nwwarrior09
Well-known member
Probably a wash from my point of view on being healthy. Many complain and make excuses frequently about the quick turnaround after the bubble experience, but the Lakers probably benefitted a lot, maybe as much as anyone, from getting 4 1/2 months of recovery and down time between last season being postponed and then resumed in the bubble.
I don't necessarily see the bubble title as tarnished, but it is much different in my point of view due to getting the long rest before getting to sprint through about 30 games between finishing off the season and the playoffs. It was a different experience from the traditional progression and rhythm of a normal year, and playing through the same rules and restrictions as everyone else they ended up on top.
As for LeBron, I suspect he's on the downslope a bit but may have a few more quality years in the tank before the wheels fall off. The main injury he had this year was a freak thing sustained in a loose ball situation as opposed to being a long-term wear and tear issue. He still averaged roughly 25/8/8 and was around 15th in player efficiency. They need to retool the roster some, but if him and AD can stay healthy they probably have a window for 2 or maybe 3 more years.
I don't necessarily see the bubble title as tarnished, but it is much different in my point of view due to getting the long rest before getting to sprint through about 30 games between finishing off the season and the playoffs. It was a different experience from the traditional progression and rhythm of a normal year, and playing through the same rules and restrictions as everyone else they ended up on top.
As for LeBron, I suspect he's on the downslope a bit but may have a few more quality years in the tank before the wheels fall off. The main injury he had this year was a freak thing sustained in a loose ball situation as opposed to being a long-term wear and tear issue. He still averaged roughly 25/8/8 and was around 15th in player efficiency. They need to retool the roster some, but if him and AD can stay healthy they probably have a window for 2 or maybe 3 more years.