TripleThreat wrote:

https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-09-23/lakers-nuggets-game-four?_amp=true&__twitter_impression=true

Lakers present case to NBA regarding LeBron James’ lack of free throws
By Broderick Turner Staff Writer
Sep. 23, 2020

ORLANDO, Fla. —

The Lakers have presented a case to the NBA that their star, LeBron James, is not nearly getting his fair share of free throws even though they are positive the hard-charging forward is getting fouled plenty by the Denver Nuggets in their Western Conference finals playoff series.

James shot just two free throws during the Game 3 defeat to the Nuggets on Tuesday night at AdventHealth Arena. And those two free throws came after Denver guard Jamal Murray was called for a flagrant foul for an elbow to James’ jaw.

He has shot 10 free throws total in the three games of the best-of-seven series that resumes Thursday night with Game 4 and the Lakers leading 2-1.

“We’re dealing with the fouls through the proper channels with the league,” coach Frank Vogel told the media via videoconference Wednesday after practice. “I think he’s gone to the basket very aggressively, and I’ll just leave it at that.”
Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (27) has the ball stripped away by Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, right, during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference final Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

In 13 playoff games, James is averaging 6.6 free throws per game, making 72.1% of them. He’s averaging 25.9 points per game, 10 rebounds and 8.8 assists.

The Lakers have had their share of issues with the referees in this series against the Nuggets.

Dwight Howard has been called for two technical fouls, one each in Games 2 and 3, and Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy was called for a technical foul in Game 2.

Vogel was asked about his team’s composure considering the Lakers have been hit with three technical fouls.

“I don’t have any comment publicly about it at this time,” Vogel said.

Vogel then was asked how the Lakers are handling the calls from the referees.

“Yeah, I mean, I think we’re exhibiting decent composure,” Vogel said. “I know we got the tech in Game 2, but yeah, we’re playing through it.”

Way back Wilt and Jerry west were the enemy. I was not old enough to not see past it. Too bad, their 1972 run was amazing but they beat the Knicks in the final that year and I sulked. I remember struggling to stay awake 1n 1973 when the knicks won 4-1. They won on the road and the game started at 10:30pm on a week night if I recall.
I disliked Showtime because Magic smiled all the time and the hype was too much. Larry Bird was a nasty hick and the celts were the enemy. Both were good but if the Knicks were struggling then I struggled.
With Bulls and Jordan I finally grew up and while they too were the enemy I had to sit back and take it in. Jordan was an ******* but how can I not respect what he did on the court? While Phil was their coach he was a knick and was different. He pissed people off and won. Kinda cool? HE goes to lakers and transforms Jordan obsessed Kobe into Air 2.0 Can’t say I was a Kobe fan but the Laker team role players were a neat story and one had to just respect what they were doing.

Nuggets have little history as they have no chips. They were a formidable team coming out of the ABA. Who didn’t like Alex English, anyone named “Fat Lever” and of course the anti Lebron that was Melo. Gone all the remnants of the knicks involved in the Melo trade. Post knarly George Karl they are fun team to watch and for those whose disdain for Lebron and starphuching are obviously rooting For them. I put my envy aside and respect the job they are doing. Michael Porter not being a knick does not bother me. They took the risks knicks could not take at the time and reap the reward. If theY win the whole thing it would be cool. Respect for the Kronke’s as owners for organization that they built. It was bigger than Ujiri. No disrespect to him. WE don’t credit ownership enough.

But a part of me pulls for history to be made. Since I don’t begrudge Lebron for controlling his career, and over the years see a man mature and grow from “the decision” and other immature ego tainted persona qualities I allow myself to behold what he does on the court and the length by which he does it. Its that talent that allows him (for better or worse be LeGM). He pulls his teams together and they go further than they should. I see years of hard work, transformation, and a discipline. I can’t hate him because of this effort to his craft. He has a different drive than Jordan or Kobe. I appreciate what they did and am allowing myself to do so with Lebron.

THats my opinion and the way I’m enjoying “The Bubble Playoffs”.

TPercy wrote:

Chandler wrote:

TPercy wrote:

smackeddog wrote:For me, these playoffs have been the most enjoyable to watch for years- nice to see new players emerging, and lots of unpredictable outcomes

For sure. Still got Lakers in the end but NBA is so balanced these days.

i have a sneaky feeling Denver wins. The Howard McGee 1-2 punch has not had anywhere near the impact on Joker that was feared. There are a lot of old Lakers. If Denver plays fast and hard for 48 minutes they can beat them

Fair, but Lakers got Bron and thats enough for me. If Denver can get an emphatic win tomorrow then I think theirs a good chance they win the whole thing.

Howard had a throw-back game yesterday. He was a monster on the boards...

I used to think of him as a jump shooter, but this playoffs he's showing a lot

IIRC he was picked with our pick we traded in Melo fiasco

Chandler wrote:That fake dunk up and under by Murray was amazing -- on par with the 360 around Rudy in the Utah series

I used to think of him as a jump shooter, but this playoffs he's showing a lot

IIRC he was picked with our pick we traded in Melo fiasco

Of course he was taken with a Knicks pick......

BigDaddyG wrote:I'm glad he was finally put out of his misery.

Not that there is anything wrong with cha-cha dancing, but still looks weird.

https://nypost.com/2020/09/26/james-dolan-cuts-check-for-malliotakis-amid-max-rose-trash-talk/

Hell hath no fury like James Dolan scorned.

The controversial Knicks boss is pouring cash into the effort to help GOP Congressional candidate Nicole Malliotakis beat incumbent Democratic Staten Island Rep. Max Rose — all because Rose recently trash-talked his ownership of the perennially losing New York Knicks

BigDaddyG wrote:Yes guys...this is the Knicks owner

https://nypost.com/2020/09/26/james-dolan-cuts-check-for-malliotakis-amid-max-rose-trash-talk/

Hell hath no fury like James Dolan scorned.

The controversial Knicks boss is pouring cash into the effort to help GOP Congressional candidate Nicole Malliotakis beat incumbent Democratic Staten Island Rep. Max Rose — all because Rose recently trash-talked his ownership of the perennially losing New York Knicks

.

Ack, I’ve had enough of these giant, rich, tantruming, narcissistic man-babies

smackeddog wrote:Another enjoyable playoff game- very impressive run by the Nuggets, unfortunately I think we now have no chance of getting Grant in FA because of it! Lebron hit three clutch shots in a row, amazing when you consider he was the ultimate playoff clutch shot choker early in his career.

Wonder who wins in the east- as impressive as the Heat look, even during the season they had spells where they strangely slumped, think Boston still have a shot.

Grant was ballin to ensure he gets his big contract for next season. Teams in the west like the Mavs, clippers(if Morris walks or they decide they want grant) and blazers can be hot for him