With most teams currently over 10 games into the 82 game season, basketball fans can get a taste of where their favorite teams will stand, when the trade deadline & All-Star Break approaches. But like any great series on television, The NBA wouldn’t be considered entertaining without some on court and off court drama.
For example, the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been the talk of the league for the last two seasons; due to Lavar Ball and his talented sons Lonzo, LiAngelo & LaMelo Ball, Magic Johnson & now LeBron James. With all the hype surrounding this team, most fans believe that “Showtime” is back. However, with a slow 5-6 start to the season, the Lakers are under-performing in the eyes of the fans. Along with the media’s high expectations -- L.A. is long overdue for a return to prominence.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally found a new home for frustrated superstar Jimmy Butler in Philadelphia, with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons & their 76ers who definitely need a solid shooter. Minnesota also managed to rehabilitate former (2011) MVP Derrick Rose back into a solid contributor for their franchise. After years of injuries, Rose reached a new career high of 50 points and has continued to show promise this season, as potentially the new veteran leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In Boston, the Celtics are still working their returning superstars Kyrie Irving & Gordon Hayward back into the starting lineup this season after unfortunate injuries stopped the Celtics from defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
Overall, as a student of the game, the league is more than superstars and super teams. For the first time in years, I can say this: out of all 30 teams in the league: Anybody can get it!
