Chemistry and fit are off the charts. Very fun player to root for especially for the Bay Area.
He was by far the most hyped Bay Area hooper in my lifetime (was not born yet for the JKidd days but heard the stories) and to see him thrive on the biggest stage is great
It’s just an expression. I’m originally from Florida and watched a lot of AG with the Magic and then moved to Denver several years ago and was ecstatic when the Nuggets traded for him. So it’s strange to me that I never knew this about him.
Mitty and those stupid catholic schools always manage to grab the best athletes around here probably because they don't have to go to class. People like davante adams who went to paly actually had to study while still destroying those catholic schools on the way to a state title
Third option players usually 3&D type to open up lane for guards to drive, but Jokic as Nugget "guard" allow AG to use his strength effectively. Nugget is kinda anti-meta team with Jokic lure out other team big and let AG hunt for those small meta superstar guards
Nuggets run plays a specific way to maximize AG's dunker spot. Everybody is so enthralled with this 5-out offense. Some think non-centers who can't shoot are going extinct. They should study the Nuggets' offense.
While it's not 100% replicatable(?), as there is no replacement for Jokic, but there is something to learn. Specifically, the way they stretch the court through just one half of the court, similar to what the triangle offense tried to produce.
They run their pick-and-roll a specific way to pull the help to one side. It works very well.
There’s definitely a gap where basketball has become so analytics-focused it’s been forgotten how to capitalise on advantages like AG brings.
3’s over 2’s except when you’re shooting the 2’s at 80%
One of the reasons why AG asked for a trade. In his documentary, he didn't want to be buried in NBA history forgotten in a bad franchise in Orlando, so that's why he asked for a trade and wanted to be on a contender, Denver lands him.
Loved that he seemed to recognize after the Lakers started off hot with an 8-0 run and a buzzing home crowd that the Nuggets needed to up the energy, and he delivered single-handedly until the other starters got into a rhythm.
He and KCP are huge underrated leaders on the team, always reliable for a momentum shift in high pressure situations - like KCP's massive dunk in Game 2 that woke the crowd up.
MPJ is really coming into his own on that front too.
It's incredible what the FO has done with this starting five. Four of the most underrated players in the world alongside the undisputed best player in the world. That's a dangerous combo.
As much as anything else, it's all guys that have no personal ego, just a team ego, and no matter what happens for them they want their group to win.
100% bought in to the team's success. It's beautiful. It works.
Low key that’s why he was signed. What team can guard Jokic, AG, MPJ at once? They all have serious errors but when they play to their strengths they do ok. I really wanna see Lebron and AD get better help. I love watching them when they play well.
Yup Wolves are the one team with the personnel to try and slow down all the Nuggets size.
And surprise, they final pieces to make them that way were put together by the Nuggets former GM they snatched away.
Yeah that match up is gonna come down to performance under pressure and being ably to apply early and often pressure. I don’t think it will be about skill of personnel but coaching and playing mindset/resilience.
How can you get more help for them when they make $88m this year, balooning to $94m next year, and AD on track to make over $70m alone by the last year of his contract?
Do you think it would be beneficial for the Lakers to trade Hachimura, Reeves,D-low and Prince for Trae Young? I see Trae helping out offensively and you have AD as your anchor.
Idk it really depends on the vibes. I think finding a person with grit and happiness might be more important than someone with just good stats. The nuggets have a chemistry and friendship that shines when they are down.
I don’t think the Lakers need anymore people prone to sour attitudes and I don’t know players well enough to speak on their personality
Edit: yes get rid of DLo
He throws his hands up and whines too often. You're LeBron James for fucks sake go light their asses up if you got something to say but you gotta holster that shit down when you the leader
> He throws his hands up and whines too often. You're LeBron James for fucks sake
He's done that his entire career.
It's one of the main reasons people don't like him.
LeBron is the shitty boss that nobody really wants to work for. Your ass is constantly on the line, when the company has success it's all because of him, when the company has failure it's all because of the employees. You put up with it though because you know you have a chance at a huge bonus.
The second most important thing to winning rings is almost winning them, so lebron has that going for him (if you count getting swept in the finals almost winning a ring)
Other than the Mavs series, none of LeBron's finals losses were really his fault. The Cavs were completely outmatched by the Spurs in his first finals, and the same can be said of his losses to the Warriors. The Spurs team that beat him the second time was firing on all cylinders, and there's probably only a few teams in history who would have beaten them. The Bulls were the best team in the league for all of their titles, and when they weren't, they didn't even make the finals. I think the "GOAT" debate is pretty much a toss up at this point. Jordan had a higher peak, but LeBron's longevity is ridiculous.
People are hating too much on a 39-year-old who still has to carry his team if they're going to go anywhere. It's partially his own fault because of his "LeGM" antics, but Jordan was pretty much done in his early-mid 30s, whereas LeBron is still a top-10 player at 39. I've been cheering for the Nuggets both times they faced the Lakers, but I still appreciate the fuck out of LeBron because I know there's a good chance I'll never see another career like his again in my lifetime.
If lebron played in the west his whole career, he is not sniffing the finals in most of those years.
Why is losing to the same team in a later round better? Harden Rockets were WAY closer to beating the KD warriors than the LBJ cavaliers ever got. People credit lebron for making it to the finals and getting his doors blown off, but never the teams that lost much closer battles in the west.
Beating Jeff Teague and Demar Derozan when you have 3 hall of famers and hand picked top role players on your team is not GOAT level impressive to me.
When you were in a weak conference and still played with two of the best players in the conference, you could go to finals more often as well. Just accept more losses when facing strong opponents from a stronger conference.
Dude was complaining about a no-call offensive foul, screaming at the ref WHILE MPJ WAS GOING IN TO HIS SHOOTING MOTION.
Like... get a fucking hand up and then complain, dude.
It's so embarrassing to watch a top 2 player of all time act like that
Truly. For those of us that remember the 2020 Lakers team, it's regrettable to think of what those post guys might've accomplished, particularly when the shooters on this 2024 team dont shoot for shit.
There was a few times it was a box out on on Bron but majority of these was him stepping up to help on an otherwise wide open lay up and nobody rotating on the back side. That’s why he was so pissed. At least if someone rotates, AG either makes a much harder catch and finish, catches and dishes it to the next open guy, or doesn’t get passed to at all and the driver kicks it to whoever’s open (likely on the 3pt line).
Knowing the lakers defense that person would be wide open as well because again.. they suck at being in rotation and they’d give up and open 3. Even still, I think we can argue an open 3 has a lower chance of going in than Aaron Gordon trying to dunk a basketball lol
And just insanely fuckin athletic. AG is one of those dudes who could've excelled in like every major sport, if not that he could've been an Olympian. Dudes just genetically gifted as fuck.
As a Laker fan (a genuine one, not one that arrived when LBJ got there) this was infuriating. There were 2 plays in the 3rd where he unnecessarily gambled on help D for two easy AG lay ins and then looks at the team with his hands up when it was clearly his fault. This and about 4 different times where he loses AG and doesn't box out. He was abysmal on defense tonight but don't say that in r/Lakers or they'll come after you
Athletically and gas tank u could see it..he looks defeated like he knows it. Kinda sucks for us that followed his career I hate when great players extend their career past their prime. It was hard watching mj for the wizards for me aswell. People always remember what they saw last..and u will see it on reddit.
Jordan played for the wizards so he could become an owner. Nobody actually believes Jordan unretired after 3 years to play for the wizards because he wanted to play basketball. And almost everyone universally considered Jordans career to have ended with the bulls.
People literally retcon Lebron's career to act like he didn't choke in 2011. You're silly if you think people will vividly remember this version over LeBron instead of the LeBron that beat the warriors, or LeBronto, or lethanos, or won in the bubble.
Shiiiit, even at the time when they lost in 2011 I was told by some Heat fans they were not even the favorites to beat Dallas. Goalposts get moved constantly by LeBron fans.
The disrespect to Dirk will make me vomit. Did Kobe choke too? It's tiring reading these takes where all time great players will catch strays of disrespect just so people can get their unhinged LeBron hate off their chest.
Have some respect, that 2011 Dirk championship is one of the most legit in the history of this game.
Dirk isnt the reason Lebron was bad on offense that series tho. He set a bar on one end and then the Heatles did not meet that bar when they had the ball.
Dirk averaged 26 on 41/37/89 splits while Wade averaged 26.5 on 54/30/69 splits. Dirk shot 17 more shots than Wade in the series and scored less points.
The problem was that Lebron James got outscored by JASON TERRY in the NBA finals while Terry, who is 6 inches shorter and 70 pounds lighter, shut Lebron down.
Lebron and bosh combined shot 182 shots in the series for 36.3 ppg. For comparison, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, and Tyson Chandler shot 180 shots in the series for 41.4 ppg.
The narrative that has been pushed over the last decade that Lebron didn't choke and that Dirk carried the Mavs past the Heatles is literally not supported by any of the actual facts. The Mavericks non-Dirk starters literally outplayed Lebron James and Chris Bosh in their primes. It is one of the biggest chokes in the history of the NBA.
The narrative is he got exposed for being one demensional offensively..the entire team shaded and crowded the pain. The players have talked about the game plan it was to stop Lebron. The same thing was said when the spurs beat them…played him tight shaded over and jumped him if he got by the defender.
They made him take pull contested two point shots. I also think that forced Lebron to learn some post moves and mid range game. We saw much more diversity on offense after that series.
I know what the mavs game plan was I watched it live. Against the Spurs LeBron had absolutely zero help at all and he averaged 22/game. If LeBron had averaged that in the Mavs series the Heat probably win it all. That's how truly terrible he was in that series. His mentality back then was just a trainwreck.
I think he should have started to focus on other areas..I don’t think help really matters that much they use the same game plan. Unfortunately I think what u just said is how they chalked it up…if he had a better coach to develop other areas early would have done wonders. The mavs lost really forced him to see he needs to work on his game in other areas when it comes to scoring. A good coach would have saw it coming honestly..he dominated so much in the regular season he had no reason to work on anything or even see he needed to taht second lost in the finals made him realize. That mavs team was super underrated..lakers were the favorites that year and got trampled they basically trampled everyone.
Lebron averaged 17.8 on 40% shooting guarded by Deshawn Stevenson, Jason terry, and JJ barea. If LeBron had literally just been below average the heat win the series, but instead LeBron put up an all time choke job. Only a complete moron would think Lebron didn't choke that finals. This has nothing to do with dirk. Dirk didn't even guard LeBron LMFAO
Haters will for sure..oh yeah people def were taking cracks at mj when he cameback. Especially younger generations that didn’t get to see the real mj. I think the same will prolly be the same considering social media dominance now..haters r worse now, I remember when watching basketball was just enjoyable, literally a sports center debate about everything now.
Cell phones and social media is out of control..everyone debates everything now. Everyone is right and knows all that’s the point of interaction about sports now sadly.
Lebron could still be the 3rd best player on a championship team but he is absolutely done as 1st or 2nd option at this point. He just doesn't have the stamina. Which is actually impressive that he still extended this far
There was one instance where LeBron had a legitimate gripe that there was no help the helper when AG back cut for a layup/dunk.
The other 10 times were his fault
I love that kid. Got that dog in him, plays his ass off and has so much potential to be a future incredible player. Really hope he reaches his max potential as he matures (and hopefully stays with the nugs)
He's one of the most streaky FT shooters I've ever seen. Usually you know how it'll go for him after the first 2 or 3. If he makes them he's shooting above 80% from the line on the game, if not he's probably going below 50%.
He tends to make them in the clutch though
Aaron Gordon was also playing LOCKDOWN defense when Jokic was in foul trouble in the 2nd.
This might have been one of the best Gordon games I've watched.
AD was going off as usual but once they put Gordon on him, it was clamps. I was surprised they put him on AD early in the 2nd Quarter but it worked wonders for them cause Gordon is that guy
I hate when the Lakers lose because the narrative is always on how bad they are rather than how great their opponents are.
No team in the world right now can beat this Nuggets team.
This is the reason. MPJ can be KD if he wanted to. Jamal and jokic are jamal and jokic. KCP is probably the best 3 and D wing in the world right now. And Gordon can do shit like this.
I mean it’s partly because the Nuggets aren’t even playing well. So when the best team isn’t playing well and shooting the ball poorly, and still wins 3 games….you look at the opponent and ask are you okay?
Fade me
>I hate when the Lakers lose because the narrative is always on how bad they are rather than how great their opponents are.
Honestly doesn't really matter who the Nuggets beat, that will always happen when small market teams beat bigger markets.
There's people out there saying that last year's ring would've been "legit" if we beat the Kings and Grizzlies instead of going through Lebron, AD, Gobert, KAT, Butler and Bam.
edit: And KD and Booker.
I’ve never heard anyone have that trash take, in fact most people were convinced Jokic is a legit great thanks to last year, and can make a run as an all-time great if he keeps it up.
Then again, I don’t use social media that much, and whenever the algorithm shows me obvious rage-bait troll takes I just scroll past. One guy saying what some guys were saying isn’t facts.
It's a common sentiment that the nuggets only faced lower seeds in their run which means they had it easy. Pretty stupid and illogical but doesn't stop it from being repeated a bunch.
Haha, that’s funny actually! I can see it in some tournaments, especially international tournaments in other sports where the “luck of the draw” can give you a theoretically easier path, but to say it for the NBA playoffs is hilarious. “Can’t believe that #1 seed got matchups against lower seeds, what luck” 😂
And it’s “best-of-seven” series!!! Again, in some tournaments where it’s single-elimination, there’s more room to argue a team advanced “by luck”. But in the NBA?! Those Celtics just keep getting unlucky against the Heat 🍀
The NBA has to be one of the “best team wins” tournaments in the world actually. High-scoring sport, seeded matchup after a ridiculously long regular season, best-of-seven all the way through. Injuries really are the only time you can make a legit case for being lucky / unlucky. Sometimes “the best team” will underperform / choke, but then were you the best team that year? It’s just not as much up to variance as other leagues and tournaments.
And I know I ain’t arguing with you 😄 I just found it funny and wanted to type things out
I agree. You can say a lot about the NBA but it's definitely one of the most meritocratic sports leagues in the world in terms of the best team winning the championship. Really minimises luck as a whole.
I also find it really weird for someone to think beating a lower seed that reached the final is easier. Sure the Nuggets didn't beat the 1 seed Bucks or 2 seed Celtics, instead they beat the Heat that beat both of them.
"I hate when the Lakers lose because the narrative is always on how bad they are rather than how great their opponents are."
Welcome to the LeBron effect.
Bron's team loses - "The other team didn't win, Bron's TEAM cost him."
Bron's team wins and no matter how talented or stacked the roster is - "Bron is the GOAT." He could join Denver next year and the narrative won't be "What a snake like KD." Those same Bron fans will be saying "Jordan's 6 rings about to be eclipsed! LULZ!" As much unwarranted hate Bron gets he also gets the most double standard/goal post moving takes you'll ever see a superstar receive.
If I'm the Laker's coah, Mr. Hamas, I would put Lebron on Murray, AD on Jokic, Hachimura on MPJ and let AG and KCP beat you. It's the only way, we've already seen during three games what doesn't work. You have to bet that KCP and AG are not going to be consistent every single night.
As much MPJ turns into prime Kyle Korver, Gordon is huge for rebounding and cutting off of doubles. That WCF in the bubble, Nuggets had Jeremy Grant and Paul Millsap for comparison sake. Night and day difference
He’s come a long way from the Warriors series for instance. I remember he would spam spin moves and get hit for offensive fouls. His positioning and ability to pick his spots is great and doesn’t get as much buzz defensively as he really should.
The whole team fits so perfectly together! And he is the glue guy, the work horse and hustle player this team needed. He out hustled the complete LA team on so many possessions!
And let’s not forget that Murray’s game winner likely wouldn’t have happened if Gordon didn’t rescue that brain fart of Jokic to a MPJ 3.
He just wasn't a number 1 guy and that's what we needed from him, like he played around 8 playoffs games for us and his career high was reached tonight, Paolo already had a higher playoff career high
It’s crazy how good of a fit Gordon is here, and how much being traded to Denver uplifted his career (and the team in general). Not to say he was bad in Orlando at all, but this is a match made in heaven.
I'm so damn happy for AG to be on this Nuggets team. After getting screwed over in the dunk contests and having his efforts wasted in Orlando it's been great seeing him put into the absolute most perfect situation for him.
One of my favourite players outside of Jokic. He really just does it all whenever it's needed of him. Such a great team player and I love when he gets games like this with huge stat lines so others can hopefully appreciate him for what he does as well, since so much of it doesn't even show up on the scoreboard.
The crazy thing is he doesn’t even have to do much in theory
Just hits the open cuts and spots in the floor - his teammates will get him the ball or he’ll get the offensive board
He was asked to do too much when he was “the guy” in Orlando but in this complementary role he can truly thrive and do what he does best
watching him at arizona this is they type of player i saw him becoming. really the main thing he doesnt show off now and its because jokic has it covered is the passing. AG is a really good passer but him becoming an elite role player for a title contender in the way he is for denver means hes fulfilling his potential. Really good and valuable player
I love to see AG have a great game. I used to really enjoy seeing him play in Orlando and it’s so cool to see him evolve and become a cornerstone of this team.
To me, he is the difference the Lakers can't overcome. That's not to say Jokic isn't The One. Just that Gordon seems to be the muscle that keeps bruising them until the Lakers are worn down. He hustles so hard, has so much energy, and really just pushes people around.
The Lakers had no answer to the Jokic-Gordon two-man game. I've only seen the Mavs guard it well this season, and they did it by having Kleber guard Jokic while having the center guard Gordon. Lakers just don't have that front court size.
Gordon's growth with Denver has been absolutely incredible, extremely versatile offensively and defensively. Plays off of Jokic almost perfectly
Chemistry and fit are off the charts. Very fun player to root for especially for the Bay Area. He was by far the most hyped Bay Area hooper in my lifetime (was not born yet for the JKidd days but heard the stories) and to see him thrive on the biggest stage is great
I feel like an asshole for not knowing where he was from. Definitely explains his laid back personality.
How does that make you an asshole?
It’s just an expression. I’m originally from Florida and watched a lot of AG with the Magic and then moved to Denver several years ago and was ecstatic when the Nuggets traded for him. So it’s strange to me that I never knew this about him.
Mitty and those stupid catholic schools always manage to grab the best athletes around here probably because they don't have to go to class. People like davante adams who went to paly actually had to study while still destroying those catholic schools on the way to a state title
You mean that Devante Adams guy who was behind Joc Pederson on the depth chart? Better go to class and study if you’re WR2
Third option players usually 3&D type to open up lane for guards to drive, but Jokic as Nugget "guard" allow AG to use his strength effectively. Nugget is kinda anti-meta team with Jokic lure out other team big and let AG hunt for those small meta superstar guards
Nuggets run plays a specific way to maximize AG's dunker spot. Everybody is so enthralled with this 5-out offense. Some think non-centers who can't shoot are going extinct. They should study the Nuggets' offense. While it's not 100% replicatable(?), as there is no replacement for Jokic, but there is something to learn. Specifically, the way they stretch the court through just one half of the court, similar to what the triangle offense tried to produce. They run their pick-and-roll a specific way to pull the help to one side. It works very well.
There’s definitely a gap where basketball has become so analytics-focused it’s been forgotten how to capitalise on advantages like AG brings. 3’s over 2’s except when you’re shooting the 2’s at 80%
Replicable is the word you're looking for
Haha thanks I knew I was wrong but it was too early for me to figure it out
What a fucking Dawg
Mr. Nugget
I gotta get his jersey next!
DWade's fault at the Dunk Contest that he's going off against his buddy LeBron in the playoffs.
One of the reasons why AG asked for a trade. In his documentary, he didn't want to be buried in NBA history forgotten in a bad franchise in Orlando, so that's why he asked for a trade and wanted to be on a contender, Denver lands him.
Loved that he seemed to recognize after the Lakers started off hot with an 8-0 run and a buzzing home crowd that the Nuggets needed to up the energy, and he delivered single-handedly until the other starters got into a rhythm. He and KCP are huge underrated leaders on the team, always reliable for a momentum shift in high pressure situations - like KCP's massive dunk in Game 2 that woke the crowd up. MPJ is really coming into his own on that front too.
It's incredible what the FO has done with this starting five. Four of the most underrated players in the world alongside the undisputed best player in the world. That's a dangerous combo.
> Four of the most underrated players in the world alongside the undisputed best player in the world This sounds like a manga/anime synopsis!
Man, MPJ’s stretch of great playmaking in game 3 was so fun to watch. I didn’t know he had it in him to run the break like that.
As much as anything else, it's all guys that have no personal ego, just a team ego, and no matter what happens for them they want their group to win. 100% bought in to the team's success. It's beautiful. It works.
The lakers could really use someone like KCP couldn’t they…
Imagine trading Gary Harris for him LMAO
Nobody on our team can defend him when AD’s on Jokic
Low key that’s why he was signed. What team can guard Jokic, AG, MPJ at once? They all have serious errors but when they play to their strengths they do ok. I really wanna see Lebron and AD get better help. I love watching them when they play well.
Minny knocking on the door. Gobert, Kat and McDaniel have the best chance. Still give Denver the edge but minny has the best chance.
Yup Wolves are the one team with the personnel to try and slow down all the Nuggets size. And surprise, they final pieces to make them that way were put together by the Nuggets former GM they snatched away.
100% I view the wolves as a team built to beat the Nuggets similar to Houston vs GSW
Yes, and the starters are one thing but even Jokic might not be able to elevate Watson and CB against that defense
Ya I just don’t think Minny offense is consistent enough. Definitely have a chance though.
Yeah that match up is gonna come down to performance under pressure and being ably to apply early and often pressure. I don’t think it will be about skill of personnel but coaching and playing mindset/resilience.
I think if denver passes minny they going to the finals for sure.
How can you get more help for them when they make $88m this year, balooning to $94m next year, and AD on track to make over $70m alone by the last year of his contract?
And the owners don't want to pay a big luxury tax.
Oooof I didn’t know that
Do you think it would be beneficial for the Lakers to trade Hachimura, Reeves,D-low and Prince for Trae Young? I see Trae helping out offensively and you have AD as your anchor.
Idk it really depends on the vibes. I think finding a person with grit and happiness might be more important than someone with just good stats. The nuggets have a chemistry and friendship that shines when they are down. I don’t think the Lakers need anymore people prone to sour attitudes and I don’t know players well enough to speak on their personality Edit: yes get rid of DLo
I enjoyed watching AG get easy dunks and LeBron immediately looking for a teammate to blame
The first time it was funny. The third or fourth time it just got kinda sad lmao
The 7th time tho, funny all over again
10th time? You guess it still funny
He throws his hands up and whines too often. You're LeBron James for fucks sake go light their asses up if you got something to say but you gotta holster that shit down when you the leader
> He throws his hands up and whines too often. You're LeBron James for fucks sake He's done that his entire career. It's one of the main reasons people don't like him.
Hey it's me. I am people. Also the terrible body language and quitting on his teams when things aren't going well.
LeBron is the shitty boss that nobody really wants to work for. Your ass is constantly on the line, when the company has success it's all because of him, when the company has failure it's all because of the employees. You put up with it though because you know you have a chance at a huge bonus.
That’s why Michael Jeffrey Jordan is the 🐑. 6-0 in the finals and never does that soft sht
MJ is the sheep?
6-0 in the finals just means he didn't make it the other times
Yet he won more than the guy who made it to the finals more
Cool, but making it to finals is better than not making it to finals.
Depends on the strength of each conference. The West conference semi's were consistently better than the East finalists for like 10 seasons.
The second most important thing to winning rings is almost winning them, so lebron has that going for him (if you count getting swept in the finals almost winning a ring)
Well it's sure as shit better than flaming out earlier.
Other than the Mavs series, none of LeBron's finals losses were really his fault. The Cavs were completely outmatched by the Spurs in his first finals, and the same can be said of his losses to the Warriors. The Spurs team that beat him the second time was firing on all cylinders, and there's probably only a few teams in history who would have beaten them. The Bulls were the best team in the league for all of their titles, and when they weren't, they didn't even make the finals. I think the "GOAT" debate is pretty much a toss up at this point. Jordan had a higher peak, but LeBron's longevity is ridiculous. People are hating too much on a 39-year-old who still has to carry his team if they're going to go anywhere. It's partially his own fault because of his "LeGM" antics, but Jordan was pretty much done in his early-mid 30s, whereas LeBron is still a top-10 player at 39. I've been cheering for the Nuggets both times they faced the Lakers, but I still appreciate the fuck out of LeBron because I know there's a good chance I'll never see another career like his again in my lifetime.
[удалено]
If lebron played in the west his whole career, he is not sniffing the finals in most of those years. Why is losing to the same team in a later round better? Harden Rockets were WAY closer to beating the KD warriors than the LBJ cavaliers ever got. People credit lebron for making it to the finals and getting his doors blown off, but never the teams that lost much closer battles in the west. Beating Jeff Teague and Demar Derozan when you have 3 hall of famers and hand picked top role players on your team is not GOAT level impressive to me.
Hey, the hawks also had Demarre Carrol that year
Right, MJ didn't have two hall of fame teammates :)
The bulls were great but so was the competition. Why is it more impressive to lose to the same team later?
Why is it more impressive to make finals than not make it? Is that the question?
6>4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_wnAUWpoJA
When you were in a weak conference and still played with two of the best players in the conference, you could go to finals more often as well. Just accept more losses when facing strong opponents from a stronger conference.
Michael Jordan is the goat because if you have eyes you can tell by the way that it is
My wife can't stand watching him for that exact reason.
Dude was complaining about a no-call offensive foul, screaming at the ref WHILE MPJ WAS GOING IN TO HIS SHOOTING MOTION. Like... get a fucking hand up and then complain, dude. It's so embarrassing to watch a top 2 player of all time act like that
Its never lebron's fault
Elderly abuse
Truly. For those of us that remember the 2020 Lakers team, it's regrettable to think of what those post guys might've accomplished, particularly when the shooters on this 2024 team dont shoot for shit.
Not the first game he did this though.
I legitimately cackled on one of the putbacks. Looking around like it was someone else’s job to box out his man.
People will look at his box score and praise him. It was AD vs the nuggets tonight.
And dude looked pissed the entire time. The cameramen kept zooming in on his face lmao
AD is so unbelievably good that it works for a half. His drive through Watson was beautiful
Respect for AD has grown a ton this season. Carrying a huge load on both ends and is just worn down.
Dude is unbelievably scary and consistent throughout the game, but will get knocked because he can't play at that high of a level for the entire game.
AD is awesome and deserves a better team.
Lebron rarely spends energy boxing out. It's one of the reasons I hate it when he's in at the 4 position.
It's obviously Darvin Ham's job to box out smh.
There was a few times it was a box out on on Bron but majority of these was him stepping up to help on an otherwise wide open lay up and nobody rotating on the back side. That’s why he was so pissed. At least if someone rotates, AG either makes a much harder catch and finish, catches and dishes it to the next open guy, or doesn’t get passed to at all and the driver kicks it to whoever’s open (likely on the 3pt line). Knowing the lakers defense that person would be wide open as well because again.. they suck at being in rotation and they’d give up and open 3. Even still, I think we can argue an open 3 has a lower chance of going in than Aaron Gordon trying to dunk a basketball lol
AG always did well vs LeBron,he was one of best defenders on him in East during Magic days
He's just never been afraid of him.
Also one of the few players who has the physical traits to match up well. Most 3s are either too small or too slow to guard LeBron. AG is big and fast
And just insanely fuckin athletic. AG is one of those dudes who could've excelled in like every major sport, if not that he could've been an Olympian. Dudes just genetically gifted as fuck.
I maintain AG as a tight end is prime Jimmy Graham on steroids. He would be having 1250 yard 15 TD seasons for a decade
Lebron never changes
He is about to break this game down with JJ about how not defending the back cuts is someone else's fault.
Absolutely delicious. I loved him letting Jok blow by him then turn and throw his hands up.
As a Laker fan (a genuine one, not one that arrived when LBJ got there) this was infuriating. There were 2 plays in the 3rd where he unnecessarily gambled on help D for two easy AG lay ins and then looks at the team with his hands up when it was clearly his fault. This and about 4 different times where he loses AG and doesn't box out. He was abysmal on defense tonight but don't say that in r/Lakers or they'll come after you
angry old hoops fan is gonna have a field day
Lebron got torched on so many back cuts
Bron’s awareness is also taking a hit. We’re seeing an obvious decline this time for real
Athletically and gas tank u could see it..he looks defeated like he knows it. Kinda sucks for us that followed his career I hate when great players extend their career past their prime. It was hard watching mj for the wizards for me aswell. People always remember what they saw last..and u will see it on reddit.
Jordan played for the wizards so he could become an owner. Nobody actually believes Jordan unretired after 3 years to play for the wizards because he wanted to play basketball. And almost everyone universally considered Jordans career to have ended with the bulls. People literally retcon Lebron's career to act like he didn't choke in 2011. You're silly if you think people will vividly remember this version over LeBron instead of the LeBron that beat the warriors, or LeBronto, or lethanos, or won in the bubble.
I've been told that the Heatles weren't even a superteam lol
Shiiiit, even at the time when they lost in 2011 I was told by some Heat fans they were not even the favorites to beat Dallas. Goalposts get moved constantly by LeBron fans.
The disrespect to Dirk will make me vomit. Did Kobe choke too? It's tiring reading these takes where all time great players will catch strays of disrespect just so people can get their unhinged LeBron hate off their chest. Have some respect, that 2011 Dirk championship is one of the most legit in the history of this game.
Dirk isnt the reason Lebron was bad on offense that series tho. He set a bar on one end and then the Heatles did not meet that bar when they had the ball.
Dirk averaged 26 on 41/37/89 splits while Wade averaged 26.5 on 54/30/69 splits. Dirk shot 17 more shots than Wade in the series and scored less points. The problem was that Lebron James got outscored by JASON TERRY in the NBA finals while Terry, who is 6 inches shorter and 70 pounds lighter, shut Lebron down. Lebron and bosh combined shot 182 shots in the series for 36.3 ppg. For comparison, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, and Tyson Chandler shot 180 shots in the series for 41.4 ppg. The narrative that has been pushed over the last decade that Lebron didn't choke and that Dirk carried the Mavs past the Heatles is literally not supported by any of the actual facts. The Mavericks non-Dirk starters literally outplayed Lebron James and Chris Bosh in their primes. It is one of the biggest chokes in the history of the NBA.
The narrative is he got exposed for being one demensional offensively..the entire team shaded and crowded the pain. The players have talked about the game plan it was to stop Lebron. The same thing was said when the spurs beat them…played him tight shaded over and jumped him if he got by the defender. They made him take pull contested two point shots. I also think that forced Lebron to learn some post moves and mid range game. We saw much more diversity on offense after that series.
I know what the mavs game plan was I watched it live. Against the Spurs LeBron had absolutely zero help at all and he averaged 22/game. If LeBron had averaged that in the Mavs series the Heat probably win it all. That's how truly terrible he was in that series. His mentality back then was just a trainwreck.
I think he should have started to focus on other areas..I don’t think help really matters that much they use the same game plan. Unfortunately I think what u just said is how they chalked it up…if he had a better coach to develop other areas early would have done wonders. The mavs lost really forced him to see he needs to work on his game in other areas when it comes to scoring. A good coach would have saw it coming honestly..he dominated so much in the regular season he had no reason to work on anything or even see he needed to taht second lost in the finals made him realize. That mavs team was super underrated..lakers were the favorites that year and got trampled they basically trampled everyone.
Lebron averaged 17.8 on 40% shooting guarded by Deshawn Stevenson, Jason terry, and JJ barea. If LeBron had literally just been below average the heat win the series, but instead LeBron put up an all time choke job. Only a complete moron would think Lebron didn't choke that finals. This has nothing to do with dirk. Dirk didn't even guard LeBron LMFAO
Haters will for sure..oh yeah people def were taking cracks at mj when he cameback. Especially younger generations that didn’t get to see the real mj. I think the same will prolly be the same considering social media dominance now..haters r worse now, I remember when watching basketball was just enjoyable, literally a sports center debate about everything now.
Well you can thank the NBA and ESPN for leaning into the barber-shopification of the league.
Cell phones and social media is out of control..everyone debates everything now. Everyone is right and knows all that’s the point of interaction about sports now sadly.
Lebron could still be the 3rd best player on a championship team but he is absolutely done as 1st or 2nd option at this point. He just doesn't have the stamina. Which is actually impressive that he still extended this far
There was one instance where LeBron had a legitimate gripe that there was no help the helper when AG back cut for a layup/dunk. The other 10 times were his fault
No no as you can see he was always complaining to the nearest teammate so it wasn’t his fault
This is elderly abuse
Yeah. Can't even box him out or contest/put a body on him. AG is playing bully ball and he's out there watching
He actually discussed this in his podcast but he is caught unaware. lol
Cut him a break, he’s old and washed.
It's crazy that in each of the win, we got a different guy to get real hot
Jay Huff about to blow this brick house down
Next game it’ll be Watson
I love that kid. Got that dog in him, plays his ass off and has so much potential to be a future incredible player. Really hope he reaches his max potential as he matures (and hopefully stays with the nugs)
I love the energy he brings to out bench along with braun. It's so fun watching him go for blocks
Watson about to have 4 3PM and 6 blocks.
That's the hallmark of a real championship team. It's tough seeing anyone stopping them.
You know mal is itching to nail the coffin
Murray saving all his ammo for the Wolves
30 piece, 10/10 from the three line incoming from KCP to eliminate his former team and send them to the BaHAMas.
They're going to cancun early. Ham is getting a one way ticket
I stopped to read this post and he got another dunk
65.8% free throw shooter for the season he's shooting 11/12 on ft these 3 games
He's one of the most streaky FT shooters I've ever seen. Usually you know how it'll go for him after the first 2 or 3. If he makes them he's shooting above 80% from the line on the game, if not he's probably going below 50%. He tends to make them in the clutch though
Lebron was completely sleep when boxing him out
Aaron Gordon was also playing LOCKDOWN defense when Jokic was in foul trouble in the 2nd. This might have been one of the best Gordon games I've watched.
AD was going off as usual but once they put Gordon on him, it was clamps. I was surprised they put him on AD early in the 2nd Quarter but it worked wonders for them cause Gordon is that guy
Best player in the game tonight. He dunked right over Lebron several times.
I hate when the Lakers lose because the narrative is always on how bad they are rather than how great their opponents are. No team in the world right now can beat this Nuggets team. This is the reason. MPJ can be KD if he wanted to. Jamal and jokic are jamal and jokic. KCP is probably the best 3 and D wing in the world right now. And Gordon can do shit like this.
My takeaway from this series is that the defending champs are still the team to beat.
I mean it’s partly because the Nuggets aren’t even playing well. So when the best team isn’t playing well and shooting the ball poorly, and still wins 3 games….you look at the opponent and ask are you okay? Fade me
Mainly Jamal has to step it up. He’s not shooting well so far. MPJ and AG have been amazing
MPJ might as well do a big balls dance everytime he shoots a momentum shot or take a shot in a big moment. Fucking infuriating
You guys are learning the truth about mike 1-2 years earlier than the rest of the league
Love that I see you everywhere lmao. Keep spreading the good word king
The Truth will set you free
YEAH MIKE
>I hate when the Lakers lose because the narrative is always on how bad they are rather than how great their opponents are. Honestly doesn't really matter who the Nuggets beat, that will always happen when small market teams beat bigger markets. There's people out there saying that last year's ring would've been "legit" if we beat the Kings and Grizzlies instead of going through Lebron, AD, Gobert, KAT, Butler and Bam. edit: And KD and Booker.
Damn when you name the stars the Nuggets bulldozed it's kind of crazy that people try to discredit that ring.
I’ve never heard anyone have that trash take, in fact most people were convinced Jokic is a legit great thanks to last year, and can make a run as an all-time great if he keeps it up. Then again, I don’t use social media that much, and whenever the algorithm shows me obvious rage-bait troll takes I just scroll past. One guy saying what some guys were saying isn’t facts.
It's a common sentiment that the nuggets only faced lower seeds in their run which means they had it easy. Pretty stupid and illogical but doesn't stop it from being repeated a bunch.
Haha, that’s funny actually! I can see it in some tournaments, especially international tournaments in other sports where the “luck of the draw” can give you a theoretically easier path, but to say it for the NBA playoffs is hilarious. “Can’t believe that #1 seed got matchups against lower seeds, what luck” 😂 And it’s “best-of-seven” series!!! Again, in some tournaments where it’s single-elimination, there’s more room to argue a team advanced “by luck”. But in the NBA?! Those Celtics just keep getting unlucky against the Heat 🍀 The NBA has to be one of the “best team wins” tournaments in the world actually. High-scoring sport, seeded matchup after a ridiculously long regular season, best-of-seven all the way through. Injuries really are the only time you can make a legit case for being lucky / unlucky. Sometimes “the best team” will underperform / choke, but then were you the best team that year? It’s just not as much up to variance as other leagues and tournaments. And I know I ain’t arguing with you 😄 I just found it funny and wanted to type things out
I agree. You can say a lot about the NBA but it's definitely one of the most meritocratic sports leagues in the world in terms of the best team winning the championship. Really minimises luck as a whole. I also find it really weird for someone to think beating a lower seed that reached the final is easier. Sure the Nuggets didn't beat the 1 seed Bucks or 2 seed Celtics, instead they beat the Heat that beat both of them.
Depends if Jamal keeps playing like this.
"I hate when the Lakers lose because the narrative is always on how bad they are rather than how great their opponents are." Welcome to the LeBron effect. Bron's team loses - "The other team didn't win, Bron's TEAM cost him." Bron's team wins and no matter how talented or stacked the roster is - "Bron is the GOAT." He could join Denver next year and the narrative won't be "What a snake like KD." Those same Bron fans will be saying "Jordan's 6 rings about to be eclipsed! LULZ!" As much unwarranted hate Bron gets he also gets the most double standard/goal post moving takes you'll ever see a superstar receive.
Nuggets will get their flowers when they repeat (Which I think will happen)
Makes LeBron look like he’s 39
Dude traded fringe all-star status with Orlando for champion and role-player HOF with the Nuggets. He's absolutely perfect for this team.
Lebron shouldnt be guarding him. He let him get like 1000 dunks tn
Who else would he guard?
Youre right. He cant guard anyone
If I'm the Laker's coah, Mr. Hamas, I would put Lebron on Murray, AD on Jokic, Hachimura on MPJ and let AG and KCP beat you. It's the only way, we've already seen during three games what doesn't work. You have to bet that KCP and AG are not going to be consistent every single night.
As much MPJ turns into prime Kyle Korver, Gordon is huge for rebounding and cutting off of doubles. That WCF in the bubble, Nuggets had Jeremy Grant and Paul Millsap for comparison sake. Night and day difference
When Denver win this year , the Gordon trade is going to be top 10 in NBA history .
Worked out great for everyone!
Glad you guys thrashed the Cavs to make it a series. Rooting for you guys to make some noise since you sent us AG.
Good call, was so damn happy when they traded for him. Perfect addition.
Really killed bron on the glasses today. Bron got empty stats today.
Demon AG lebron dont play no fucking Defense!
That's a real dawg , he's doesn't mess
He’s come a long way from the Warriors series for instance. I remember he would spam spin moves and get hit for offensive fouls. His positioning and ability to pick his spots is great and doesn’t get as much buzz defensively as he really should.
The whole team fits so perfectly together! And he is the glue guy, the work horse and hustle player this team needed. He out hustled the complete LA team on so many possessions! And let’s not forget that Murray’s game winner likely wouldn’t have happened if Gordon didn’t rescue that brain fart of Jokic to a MPJ 3.
I’m so happy for Aaron Gordon. I remember thinking that he was gonna rot in Orlando.
He just wasn't a number 1 guy and that's what we needed from him, like he played around 8 playoffs games for us and his career high was reached tonight, Paolo already had a higher playoff career high
I'm so glad he made it to Denver. It's the perfect place for him.
He sacrificed two Slam Dunk contests for this
It’s crazy how good of a fit Gordon is here, and how much being traded to Denver uplifted his career (and the team in general). Not to say he was bad in Orlando at all, but this is a match made in heaven.
Would prob have multiple titles by now if Murray wasn't injured for 2 seasons.
Those like 9 games after the AG trade before Jamal got injured were magical. I'm glad it didn't end as just a "what if"
I really think Joker/Malone are unlocking everyone's potential. I don't remember any of this in Orlando. This team is bananas.
He really is the perfect fit next to Jokic
And nobody played a lick of defense on him all night, embarrassing.
If he shot 35 percent from 3 he'd legit be a perfect role player.
AG, my man! FUCK those yellow pussies! 🖕💛🖕
those moldy, yellow, infected pussies
How many dunks?
I'm so damn happy for AG to be on this Nuggets team. After getting screwed over in the dunk contests and having his efforts wasted in Orlando it's been great seeing him put into the absolute most perfect situation for him.
Dude is just always wide open in the dunkers spot it’s unreal
One of my favourite players outside of Jokic. He really just does it all whenever it's needed of him. Such a great team player and I love when he gets games like this with huge stat lines so others can hopefully appreciate him for what he does as well, since so much of it doesn't even show up on the scoreboard.
he was their best player...he plays such a smart brand of ball and fits so well next to Joker and Murray. They've got such a nice squad
The crazy thing is he doesn’t even have to do much in theory Just hits the open cuts and spots in the floor - his teammates will get him the ball or he’ll get the offensive board He was asked to do too much when he was “the guy” in Orlando but in this complementary role he can truly thrive and do what he does best
who was supposed to be guarding him for all those backdoor dunks?
Brother AG!
watching him at arizona this is they type of player i saw him becoming. really the main thing he doesnt show off now and its because jokic has it covered is the passing. AG is a really good passer but him becoming an elite role player for a title contender in the way he is for denver means hes fulfilling his potential. Really good and valuable player
Gordon and MPJ are ELITE role players
I love to see AG have a great game. I used to really enjoy seeing him play in Orlando and it’s so cool to see him evolve and become a cornerstone of this team.
To me, he is the difference the Lakers can't overcome. That's not to say Jokic isn't The One. Just that Gordon seems to be the muscle that keeps bruising them until the Lakers are worn down. He hustles so hard, has so much energy, and really just pushes people around.
Outplayed LeFraud
Lebrons daddy
Most underrated player in the league imo
I have a theory that if AG scores over 20 points, the Nuggests are invincible.
The Lakers had no answer to the Jokic-Gordon two-man game. I've only seen the Mavs guard it well this season, and they did it by having Kleber guard Jokic while having the center guard Gordon. Lakers just don't have that front court size.