The Lakers are back from their three game east coast road trip, losers of all three games and four in a row overall. Even with those losses, however, fans are probably getting exactly what they want. The team has made strides since the all-star break and are undoubtedly playing better basketball. They are competitive for longer in games, but, on most nights, aren’t able to sustain through the final buzzer to hold on. The other team often makes a run in the 4th quarter, seizes control, and the Lakers just don’t have the guns to come back. This style of game allows fans to see progress in terms of on court play, while securing the losses that help cement a record that has a strong chance of allowing team to hold on to their draft pick this June. In other words it’s a win-“win”.
While many Lakers fans can live with what their team is going through right now, the same might not be able to be said about those who root for tonight’s opponent. The Mavs have lost two in a row and four of their last five. And while they still boast a very impressive 40-24 record heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Lakers, their recent slide has dropped them to 7th in the conference behind the surging Spurs. And while the difference between the 5/6/7 seeds in the West is only one game, the fact is that even a climb up to 5th doesn’t get them home court advantage and would still leave them matched up Houston or Portland (likely) or the Grizz in the first round while giving up home court advantage. In other words, a bloodbath of a first round series where they have to win (at least) one game on the road to advance.
What a brutal conference.
In saying all that, you would think this game would serve a nice opportunity for the Mavs to get right. The Lakers are an inferior opponent and, even though they are playing at home, can expect to experience some “first game back from a road trip” rust that always seems to occur. When you add the return of Chandler Parsons to the Mavs, they will get the extra boost they have been missing of late and a reestablishing of proper slotting of players into roles and rotations. This should all combine to the Mavs coming out strong, playing hungry, and looking to get back on track as they head into the final quarter of the season and push towards their goal of playing their best as the playoffs begin.
Something about all this doesn’t feel right to me, though. As noted above, and despite the W/L results, the Lakers have been playing better of late. Since the All-Star break, the Lakers’ efficiency differential is only -1.2, good for 15th best in the league during that period. This may not seem very good (and it’s really nothing to write home about), but is well ahead of their -6.4 differential on the season and it’s much better than the Mavs’ -4.6 differential (5th worst in the league) during that same period. Looking at these numbers puts this match up in a bit of a different light and it would not surprise me at all if the game is closer than the team’s records say it should be.
From an X’s and O’s standpoint, the match up that intrigues me the most is Jordan Clarkson versus Rajon Rondo. Clarkson is coming off a career scoring night (25 points) against the Grizzlies and took it to Mike Conley and Courtney Lee for stretches of that contest. Rondo has a reputation as a top defender at his position so I am interested to see if Clarkson can continue his recent roll. Expect to see the rookie run a fair amount of P&R, especially involving whoever Dirk is guarding, so he can try to force a switch or attack the big German in space to try and get into the lane. If Clarkson can turn the corner before Rondo can recover, he has a chance to get off good shots in the mid-range or draw in Tyson Chandler and get the Mavs into their defensive rotations. From there Clarkson will need to make smart shoot/pass decisions and find ways to pick out the open man, though I imagine the easiest read for him will be to hit Jordan Hill popping as a release valve for long two point jumpers.
If Clarkson can make those reads well and keep the defense off-balance, I’ve a feeling Jeremy Lin will be able to do the same with the second unit. Add in some shot making from Wayne Ellington and strong energy/effort nights from Ed Davis and Tarik Black and, like I said, I could see this game being a lot closer than anticipated in the 4th quarter. We’ll see how it all plays out.
Where you can watch: 6:30PM start time on TWC Sportsnet locally and NBA TV nationally. Also listen at ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.
Craig W. says
Rondo has a defensive reputation, but this hasn’t been a good year for him, particularly when he is on an island. Clarkson has had plenty of experience against the best PGs in the game and has shown pretty well. If it is just Clarkson vs Rondo I will take my chances.
It is where Rondo runs the offense for the Mavs that it gets interesting. I think the recent conflict with the coach was about working within the Mavs system. What will happen if Rondo goes off the reservation again and the Lakers keep it close? Will the coach pull Rondo because he is freelancing?
Aaron says
Rondo had an ACL tear and hasn’t been close to the same player on either side of the ball since. He is an average to above average back up PG now.
Ko says
Wonder when the fans are going to hear the truth on Young.
LKK says
Clarkson is playing like he wants the Lakers to forget all about Rondo. No way would I favor Rondo with a max contract. He’s just not worth it.
Clarkson’s 3rd qtr. dunk was mighty impressive. Monta Ellis wanted no part of that poster!
Good to see Kobe on the bench. Get well, Mamba!!
Tim says
Jordan Clarkson is a bright spot for the Lakers this season.
LKK says
Word is that Kobe loves Rondo. I hope Kobe is seeing that Clarkson is a much better alternative. Rondo is just a name at this point.
Ko says
For that one Kelly fan out there he has missed 13 streight shots the past 3 games and for 2nd game in a row zero points. Yet he still gets more minutes then Davis/ Black. Worst signing and player ever.
Ko says
Well nice job. Another well coached last 5 minutes for Bryon Tank.
Craig W. says
For all those who complained about that ballhog Kobe, this is what passing the rock around looks like. We need a player or two with ice in their veins to control things at the end of games.
Aaron says
There is a great line from the greatest movie of the late 1990’s (A Knights Tale) “Lose for me. Anyone can try to win. Win for yourself or lose for me.”
Thank you Coach Scott. You’re a true Laker. You have done this year what no other Lakers coach has ever done. Many have won games intentionally but no coach to date has gone through a year with the objective to make himself look bad and lose games for the future of the franchise. Many can’t see a true hero if it slapped them in the face with a Magic one handed over the head bounce pass. Well it’s Bryon guys. Let’s start appreciating him.
drrayeye says
I continue to be pleased by the coaching of Byron Scott, and impressed with his ability to use the talent he has, playing a very different type of basketball than was played under D’Antoni. Hopefully, he will have a voice in selecting the players for next year.
Vasheed says
@KO
I’m a true believer in Kelly. Great stretch four for situational uses. And there lies the problem. Kelly is not taking minutes from Black or Davis as you elluded. He is taking away minutes from Wes Johnson. Kelly should be pulling a big out of the paint and punishing them with 3s if they don’t sit out there with him. Instead he is playing at SF where he is playing against guys who are perimter players anyway pretty much neutralizing Kelly.
So Ideally Kelly would play fewer minutes but get them at PF however, you then have to ask who could the Lakers play at SF behind Wes Johnson if not Kelly? You could eat your cereal with a shovel if you had to but that doesn’t make it the right tool for the job. Don’t blame your tools for being what they are if you refuse to use them right.
On a side note I’m actually impressed with what Mitch has done with second round picks in recent years. Clarkson looks like a diamond in the rough. I’m not quite ready to declare him as the PG of the future until he can get the turnovers under control but otherwise I am impressed.
karen says
so ko, what is the real story with young. Last yr he was the only shining lite with the lakers. Scott hates his sunny side and has completely taken the life out of him. I am hoping d’antonin gets the nuggets job and wants him along with lin
Calvin Chang says
karen- Scott is trying to lose games on purpose. Jordan Clarkson already mentioned this a few weeks ago in an interview. No sense in trying to rationalize Byron’s strategic logic this season. He’s just hoping other teams in the tank race start winning.
Calvin Chang says
Aaron: A Knight’s Tale was definitely very entertaining. Yes, Byron definitely deserves credit if Lakers can keep losing and hang on to that draft pick. FO is just hoping that the loyal fans can hang in there and keep the ratings afloat. FO also needs to be commended. Losing on purpose without alienating too many sponsors is more challenging than just winning.
bryan S. says
Kobe on Rondo: “We share a similar philosophy.”
Translation: “He doesn’t want shots and will feed me.”
Mitch: “In your dreams Kobe.”
Karen: Here’s the real story. Young has regressed to the mean: an erratic, undependable, one-trick pony. He ‘could’ be more than that, but lacks focus and maturity.
Vasheed: Clarkson has been very efficient. Last night’s four turnovers was a high. Averaging a couple without looking. He’s our pg.
Aaron: Not sure where intentional tanking ends and cluelessness begins with BS, but I am now convinced he is making decisions to keep the pick. For this I am grateful. I also see more flexibility in him than I thought he had. Good post.
Berdj Joseph Rassam says
The Lakers have little chance of beating the Mavs.
Aaron says
Let me be even more clear. Scott desserves credit for the effort but he ultimately will be judged by me if he can get us in the top three. That’s where the odds are of getting the number one pick sky rocket and it basically cements the top five pick. It’s all about being in the top three. i think we should be able to catch the Sixers.
Robert says
Aaron: The credit for being this bad goes to roster construction. Put Phil, Pat, or John Kundla in charge of this team and they are still lottery. I do find the string of comments very funny. You think he deserves credit for tanking. drrayeye thinks he is coaching well. Others think he is an idiot. Byron should run for President He would get the same ratings.
bryan S: So you think our main player is a ball hog who puts his own interest in front of the team; Our coach is clueless, and the player we have signed to the longest term contract is undependable, lacks focus, and lacks maturity. And you called me and rr pessimists? : )
Aaron says
Robert,
It’s easy for the FO to try and lose by putting bad players on the team. The FO stays around for the winning that takes place after the tanking/losing/rebuilding. It’s also easier to put a bad team on the floor and wipe your hands of it. Scott has to do the thing that is against his natural insticts in the heat of compitition… And that’s to try and put his team in the best position to lose in the last five minutes. Even if that means taking your best player off the court (Clarkson).
Of course winning and losing depends 98 percent on the FO. But a coach is worth a few losses or a few wins every year. And we need Scott to come through for those 3-6 extra losses this season.
Also…
People think a coach is “coaching well” as long as the team is playing hard.
bryan S. says
Robert:
1. Yes, absolutely. Key to his greatness and his mortal flaw.
2.No, not clueless but struggles with in game scheming, adjustments. Is now showing more flexibilty/adaptability to the game as it is now played.
3. Nick Young’s deal isn’t a problem. New cap will diminish it’s hit.
4. I am excited and optimistic–provided we keep the pick. Very good to potentially great prospects in the top four. Clarkson is a stud and Randle is going to be a load. Leave rr out of it; you are what your record says you are. Ha.
Todd says
bryan S.:
3. Nick Young’s deal isn’t a problem. New cap will diminish it’s hit.
4. I am excited and optimistic–provided we keep the pick. Very good to potentially great prospects in the top four. Clarkson is a stud and Randle is going to be a load.
—
3. Technically, you are correct. However, the reality is that Young’s ‘erratic talent’ makes him a fringe rotation player at best. Regardless of the cap, $5+ Mil a year is a bit rich for the value he brings. His deal should have been for three years with the third at a team option.
4. I am optimistic as well. As I mentioned in a previous thread, I hope the cold water reality of the team’s recent performance will lead Jim to be more inclusive of the resources available to him – namely Mitch.
Todd says
I had not seen the Baxter Holmes article about Rondo and the Lakers. This instantly took me out of my foolish optimistic daze and slapped me upside the head.
In what world would it make sense for the Lakers to pursue Rondo? The article goes out of its way to point out that Rondo is physically breaking down. It states that the Celtics traded him because he wasn’t worth the headaches and they did not feel he was worth the money it would take to resign him. It also says that the Mavs will low ball Rondo this summer in the hope that he leaves.
Here is what I wrote about Rondo on Friday:
Regarding Rondo. I am vehemently against signing him. Before he came to the Mavs, they had one of the most efficient team offenses in the league. They are now among the worst. He is not the same player that led the Celtics to the Championship in 2007/08. His injury history alone should make signing him a non-starter.
From an ESPN article on Rondo: “As a scorer, he’s a liability as a poor perimeter shooter, and his historically bad free throw shooting (at 31 percent, he’s officially the worst free throw shooter in the NBA not named Joey Dorsey) has made him a tentative driver to the basket, as he has become wary of drawing fouls and getting to the line (career low FTA rate of 0.091).”
Plus if you get Rondo you push our one bright spot, Clarkson to the bench or to SG. As a Two Clarkson will be less effective as his height and quickness advantages are negated by the abundance of strong athletic Twos across the league.
Signing Rondo is my nightmare scenario. I honestly believe it would cement the Lakers in mediocrity for the balance of the decade. I think it It is wrong on so many levels, which is why I’m sure this is the one deal Jim Buss pursues this summer.
Robert says
Todd: Welcome back. As I said, you can’t hope that circumstances prevent your decision maker from making decisions.
bryan S: “you are what your record says you are” Indeed. I am counting on Laker fans and management to live by that statement,
rr says
Even if Clarkson were not around, there would still be no reason to bring in Rondo. The guy will be 30 in Feb of 2016 and is not especially good anymore.
So, yes–Rondo will be a little test for the FO.
Oldtimer says
I would not judge a player based on his age at 30, I think he would be at his peak if we were talking about the age of Magic, Bird, MJ, Kobe, Duncan, LBJ, Wade – that’s the age of maturity to an NBA player’s life. Judge them based on their ability, their athletic upsides on their playing record and winning, plus motivational builder as a teammate. As I said in my earlier post, it is not also good to assemble purely young group without the healthy mix of veteran, you are choosing a young group because you believe they will grow with the team. That is an assumption. Their loyalty would be for their family first, self preservation, second and lastly pride that he belongs to a team that is stable. a proven winner and loyal to players. A level headed NBA player is also thinks of his future in case he gets injured like Brandon Roy or Andrew Bynum what are his options?
In totality, I believe in assembling more thinking heads this off season who are qualified to judge based on their rich experience and played the game, qualified to compare players, especially the Laker legends who knows about the game and its rigors of the playoffs. Just by listening from TW broadcasters like James Worthy, Green, Horry, Cooper, Coach Miller, Jamieson, you could get lots ideas from this group. That is if you are trying to be objective with the process for the good of the franchise, however if ego of one person is at helm in choosing players, coaches and scouts where subjective reasoning is paramount important in trying to leave a mark of his own, then that is somewhat authoritarian in nature. I tell as it is because that has been the Laker path since 2011.
bleedpurplegold says
why sign rondo if there is another Point on our roster playing waaaaaaaay better ball on both ends than rondo currently does?!? This conversation should have stoped 2 weeks after he was traded to a real contender and showed us that there is little to nothing left…..at the latest, after JC really started to show what he can do a few games back……just stop it, there is nothing to talk about! especially with those needs we have (listed in a previous thread a couple of weeks ago)
Craig W. says
bleedpurplegold,
It is just that some posters presume that Jim Buss is responsible for every rumor out there that they disagree with – and, therefore, that rumor must be true.
This is not an especially new trait, as we have seen this on this blog as far back as the ‘Luke Walton’s contract is indicative of the front office not knowing anything about basketball’ days.
Renato Afonso says
I really hope we don’t even try to sign Rondo. Even if he was 2008 Rondo I wouldn’t want him on this team. There’s no room on the team for a point guard who doesn’t have to be guarded when he’s outside the three point line unless you surround him with superb shooters (that we don’t have). He’s too expensive for what he actually produces on the floor and he never was that good of a defensive player (I’m not saying he is/was a bad defensive player, I just think that the very good Celtics’ team defense vaulted his defensive reputation to heights that he would never be able to reach had he played for someone else). I’d rather keep Clarkson as the starting point guard than bring Rondo to appease Kobe…
BigCitySid says
Signing Rondo would tell me Jimmy B is calling the shots and the Lakers front office remains as dysfuntional as before. I can’t imagine Mitch thinking this would be a good signing. A starting backcourt of Kobe & Rondo in 2015-16?
What basketball mind could possibly consider this a good idea…except Kobe?
T. Rogers says
Rondo still has some valuable skills. However, the direction the game is going doesn’t favor him. Teams are running sets with constant ball movement. Every player on the floor is expected to be a proficient outside shooter to aid spacing. Unless your point guard is Chris Paul most teams really aren’t relying on one guy to set it all up anymore. Rondo wants to monopolize the ball and go for the touchdown pass every time. That’s why his assist numbers were so high in Boston. He basically played point guard like a quarterback orchestrating every scoring play. Its why him and Carlisle are clashing. Carlisle wants constant ball movement and spacing. Rondo wants to dribble the ball and wait for an opening before letting it go.
From a basketball perspective Rondo doesn’t work for the Lakers. He’s shown that if the ball is not in his hands he becomes a complete liability on the floor. And the ball will not be in his hands on Kobe’s team.
Vasheed says
@Bryan S.,
To say Clarkson has been efficient in regards to turnovers is down right wrong. He had another 4 turnover game just 2 games prior to his last 4 turnover game and its not a fluke. Just sampling a few PG’s I came up with Assist to turnover ratios:
Mo Williams 4 to 1
Ricky Rubio 4 to 1
Jeff Teague 2.5 to 1
Rondo 2.25 to 1
Jordan Clarkson 2 to 1
I really like what I’ve seen of Clarkson but he needs to take care of the ball better. I like the overall package but that is what he needs to fix to be the future starter.
And like many other posters I would agree signing Rondo would be a big mistake.
rr says
It is just that some posters presume that Jim Buss is responsible for every rumor out there that they disagree with
—
Who do you think is attributing the Rondo thing to Buss? Also, this is not a rumor–Kobe is recruiting Rondo and likes him; even Dallas writers, like Tim MacMahon, have mentioned it.
rr says
Kobe has made a couple of statements lately indicating that he gets that that FO can’t sacrifice the future for his last year, and he also went out of his way to compliment Clarkson the other day.
As I have said a few times, players tend to value guys on their timeline, and to value guys that they have played against and seen in tough spots, so I can see why Kobe would like the idea of playing with Rondo. But the FO gets paid, among other things, to be the guys who say “no” to a legend if that is in the best interests of the franchise.
LKK says
One might think that Clarkson will cut down on his turnovers as he gains more experience and as the team around him improves. When he’s on the floor with the Kellys and Sacres, it’s very easy for teams to double and to trap him. Although Kelly has been poorly utilized as a 3, he misses too many open shots for me. This year in 20 mins. a game he’s shooting less than 30%. Who wouldn’t double team off him? The point is well taken, though, that JC should work on his ball handling, among other things.
R says
It’s not like Kobe needs a playmate for next year. He’s had three straight season-ending injuries and is approaching 40 like a runaway train. What are the odds he plays a meaningful number of games next year? I’d say minimal.