NBA fans had their eyes on two teams before the start of the new campaign. Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. Both big market franchises were chasing redemption after last season’s downfall. However, they have started this season in a similar fashion. The Nets and Lakers are among the worst teams in the league with just a single win combined. However, it seems Ben Simmons is still optimistic about the Nets’ future. During the post-game conference, the three-time All-Star said he believes Brooklyn could be at the top of the NBA.
The Nets attracted all the attention when their star man Kevin Durant requested a surprise trade in the off-season. The drama was real and intense for fans to witness unfold. The internal issues came out to the world. However, owner Joe Tsai was able to bring everyone on the same page once again. On paper, they looked like a force to reckon with. KD and Kyrie Irving are two of the most dangerous offensive players on the planet. On the other hand, Ben Simmons has been mentioned among the best defensive players.
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Their ‘Big 3’ was meant to be the recipe for success. But after six games together, their flaws are arguably all that is visible. Likewise, when Simmons shouted out his confidence, the NBA world made a mockery of the Nets guard.
Can the Nets or Lakers be the best team in the league?
Currently, both the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets have hit rock bottom. The purple and gold, renowned for their showtime offense is the worst team in the conference. Their shooting stats are at an all-time low in league history. And in the age where shooters thrive, the Lakers seemingly lack the most crucial weapon of all.
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As for the Brooklyn Nets, their offense seems steady with Kevin Durant and Irving both putting in great numbers. However, they rank as the worst defensive team in the NBA. Allowing over 122 points per game, their offense seems to be getting overwhelmed by the lack of a stellar defense. But despite the problems, Ben Simmons holds his beliefs.
He said: “For sure yeah, f**k yeah. I believe it. I believe we can be the best team in the NBA”.?And fans were quick to shift him back to reality.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Stop, this team is competing with the lakers to be the worst team in the league.
— Ball Knower (@user12346758) October 30, 2022
not with you airballin layups bum😂 https://t.co/8lNPvgahVe
— LIL GEEZY (@1Mxnny) October 30, 2022
No tf you don’t Ben 😭🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/yDiyj4Co9m
— OD (@whothehellisod) October 30, 2022
KD in the locker room while Kyrie and Ben do their interviews https://t.co/cBvfLotpPs pic.twitter.com/mpoD5bB1hW
— James (@blbuckets3) October 30, 2022
https://twitter.com/LeBronsWRLD/status/1586755991336411136?s=20&t=o2BlSyNGMrqtwsyhGu0Bog
Trolling level 100 https://t.co/fkfzHThEqa
— 🇨🇩 (@Gianni630) October 30, 2022
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Both franchises are at the two extremes of the spectrum. But it’s never too late to fix problems. For Brooklyn, they need much more from their defensive unit. And with Simmons as the anchor, his contributions will be instrumental. Moreover, he needs to be a much bigger offensive presence. If the Nets can assert a lockdown defense next season, Kevin Durant and KAI’s fury can possibly unleash at its fullest.
With the Lakers, their roster undoubtedly needs a revamp. The star duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James is critical in their rise back up. However, to bring out their best, the Lakers need to have the right pieces around them. In addition, they need to make it a priority to bring in sharpshooters. For Russell Westbrook, the 17-time champions need to find a place for him in the roster which fits to bring the best out of him. And that might be to make him the primary ball handler while coming off the bench.
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With a heavy part of the season yet to come, do you think these two franchises will do better than their opening act so far? Let us know your views in the comments below.