Should we make a push for best record in the league?

[GTL]

[dfchang813]

Next 5 games will give greater clarity. If we do well in that stretch the rest of our schedule will be easiest in league. Bucks have a tougher schedule. We may catch up even if we load manage.

I don’t think we should rest guys too much. It’a important to continue to build chemistry and feed off success and wins so you are peaking with confidence and swagger entering playoffs.

[Inspector Gadget]

Yes. having HCA in the finals would be crucial.

[kikanga]

Nope. Our final 6 games are Warriors, Bulls, Clips, Wolves, Kings, and Suns.

Assuming we have the 1st seed in the West locked up. We shouldn't play LBJ or Brow any of those games. If we go 5-1 without them, cool. But I want our studs to have 2 weeks rest before the postseason. That way we can sweep the 1st round. Rest at least 1/2 a week then on to round 2 and beyond.
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"Every hurt is a lesson, and every lesson makes you better”

[Four Decade Bandwagon]

Too soon. Keep playing for wins as much as possible. If the Bucks start fading, why not chase them down?

Not asking for Herculean efforts just play the games with some intensity and focus. They need to integrate Waiters into the mix. He can absorb some mpg. So can Morris. Team depth needs to start dialing it in for the playoffs anyways.

See no issue if they can keep James and Davis at around 30mpg or less if they can be up by 20+ in the fourth. Some nights off are expected. Everyone keeps mentioning the 3 games in 3 days. It is actually 5 games in 6 nights. Can only sit or tank (sorry, load manage) so many games.

Lets not try to assume wins on any given night or that HCA is not an advantage.

[TooMuchMajicBuss]

First priority stay healthy.

That said, don't let up too much when you have a team playing solid ball. If we catch Milwaukee, well jolly good. If we don't catch them? So what. As long as we're healthy and these Lakers don't lose the edge they have right now, we can overcome a Buck's home court advantage with one solid away game.

Look at our away game win-loss record. The Lakers are a terror for other teams away from Staples.

[lar9149]

definitely should try for best record. Can’t take home advantage for granted.


What is the rule if the Lakers and bucks tie for the best record?

[ksmgf]

[HBLaker]

[drae]

Nah, much more important to be well rested and healthy come Playoffs

[waterman40]

Nah, if it comes to us, and we have to win one to overtake them at the end, then sure okay. Otherwise, we just take it as it comes. We got the West, which means up to four games at home, I like our chances to get to the finals in really good shape.

The Bucks are being exposed a little bit, they have one superstar in freak, an all star in Middleton, and several good players. But come playoff time they are going to have trouble with either the Raptors or the Celtics. If their perimeter game is not working, they could see some long series, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Lakers meet the Bucks in the finals, with the Bucks having to play 2-3 more games than the Lakers to even get there.
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LAKERS 2019-2020: NBA World Champions!

[LandsbergerRules]

I don't think the Bucks are going to make it to the Finals. I see Middleton disappearing in the ECF against a team like the (bleep) ass Celtics.
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"Chick lived and breathed Lakers basketball…but he was also fair and objective and called every game the way it was played."
-from Chick: His Unpublished Memoirs and the Memories of Those Who Knew Him

[LakerMindLA]

[drae]

[b.diddy2417]

That’s a negative once we sealed the number one spot let them sit out

[DocK36]

No need, I'm not worried about the Bucks having home court assuming we meet them in the Finals, we got guys like Bron, Rondo and Green, who've been there, done that.
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Ringo "You retired too?"
Doc "Not me, I'm in my prime."

[pjiddy]

Too bad we "threw" that game to Memphis.

[32]

Yes, it's within reach now. HCA is huge in the playoffs. The home team wins more than 70% of the time.
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Nobody in the NBA can touch the Laker brand, which, like the uniform color, is pure gold.

[secund2nun]

[roger_federer]

No. being healthy is 1st priority.

Instead of giving rest for a week or 2 to bron and AD. its better to play them less minutes. that way they won't lose the rhythm.

[GTL]

If anybody remembers as my memory is a bit hazy regarding this, but did Phil rest our guys during the final stretch of our 3-peat seasons or did we go into the post season with momentum? Shaq played 74 and 67 games in 01 and 02, Kobe played 68 and 80. I don't recall Kobe ever resting unless it was completely necessary.
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I miss you Kobe. I miss you Gigi.

[pjiddy]

I think making the Bucks go on the road, at a level of competition none of them have reached, is a good idea.

[ChickenStu]

[€H£M£$TR¥]

Agreed with the majority here. You play your players every game, but min restrictions for the superstars against the lesser teams would be optimal. Regardless, you can’t guarantee every player you load manage will avoid injury. You just have to feel out each game as it reveals itself. One thing is for sure, your bench needs burn. Exercise your depth, and you have built in contingencies for next man up.
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DEAR BASKETBALL

[ksmgf]