The Lakers' nearly 6-5 wins have gradually picked up, and their record has improved to 21 wins and 19 losses in the 6th place in the West, which has allowed the Lakers to enter the direct battle for a playoff spot. James, 37, is still the ruler, playing a historic performance, while The Thick Brower plans to return soon, and Nunn will also return. All indications are that the Lakers are still contenders for the championship, and the US media has also listed two major reasons to support the Lakers to compete for the championship.
First, James' super performance has given the Lakers hope of competing for the championship from now on.
James is an indescribable athlete, and the fact that he's in one of the best periods of his brilliant career, playing center for a Lakers who rely entirely on him, it's unbelievable. The 37-year-old forward has also been criticised this year, mainly from Lakers fans who are unhappy with the way the team was formed. Of course, James, as a player who is involved in all aspects of the team's operation, naturally falls into controversy.
In the past ten games, James has averaged 34.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, shooting 55.3% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range. The numbers are incredible. Despite this, the Lakers achieved a 5-5 record during this time. James has recently led the team to five wins on a struggling team, and without him on the court, the Lakers would be pretty bad. If James can maintain this state until the end of the season, the Lakers should advance to the playoffs.
In the playoffs, the story of James and the Lakers is different, the Lakers can be better prepared in the series, especially against only one team, James can use his basketball IQ to put them in the best and possible winning situation. Personally, James went all out in the playoffs, and during his career, James earned him a lot of praise in basketball even if he didn't end up winning a championship. There is not a single player on Earth who can carry the team like James did in previous years.
The Lakers' game plan should be simple, to win in the playoffs. James was particularly good in the playoffs, simply because he could dissect specific holes seen in opponents' games. James can do it in the regular season, but it does show it in the playoffs, and they're going to face a team for a long time. If the Lakers could adjust James' workload, or give him a break, that would be even better.
Second, the return of the thick eyebrow brother will help the Lakers, and the healthy Zhan Mei is still unsolved.
It's a little sad to see that the thick-browed brother sometimes receives so much criticism. When Brother Thick Brow is healthy, he is one of the best players on the planet. It's just that the health of the thick eyebrow brother is a problem, the Lakers still desperately need him, and they should let him come back as soon as possible. Paired with James, the healthy Lakers could bring the championship back to Los Angeles.
Thick-browed brothers have come under significant criticism this season, which is understandable. Thick Brow was injured, and when he wasn't injured, he didn't perform well in the season. Still, the Lakers do need a second star, and Westbrook didn't live up to expectations. The Lakers need to put The Thick Brow in a position where he can slowly return.
One possibility is that brother thick-browed will have limited playing time in the first few games of his return, allowing him to be fully prepared for the playoffs. The Lakers need to make sure he can be relied upon, and while that doesn't all depend on the team, Thick Brow is a professional player and he will do his part without problems. The veterans around the James and Thick Brow duo will also provide stability and coaching, which are two things this team really needs.
Once again, the Lakers still have a lot of work to do. However, James' incredible performance, the imminent return of the thick-browed brother, and the positive atmosphere that may bring to the team should all be factors for the Lakers to regain their status as championship contenders.
(Text/Drunken Floating Life)