It is pretty easy to be down on the Lakers right now. They possess a 1-5 record. They are in the bottom 10 in the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They have lost two very winnable games (opening night vs. the T’Wolves, Sunday against the Knicks) while facing a relatively soft schedule (for example, one of their losses was to the Kings who have only that single win in eight games).
I think some of the major frustrations aren’t necessarily with the losses (though winning more would be nice), but the process in which the losses are occurring. If the Lakers are going to lose anyway, many would like to see D’Angelo Russell in those late game situations where learning can occur. There are questions about the rotations being put together, the schemes the team is using on both sides of the ball, and whether it all combines to put players in the best positions to be successful.
And while it is important to always know that there are things we do not have information on (how practices are going, what’s being discussed in film sessions, specific directions doled out to players), what we see in the games does cause frustrations to mount.
In getting to our links for the day, I think David Murphy at Bleacher Report did a good job of diagnosing what ails the team right now. An excerpt:
There are numerous flaws that make up a losing team, from players’ shortcomings to management’s failure at making the kind of free-agency summer splash that could have vaulted them back into relevance.
But if there is one deficiency that stands heads above the rest, it lies with poor coaching.
Granted, the Lakers haven’t had much luck in this department during the post-Phil Jackson era—not with grind-it-out Mike Brown, or his successor, Mike D’Antoni, a man saddled with back-to-back rosters uniquely ill-suited for his run-and-gun style.
But Scott’s the one in the hot seat right now. Bringing the former Showtime legend back into the Lakers family seemed to be more an act of nostalgia and misplaced loyalty than forward-thinking strategic planning. Simply speaking, the game has evolved since Scott’s early successes as an NBA head coach, and he hasn’t.
Keeping on the theme of what’s going wrong, Drew Garrison at Silver Screen & Roll broke down the Lakers’ offense in the last 8 minutes of the Knicks game and saw failures all over the floor. He has nice still pictures, gifs, and videos to explain, but his conclusion sums it all up well:
For over seven minutes the Lakers’ offense couldn’t convert a single field goal. The few quality shots they took didn’t drop, the rest of the muck they tried to survive with didn’t work, and the Knicks defense did exactly what it needed to do to finish off an opponent that simply couldn’t score.
We see these types of scoring droughts often from the starting lineup, too. It’s clearly a problem that between their starters they couldn’t come up with a single made basket in a game they were very close to winning. Their pick-and-roll scheme is problematic because it’s too easy for the defense to pack the paint, and there’s nothing else really going for it right now. It’s a mix of system, talent and inexperience that’s causing these kinds of ugly stretches.
Everyone deserves part of the blame. From Byron Scott, to Kobe, to Russell. Hopefully this clears up with time, but we’re starting to see why something even as bread-and-butter as a pick-and-roll might be a challenge to execute for this team.
Moving on to Kobe, he recently made more headlines by again acknowledging he would like to play in the 2016 Olympics for the men’s National Team. While many in the twitter-verse are, basically, laughing at this concept, over at The Sporting News, Adi Joseph thinks Kobe should make the team. He offers points for an against, but closes with the idea that he would like to see Kobe “go out on top”:
The Lakers are bad. Bryant is part of the reason for that, yes, but he also is one of the greatest players in NBA history. Furthermore, he is one of the most popular players in international basketball history, arguably the face of the league during an era when it expanded to the international audience in a major way.
Women’s basketball legend Tamika Catchings plans on retiring after the 2016 Olympics. She’s led a celebrated, championship-winning career in the WNBA and abroad. She also is longtime friends with Bryant, friends from the time when their fathers played professionally in Italy.
Catchings and Bryant are global superstars. They deserve to go out in the red, white and blue. Let them go out gold.
The idea of Kobe ending his career in Rio implies that this year will be his last. I am on record as saying I think Kobe retires after this season:
I've been saying it for a while, but I think Kobe retires after this season. He's worked so hard & is only this good. He knows.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) November 9, 2015
Used to be Kobe would put in the work & got better. Then, to maintain his superiority. Now? To it's to be this guy hanging on. He knows.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) November 9, 2015
Kobe has deflected on this topic as much as humanly possible, but like it or not, the notion of this being his last season is taking root. Even more so now that he may be showing his hand a bit more. From Baxter Holmes of ESPN:
Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott said star guard Kobe Bryant recently told him for the first time that this could be his final season.
Scott said the conversation took place in the past few days and was about a different subject, which Scott declined to disclose, but he said it was during that talk that Bryant revealed that he might retire after the 2015-16 campaign, his 20th with the Lakers.
“That’s the first time that he hinted to me that this might be his last year,” Scott said Sunday before the Lakers faced the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Bryant maintained after the game that he has made no decisions about his future and will do so after this season. When asked what will go into that decision, he said it’s “just desire, if i want to put my body through it again and continue to play.”
This is reflected, too, by how opposing crowds are treating him now that Kobe and the Lakers are out on the road. Especially when the team heads east for their lone visit to some arenas. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! wrote on this after the Nets game in Brooklyn:
Over and over, they chanted Bryant’s name at the Barclays Center. He let the love wash over him, waving to everyone on his way out, disappearing into the tunnel with his hands raised to the rafters. The Lakers won’t win a lot of road games this year, and that kind of response won’t always feel appropriate. It did on Friday, though. Truth be told, it felt perfect.
“The crowds, the chanting, people wanting to see me play – I’m extremely, extremely appreciative of that,” Bryant told Yahoo Sports. “I understand what that means. Listen, my personality isn’t the rocking chair kind of thing, but the chanting of my name means enough to me.”
Part of the reason Bryant doesn’t want a traditional farewell tour is that he hates the idea of ceremonies draining the competitive fire out of him. Nevertheless, he’ll no longer get what drove him all those years: the venom and vitriol that comes for the villain. Those days are done, what with Bryant transformed into a grand statesman. Twenty years is forever in the NBA, and now opposing arenas, beginning in Brooklyn, understand the likes of him will never come again.
This idea that there will “never be another Kobe” is not just a media thing, either. In anticipation of Tuesday night’s Lakers/Heat game, Dwayne Wade mentioned the same thing. From Michael Wallace of ESPN:
They’ve combined for eight NBA championships, 28 All-Star appearances and more than 50,000 points as the two most accomplished shooting guards of their era.
But Dwyane Wade embraces the distinction that sets Kobe Bryant apart.
“I do feel — and I’ve said this before the last couple of years with LeBron [James], when he became the best player in our game — that Kobe Bryant is the greatest player of our era,” Wade said. “The Kobe Bryants aren’t around no more. There are good young players, but there will never be another Kobe. So every opportunity you get to [face him], you want to seize that moment.”
Dwight says
Darius, a question. Is the problem Scott or the FO that put Scott in a lose/lose scenario with the mandate: Win now and also develop the kids.
I think if the FO truly acknowledged the talent level of the team they would simply tell Scott to develop the kids and not worry about wins. This is the NBA, you can’t rebuild and win simultaneously (witness our record these last two+ years). If Jim doesn’t understand that then surely Mitch does.
I’m not a big fan of Scott, but if he’s fired its on the FO. Plus who are they going to hire with any gravitas at this juncture? Trust me a coach worth his weight would only take this team over if the goal was not winning this year. And no coach worth his weight would come to a job where there’s only losses for the foreseeable future (this year and next).
I think the FO should take the heat off Scott and let him develop the kids. Grade him on that at the end of the year not wins and losses.
Craig W. says
Kobe belongs to the world, not just the Lakers. The world wants to see Kobe one last time. Kobe proved in 2008 and 2012 that he would facilitate when surrounded with great players.
All this supports his representing the U.S. in the 2016 Olympics. His part doesn’t have to be big, but it has to be there.
JeffT says
Hey, I would just be happy enough if Kobe is healthy at the end of the season and the Olympics are even on the table. If so, I’m sure they could find a spot for him. Aside from Harden, I’m not sure who the anointed shooting guards would be, unless they move Steph over.
Anonymous says
You realize that Kobe is not going to earn his way onto the Olympic team, right. So you’d be asking the Olympic coach to allow a player on the squad that likely won’t contribute in a meaningful way. Isn’t that what we’re seeing with the Lakers this year?
I’m all for rooting for the home team but this deeply ingrained Lakers Exceptionalism is misplaced. That’s exactly the thinking that has cratered the team these last three years. Under current management the Lakers are clearly not exceptional.
Keith says
Is the problem Scott or the FO that put Scott in a lose/lose scenario with the mandate: Win now and also develop the kids.
__
I think the problem is above Byron. What does the team want out of this year? Is it to win — well the roster isn’t good enough to do that. Is it to develop the kids — well then the summer player acquisitions and coaching moves thus far would contradict that. Is it to win and develop the kids — which is an impossible task at the NBA level? Bingo!
If Scott is let go then it can be assumed the FO wants to win or win and develop the kids. If Scott is retained then you can assume that the FO understands this is not a coaching issue.
You’ve also got to understand that as am employee Byron gets to take the heat that would otherwise be directed at Jim/Mitch. Its in their best interest to keep him around. A coaching change would require a commitment one way or the other (to winning or rebuilding) with the new coach, press and the fans all in on the secret. A new coach isn’t taking over unless everyone knows what he’s ultimately being judged on — that is unless its an internal candidate like Mark Madsen
Byron was not a good choice for this reason alone — he doesn’t do enough on his own ‘coaching wise’ to keep the heat off of anyone. He’s going to force the FO to make a comment — a vote of confidence or something like that. Which, I’m sure they would rather not have to make.
The schedule was set up nicely to be around .500 through November which would make everyone happy. As it is the team is struggling and there’s not much good news to pass around.
Clay Bertrand says
Soooo this whole season is a waste because we have to cater to KOBE’s FAREWELL and we have to pay him back for all his legendary accomplishments by GIFTING him all of the very things that coach BS, claims have to be EARNED by other players?????
THEN, come summer, THE WHOLE COUNTRY has to do the same regarding the Olympic team because KOBE would like to be part of it??!!
He’s already likely going to make the ALL STAR team when the fans vote him in (or SOMEHOW) !!!!!!!
So for the record, selfless Kobe DOES NOT WANT a Farewell Tour and admits that his personality is not the “Rocking Chair type….” but selfISH Kobe DOES want to be GIFTED a place on the Olympic Team so that the WORLD can say FAREWELL to him???
Kobe is being paid for what he DID not what he DOES now. Kobe gets to call all the shots because of what he DID not what he DOES now. Next he gets to have a spot on the Olympic Team based on what he DID not what he DOES now?!?!?!?!?!
This is turning into a whole season long PAUSE FOR APPLAUSE for Kobe. PERIOD. This is why he is the OBSTACLE to the Lakers rebuilding and why the young players are caught in this haze of a season where NOTHING can get accomplished. This season is WASTED for our young guys.
Kobe deserves all the respect and accolades showered upon him. BUT IT SHOULDN’T come to the detriment of the team and the development of the young players. KOBE’s reward should be respect for his legacy NOT everyone pretending he’s still a good or even average player.
To Quote Byron Scott from earlier today before the Heat game:
“Our problem is our two oldest guys guard guys the best.”
WHAT??? Tell me he did NOT just say that!!!! BS is such a pathetic Kobe Fan Boy its embarrassing!!!! NOW he’s saying that KOBE is the best defender on the team besides Metta?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!? WHAT IN THEEEEE HELL?????????!?!?!?!?!!?!??
THIS is the epitome of why Scott needs to go. Just an IDIOTIC statement. Kind of like, his other quote from before the Nets game, “I’m going to be patient…..BUT I WON’T BE PATIENT FOR LONG….” What kinda Yogi Berra contradictory language is THAT!?!?!!? No wonder the kids are confused. I really think BS is doing more harm than good at this point.
Todd says
Darius: I also have a question. It’s in regards to the infamous Rookie Wall. As is known, college players only face 30 to 35 games max during their season. This has given rise to the assumption that rookies hit a wall around game 40 with some catching a 2nd wind and others continuing to struggle.
With so much riding on Randle (essentially a rookie) and Russell, is this ‘Rookie Wall’ something they or the team is concerned about? What was Clarkson’s experience with this as he played in 59 games last year?
Thanks.
Hale says
The problem that few are discussing is Bluehost. They obviously are responsible for the communication infrastructure between Jeanie and Jim. Then anytime Byron wants to upload his thoughts on advanced analytics he gets a 404 or a timed out error leaving him to repeat the same mistakes.
rr says
Todd summarized this issue nicely last week. The Lakers appear to have gone into the season wanting to:
1. Compete for the 8th seed.
2. Let Kobe leave in style and on his terms.
3. Develop a core of young talent.
All while
4. Keeping a lot of cap space open for the future
Todd says
rr: Thanks for the plug! Although, I think you added the Kobe part later in that thread.
In any event that list is quite a tall order when most NBA teams struggle with one objective: winning.
Scott says
WRT Scott…The team is only a minus 6…plus I would argue that the team and the 4 young players (Randle..Russell…Nance…Clarkson)are trending upwards…
Keith says
The team is only a minus 6…plus I would argue that the team and the 4 young players (Randle..Russell…Nance…Clarkson)are trending upwards…
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The Lakers have not faced a team with a winning record yet (tonight’s foe, Miami is 4-3). The cumulative record of Lakers opponents, after Sunday’s loss, was 12-28 a .31 winning clip.
Unfortunately, our benign point differential is another example of stats being misleading.
rr says
Minnesota is actually 4-2, but the point still holds.
Keith says
rr: Minnesota was 0-0 when the Lakers faced them. I guess I could have clarified that the Lakers have yet to beat a team with a winning record.
rr says
It’s a very minor point, but it does look like Minnesota may be decent a lot sooner than many people thought.
bluehill says
Yeah, I don’t think Kobe is coming back, so this is the farewell tour in all but name only. Even if it wasn’t, I don’t think many here are surprised at the volume of shots and his shot selection. I was just hoping that the injuries, age and rust wouldn’t have had such as a significant effect on his game. It is what is and I’m trying to accept it, although this makes it hard.
https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/663491299035729920
What’s bothering me more now, is Scott’s coaching. I know he’s not a great coach or even a good coach, but he doesn’t seem to be a creative coach. He’s in situation where he needs to be creative, because of the competing objectives for the season as others have noted.
Coming into the year, I wanted to see progress, which I defined as a better winning record in the second half of the season than the first half and being competitive in the games we lose. Our poor start will make it easier to have a better record in second half, so at least we have that going for us!
Drrayeye says
It was Elgin Baylor that voluntarily retired 8 games into the season to make way for a new Los Angeles Laker era. His age was showing. He didn’t fit in. . . .
His type of superstar doesn’t come around very often.
A retired Kobe Bryant should be at the Olympics–as an announcer.
LKK says
@Anonymous…
The entire NBA owes Kobe a lot. Much like Magic, Michael and Larry Bird, Kobe helped catapult the game onto the global stage. Kobe took the baton from those guys and passed it to Lebron & Wade and now on to the Currys and Anthony Davises. The spike in the television revenues and the subsequent boost in players’ salaries point to this. Kobe has helped to put the NBA in a greater position than it was in when he entered the league.
So, when you say that #24 won’t EARN a spot on the next Olympic team, I heartily disagree. Kobe has earned that spot for the past 20 years. His body of work deserves just this type of lifetime achievement acknowledgement.
The “What have you done for me lately” school of thought leaves me cold. We all would like the Lakers to win the Chip every year. Some of us can accept the fact that they won’t.
Steve V says
De-lurking …. I think the team is showing improvement and starting to find its personality. Perhaps it helped that Nance and MWP have gotten into the lineup.
I also think DAR is gradually coming out of his shell. How good he’ll be, who knows. Maybe this is it. But I think it’s possible that his play in these early games is as much a result of some kind of grand master plan of Byron as DAR’s own timidity. That is, it might just be that DAR is dutifully following the coaching he’s getting (which I think is a good sign for his future if true). But again, who knows. As long as he starts to show some personality and leadership I think he’ll be fine.
The one thing Byron got credit for last year was that the team seemed to give good effort throughout the whole season, even if they ended up losing a lot of games. I think that there’s enough talent on this team that if they give the same level of effort, after a while they’ll start to learn how to win and will get on an upward trajectory, especially as the kids’ personalities emerge. I don’t think Byron’s an especially good coach, but he might not be as bad as everyone thinks right now.
Re Kobe: I remember that just before his achilles injury, about six or ten games before, Kobe out of nowhere started emphasizing facilitating instead of his usual score-first approach. I personally thought that in those two weeks or so his play was a revelation. Right now he seems determined to shoot himself into NBA shape, but if he went back to his style of play those two weeks I think it would help him and the team tremendously.
Back to lurking.
R says
LKK – it’s not a matter of hypothetical fans “expecting a chip every year”. Show me those fans by the way. I’ve yet to see such comments here on FB&G in recent years anyway.
Rather, speaking for myself at least, it’s more a matter of wanting the Lakers team/ownership to show some basic competence from time to time.
R says
“His body of work … deserves … acknowledgement … ”
First ballot induction into the hall of fame and his jersey in the Stapels Center rafters should do it …
Maybe even a statue outside ?
T. Rogers says
If international competition was a walk in the park like the dream team days then Kobe could get a spot on the roster as a retirement gift. But these days the U.S. has to actually compete. Who should lose their spot so Kobe can play? Look at the small forwards: LeBron, KD, Paul George, and Kwai Leonard. KD and LeBron are locks. And George and Leonard are defensive aces. No way those two get passed over.
The guards are even more loaded. Maybe they drop one of the bigs so Kobe can have a spot. But even then, who should Kobe get playing time over? He still would need to bump one of the wings to get on the floor. I just don’t see that happening.
It would be great to see Kobe get one more gold medal before retiring. But I don’t think its in the cards.
T. Rogers says
Side note: Thinking about the Olympic roster I’d love to see California well represented. Westbrook, Harden, Paul George, and Kwai Leonard are all west coast guys. And if Klay Thompson should end up on the roster that’s even better.
R says
LKK – my bad I misquoted you; you didn’t say fans “expect” a chip every year. “Like” was the word you used. There’s a big gap between annual championships and what we are seeing from the Lakers in recent years ….