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The Lakers have a string of clutch wins and have drastically outperformed their point differential. Are they MORE dangerous because of their weapons in close games? Do they simply let go of the rope in losses? We look at their recent games — what’s worked and what hasn’t — and the history of successful teams.
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33 Comments
Lakers cannot play any defense
this lakers team kinda reminds me of the 2024 mavs. Not in terms of players of playstyle but the way they seem to win games. The mavs had Kyrie and Luka putting up wonders in the clutch. Now it's Austin, Lebron and Luka. I think the lakers have punchers chance. They aren't contenders simply due to their flaws that are solely related to roster construction. I can see them winning it all if they get on an incredibly hot streak which is possible with Luka.
the luka trade is still mind boggling to me. a generational bag fumbling that doesnt look as bad as it really was because they lucked into cooper flagg
2:55 are you telling me there like 2 meters of space behind the front row of seats? wtf. Move those guys back to protect the players or something smh
Elevator screen in the opposite corner is nasty work JJ, wonder if he’ll use kenard on plays that suit a lefty
You can't rely on last second heroics to win 4 out of 7 against the elite teams in this league.
That clutch gene just got clamped by Jalen Duren 😂
I realize this video was wrapping up completion by the Pistons game, where the Lakers lost in the clutch (ending the winstreak they were on). That would have been really good to hear your thoughts on though.
4:50 Best brakes in the business 😮💨
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For a clutch scenario they'd have to not get blown out in the third quarter when LeBalco rests his legs, so I don't think so, no
RIP Nico Harrison. XD
The Lakers lack of depth isn’t talked about enough. Every time they lose the mainstream media talking point is Luka or
LeBron.
among luka, SGA and Joker who is a more dangerous offensive player for opposing defense?
Its just Fts and LARefs…I dont see they have plays..its all about the Playoffs baby. LukFt and his iso ball and Fts whinning is the problem and it wont work in the playoffs…Yes, Nice StatPad but thats not winning anything but regular season award just like Harden.
Clutch dominance““`, here we go again, calling bad things good just because they are the lakers.
The warriors at their peak is one of the best team of all time, were they clutch in regular season? You don't know because they almost never in the situation they need to clutch a game, usually the game is over at the end of 3rd quarter. Lakers can be a good offense team but also they cannot not be a bad defense team, their best lineup has Luka and Reaves, two players even if they try are still bad in defense, or a more accurate description, Luka and Reaves have limited physical tools to be even decent at defense, and on top of that you have a last year Lebron, not only he is not good at defense too at this point, Lebron also occupies the rebounder spot, the spot where you need to hide Luka, with Lebron playing Luka and Reaves will get exposed in defense and that's largely how they lost badly last year. This laker team now, has good offense to win against the best team, but also has a bad defense that any team can drag them into the mud, and that's the main reason they are in so many clutch moments, they don't win games effortlessly because can't defend for shit, not by lack of effort mostly by roster design, and as long as they still have Lebron, they can't be a contender, which is not as bad as it sounds, Pelinka is still building roster around Luka, and it takes time since Luka arrived with a surprise, transition takes time.
Is there any evidence that teams play the lakers harder than other teams?
Scary to think of Lakers win %, if they had couple of Marcus Smarts in the roaster
They played Houston back to back?
5:18
Marcus Smart was surely gutted 😂
I still don't like all of the walking screens in the modern game. Teams might as well have an offensive line of forwards lead blocking for the shooter. Sheesh.
his best passing skill is the eye-freeze
LAL has clearer defined roles since ASB. Still has visible flaws and low ceiling on defense, but at least they have a boxer’s chance come playoffs
Thinking basketball actually saying positive things about Luka without it being a backhanded complement?
Did I switch timelines?
Refs were really letting moving screens go in the magic game.
I think the Lakers style under JJ has always been "force them to beat us", basically the Lakers let you shoot threes sometimes wide open, at times last year and this year its worked great cause teams are shooting bad enough that the Lakers can use their offense to win in the clutch. However, that strategy often times fails in the playoffs when players adjust game to game. I think its the best the Lakers can do to hope a team misses shots, they protect the paint with their limited defense and play good offense, but that is a strategy that you have when your guys are limited defensively and can backfire against better teams
I think this is LeBron's last healthy season
Man do they Lakers get away with holding. Maxi held but it wasn't as crazy as when Dwight Howard held Seth Curry. Pretty much grab his whole arm why he was trying to get to the corner.
Denver let that one get away from them. They had a foul to give and use it while Luka was driving for the game winner smh lol
6:11 great cut by LeBron? His defender fell asleep and did nothing
2 words divorced luka
Child Support Luka
2nd Option AR15
Marcus "Smart" Smart
Stampede LeBron
Deandre "Clint Capela" Ayton
Hoping they can continue this momentum in the playoffs. I need an eventful playoffs this year, for a little getback on all the sht happening in the world right now.
a win is a win. who cares about the other shit