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Preview & Chat: Lakers vs. Suns

January 3, 2016 by Myles Duve


If there were ever a team to make the Lakers’ current situation seem enviable, it would be tonight’s opponent in the Phoenix Suns. In the past two weeks alone head coach Jeff Hornacek has been rumored to be in danger of losing his job, he then saw two of his top assistants fired, his starting point guard and best player, Eric Bledsoe, suffer a season-ending knee injury, and trade rumors begin to resurface around a disgruntled Markieff Morris.

And now, a team who spent much of last season fighting for the Western Conference’s eighth seed, sits at a paltry 12-24, a spot where fighting for draft position would seem a much more reasonable goal.

When taking all of this into account, the Lakers could be in a good position to add on to their season-high two-game win streak. Yet, as we’ve all come to accept this season, a win won’t come easy. If LA wants to pull one out, though, one key will be to hold Phoenix under the century mark as the Suns have averaged just under 110 points in their 12 wins this season, versus 100 in their losses.

In saying that, it is also important that the Lakers manage to get above that mark themselves as the Suns have allowed right around 111 points to opponents in losses this season. Phoenix has also posted the league’s worst point differential over their last 10 games, meaning the Lakers chances of doing this are trending in the right direction.

Still, this game will likely come down to the Lakers getting stops defensively. And for the Lakers — a team that ranks last in defensive efficiency on the season — this has been a struggle all year. Nevertheless,  if they wish to do so against Phoenix, it will have to mean limiting their perimeter scoring. The Suns shoot the league’s second-highest percentage from three-point range on the season, and while their proficiency from long distance hasn’t been great over their current eight-game skid, they have the personnel to change that in a hurry.

To avoid this, the Lakers must emphasize driving marksman such as Mizra Teletovic, Devin Booker and the streaky Brandon Knight off the there-point line and rather forcing them to create off the dribble. If limiting such initial opportunities is done effectively, covering any potential kick-outs becomes even more crucial as the Suns have shot a 40.6 percent clip on catch-and-shoot attempts from the outside this season — a mark good for second in the league.

There is no confirmation yet of Kobe’s status for this one, but whether he plays or not, the Lakers must show a similarly well-balanced approach on offense as they did in Friday’s victory. This means Clarkson and Russell must continue to flash their improved chemistry in the half court, Randle and Nance should look to be effective in their stretches and at least one of the team’s designated scorers must step up.

Asking for a repeat performance from Lou Williams would be ambitious, but an efficient double-digit scoring night from either he or Nick Young could help put the team over the top so long as most else falls into place.

An interesting matchup to watch will be that between D’Angelo Russell and former Laker Ronnie Price. Barring any lineup changes for Phoenix, Price should be the first guard off the bench and while he has never been a scoring threat over his career, his staying power stems from his tough-nosed defense. Going against a veteran defender will be a different look for Russell and it will be worth seeing how he adjusts.

Considering all the above, I will go out on the most fragile of limbs and predict that the Lakers get their third win in a row tonight. It will likely be a close one, but the reeling Suns are truly a mess right now and the Lakers actually have shown an improved cohesion on both ends during their quasi-streak.

So that’s it, Suns lose and the Lakers head into Tuesday’s matchup against the Warriors with a three-game winning streak on their belts. Feel free to save this screenshot for when I’m proven utterly wrong. Until then, enjoy the game.

Where you can watch: 6:30 p.m. start time on TWC Sportsnet or listen to the broadcast on ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.


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  1. Anonymous says

    January 3, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    Freshman forward, Ben Simmons, scored 36 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in his SEC debut on Saturday. Of course the FO should do nothing extra to ensure we have the best chance possible to draft him. Who needs the next generational talent?

  2. Robert says

    January 3, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Well for the third straight year, we seem to be in the tank debate (not good). That said – as I have always maintained, the players and the coach should not throw games. Maybe Philly does it, but in general it is a bad thing and it damages game integrity. That said, lowering the talent level of the roster and playing youngsters more than vets are fair game. We should be doing these things anyway. Play the youngsters and trade our vets for picks (if possible). So for those who favor the tank and the youngster strategy, then ask yourself why Lou and Nick are on the roster. They will win us games, but they are not part of the meaningful future (unfortunately with their contracts they are part of the future), and the certainly take time/shots away from the youngsters.

  3. Craig W. says

    January 3, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    I guess I just don’t understand the ‘tank’ philosophy. Wasn’t it the 76er’s who have tanked the last three years? Where exactly have they improved themselves? Where do they rank this year? They are a mess in terms of personnel who can work together.

    Rebuilding is a lot of different things, but one thing it always is is being able to get complimentary players – or to be able to use your talent to trade for those complimentary players.

    Simply tanking to get a draft choice is really stupid. Last year the 76er’s tanked and the Lakers simply jumped over them in the draft order. How did that help the 76er’s?

  4. Kevin says

    January 3, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    Trading the vets and playing the kids is not tanking. It’s being smart. The 76ers have blatantly tanked and have little to show for it — the Lakers are not them. The Lakers have drafted a semblance of a core. However, we could use another young cost controlled talent — ergo the need to keep our pick.

  5. KO says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    When BS put KB back in 4th his last game I said he would be out awhile. Clearly he was hurt.

    BS ignorant Answer was he said he felt fine!

    You think if he screws up KB final year by overplaying him he will finally be dumped?

    As ticket prices go down to D League prices.

  6. KO says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    A lineup with Nance at 5 and Randle at 4 would work. Like GS ir old Suns the team could run.

    Both out rebound Slow Roy 2 to 1 and can score and run down court without falling.

    Throw Russell and Clark in and you have a fast break team.

    Lakers currently last in NBA in FB points!

  7. Robert says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    This is the only Kobe Alert we need tonight !
    http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kupchak-lakers-may-retire-8-24-kobe-bryant-20160103-story.html

  8. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Wow there is another team besides 76ers worse then our lakers

  9. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    Excellent start!! I bet some people here are upset…

  10. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    Clarkson and russell looking all star vs these bums

  11. Joel says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    I watched the third quarter (and a bit of the fourth) of Phoenix’s game against Sacramento last night, and their defense was some of the worst I’ve ever witnessed. Looks like that wasn’t a fluke.

  12. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    If lakers dont get pick gotta get Harrison barnes

  13. Tim says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Good start for the Lakers, even getting some fast break points.

  14. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:01 pm

    KO, Nance Jr is only 6’8 shorter than Randle, if he stretch his shooting to the 3 point line he could be a pretty good sf and complement Randle inside game, but they need to further develop their respective games for that scenario being viable…

  15. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    Actually 76ers look like they have a ok team, they should get better as the season progresses, and the team develops chemistry

  16. Mid-Wilshire says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    Sixteen rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals in one quarter: who are these guys?

  17. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    Wow suns got 10 pts in first quarter

  18. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    19 point lead WOW, that Suns team is in total disarray, if they get blowout by the Lakers i think Hornacek is toast…

  19. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    Suns are an example of a team who were impatient in free agency, they have, chandler, bledsoe, knight, and morris locked in for 4 years at close to 50 mil. For that mediocre squad, they did get bledsoe on a good deal though

  20. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    I see tarik black on the bench

  21. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Id rather have hibbert on an expiring deal then chandler for 4 years, did you see that missed dunk

  22. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    I actually thought the Suns improved when they got Chandler they almost made the playoffs last season and having a rim protector like Tyson could only improve that team, but it seems that everything that could go wrong has gone wrong with that team, not that i have any sympathy for them…

  23. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:21 pm

    I rather have Ed Davis locked in that Hibbert or Chandler, he was our center for the future, im still pissed off that the FO let him walk…

    • Busboys4me says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:31 am

      Truth. He is smallish but I think he would work well with the team that played tonight. Post Kobe so to speak.

  24. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    Wasn’t ed davis inconsistent

  25. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Ed davis is a good role player

  26. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    What do you think of the following free agents, oj mayo, rondo, lance Stephenson, or eric gordan,,, to be matched with Russell

  27. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    Ed Davis was a good center that blocked shots, rebounded didn’t needed the ball and is young, we dont need Kareem or Shaq 2.0 people here keep demanding perfect players on every position that’s not going to happen. Better than Hibbert that’s for sure…

  28. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    We have Clarkson already, i take him over any of those players any day…

  29. KO says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Suns are terrible.

    Lucky because Lakers would not beat anyone else tonight.

    38%
    10 TO
    Brown 3
    Young and Brown 0 for 6

    Suns 20%

    Takes 24 minutes for Sat Night in LA to wear off. Suns will score 40 plus 2nd half.

    Lakers undefeated in 2016!

  30. matt says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Did davis ever start last year, does he start in portland

  31. Tim says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    22 points is the third fewest a Lakers team has given up in the first half.
    The fewest is 19 points against the Clippers in 1999, second fewest was 21 points against the Jazz in 2000.

  32. Mid-Wilshire says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    When is the last time a team only scored 22 pts. in a half?

  33. KO says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    20 is the record so guess it was Clippers in 2007-8.

    Off top of my big head.

  34. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    he started over 20 games for the Lakers last season….

  35. KevTheBold says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Well, with the nets losing their point guard Jarrett Jack, and the Suns losing Bledsoe, the tank business has become much more complicated to navigate.

  36. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:10 pm

    uh the Lakers are shooting 50% from the field and 38% from betond the arc, yeah they are playing pretty good, the Suns are playing beyond horrible and the Lakers pretty good, is a perfect storm i guess, this team specially the kids need a win like this…

  37. KevTheBold says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    Lou is on fire !

    His trade value is rising.

    After, or if the Lakers trade off some vets, our D-league has some additional fruit to pick: Vander Blue, and Robert Upshaw!

  38. KO says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    Told you. Hang over is over. Out scoring Lakers by 14 this half.

    Hope Bryon get the garbage guys out before. It guys silly!

  39. Fern says

    January 3, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    Game on the fridge, 3 straight!!!

  40. rr says

    January 3, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    Was at the game tonight. Leaving parking lot now taco coupons in hand.

  41. Chris J says

    January 3, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    I’ve watched the NBA for 30 years now and I can’t ever recall seeing a guy who was less qualified to play in this league as is Marcelo Huertas. Spare me on what he did elsewhere; he’s simply not an NBA player, even as a second backup PG.

    Watching him play a part in that debacle Phoenix run at the end of the third quarter/start of the fourth was just painful. His ongoing presence makes me question if he’s there as a ploy to develop a Brazilian fan base, somewhat like Lin was partially seen as a draw among Chinese fans last season (though Kobe is already huge in China).

    It’s nice to see some W’s, though it does present a conflict in the desire to keep the draft pick.

  42. KevTheBold says

    January 3, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    Nance is getting better with every game, Scott really has a hard decision to make with the starting forward position.

    Good to see Tarik on the big boy bench again!

  43. KenOak says

    January 3, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    Nice rr! I didn’t get to see the game, but the highlights make it look like it was a ton of fun!

  44. rr says

    January 3, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    In addition to the Lakers winning , a guy made the half courter at the end of the third, winning 95k.

  45. Chearn says

    January 3, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    Robert-I truly enjoyed today’s Kobe Alert!

    rr-Nice!

    Jordan Clarkson can do anything he wants on the court. I can’t wait to see the development in his game next season. #No.46

    Lakers win! I still envision Ben Simmons as the next no. 32 in a Lakers uniform. #Pingpongballs

  46. R says

    January 3, 2016 at 11:42 pm

    The Lakers are finally showing some signs of life, and have a small winning streak to show for it, which is pretty nice.

    I’d much rather see them win some games and perhaps rediscover their winning ethos than stink up the entire season for a ~ 20% chance of drafting Ben Simmons.

  47. rr says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:12 am

    Tanking: The basic problem is that a lottery is by definition a game of chance. Add that to the uncertainty of the draft itself, and you have two layers of luck that you need. So far, Hinkie is mostly 0-for-2 for two years running–somebody else has Towns and Wiggins, and Hinkie has Noel, Embiid, and Okafor. But the key words there are “so far.” I am not a big fan of The Process, but anybody bagging on the 76ers should probably not be defending the Lakers’ FO, because belief in either FO is based on the idea that guys who have mostly failed lately will start succeeding, and there is no substitute–none–for landing a generational talent. It is better than having a smart coach or a great GM; it is better than having cap space, and it is often even better than having several good players. If Simmons is what some people think he is, and the 76ers get him, then a lot of the sneering at Hinkie will stop. If Simmons is what some people think he is, and the 76ers miss again, then Hinkie is probably done.
    Team: Tonight was a fun game to attend; I would never have thought that the 2015-16 Lakers could ever get up by 38 points in a regular-season NBA game. But it also showed why Lou Williams can hurt a tanking effort and can take MPG away from young guys: because sometimes Lou Williams is going to have games when he just goes off and fills it up. Jarrett Jack is out for the year in Brooklyn.
    Nance and Randle: Nance is a more polished player than Randle is, and since Nance is a low-usage guy, he fits better with all the Lakers’ ball-dominant guards. So I get why Byron has moved Nance into the starting role although I don’t really agree with it. And yeah, I think the Lakers should try playing them together.
    Anthony Brown: he is exactly what I expected.
    Huertas: the game feels and looks different in-person, as we all know, and yes, as noted tonight Huertas looked like a guy who has no business being in the NBA, and that was especially glaring because
    a) Seeing the game in person draws a line under that.
    b) Huertas looked worse than Ronnie Price. Basically, while Price hustles and must be a great guy, if your coach is actually playing Price, then your team should be tanking.

    • Busboys4me says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:45 am

      Excellent!!!! I watched the game twice and all I could think is why is Devan George still in the league (Anthony Brown contributed the same nothing). Maybe it’s the #3 curse because Devin Ebanks was no better.

      Can the Swaggy P experiment be done? Sweet Lou is the business. I hope Clarkson remains a Laker. He is the closest we’re getting to Westbrook. We need to play Tarik Black more. Take the minutes away from Hibbert because Bass plays well with the second team. This won’t happen as long as Kobe plays because we need a rim protector there when Kobe’s man flys by him.

  48. Anonymous says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:15 am

    Rookies need vets from whom they can learn how to play the game. Trading away all vets would be counterproductive. We don’t need rookies who develop bad habits in a free-for-all losing situation.

    That’s one of the reasons why it doesn’t make sense for the Lakers to rebuild only through the draft. The other reason is that we owe future draft picks to other teams, anyway, regardless of whether or not we keep the next one (which is ultimately beyond our control). Picking up additional assets gives us more options to do trades and makes us more attractive for free agents.

  49. Anonymous says

    January 4, 2016 at 3:43 am

    Probability theory: If Hinkie gets Simmons, it will be luck more than anything else. The odds are against it.

    With the worst record, he may have a better chance of getting Simmons than any other specific team but he doesn’t have a better chance than all other teams put together. It’s still much more likely that one of the other 29 teams will get Simmons.

    But it’s not just the odds themselves, it’s also the number of events. A small number of events leads to high variance (e.g., there’s a certain chance to toss a coin three times and only get heads, but it gets more and more unlikely only to get heads if you keep tossing the coin).

    With the best odds every year, Hinkie has a great chance of coming out on top after a hundred tries. But he only has one or two tries every year.

    Of course he may end up being lucky. Or he may end up being unlucky. As I said, it’s luck more than anything else.

    And that’s just how the lottery works. Having a truly outstanding player available when you have the first pick is also a matter of luck.

  50. Busboys4me says

    January 4, 2016 at 3:46 am

    Huertas hurts us!!!

  51. tankyou says

    January 4, 2016 at 3:56 am

    Lou Williams looking good that last couple games, test the waters for some trades please.

    Nance is looking pretty good. Not sure what Randle will develop into in the future, but despite the knocks on his length/size, he chases down boards and is plenty strong. It seems safe to say Randle can at least be a solid double-double guy, but who knows if his offense ends up ever being good enough to be a top option. At this point in the game, on Offense it looks like Clarkson could be the guy who could turn into our #1 option next year the easiest.

    Man the Suns stink, 9 losses in a row for them! So we are back on track for 20+ wins baby!

  52. Busboys4me says

    January 4, 2016 at 6:02 am

    I really hope we don’t trade Lou. He is everything we need: a scorer, an emergency ball handler (point), and an excellent presence for our youth. Everything Swaggy is not.

  53. Fern says

    January 4, 2016 at 6:49 am

    @busboy, finally someone with some sense!!! He is helps more than hurt the team and has become an integral part of this team, i doubt he is going to be traded unless there is a blockbuster trade, plus he is in the first year of his contract, unless the Lakers can pull some blockbuster trade im sure he is staying put at least this season, like teams are going to be like ” it’s the Lakers let ms just give them whatever they need” Huertas won’t last long though…

  54. BigCitySid says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:19 am

    – 3 wins in a row, 2 w/o Kobe…things are becoming very interesting. I can see Kobe fans becoming very conflicted.

  55. Fern says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:41 am

    There is no conflict, is his last season and he will play as much as his body allow him, the Lakers will lose more than they win and he will ride into the sunset, then the real work begins…

  56. Mid-Wilshire says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:42 am

    A lot of players had big games last night:

    Lou Williams — 30 pts. (11-17 shooting), 7 rebounds, 4 assists;
    Larry Nance, Jr. — 15 pts. (7-10 shooting), 14 rebounds, 1 steal;
    Roy Hibbert — 13 pts. (6-11 shooting), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks.

    But I was especially pleased with Jordan Clarkson. In the previous game against Philly, he had 19 pts (6-17 shooting), 2 rebounds, 3 assists. But I honestly wasn’t thrilled with his performance. He just didn’t look comfortable running the offense and seemed more interested in attacking than getting others involved.

    Last night against the Suns was different…and much better. He had 12 pts. (5-11 shooting), 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 1 block. JC really did have an excellent floor game. I prefer this version by far.

    I’m convinced that Clarkson is at his best when he’s willing to distribute the ball and pick his spots to attack. This will evolve with more experience. But I think that last night (even if it only was against Phoenix) shows how valuable Jordan Clarkson can be to the Lakers. He has a bright future. He’ll get better as he gets smarter.

  57. matt says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:53 am

    According to the latest nba mock draft 2016 the top 3 guys are small forwards, 1. Ben simmons, 2. Brandon ingram, 3. Jaylen brown
    The lakers have left a hole a small forward, so it would be nice to land any one of these players

    • Myles Duve says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:55 am

      Matt,

      Just so you know, Ben Simmons is actually a power forward and (as of now) does not have the skill set to make a transition to SF, so there does exist a bit of skepticism as to how he could fit on this current roster. His talent is undeniable, but that question will remain. Though, the other two you mention would be seamless fits.

  58. KO says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:18 am

    Anon
    29 teams do not have a chance on top picks. Rethink that.

  59. Fern says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Im not sold on Ben Simmons, his game is extremely limited right now and play in a bad team, and no he is not a sf, i dont give a crap about keeping that pick anyways, if we keep it we keep it, if not, im fine with it, it’s really really hard to build thru the Draft, let the Sixers keep at it, what they have to show for it? no a damn thing and they been at it for like 5 years. We have a core in place already and are in a way better situation youth wise than a year ago, want to keep hoping to hit a home run in the Draft that all of a sudden will make the Lakers a contender and will come in to avg a triple double every night? Be my guest…

  60. Anonymous says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:48 am

    Simmons is 6’10 and 240. I heard that he may not be done growing. If that is true then I’d play him at the Five, where his limited range is less of an issue. A 6’11 250 pound center that rebounds like Wilt, scores down low like Shaq and passes like Magic might be a good fit on the Lakers next year.

  61. rr says

    January 4, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Sid,
    Good example of how your Kobe obsession badly compromises your objectivity. The last two wins were mostly a function of who the Lakers were playing. Plus Phx was on a b2b.

    • Busboys4me says

      January 4, 2016 at 10:41 pm

      Four games in five nights.

  62. KevTheBold says

    January 4, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Imo, the best way forward is to follow the true Laker blueprint: Draft a few promising players, trust in them, train them, and build around them.

    We already have that core. If we happen to land another pick, great, but we dont want to be the dog that drops and loses his bone while barking for another.

  63. Baylor Fan says

    January 4, 2016 at 11:34 am

    Wilt and Shaq in addition to being gifted basketball players were dominant due to being the strongest, biggest men in the NBA. I do not see anyone in the next draft class with those traits.

    • Busboys4me says

      January 4, 2016 at 10:43 pm

      Jahlil has those possibilities but the Lakers are moving towards a transition team. Julius will need a center to protect him. We don’t need a plodding center.

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