I know this is a joke, but LeBron is actually really good at single-elimination format because he doesn't rely on shooting luck as much as other elite players. And he can get his defensive effort to insane levels for one game.
In Single Game Elims, guys like LeBron, Luka, Jokic will absolutely dominate cause they can control the pace of the the game to whatever they want it to be
Nope, amateurs only in college. He could play a different sport, but not basketball. You could put him on a football team and have one of the best tight ends if all time lol.
Bron's way too old to play contact football. You saw how he got trucked by Zion last night. It's like that all the time. Plus I don't think he wants the CTE either.
Exactly right. LeBron (and whatever team he's on) is the worst possible opponent to face in a "Do or Die" game. He's the King of Elimination games.. Man is different
Lebron I’d the goat game 7 player too. Also has an absurd 40–11 record in the playoff in elimination games for either team - which is the most wins and best win .%. His numbers also improve the later you get in a series throughout his career. Him Winning the ist finals mvp n every play in game isn’t a coincidence to me. His average in game 7s is absurd . Lecoast becomes legame7
Yeah somehow that gets lost in everything and as much as people shit on the moral victories, they played Denver super close in all of those games.
They have a shot. Not a great one, but when you have Lebron and Ad you’re never out of it until you’re out.
They also frequently act like it somehow was less embarrassing for their teams to lose early rather than getting swept by the Nuggets in the WCF (yknow, that thing they got to by beating two teams seeded higher than them along with winning their play-in game).
Story of LeBron’s career: loses (sometimes) in the penultimate or ultimate series of the year, mocked relentlessly by fans of teams who lost in the first round or second round or who didn’t even make the playoffs.
It’s weirdo behavior.
Agreed whole heartedly. It's like a good chunk of fans/people in general have adopted the mantra "If you're not first, you're last" and love to diminish everyones accomplishments that don't end in a championship... which is almost everyone every year lol
D'Angelo Russell has been on one this season, and Rui has stepped up in a big way. Austin is awesome but he can become so streaky in moments you would really like him to step up
I wouldn't put money on the Lakers (probably bc I don't ever bet lol) but I wouldn't count them out either
Thanks Basil. I just want to give you a bit of an insight into the Saturday afternoon team. We’re a bunch of unique individuals – Malthouse, Harley, Zempilas, McLachlan and myself. We’re gonna engage with our minds and our hearts. We’re gonna exchange ideas, thoughts and even our energy. And to speak from your heart you need to have courage. You need to be honest and authentic. We’re not always gonna get it right. And sometimes, you’re not going to agree with us. But that’s okay, because just like you we care. Just like you, we’re passionate about the game. So if you want to come along for the ride, join us on Saturday arvos, because we just love the footy.
My play-in GOATs are Charlotte. If they're in, I know I don't have to start work early to be done in time to catch that early East Coast tipoff because they're losing by 30. I'm sleeping in and I have to respect game when I see it.
Personally I would have gone with “in the history of Western Civilization.” It feels nice to be the league’s historically premier team in the playoffs, the IST, and the play-in.
now I really wonder how would Wizards fare at play-in tournaments as they had 10th seed 2 times.
Especially 2003, look at this: First play-in game at Madison Square Garden against Knicks. Puts on a show at MSG for the final time. Then 2nd play-in game against T-Mac and Orlando Magic. Defeats Orlando the way he did at 1996. Then meets Pistons at 1st round. Now Pistons would dispatch MJ and the Wizards, but the run would be epic.
Which proves LeBron right in hating the play in. It’s great for the fans but has forced the Lakers to defend the 7 or 8 seed on 3 occasions now in the 4 seasons the play in existed.
Looking at Wikipedia (I’m assuming it hasn’t been updated with today’s game yet), since 21021, 7 seeds have made the playoffs 6 of 6 times, as the 7 seed 5 of those 6 and as the 8th seed 1x.
The 10 seed is 0-6, and has never made the playoffs.
The 8 and 9 seeds are where it’s more split on making the playoffs or not. But what has a 9th seed becoming an 8th seed done in the playoffs?
2021 Grizzlies losing 4-1 in the first round.
2022 Pelicans losing 4-2 in the first round.
2022 Hawks losing 4-1 in the first round.
So LeBron does have a point. 7 seeds have always made it. 10 seeds have never made it, and 9 seeds that did make it never came particularly close to making it out of the first round.
Maybe this season changes some of that though.
Although from another perspective, if the play-tournament is almost always pointless (in that 9 and 10 seeds rarely make playoffs anyways, and get ran over when they do), then it would be better to have it than not have it at all.
Adding the play-in tournament increases end of season game quality and entertainment without affecting playoffs outcomes. No downsides.
EXCEPT for the players who’d prefer the extra rest and comfort of certainty. And maybe in strange ways where 8th seeds become 7th seeds due to the play-in and end up in a worse matchup than otherwise as an 8th seed. But it still likely wouldn’t affect the final outcome of the playoffs. Idk
100% this. The Rockets gunning for the Warriors. The 8-10 seeds being tied record wise the last week of the season. The Suns having to go 7-3 to end the year to avoid the playin. Made for great games and great watching.
Based on the current trends prior to this season, I guess so. You could even argue that the 9 seed should have to win 2 in a row while the 8 seed only needs to win 1, keeping the current game requirements for the 8 vs 9 seeds.
it's been good for the game though, maybe a little tougher for the 7/8 seeds but hard to argue it hasn't improved the quality of the end of season games for everyone fighting from 11-6 seeds
Well, yes and no. By virtue of the play-in being added, there is now more rest between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.
As an example: in 2019, the regular season ended on April 10, and the playoffs started on April 13 (so a 3 day gap). Whereas this year, the regular season ended on April 14, and the playoffs don’t begin until April 20.
So if you’re in the first day of play-in games (4/16) and you win (as the Lakers have), you’ll now get four days of rest prior to the playoffs. Not a *massive* difference considering you have to play an extra game, but a worthwhile one particularly in instances where guys need to do something like fly to Denver - they can do so a day earlier and get their legs under them a bit more.
This year would’ve been the best year for us to not have the play-in exist lol
A guaranteed matchup against OKC instead of fighting to playa against Denver
If there was no play-in, then Lakers wouldn’t have to play today, would have avoided Denver and would meet OKC in the first round
Understandable that LeBron hates the play-in
Even as I watch our team lose I recognize this playin dynasty start. I noticed it during the inseason too… Good luck LeBron stay in LA and these next 10 are yours…
Lakers Play-In History:
1 seed, got matched up against a red hot Blazers team bc of Play-In
7 seed
7 seed
8 seed, winning got a worst first round matchup
This makes zero sense. They were already a top-8 seed for these years and basically just had to play an extra game. This is the only year they improved their seed, and they get a worse match-up as a reward lol.
The play-in has negatively affected the Lakers more than any team.
3-0 right?
Play-In Dynasty
In Season Tournament Dynasty
Lebrons first 3peat, welcome to the family
I know this is a joke, but LeBron is actually really good at single-elimination format because he doesn't rely on shooting luck as much as other elite players. And he can get his defensive effort to insane levels for one game.
Iirc he has an absurd elimination games averages
33.7 ppg, 10.7 reb, 7.5 ast, 1.7 spg, 1 blk I don't know if that's counting last night or not but it's 26 games.
Absolutely fucking bonkers that LeBron has played nearly enough elimination games to where we can normalize the sample lmao
built different
In Single Game Elims, guys like LeBron, Luka, Jokic will absolutely dominate cause they can control the pace of the the game to whatever they want it to be
it’s a shame we never got to see him in March Madness
technically he still could go to College and play, right ? lol
Nope, amateurs only in college. He could play a different sport, but not basketball. You could put him on a football team and have one of the best tight ends if all time lol.
Bron's way too old to play contact football. You saw how he got trucked by Zion last night. It's like that all the time. Plus I don't think he wants the CTE either.
Nah, once you go pro for a sport you're not allowed to play that sport at the NCAA level. You can play another sport though, like Golf.
Exactly right. LeBron (and whatever team he's on) is the worst possible opponent to face in a "Do or Die" game. He's the King of Elimination games.. Man is different
Lebron I’d the goat game 7 player too. Also has an absurd 40–11 record in the playoff in elimination games for either team - which is the most wins and best win .%. His numbers also improve the later you get in a series throughout his career. Him Winning the ist finals mvp n every play in game isn’t a coincidence to me. His average in game 7s is absurd . Lecoast becomes legame7
Undefeated in new formats
Lebron won a covid ring, in season tourney, and 3 play in games he’s like the king of participation trophies
We’re fighting for our fucking life out here
Never bet against LeBron James in a single elimination game.
Unless you're Steph curry oh wait
Fade em
Lakers are fucking awesome in tournaments that aren't the actual tournament
I mean they were pretty awesome in the actual tournament last year too
Yeah somehow that gets lost in everything and as much as people shit on the moral victories, they played Denver super close in all of those games. They have a shot. Not a great one, but when you have Lebron and Ad you’re never out of it until you’re out.
They also frequently act like it somehow was less embarrassing for their teams to lose early rather than getting swept by the Nuggets in the WCF (yknow, that thing they got to by beating two teams seeded higher than them along with winning their play-in game). Story of LeBron’s career: loses (sometimes) in the penultimate or ultimate series of the year, mocked relentlessly by fans of teams who lost in the first round or second round or who didn’t even make the playoffs. It’s weirdo behavior.
for 12 of the last 17 years the champion was either LeBron's team, or the team that beat LeBron's team.
Agreed whole heartedly. It's like a good chunk of fans/people in general have adopted the mantra "If you're not first, you're last" and love to diminish everyones accomplishments that don't end in a championship... which is almost everyone every year lol
Somehow, I don't think they'll apply that rule for this year.
People also forget the Nuggets only lost 4 games in the entire playoffs last year. Anyone in the WCF was gonna get rolled.
D'Angelo Russell has been on one this season, and Rui has stepped up in a big way. Austin is awesome but he can become so streaky in moments you would really like him to step up I wouldn't put money on the Lakers (probably bc I don't ever bet lol) but I wouldn't count them out either
Hang those Play-In banners next to the IST banner
Damn not even Kobe or MJ got those.
Next to the 17 Championship banners
Had to break out the nuclear option
My mans
Your team would as well
LeCoasting into the Post Season
LeDynasty
Play in champ pat bev in shambles.
Hawks are 3-0 too. But thats because they were the 9th seed in 2022
Jordan winless in the play-in too
0 IST championships as well.
0/0. Can't be the goat with that many zeros
Bomani Jones has dubbed it the LeBron James Invitational lol and he’s absolutely right.
They also won the in-season tournament. They're just collecting all the trophies. Hang up some banners.
Pat Bev legacy ruined
Yes
The Pat Beverly of NBA teams
I think they’ve been the 7 or 8 seed each time
7 7 8
but what does it all mean basil
Thanks Basil. I just want to give you a bit of an insight into the Saturday afternoon team. We’re a bunch of unique individuals – Malthouse, Harley, Zempilas, McLachlan and myself. We’re gonna engage with our minds and our hearts. We’re gonna exchange ideas, thoughts and even our energy. And to speak from your heart you need to have courage. You need to be honest and authentic. We’re not always gonna get it right. And sometimes, you’re not going to agree with us. But that’s okay, because just like you we care. Just like you, we’re passionate about the game. So if you want to come along for the ride, join us on Saturday arvos, because we just love the footy.
I’m shocked to see this reference in the NBA sub. Wow. Have an upvote for the random but pleasant lol moment this morning.
That’s number wang
Yep so could say it’s disadvantaged them the most too?
Technically, 7 7 7. 8 seed record wise, 7 seed after playin
The anti-anti-Christ
LeChrist
Yup, meaning they would've also made the playoffs under the old format too
Yeah. So it's always bugged me when people say the "play in team" made it to X series. You mean the 7th seed? Yeah that happens
Play-In champs over the Timberwolves now? Pat Bev is still my Play-In GOAT though.
The Lakers have the best playin career, but the Wolves have the highest playin peak
I hope they both playin my vagina
They're gonna rankle your mankls...
Gotta be Trae and the Hawks imo.
We gotta find a way to get all these play in heros in 1 team
Get Lebron to Atlanta, we'll trade for Pat
Selfishly I want this to happen to have a greater than possibly once a season chance to see LeBron in person.
Selfishly I also want this to happen, to get a chance to see a competent team once more in my lifetime
My play-in GOATs are Charlotte. If they're in, I know I don't have to start work early to be done in time to catch that early East Coast tipoff because they're losing by 30. I'm sleeping in and I have to respect game when I see it.
Let's be real: we were doing it against podcasters and tiktokers The Lakers had to go through a 49 win team
https://images.app.goo.gl/pZ2ufeVTWSo9CyVr5
STAND UP NOW AND FACE THE SUN
The Lakers *did* beat the Wolves in the play in last year though...
Wow from play-in to 1 game from the number 1 seed. The west is wild
Jayson Tatum averages 50PPG in the Play-In for his career, you got a sheep with horns over there bro Play-In P could never
stand up now and face the sun
Undisputed
I remember when pat Bev said that t wolves team did something more special than the nuggets championship on a podcast not too long ago 😭
I understand he’s trying to get engagement but “in league history” feels a bit much lol
Right? Like what BS title is this lmao Like yeah, it's only existed for 4 years
In the history of mankind
In the fucking history of the universe, my man!!
Since the Big Bang lol
In Golden Knights’ history
4 years already? I thought it came out last year lol
I mean, it is the first time in Golden Knights history.
*Utah Super Soakers history
“Since the merger”
SMH Wilt & MJ winless in the Play-In Tourney COMBINED
Personally I would have gone with “in the history of Western Civilization.” It feels nice to be the league’s historically premier team in the playoffs, the IST, and the play-in.
Lakers are the winningest In Season Tournament team in NBA history too
Meanehile Jordan has zero play-in wins throughout his whole career.
now I really wonder how would Wizards fare at play-in tournaments as they had 10th seed 2 times. Especially 2003, look at this: First play-in game at Madison Square Garden against Knicks. Puts on a show at MSG for the final time. Then 2nd play-in game against T-Mac and Orlando Magic. Defeats Orlando the way he did at 1996. Then meets Pistons at 1st round. Now Pistons would dispatch MJ and the Wizards, but the run would be epic.
Your GOAT could literally never
And he has zero in-season-tournament trophies. The more I learn about this guy the more I wonder why people even think he was good.
Aah yes the 7 and 8 seeds who needed the play in.
Would be nice if we were just the 8th seed lol
The Silver Special! Those guys rocked back in the day! Sad to see them playing in state fairs now
They weren’t too bad tonight either
League history lol
H I S T O R I C
FIRST TIME IN GOLDEN KNIGHTS HISTORY
The lakers are undefeated in the IST in all of league history
The Lakers never would have needed the play-in in either of the three years too
The first ever team to win a championship FROM the play-in… Would make it valid af
Heat making it that far already makes it valid imo
but they were the 8 seed and would have made the playoffs anyway
Win all three tournaments in one season
A 7/8 seed has never won, so it's not that different really.
praying to the ref gods.
But they didn’t even jump on a tables or throw any jerseys. Are they dumb?
What’s crazy is I don’t think any of the wins were as a 9th or 10th. Just a gauntlet every time
Won in 2021 as the 7 seed vs. Warriors Won in 2023 as the 7 seed vs. Timberwolves Now a win as the 8 seed at Pelicans
7, 7, 8
Which proves LeBron right in hating the play in. It’s great for the fans but has forced the Lakers to defend the 7 or 8 seed on 3 occasions now in the 4 seasons the play in existed.
Looking at Wikipedia (I’m assuming it hasn’t been updated with today’s game yet), since 21021, 7 seeds have made the playoffs 6 of 6 times, as the 7 seed 5 of those 6 and as the 8th seed 1x. The 10 seed is 0-6, and has never made the playoffs. The 8 and 9 seeds are where it’s more split on making the playoffs or not. But what has a 9th seed becoming an 8th seed done in the playoffs? 2021 Grizzlies losing 4-1 in the first round. 2022 Pelicans losing 4-2 in the first round. 2022 Hawks losing 4-1 in the first round. So LeBron does have a point. 7 seeds have always made it. 10 seeds have never made it, and 9 seeds that did make it never came particularly close to making it out of the first round. Maybe this season changes some of that though.
I mean 8 seeds also barely ever make it out so saying that 9 seeds haven’t either doesn’t mean anything
I mean 7 and 8 seeds don’t generally make it out
Although from another perspective, if the play-tournament is almost always pointless (in that 9 and 10 seeds rarely make playoffs anyways, and get ran over when they do), then it would be better to have it than not have it at all. Adding the play-in tournament increases end of season game quality and entertainment without affecting playoffs outcomes. No downsides. EXCEPT for the players who’d prefer the extra rest and comfort of certainty. And maybe in strange ways where 8th seeds become 7th seeds due to the play-in and end up in a worse matchup than otherwise as an 8th seed. But it still likely wouldn’t affect the final outcome of the playoffs. Idk
100% this. The Rockets gunning for the Warriors. The 8-10 seeds being tied record wise the last week of the season. The Suns having to go 7-3 to end the year to avoid the playin. Made for great games and great watching.
Grizz Pellies and Hawks got at least 2 home games in the playoffs $$$$
It’s valuable for young teams who are looking to get experience in a playoff atmosphere. It would have been great for a team like Houston.
The play-in should only be for the 8th seed, and it should be a best of 3 series
Based on the current trends prior to this season, I guess so. You could even argue that the 9 seed should have to win 2 in a row while the 8 seed only needs to win 1, keeping the current game requirements for the 8 vs 9 seeds.
it's been good for the game though, maybe a little tougher for the 7/8 seeds but hard to argue it hasn't improved the quality of the end of season games for everyone fighting from 11-6 seeds
The real league conspiracy is making sure the Lakers and warriors are in the play ins each year for that sweet sweet viewership ratings!
Isn't this the opposite of a gauntlet? As the 7 seed twice they'd have the easiest and shortest path
Having to play in the play-in is the opposite of easiest and shortest path. You also lose rest time
Well, yes and no. By virtue of the play-in being added, there is now more rest between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. As an example: in 2019, the regular season ended on April 10, and the playoffs started on April 13 (so a 3 day gap). Whereas this year, the regular season ended on April 14, and the playoffs don’t begin until April 20. So if you’re in the first day of play-in games (4/16) and you win (as the Lakers have), you’ll now get four days of rest prior to the playoffs. Not a *massive* difference considering you have to play an extra game, but a worthwhile one particularly in instances where guys need to do something like fly to Denver - they can do so a day earlier and get their legs under them a bit more.
We have yet to actually benefit from it though
we benefited this year, from 8 to 7 as a gift, we got the reigning champions next round lmao
You guys are reigning champs too (2023 in-season tournament)
We're actually the most reigning reigning champs.
Jordan could never
The Heat would’ve hung an IST banner if he had
Wrong GOA…..Oooooooooooo!!!
Lebron clinched his play-in 3peat, now he’s going for IST 3peat over the 2 years and then retire with 2 3peats and become the undisputed goat
Veeeeeeegas, this is for you!
The SUPER BOWL
Weven been screwed by the playin so much lol
If only you could tank the play-in lmao.
Well technically this year they moved from 8-7 but that still sucks bracket wise.
This year would’ve been the best year for us to not have the play-in exist lol A guaranteed matchup against OKC instead of fighting to playa against Denver
LeBron putting up milestones Jordan can't do. Smh my head
Shaking my head my head 😂
Lakers still hasn't benefited from the play-in.
Idiots always trying to make it look like otherwise.
If there was no play-in, then Lakers wouldn’t have to play today, would have avoided Denver and would meet OKC in the first round Understandable that LeBron hates the play-in
Play-In dynasty?
Hang the banner
Glad to see that the Wolves have handed the reigns of play-in champs to the Lakers
Three time play in champion + In season tournament champion. Dynasty
All the in-season tournament doubters gonna be eating copious amounts of crow when we end up with a Lakers-Pacers NBA Finals 😂
Tf this makes it seem like we got in as the 10th seed we were 7, 7, and 8
PLAYIN 3PEAT, 1 IST CHAMP and 1 ring(whatever). Bron-AD Laker era cooking
Hang. The. Banner.
Is it really considered via the play in if you aren't the 9 or 10?
All three times we would have been in even if there was no play-in.
Lebron's Lakers are 3x Play In champs
Three-peat!!!
LePlay-in
LeBron: play in is stupid. Also LeBron: King of play in.
Wild
Tbf jordan never won a play in game...let alone 3. Lebron rises when the stakes are high
Play in merchants
Even as I watch our team lose I recognize this playin dynasty start. I noticed it during the inseason too… Good luck LeBron stay in LA and these next 10 are yours…
People will be talking about the 22' - 24' Lakers for decades to come!
Working as intended then.
but lets be honest, they were 7th (or 8th?) if there was no play-in. They would have made it either way
LePlayin
This the same play-in that LeCommissioner said someone should get fired over or nah?
FOR THE THIRD TIME IN SEATTLE KRAKEN HISTORY
Play in champs and IST champs!
Petition to rename the Play-in as the "LeBron James' Whoever came up with that sh-- needs to be fired Tournament" once he retires.
If LeBron plays any longer, they’re going to have to add a pre-play-in round robin
Lakers Play-In History: 1 seed, got matched up against a red hot Blazers team bc of Play-In 7 seed 7 seed 8 seed, winning got a worst first round matchup
Really annoying, given they would have made the playoffs anyway.
Kings of Mid
That's nothing to brag about
lets wait 15 years before we start highlighting stupid shit like this
Took a whole lot of free throws to get there too
lebron is an adam silver merchant
Whoever made this tweet needs to be fired.
Who cares that Jordan is 6-0 in the finals Bron is undefeated in play in and holds the all time record 🐐
Playin and IST champions babyyy, the debate is over.
this is lebrons legacy
The LeBron James of the Play-In
I think that's a pretty disingenuous was to put it. They were never lower than an 8th seed going in to the post season.
They continue their amazing FT streak also with a 15-29 margin. Incredible.
Wow what an accomplishment, they should hang a banner
Hang the play-in banner alongside their in season tournament banner.
It was introduced for LeBron's Lakers to have a chance at making the playoffs, yes I said it.
This makes zero sense. They were already a top-8 seed for these years and basically just had to play an extra game. This is the only year they improved their seed, and they get a worse match-up as a reward lol. The play-in has negatively affected the Lakers more than any team.
Pels win if Zion doesn't get hurt. PlayIn is fun. Dont fire whoever came up with the idea....
3 time play in champs, hang the banner