The LA Lakers And The Nets Are Suddenly Giving Reasons To Be Optimistic

The Nets and Lakers both got off to ugly starts to the season. The Nets fired Steve Nash, suspended Kyrie, and were implementing Ben Simmons who hadn’t played in over a year. The Lakers struggled to hit open looks, dealt with injury concerns, and had questions about their roster’s construction.

Somehow, both teams are playing well enough to give reasons to be optimistic. While both teams have a long way to go to being title contenders, there both should confidently be in the play-in conversation now.

Anthony Davis has taken his play to another level, propelling the Lakers to an 8-2 record in the last 10 games. He is coming off a 55-point outburst against the Wizards. The Lakers got LeBron James back from injury and Russell Westbrook is thriving in his bench role. Things seem to be finally clicking in Los Angeles.

In Brooklyn, The Nets are getting MVP-level play from Kevin Durant. Kyrie Irving is back and providing a scoring punch. Ben Simmons has shown signs of regaining his confidence. The Nets have shooters surrounding those three and seem to be finding a formula for success. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Before the start of last season, both the Nets and Lakers were in the title conversation. Fast forward to now and a lot has changed for both teams. Still, they find themselves stringing together wins and playing competitive basketball. It remains to be seen where both teams end up, but there is reason to be cautiously optimistic.