Biggest Question Marks of  NA LCS 

As the first week of NA LCS came to a close, many experts cautioned fans that strong conclusions would be impossible to draw from such a small sample size. If we were to judge 2015 from week one, after all, Coast would look middle of the pack. They went 1-1 against Winterfox and Dignitas-- looking competitive in both games-- however, that would be Coast’s only win in their eventual plunge into auto-relegation. Some analysts have been digging for clues to some of the offseasons toughest questions. That being said, week one seemed to pose more questions than answers-- and we’re going to take a look at the most essential questions of the NA LCS.

How long will it take for TSM to gel?

TSM went 1-1 during their first week - Riot Games  

Not every super-team-- and I do consider the trio of Bjergsen, Doublelift and Yellowstar worthy of the title “super team”-- clicks from the get-go; just ask the 2010-11 Miami Heat. TSM lost their opening game against CLG, showing a noticeable lack of cohesion which was highlighted by CLG’s superior lane-swap and objective control. TSM followed up their defeat by narrowly avoiding an 0-2 start against TL. Liquid seemed to have an edge throughout, winning a number of early teamfights, however, TSM was able to capitalize on a sloppy lategame pursuit, ending the game with some help from two cleverly prepared Banner of Command-empowered minions.

It doesn’t help TSM’s case that they struggled against a TL squad fielding three rookies-- Lourlo, Matt and Dardoch-- who seemed to relish the opportunity of upsetting the offseason favorites.

Luckily for TSM, there will be plenty of time for their coaching staff and players to adapt to each other's playstyles. Interviews suggest that they are still ironing out their communication, and there is optimism that one of North America’s most tested organizations will be able to stumble their way through the early growing pains; they still managed to go 1-1 against two top 4 teams from 2015. TSM will be competing against tough competition, however, not facing off against the bottom-feeding Team Impulse until week 5.

TSM fans should feel good, nonetheless, considering the question posed is  WHEN their team will succeed, rather than IF.

Immortals or NRG?

Both NRG and IMT are undefeated - Riot Games

Of the seven new teams that joined the LCS in 2016, NRG and Immortals seemed to have the highest ceilings. Both funded by venture capital investments, IMT and NRG made a splash in free-agency by importing four high-caliber Korean talents.  IMT were able to reel in Fnatic’s Top-Jungle duo of Huni and Reignover, while NRG brought in former World Champion toplaner, Impact, and Jin Air’s midlaner, GBM.

Considering the high price tags on the LCS slots and players, many wondered how well these organizations would fare in the competitive climate when pitted against some of North America’s longstanding brands, such as TSM and Cloud9.

Heading into week 2, Immortals and NRG sit atop the LCS standings as the only undefeated teams. As stated before, this doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things- but the manner in which Immortals disposed of their opponents says a lot about their potential.

IMT disposed of the Hai-less Cloud9 in under 30 minutes while scoring 17 kills to C9’s 7. Reignover looked strong, but the most surprising performance belonged to Wildturtle- who managed an 11-1-4 statline with 267 cs. Wildturtle is considered the weakest link of Immortals, so it will be interesting to watch his play going forward.

In their second game, IMT made LCS history by completing a 16-0 perfect game in 18 minutes. Immortals managed to take every turret, while relinquishing zero to TIP. Although Impulse is by no means a competitive squad, Immortals still managed a feat never achieved in the brief history of the LCS.  

While Immortals started their season rolling on all cylinders, NRG was forced to comply with the ? rule for teams entering through the challenger team. Playing with Cris and Shrimp, GBM managed to carry NRG to a comeback win over Dignitas. GBM stole two barons as Viktor, and demonstrated his prowess as a late-game carry.

NRG debuted its starting roster against Renegades. The Renegades managed a strong early start, but Impact pulled out a dominating Fiora performance, leading his team to a strong 2-0 start. They showed a number of weaknesses, including a vulnerable bot laning phase. Impact and GBM stood out throughout, but Altec seemed more comfortable during late-game teamfights.

Immortals and NRG will face off during week two of the LCS; bragging rights between the LCS’s newest kids on the block will be at stake, and both teams will have the opportunity to establish their brand early on. Immortals will also open their week versus the aforementioned TSM squad, making this week a proving week for IMT. NRG will face the other new squad with basketball ties, Echo Fox, during day one.

Is Team Liquid Academy the better ‘Liquid’?

Dardoch had a strong performance against TSM - Riot Games

After a disappointing match against REN, TL made quick use of their 10-man roster by subbing in Dardoch and Matt. The rookies quickly made a strong impression, setting up a productive early-game versus TSM. TL had the control of the game for most of the game, but an overcommitment ultimately cost them the game.

Prior to the season, word spread that TLA had been performing well against the starting squad. After seeing Dardoch dominate in the challenger scene, it wasn’t too surprising to see such a strong performance  out of the rookie jungler against TSM. Matt also had a positive outing, possibly planting a seed of doubt in Liquid’s coaching staff.

TL will be tested by the 2015 Summer Split Champions, CLG, during week 2. The 10-man roster will likely in full effect- to the dismay of TL fantasy owners. Given the marginally better success in game two, Locodoco will have a lot to consider when picking the starting line-up.

IWillDominate will likely be given another chance at the starting role, but I wonder how much room he will be have- given the potential Dardoch possesses. Depth like this is not a negative, but if TLA qualifies for the LCS, it will be interesting to see which players the organization commits to, down the line.

How far can Freeze take the Renegades?

Freeze performed well in his NA LCS debut - Riot Games

The LA Renegades had a decent showing during week one. They managed to take down TL, despite sloppy play throughout the mid and late games. Freeze was the standout for the Renegades, totalling eleven kills in game one, backed up Alex Ich’s solid Orianna play.

The outlaws struggled to get anything done-- aside from a few early game power plays-- during game two against NRG. Impact was the beneficiary of a lane swap, and welcomed RF Legendary to professional play in a dominating fashion.

If the first two games are any barometer- the Renegades will rely on Freeze and Remi to control the pace of their games. Freeze showed he had massive carry potential in game one, but there was not much he could do against a rampaging Fiora.

The Renegades will have a weak schedule during the second week of LCS, as they look to take down Team Dignitas and Team Impulse. Freeze should have massive opportunities to snowball these games. If Freeze can dial up his consistency, REN may have some potential as a lower-seeded dark horse- further down the line.

Additional Questions

Will Dignitas be competitive in the NA LCS playoff race? Will Huhi and Stixxay make a name for themselves, considering the massive shoes they were asked to fill? Will Impulse manage to win a game in 2016? These questions and more will be answered in the coming weeks...

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