The Lakers enter their final preseason game of the exhibition season tonight and, while there is a lot to wonder about, my biggest item is simply to stay injury free. It is, truly, the only priority.
While the battle between Metta and Jabari for the final roster spot matters, seeing a good game from Russell would be nice, seeing whether Huertas can continue his strong play, and the surely entertaining Julius Randle/Draymond Green match up are all talking points, those are secondary. Get out of this game healthy and then onto opening night against the T’Wolves. Seriously. It’s all I am asking for. Win, lose, or another game cut short for whatever reason pops up. I do not care as long as both teams leave the game as healthy as they entered it.
That doesn’t make the rest of the game meaningless, of course. As noted above, there are things I will monitoring. How Scott handles the rotation with a shortened roster, though, might be the thing I look at most closely. While I could see him not tip his hand in a preseason game — especially with Kobe out — I’ll be watching how he handles guys’ minutes and what lineups he goes to and for how long.
Also interesting to me will be how much Russell handles the ball while playing next to Clarkson and how often either of them use the P&R to initiate the team’s offense. One of the noticeable differences between the first and second units, especially since Huertas has returned, has been how often the reserves go to the P&R as a primary set. This has been especially true when Kelly is in the game as he’s more adept at spacing the floor on the wing than playing at the elbows. I’m interested in seeing if Russell starts to run more P&R as well, especially when the ball handling with that group has been split fairly evenly between him, Clarkson, and Randle.
Lastly, I’ll also be watching how the team does defensively. Monday’s win against the Blazers showed better defensive intensity and execution, albeit against a much weaker opponent. The Warriors, even if the trot out a shortened rotation, will offer more dynamic sets which stretch the integrity of a defense in ways the Lakers didn’t see against the Blazers. I’m interested in seeing how they handle all these actions and whether they can communicate effectively within their scheme to limit good shots.
chris hederson says
for Warren!
KevTheBold says
Regarding the talk about D’Angelo’s lack of effort of late; I believe it was simply his attempt to calm down and allow the game to come to him.
If we recall during summer league, for him, pushing too hard, translated into mistakes.
He will find his balance. All he needs is time, patience; and let’s not forget how much fan support can mean to a player, especially a rookie with such a heavy weight on his young shoulders.
Tra says
Looks as if JC might of hurt his right shoulder. If so, hope that it’s nothing to serious.
Tim says
Jordan Clarkson has a sprained right shoulder. He will not return tonight, and will be re-evaluated tomorrow
Hale says
The Lakers are going to need to cut Russell if he’s taking Jan Brady-inspired hair tips from Ryan Kelly. They’re playing Jan Brady-inspired defense also.
Anonymous says
This is going to be a very long year. It will be a learning experience the kids have to go through. No pain no gain.
Mid-Wilshire says
Tonight the Lakers started a 19-year old, a 20-year old, a 22-year old, and a 23-year old against the reigning NBA champions who are playing at the top of their game.
Getting blown out, as painful as it is, should not shock us. It’s all part of the learning curve.
After this game, they should study this film, not just to identify their own mistakes but to learn from the Warriors. Again, it’s all part of the learning process.
On another note, I hope JC is OK.
Joel says
I don’t think Hibbert is the long term answer at center. He has no offensive game. I think he ends up being another one and done Laker.
J C says
It could be worse –
That could have been game one of the regular season instead of game 8 of the preseason.
lil pau says
really like Darius’ posts about d’angelo now being overly conservative when he was initially (summer league) overly reckless and I agree the former is ultimately more problematic given where he is on his learning curve…
certain players – not many, or most, but some – need to play free to be at maximum effectiveness, almost like a jazz virtuoso. russell is among that (small) group.
nick young: you are not a member of this fraternity. i see you trying to sneak into the club, but i know it’s you.