR.  Might drop back and trade with the Jets at 10 and get other picks.  And then the crazy one, both the Broncos and Raiders have contacted the Bolts about trading up.  Really, trading with the enemy in the division?

AZTECS…Looks like Florida State transfer AJ Duffy will win the starting QB job.  He was the most mature throwing the ball in Saturday’s Red-Black scrimmage. Freshman hot shot recruit Danny O’Neill really looked overwhelmed.  Bigger issue, could not run the football at all and pass protection was shaky.  Summer school-a ton of work to be done.

NHL..What an amazing weekend with opening of playoffs.  The Kings play the hated Oilers in Edmonton on Monday.  The Bruins battered the Maple Leafs.  The Jets shocked Colorado in the White-Out game in Winnipeg.  The Rangers look so dominant.  This will be a fun 6-weeks going forward in hockey.

======================

==========

“What I See on a Weekend”
==========

PADRES…A small sample size, but I like the ‘Bulldog’ I see in the styles of Dylan Cease and Michael King.  Now we wait to see if we can get Joe Musgrove back on beam and hope Yu Darvish’s neck issues are not major.  Worried about overuse of the relief corps, need to find a way not to use them back to back days.

DODGERS..Top of the batting order superb.  Bottom four a mystery of failures.  Starting staff a bit thin with the nagging injuries, but Walker Beuhler looks ready to return.  Long season but what a start for Mookie Betts and spots 1-thru-5 in that batting order.

ANGELS…Think they have an ace coming in Reid Detmer, who had a (1.04-ERA) thru three starts.  But not much after that.  Anthony Rendon started to hit after 3-years of injuries.  Maybe the boos will stop.  Mike Trout is Mike Trout, hitting home runs and all.  Hope he stays healthy.

CHARGERS..Fascinating rumors.  Would they do this?  Trade out of #5 and extract a big price so a team could draft a QB?  The teams calling include the enemy.  Would they trade with Denver or the Raiders within the division if they could get a haul in return?  Stay tuned.  By the way, new GM-Joe Hortiz…’I have final say on draft picks and trades’.  Not the coach.

RAMS..First time in ages they have had a #1 pick.  They must find a way to replace legendary DT-Aaron Doald.  Need pass rush help.  Think Liatu Latu-UCLA might be their pick if still on the board.

RAIDERS…Interesting Antonio Pierce talks alot of players, deals, quarterbacks.  Incoming GM-Tom Telesco went public, ‘I have control of the roster’.

AZTECS..They unveil the new look offense, the new QBs, the load of wide receiver transfers and all things coach Sean Lewis on Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium in the spring football game.  They think 6,000-fans might show up.  That’s a good start in terms of rebuilding the fan support.

USD…Finally a deal to put together something that looks like an NIL support program for football and basketball.  They have good coaches, who need help to get good players.

LAKERS…The big money superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, having Superman seasons, and now they are heading to Denver to start the playoffs.  Can these guys hold up to playing 42 minutes a night in a short five game series.  Going to be hard, especially knowing the Nuggets have beaten them 8-games in a row.  Denver has firepower and altitude on their side.

CLIPPERS…So banged up, now they have to go to Dallas to face the Mavs with an ailing Kawhi Leonard.  Might not survive the series and this was a team that hoped they could get to the NBA West finals.

KINGS..With all that firepower, but with suspect goaltending, they squeeze into the NHL playoffs.  Now they have to prove they can survive Edmonton and others in the opening rounds.  This will be a disappointment if they cannot win a series.

DUCKS..Awfully long season but in the final game in Las Vegas, they put all their young draft picks on the ice together.  That is the future and it is so hard to play so many 21-and-under players together.  I keep thinking we will wake up one morning and all this losing will mean they hit on all their high draft picks and they start winning.  But they are so so young.  Wonder if they trade goalie John Gibson for a haul of picks or players, now that young goalie Luka Dostal has proven he can play at this level.

GULLS..A 50-loss season.  So painful here in San Diego, much like what’s going on in Anaheim.  Had hoped bright light coach Matt McIlvane would be a hit, but the Ducks kept virtually all the top young players up top and the AHL team just did not have much firepower.  Another non playoff season.

OH I WISH.  Here the Arizona Coyotes team gets sold, and moves to Salt Lake City.  Wish Stan Kroenke had gotten here earlier to San Diego.  But maybe his blueprint is build the Arena first, and then bid for a franchise when expansion happens sometime around 2027-28.

=========================

==========

Hacksaw’s Thursday Podcast-Thursday 1pm
You Tube Channel-Lee Hacksaw Hamilton
Join us for Fans Forum at the end
Look-Listen-Share-Subscribe
==========

“NBA Playoffs-Healthy or Hot”

==========

The NBA’s teal season is underway and it is put up-shut up time for the Lakers-Clippers.

The Lakes won their play in game and move on to face the defending NBA Champion Denver Nuggets at the end of the week.

The Lakers are playing possessed, downhill basketball, something we have rarely seen over recent years.

 

They have won 11-of their last 14, to forge their way from 10th place to the 7th spot in the standings.

LeBron James-Anthony Davis have played like the high priced superstars they are.  Maybe there’s a price to extract from playing the way they do, when old injuries reappear.

But this is a different Lakers team at this hour.  Austin Reaves came back from a slow start to be what he was a year ago, which was everywhere on the floor.

D’Angelo Russell is shooting 3’s like a mad man, and yes this is a contract year for him, so he can ride his hot hand into an opt out big money contract next year, somewhere else, but why should he leave now?  He fits, he scores, he distributes the ball.  It took him years to find out what being a pro should be about.

Add in Rui Hachimura, sometimes hot or cold, but usually a good 3rd or 4th wheel option in the offense.

So the Lakers will have their hands full, with NBA-MVP Nikola Jokic, the explosive Davontae Murray, Kevin Porter, and the two journeyman guards Reggie Jackson and Kantavious Caldwell-Pope.

The Lakers will have their hands full. Biggest question for me, can AD and King James play with the passion and the minutes required every game against the Nuggets?  Can they sustain the max efforts needed to win against the guys who had the trophy last spring.

The Clippers were built to get to the NBA finals, but now you have the bigger questions.

If you are not healthy, or you are not hot, how much trouble are you in?

And the Clippers seem troubled now.  Kawhi Leonard has not played in 8-games and has recurring knee issues, the knee he had 2-major surgeries on.

James Hardin has foot discomfort and has sat out games.

Paul George has had explosive nights but is not a one game gang.  More than anything else, shooting forward Norman Powell needs big nights.

If there is no Kawhi on the floor, the Clippers could be in big trouble at both ends of the floor.

Triggerman off the bench Russell Westbrook needs to stand out in this series if there is no Leonard, or Harden is substandard.

Dead ahead is 50-win Dallas, you know with the league’s high octane tandem of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Williams, between them averaging (59P) per game.  Home court advantage means alot too.

They, the Clippers,  have built this franchise for this type of moment, getting where they never did before, the NBA Conference finals in the West.

Looks like they might not make it.

The Lakers are healthy and hot.  The Clippers are cold and hurt.

1-looks ready, the other doesn’t.

=======================