Kobe Bryant: Not Enough to Save Los Angeles Lakers' Season

The Los Angeles Lakers’ season is off to a poor start as expected, as after flopping in free agency this offseason the Lakers’ roster is not very talented after missing out on Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. The loss of Steve Nash for the rest of the season was a tough blow, and that was followed up by the loss of Julius Randle for the season with a broken leg.

Despite the injuries to his teammates, Kobe Bryant is back and doing everything he can to try and keep the Lakers respectable in the Western Conference. The bad thing for the Lakers is that even with Bryant playing quite well right now, they still haven’t won a game this season.

Bryant looks to be pretty healthy right now, and head coach Byron Scott is playing him at about 32 minutes per game, which seems to be a good number for the aging Bryant.

This season, Bryant is averaging 24.8 points per game, which is very impressive for Bryant, who has been hit hard by injuries in the latter part of his career. Bryant’s shooting percentage is a bit low at 41% right now, but a large part of that is due to a rough first game against the Houston Rockets, when he shot 6-17.

So far this season the Lakers have only kept it close in one out of their four games, as against the Los Angeles Clippers they were able to only lose by single-digits, which seems like a victory in itself this season.

Sadly for the Lakers it is looking like they very well be a bottom-feeder in the West, but Bryant playing a high-level still will still draw fans to the Staples Center, but it isn’t enough to help them win games.

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Will LeBron Ever Regret Leaving Miami?

Back in his old stomping grounds of Northeast Ohio, LeBron James is beginning a new journey. Gone are the bright lights and warm days of sunny South Beach. Gone are the days of the famed “Big 3 era” in Miami. A new aura surrounds the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers, one of excitement, gratitude, and lofty expectations. One question still looms: Will King James ever regret leaving what once was?

Only four short years ago, in what seems like yesterday, we were all pressed on the edge of our couches watching the infamous “Decision”, in which LeBron announced he was taking his talents to South Beach to join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. We witnessed it all. The Dan Gilbert letter, the burnt jerseys, the riots in downtown Cleveland due to the departure of their former hero.

“We’ll never take him back”, “I hope he never wins a ring” were the exact words coming out of the mouths of these spurned fans, ones who have longed for a championship, after a 50+ year drought representing each of their major sports teams. Cleveland fans rejoiced when the Heat came up short against the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, a series which James played considerably poor in. They hid away in the shadows when Miami reached the promised land in 2012 and again in 2013. Fast forward to today, how times have changed.

After nearly a month of silence and speculation, Sports Illustrated released what could go down as the most powerful and inspiring piece in Cleveland sports history, and only one statement mattered: “I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m Coming Home”. Unlike the backlash four years ago, players and fans in Florida have shown class with the choice, because no matter what, home is where the heart is, and James made what he felt was the right decision not only for him, but for his family as well. 

Bolstered by a supreme supporting cast that includes Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Dion Waiters, Shawn Marion, Tristan Thompson, Mike Miller, James Jones, Anderson Varejao, and quite possibly Ray Allen, the Cavs are in a prime position to do what they couldn’t do in James’s first stint with the team: compete for an NBA championship each and every season, much like LeBron and the Heat did in their time together. While the roster is loaded with talent, many questions still loom. Of the new “Big 3″, James is the only one to have played in the postseason, as Love and Irving were never able to lead their respective teams to any playoff appearances. There are serious doubts of Love’s defensive ability, but playing with the best all around player in the world, that should improve, much similar to Chris Bosh’s situation when he joined Miami four seasons ago (Bosh is now one of the best pick and roll defenders in the league).

Let’s take a detailed comparison of the old “Big 3″ vs the new “Big 3″

Dwyane Wade vs Kyrie Irving

Coming into the ’10-11 season, Wade clearly has the edge over the now 22-year-old Irving. While Wade was 28 going on 29 in his first season with James, he had already shown his leadership abilities in full, leading the Heat to their first NBA title in 2006, virtually on his own (he averaged 34.7 ppg that series). Wade was also arguably a top 4 player in the NBA at the time, and it’s debatable if Irving has even cracked the top 10. Kyrie averaged 20.8 points per game last season, and also finished with career highs in assists (6.1) and steals (1.5). This upcoming season will only be Irving’s fourth professional season, and with a teammate like LeBron, expect immense growth in his game. Coming into 10-11, Wade was coming off a season in which he averaged 26.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Clearly superior numbers than Irving’s, but at the time, Wade was a seasoned vet, while Kyrie is still finding his footing in the NBA. With the health and advanced age of Dwyane now, Irving is clearly the answer long-term, but at the time, give me Wade any day. Advantage: Wade


Chris Bosh vs Kevin Love

Looking at these two versatile forwards, who can both score inside and out, you can’t find too many differences. Coming into his first season with the Heat, Bosh was coming off a career year with the Raptors. He averaged 24 points, 10.8 rebounds, and a block a game for the 09-10 season. With the limited talent on that Toronto roster, Bosh was unable to lead them to the playoffs that year. In the same shoes as Bosh, Love is coming off a spectacular individual season as well. Last year, he averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, and a career high in assists (4.4). The only difference, Kevin was never able to lead his team to the playoffs in his six seasons in Minneapolis, and his abysmal .5 blocks per game numbers have many questioning his defensive ability. Overall, this is pretty even. Love is the long-term answer similar to Irving, but in fair comparison, Bosh is now 30, not 40. Advantage: even

LeBron James (2010) vs LeBron James (2014)

Clearly the new LeBron is the one you’d rather go into battle with. He’s now a proven winner, a two time champion, and has the ability to hit big shots in any games biggest moments. While not bolstering the same athleticism as four years ago, James’s jump shot is much improved now, and he is not as streaky. We’ve seen significant increases in his three-point field goal percentages the past three years (2012-36% 2013-41% 2014-38%). There is very little to argue here, the new LeBron is a much better all around player than the old LeBron. Advantage: Now

Supporting Cast: 2010-11 Heat vs 2014-15 Cavaliers

While taking a detailed look of the pieces James had to work with then to now, the advantage goes to Cleveland. In 2011, the Heat were stuck with limited role players such as Carlos Arroyo, Erick Dampier, Jamaal Magloire, Eddie House, Joel Anthony and broken down versions of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Miller, and Mike Bibby (Miller would later get over his injuries to be a major contributor in the following years). Currently Cleveland is loaded with young talent and savvy vets such as Dion Waiters, Mike Miller, Shawn Marion, Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao, James Jones, Brendan Haywood and could possibly add Ray Allen in the near future. Of the supporting cast, Miller, Jones, Marion, and Haywood are all wearing championship rings. Of the 2011 Heat, only Eddie House was sporting a flashy piece on his finger.

Will the King ever feel any regret about leaving sunny South Florida? Long term, maybe not. The odds seem against it, but you can never bet against Pat Riley and the Miami Heat. Maybe the Big 3 had one last run in them, I felt they did. Now all we can do is wait. Only time will tell.

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5 Reasons the Heat Will Surpass Expectations in 2014-15

With the departure of LeBron James along with the age of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, many have written off the new-look Miami Heat as serious championship contenders for the upcoming NBA season. While others still believe the Heat are an easy top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, not one has picked Miami to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy this coming June. Not only do the Heat still have Heat Lifer Dwyane Wade and perennial All-Star big man Chris Bosh, but they still have championship pedigree. Expect Miami to make some noise this year, and here are the reasons as to why.

5. Championship Experience and Motivation

Experience always bids well for players, because no matter the situation, they’ve been there before. Only one short year ago, Miami was facing a five point deficit with just 28 seconds remaining against the San Antonio Spurs and managed to pull back and even the series, eventually winning a second consecutive championship after a masterful game 7. Not only do they have experience, but motivation on their side as well. The Heat are coming off arguably one of the worst beat-down in NBA Finals history, and there’s no better player to bounce back from a low point than Dwyane Wade.

4. Savvy Veterans Coming Off the Bench/Off season Acquisitions

While the Heat were unable to land free agent G Kyle Lowry this past off season, they did make a nice splash by signing Luol Deng, who is essentially their “LeBron replacement”. Deng is a versatile two-way player, an elite wing defender and a capable scorer, averaging 16.0 points for his career. The signings of Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger were pleasant to the ears, as everyone in South Florida is now hoping Granger can regain his pre-injury form. While rookie Shabazz Napier is/will experience growing pains, adding him to back up Chalmers and possible Norris Cole was no move to bat your eye at.

3. Pat Riley

The Godfather, as some call him. Riley is a 9 time NBA champion as a player, executive and coach, and has shown an incredible ability to keep a team afloat the past several years. While he does not have the luxury of having the best player in basketball at his disposal to make pitches, Riley knows what he’s doing, and there is no one that can not deny that.  There has been many times in the past when a Riley led team proved the doubters wrong and became forces in the league and at times minus a star the likes of the departed James.

2. The Resurgence of Chris Bosh

While playing the role of “third wheel” the past four seasons, many now have doubts of Bosh’s ability to be a legit first option. Many forget that Bosh averaged 24 and 10 during his final season in Toronto, and was a force to be reckoned with at the power forward position. With increased touches and shots this season, there should be no reason Bosh can’t return to his 20 & 10 form. He has also developed a very reliable three-point shot, and a much improved defender.

1. The Return of “Flash”

Ah, now to the good part. After a sub-par performance in the NBA Finals, one which Wade looked heavy and slow, there are few people outside of Florida who believe he can still carry a franchise. While Wade is on the back-end of his prime(he’s 32, not 36), he’s still shown numerous flashes of “Vintage D-Wade” during the Big 3 era. Many forget that with Wade as the first option, the Heat were unable to reach the promise land in 2011, prompting him to take a step back and hand the reigns to LeBron James. Only four years ago. Wade averaged 30.2 points, 7.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. While it’s a debate whether he should’ve been named MVP or not, he arguably had the best season of any player in the league that year. Now, with the increased doubt, scrutiny, and criticism, expect to see the old Dwyane Wade back. Miami is his city, his team again. Dwyane also has taken on a version of the paleo diet, and has slimmed down in the process, easing the load off his knees. Through 11 seasons, Wade has yet to let down the fans of South Florida(when able to play), and don’t expect him to start now.

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Miami Heat 2013-14 Team Review

Result and why:

After dominating the Eastern Conference in the first three seasons of the Big Three’s existence, the Heat’s 54-28 record had them playing second fiddle to the Indiana Pacers, who from the start of the season were intent on topping the Eastern Conference.

Stephenson tried, and failed,
to rattle the Heat

However, when it came to the Playoffs, the Pacers’ relative inexperience compared to Miami, coupled with their episodes of immaturity, in particular from Lance Stephenson, saw them lose to Miami in six games, though it could have easily taken fewer games.

The Heat’s bid to become just the fourth franchise in NBA history to three-point would eventually come up short, with a disappointing loss in five games to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Miami was outclassed for much of the series, with their win being a slender two point margin of victory, compared to the Spurs, who won by 15 points or more in the other four games.

Standout star:

LeBron James was once again the standout player for the Heat last season. Once again he put up MVP worthy numbers, and if Kevin Durant had not have had such an impressive season he would have surely won the award for the third straight season. In 77 regular season games, LeBron averaged numbers of 27.1 points, while shooting a career best 56.7% from the field, to go along with 6.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

James scored a Heat record
61 points against Charlotte

With Dwyane Wade sitting out of 28 regular season games to rest his ailing knee, this put the onus even more on LeBron to lead his team to victory, and he duly delivered. This was most evident in Miami’s game against Charlotte; with Wade missing, LeBron erupted for a career high and Miami Heat record of 61 points, leading his team to a resounding victory. This was made even more impressive due to the fact that he was playing with a protective mask on his face due to him having a broken nose.

James’ stats did not deviate much in the Playoffs, and had his team gone on to win the Finals he would have surely been named Finals MVP for a third successive season. Unfortunately, his teammates were somewhat hit-and-miss, and a complete lack of bench production meant that even LeBron’s heroics could not see Miami through to the finish line.

Offseason needs:

For Miami to make any major progress during this offseason and, in particular, the upcoming free agency period, they needed their Big Three to all opt out of their contracts, which they have done. Now, before throwing your computer out of the window in disgust, consider this:

Can Miami keep the Big 3 together?

If James, Wade and Bosh had all opted in to their contracts, Miami would be paying them a combined total of around $62 million. With Norris Cole ($2.1 million) the only player with a guaranteed contracted for next season after Udonis Haslem opted out of his contract, this would have brought Miami’s total salary being paid next season to approximately $64 million. The salary cap for next season is expected to be $62.1 million, with the luxury tax set at $75.7million, which would not have left Miami much room to sign another eight players or so.

Reports have surfaced in the last few days stating that James is seeking a max deal to stay in Miami. If the Heat were to offer this, they would need Bosh and Wade to take a significant pay cut, something that they could be willing to do. James recently met for dinner with Bosh, Wade and Haslem to discuss their options, and his teammates reportedly understand LeBron’s wish to secure a max contract.

If Bosh takes the $15 million-a-year contract he is reportedly looking for, and if Wade signs for somewhere in the region of $12 million, then signing LeBron to a max deal and still leaving cap space to sign players to put around them would still be possible.

Lowry could be the playmaker
the Heat have been looking for

If the Heat were to achieve this, the next step for them should be to aggressively chase a ball handler during free agency. Kyle Lowry has been linked heavily with the South Beach team in recent weeks, and he would fit the bill perfectly. Miami are in desperate need of a player who can run the offense so that it does not always have to run through James and Wade.

Lowry earned over $6 million last season, and could easily command the same amount, if not more, in free agency. However, it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to entice him into taking less money to join the Big Three and earn his first NBA Championship ring.

If the Heat is able to make these signings, the next issue they must address is improving their options on the bench. Miami’s substitutes were collectively among the oldest in the league, and it showed last season. They looked weary and failed to produce all too often, leaving Miami’s starting group under a lot of pressure to perform.

Team outlook:

At the time of writing the future is still very uncertain for Miami. We are just hours away from the free agency period starting, and it will most likely be at least a few days before any signings are made.

Until such a time that signings can be finalized, it is hard to predict how a team will fare in the upcoming season, even more so when in Norris Cole, Miami only has one player signed to a guaranteed contract for next season, although the signing of rookie Shabazz Napier will soon take that total to two.

However, when you take into consideration what Pat Riley has been able to accomplish in the past, such as bringing Bosh and James to Miami to team up with Wade, it would be foolish not to consider the Heat as once again a leading contender for the Eastern Conference title, and perhaps even the NBA title.

For now, all Miami fans can do is sit back and let the madness unfold.

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