The Los Angeles Lakers with new poster boy Lebron James on its marquee are not seen to make it to the playoffs. This is my assessment after the legendary ballclub bowed on opening night of the 2018-19 NBA season, 119-128 to the host Portland Trailblazers.
James flexed his muscles just hard enough to see how his new teammates would jell and discover their chemistry against a highly-touted opponent. He wasn’t tentative. He observed if his LA platoon could develop poise and savvy on a road game.
Losing an opener does not undermine the capability of the Lakers nor the competence of the coaching staff. Every team will play 80 or so games for the long grind all season. Along the way, the Lakers could discover if, with James as their main anchor, they might successfully swim against the current.
The truth is that Magic Johnson, president for basketball operations who successfully pried out James from the free agent list, is looking at the next two seasons before the Lakers can become serious title contenders anew.
Johnson, who is an NBA Hall of Famer famous for his no-look passes, also reeled in Javale McGee from the GS Warriors who gave a good account of himself as starting center. Johnson also hooked ex-Celtic ace point guard Rajon Rondo and power forward Lance Stephenson.
Together they form a lively mix with the young Lakers (Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, Ingram, Kuzma, et al) who were still groping for form.
James did not exhibit as much fire as he would have normally done if he were still with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was evident he was studying how his teammates were moving in offense and defense, electing to pass and issue assists most of the time although he displayed some shining moments too on the floor.
Rondo, I think, can find his old Celtic playmaking role here. There is a big need to orchestrate the offensive forays in the same way Lillard conducted his duty for the Trailblazers.
The Lakers amusingly blew hot and cold, took the early lead lost it at the end of the first half. They briefly retook it but the T-Blazers regained control of the tempo and ultimately held control in the fourth period. James and his gang could not hit the long treys even as he encouraged them to take shots.
Their defense still wanting, coach Luke Walton should be able to devise better options based on performance against Portland where his boys did no double teaming against Portland’s big men who scored easily inside and on low postings.
But mark my word. The Lakers will fight tooth and nail to get the last eight playoff spot. I think that’s the minimum target for now in the Western Conference. Nothing more than that.
LA is up against title contenders Oklahoma (Thunder), LA (Clippers), defending champion Golden State, Houston (Rockets), San Antonio (Spurs), Minnesota (Timberwolves), Utah (Jazz), Phoenix (Suns), Sacramento (Kings), Denver (Nuggets), et al that are all ready and better prepared than the Lakers.
Surely, the Laker’ initial defeat was painful for James fanatics.
They better get used to it. Even Laker management does not expect its ballclub to get out of the “hump” riding in a sleigh ride with Santa. Cheers! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Mt. 4:17: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
