Quijano: Lakers playing well

IT’S more than a month into the NBA 2019-20 season and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking as good as advertised. They have the best record in the NBA with 17-2. And that’s not all.

Lebron James, in his 17th season, looks as rejuvenated as he can be and is currently on pace to win another potential MVP award if he can keep this up.

LAKERS. This re-tooled Lakers team is certainly its best iteration in years. The acquisition of Anthony Davis who has a career average of 23.8 points and 10.5 rebounds has been the difference. James no longer has a huge scoring burden and with deadly shooters like Danny Green, Quinn Cook and K. Caldwell Pope on the wings, the defense will have a nightmare containing their offensive firepower.

As if that was not enough, the Lakers front court are long and tall with the resurgent Dwight Howard and Javale McGee as the rim protectors.

Because of this luxury, James has been doing what he does best—play point and orchestrate the offense.

Looks like everything is looking good for the Lakers and barring any injuries, expect Lebron to be contending for his first Western conference Finals championship.

Let’s take a look at some of the other teams.

CLIPPERS. When Paul George and Kawhi Leonard came into town, expectations were high that this formidable duo will finally allow the Clippers, traditionally looked upon as the “other LA team,” to be at par with the Lakers or even ascend to be the premiere team in this city of angels.

So far so good. They beat the Lakers on opening night and at 14-6, stand at no. 3 in the Western Conference.

The only thing that may be a cause for concern is Leonard’s load management issue which makes people question how healthy he is and whether he can grind it out till the post-season. Apparently, this is how Kawhi rolls and the Clippers knew this beforehand.

The Clippers have been bruited about as the best defensive team in the league and come playoff time, this will become more noticeable with teams able to focus and tailor their strategies.

BUCKS. Milwaukee sits atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 16-3, second best in the NBA. Leading the charge is Giannis Antetokounmpo who is averaging a monstrous 31.1 points and 13.7 rebounds this conference.

With an able supporting cast in Eric Bledsoe, Kris Middleton and Brook Lopez, expect the young Bucks to contend for the Eastern Conference championships.

WARRIORS. My, my, what a difference less than a year can make. After losing to the Toronto Raptors in last year’s Finals mostly on account of injuries to key superstars, now the Golden State Warriors have become the league doormats, with the league-worst record of 4-16.

Even if Klay Thompson and Steph Curry return sometime in the middle of the season, it’s doubtful if the Dubs can dig themselves out of this hole in time to make the playoffs.

LAST ROUND. It’s on my compañero, Atty. Jun Parawan, who recently celebrated his birthday. Cheers!

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