Do the Warriors Still Have What It Takes to Make a Late-Season Run? Plus, Kobe’s Statue Reveal. | Real Ones
Feb 12, 2024
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Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss the Golden State Warriors' potential late-season run, Steph Curry's game winner against the Suns, and Kobe Bryant's recent statue-unveiling ceremony and his lasting legacy with the Lakers.
The recent Kobe Bryant statue unveiling ceremony showcased his lasting legacy with the Lakers and symbolized the intersection of past and present for the team.
The Lakers organization is synonymous with drama and constant attention, which adds to the allure and mystique of the franchise.
The Lakers face the challenge of striking a balance between honoring their past and focusing on their present and future as they pursue championship success.
Deep dives
Celebrating Kobe Bryant's Legacy
The recent statue unveiling ceremony for Kobe Bryant showcased a pure celebration of his life and career. The event was emotional, impactful, and a reminder of his contributions to the Lakers and the basketball community. It highlighted the ongoing exceptionalism and high expectations associated with the Lakers organization, as they strive for title contention and championships. The ceremony also symbolized the intersection of past and present for the Lakers, with LeBron James' presence and the ongoing drama surrounding the team. Overall, the Lakers handled the event well, showcasing their commitment to honoring their storied history.
The Lakers' Unending Drama
The Lakers organization has become synonymous with drama and constant attention. Their every move is scrutinized, and every story involving them gains significant traction. As players and teams around the league, the Lakers' drama can be both fascinating and frustrating to witness. However, it's an integral part of the Lakers' legacy and the aura that surrounds the franchise. Drama seems to be perpetually present, but it adds to the allure and mystique of the Lakers brand.
The Challenge of Balancing Past and Present
The Lakers face the challenge of striking a balance between honoring their past and focusing on their present and future. While commemorating legends like Kobe Bryant is important, the Lakers must also contend with their current roster composition, LeBron James' future, and their championship aspirations. The statue unveiling ceremony served as a timely reminder of the Lakers' exceptionalism and their perpetual pursuit of championship success.
Development challenges for young players
The podcast discusses the challenges of developing young NBA players, focusing on the case of Jonathan Kaminga from the Golden State Warriors. Steve Kerr emphasizes the need to balance teaching and allowing players to learn from their mistakes, while also holding them accountable for their performance. The podcast points out that young players often prioritize individual statistics over the small details and fundamentals that contribute to winning. The conversation also touches on the lack of development at the grassroots level, which affects players' preparedness when they enter the NBA.
All-Star recognition and Jamal Murray
The podcast explores the topic of All-Star recognition and its impact on players like Jamal Murray from the Denver Nuggets. While Murray has proven himself as a strong performer in important games, the discussion highlights how his inconsistency against weaker opponents might influence his All-Star chances. The podcast acknowledges that Murray's injuries and the number of games he has missed could also play a role in the voting process. Additionally, the conversation touches on the selection process and the difficulty of comparing players across eras, emphasizing the role of the coaches in voting for reserves.
Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss what to make of the Golden State Warriors at this point in the season following a strong road trip and Steph’s game winner against the Suns (2:55). Next, the guys talk about Kobe’s recent statue-unveiling ceremony, his lasting legacy with the Lakers, and how it uniquely represents the collision of the past and present (38:10). Finally, the guys close with Mailbag Monday (48:17).
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