Though this is the summer of D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, the player currently making the biggest impression to fans in Las Vegas is Jordan Clarkson. Though he is a self identified “work in progress”, the progress he has made from a year ago this time is clear. We don’t need to go down his list of accomplishments now, but when Byron Scott mentioned during an in game interview on Saturday that Clarkson has made major strides as a player and that his work ethic is “tremendous” it is easy to see those statements quantified via his on court play. Simply put, Clarkson looks like he has outgrown this environment.
Heading into the regular season, then, things seem to be on track for Clarkson. A first team all-rookie performer last season, Clarkson is showing the exact type of progress you want to see in a player his age. His jumper is improving. His handle is tighter. His strength is improved and his athleticism is being better applied to produce actual results. It has led to statements like this being thrown around on twitter:
https://twitter.com/JonesOnTheNBA/status/619672525878853633
That’s high praise, but it really is true. Clarkson looks to be on a trajectory that far outpaces his draft status. He will be looked to as a key contributor and folks are already clamoring for him to be a starter next to Russell in the backcourt with Kobe sliding up to small forward in the process. Yeah, I know Kobe is diminished as a player, but tell me the last time any player on the roster came in and showed enough promise to inspire thoughts of displacing Kobe to a new position on the team. I’ll wait.
The road is ahead is about to get bumpier, though. If forecasting what his role will be this season, Clarkson will not just be asked to be the starting shooting guard, but also the team’s back up point guard. Wearing both hats doesn’t seem like a big deal on the surface, but we shouldn’t act like it’s no deal at all, either. Clarkson did prove capable of being a full time point guard last season. He started every game he appeared in to close the season at that spot and the numbers produced and the level of play provided earned him his all-rookie team status.
This year, though, he will have to not only wear that pure point guard hat, but a shooting guard hat as well. As summer league is showing, he will work less as a primary initiator and more as an off ball worker where plays are designed to get him in positions where he can be a shot creator for himself and his teammates. Already we’re seeing him come off more pin downs and run the baseline to work off picks where he can curl into his jumper or catch the ball at the mid wing to isolate. These actions aren’t completely foreign to him and he’s clearly doing well mixing in these types of actions with his normal workload of high pick and rolls and single high isolations he thrived at last season.
What bears most watching, though, isn’t the actions he’s incorporated into but, rather, the mindset he must carry when switching between the different hats he will be asked to wear. As a pure shooting guard, Clarkson clearly has the scoring instincts and skill set to thrive in the NBA. And, as a point guard, he has the size and athleticism to be a playmaker for himself and teammates in a the mold of other top performing lead guards in the league. The potential issue, though, will come from mixing these roles together and incorporating aspects of both roles he’ll be asked to play into a still evolving player.
This isn’t a small task. Remember, Clarkson was just learning to play point guard last season. He was thrown into the fire and through hard work, tons of tape study, sessions with Steve Nash, and lots of hands on direction from Byron Scott able to adapt admirably. This season, he will be asked to not only continue his growth in this role, but to also incorporate the mindset of an off-guard back into his game so he can thrive next to another lead guard. The potential for these roles to butt up against each other is real.
Now, I do think Clarkson will be fine. In the ever evolving NBA where “combo” guards are becoming more of a norm and “dual PG” lineups are en vogue, Clarkson will never stray too far away from the development path he was put on last season. Ultimately, whether it’s as a PG or an SG, I believe he’ll be asked to be an attack player who plays unselfishly. Considering his continued growth as a player, I do not think this will be a stretch for him and, based on his work ethic and his reportedly strong taking to coaching, I believe he’ll be just fine.
But, it is worth noting that after coming into the league as a second rounder, Clarkson will now be asked to not just adjust to playing a new position for the 2nd time in two seasons, but will asked to still play the one from last season too. That’s a lot of adjusting for a player as young as him. And while he’s blown us all away with his ability to succeed at whatever has been thrown his way thus far, it wouldn’t surprise to see more growing pains this season. After all, as Clarkson said himself, he is nowhere near a finished product. The Lakers are banking on it.
Ryan P says
Let’s also hope he adds some more defense to his game as well. When the Lakers start getting two way stars is when they will be challenging for titles again.
Thomas Rickard says
While I think Clarkson will eventually find his true role, I’m a little worried about next year, my fear is that Russell is going to have more trouble/growing pains at pg, they’re going to be a lot of impatient people, who will be crying that we should have taken Okafor, I’m hoping that doesn’t stress Russell to the point that Clarkson has to become starting pg, I’d prefer seeing Russell struggle through for the future leaving Clarkson primary position as sg were I think he’ll be able to develop his 3 point shot easier
jei Shun says
#FilipinoPride
We Filipinos are known to be hardworking people 🙂 we appreciate what JC has given to us, not only him but many as well. He represents us in the Basketball area tho
Chris J says
Straightforward question, as I do not watch college basketball — what position did Clarkson play most during his time in the NCAA? I’m curious as to what is his more “natural” role and what he’s most accustomed to in recent years: PG or SG? If the answer is both, so much the better as he works to master both at the NBA level.
Hersh Barazi says
Great articles lately Darius. And Chris J- clarkson played for Missouri and frequently played the role of combo guard. If I’m not mistaken, he primarily played as an off guard at the 2, but was also tasked with point guard playmaking duties.. The ratio of playing time at college between the two guard spots is very similar to the one he is being asked to duplicate now, which definitely is encouraging. All the better for his development, as youve said.
Calvin says
JC has the total fundamentals package for a guard. Handles, speed, athleticism, good outside shot, ability to create his own shot using tear drop or running floaters. His passing might be a notch lower than Russell, but he makes up for it with his ability to score. The test for Clarkson this season is on defense, bball IQ and mental toughness. Can he use his weapons to lead the team to wins?
tankyou says
I’m so so about Clarkson still. I think he was certainly a great pick no doubt. But he was given the keys to the kingdom at the end of the season, he had lots of games where he barely registered an assist despite playing 40mins. He had a string of nice games where he scored and distributed. He’s a great slasher for sure, which is a great skill to have, and its really fun to watch. In regards to how he is playing in summer league, I take that with a grain of salt as well–since he had an entire NBA season under his belt.
@Ryan P., I’m with you on that, until one of these young guys show some defensive chops we are looking like a team built of offense only guys. Clarkson looks–OK, but I still would consider him an offensive weapon and a modest defender at best. Although, his defense still may be better than most of the wings. Let’s hope our new SF’s can adapt quickly and D people up. Brandon Bass/Hibbert aren’t going to be able to stop the tide if our 1-3 guys don’t do something. Bass is a big upgrade over Boozer defensively for sure, but Boozer was a good offensively player–even if that’s about it for him at this point. Randle better have an inside game going this year, or we will be without inside scorers. Black is a great hustle guy, but he’s no offensive weapon, Hibbert is blah on O, Sacre can drain 15 footers 30% of the time–so we do have that going for us. Maybe Swaggy will learn to shoot over 40% again and learn to take it to the hole, rather than basically just jack up 3’s endlessly and then pout and play no D when he misses (or maybe we trade him–please).
jeremy says
Yeah! Jordan clarkson was definitely a steal from the 2014 draft. Proud to be Filipino as well! We from the Philippines are definitely a Laker Nation now
Calvin says
@Tankyou – agreed that Clarkson was very lucky to have the keys handed to him after the all-star break where he was allowed to start and play a lot with no pressure of winning. There’s no questioning his speed and athleticism though. Interesting how he’ll perform when playing against the tough point guards of the West with pressure to win.
Derrick says
@tankyou
Clarkson assist numbers are pretty low. That’s why it’s a better decision to move him to the two. I see clarkson being a monte Ellis type guard. Hopefully he can be a winning version tho
Mid-Wilshire says
Clarkson played both PG and SG positions at Tulsa (his first school) and both positions though primarily PG at Missouri. In fact, his SG mate at Missouri was Jabari Brown who is now on the Lakers and is hoping to win a position on the roster. So…playing both positions is not at all new to him.
Interestingly, D’Angelo Russell also played both PG and SG at Ohio State. If you look at videos of his highlights, you will see him playing off ball quite a bit.
This is part of the reason that I suggested, in a prior post, that the two players, Clarkson and Russell, actually share the duties of PG and SG with Russell playing PG for 4 or 5 plays, then Clarkson leading the offense for a few plays, then Russell again playing PG, then Clarkson, then Russell, and so forth.
The advantages of doing this would be the following:
1) This could possibly throw the other team off a bit by changing up the style of PG play by the Lakers (much like a pitcher in baseball alternates fastballs and curve balls);
2) It would help develop the skills and versatility of both players; and
3) It would relieve Russell (who is, after all, only 19) of the very considerable onus of having to lead an NBA offense completely by himself, thus enabling him perhaps to cut down on turn overs and other mistakes typical of 1st-year players.
Previous teams to have done this in history include the following: The NY Knicks with Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe from the late-1960s and early 70s, The NBA Champion LA Lakers in 1972 with Gail Goodrich and Jerry West, and the Bad Boy Pistons from the 1980s with Joe Dumars and Isaiah Thomas (also NBA champions).
With these teams, there was no primary PG or SG per se (especially with the first 2 examples). They simply had guards. That’s all. Obviously, it worked for them. I think it could also work for the current version of the Lakers. In fact, we may have lucked into a perfect storm of complementary guards. Maybe this — having large, versatile, multi-talented guards — could be the new wave of the future.
If nothing else, the Lakers should at least explore the possibilities.
VI Guy says
I thought Clarkseson played pretty good defense last year. If he’s not a great defender, he bothered his man up and down the court. And he has some of the quickest hands I’ve seen.
I agree that Clarkeson was handed the keys last year–but the point was he was able to capitalize on that opportunity. The Lakers have been rotating in guards and wings like a Merry Go Round.for the last two seasons. No one else we rotated in demonstrated his capabilities, even allowing some of our nice young players got injured.
I’m not as optimistic asking Russell to step in as the starting point guard. He looks like a great developing player but I’m not sure he’s shown he’s ready to run an NBA offense–yet. If Russell isn’t ready that just puts more of a burden on Jordan.
tankyou says
IF Kobe can stay healthy, realistically speaking Kobe is running the offense. I see nothing to suggest Kobe is going to back off being Alpha Ball dominant when he is on the court. So Clarkson/Russel will not have a lot of passing/distributing duties if Kobe can hold it together this season. This likely being Kobe’s last season, he’s going to go all out on offense, because I’m sure he knowns he really can’t do damage on the defensive end anyomre. Kobe did show the ability to still be an excellent rebounder though–which oddly enough we may really need, depending on who gets the PT.
For development’s sake it may not be great for our two young guards, but Kobe will certainly reduce the pressure on them having to do something with the ball after they dribble it down the court. I don’t think this helps Clarkson, but if Kobe/Russel play much together it could help him a bit at least the first part of the season as he deals with the eye opening step up that full out NBA basketball is compared to the NCAA.
Hoperhetoric says
Summerleague should be for Russel, randle, brown, nance, & upshaw. Clarkson is taking away the opportunity for them to be more aggressive offensively. Clarkson is proven already & said he wants to improve his shooting but that can only be learned in practice. No point in him playing against rookies. Learning to play together w/Dangelo is no exucuse.
The rookies needs confidence & find their feel for the game in carrying the team. Its very easy to make passes, russel needs experience in shooting. Damian, curry etc are pointguards but more impactful in shooting.
Beware of Byron! Kidd, cp3, irving are all prone injuries in rookie years because of byrons very hard workout & demanding defense + too much pointguard use. Is it just coincidence that both cp3 & irving cant survive in the middle of playoffs last season.
Stop too much pointguarding & use team ballmovement like warriors, spurs, hawks, raptors….its Either u get injured or suck at defense for using too much energy.
Reverend 9 says
When the hell did Kidd become injury prone ? You tripping and FYI the summer league is for fringe pros as well so it’s not just clarkson and a bunch of rookies .. You gotta watch basketball a little closer brother …
Peace
Shaun says
Why are we talking about clarkson when russell is the one to be worried about
Eye test says he is actually nothing special and might be the hasheem thabeet of guards while okafor was a real pressance on the court demanding double teams, passing out of the post and scoring almost at will and while he might not be a match at the rim he is an impressive rebounder who seems to always be i the right position + he has already improved his ft shooting and looks like he could get it to 80% just like blake did whem he came into the league
Meanwhile russell lost the ball on almost every drive between 2-3 defenders and his shots were all short + needs a pick to get past his guy …. really dont think he is gonna be a fit for bryons offense but then again his offense is garbage
And clarkson defends well, i dont know why we are trying to knock him there
Bryon also somewhat gave away his thougts on what lineups and the bench will be during his interview with reggie
Lou-2, nick-3, bass-4, and black-5 will be the guys coming off the bench with my guess that clarkson stays in with thay group and them they sub russell and kobe back in after a few mins
With
Russell-1,clarkson-2,kobe-3,randle-4,amd hibbert-5 starting …. the beginning of the year is going to be rough i think mainly because of russell …. in sl our offense worked a lot better when clarkson initiatied the offense … it will be very hard for russell to try and iso with those crap floaters of his when kobe and clarkson are on the floor as better options … i think russell is a really going to seem invisible with better talent around him … he wont see the ball if he pulls that crap in real games …. randle will be fine… was a minute limit for him …. upshaw is …um not looking too good either ….. preseason should tell us a lot more but there is a lot of work to do
Craig W. says
Right now we have fears, we don’t know enough. Kobe shot some airballs, Russell will too. The question isn’t the mistakes, the question is, how fast will he learn?
Mid-Wilshire says
Here is an interesting perspective on the Lakers’ projected back court of the future by Nate Parham of SB Nation, a sports writer who actually follows the GS Warriors:
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/7/12/8936317/nba-summer-league-2015-la-lakers-dangelo-russell-las-vegas
Some times it’s enlightening to hear what others have to say, especially those whose judgement is not clouded by anxiety as is often the case with fans who are often too close to the proverbial forest to notice that the trees are indeed green and growing.
KenOak says
@ Mid-Wilshire
Thanks for sharing that link. I honestly don’t know what to say to some posters here. So, after 2 summer league games, some of you are ready to completely jump ship? Seriously? The kid looked pretty good most of the time that I watched those games and at other times….he looked like a 19 year old rookie! Imagine that!
Kobe wasn’t Kobe immediately. There were growing pains. I can’t be a Lakers fan for you- I can’t tell you how to cheer or how to enjoy games… I can tell you this though. Russell will have every opportunity to become a star with this team. I am just going to sit back and enjoy the journey because it’s entirely possible that we just found our next PG of the future *and* Kobe-lite in Jordan Clarkson. Fans of other teams see it, and they are not happy about it. And if Randle pans out…. look out NBA!
Michael says
Mid-Wilshire
Thanks for the link. It was great reading an objective, non-zeal-laced commentary on the learning curve of summerleague basketball. Even a lot of the journalists I´ve come across, do not seem to understand the organic aspects of basketball. As an example some so-called expert was ranting about bigs like Black and Upshaw are holding onto the ball too long at the elbow, further questioning why they even have the ball at all at those spots. A player is like any student and needs to learn through experience. Through those experiences they learn how to better handle such scenarios through getting touches–even in spots they normally would not be in.
Brian P. says
Mid-Wilshire,
Thanks for the link that was a good read. I am disappointed by Russell’s first two games only in that he will need more time than I was hoping for to become our potential star. I don’t think we are in dire straights and in no way think Russell is a bust now . Just my impatient laker fandom is hurt. I still see the right tools for him to at least be a great facilitator . Once he gets comfortable his shot will come as well. Only thing I question is whether he will be able to penetrate and finish at the rim . Either way a great passer with shooting range is an excellent floor to have in our 1st pick in my book .
Oldtimer says
Summer League is just a glimpse of our youth movement, yet I always read posts which have fascination of going for youth 100% via tanking! With Russell alone, we are already doubting and wanted to accelerate his progress on game 2. He is not Westbrook and Curry on the first two games so give him time as the 2nd team PG. This used to be an optimistic forum at the time of MBrown and Dantoni perhaps enamored by big names players like Nash and Howard, Gasol and Kobe – didn’t expect they were 100% healthy and Kobe got injured due to over used. From optimism, two seasons later the barometer moved to pessimism, we can’t even project more than 30 W’s with this team. We easily get discourage with the profile of our rookies as if they are ready to start on Season One. First and foremost, they have to learn the rules; Secondly, Russell has to familiarize with the moves and playing style of his teammates before he conjures a plan of action. At the moment, he is thrown in the fireplace and expect to create heat on his first week as a Laker. Here is what Magic J say about Russell – “We needed a point guard with D’Angelo’s skill set. He could be a superstar in this league one day if he continues to work at it,” Johnson said. “He knows not only how to get the open man the ball but also he can create shots for guys that only the greats know how to do.” Have faith on Magic mind, there is more reality to it than just looking at stats on first two games.
What is not being discussed are the upsides of the FA’s we got. I gathered some profile which I think we could relate with our new draft picks.
1. Lou Williams – 10 years experience in NBA with PPG 15.5 with Tor; 11.9 with Atl; and 15.3 with Sixers. He played with the latter for 7 years. Mind you, he is 45th pick in 2005. His first two years with Sixers, his PPG is 3 pts. (In the case of Clarkson, what is his PPG last season 11.9 for the season and 22 in the last five regular season games, yet he is still being doubted as a PG. Are we expecting Clarkson to play like CP3, Harden and Liliard? Not yet there but given support, he will be there).
2. Brandon Bass – 10 years in the league, 33rd pick by NO in 2005. Do you know his PPG with NO? 2 pts and RPG of 2.3. He played with Dallas, Orlando and Boston with career PPG of 10.6 and 4.7 RPG. You can see the growth and progress of our 2nd acquisition. to play as PF. Based on those background will you opt for Randle as PF over Bass during the first 20 games?
3. Roy Hibbert – our Center 7’2″ who has played in the Finals, ASG for 2 seasons. During his formative years as 17th pick by Raftors in 08, he averages 8 pts. Today, he has PPG of 11.1 and 6.8 RPG. Considered as baby among the Centers, yet better on FT % than DeAndre and Dwight.
I profiled these three players because the bulk of offense will depend on this three plus a healthy Kobe on his last season and a resurging Clarkson. If things don’t work out, we have the energetic role players capable of taking the starting role in due time.
I perceived the Lakers as glass half-empty for as long as the dysfunctional Buss family are running the operations of the franchise (because they are not really qualified and visionary like their late Dad) but I also adjust my outlook as a glass half-full on the new Lakers compared to the miseries of the past.
Vasheed says
Thanks Mid-Wilshire for the link,
Kind of an interesting point some of Russell’s turnovers come from team mates just not expecting to get the ball. I had read before the draft something to the effect of “players not realizing how open they were” receiving a pass from Russell.
Jason says
Just remember that high turnovers are actually a high indicator of success as a rookie PG. It shows that they are trying to pass guys open, see the play before it happens, just that they don’t have the experience with those teammates yet to be totally successful.
Dom says
I’ve watched both summer league games and what jumped off the screen at me was extreme youth and exceptional talent. In other words several works in progress. PG is the toughest position to learn in the game, to expect a 19 y/o to come into the league and play at a high level is ridiculous. These kids and I emphasize kids are still learning growing and maturing. They are going to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes. Russells turnovers were careless 5 of them in game 2 were unforced and this is against summer league competition. Patience Laker fans its going to take a lot of time for them to develop into quality NBA players.
bluehill says
Just for fun –
Curry played 1 year of summer league. Some stats
Min: 33.5
FG%: 32.5
3P%: 34.5
Reb: 4.6
Ast: 4.2
TO: 3.6
Pts: 17.4
Westbrook played for 2 years:
Min: 28.7
FG%:52.3
3P%: 30.0
Reb: 2.9
Ast: 5.3
TO: 3.3
Pts: 18.8
Renato Afonso says
Again, this draft pick will be judged in three years time, when our championship window is supposed to open. If by then Okafor is still the better player then we surely messed up. Until then, we have to wait and see how this kid evolves without him having the benefit of overpowering others with speed or strength.
Renato Afonso says
Jordan Clarkson is turning out to be the steal of last year’s draft. We shall see how it goes when he has to share the ball with Kobe…
AusPhil says
Just a quick response to Robert’s take on Laker fans from last thread – I agree on the late arriving crowd with the phones, but I pray that LA doesn’t become a “free shirt wearing” crowd. Leave that to teams without history, legacy and class. It’s not a college game.
Fern says
After 2 summer league games, some people here starting to imply Russell is a bust? Are you serious? the turnovers? I bet some of them are passes that the other players could not keep up with. Im encouraged by how well this kid rebound the ball, that will provide endless opportunities for transicion baskets. In 3 years time, this kid should be stronger and faster. So i think people are being too damn harsh after 2 summer league games if this was baseball this would not qualify for Spring Training even . Clarkson has improved by leapt and bounds, he wasn’t a steal, he was straight up highway robbery. He eis developing nicely.
nik kannan says
A Couple of Folks already stated this – It is just two games in summer league so I won’t make any total assessments – these guys have barley got a chance to play together.
What is Obvious is Clarkson continues to get better & that is encouraging. The potential is there for everyone else mention, with D-RUS showing us a little but of everything – once he get to the regular season he will find ways to be crafty – but like all rookies, is going to hit a proverbial wall & show immaturity on the floor – it is how he progresses & learns. I have confidence he will learn from Kobe & be a sponge to learn how to preserve.
& I, after 1st being disappointed we didn’t take a more notably respectable player with our 27th pick, Nance looks to be someone who can give us some athleticism & energy.
But this is a process just glad to see We are all in for the ride.. to think we are watching summer league games… wait til we hoist Larry OB again… the sweet days will be back soon…
TheNumberOfFlopsIsTooDamnHigh says
You all make great points regarding Russel. I am not jumping ship just yet after not seeing greatness in the first two summer league games. He may turn out to be a great player in 3 years time, who knows. But many of his peers that were drafted well below him just looked better from an overall talent standpoint. I’m not saying this because he didn’t have great games or so-so statlines, but how his attributes, skill set and also demeanor compared to other high draft picks.
My main point was really to express my doubts about both winning more games than last year AND fast track Russel’s development giving him starter minutes. That is not going to happen, as much as I was secretly hoping for that.
So the next question is then, don’t we need to be at least a 40+ wins team next year to lure 2 top tier free agents?
Lakafan says
We can compare Russell to okafor all we want but the guy who he really should be compared to is mudiay who had 19 points and 10 assists yesterday. We really need Russell and for that matter randle to develop quickly and show that they can be future all stars. Only way to attract KD or any other future star who can play the 3 or 5 since we should be pretty much set at the 1,2,and 4, unless we think randle would be better coming off the bench in a Lamar Odom role.
tankyou says
Off topic, but have you guys checked on the summer league vids on Orlando’s Hezonja? Man he looks good for a 6-8, 20 year old. Clearly its too early to tell, but he looks better than a lot of these other 1st rounders.
My biggest irk about Russel was that we already had Clarkson, unless they firmly believed Russel was just heads above Okafor. Which I really can’t understand anyone thinking Russel was heads above Okafor. Okafor could fill a need on the roster we had. Whereas Russel/Clarkson were going to cause some issues in terms of playing time. With Kobe, who no doubt would play the 2 at least some of the time, if not the majority of the time, it left little left for one of the young guys. We picked up Lou Williams, you can’t sit that guy on the bench when he is heads above the young guys in ability to score–although I think Clarkson may be close. I really don’t understand the logic, unless someone just fell in love with Russel, but I can’t imagine many talent scouts thinking Russel was definitely better than Okafor. Clarkson looks hungry and light years ahead of Russel at this point–so with limited PT available can Russel even catch up this year? Then we have to look at Clarkson’s contract, he’s a RFA at the end of this season right?
I for one would rather have seen Okafor developing at center, than renting slothlike Hibbert for one year. It’s not as if Bass/Williams/Hibbert make us a contender. The people saying will can win 40 games this year, must not watch the other teams or have Laker-bubble thinking. No way we win 40 games, unless Kobe recovers and becomes 2008 Kobe again–and that means defensively as well. The West is not that much worse, and most of the teams that are “worse” still have a lot more established talent that are bloody good. Even if we were healthy last season, realistically we weren’t winning more than 30-35 games tops, this current roster isn’t going to do any better. But at least we aren’t tanking, and if we win 35-ish games, we will be clearly on the upswing–which can help us sign Free agents.
Craig W. says
Higher athletic ability and energy usually equals higher visibility in summer league. Skills requiring work within a team concept are harder to see, due to lower player skill levels and teammate familiarity. I had high expectations for this summer league team, both because this is my first time here and there is less ‘cannon-fodder’ on the team. I didn’t take into account the team familiarity and natural emergence of highlight plays. Players like Russell and A. Brown, who’s calling cards are not athleticism, will have a harder time standing out. Thanks Mid-Wilshire for the link pointing this out to me.
Mac Daddy says
The young man will be fine. This isn’t the first time this young man has faced criticism in his brief an NBA career. Fortunately, he has an extremely high Bball IQ and being helped along by Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant. People tend to overly scrutinize his game unlike those first rounders drafted before him. Look, let’s low this young man to develop and not continue holding him under a larger scope. He’s entering his second year but has progressed quicker than others in his draft class. BTW, this season his success is contingent upon how much he receives the ball given the amount of touches he gets with Kobe on the floor. It’s apparent he won’t be the top option and can only perform given how much he’s incorporated into the offense.
Todd says
I think the angst that some of the posters are experiencing is not that our kids are bad, its that our young players are just that – young. They will need time to develop. Most teams look forward to adding their young players to their returning veterans and assume that the veterans will lead the way and whatever the kids add will be gravy.
The Lakers don’t have that luxury. Truth be told, the Lakers have a very average core of veterans. Adding young players, that are a few years away, does not bode well for a promising year. Which again leads me back to our FO:
1) the decision to pursue LA continues to baffle me. How did Jim/Mitch see him fitting in other than to make us a 10th seed versus an 12th seed? How did the FO believe that was an appealing offer for Aldridge?
2) better to have pursued Monroe. We should have made it known he was our #1 choice. Instead we made him a distant third option and naturally he went elsewhere.
3) Why does Mitch put unrealistic expectations out there? He recently said the Lakers could be a playoff team. Well, I suppose anything is possible. However, the good fortune the Lakers will require and the bad luck the 6 teams in front of us will need to have for us to make the playoffs is a pretty big reach.
So, for me, this was another off season of confusing decisions by our FO. I know they want to win and I know they are rolling space forward for KD. But isn’t a core of Clarkson, Randle, Russell and Monroe more attractive than a core of Clarkson, Randle and Russell? I just can’t see KD coming, especially in light of the fact that virtually every team will have enough cap space to sign him.
Franklin Ashley says
No doubt this group is entertaining but D is the question. Byron will try to get them on board but tough every nite in the Western Conference. If Randles stays healthy and gets passes, Hibbard should help a lot if he comes to play. Kobe will limit his minutes to preserve himself for an outside shot at can 8th spot. Like Upshaw and Nance energy is like Ramblis.
George says
@ Todd: Why does Mitch put unrealistic expectations out there? He recently said the Lakers could be a playoff team. Well, I suppose anything is possible. However, the good fortune the Lakers will require and the bad luck the 6 teams in front of us will need to have for us to make the playoffs is a pretty big reach.
__
I thought the same thing when I heard Mitch’s quote. Does he really feel that way? Is he saying that because he wants to encourage the team? Or, is he saying that because Jim believes it to be true?
Clearly, progress was made and with health we should see an improvement over last year. But to think we have a realistic shot at the playoffs is as you say – a reach.
BigCitySid says
-Darius, appreciating your summer league updates, especially since I view the games themselves so rarely.
– I’m among the Laker fans that preferred Okafor to Russell, but now that Russ is wearing Laker gear, needless to say I’m obviously hoping him and Clarkson can be as good a backcourt as many here imagine.Of course they’ll need time, which brings me to my point….
– Darius, I’m looking forward to your upcoming piece pertaining to “what can we (or the Lakers) expect from Kobe this season?” I’m not talking so much about points as I’m thinking about usage rate, especially on this young developing team.
…back to the pool
Darius Soriano says
Sid,
I’m not going to write that post. So, yeah.
T. Rogers says
A few things for us to remember:
Kobe was drafted to a 50 win team that had Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones. Yes, Kobe has always loved pressure. But it was a lot easier for teenage rookie guard joining that team (96 Lakers) than this team. Russell, Randle, and Clarkson have Laker nation sized expectations on their shoulders. We have to give them time to grow. And even then they still may not pan out.
Going into the draft Okafor was said to be the most NBA ready. Both Russell and Towns were hyped up more for their potential than their actual play. Both made scouts drool over their “flashes” of brilliance. But everyone agreed Okafor was ready to contribute offensively now. He’s doing just that. Granted its against summer league competition. Will he put up the same numbers against NBA starter bigs? We’ll see.
But that just it. We have to wait and see with all of these players. We have to give them a couple of years to round into pro level form. Right now we have to try to enjoy their growing pains. As a fan base we will have to continue to ignore the win/loss columns.
George says
@ T. Rogers: As a fan base we will have to continue to ignore the win/loss columns.
__
Elite free agents won’t ignore our won loss record. Surely, our FO knows that….
T. Rogers says
George,
That message has come through loud and clear this summer. Unfortunately that puts more pressure on the young guns to develop faster. The number of wins won’t go up until our young guys round into form. I think we fans would do well to just forget about big name free agents for awhile. They aren’t coming. I hope our FO knows that and acts accordingly.
Calvin says
Very impressed with the way Mudiay plays. He seems to have good poise and patience for a rookie. Hate to say it, but Tank Aaron might be right about Mudiay.
R says
BigCity – Kobe’s usage rate is going to be $24,000,000 per season.
Kevin says
Does anyone know if the Lakers tried to move up in the draft. I only ask because, Bobby Portis was selected by the Bulls a few spots in front of us and I think he will be the steal of this draft. He’s an extremely active 6’11’ PF who shot 43.5 % from 17 feet and beyond last season. Don’t you think that our 27th + 34th pick would have been enough to get Portis from the Bulls at 22?
While I think Nance will be a nice energy guy, I don’t see him as a anything more than a rotational piece. It kills me that we had the opportunity to get another front line young talent (Portis in the draft and/or Monroe in free agency) and let them slip away.
I understand that this year’s free agent class is KD and a bunch of lesser talents. Coupling that with the fact we’ll likely miss out on our pick means we may well be looking at essentially the same roster next year. In other words no infusion of real talent.
Portis would have given us a pair of young forwards to go along with our young backcourt. In fact adding Monroe to this group would have created a core that only needed time and some bench pieces to be very dangerous:
PF: Portis 6′ 11″ age 20
SF: Randle 6′ 9″ age 20
C: Monroe 6′ 11″ age 24
SG: Clarkson 6′ 5″ age 23
PG: Russell 6′ 5″ age 19
Our FO seems hell bent on signing two max FAs to the point that they missed opportunities to greatly improve the team. They act like a little kids whose b-day money is burning a hole in his pocket — they don’t think players are any good unless they cost $25 or $30 mil a year..
Oldtimer says
T. Rogers,
Jim Buss will not ignore the W or L record, his position is at stake, his clock is ticking on Season Two.
The point is, we expect them to compete and win in every competition. If the results is too lopsided in the first 20 games, FO has to make some remedies or trade moves that will energize the roster.
rr says
Just for the record–Mudiay and Hezonja were Aaron’s two guys.
I also liked Mudiay more than Russell (or Okafor) but the FO has a lot more info than I do.
Ray B says
Just went through the tweets with D’Antoni quotes.
Man, I think his style would fit this team and they would flourish in it…
Sorry guys, but I just hate Byron’s offense.
Darius, as always… great job with the site.
You da man !!!
Vasheed says
@Kevin,
1. Hindsight is 20/20. Hence we got Clarkson last year in the 2nd round.
2. You are assuming the Bulls would be willing to give up their draft position. That is not a given.
3. It is summer league. Judging NBA performance by summer league games can be premature.
teamn says
Hate to use the word “interesting” to describe the upcoming season (I think Robert may have a specific visceral reaction to that term), but honestly, I am anxious to see how the Lakers balance the tension between the youth movement, the FO’s need to see serious progress (perhaps even playoffs as the clock ticks on Jim), and the veterans now on the team (not least of which is a retiring legend).
I could see Byron reverting to lineups that emphasize veteran presence to start, with Russel, Randle, perhaps Clarkson all coming in as part of the second unit. Maybe that is too extreme, so I am curious what Darius and others forecast? I know it is really early, but does Russel start? What about Randle? Is Clarkson the only youngster in the starting lineup at the PG? Or what if Williams starts instead?
Justin says
@ Todd
1. Because they wanted to get as close as possible to the playoffs to sell Durant and Horford on coming here. This summer proves top players only go to ready to win teams. If the Lakers made the playoffs or just missed you could argue to players that Russell, Randle, and Clarkson are improving (thus being a playoff team next year) and that someone like Durant or Horford makes them a contender. Unlike OKC Lakers will spend money and go all in for a championship (unlike OKC that only outs one foot in and can’t win a trade to save their life or get a major FA). Yes it was probably still a long shot but offered them a real chance at a star. They fall like dominos.
2. Monroe would not have come even he we went to him first. First no player does that (I would have come to you if you would have come to me first). He had his meeting, but Monroe made it very clear what he wanted (the most ready team). He even said that is why he chose the Bucks over LA and Knicks.
3. Because most GMs overrate their chances. They really do believe in the players they sign. And Mitch is right. They will compete for a spot barring injuries. Remember the Blazers are dropping out of the playoffs and will be really bad. Mavs will be bad as well. Thunder will move up if healthy and NO is a Davis injury away from being the worst team in the west (and he misses a dozen games each year). That means the Jazz, Lakers, Twolves, and Kings are fighting for that last spot. The Jazz are the only team I think are better than the Lakers in that group. But the Jazz are super young and so if Kobe stays healthy they have a good chance to do that. Plus when your pick is going (no way they are the worst team in the league and anything else would give them bad odds of keeping the pick, See Knicks on this list, but also the odds at other spots it is ugly: http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/5/18/8620515/la-lakers-draft-lottery-odds-2015-nba)
Mikey K. says
Russell – Unique skills.
Like many of the Okafor-broken-hearted, I have had to try to look to get excited about Russell while also watching the ever mounting evidence of Okafor’s seeming certain and obvious post-scoring-greatness. And a number of youse guys are all asking why he was chose and why and how he was chosen by Mitch and the front office.
For what it’s worth, this is what I’ve been able to cobble together from watching a bunch of video on Russell. To understand his game, you have to start with the idea of him as a comp for James Harden. That’s the primary mold for his game. Not particularly athletic or explosive, but a master of tempo and speed shifting and fakes and creative use of spacing and angles.
If you have any doubt about this comparison, google James Harden highlights, but choose a recent upload that has 2014-2015. Also, do the same with Russell. What you’ll see is that they both create havoc by playing with the ball in front on them on a yo-yo, confusing defenders with changes of direction, cross overs, dribbles against the eventual passing lane, leading with the ball and then pulling back sharply, and then going back into a dribble forward after the defender is closing space. They also both use the dribble to get the defender off balance in order to get off easy mid-range shots, or lob passes.
You have to credit Harden with being a bit bigger, but also a bit slower. Russell shows probably a bit more shooting touch, but Harden has more skill and craftiness with his dribble mechanics, and especially with his protection of the ball and foul drawing on his drives. But Russell shows a far greater awareness of passing possibilities and spacing options. And finally, Harden has already done it at the NBA level, whereas Russell has only done it at the college level.
I’m getting pretty confident that Russell is close to a sure thing, and that his ceiling is massive. Craig said it earlier. Summer league rewards athleticism and players who are already closer to their ceiling. That’s how you get a Randy Foye is the best player in his draft class misperception. What Russell represents is the first true point guard to come along in years, who has the complete package of being naturally pass-first, having elite floor vision, sweet-shooting, and the ability to use his dribble to constantly throw defenders off balance and create breakdowns in the defense. He doesn’t break down his man. He breaks down the defense.
Watch the tape. Watch enough and you’ll see that really the only guy doing that in the NBA right now is Harden, and even he tends to run his offense for himself, with assists primarily being a byproduct of double teams. Harden is great, now doubt. He’s just the bigger, tougher, combo guard version of what Russell seems to be.
But anyone looking for his summer league performance to foretell his NBA potential is looking at the wrong data set. See how he runs his team. This guy is unique. He’s special. And he’s not going to be stopped by the greater athleticism of NBA players any more than Harden was, or Curry was. He is gifted with a skill set that he can leverage that takes athletic defense mostly out of the equation. And worst case scenario, he can just run screen after screen to start his offense. That’s what Harden used to do.
Justin says
@Kevin I still believe they should only target top players. They clearly had Hibbert in their back pocket and I would rather have the one year rental and have a ton of money to go after people in 2016 and 2017 than put Monroe in that spot for two years (which he took so he can get more money in two years). And does Monroes offense really help you more than Hibberts defense? Plus that would make the Lakers a post team. Why draft Russell if you aren’t looking at a future running team. Yes I know Hibbert won’t run, but I think they will when he sits and again Hibbert is here for only a year.
Justin says
Lou is not a PG so I doubt they start him there. I could see Byron start with:
PG Clarkson
SG Lou
SF Kobe
PF Bass
C Hibbert
And then go fast in the second group with:
PG Russell
SG Clarkson
SF Young
PF Randle
C ??? Sacre
I don’t see Upshaw getting much playing time next year. One he is out of condition and two very raw. But the second unit would be such a pace changer it would be hard for teams to adjust.
Calvin says
Mikey K – I disagree with the James Harden comparison. They’re both lefties, about the same height, have good handles. But the style of play is very different – mainly because of Harden’s physical base strength. Harden’s lower body is incredibly strong. Bigs have a tough time backing him down. Harden uses this strength to maintain control of the ball while penetrating, absorbing contact and drawing fouls, and still getting to the rim. Russell is more of a finesse player.
Baylor Fan says
If Clarkson can improve his defense to the point where he is at least an average defender, he will be a great asset.
As Russell has already pointed out, the 24 second clock is a major challenge for college players to adjust to. The do not have the time they were used to in college to get into their offensive sets. The players who are doing well have already spent time with shorter shot clocks overseas or are second year players. Things will improve for all the Lakers newbies as the season approaches and they get more opportunities to play at an accelerated pace. Along these lines, it is awesome that the Lakers seem to have hit on all of their draft choices the last two years. There is a lot of youth to bring up to speed but they should provide a strong foundation for the next big free agent signing.
LKK says
@Mid-W….
Excellent perspective on how teams in the past have used combo guards. I think too much emphasis is being made about defining positions. Playmaking can come from any spot on the floor as seen in the triangle offense and more recently in the small ball approach of the reigning champs. The more playmakers a team has, the better.
BigCitySid says
-@ teamn, why wouldn’t Russell, Randle & Clarkson start (w/ Kobe & Hibbert)? Clarkson was starting last year, Randle & Russell are high 1st round draft picks, and what’s more important this season then the development of these three? As you can tell from the last couple of seasons, top shelf free agents are looking for teams with talent on the raise or talent that has already arrived. If they don’t start, it won’t be a good sign.