The Lakers enter all-star weekend with only 13 wins to 40(!) losses. I remember back when Phil Jackson was the coach and the Lakers were competing for a top seed in the conference, his philosophy was to always try to get to 40 wins before getting to 20 losses. The thought was, if you could get to that number, you could spend the last 25 games (or so) getting into playoff form and preparing for what would be, hopefully, a long run deep into May or June. Clearly, the Lakers are a long, long way off from those days.
What they are also a long way off from is having any sort of place in this “mid-season” showcase of the league’s best. Yes, Kobe was voted into Sunday’s game, but after having surgery to repair a torn labrum that will cost him the season he will not even make an appearance in New York. Similarly, Julius Randle’s broken leg kept him out of Friday’s rookie/sophomore game where he could have helped the “USA” team in the new format where American born players faced off against players born from the rest of the world. And with no Lakers competing in any of the other events, this weekend will be a far cry from what we’ve been used to in year’s past.
Maybe that’s for the best. I’m sure many Lakers fans are actually happy for the escape from watching their guys and are ready to invest some time in the talents the rest of the league has to show. Speaking of which…
*Friday’s “Rising Stars” game showed some nice players from both teams, but I was particularly impressed with Andrew Wiggins of the T’Wolves and Rudy Gobert from the Jazz. Both showed off superior athleticism and nice instincts on both sides of the floor. Gobert is clearly still a bit raw, but the tools are there and with his size, length, and athleticism he can turn into a force if he keeps his current development trajectory. On twitter I said that Gobert is like JaVale McGee if JaVale wasn’t so…JaVale. Just a great canvas to develop into a top big man.
*I’ll put it on the record now. My winners for tonight’s contests are: Team Curry in the Shooting Stars Event, Isaiah Thomas in the Skills Challenge, Kyle Korver in the 3 point shootout, and Zach LaVine in the Dunk Contest. Yes, that’s a lot of “chalk” in my group of winners, but this seems like a weekend where guys who do what they do best are actually in the contests they should be in and they’re going to remind everyone of why they were chosen.
*I know that everyone is looking forward to the three point shootout; that group of participants is as deep and talented a shooting class as has ever competed. But, honestly, I’m still most looking forward to the dunkers and, specifically, LaVine. It’s been 15 years since Vince Carter wowed the crowd in Oakland with a performance that redefined the event. And while I don’t think LaVine can match that effort, but I do believe the hype around his above the rim ability is warranted.
*Speaking of Vince’s night back in 2000, you should read this long-form piece by CBS’ Zach Harper on the Night Vinsanity was born. Just a great piece.
*Another great read comes from friend of the site Andy Kamenetzky who writes on Magic Johnson’s latest comments about Jim Buss. I could not agree more with what AK wrote if I’d typed the words myself.
*Lastly, the actual date was a couple of weeks ago, but it was 5 years ago that I took over Forum Blue & Gold from Kurt Helin who departed to run Pro Basketball Talk. With that, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has continued to support me and site over the years. That includes all the contributors who have provided such excellent content on the main page, those who visit the site to read that content, and the commenters who make up one of the best communities in the NBA blogosphere. Without all of you, this site wouldn’t be what it is today.
Ko says
Good piece DS. Ditto to you on the thanks.
Although I am a stupid, over the top Laker fan I only read or comment here. By far some of the best BB minds on this site, even those(starts with letter A) who think they are relatives of Rupp, Red or Phil. To me this has been the toughest of all 45 years and this site has been my antidote to complete basketball insanity.
Kenneth Ochetti
As in KO
Thanks
kobe bryant apna says
Good article Wuggins is incredible and the world including Canada is narrowing gap with NBA. Kobe said this earlier this year.
The Lakets need alot ad Kobe needs help next year.
Sofiane says
Good piece Darius,
Would love an article on who the Lakers should draft in your opinion. Personally I don’t see anyone being more fitted to our needs as D’Angelo Russell, that kid can ball. He’s got everything and I do believe he’s got a pretty good chance to become an all-time great.
Would you agree with my top 4:
1) Russell
2) Towns (reminds me of Big Drew and we all know what Bynum could have been with the right attitude/no health issues)
3) Okafor (not sold on him though, great footwork but no toughness, average D…)
4) Mudiay
LKK says
@Darius…
That article by AK about Magic was right on the money. It really saddens me, but doesn’t surprise because Magic has been going down this road for a while now. As an iconic Laker, Magic has got to realize that his public pronouncements have repercussions.
Aaron says
I’m with rr… Nobody cares what Magic says. He isn’t respected as a basketball mind and eveyone knows he has had a falling out with the Lakers because he regretted not being seen by Jerry Buss as an equal with Jim Buss. Magic wanted to be Jerry’s son and not an adopted son of sorts. He has long been jealous of Jim.
All free agents care about is what young cost controlled players are on rookie contracts and what other star free agents can join them in LA. They don’t care about how many championships they have won in the past or how many wins they won the year before. They don’t care about what a grumpy old man has to say. They care about money how many fans around the world the Lakers have (off court money).
The best player in the world just resigned with an owner who saw him as an endentured servant just four years ago. I don’t think anyone really cares what an ex player thinks… Even if he used to be the best PG of all time.
Hale says
Whereas I don’t want to read that Magic is prattling on about Jim Buss again, I also don’t believe it effects free agency one iota. Similar to Boogie vs Barkley, a free agent wants his money and a chance to win. Very few of them are basketball historians and they know who they are playing now. Magic isn’t one of them. His words hold as much weight as a Mark Lansberger and Tony Campbell cooking blog.
I want some fresh new talent on this squad. No 29 yr old, $20 million per for Luke Walton years Dragic. That means get the draft pick, get stronger role playing starters, and go big for a 2016 free agent. If they are significantly better next year, then at least Phoenix’s pillaging of the draft pick won’t be as high.
This all star break is the first year that it seems as a basketball break to me. The fatalism of the necessity to lose is burdensome. Laker bball hasn’t been fun for a few years now. Plus, I come here and regularly see people waxing poetically about the beauty of the Spurs and praising the Celtics for having 1000 draft picks. Zombie apocalypse, man.
G says
Sofiane I hope the Lakers get Towns(higher two way potential than Okafor) as quality bigs are rarer than any other position. The census seems to be no on Dragic so what do u guys think of Brandon Knight or Reggie Jackson. And if we have enough cap space and if we can pry him from Portland how about Wesley Johnson to shore up our weakness in the wing.
rr says
Plus, I come here and regularly see people waxing poetically about the beauty of the Spurs and praising the Celtics for having 1000 draft picks. Zombie apocalypse, man.
==
Heh. Pretty much. But the Lakers have literally reached a point such that the team’s bright spot is a rookie 2nd-rounder.
rr says
And if we have enough cap space and if we can pry him from Portland how about Wesley Johnson
—
Wesley Matthews, you mean.
A lot of people are talking about Reggie Jackson, but he is a RFA and supposedly Phil Jackson really wants him.
J C says
Zack Lavine is a freak.
Sensational. Great entertainment.
I knew Curry could do it!
Good for him and for the NBA.
One of best and brightest young faces in the league.
My two cents: Magic is one of my favorite players of all time. But as an ex-player he’s a bull in a china shop. He must know that his public comments have some deleterious effect on the franchise but he can’t seem to help himself. His simple, straightforward, and gregarious persona as a player has morphed into a sort of a loud, clumsy bear as a retired public figure.
I confess to ignorance here, but how does Magic know how much Jim is letting Mitch do? Magic’s not involved in day-to-day stuff, is he? Mitch acts like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders so I assume he’s still a very busy guy. He must be responsible for some things the organization does.
So Magic’s assertion that Jim isn’t allowing Mitch to have a voice seems an insult to Mitch too.
BigCitySid says
– I’m a guy who prefers “honesty is the best policy” over “political correctness”. So I have absolutely no problem w/ what Magic is saying about the current ownership of the Lakers. They are a dysfunctional group and we as fans have been reduced to just hoping & wishing this group will make ONE right decision…that’s a far cry from expectations of this franchise.
– As far as free agent targets, I’d focus on the better players 25 or under who would compliment our 2015 1st round draft choice & Randle. With that core of three, the Lakers should/would be on the right track. 2016 should bring a top FA, relief from Kobe’s contract, a new coach, and maybe even another good draft choice if Mitch is allowed to do his job.
Sofiane says
G : I’d be over the moon if we get Towns. Really think he can turn into a franchise player (so can Russell by the way).
We also badly need another first rounder. Everyone except Randle, Davis, Black, Kobe & Clarkson should be made available
Robert says
J C: ” seems an insult to Mitch too.” Of course it is. Jim’s title is an insult to Mitch.
BCS: “that’s a far cry from expectations of this franchise.” Indeed, and ignoring the results of the fist 62 years of the franchise, as a comparison to current results, is discounting that history as all luck. Those who think that all of our woes today are a result of bad luck are indirectly marginalizing the previous accomplishments as simple good fortune.
rr says
>but how does Magic know how much Jim is letting Mitch do?
—
He may not, but then again, maybe he does because someone, like Jeanie, told him.
>Mitch acts like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders
Considering that his 15-year-old daughter just died, he probably does. It is impossible to know how he is coping with the grief in terms of his job; that would of course be a very personal choice. Some people would find some relief in the social and quotidian details of doing their jobs; others would want to be as far away from work as possible and others would want to be in between.
But there is really no dispute about the idea that Jim is the final say; again, he had the same title that Jerry West has from 1995-2000 and it is a title that Jim’s dad never had.
Darius Soriano says
I’m not doing a game preview for tonight’s game, ya’ll. Sorry. I’ll probably comment in this thread during the contest though. I hope ya’ll enjoy. All-Star Sunday is one of my favorite nights of the NBA season.
Craig W. says
Jerry West may have had the title from 1995-2000, but he was pushed aside by Jerry Buss due to conflicts – and the desires of Phil Jackson.
It isn’t the title, it is the owner, and the Buss’s own the Lakers.
rr says
It isn’t the title, it is the owner, and the Buss’s own the Lakers.
—
Sure. And that is what Robert wants Jim to do…own. He wants someone else to be Executive VP of Basketball Operations.
Slappy says
“Considering that his 15-year-old daughter just died”
I should pay more attention to the news. That said, requiescat in pace et in amore.
Now, re Mitch, Jimbo and the Lakers, vis-a-vis the rest of the league, as Cato the Elder was wont to say, Carthago delenda est. In the meantime, more panem et circenses please.
rr says
Cato the Elder
—
Was this guy related to Kelvin Cato?
Craig W. says
I’m not sure we need more on the floor – we have enough in the media and in fandom.
Robert says
Slappy: Are we Carthage or the Roman Empire? I guess it does not really matter. Things did not really end well for either. As to your request: How could this be more of a circus?
J C says
Regarding Mitch Kupchak
In no way did I intend to minimize or trivialize his recent loss which was truly a tragedy.
His manner throughout his executive stewardship has always been fairly studious and serious. I meant only to invoke his consistent professionalism in light of Magic’s public comments.
PurpleBlood says
Interesting, & logical, article by Kamenetzky; logical in that it does seem Magic´s public statements undermine the team in some way. In addition to this, they seem to also tarnish his image, at least as far as the Purple & Gold are concerned.
Whatever the reasons, IMO the best scenario would be a positive one. That is, from Magic´s observations (however little or much weight they may really carry) & obviously most importantly, the org´s FO to be resilient to its utmost capacity, and not to wallow in the mud of recent past failures and unwanted turnarounds. Resiliency = True grit, fellas
___
& lastly, thanks to Darius for thanking us, the crazy die-hards – to paraphrase KO: this season´s been an atrocious nightmare, & FB&G has been its soothing antidote.
Aaron says
I do not know how this season could be a disastrous nightmear unless we don’t get a draft pick. In fact this season is a complete and utter succsess if we get a top three pick. The best thing that could happen to us this year was a top three pick. The worst thing was playing good enough to not get a draft pick. This team was never going to be able to make the playoffs.
Todd says
To all: the link below us to an ESPN article about the Sixers GM Sam Hinkie. It’s a reprint of a conversation regarding their approach at turning the team around.
I highlight it here, not to demand that the Lakers embrace their ‘approach’. However, the Sixers are on one end if the spectrum of leveraging the CBA (the article refers to the Sixers FO as Billionaires reviewing the tax code for loopholes). The Lakers are on the opposite end — viewing the CBA as an unknown impediment, more often choosing to ignore it then trying to work it to their advantage.
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12318808/the-Philadelphia-76ers-radical-guide-winning
bryan S. says
All-Star Weekend Impressions/Reflections through a Laker Fan Prism:
Rudy Gobert: Late first round pick. Jeez. Taking a flyer on an international big with a later pick is a low risk/ high return no brainer move (e.g. Nurkic @16 by Denver is looking like a steal).
Zach LaVine is a dunking savant. He took a moribund event and brought it back to life. Like all true savants, his brilliance is unconscious; a sweet kid without a mean bone in him.
Brandon Knight is getting better and better (skills challenge). An upcoming FA and top tier defender, will the Lakers consider a run at him, depending on their draft etc.?
Chris Paul is no longer one of the elites. Still great skills, but his small size, history of injury, and time have taken their toll. He did a nice job of setting up Westbrook, but clearly didn’t want to do the same for Lillard.
Floyd Mayweather is dope: When asked what all-star could he see as a boxer, he said Jimmy Butler because of his toughness. Very insightful. It seemed like Butler held himself apart, no saccharine smiles and goofiness, just there to play. Dude is a boss and ‘should’ be a Laker.
It seemed like LeBron wanted to show everyone he is still the man (and he is), and will his team to victory, but the young guns of the West weren’t going to be denied. Westbrook is a lineal descendant of Kobe in terms of sheer audacity and fearlessness.
Larry Sanders? Pass.
Berdj Joseph Rassam says
With Kobe near the end of his career, the Lakers first need to figure out who they should build their team around, and then go out and get him. From there, they can add the other important pieces.
Aaron says
“Larry Sanders? Pass”
——————————————-
Larry Sanders? Puff… Puff… Pass him over to me. If because of the fact he likes to enjoy a nice Vape session instead of a glass of wine he becomes a great cost controled back up PF for the next six years? Of course. If you can get him for less than four million a year on a long term contract thats a steal. He is a guy who can help a championship team win and be a big time role player. as usual it depends on the cost. The guy is a long athlete that can play defense. He is a guy we would love to have if he is on a long term low money deal. But I doubt he would want to sign thag kind of deal.
BigCitySid says
– @ Bryan S: Brandon Knight fits my FA requirement (see my post above) if the Lakers draft a center.
– Not sure why so many don’t understand &/or appreciate the position Magic has decided to take. It’s the old “bad cop/good cop” routine. Straight, no chaser. Whip cream & cherries on top of garbage is still garbage.
– Have two brothers ever faced off in the NBA Finals? Beginning to think the Gasol brothers have as good a chance as any of making this happen w/ a Bulls – Grizz Final.
– Stein’s latest team power rankings have the Lakers ranked dead last. Draft pick here we come…
http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings/_/year/2015/week/16
rr says
Taking a flyer on an international big with a later pick is a low risk/ high return no brainer move (e.g. Nurkic @16 by Denver is looking like a steal).
—
And the first guy to pull it off was Jerry West when he drafted Vlade Divac.
bryan S. says
rr: So true–I was going to say it but my ‘wind bag’ monitor was starting to chirp.
Aaron: It’s not the weed. It’s his psyche I’m worried about.
(Getting high every day didn’t affect Robert Parish’s drive . . . .)
Chearn says
rr – but not so lofty with the other two Slava Medevenko, and Sasha Vujecic (sp), at least not as starters they were okay as role players though.
Aaron says
Bryan,
I agree on all accounts. I don’t know about his mindset though. Plenty of guys were considered a little “off” that had long careers. But youre right… Most of the league vapes cannibis and those guys don’t have these perceived issues. if he doesn’t love basketball then I agree you don’t want to sign him.
LKK says
NBA TV an hour long interview with Kobe that is supposed to air at 12:00 EST tonight according to my tv listings.
Chearn says
Stoudemire waived and Anthony supposedly sitting the remainder of the season. Looks as if Phil Jackson is battling the Lakers for ping pong balls.
LKK says
@Chearn…
Makes me wonder what the pillow talk between Phil and Jeannie is like these days. : )
Craig W. says
It is hard to share a ‘pillow’ when you are on two different coasts.
Calvin Chang says
Very good Kobe interview last night on NBAtv. It’s amazing how much physical pain and suffering he goes through to perfect his craft. Hopefully he doesn’t go out with a 25-win bad team next season. It’s too bad Byron didn’t play him properly this season. There are so many things that BS could have done to minimize the wear and tear on Kobe’s body, like limit him to 26 minutes max per game, play him only in the mid post (15 to 17 ft range). Minimize long, contested 2’s. But whatever he does next season shouldn’t affect his legacy of 5 rings.
Parrothead says
Darius,
I cannot believe it has already been 5 years since you took over from Kurt. You have built upon the fantastic foundation that he laid. Thank you for running the best basketball community on the web.