Well were just over a quarter into the season and the Lakers are looking like a top tier title team (say that five times fast). A lot of pundits mocked Pelinka for retooling with veteran shooters and big men, and ignoring a big name point guard like Kemba. Right now he looks like a genius remodeling into a bigger team with tons of length. Of course Davis is the crux of that, being a defensive monster thus far as well as putting close games away with his clutch FT%. The Howard/McGee duo continues to give solid rotation minutes and help keep AD fresh by limiting the amount of time he spends at the 5, allowing him (and Lebron to an extent) to roam the middle of the floor and pick off easy steals/blocks. It's really refreshing to have the (arguably) best player on your team also give the most on defense and its rubbing off on everyone else.
Are there still some holes? Of course. I cant believe I'm saying this but Avery Fucking Bradley has been huge in the defensive backcourt and the sooner he comes back from injury, the better.
A lot of people have been pointing out the easy early schedule, but good teams are supposed to beat bad ones and our three losses have come against some of the hottest teams in the league right now. The lakers also have several W's over quality teams in the Heat, Mavs (in Dallas), Nuggets and Jazz. The latter two this week. Tje schedule remains brutal through this month and I think if the team can come out of it 25-8 or better, a top 3 finish isnt out of the question. I know there is still a lot of basketball to be played and injuries are pretty much unavoidable but this squad has shown resiliency and defensive tenacitysorely missing in years past.
Also shout out to the coaching staff and Vogel who has actually been willing to make in-game adjustments and bench players who are underperforming.
P.S. If KCP continues his current play into the new year I may be ready to accept him as a legitimate positive contribution to the team lel
