At the start of the NBA Season the two favorites to win the NBA Finals in most people’s eyes were the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. These two teams at the moment are far from contenders at this point of the season. Both teams are currently in position for the Play in Tournament. We will examine how both teams got here and also look to see if either can make it out of the Play in Tournament and possibly make a run at the NBA title.
The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook this off season and despite the fit concerns many assumed that LeBron James could make the fit work between himself, Westbrook and Anthony Davis. The fit has not worked well with Anthony Davis missing over 20 games this season. In addition Westbrook started out initially a turnover machine and shooting poorly. On top of that the Lakers defense has been horrible this season. They rank near the bottom in defensive efficiency in the league. The Lakers have an aging roster that looks as though they are looking towards the off season. Hopefully they can turn on the switch and once they get Anthony Davis back from injury. They can hopefully hit the ground running and make up some ground and gain momentum.
The Brooklyn Nets have not been a complete team this entire season due to the NYC Vaccination mandate needed for Nets Players to play in home games. Kyrie Irving, a pivotal part of the Brooklyn Nets is not able to play in home games. With Kevin Durant having missed the last 21 games due to an MCL Sprain the Nets went 5-16 dropping from 2nd place in the Eastern Conference to 8th in the conference with just 1 game separating them and the 10th seed. Many believe that due to Irving’s vaccination status keeping him from playing home games it led to James Harden forcing his way out of Brooklyn to Philadelphia. Durant just returned on Thursday night but Ben Simmons and Irving did not play. Irving still cannot currently play in home games due to the NYC mandate. In addition Simmons is yet to get on the practice floor for the Nets. One thing is if the Nets meet the Toronto Raptors in the Play in or the Playoffs, currently Kyrie would not be able to play due to his vaccination status and in one game scenario anything can happen.
I believe the Nets and Lakers will both fall short of winning the Championship this season.
I can also see both teams losing in the first round if they manage to get past the Play In Tournament.
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