The NBA Playoffs is a time where the stars shine brightest. However, this is also where some of the top-rated players become shells of themselves. This can be attributed to a lot of things, from nursing injuries sustained through the grueling regular season to players shrinking in the limelight. It's something that we see every year. This one is no different.
There is no question that Kobe Bryant is one of the best scorers in the history of the NBA. Going into Tuesday night's game against Brooklyn Bryant, he has scored 30,813 points in his 17 years in the NBA. He has averaged at least 25 points a game for the season 11 times in his career.
While NBA fans have been trying to figure out what is wrong with the Los Angeles Lakers, they might be missing the start of a new rivalry. Before the start of the 2012-13 season we looked at the best rivalries this year.
As of this writing, the Golden State Warriors are fresh off a tough loss at home to the resurgent, yet inconsistent Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, they remain at second place to the L.A. Clippers in the Pacific Division with an 18-10 record. And that’s despite scoring only 1.6 points per game more than their opponents do.
Looking at the NBA scene right now, two of the most underwhelming teams right now that aren’t the Los Angeles Lakers are both in the Eastern Conference. And one of them, at least for the time being, has a winning record.
You can point to multiple reasons as to why the Lakers are not winning like many thought they would. They play poor defense. They give up way too many points in transition. They still have not played as a full team with Steve Nash still out because of a leg injury.
When the Oklahoma City Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets last week it was a major shakeup in the Western Conference. It is a trade that affects the West not just this year, but in the future as well.
Despite slightly reduced numbers, Blake Griffin still turned in a season worthy of one of the NBA’s best big men. His recent knee pre-Olympics knee injury notwithstanding, Griffin has been very durable after missing his entire rookie season, playing in 148 consecutive NBA games thus far; fortunately, he should be alright once the 2012-13 season kicks off.
If Kevin Love could lead the Wolves to a winning season AND the Playoffs in 2012-13, the MVP award just might be his for the taking. He was arguably the best big man (four or five) in the NBA in 2011-12, and the scary part is that he just turned 24. He could easily be compiling 20-10 seasons for the next decade or so. And there doesn’t seem to be a thing he couldn’t do, except maybe block shots like the 6’10” player he is.
There is no shortage of NBA basketball opinions.
You can find plenty of controversy and commentary about many of the hot issues in the world of professional basketball -- right here.
You'll find links to our articles below.
Each article has a form at the end where you can submit your own comments and opinions which will be published there and shared with future readers. So. we look forward to hearing what you think as well. Enjoy!
NBA Basketball Opinion Articles
2013 NBA Title Contenders Going into the start of the 2012-13 season, here are eight teams that have the pieces to make a run at an NBA Title.
Who Replaces LeBron? Now that Lebron James has a title, who replaces him as the best NBA player without a championship ring. Here's our top ten list of Best NBA Players Without a Ring.
Should Derrick Rose Have Been Pulled? Derrick Rose tore the ACL in his left knee with 1:20 left in the game and the Bulls up by 12. He's out for the season. Should he have still been in the game?
2012 NBA Western Conference Playoff Preview There's a new power in the West -- the Oklahoma City Thunder. Read about them in our 2012 NBA Western Conference playoff preview.
NBA Should Raise Player Age Limit One of the issues being discussed with the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement is whether to raise the age limit for NBA players. I say yes!
Mike Brown Good Hire for LA Lakers Contrary to what you have heard, Mike Brown was a good choice as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Here's why.
NBA Gay Slurs The problem of gay slurs by NBA players.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Upset over a Statue? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is upset that he does not have a trophy outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Is he right to be so mad about it?
Should Shaq Retire? There's always a right time to call it quits.Even for Shaquille O'Neal.Should Shaq Retire?
Could It Be Celtics vs Lakers Again In NBA Finals? Neither team is finishing the regular season strong; but both know how to get it done in the playoffs. Could we see a Boston vs LA NBA championship in 2011?
2011 NBA MVP Prediction The Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose is my prediction for the 2011 NBA MVP. Here's why.
New! Comments
Leave a comment about this article in the box below and share it with your Facebook friends.
New! Comments
Leave a comment about this article in the box below and share it with your Facebook friends.