By Karin Abcarians (@KarinAbcarians)
On this week’s 50th episode of The Outlet Forum, hosts Chris Camello and Chaez Pearson discussed a few topics ranging from the continued struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers to Isiah Thomas’ never ending feud with Michael Jordan. The Lakers are currently 2-8. Russell Westbrook has been the one really nice positive, because he’s been playing great and adapted well to coming off the bench. Camello thinks it’s not looking good for the Lakers this season, even though it’s still too early to say the season is over. He also mentioned how they have no offensive identity just like last season.
One thing that has been brutal has been the Lakers and Anthony Davis having problems in the second half of games. While Westbrook has been playing well, Davis, although putting up excellent numbers, and LeBron James have been struggling. Pearson doesn’t think the Lakers would trade Davis or James. Camello thinks IF the Lakers were to trade Davis, it would be in the summer and not during the season.
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been suspended and has to complete a checklist of six objectives to be able to play again. He has to apologize and condemn the movie, $500K donation to anti-hate causes, sensitivity training, anti-semitic training, meet with ADL/Jewish leaders, and meet with Nets owner Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding. Was it too harsh? Will he go through each step? Pearson and Camello both made valid points with their opinions. Camello would take out sensitivity training and meeting with Tsai. Pearson thinks yes its Irving’s fault, but it also doesn’t absolve anyone else who has done missteps during this.
The guys decided to play a game of “Real or Fake” with the current state of a few NBA teams. Camello thinks the Utah Jazz might be the real deal, but in the long run they’ll be fake. Pearson thinks the Jazz will be a Play-In team. Camello thinks the Miami Heat are real, even though they’re off to a slow start. Pearson also thinks they’re real.
Camello thinks the Brooklyn Nets are fake. Pearson thinks, as long as Kevin Durant is healthy, they’re real. Camello thinks the Atlanta Hawks are real and a Play-In team. Pearson also thinks they’re real and they’ll be really fun in the playoffs. Camello thinks the Portland Trail Blazers are real and could see them as a top-5 team. Pearson thinks they’re real and will make the playoffs, but they’ll slip. Pearson thinks the Cleveland Cavaliers are FOR real. They could be a finals team and Camello thinks the Cavaliers could use someone like Jae Crowder.
The guys ended with the near 40 year beef between NBA legends Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan. Thomas has said he won’t apologize for calling MJ an asshole, until he gets an apology for how he was talked about and portrayed in “The Last Dance” documentary. Will they ever squash this beef?
*FOR FULL PODCAST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW!*
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outlet-forum/id1595755593
1:09 – 21:04: Who’s to blame for the Lakers endless struggles this season?
21:05 – 33:27: Was the checklist for Irving to get back on the court excessive?
36:16 – 47:12: Which teams’ success or struggles are real and which are fake?
47:21 – 52:44: Why Isiah continues to be mad at Jordan?
Social Media posts of the week:
CHRIS:
CHAEZ:
*For the full podcast, be sure to download and follow The Outlet Forum Podcast on all major streaming platforms such as: Spotify, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.
