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He awarded them a C

We're halfway through the NBA season, and a CBS writer who covers the league assigned letter grades to all 30 teams. I was especially interested in his grade for my team, the Los Angeles Lakers—he gave them a C. He explained why he only gave them a passing grade, but personally, I think they deserved a bit higher grade. I've often pointed out that the Lakers can score just fine; it's their defense effort that is called into question especially by this Laker fan, that's an issue. According to the writer, the chief problem is that "The Lakers don’t have another ‘Luka Doncic’ at a different position." I believe his rating is too low based on the following details. 

In my opinion he is overlooking the play of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura (when both are healthy) and the improving play of Jake LaRavia. Marcus Smart is starting because he might be their best defender, and reserve Jarred Vanderbilt, who didn't play much earlier, has now been added to the lineup at times. I believe Vanderbilt’s defense remains slightly above average despite his lack of offense. I have no argument with the moves made by JJ Redick at this point, I believe he still has a team able and willing to listen to him even LeBron James. Ultimately, the grade of C is the writer’s opinion—even though I disagree with it. The real measure will be how the Lakers finish the season and how far they manage to go in the playoffs. As for me, my grade is best a B-, or worst C+, the defensive issue is a legitimate concern. Reserve scoring also concerns me however I believe a C grade based on their winning record to date is unreasonable to me. 

Freshman scoring binge

40 point scoring games are not that unusual even for freshman, over the history of college basketball a significant number of freshman have accomplished this scoring feat. Just this past season Cooper Flagg scored 42 points against Notre Dame, Antoine Davis had a 48 point game while a freshman at Kentucky, in addition Trae Young while playing for Oklahoma also had a 48 point game as a freshman. In this instance it was highly remarkable because we had three freshman manage to score 40+ points on the same date, January 24.

Who are these amazing freshman, of the trio AJ Dybansta at BYU is probably the most well-known name among them. He is the number two or three prospect depending on which 2026 mock draft site you might check, the Dybansta box score read 43 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists against Utah in his school’s 91-78 victory over Utah. Kingston Flemings 46 points 6 assist and 2 rebounds failed to help his Houston Cougars, they were losers against Texas Tech 90-86. Keaton Wagler from Shawnee Mission HS in metro Kansas City led the Fighting Illini to victory 88-82, he scored 46 points in his team’s victory over Purdue.

South Philly

I have distanced myself from arena developments in Philadelphia. I’ve done this for a single reason…confusion on my part. If I were to admit the truth the process of providing new/renovated baseball and football stadiums in Kansas City had me confused on exactly what was to occur. The advancements in Kansas City will not be covered because neither involve an NBA arena. I believe the last time it was mentioned in this blog the mayor and city council of Philadelphia had agreed on 76 Place at Market East. It was a move forward and then it wasn’t, a change for whatever reason and we discover the Sixers and Flyers came to an agreement on a new arena in south Philadelphia which places it in the sports complex area.

The City of Philadelphia has been awarded a WNBA franchise and instead of a 2031 opening its been moved up a year due to the arena also becoming the home of the new franchise team. In the age of grouping stuff together in addition to building a new arena it will be surrounded by restaurants, retail, public plazas and perhaps residential projects. This would enhance the sports complex area over the next several years. With a dwindling timeline its being reported groundbreaking on this project will occur in February. In closing what I find most interesting, the Sixers who wanted their own building will continue to share space, although the WNBA plays a different schedule they become the third tenant. The one question remaining would appear to be financing for this planned arena, as there are additional developments I will attempt to update you.

Is it The Joker

I found myself cornered today, I was asked to respond: “Is not Nikola ‘The Joker’ Jokic’ the best NBA player today?” I hesitated unable to provide a quick and concise answer to the questioner. We are discussing the Denver Nuggets three time NBA Most Valuable Player, he’s an NBA Champion and he is an 8 time NBA All Star. We could argue if he is the best at present but this I find most interesting, most probably don’t remember this. The Joker was made the 41st player chosen in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft, do you realize the significance of this fact? There are first round players drafted ahead of Joker who are no longer in the NBA in 2026.

Because our conversation occurred at work I didn’t have time to fully disclose my position for my co-worker. This is my assessment, Joker is ‘mechanical’ in his movements especially shooting the ball. There is no argument on his passing skills, there is no Big Man in today’s NBA who can be compared to Joker. Annually he is near the top in assists season after season. Once upon a time Wilt Chamberlain decided he was going to lead the NBA in assists and guess what…he did it however that was only one season. Shaquille O’Neal was an outstanding passer but he cannot be fairly compared to Joker. I am searching my mind to uncover another center who is able to dish the basketball as effectively as Joker. With that I end this exercise, Joker is the best Big Man current. The question becomes best Big Man in history, I am going to withhold my view but ask you the question is he?