A fan’s perspective

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The game remains a team effort

In case you missed it the final score of Sunday night’s game read Lakers 131 Raptors 125. Before I delve into components of the game I must inform you I am no defender of Bronny James. Despite my statement I am not about to pound him into dust based on the final score. The media is reporting which is true that Bronny checked into the game in the 4th quarter with 2 minutes and 28 seconds remaining with the Lakers having a 122-107 lead.

With 43.7 seconds remaining the score read Lakers 125 Raptors 119. I was unable to view the game however from the medias standpoint it was Bronny’s fault alone the Lakers imploded near the end. The numbers for the game certainly are not beneficial to Bronny but I will ask the question. Were there not 4 other Lakers on the floor at the time Bronny checked in? The late 4th quarter collapse can be blamed on all hands and not just Bronny. I remain in the corner that question whether Bronny will ever be successful playing at the NBA level, it would appear he’s got skill although I certainly don’t believe it’s very high. Where do we go from here, that’s a question only the Lakers can answer.

Injury concern

What is going on? The NBA season is barely a week old, yet many teams have injury lists almost as tall as Victor Wembanyama (7-foot-6). That might be understandable in January or February—not this early. The Thunder likely feel they fell short in defending their championship last season and hoped 2026-27 would be a chance to prove that setback was a fluke. At last count, roughly six or seven Thunder players were on their injured reserve list including starter Chet Holmgren. Still, there is some good news: some Thunder players will be able to return in time within a few days.

As for other Thunder players such as Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace their return dates remain unknown. In addition the team has two other players on the IR, one requiring back surgery and the other knee surgery. I have no medical background, neither of those surgeries would appear to be a quick turnaround. It’s not just the Thunder, the ESPN Injury page list 27 NBA teams with injuries. A number of teams have only two or three players and most are day to day however several are in the same boat as the Thunder, they have players who will be out for an extended period. There is certainly nothing that can be done it’s just difficult for teams to play at less than 100% based on their injury report.

Meanwhile….

Dennis Schroder of the Hornets holds a unique distinction, Schroder has played for 13 NBA teams. Of that number of teams he’s managed to score 25 or more points for 9 of them something no other player has accomplished. Have you wondered about the teams, I’m pleased you asked the question. They are the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavs, Sacramento Kings, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets and his present team the Charlotte Hornets.

How often have we heard this, “Limited offensive game but an outstanding defender.” That’s the word regarding Lewis Uvwo 5-star center and the top center in the Class of 2027. Uvwo from Lagos Nigeria plays for Prolific Prep (Florida). Uvwo stands 6-foot 11 and 225 pounds with a wingspan of 7 foot 5 to 7 foot 7 which should provide us evidence why he’s one of the best shot-blockers in high school basketball. Uvwo averages 4.5 to 6.1 blocks a game. The game at the NBA level requires great skill in the areas Uvwo’s appears to dominate, shot blocking and rebounds. Over the next few years Uvwo will gain pounds and certainly could grow in height as well. We can look forward to seeing this youngster in action at Providence next season.

In several mid-sized cities, the NBA is the only major league sport in town. Which cities make the list? Portland has the Trail Blazers, while the Thunder are Oklahoma City’s only major league team. Despite its population growth, San Antonio still has only the Spurs. Memphis, known for its Beal Street blues, is home to the Grizzlies. Orlando has Disney World, but its only major league team is the Magic. I also count in the count Sacramento, despite the baseball A’s temporary stay before their eventual move to Las Vegas. That brings the total to six cities where the NBA is the “only game” in town.

The face of the NBA

I don’t know who first called Victor Wembanyama the face of the NBA after his explosive play last season, but let’s pause before settling that debate. Someone argued that Wemby couldn’t represent the league because “He’s not an American.” Personally, I had no problem calling him its face after watching “The Alien” play his first few seasons in the NBA. Well if it’s not Wemby who becomes the face, could Cooper Flagg fill that role?

His numbers may rise or fall by the time you read this, but he is averaging 26.8 points, 6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, shooting 55.7% from the field, 26.9% from three and 85.3% from the free-throw line. As part of my new effort to include defensive ratings, Flagg stands out: his 107.7 rating ranks behind only three other NBA small forwards. Together, those statistics put him in exclusive company. Our opinions won’t decide the matter, but are you ready to name Wemby or Flagg the face of the NBA? Perhaps there is no requirement for anyone to assume the role.