Tuesday night’s game against the Suns really was a fun contest. The Lakers, as they did against the Jazz a couple of nights earlier, made a very nice push in the 2nd half to seize the lead. They looked as though they would even pull out the win. But then Wes Johnson missed two free throws, the Lakers couldn’t secure an offensive rebound, Isaiah Thomas hit a shot to send the game into overtime, and a loss ensued.
Even with that loss, though, there were some good things on display. Jeremy Lin made his return and was a key contributor to that second half run that turned a deficit into a lead. At one point he scored seven straight points and remained aggressive for the entirety of his stint, looking confident and effective throughout.
And then, of course, there was Kobe.
http://youtu.be/e6_tVwK8eSE
After starting out slowly, Kobe caught fire in the 2nd half and, along with Lin, was a key player in the turnaround and a monster in the closing minutes. Kobe hit tying and go ahead shots down the stretch, each more difficult than the last. He showed a nice bounce to his step and good lift on his shot even though he was approaching and surpassing the 30 minute mark on the evening. When he subbed out with a couple of minutes remaining in the overtime, he still looked fresh enough to close out the game, but that wasn’t in the coach’s plans.
All in all, then, not a bad showing for a loss. After the game Byron Scott told his players and the assembled media that they “are close” to being the team he wants, with only a need to cut out some of the little mistakes they are making to get even better. While Scott is right — this team is playing better — we must also remember that these performances have come against team’s resting players down the stretch and in preseason games where game plans are simplified. You could counter that the Lakers are down players too and you’d be right. The overall point remains, though. The Lakers are making strides but other teams are still out ahead of them. No shame in that; this team is competing.
Which brings us to tonight. The Blazers are on the docket and bring with them an up and coming team who is gearing to build on last season’s success. Those Blazers surprised the masses by coming out of the gate on fire and then countering a (slight) second half fade to knock off the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge anchor this team, but Nic Batum and Wes Matthews also bring strong production to help buoy their all-star duo. With Robin Lopez anchoring the the defensive paint, Thomas Robinson, Will Barton, and CJ McCollum bringing youth and energy, and former Lakers Chris Kaman and Steve Blake bringing some veteran reinforcements this team may have a deep run in them.
In other words, they will be a load for the Lakers tonight. Especially a Lakers’ team with tired legs playing in their first back to back this preseason. In saying that, here are a few things I will be interested in:
*How does Kobe do against Wes Matthews and Nic Batum? Matthews is a stout defender who does particularly well against post up guards. Batum is long, quick, and has good instincts and does well against nearly everyone. Kobe will have his hands full facing either of these two and it will be interesting to see if he can carry over his strong 2nd half versus the Suns to this game.
*How many minutes will Lin play? After the game, Byron Scott had some interesting comments to say about Lin’s playing time — notably that part of the reason he played so much down the stretch was to “give Ronnie (Price)” some rest while also stating that it would not be a given that Lin will close games. Tonight, Lin will once again start the game as the reserve point guard in favor of Price. At some point you’d have to imagine that Scott will play the better guy more minutes and actually let him start and finish games. Hopefully that point comes soon.
*More Beebop and Rocksteady, please. If you didn’t know, this is my nickname for the Randle/Davis frontcourt pairing. While it’s a small sample, these two seem to complement each other quite well on both sides of the floor. I also do not think it’s a coincidence that the team is making their 2nd half runs when this duo is on the court. I’d like to see them play more than they are. Tonight, against a very good front line would be a nice time to see if they can hold their own as the competition improves.
Where you can watch: 7:00pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM.
Thomas Rickard says
I won’t be surprised if Davis eventually becomes starter along with Lin, maybe even see Kobe slide to sf when Clarkson gets back while we wait for Swaggy
agree says
Excellent summary, thanks for the articles I really enjoy your site. I agree with your ‘eyebrow raised’ moment in regards to Lin. Hopefully its just something out of nothing. Price is a solid back-up but he was the 3rd stringer until Nash’s back went again. Lin needs to be on the floor 34mins a game this year.
If the Lakers can be scrappy and hang with teams it will be fun to watch. It’s a big odd with the Lakers being extreme underdogs after decades of being a mostly dominant team.
I’m not quite sold on Randle, but do think he should get more playing time for developments sake at least and to speed up the line-up a bit. I think tonight is an Espn radio night for me. Let’s go Lakers!
BigCitySid says
So pertaining to the GM voting on modifying the draft…which way do you think Mitch voted? For or against modification?
Aaron says
That Mitch vote would be very interesting. If it was a secret vote he def would vote against it.
Aaron says
Btw… The only thing revealing in that Abbott piece that we didn’t know before was that the Lakers didn’t want Nash over Sessions. My only complaint of the FO over the years was letting Phil and Kobe let Fisher start at PG and picking Nash over Ramon. Well apperently they made the Nash trade because Ramon didn’t want to play with Kobe.
gene says
Kobe will shoot us out of more games then not this season IMO….He is getting more shots blocked too…Kobe is going to need to pass quickly out of the double team then force shots this season.I don’t see him shooting better then 42% and he will have less Free Throws….Lin/Davis/Hill looked good last night.Young will help a lot when he comes back….
mud says
first, Ramon Sessions chose a 3 year deal over a 1 year deal with the Lakers. second, he’s not that great. Kobe was not a major factor and i don’t even care if he was.
the Lakers voted for the modifications is what i heard…
mindcrime says
“Eyebrow raised” indeed. It’s only a one-game sample size, but last night the “eye test” and the plus-minus stats were in harmony. Price -19, Lin +12. Teams have zero respect for Price’s offensive game, his “grittiness” and “willingness” on the other end aside. It was also telling that Kobe frequently deferred to Lin in bringing the ball up and initiating the offensive sets in crunch time, even if Kobe ended up taking the shots. Hopefully Lin’s minutes will gradually increase to 28-32 and Price’s will drop below 20.
I’d also like to see Randle’s and Boozer’s minutes get a little closer to 50-50 in distribution too, but I can’t deny Boozer stepped up when Kobe left the game because of the PT limit.
dxmanners says
I would sure take a look at Hahseem Thabeet, just cut by the Pistons. He’s no star, that’s for sure, but he’s 7’3″, and at least would give the Lakers some presence in the middle for 15-20 minutes, maybe end the layup line a bit, block a shot or two.
dxmanners says
I know those YouTube highlight reels can be deceiving, but the guy isn’t a total stiff around the basket. Has to be better than Sacre. He keeps getting cut, maybe he’s a headcase, but at this point it would be nice to have somebody (ANYBODY) who can defend the rim.
mud says
Price’s main strength is his aggression, especially on defense. Price looked like he couldn’t generate quite enough energy. since neither Lin nor Price can be expected to bring a superior effort every night, it makes sense to just ride the hot hand, especially so early in the year. i think that Scott just doesn’t want to concede anything yet.
Oldtimer says
Rumors from Bresnahan Tweet says that Kobe will not play last two preseason games to rest him for the opener. Hill is a game time decision due to cervical strain. Not good for entertainment when you have too many missing pieces not playing, It is a challenge to the remaining players but could also risk injuries for extended playing time.
Aside from Hasheem Thabeet being waived, our former Earl “the pearl” Clark was also cut by the Grizzlies. IMO, Earl Clark is better than Jabari Brown or Roscoe Smith. He could help in supplementing defense/offense on the post since our roster have full of uncertainties from: Hill, Kelly, Xavier and D’League’d Sacre.
Craig W. says
We have 14 players with $74,458,465 in guaranteed monies in 2014 – I think Lin only counts $8M and not his $14M salary, however. Unless it is a real gift – read Ed Davis – I very much doubt the Lakers will be picking up any additional contracts, regardless how much any blogger would like to see a particular player on the roster.
KO says
So far the past few games Lin and Davis are best guys on court.
Gee here is a thought.
Start you best players?
Craig W. says
I think the starting job is Lin’s to lose, but I think Hill will start. However, if Davis continues to be the best big man – hands down – and continues his simpatico work with Lin, I don’t see how he doesn’t start after about a month into the season.
dxmanners says
Antawn Jamison now part of TWC broadcast team? Oh lord, he’s terrible….
Percy says
So Randle can make jumpers? Am I hallucinating or a sign of a budding confidence in his jumper? He has promise but we shall see if he pans out within 3-4 years.
pat oslon says
Both teams rested important players but Julius Randle looked really well, played with confidence and is expanding his game.
Roscoe “Chicken & Waffles” Smith may have earned himself a spot on the LA Defenders roster.
Aaron says
If we want a bottom two record Scott needs to limit the minutes of Randle and Clarkson. Those guys if playing starters minutes will win us too many games. But I trust Scott to keep them on the bench.
mud says
quoth Popeye-“wrong is wrong, even if it helps ye”.
win games Lakers! all good things come from the winning and the striving to win. the future will take care of itself if you are ready for it when it comes. you can’t get into the habit of winning by losing. learn to win. while it takes talent to win, just being talented doesn’t make you a winner. i’d rather have a team of the best winners than a team of the best talent. winning can be taught.
Brian says
A good win!
I couldn’t help but be pleased with how Myers Leonard played for the Blazers. He had developed slowly and didn’t show much in his first two years. When Portland signed Kaman he became their third string center.
I was hoping that due to the Lakers shortage of height that Mitch might inquire about him. I thought he would begin to hit his stride about the same time that we would be able to once again fill out our roster with talent. Nice to see the kid have a good game. Still would like to see him as a Laker.
Chris J says
Henry Abbott’s Kobe-hate is borderline psychotic. The ESPN piece had more unnamed sources and unattributed comments than I’ve ever seen in a usually credible publication, and the fact that the editors there let that go says they care more about clicks and sales than journalism.
Yes, Kobe’s hard to play with. But to suggest his attitude is the driving factor in the Lakers’ recent downturn is beyond comical — to omit any suggestion that the new CBA, the Veto, Dr. Buss’s death and some just plain bad moves (two first-rounders and two second-round picks for a 39-year-old guard?), the poor Jim/Jeanie dynamic, and aging roster, among other factors somehow weren’t part of the problem, that’s just irresponsible hackery. Abbott’s a douche.
karen says
Jamison was not very good. Can’t see him improving. Oh my
Craig W. says
…and you expected a professional athlete to hit the ground running the first day on his new announcing job? Man, if you were to switch places and we all critiqued you, you would be a babbling idiot by the end of the first night. That’s why they say comics have to have the toughest hide.
rr says
Both teams rested important players
—
4 of Portland’s five starters didn’t play at all, and Lillard only went 17 minutes. That is not quite the same as how Scott ran his personnel tonight.
rr says
Price’s main strength is his aggression, especially on defense.
—
Price is 31 years old, and has a long track record of replacement-level performance or below. He has hung around because he does play hard and is good locker room guy but there is no point at all in having him on a team like this. If he makes the team and plays a lot, that would actually be a piece of evidence–the first and only piece of evidence–that Aaron might actually be right.
The Dane says
@karen
He will be fine. Think about Reggie Miller, he is quite alright now, he was terrible when he first started out. I muted games when he was on.
lil pau says
Aaron, please, enough. We all know you think the Lakers are crypto-tanking.. we got it, okay? Looking forward, if any of us see any indications that your theory may actually hold water, I promise we will give you due credit…. but please, no more piling on to your own argument.
What I don’t understand is, if this is what you sincerely believe the lakers are up to (and I often question your connection to reality but never your sincerity), how can you actually watch the games? What could be more demoralizing than watching a team you love commit a kind of (short-term) suicide, resting its best players and deliberately (according to you) structuring its offense around low percentage shots? I wouldn’t spend 10 seconds of my life engaging with a team engaged in those kind of low-rent shenanagans, even if I thought it was in their long term best interests to do so. Or are you like the conspiracy theorist who must scrutinize every line in every article in every newspaper to find the hidden patterns that prove your idea is correct? Or is this sort of like the Mel Brooks movie the Producers– the pleasure is in watching the trainwreck informed by the self-congratulation that comes from beleiving that you are among the few who really understands what is going on?
This Lakers team isn’t going to be very good, but there’s a sincere pleasure for me in watching (hopefully) the first threads being woven that will be chapter one (or the prequel at least) of the next great lakers team. Is that Randle? Is that Davis? Is that the reclamation of Price or Wes? All that, and Kobe too? It makes me feel fortunate, indeed. Pau/Kobe hammering it to Boston wouldn’t have been as sweet without enduring the nadir of Smush and Radman, so even the bad times, for me, are just a springboard for the next great times. Go Lakers!
Leo says
I listened to the Jeannie Buss interview on Collin Cowherd this morning. While she is sincere in her answers- they honestly didn’t give me confidence about the near term direction of the team. Some thoughts:
1. Cowherd pressed her on the Kobe extension. She said that she wasn’t involved with the negotiations that she didn’t really want to comment on it because it would step on Jim’s toes. When asked about the timing of the extension, she indicated that the team wanted to show confidence in Kobe making a full recovery (from the Achilles) and also there was concern that Kobe may sign elsewhere if he reached free agency. I was speechless at her response. She has said elsewhere that Jim reports to her — yet she has no idea of what Jim is doing with critical issues that impact the health of the franchise? Regarding Kobe signing elsewhere; in this new hard cap environment was this really a concern. I got the sense that she was spinning this issue as best as she could.
2. Jeannine said that if they did not give Kobe the money who would they have given it to? Well they did try to woo Lebron and Melo and I don’t believe they had the space to give out two max contracts. Not saying those two would have come but if Kobe was on the books for less the Lakers could have made the math work. Or, if they had more space they could have offered max deals to Bledsoe, Monroe and added Stephenson as well.
3. Cowherd said that the Lakers have the talent to win 25 games and that is the result of having spent so much of the cap on Kobe. Jeannie said that she doesn’t know basketball, identifying talent, or anything about offenses and defenses. Yikes! Jeannie’s been working full time for the Lakers for what 30 years and she knows nothing about the basketball side of things? Yet, she trusts her brother, who for most of his Laker career has been an employee in name only and has about 1% of the passion and commitment to be in charge of personnel and talent acquisition.
4. When asked about Phil taking the Knicks job she said that she went to Jim to see if there was a place for Phil. Jim told her there was no room, not for Phil or anyone, that he and Mitch have it covered. I wasn’t surprised by Jim’s response — I’m not sure that Phil was a good fit for the Lakers as he’s manipulative and can rub people the wrong way (see Jerry West). What struck me as odd was that Jim said there was no room for anyone. Jeannie, as Jim’s boss, should know his strengths and weaknesses and if she felt that Jim needed another smart person at the table she has every right to bring that person in.
My feeling is that the Lakers lack one person who has a true understanding of the whole picture. Jeannie says the buck stops with her yet all of her answers revealed that the team is very compartmentalized with her being responsible for the business side and Jim the basketball operations side. I don’t believe this is a sound business model. There are so many critical areas that the Lakers seem to be trailing the rest of the league: analytics, medical/training and scouting. Shouldn’t someone assess these weaknesses and make the necessary adjustments? Maybe she’s trying to honor Dr. Buss’s wish and give Jim enough time and rope to do it right or not. Let’s hope that what she is saying between the lines because the alternative is that the Lakers are truly dysfunctional.
KenOak says
@Chris J- Preachin’ truth last night! Well said man.
TheNumberOfFlopsIsTooDamnHigh says
Sure feels good to watch the team get a win!
I’ll take it, with warts and all else that’s ugly be damned.
KO: Gee here is a thought. Start your best players?
Lol, exactly my thoughts, but I kinda attribute the exact same thought
to the worst coach I’ve ever seen, D’Antoni…
since I’m still glad he is gone, and its still pre-season, my judgement is still overly optimistic, so I’m still trying to give Byron Scott the benefit of the doubt.
I don’t think he is a huge upgrade btw, but I’ll give the man a chance to prove me wrong.
Aaron: this is the best board on a basketball blog, hands down. Please don’t ruin it for everyone. I get it, you are convinced the FO want’s to tank, and I appreciate you making a point, whether I agree or not. But you don’t have to try to convince everyone else, and keep hammering it home with every post, it gets old. We all saw your posts and got the point you made, now lets move on.
And yes, Lin and Davis are the best players on the floor right now, and if Randle can continue to improve on his jumper and become consist with his focus and effort, that’s a pretty good foundation to build on going forward. Clarkson has great potential, too.
What was so terrible about Jamison on TWC? Personally, I think he wasn’t as cringe worthy as Dave Miller, whose watered down kindergarten-basketball-motivational-speak-analysis feels like it’s making my brain shrink.
Chearn says
Starting the Lakers rookies! No! Not on a Los Angeles Lakers team. One exceptional rookie started and led the team to a championship; no such individual is on the current Lakers team. If the Lakers want to be the vaunted Lakers then, we have to act like a class act team that does not play rookies and does not tank. Organizations that follow that model reside in Oklahoma, Portland, Phoenix, New Orleans, Cleveland, etc. So either the Lakers enterprise is superior to those entities or they are on par with them. Which organization are the Lakers? I for one lean toward the class act organization.
Buss constructed Lakers dynasties by being a leader and not a follower.
Vasheed says
Randle – Aldridge didn’t play so this was a disappointment for me.
Price – I’d like to see more Clarkson/Lin. I would hope if Price were retained he would become the in case of emergency only 4th PG.
Sacre – I think he gets bagged on way too much. For a 3rd string Center he is actually not a bad player.
Ellignton – Similair to Price comments.
Lin – Would become a steal of a player if he becomes less prone to coughing up the ball.
Thabeet has come up in earlier posts. Fans keep pointing to guys like this to get a shot blocker. I think this need may eventually be answered by a trade down the line. The Lakers have a glut of PF’s.
Kenny T says
Jeannie Buss was a guest on ESPN’s “First Take” today. The hosts put her feet to the fire with some tough questions. She seemed a little nervous, but was very clear about her position on a number of issues.
Among other things, Ms. Buss said that the decision to hire MD’A was driven by the front office (Jim Buss) and sanctioned by her father, the late Dr. She said she would have preferred re-hiring Phil Jackson, but that the feeling in the organization at the time was that the Lakers had assembled championship level talent with Dwight Howard and Nash to go along with their incumbent stars Kobe & Pau and that all concerned felt that D’Antoni would do a good job.
She went on to say that DHoward was a good player for the Lakers who came back from back surgery too soon. Also, that losing him in free agency had more to do with his dissatisfaction with the way he was used by Mike D’Antoni than any issues that Dwight allegedly had with Kobe.
Jeannie strongly refuted Henry Abbott’s recent article concerning one Kobe Bryant. She said that Kobe is “worth every penny” he is being paid and that he is healthy and that the organization expects him to have a great season on and off the court. She cited Kobe as a mentor to the entire team, particularly rookies Clarkson and Randle. Ms. Buss went on to say that the anonymous Laker sources quoted in Abbott’s article who supposedly trashed KB would be sought out and if discovered, would be promptly fired.
Jeannie went on to say that her brother’s self imposed timetable for his leading the team to success is in year one. Ms. Buss made it clear that she is in charge and that if her brother is unsuccessful, she would replace him. Jeannie also said she expects the team to make the playoffs this season.
I’m sure replays are out there for those that are interested.
mud says
Price is a guy that is very dependable in his role. he’s certainly not a star, but he’s not a bad player at all. the coaches and other players seem to like him on the court and if nothing else, he’s worlds better than the backup point guards that have played the last couple of years. yes, i prefer him to Farmar, even though Price has less offense. he will help the team whether he plays a lot or a little, and the Lakers desperately need players like that. of course he’s just another cog, not the engine and Lin is much better at running the team. i don’t mind Price starting right now.
there will be plenty of time for wet blankets if the team becomes a complete failure, but right now at this very moment, they’re not moving in the fail direction.
Todd says
Leo: My feeling is that the Lakers lack one person who has a true understanding of the whole picture. Jeannie says the buck stops with her yet all of her answers revealed that the team is very compartmentalized with her being responsible for the business side and Jim the basketball operations side. I don’t believe this is a sound business model…Maybe she’s trying to honor Dr. Buss’s wish and give Jim enough time and rope to do it right or not. Let’s hope that what she is saying between the lines because the alternative is that the Lakers are truly dysfunctional.
___
Bingo. Dr. Buss was that one person who saw the big picture and made sure that all aspects of the organization moved forward in unison. Without him the Lakers have missed a singular vision and sound leadership.
I heard the interview and Jeannie was trying to be diplomatic – almost as if she had sat down with a PR person and rehearsed answers that wouldn’t reveal internal controversy between her and Jim. However, when her responses are analyzed they can only lead to the fact that things don’t run smoothly at Lakers HQ.
rr says
mud,
How many times have you seen Price play, in a regular season game, in extended minutes? What specifically do you think he does to help a team, in terms of on-court skillset? You may “like what you see” and, again, Price plays hard and gets along with people–that’s why he’s still in the league. But his only semi-plus skill for an NBA PG is that he gets a few steals.
If Nash can’t go, then Scott should just play Lin 30 minutes and Clarkson 20.
Craig W. says
Leo,
For those that think the Laker organization needs to change yesterday, like Colin Cowherd, there is nothing Jeannie Buss could have said that would have satisfied them. To glom onto that interview as proof that the Lakers are wrong in their approach only proves that you think opinion is fact.
I am known to be a supporter of the current front office and that is my bias. However, constantly changing direction is not an indication of progress – see recent coaching changes for evidence this doesn’t stabilize the fan base. Fans want things fixed today and success in the hour after the fix. Teams don’t work that way and the occasional success only emphasizes the rule that to build you have to lay a foundation. The Lakers are laying a foundation, while keeping Kobe to continue to sell tickets and draw TV eyeballs. Is that such a hard concept to grasp? From a purely basketball perspective it can be criticized, but from a basketball-business viewpoint it is a sound strategy.
rr says
Leo,
Good post, but as Kenny T notes, and as I and others have said a few times, IMO the Jim Buss issue now revolves around his self-imposed timetable, and that is particularly true if his sister is aware of it and is mentioning it on ESPN.
Certainly, people should continue to give their opinions on him if they want to; one of the more tiresome memes on this site is posters telling other people what to talk about. But whatever one thinks of Buss, he made the parameters very clear, in his own words: Conference-finals-level team in 3-4 years, or he is stepping down.
Baylor Fan says
The Kobe hit piece continues to roil simply because he is a very compelling figure. It is unheard of for someone with the minutes he has played to come back from a severe injury and play like nothing happened. There has not been a player with his desire and ability ever. Scott is incredibly lucky that his best player is also the hardest working player on the team. Kobe leads by example.
So far the current Laker paradigm of signing two all-stars to go with Kobe has not worked. There have been two healthy players that they had a chance to get. One by the vetoed trade and one who went home to Cleveland. The rest of the players might have helped them get to the playoffs but would not have made them favorites to advance to the finals. One can question the vision but it certainly should not be blamed on Kobe. It looks more like agents are trying to bully the Lakers into max contracts for players who do not deserve them.
Leo says
rr: It just irritates me that the we have to endure potentially four more years of under performance before changes can be made. But I guess I should take consolation in the fact that Jeannie is going to hold Jim accountable to his self proclaimed timetable.
The other troubling part of this is that things didn’t have to play out this way. The Lakers have had numerous chances to improve their lot and aside from the Veto all of the wounds are self inflicted.
Its been mentioned previously, Kobe contract ends right at the time the cap is expected to rise significantly. The Lakers have a chance to get well in a hurry if they play their cards correctly. While I can’t promise to never bring up my frustration with Jim Buss, I will try and let things play out.
Oldtimer says
How would you predict the FA’s roster applicants? I think Price and Ellington are a sure deal, that completes the 15 players. However, Xavier and Young are still on the injury list so maybe they might offer a 10 day stay for Roscoe Smith although Mitch always reserve one free slot. Based on yesterday’s performance, Roscoe was impressive in rebound, defense and post presence. Sacre also put up a good game tho’ he has problems with foot speed and careless TO’s. When and if Sacre and Randle have perfected their games, I think Lakers will make it deep in the playoffs. You need big men to execute the defense requirements of Scott because you have to rely on post players to halt slippery PG’s attacks on the rim. Lakers were fortunate enough when they opted for Kobe in 1995 transition or else those five Championships might not have happened. So those Kobe haters don’t really hate the player but they hate team or shall we say, “jealoused” at the Lakers presence in Championships. Why will you not hate the Lakers, when they come into your city, you see those wearing purple and gold avid fans going against the home team? And in 2014, Spurs are the Champs, Lebron, Melo, Dwight, Durant, George should be on the limelight yet basketball sites could not resist discussing the Lakers whether it is about dysfunctional Buss Children vs. Phil or Kobe as the 40th in ranking. Ratings are down when Lakers and Celtics are not involved in the season, ESPN wants them to be competitive. Supposing Chicky baby was alive today and at his prime, maybe nobody would even listen to ESPN columnists or sportscasters. We lived in a special city where we have lots of choices compared to MidWest teams where Cavaliers or Pacers are the only game in town. In fact, LA taxpayers resisted an NFL team for 20 years, giving advantage of no TV black outs during Sunday games. Today, the news is changing, NFL is on the exploratory of putting up or bringing a team here next season, Rams and Raiders would like to come back. Therefore, my point on Abbott’s article, ESPN gave him the blessing to critique on Kobe who I believe is just the catalyst to obtain ratings, his real target is to dis the glamour team to get attention.
BigCitySid says
After seeing Jeanie Buss on 1st Take I feel my less than optimistic view of the Laker front office is warranted…and I heard nothing to help me think better decisions from the front office is forth coming. 🙁
Aaron says
The Lakers FO has done nothing to hurt the Lakers chances of a championship. They have made great moves and positioned themselves exactly where they need to be going forward.
They made the trade for CP3 that probably would have resulted in a couple more championships. Not because of CP3 a tiny PG but because they would have been able to trade for Dwight Howard a year earlier before the Magic misdiagnosed a back spasm that resulted in a career altering surgery for the once MVP center.
If Dwight is playing with CP3 Kobe doesn’t have to play 48 minutes a night resulting in his career altering injury.
Even if CP3 and Dwight no longer wanted to play with Kobe the Lakers would this time agree to Dwight’s demands to reel in Kobe or let him walk via FA just as they did for Kobe pushing Shaq out the door.
Unfortunately the trade was illegally struck down and Dwight’s Magic doctors told him to play through his “back spasms” resulting in a career altering back surgery. The Lakers knew Dwight was now a borderline all star center instead of the game changing dominant big man he was before. They didn’t want to be stuck on the second round treadmill so they chose not to meet his demands and basically let him walk. This was the right decision.
It was time to rebuild. A three year rebuild before Kobe’s contract came off the books was a no brainer. Pock up three high lottery picks while Kobe puts butts in the seats. Duh.
The only move the Lakers have made in the last ten years (since Jim Buss took a bigger role) that I didn’t agree with was the trade for Nash. And as we just found out through an inside sourse the team actually wanted to keep Sessions. But Ramon didn’t want to play off the ball. The Lakers had no choice but to roll the dice.
Criticizing the FO is fine. I’m all for it. But this FO has been nearly perfect. As long as you look at their performance in the prism of championship glory. If your goal is only championships the FO has done everything correctly. We are positioned perfectly to land three star players in 2016 if we don’t strike out in the draft. The Lakers might see only two big time all stars on the market in 2016. They might even wait till 2017 to land all three max free agents. But another championship is coming soon. And it’s because the Lakers FO is patient and isn’t going to throw great money after good players. They have a history of waiting. Waiting to throw great money after real game changing superstar players.
TheNumberOfFlopsIsTooDamnHigh says
Dear Jeannie Buss,
I for one think you have been doing a great job in terms of making business decisions for the Lakers organization. I also find it refreshing and like the fact that you are honest, admitting you don’t understand the basketball aspect much and therefore don’t want to mess with that side of the equation. Nothing wrong with that, that’s why a successful basketball franchise (like any other successful business) has different people with different backgrounds concentrating on different areas of operations.
There is, however one little detail that I would like to point out, where you are currently in error: Jim’s self imposed time table is not in year one.
The great Jerry Buss passed away on Feb.18th in 2013, and no one would argue that even during the last 6 months of his life he was not running the day to day operations anymore.
That means that Jim’s clock started ticking sometime in the summer of 2012.
Which means that his self imposed time frame is in year 3, and his expiration date at the rudder (if the lakers are not competing for a conference title at least) is either in the summer of 2015 (taking the lower number of his statement to quit within 3 to 4 years) or the summer of 2016.
Respectfully,
Just one Lakers fan (probably speaking for every Lakers fan)
mud says
how many times have i seen Price?
enough times. he made plenty of trouble for the Lakers a few years ago when both Utah and the Lakers were in contention. that doesn’t matter though. NEVER did i claim he’s a great of the court. take your unhappiness out on another subject. Price is fine as a roster filler and he’s the kind of player who is likely to do something good if he has a chance and isn’t expected to do too much more than defend and hit a few open shots. is that ok?
Oldtimer says
Leo,
Here is the irony, Lakers were willing to go over the luxury cap if Dwight opted to re-sign in 2013 or Melo went for the Lakers last July. Yet, I could not understand why they did not chase hard on the second group of players who would put the team into contention like Stephenson, Ariza, Bledsoe and Monroe? Well, we have a chance with our promising roster today and changing paradigm on Scott coaching too, but Lakers need proven players as well rather than going for a long and tedious experimental roster. Of course, Jimbo’s lawyers in the blog believe in rebuild and setting foundation, I believe most Laker fans are impatient in using their team as an experiment like what we experienced in the last three seasons under Brownie and Dantoni or before Kobe’s rant in 2007 with Kwame, Smush, Luke and Cook. It is a waste of money and time to be entertained by incompetent individuals. Well, we still have the good doctor then to intervene, got Ariza, Fisher and Gasol which later propelled the Lakers to two more Championships. If Lakers will wallow in the 10th or 11th in the WC, It is just a waste of time for baby boomer fans who have withstood the test of time in following the Lakers, that they would be satisfied to watch a season of a so-so team vying only for high draft picks every July. After all, these fans pay the price so why not give them the full entertainment?
Chris J says
“… Dave Miller, whose watered down kindergarten-basketball-motivational-speak-analysis feels like it’s making my brain shrink.”
Best line of the day.
Agree says
I don’t understand the whole “tanking is good for rebuilding strategy”. How many years will Philly and the timberwolves have to “tank” and college high draft choices to be true contenders? A long time. Even though the Wolves have crazy talent now, its still going to be awhile, and may not happen at all. The draft is just such a crap shoot. The Lakers as they stand now are filled with first round draftees. Sure its nice to lock in a young talent on the relative cheap for 3-4 years, but too many of these guys just become decent players–but nothing more.
I’m much more of a fan of getting young vets with talent and spending money on them in a smart fashion. Plus as oldtimer points out, we want to be entertained. For me that just means being competitive, a chance to win games and nip at the playoffs at least. Waiting until 2017 etc is just crazy. Free agents will likely get max contracts from tons of teams now adays, especially with the cap rising in the next few years. From what I can tell most of the best players are almost always Vets with a few years under their belt, and they typically leave to WIN, and they still get paid max or close to it anyway. Even Anthony Davis is taking awhile to become a superstar caliber guy and he has the talent/physical tools almost no one ever has.
david h says
darius: in case you might be thinking this:
what Jeannie Buss forgot to say and today’s gauntlet of espn hosts forgot to ask, as keeper of the purse strings for the laker organization, it was her idea and approval to pay what she said in her own words: Kobe Bryant is worth every penny. that’s a lot of pennies. now a statue made of copper; hmmmmm?? way, way too early to consider what will eventually be a reality someday. not today.
now on the subject of three to four years. which is it? three years? four years? three and a half years? three and three quarter years? I’m like a few of us here, irritated by the wait. swift kick in the pants would be the result from dad whenever my reply was, in five to ten minutes dad. all in due time of course, but I for one would like to have laker management have an out clause: if things continue to improve during this next, ahem, three to four year kick in the pants period, then all bets should be off. conversely, if little or no improvement at say the ambigious mid point, then a kick in the pants should suffice. gone too far??
getting back to Jeannie Buss; still looks good as ever. props for wearing the pants for the laker’s organization.
Go lakers
T. Rogers says
I’m not sure Jeanie’s comments have really helped much. I think they show even more that her and Jim really don’t communicate with each other. That is not a good thing for us Laker fans.
Also, I would love for her to out the “source close to the team’s decision making” who made the comments about Kobe in Abbott’s piece. If you are part of the Laker organization and want to take shots at the only person keeping the team from being totally irrelevant at least put your name on it.
always a triangle fan says
there was no good reason to dignify that toilet paper scribble. it just gives the story legs and jeannie’s answers only reinforce that all is still not right in the organization.
She was going to get nailed appearing on any show. It’s very hard to respond to anonymous sources. And I don’t think a “source close to the team’s decision making” is someone who works for the lakers.
And by assuming that it’s someone in the laker org, it just creates more drama at a place that’s had enough.
For all we know, the source could have been D’Antoni, his agent, Mike Brown, his agent. It could be the cleaning crew that happened to hear someone bitch about kobe (which probably happens a lot).
It looks like to me that ESPN didn’t have any better drama to dredge up. Abbott admitted to cowherd (what a loser party that was!) that the story was finished over the summer. i guess espn thought the start of the season was a better news peg.
i’d be very surprised if junior steps down according to his timetable. that’s putting your eggs in a very flimsy basket. does anyone think he will just walk off into the sunset? and then what happens?
The last 3 years did not have to go this way. I’m hoping the next 3 will be better, but it will be very, very tough. Now that PJ is out of the picture, they can focus on what needs to be done and do it together. Or better yet, just let Mitch handle the basketball side and they can sort out the rest.
mud says
i love what Jeanie said.
really, ESPN should be ashamed that they published an article like that. they should also be ashamed that their local coverage includes people who would defend such bad journalism full of so many untruths and misdirections. the only thing valid about Abbott’s piece is that Kobe is a guy that might be hard to deal with. if you’re lazy or just collecting a paycheck, yes, Kobe would be a jerk to be on a team with. funny how the rookies and lesser players who want to improve all speak well of Kobe.
rr says
NEVER did i claim he’s a great of the court. take your unhappiness out on another subject.
—
Didn’t say that you did and I am not unhappy at all. I just asked what, specifically, that you think he does that makes him, at age 31 with the track record that he has, worth a roster spot and PT.
mud says
rr-because he plays hard and can keep the opposing pg in front of him. this is why at age 31, he still has a job. he’s not a bad player. he’s not especially good, but he can be depended on to do his job with full effort. that’s better than a more talented guy who tries when he feels like it…
rr says
rr-because he plays hard and can keep the opposing pg in front of him
—
That is pretty much the definition of replacement level. Price is not as good as either Blake or Farmar. If Nash can’t go, then using Price as the 3rd PG/veteran guy to work Clarkson in practice might be somewhat defensible. But they could find a younger guy who could do the same things and might improve a little. Basically, Clarkson needs reps. So, if they keep him, he should get some burn, and playing Price a lot impedes that.
One basic problem with Price is that he can’t shoot. His career 3p% is .292 and his career FG% on all shots is .378.
always a triangle fan says
now no nash? make that very, very, very tough.
thought it was weird that the lakers revealed that nash hurt his back picking up luggage. that must have been a sign to hang up the shoes.
Jerke says
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2242777-unable-to-overcome-ongoing-back-issues-steve-nash-to-miss-2014-15-season
Weird that this is the only report on it so far – but Nash may be done for season and career 😛
KO says
So reading all the posts I come away with:
Jim is incompetent
Jeannie is clueless
Colin, Abbet and Aaron are trolling.
As for me, I just want to watch hard nosed competitive basketball and Colin troll like 25 games is idiotic.
Lakers have Kobe, a real PG in Lin and two good prospective talents in Davis and Randle.
You have to be an idiot to think that is the worse team in Laker history.
I will bet Mr. trolls salary they win many more games then last year.
Thanks for playing “As the Laker turns”.
mud says
ok, i get it rr. you don’t think they should pick up Price. he isn’t a great shooter, it’s true.
i think he’s a good pick-up. i like his demeanor. i think he’ll be good for the team. we’ll both see. there’s no penalty for being wrong, or prize for being right.
Aaron says
Wrong… The prize for being right is a signed Aaron gold statue
mud says
as i said, no prize for…
KenOak says
I wonder how Henry Abbott will make Steve Nash’s back issues Kobe’s fault too. Seriously and I love Nash as a player, but he has been the worst trade that I’ve ever seen in the history of bad trades. (And I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan, so I’ve seen some bad trades Joey Galloway, Roy Williams…
He probably wasn’t going to get much playing time anyway, I guess.
KenOak says
For the record I was for the Nash trade when it happened, but I didn’t think we were trading for a guy that couldn’t even suit up and I think we paid too much for him. (picks-wise)
Craig W. says
This probably insures Price a spot on the team.
mud says
well Craig, you weren’t expecting Lillard to break Nash’s leg either…
without the broken leg, it would have been a nice trade.
Kenny T says
I hope the Lakers can recoup something from the Nash situation. Are they in line for an injury exception? Anything? Sorry to be brusque, but I’m glad he’s done. His tenure with the team has been one disaster after another. Along with the veto, the Nash years are symbolic of futility and frustration.
karen says
I was a big big fan of nash’s. But am i the only one who thinks he has tarnished his legacy with his greediness to hang on to the last $8 mil of his contract. How do you play soccer all summer then as soon as preseason starts the nerve issue begins. I look for a buyout
Jerke says
People like to bash the nash trade but he was an allstar in 2012 – if him and Liliard didnt collide knees- Laker history could arguably be very different these past couple years.
Apparently because the injury was preexisting a medical retirement backdates to his last game played and all the Lakers get will be the 4.85$ mill injury exception
Kenny T says
@Jerke….
Thanks for that info. Hopefully the silver lining here will be Lin and Clarkson playing well.
Teamn says
I’ve never seen anything like the injuries of the past few years. Hopefully this is all part of the tanking strategy and it can stop now…
Jerke says
Further to the $ conversation – as per the link below in the audio from Shelburne – paying Nash may work in LA’s favour. Because his contract is actually on the books – and he isn’t retiring – he’s just taking his contract while on medical leave from the team – his contract can actually be traded to another team looking to move someone etc… w/o Nash actually having to leave LA/family etc… That expiring contract becomes a pretty decent trade chip – especially later into the year. Reality is amnestying Nash earlier this year likely wouldn’t have changed their fortunes/free agent haul anyways – so this might work out best for all parties concerned.
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/11752407/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers-miss-entire-season
Jerke says
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/11752407/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers-miss-entire-season
Aaron says
Steve Nash didn’t look good in the eight preseason games or the first regular season game against the Mavs before getting hurt in game two.
Baylor Fan says
Nash was damaged goods before he came to the Lakers. His minutes were limited and his back bothered him a la Larry Bird. The Lakers did the Suns a huge favor by allowing them to bow out of the Nash era gracefully. It is better for the Lakers for Nash to miss this season than play sporadically. The Lin trade is looking pretty good right now.
Jerke says
@Baylor – yeah he was only an allstar and averaged 12.5 and 10 the year Lakers traded for him. His back wasn’t an issue, it was managed and he averaged over 31 mins a game that season and missed games to flu and ankle issues before they just started sitting him at the end of the year to rest him when games didn’t mean anything anymore.
That being said – yes its better for the team for him to sit out entire season then wondering when/if he’ll be back like last year.
Ryan says
I’ve always sports hated Nash. He stole an MVP from Kobe and I despised the SSOL suns. Why we had to take their coach and pg I’ll never know? Good riddance to bad rubbish. He beat us in the playoffs twice and beat us in the bank! Good for you Steve Nash! The mvp of the Keep Gettin Them Checks all star team!
bryan S. says
Wonderful news. Nash won’t steal another minute from the young guards.
dxmanners says
Worst Laker trade ever, all those picks for a broken down Nash. Better to bow out gracefully fellas…
Craig W. says
Ahhhhhh! Ain’t history wonderful? Especially if you can rewrite it in hindsight. It certainly makes most of us personnel experts. And it just makes facts so consistent and predictable.
Baylor Fan says
81, 75, 62 – The number of games Nash played during his last 3 years in Phoenix. It takes a great leap of faith to think that at his age he would reverse that trend with the Lakers. I will go with Jackson and agree that it was not a good idea at the time.
Shaun says
Does everyone think that clarkson will not get 20+ mins per game or dk you think that price will vulture those mins because of Scotts coaching?
RollingWave says
Price will play most of those minutes if only because rookies, even very good once can often be disastrously bad .
rr says
I will go with Jackson and agree that it was not a good idea at the time.
—
I actually went and re-read the threads in the day of and the day right after the Nash deal. In those threads, only one poster that I saw, Chris J, was loudly against the deal. Aaron came out against it as well, but not day of or day after that I saw. I myself supported the deal, with the caveat that I was concerned about the 2015 pick and thought Kupchak should have held it out of the deal if at all possible–and here we are.
Does everyone think that clarkson will not get 20+ mins per game or dk you think that price will vulture those mins because of Scotts coaching
—
What he does with Clarkson/Price now that Nash is out will be the first big personnel litmus test for Scott IMO. Price has clearly established that is a 3rd-string PG in the NBA, if that. If the Lakers are still thinking of Clarkson as a 1, and they think he is NBA-ready, then he should play rotation minutes immediately. Clarkson needs reps. Also, Lin and Clarkson are both tall enough to cover 2s and play at the same time. So, I think Kobe and Lin should play 30-32 minutes apiece, Clarkson should play about 25, and Price about 7-10. I would rather have a younger guy than Price in that job, but it is what it is.
Put in simpler terms: if Clarkson isn’t good enough to play ahead of Ronnie Price, then Clarkson should start his pro career with the D-Fenders.
However, I could see Byron liking Price’s “grit” etc and playing him a lot. It would be a mistake.