Caustic

I didn't want to say anything after the 37 and 12 because I think its just because its the beginning of the season. Harden is the first option now instead of a 6th man. Teams will key in on him, scouting reports will get detailed, his numbers will drop. Not saying he isn't a beast, but he could sort of fly under the radar in OKC because there were two other massive threats to deal with. But its also what made OKC deadly, after Durant and Westbrook were off the court, you had a replacement that is nearly as good, and can probably carry a team on his own. There was no let up on offensive pace. OKC trading Harden makes their return trip back to the Finals a harder road, and it simultaneously puts the Lakers in a better position to run them off that road.

It will be interesting to see where Harden is mid season.

Mike Brown is a terrible coach. LeBron carried him for years. All that talent on the Lakers can overwhelm many coaches. I think Brown may be in over his head.