Bouncing Around the League with Doris Burke, and Lakers Talk with Dave McMenamin
Nov 28, 2023
auto_awesome
ESPN's Doris Burke and Dave McMenamin join Zach in discussing the top teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences, including the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks. They analyze the performance and depth of the teams, debate the second best teams in each conference, and discuss concerns for Bradley Beal. They also analyze the struggles on offense for the Lakers and player performances on the team.
The Golden State Warriors are struggling this season due to the absence of Draymond Green and need to find their winning form in the tough Western Conference.
The New Orleans Pelicans have shown promise despite injuries and the return of key players is expected to give them a boost in the competitive Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers' offensive struggles and declining performance raise questions about the end of an era for the team.
Deep dives
Surprising Struggles: The Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been surprisingly struggling this season with an 8-9 record. The absence of Draymond Green has been felt heavily as he is a key player on both ends of the floor. Without him, the team has lacked their usual cohesion and defensive prowess. The return of Klay Thompson has generated excitement, but it remains to be seen how he will impact the team after his long absence. The Warriors need to find their footing and regain their winning form to stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.
Promising Potential: The New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have shown promise despite an injury-riddled start to the season. Currently at a 500 record, the team has managed to stay competitive with key players like Zion Williamson gradually returning to form. The influx of shooting with the impending return of CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III is expected to give the Pelicans a boost. The rotation and chemistry will be an important consideration for the team as they look to take advantage of their depth and make a push in a competitive Western Conference.
Lakers' Home Record and Concerns about their Performance
The podcast discusses the Los Angeles Lakers' current home record, which is a complete opposite from last year. Despite their struggles, the speaker is not prepared to give up on them due to the brilliance of Stephen Curry and their past winning record. However, their recent play is alarming, causing the speaker to question if this is the end of an era for the Lakers.
Analyzing the Lakers' Offensive Woes
The podcast focuses on the Lakers' offensive struggles, highlighting their low ranking in offensive statistics. The team's lackluster three-point shooting and mid-range jump shooting, along with their struggles in generating second-chance points, contribute to their offensive woes. The speaker emphasizes the need for improvement in the team's offensive efficiency for them to elevate beyond being just a good team.
Assessing Anthony Davis and the Lakers' Future
The podcast delves into the inconsistencies in Anthony Davis' performance and the impact on the Lakers' offense. The speaker suggests that the team should consider giving Davis more post touches and utilizing pick-and-roll plays to maximize his offensive capabilities. Furthermore, it is discussed how the Lakers' success as a championship contender hinges on Davis finding his offensive rhythm and consistency, and how internal development alone may not be sufficient.
Zach goes around the NBA with ESPN's Doris Burke: The top of the East and West, middle-rung teams to watch in each conference, much more. Then ESPN's Dave McMenamin joins to check in on the Lakers.