Theory on AD

[dawsey6]

At AD's age, all legends of the game have to reconsider how they approach the game. He'll be 28 in a month. Lebron, MJ, Shaq, Kobe, even Wilt more at like 29, had to redefine their game to keep up their production and accommodate their knowledge of how to control the game. At 27-28, you're not old at all by NBA standards but you don't have the same raw physical gifts you did at 22. Most players have to incorporate more strength/power into their game in order to do evolve. AD may have been working on this but was thrown off by the really short offseason, making it hard for him to find his new rhythm in the context of growing into the center of the Laker offense.

Thoughts?

[MaxPlayer]

The Clippers are the only real threat to the Lakers in the West, and it doesn't really matter if they have HCA in the playoffs since they play in the same building and fan attendance is likely to be limited anyway. So really there's zero urgency for the Lakers in the regular season, and I think you're seeing that reflected in AD's play.

Is it possible that he's taking advantage of this to experiment with different aspects of his game? Sure, I suppose so.

[JohnMax]

Orchestrated freeze out from 2020 Finals has continued into regular season and AD has lost heart which is why he looks passive. He needs to man up and demand a trade like Kyrie.

[ArbitraryWater]

terrible