Originally Posted by
Pelicanidae
I don't think that anybody is denying that Lebron was the absolute driving force behind the Cavs last season. After him, their second leading scorer was Kevin Love, who averaged about 18/9/2 a game on 46/42/88 splits. A good season, but not great. After that, their team dropped off. By the way, yes, Kevin Love played 21 games in the playoffs last year and averaged 15/11/2. So he wasn't exactly incredible, but it's not like he was a nonfactor the entire time.
The difference is, do you think that team gets to the finals in the West? Hell, do you think that team gets to the conference finals in the West?
This Lakers team is better than that Cavs team, but by how much? Which team is better: Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Cedi Osman, Kyle Korver, Larry Nance Jr, Tristan Thompson, Jeff Green or Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Javale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, and Ingram?
I think you'd agree, the second team is better, but it's not like we're comparing the Magic to the Warriors here. Those two teams are just slightly different shades of not good. Take Lebron off this Lakers team, they're not a playoff team. Add him, sure, they're going to improve and they probably will be a playoff team (I have them 6th remember) but to picture them jumping up to a top three seed is kind of whacky. In my view.