Around The Horn 2021-2022 Season

I read last night that he has been ejected from a game once before.

The Lakers were losing at the time, but they came back to win the game. I don't think LaQueen likes how this season is playing out and I know he doesn't like the fact that no one (except Doris) is kissing his ring anymore.

He is also beginning to get some well-deserved criticism about his shoe deals, thanks to our guy, Kanter.

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/alex-caruso-on-social-medias-bias-to-the-lakers-i-didnt-think-that-was-true-until-i-got-another-team/



Alex Caruso on social media’s bias to the Lakers: “I didn’t think that was true until I got another team”


NOVEMBER 24, 2021
AUTHOR ERNESTO SOLIVEN



The Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, with rich history and 16 titles to their name. Legendary players suited up for the Purple and Gold, which is why the team has a massive following worldwide. A former Laker did not believe the hype but quickly realized how L.A. gets special treatment in social media.


“I didn’t think that was true until I got another team”

Alex Caruso will forever be part of the Lakers’ history after helping the team win the title in 2020. Now that he plays for the Chicago Bulls, he observed that social media tends to cover all Lakers highlights. He admitted he did not know about the hype when he was part of the team but now recognized it in an interview with Bryan Kalbrosky for Hoops Hype.

“I didn’t realize this when I was on the Lakers – but social media shows all of the Lakers highlights. [Laughs] I didn’t think that was true until I got another team.”

Alex Caruso, Hoops Hype


The media will feed what the fans crave. If people want to watch highlight reels of the Lakers, the media will give it to them. Anything to get likes and increase engagement, it’s only natural that sports pages will focus on them. If other teams’ highlights get more reactions online, then social media will feature more of them.

It’s easy to tell why the Lakers are getting featured more: they have a roster featuring All-Stars and future Hall of Famers. Also, storylines help sell the news. Will LeBron catch up to Kobe’s five rings? Can he dethrone Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the most points scored list this year? Is getting Russell Westbrook an experiment waiting to fail?

A lot of stars want to play for the Lakers because of the extra attention and coverage. They know if they perform well, it could lead to endorsements, movies, and TV appearances. Adding a title to the franchise also means being mentioned alongside all-time greats such Kobe, Shaq, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and Abdul-Jabbar. Everyone wants to create a legacy before retiring, and there’s no better place than to do it as a Laker.


Caruso on why he chose the Bulls

In the interview, AC cited that the Bulls noticed his underrated playmaking skills, which prompted him to join the team. With his recent performance for Chicago, fans can say Caruso has turned over a new leaf. He’s one of the best when it comes to transition assists and steals, which proves Caruso is one of the best two-way players in the NBA right now.

He wouldn’t get to showcase his other skills if he still plays for L.A. Playing for other teams may mean lesser exposure but more opportunities for role players such as Caruso. The Lakers may get the extra attention with its stars and history, but sometimes, the bright lights are not for all.


Bob
MY NOTE:  What I read elsewhere is that Caruso would have given the Lakers a hometown discount to keep him but their offer wasn't anywhere near what Chicago offered.  LeBron's old, he's not going to last forever.  Caruso would have gotten his chance if he'd had hung in there.  I think this last part is an assumption by the author and not a statement from Caruso himself.

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https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-anthony-davis-now-nba-210003766.html



Lakers’ Anthony Davis is now the NBA’s least efficient shooter


Sanjesh Singh
Sat, November 27, 2021, 1:00 PM



The Los Angeles Lakers are currently sitting at 10-11 through the first 21 games of the season, and Anthony Davis’ play is a huge factor of the harsh reality facing the squad.


Though his per-game averages of 24.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.2 blocks look strong on paper, he hasn’t been the dominant force L.A. needs him to be.

Why is that? Davis is taking, and missing, way too many jumpers during the early stages of the season.

Despite shooting 71.3% on 167 shots from less than five feet from the rim, the type of dominance the Lakers require from him, he’s also attempted 154 jumpshots. The results on those have been horrific.

Davis is shooting 33.1% on those jumpers, which is the least efficient number in the NBA, according to Kirk Goldsberry of ESPN:

Kirk Goldsberry
@kirkgoldsberry
Anthony Davis made 1 of his 12 jumpers last night as Lakers lost to Kings.  

Out of 56 players who have attempted at least 150 jumpers this season, he ranks last in efficiency, averaging just 0.71 points per shot.



This comes after Davis shot 9-of-22 in the loss to the Sacramento Kings, where he went 0-of-5 from distance.

The big man is now shooting 18.4% from deep, which is simply not a recipe for success for a team that wants to optimize floor spacing with LeBron James on the roster.

Davis deserves criticism for taking these shots, but the offensive system under Frank Vogel hasn’t operated smoothly either. The Lakers make it too easy for opponents with a lack of ball movement and players standing still when the ball is with Davis or James.

It’ll take a team effort to get Davis and the Lakers back on track, and that has to happen sooner rather than later based on the way L.A. is playing against teams it should beat.


Bob
MY NOTE:  The stat that's partially cut-off by the screen is "51 of 154, 33.1%, on jumpers this season", "attempted at least 150" and "just .71 points per try". LeBron James will be 37 on December 30th and, it appears to my admittedly biased eyes, he's slowing down on defense. He has one more year on his contract after this one for $44.5M. This might be his last chance and he doesn't have much of one if AD doesn't pull it together, and soon.


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I really wonder if Anthony Davis can handle the pressure of being "the guy" in LA. At times he looks unbeatable, but there are times when he looks like he could care less Welcome to this new generation of players. To much has ben given but too little returned. If and when LeBron gives in and retires (and I do not think it will be after this contract expires) the weight of the world will fall on Davis. Is he ready for that?

This is a whole new world of basketball we are living in. Some, have soared when nothing was expected while others have struggled. We are watching one right now on the Celtics......what is his true level of achievement going to be? And will he be a Celtic when he achieves it or will he be.............a Laker

Jeez I would have thought it was Tatum

that is who I am referring to

Can anyone find out how close to the bottom Tatum is?  I imagine Tatum's numbers aren't far from AD's.

Tatum's failure to find the bucket has also contributed to our current W-L record.  Tatum also has good numbers, like AD, but we all know there are times where he cannot find the bottom of the net.

Agree, especially since Jaylen Brown has been out for a good period of time and is still trying to get back to where he was. Tatum played a good game last night, great rebounding, passing the ball to others, but....missing so many shots it was awful to watch. This all goes back to something I said a while ago..these kids are making too much money too fast and have no fight in them to live up to expectations. It sounds harsh, I know, but I feel strongly that alot of this has to do with cash flow. Call me old fashioned, but a guy used to have to earn the right to be the highest player on the team over the course of time.

Just my observation and I am sure many disagree with me, but, it is what it is....period

Rosalie

With all the scrutiny in this thread, and elsewhere, on Tatum's shooting performance season-to-date, I can't help but offer up my own 2 cents.

He's adjusting to the physical changes in his body.

I don't see a real lack of hustle, and if anything his ability to get to the basket when he drives is improved.

I believe the issues shooting and finishing are directly tied to the big changes in muscle mass from his intense off-season workouts. He appears to be have lost some flexibility, I believe. Those changes directly impact every aspect of an athlete's game and often create an adjustment period. A lot of younger guys figure out the balance between strength building and agility and flexibility the hard way. I think Tatum will adjust just fine, given time.

[quote="NYCelt"]With all the scrutiny in this thread, and elsewhere, on Tatum's shooting performance season-to-date, I can't help but offer up my own 2 cents.

He's adjusting to the physical changes in his body.

I don't see a real lack of hustle, and if anything his ability to get to the basket when he drives is improved.                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   +1. I had that same thought. Something is different, and his new frame is the only visible difference.

NYCelt wrote:With all the scrutiny in this thread, and elsewhere, on Tatum's shooting performance season-to-date, I can't help but offer up my own 2 cents.

He's adjusting to the physical changes in his body.

I don't see a real lack of hustle, and if anything his ability to get to the basket when he drives is improved.

I believe the issues shooting and finishing are directly tied to the big changes in muscle mass from his intense off-season workouts. He appears to be have lost some flexibility, I believe. Those changes directly impact every aspect of an athlete's game and often create an adjustment period. A lot of younger guys figure out the balance between strength building and agility and flexibility the hard way. I think Tatum will adjust just fine, given time.

That’s very similar to what I said after a bad stretch earlier in the year, that the added bulk may have taken away some of his touch….

NYCelt wrote:With all the scrutiny in this thread, and elsewhere, on Tatum's shooting performance season-to-date, I can't help but offer up my own 2 cents.

He's adjusting to the physical changes in his body.

I don't see a real lack of hustle, and if anything his ability to get to the basket when he drives is improved.

I believe the issues shooting and finishing are directly tied to the big changes in muscle mass from his intense off-season workouts. He appears to be have lost some flexibility, I believe. Those changes directly impact every aspect of an athlete's game and often create an adjustment period. A lot of younger guys figure out the balance between strength building and agility and flexibility the hard way. I think Tatum will adjust just fine, given time.

I think we are worried about nothing Tatum will be fine as long as he gets and keeps his head right.
I thought the same thing regarding the muscle mass issue. I have heard other players say that it doesn’t effect you as long as you’re stretching and exercising properly. Eddie Johnson said he used to lift weights before games and we know how great of a shooter he was.

Ktron,

You’ve got it exactly right. Lifting without a stretching program builds mass but reduces athleticism. I’ve always made sure to stretch and work range of motion at the end of any workout and have taught my son to do the same.

One can just lift and look great at the beach or include stretching and up their game as well.

If by any chance Tatum hasn’t found that balance, he will.

Regards

(Fair information disclosure; as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to focus more on reducing mass around the middle and less on building mass in the upper body!)

Bummer, looks like Lebron won’t be playing the next Celtics-Lakers game and will be out for awhile…..

NYCelt wrote:Ktron,

You’ve got it exactly right. Lifting without a stretching program builds mass but reduces athleticism. I’ve always made sure to stretch and work range of motion at the end of any workout and have taught my son to do the same.

One can just lift and look great at the beach or include stretching and up their game as well.

If by any chance Tatum hasn’t found that balance, he will.

Regards

(Fair information disclosure; as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to focus more on reducing mass around the middle and less on building mass in the upper body!)

. Somehow I knew that you would know this. :>))

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/01/sport/lebron-james-nba-covid-protocols-spt-intl/index.html


LeBron James misses game after being sidelined by NBA Covid-19 protocols


By CNN Sport staff

Updated 5:11 AM ET, Wed December 1, 2021



(CNN)LeBron James was sidelined by the NBA's Covid-19 health and safety protocols and, as a result, missed Tuesday's game against the Sacramento Kings, a team spokesperson confirmed to CNN.

It is unclear if James had tested positive for Covid-19 or whether he had come into close contact with someone who had.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said the team arranged for transportation to get James back to Los Angeles safely.

"Obviously, it's a huge loss," Vogel said Tuesday ahead of the game in Sacramento. "It's disappointing. We just want the best for him right now."

In September, James said he received the vaccine despite being skeptical at first.

"Everyone has their own choice to do what they feel is right for themselves and their family and things of that nature," James told reporters in late September.

"I know that I was very skeptical about it all. But after doing my research and things of that nature, I felt like it was best suited for not only me but my family and my friends. That's why I decided to do it."

It's unclear how long James will remain on the sidelines. The Lakers, though, did overcome his absence to rout the Kings 117-92.

James has only competed in half of his team's 22 games this season after being sidelined with an abdominal injury and serving a one-game suspension.

The superstar was also fined $15,000 by the league after he made "an obscene gesture on the playing court" in Thursday's overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers.

James isn't the only player to have been impacted by the NBA protocols. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid returned to the court on Saturday night after being forced to miss nine games due to a positive Covid-19 result.


Bob
MY NOTE:  The minimum for being out under COVID protocols is 12 days, 10 days of quarantine and then another 2 days of supervised workouts.  He missed the November 30th game.  If we assume he tested positive that day, he would have been put into the protocols sooner if he had tested positive sooner, then the earliest he could be back would be Sunday 12/12.  If he plays 12/12 vs Orlando that would mean he missed 5 games total, one of which was the 11/30 game vs Sacto.  Those 4 games are

12/3 vs Clippers (11-10)
12/7 vs CELTICS (11-10)
12/9 @ Grizzlies (11-10)
12/10 @ Thunder (6-14)

3 out of 4 vs >.500 teams.
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I don't know if any of you watched TNT's games last night. Two very entertaining games. I experienced two drastic emotions.

The first was WOW! Both these games had a playoff atmosphere, BKN has a dead-eye assassin they can call on anytime for a basket, FT's, 3-pointer, And 1. All you have to do is call his name...KD. Unbelievable. Knicks played well also. Probably should have won but they don't have a KD.

Second game was very fun to watch. I got a workout just sitting in my chair taking it all in! Even had some defense thrown in there as well. These are the best two teams in the league. By far. BTW, the Lakers will not be in this year's Finals. You heard it here first!!

The second emotion I experienced was complete and total despair. The Celtics are not even close to anything I saw in those two games or those 4 teams. I was going to use the Grand Canyon from one side to another for the separating distance but that's not enough. More like opposite ends of the universe.

Those teams, in particular GSW and PHX, are not having the same discussions on their websites that we are. We're still worried about which player is going to start, who's injured, inconsistent play from our superstars, hoping for the best. Compared to those two teams, one of which will be in the Finals waiting for the ECF winner, we can't find our collective asses with both hands or with all of our hands.

And guess what? GSW still has Klay Thompson on deck. I never heard of Jordan Poole until last night. He's definitely Steph or Klay, Jr. but after his shooting barrage last night, he may be Steph or Klay, Sr. I know. Too early but it's nice to know you can have a guy light it up while you're waiting for Curry to get on track for half the game.

We have absolutely none of that. And yet....We're only 2 games in the loss column out of 2nd place and 4 games out of 1st. I'd say we are very fortunate and the NBA is giving us all the time it can to get our respective acts together. But playing in quicksand has its consequences.

As for tonight vs. PHI, this could have been an inflection point game for us. Instead, it is just a game between two mediocre teams in the East. However, each loss comes with a steep slope and a banana peel. Getting to the top of the East gets harder and harder as we keep trying to find ourselves and playing .500 ball. Let's see what happens tonight.

Go Celtics

db

With Warriors as my #2 team, I have been very pleasantly surprised by their performance. I still have this nagging feeling that the Warriors are about to hit a big bump. Their style will work when everybody is well connected and Klay has been out of the game for 2 years.

As for the Suns, they are pretty good. Their younger players are more mature. We shall see how well some old bodies take the rigors of a full season.

As for the Celts, they have been very frustrating so far. But can they fall lower? I don't feel so. So this season may still end up being very exciting.

As for KD, he is a special player!

If the 2 J’s were on top of their games, one is obviously injured the other wildly inconsistent, with the other pieces also being inconsistent; but showing some glimmers, we could still have a really good team. The Tatum vs LA was a superstar, the best player on the floor. Jaylen is wanted by so many teams for a reason. Now Kantor Freedom is adding to the big man rotation with RWill and Al. The Menace and Smart can be up and down, but both can defend and play enough off J’s to be very effective. JRich adds a lot of energy to the defense, can have his moments on offense. If PP and Nesmith were the best versions of themselves….well I can dream a little. Get healthy Jaylen Celtic Nation needs you.

https://thespun.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-reportedly-get-unfortunate-zion-williamson-news?fbclid=IwAR1jxRi6Jr_khGYBPoy98luFPGQz874pTNBFRMv9zkj1Ks0v9wyKSvU_bD4



Pelicans Reportedly Get Unfortunate Zion Williamson News


New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has suffered a “delay” in his rehab process.


Williamson, 21, hasn’t played in a game this season. The former No. 1 pick underwent offseason surgery on his right foot and has been rehabbing ever since. The former Duke star suffered yet another setback this week though.

Williamson missed Thursday’s practice due to soreness in his right foot. The Pelicans are going to use extreme caution here and delay his rehab process.

“Zion Williamson is experiencing soreness in his foot and his return has been delayed. Williamson did not practice today. The soreness has persisted. No re-imaging has been scheduled at this time. Williamson will be dialed back before ramping back up next week,” reports ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.


Andrew Lopez
@_Andrew_Lopez
Zion Williamson is experiencing soreness in his foot and his return has been delayed.

Williamson did not practice today. The soreness has persisted. No re-imaging has been scheduled at this time.

Williamson will be dialed back before ramping back up next week.
10:55 AM · Dec 2, 2021


According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Pelicans are “optimistic” this is nothing serious.


They’re going to use caution in Zion Williamson’s continued rehab.

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson experienced a slight delay in his rehab due to soreness in his injured right foot. Team is optimistic it is not serious but will dial back his ramp up in approximately a week.
10:58 AM · Dec 2, 2021


The New Orleans Pelicans are going to use extreme caution here, as they should.

The Pelicans are 6-18 this season and aren’t expected to compete for a spot in the postseason. Zion Williamson is obviously a key to the team’s future. They need him at 100 percent to have any chance of competing for a spot in the postseason in coming years.

It doesn’t sound like, at least at the moment, that we’ll see Williamson play at all the rest of this year. Hopefully he can return in time for the second half of the NBA season.


Bob
MY NOTE: 6'6", 284#. I think I may have an idea what the problem is...When Shaq was drafted he was 294#. That's just 10# heavier than Zion but Zion is at least 6" shorter.


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Sean Grande
@SeanGrandePBP
Crazy that the Knicks, who started 5-1, are now sitting out of the play-in, 11th in the East at 11-11.




Bob
MY NOTE:  Evan Fournier is playing 28.5mpg for them and is only averaging 13.2ppg.  His Offensive Rating is 106 while his Defensive Rating is 112.


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