Western Conference Finals

[gouki88]

I mentioned it earlier in the playoffs that there are times when I am watching A Reaves and I find myself thinking of Jeff Hornacek. 

You would look at Hornacek and you would wonder how he could compete against these guys he was playing against. He was shorter, slower, physically weaker and overall just not as explosive physically or athletically. But Hornacek would find a way to get it done in large part due to being one of the most highly skilled SG in the league.

I'm not sold that A Reaves has that high of a skill level but he is also 6-5/6-6 instead of 6-3 which helps. And his skill level is pretty darn good. He has a handle, passing ability, shooting ability both spot up and off the dribble.

A Reaves reminds me of a young Jeff Hornacek before he became the star player he was in Phoenix when Jeff was more of a role player finding his way in the league. You weren't sure just how good he was going to be but he just kept finding a way to get it done and kept getting better year after year. First it was "he can't make the team". Then it was "he can't get minutes". Then "he can't start". Yeah, but "he can't be a star" and each time Hornacek would rise to the challenge and meet it.

I can't help but wonder if A Reaves is going to be able to do something similar. Can he keep building on this? He has gone from a borderline NBA player to a borderline rotation player to solid starter and now perhaps even a 3rd/4th option for LAL if Reaves can maintain this level of play.

It's been quite an ascension. Fun to watch. Especially if he leaves LAL in the summer for a bigger role and more money elsewhere.

I think Hornacek's defence is undersold by this comparison. He was a great generator of turnovers and routinely made his defences better, whereas Reaves is yet to be anything more than the slightest bit above mediocre

[SHAQATTACK]

Lakers lose. Lebron loses.  All is good.

Glory to Denver 

[Who]

I love it when A Gordon is successful. Such an easy player to root for when he plays with hustle & passion. Loved that side of his game ever since college.

It was when he stopped doing the little things and tried to be a scorer that he would irritate you.

[Phantom255x]

Nuggets can't let up. 2-0 lead would be huge. If LAL wins tonight, they have the upper hand

[Who]

Jokic beasting Vanderbilt. TOO SMALL.

[liam]

Wow, refs. They are pulling hard for LA early.

[Moranis]

Jokic beasting Vanderbilt. TOO SMALL.

Yeah, but it might pay off down the line if they can save some wear on Davis and put him on Jokic in the 2nd half. 

[Who]

Graphic says LAL are 24 wins 11 losses with Vanderbilt starting. That record is both regular season & playoffs. That would be a 56 win pace if expanded out across 82 games.

[Who]

Jokic looked scared there. AD trying to block his shot from the front, Vanderbilt from the back. Jokic bailed out by the foul.

[Moranis]

Graphic says LAL are 24 wins 11 losses with Vanderbilt starting. That record is both regular season & playoffs. That would be a 56 win pace if expanded out across 82 games.

The Lakers have the best record in the sport after the all star break, so that doesn't surprise me since he arrived after the all star break and has mostly been starting.

[Who]

Nice shot fake by Reaves in the lane to lose J Murray but he took too long to go back up and take the shot. Let Murray get back in the play.

[celticsclay]

Jokic looked scared there. AD trying to block his shot from the front, Vanderbilt from the back. Jokic bailed out by the foul.

Was a very clear foul. You think a guy coming off one of the best playoff games in nba history is scared? That’s some sort of take

[CelticSooner]

9 free throws already for the Lakers lol

[Who]

Jokic looked scared there. AD trying to block his shot from the front, Vanderbilt from the back. Jokic bailed out by the foul.

Was a very clear foul. You think a guy coming off one of the best playoff games in nba history is scared? That’s some sort of take

An unathletic big surrounded by two highly athletic bigs? Yeah, he looked unsure he could get his shot off. He was hesitating. He was scared. LAL bailed him out with a bad foul.

[SparzWizard]

Ooof. Lakers off to a great start so far.