Basketball from a fan perspective

Crash and burn---I’m a card-carrying member of Laker Nation you can decide to read this or skip it, the choice is yours.  All day Tuesday my thoughts would occasionally drift to the pending evening game.  I had a feeling the Nuggets would win for several reasons, that indeed was the outcome 114-106, what allowed them to win?  The belief by many Nuggets they actually “won” Game Two except for a desperation shot by AD. 

First, the Nuggets outrebounded the Lakers, from the floor shooting was almost identical the same for turnovers.  The Nuggets outshot the Lakers from the free-throw line, as for individual performances.  LeBron and AD had their usual games, the Nuggets received an outstanding game from Jerami Grant with 26 points.  Who wins the series, it’s my belief the Lakers ultimately win however I place no number in front of how many wins except 4?     

Bits n Pieces---This is not yet confirmed however this is the prevailing view.  Despite the fact we are discussing the start of the 2020-21 NBA season it might not begin in 2020.  Commissioner Silver in mentioning a start date for the season indicates it might be January 2021 before the league begins play again.   

It appears at least a portion of the early season college basketball tournaments might have found a home.  The word is the facilities at Walt Disney World might be utilized by several teams in a manner like the NBA.  This is a developing story so we must wait for the final word.     

It’s amazing to me the number who now expect a war for the Western Conference crown.  Despite my allegiance to the Lakers I never expected the Nuggets to roll over and play dead.  What I truly don’t understand are the guys on television and those writing doom and gloom stories about Lebron and the Lakers.  Down 3 games to 1 the Nuggets proved their grit by beating the Clippers in 7 games. 

Wow, Louisville basketball makes news once again in connection to the NCAA.  Former Coach Rick Pitino is long gone, and this latest accusation has nothing to do with the ex-coach as far as we can determine.  This violation is reported to be over recruiting violations, this one will require continued monitoring until it is resolved.   

Leadership skills---Kawhi Leonard is no leader before you begin tossing rocks in my direction allow for an explanation.  I didn’t state he wasn’t a talented player he’s just not a leader.  We discussed this question earlier and let’s delve into it a little further.  Leadership does not involve scoring the most points although it certainly helps, the same statement could be made regarding rebounds.   

From Last Dance we perceived in practice (and maybe at times during games) Bulls teammates probably hated Michael Jordan.  We cannot doubt MJ’s intense desire to win at all cost if we could measure the desire it’s probably off the chart.  Guys like MJ drive, no demand teammates play at a higher level.  It’s my belief leadership comes naturally; you cannot wake up one morning and decide to be a leader it must be born within that person.  That doesn’t say a person cannot adjust their leadership skills at the same time.  Don't expect Kawhi Leonard to lead any team, it's not part of his DNA.