Los Angeles Lakers vs Toronto RaptorsFri Mar 27, 7:30 PM EST – TWSN, TSN2 Line: TOR -8.0, O/U: 203.5 Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON Recent Matchups |
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Game three of the Lakers’ five game road trip takes the team to Toronto to face the Raptors. The Lakers are coming off a win in Minnesota — a contest that saw Jordan Clarkson sink two free throws with .3 seconds left to win the game in overtime. The game, though close and offering intrigue at the end, wasn’t much to watch, however. Most of the contest was an utterly joyless affair, with two teams who would be better off losing trading off-target jabs with a lot of clutching and grabbing. At one point, I commented on twitter that both teams seemed to be simply throwing their bodies into each other in order to gain favor from the referees and earn a trip to the foul line. Not the best way to entertain fans, to say the least.
In a way, it was strange that one team actually claimed a win at the end. That team happened to be the Lakers and put them at 1-1 on their trip and winners of two of their last five games. That 2-3 mark is actually the same as the Raptors, a team that has been decidedly up and down since the all-star break (and, if we’re being honest, longer than that after their strong start to the season). In fact, the Raptors are only 4-6 in their last 10 contests, which is only a single win better than the Lakers. Their recent poor play has dropped them to 4th in the East and only two games up on the equally up and down Wizards for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
It’s hard to put a finger on a single aspect of the Raptors play that has them struggling this way. They are pretty much healthy, though Kyle Lowry has been dealing with back spasms and may not play tonight. But, otherwise, DeMar DeRozan has been back in the lineup after missing games earlier in the year due to a lower leg issue. The rest of their rotation is in tact, they just aren’t defending as well as they need to nor finding the rhythm and cohesiveness on offense that they could have considering the talent on their roster. To steal a phrase I saw on twitter last night, the Raptors are more “East good” than a real threat to challenge for anything more than a 2nd round an out playoff run.
This isn’t bad, per se, but it’s not what the team would have hoped for after the way their year started. At one point, the Raps were the surprise of the East and looking like a team that could make real noise in the East. They have since been surpassed by the Hawks and the Bulls in the standings and don’t look like they could come close to challenging the Cavs should they meet in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Whether or not that type of fate would have any affect on Dwayne Casey’s status as head coach or their roster construction would remain to be seen, but after GM Masai Ujiri stood pat at the trade deadline (giving his players a vote of confidence in the process), changes could be made in the off-season.
That’s a discussion for another day, however. Tonight, the Raps will look to get back on track against a Lakers’ team that has been looking feisty (though still losing) and has their backcourt playing well. Byron Scott will be back coaching tonight after missing the last two games dealing with his mother’s passing away, and his presence is likely to provide an emotional bounce to the group.
The team, then, might be even more dangerous than it has been lately which could cause issues to the Raps, especially if Lowry sits out and if their defense can’t keep Clarkson and Lin out of the lane. Even with Boozer and Hill unlikely to play — the two big men have been out of the rotation as the team gives Ryan Kelly a chance to play his natural PF position — the team’s big man rotation of Ed Davis and Tarik Black will work the glass and the offensive paint on the P&R and provide solid back line rotations defensively. If that comes with Kelly hitting some shots and Wayne Ellington finding his range as well, I could see this game being much more competitive than the standings would imply it should be.
Where you can watch: 4:30pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.
Aaron says
So now we know the surgery conversion rate. Three small town doc surgeries equals one big market surgery. I’ve really had enough of this small market BS. It should be illegal for elite athletes to be forced to play in little villages. Dwight Howard’s Orlando doctors misdiagnose a back injury resulting in a career altering back surgery. Russell Weatrbook has three knee surgeries when he should only have had one. And now Durant’s career is in jeapordy after a third surgery also for the same injury. This draft and rookie contract system is taking away our elite athletes.
Calvin Chang says
Aaron: I think NBA teams – whether small market or NYC/LA – use the best doctors and orthopedic surgeons, right? I don’t think KD and Russ will allow small-time quack doctors to work on them.
Aaron says
Calvin Chang,
You would be surprised. Teams use who they know and are connected with. The Lakers and Knicks are connected and work with the top doctors in the world. While teams like OKC may not use an OKC surgeon they aren’t connected to the top doctors in their field. I am friendly (family friends) with the old Raiders team surgeon. He said you wouldn’t believe the difference in medical care from small market to large market. Every team thinks they are working with the best doctors…but the teams who are entrenched in the big markets where the top doctors are usually have the better idea. But I don’t even know where KD has his surgeries. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was in a small market and not with top doctors as I doubt OKC has those kind of connections.
———
I just looked it up where he had his first surgery…
“The procedure, which took place with Thunder medical personnel present, was performed at the OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Clinic in Charlotte, N.C. by Dr. Robert Anderson.”
Do you think the best surgeons are in Carolina or in La or NYC?
Calvin Chang says
Hmm… OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Clinic does sound a bit suspect. But who knows? Maybe that’s where all the Duke players go. And maybe they do have good surgeons? But I personally haven’t been to NC yet so I’ve no idea.
Aaron says
Calvin Chang,
Don’t worry… It looks like the thunder (or maybe Durant’s people) want the former MVP to walk again… It looks like he is going to the big city (said in my worst Oklahoma accent)
“Such grafts are apparently standard procedure for the “5 to 8 percent” of Jones fracture surgeries that don’t result in initial success. Durant will have the surgery early next week in New York; he won’t be back on the court until late summer, at the earliest.”
Calvin Chang says
Aaron: Hopefully, KD can get back to being 100%. He’s too young and too good to suffer from chronic foot injuries. Do you think Russ will be able to carry OKC past the first round? I initially thought that without KD, they were toast. But Kanter and Dion Waiters are improving a lot, and if Ibaka comes back healthy, they’ll have the defense needed to grind out some games. Kanter has been a surprise. He seems to possess good coordination for his size. What’s your take on Kanter?
rr says
Lakers 19-52
Orlando 22-52
4th worst record: 82.8% top 5, 47.7% top 4.
5th worst record: 55.3% top 5, 29.2% top 4.
Chance of picking 6th:
4th worst: 16%
5th worst: 36%
Aaron says
Calvin Chang,
Westrbook can’t beat GS by himself. I doubt he can win one game.
lil pau says
Aaron, your dubious theory that small-market teams send their superstars to inferior surgeons relative to big market teams conveniently ignores that Durant has an LA/NYC based: agent, lawyer, business manager, etc. If you think all these people – whose income is a function of Durant’s – simply sit on their hands while their once in a lifetime superclient receives substandard treatment, well, it simply defies belief. The NFL – with shorter career spans and nonguaranteed contracts is not the best standard of comparison, although I would be confident that Hall of Fame level players, i.e., Durant’s equivalents, receive first-class care regardless of where their team is based.
As to your crack on the quality of medical care in Charlotte, NC., suggesting elite franchises would only send their superstars to LA or New York… well, the Mayo Clinic is in the thriving metropolis of Rochester, Minnesota, and the local airport there is filled with private planes of the richest people in the world flying there for treatment. Our own beloved Kobe flew to Vail, Colorado for his surgery, where Steadman-Hawkins is headquartered. The most cutting edge oncology department in the country – probably the world, although I am not qualified to say – is in Houston. Another Mayo clinic is in Arizona and I know a number of rich LA people who fly there for treatment…
Simply looking on the NBA front, who can doubt that the Suns have had a far better medical track record than either the Lakers or the Clippers…. In short, I feel pretty confident that Durant received the best care money could buy.
Aaron says
lil Pau,
That’s why he is now going to NY. Again… As I’ve said… The thunder go to who they think is the best doctor. But who they think is the best doctor is different than who others think are the best doctors.
Craig W. says
aaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhh!!!
KenOak says
Is it pirate day Craig?
bryan S. says
Jahil Okafor<Greg Monroe. The top end of this draft is underwhelming. FA is going to be key.
bleedpurplegold says
Bryan:
Please tell me what you see in monroe, espacially on the defensive end, that suggests he will help this team elevate their current level of play….i know he can score inside and get some rebounds, but i belive thats not our main problem right now…we need to buffer our defense both on the perimeter and in the post, our scoring from the wing, 3pt shooting, etc….plus we have already comitted enough cash in a similar guy in hill
My conclusion: singing monroe would be a bad decision…i know he would elecate our level of talent, but he doesnt fill in any of our needs….
rr says
he doesnt fill in any of our needs…
—
The Lakers need young guys who are, or can be, legitimate, solid, NBA starters. Also, Hill is almost four years older than Monroe, not nearly as good, and his contract has a team option.
Monroe is going to cost a lot, and he isn’t that good on D. But he is a skilled offensive player in his prime with an excellent health record. If he does end up here, people will complain about both of those first two things, a lot. But a three-big rotation of Monroe/Randle/Davis with Clarkson and Russell or Mudiay in the backcourt would be a start on *possibly* getting the team back to respectability.
Aaron says
rr,
The only time you spend big money on above average to good players (like Monroe) is when you need one more piece to complete a championship team and the next season you will have to go over the cap to resign a current star on your team. So that is your last chance to add talent. I also don’t want PFs who can’t stretch the floor. But that’s besides the point.
rr says
Aaron,
Like I have said: you can judge talent, but IMO, your theories on roster-building are too linear, too black-and-white, and too driven by a belief in Lakers Exceptionalism. LeBron isn’t here, Durant is about to have more surgery, and Davis in not a FA for three more years.
Aaron says
rr,
In a world of salary caps and rookie contracts it’s a killer to waste great money on above average talent. Any way you slice it.
Aaron says
… Btw my roster construction philosophies have nothing to do with the Lakers.
KenOak says
Towns would look really good in a Lakers uniform. You think KAJ could work with this kid’s skills?
bryan S. says
Purps: My point about preferring Monroe to Okafor is to point out the weakness of this draft. In a word, the first pick might get you Okafor, a guy who isn’t better than a guy you can sign in unrestricted free agency. Not super exciting. Now on to Monroe: not a rim protector, which is as I ‘ve said here, the number one skill needed out of a big in today’s game. He’s a 4/5, and if the lakers were to sign him, I’d like to see him play a lot of 5 because he is a great passer out of the post. He has both a back to basket and face up game. This means that Randle has to improve his outside shooting, which I expect him to, to space the floor. As rr noted above, a rotation of Randle, Ed Davis, Monroe with some improved R Kelley thrown in isn’t bad. Monroe is a decent man defender and can be effective playing on a string with his teammates a la Spurs defense. Spurs don’t block many shots but are terrific team defenders. I’m not advocating signing Monroe per se, but a team can be constructed to take advantage of his skills and also mitigate his weaknesses. Personally I’m more excited about signing Omer Asik and resigning Ed Davis, and either drafting or signing a proficient floor spacing three with the available cap space.
Sam Dekker: Anyone see his game today for Wisconsin? If he wasn’t already out of reach with our pick from Houston, he is now. He might even go top then. As I’ve said repeatedly, this is the guy I want. Length, handle, deep shooting and elite size at the three.
dxmanners says
Tobias Harris, Randle, and Towns would be my dream frontcourt. Randle better be shooting 18 footers all summer, because he’s more like a 6’7″ three who can occasionally post guys up.
Clarkson at the one or two, draft another guard, perhaps get lucky later in the draft.
An improved Kelly, and Ed Davis off the bench.
Oh,and Nick Young. For three more years. Bleh.
Yes, Dekker did look like awesome this weekend. Wisconsin looks like an old school college team, when guys stayed in school.
rr says
Asik is fine and is a pretty good defensive player, but he is four years older than Monroe, although Asik does not have much NBA mileage–he played his first NBA game at 24. I would be fine with the Lakers signing him, although I would prefer Monroe. But the point I was making wasn’t so much about Monroe as an individual as it was that I don’t think the Lakers can sit back and wait for some magical haul of multiple FAs after drafting a few guys, if for no other reason than they still owe the Nash pick to Phoenix and still owe a pick to Orlando for Howard. I think they are going to have to get a decent team in place in part through FA in order to set themselves up to either a
a) Chase Davis
and/or
b) Pull off a trade for a big-time guy who is looking to get away from his team (no idea who that might be other than, again, Davis, if he tells NO he is bailing on them).
If the Lakers had all their own picks and some more besides, like Boston does, then I might see it differently. But they don’t.
rr says
chadfordinsider Chad Ford
Porzingis had 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting (2-for-4 from 3) & 5 boards. Hezonja played 6 minutes & scored 0 points in a win for Barcelona
31 minutes ago
chadfordinsider Chad Ford
Hearing a number of NBA GMs & scouts traveled to Spain this weekend to see Barcelona v. Sevilla (ie. Mario Hezonja v. Kristaps Porzingis)
Craig W. says
The cap goes up significantly after next year and may go up again the year following. In that scenario, I don’t mind overpaying for Monroe this summer. Many players could very well be over-paid this summer because of this unique situation. I just don’t want the Lakers to be left behind because they didn’t look farther down the road than next year – and I don’t think they will.
At least they got out of the repeater tax situation this year, therefore, they have more flexibility next year.