NBA Notebook: LeBron James is still the King

It’s been another exciting week in the NBA, and while the national anthem has stolen most of the headlines, there has been plenty of dazzling action on the court as well.

Let’s take a look at this week’s NBA Notebook.

Are the Nets in Trouble?

The Nets are destined to be the most discussed team in the NBA this season, and rightfully so. They are polarizing, talented, erratic, and exciting. They are deservedly favorites to win the Eastern conference, but that hardly means that success will be inevitable.

While the Nets finally got back in the win column in their most recent outing against the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn lost three straight games prior to that, which dropped them to third place in the standings. Kevin Durant’s absence was obviously a notable contributor to those losses, but the team's inability to execute without him on the court is a vivid reminder that Durant is the greatest player on the Nets. Without him their season is doomed to end in disappointment.

Home Sweet Home?

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, the Toronto Raptors made the decision at the beginning of the season to play their home games in Tampa, Florida. It is now official that they will not return to Toronto for the remainder of the season, undoubtedly a frustrating development for both players and fans alike.

The Raptors have been known as one of the NBA's most dominant home teams in recent years, and losing that advantage is surely devastating. While the Raptors have clawed their way back to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, it will be interesting to see if this official permanence improves their consistency and commitment when playing "at home."

Two All-Stars in the Making

The NBA is a league of legends, where players are highly visible. With a large number of games, fantastic TV coverage, and only 10 players on the court at a time, the Association's top stars get numerous opportunities to show us why they’re so amazing. The All-Star game is an annual reminder of those names we know so well, but it also gives us an introduction to the league's up-and-coming stars.

Two names that absolutely need to be recognized for the major impact they’re having are Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat and Christian Wood of the Houston Rockets. These two athletic big men are changing the game with their unique and exciting style of play, and rank 23rd and 18th respectively in PER.

While Wood is currently out with an ankle injury, it would be a shame if both of these players aren’t recognized by the league and their peers for the true All-Stars they’ve become.

LeBron is still the King

LeBron James is the most decorated active player in the NBA, and a dominant force that continues to show he drinks from the Fountain of Youth. In the past week, his Los Angeles Lakers played in two overtime games and James was the deciding factor in both.

As his counterpart, Anthony Davis, works through an ankle injury, James has carried the load for the Western Conference favorites. LeBron scored eight points in the second overtime of a 135-129 victory against the Detroit Pistons, then followed that up later in the week with a clutch three against the Oklahoma City Thunder to force overtime. James’ competitive spirit is just as strong as ever, and he puts it on display every time he takes the court.