So the Lakers have the Rockets on Sunday night. Going into this match-up, the Lakers have lost six of their last seven while Houston had their five-game win streak snapped by the Eastern Conference champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers. On Saturday night, the Lakers were thrashed by the Utah Jazz right from the start. And that has been the problem for the Lakers against the Rockets so far this season. In their previous two match-ups, they lost by 29 and 20 after slow starts.
Funny enough, Kobe Bryant is averaging 23.5 points in those two games but we’re not sure if he’s going to play because of his Achilles problem. But one player who has been scoring well as of late is Lou Williams. He’s averaging 22.9 points per game in the month of January and the way he’s been drawing fouls has been, shall we say, James Harden-esque? Lou has been averaging 9.1 free throws per game this month.
If you’re hoping for a Lakers win, you hope that the guys in purple and gold catch the Rockets sleepwalking and that they keep a lead or stay within reach in the early going. But the Rockets seem to get up for the Lakers as evidenced by the two games they have played. In those two games, it was the frontcourt that has smashed the Lakers. Clint Capela and the ever-so-beloved Dwight Howard had double-doubles (not the In-N-Out kind) in both games and Donatas Montiejunas and Terrence Jones both had an impact in both contests off the bench. And I didn’t even mention James Harden, who will find a way to score 25 points whether it’s unlimited chucking or living in the foul line. The Lakers, just like most games, will have their hands full.
But really, we’re not going to be too disappointed if the Lakers lose. As it should be all along, it should be about developing the young guys (and about keeping that Top 3 lottery pick). We hope Julius Randle bounces back from the Utah game. We hope D’Angelo Russell continues to grow. We hope Tarik Black gets some more PT to see if he really is a quality back-up big man. We hope Jordan Clarkson can continue to be an excellent combo guard. Larry Nance is not going to play due to hurting his knee but, when he comes back, we hope that he can continue to expand his game aside from being a defensive stopper.
Just compete and try not to be embarrassed like the last two contests. And if the Lakers win, then it’s all gravy.
Where you can watch the Lakers play against your hero, Dwight Howard: 6:30 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports. Also listen at ESPN Radio Los Angeles 710AM.
Robert says
Kobe Alert: At this point, I think the highest priority for Kobe should be the All Star Game. The Lakers, Byron, and especially Kobe would never publicly acknowledge this as a priority. Kobe would never sit games in prep for the ASG, and has in fact done the exact opposite a couple of times. One year, he played the first minute or two of the ASG just to avoid a fine. This year should be different. Since the whole year is basically a retirement tour, the most important stop by far is the ASG. To miss that game simply so he could play in a couple meaningless regular season games would be foolish. Further, if it comes down to it, I think the Lakers should shut Kobe down early this season and pre-ann0ounce his last game (a home game of course). This will allow the send off he deserves rather than have an injury unceremoniously end his season in street clothes. Do I expect any of this advice to be taken – NO. I expect Kobe to go full tilt, risk missing the ASG entirely, and risk having some non-descript 10 minute performance be his Final Game. Not that any of this would change his legacy, but hey – if you are going to plan a going away party – then do it correctly. Kobe just moved by John Stockton for 7th all time in minutes and now trails Wilt by 85 minutes for “6th”. Catching Wilt for anything is a monumental achievement and is outright impossible in some categories. KB needs 4 dimes to get by the Logo for #2 on the Laker list and #28 on the all time list. So wow – it is really sinking in that this remarkable career is winding down and the Lakers will face the post Kobe world.
J C says
Robert, nice Kobe alert. Interesting to note he will be catching the logo, albeit in more seasons, and also Wilt.
Agreed. The ASG will be a culmination of sorts, similar to his last home game to be played later but in this case on the national stage.
I think the outpouring of admiration at that game for Kobe will be must-see TV.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Kobe focuses then only on playing mostly road games, in the cities where it’s his last appearance.
I would support management and Kobe’s collective decision to prioritize the all star game.
Mid-Wilshire says
Robert and JC,
Great posts. I think you’ve both offered some excellent thoughts on managing Kobe’s playing time for the rest of the season.
Whether your views are read and heeded is another matter. (I hope someone does read them and take them to heart.) But it’s clear to me that you both offer thoughtful advice on protecting Kobe’s health, managing his last days as a Laker, and maximizing the growth of the young players in what is obviously a difficult balancing act (a balancing act that no other team has to worry about).
Well done.
LKK says
Thanks, Robert!
At this point in time I’ll just take whatever Kobe has to give us and be thankful for it.
rr says
7 dimes for KB.
LKK says
KB with a great quarter but he played all 12 mins.
Mid-Wilshire says
Fourteen made shots and eleven assists in the 1st period. Not bad.
Tim says
Starting must agree with Randle as he posts 8 points and 5 rebounds in the 1st quarter. He is looking good so far tonight.
Mid-Wilshire says
Apparently Bass is playing and Black is not.
Disappointing.
J C says
Thanks Mid W.
Damn I missed the first quarter and Kobe’s dime-fest.
Tarik Black always plays the same. Lots of heart.
Too bad he’s the odd man out in Byron’s eyes.
Despite my beef w Byron, the team seems to be more competitive – sometimes. Their inconsistency is maddening.
This is a winnable game.
KO says
Bryon is really good at stopping runs. Such a great coach.
LKK says
Every team in the league knows the Lakers’ defense is putrid and as such plays with supreme confidence against the Purple & Gold.
J C says
Has anyone else noticed their third quarter lapses?
They seem to me to directly reflect a lack of game adjustments. A good coach sees what’s going wrong in the first half and tweaks things.
Changes a defensive assignment, notices a hole in the opponent’s defense to exploit.
When opposing coaches make mid game adjustments and we make none, third quarters like this one happen.
Another inspiring performance by Hibbert.
Positive note: Randle looks more confident as a starter.
Kevin T says
The reason they fell behind in the 3rd is because JC decided to shoot every time he touched the ball. I counted 6 to 7 possessions in a raw Kobe didn’t even get to touch the ball or anyone else. It’s one thing if the player is a big time star and does that but JC is not a star.
Mid-Wilshire says
The Lakers got pulverized on the boards tonight: 51-36 (11-3 on the offensive boards).
Interestingly, when Black was inserted into the game with 4:44 left to play (strictly garbage time minutes), he was dominant on the boards, grabbing 4 during that time (one rebound every 1:11) which is impressive. They certainly could have used him.
I’m very disappointed that Tarik Black did not get substantial playing time in this game. IMO this one’s on Byron.
rr says
LAKERS MARGIN BY QUARTER/LEAGUE RANK
1ST -5.3/30
2ND -1.3/23
3RD -2.1/27
4TH –0.7/22
Source: teamrankings.com
—
Mid,
I agree that Black should be playing instead of one of the vets, so if that is what you mean is “on Byron”, fair enough, but Houston is just a lot better than the Lakers are. Tarik Black going 28 minutes instead of BB or Hibbert isn’t going to change that. The Lakers had a red-hot 1st quarter, and Houston is pretty bad on D (especially with Beverley out). The rest of the game they were just the 2016 Lakers.
Mid-Wilshire says
rr,
Tarik Black should be playing.
rr says
Mid,
I said that in the first line of my post. But Black is most likely just going to be a backup energy big who goes to the boards pretty well. That’s it. The Lakers lose all the time mostly because they don’t have any high-end NBA players in their primes, like, say, James Harden. That was obvious before the season started, and it is even more obvious now.
KO says
JC
Good new is Slow Roy is on tge trade block. He will soon “fall” to someone else.
Bryon only halftime adjustments are adjusting his tie
Anonymous says
Good new is Slow Roy is on tge trade block. He will soon “fall” to someone else.
—
Sources?
Hope they move Williams and Bass as well. Time to stop propping up the kids with vets who aren’t part of the solution.
Anonymous says
Ko
I’d be happy to see that happen and I wouldn’t be alone.
Hard to imagine anyone wanting Roy.
If we can get a second rounder a few years from now it would be addition by subtraction.
Renato Afonso says
rr,
But even if Black won’t be more than that, he still deserves minutes at C. The problem is that Scott feels the “need” to give playing time to our 3 PF’s, even if one is clearly undersized to play center and is our best PF. Yes, Randle and Nance have more future than Bass, but Bass is still the most solid player (as one would expect from a pro’s pro as Bass).
Chearn says
Robert-Loved the record-breaking Kobe Alert! You’re right, in that, the Lakers, Scott, and particularly Kobe should focus on being as healthy as possible to play in his final ASG. Just as J C stated, that game will attract a large television market share. Bryant’s last ASG, for me, feels proportional to how I felt when Magic came back to play in the ASG after announcing his retirement. For that reason, I want Kobe to have a bounce in his step, shots fall, and be the Mamba for one-quarter.
mud says
Kevin T- i’m glad i’m not the only person who’s seen that. some of it is growing pains, but too much and it’s a problem…the team can deal with it when it’s time. it would be good if he hit those shots…
BigCitySid says
– No problem with the “Less Kobe” plan suggested by Robert and echoed by many.
– Let’s remember, these Lakers players are being watched by potential free agents who are considering changing teams.
Keith says
i understand that folks are optimistic that the kids are ‘for sure’ going to be great and that free agents are counting the days before they can sign on with the Lakers. But that is putting the cart before the horse.
1. The kids are doing OK — but not producing at the level or with consistency that makes an elite say yes at least this summer. It’s been said repeatedly elites are older, aware of their career mortality. They want to win now not help a losing team with promise get to the next level.
2. We are missing a core of productive young vets. Like rr and Todd Ihave said repeatedly — it’s the kids and older role playing vets — that’s it. That’s why taking a chance on Monroe and or Bledsoe in free agency would have been a wise move in previous summers. This team desperately needs talent.
3. Organizationally we are un-attractive: we need a new coach, our FO lacks gravitas and vision. Management is embroiled in a sibling rivalry. The Lakers simply offer more questions than answers right now.
4. This why a large segment of the commenters have no issue with trading the vets to keep the pick. If we want future free agents to look at us we need to acquire more talent.
LKK says
Apparently Byron doesn’t agree with those of us that think Tarik Black deserves more playing time….
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2016/1/17/10784836/la-lakers-byron-scott-tarik-black-balls-out
When I read articles like this and hear Byron’s constant belittlement of his players, I can only come to the conclusion that the Lakers, meaning Scott with the sanction of the front office, are tanking to possibly retain this summer’s draft pick. Nobody could be that stupid. Scott has got to have an ulterior motive.
matt says
I’ve been thinking too much about the coming offseason, i can’t even enjoy the present.
Lakers need a center next year.
whiteside he was dominate when the lakers played miami, but the gamble is there, it could be that he looks great due to the team he’s on, i mean he plays next to chris bosh, that’s gotta make it easier right, would he play the same next to randle?
Al Jefferson is most likely moving, but he’s been around a long time, maybe you can get him on a short term.
Noah same as Jefferson
Al horford seems interesting, like whiteside he plays next to a dominant power forward, and plays in the east, i think the west has the more physical bigs and him and randle together might breakdown quick. He can shoot outside though and with a good backup center could be useful.
Tyson chandler could come in a trade for hibbert, this might be the best deal, but chandler looks unimpressive, maybe it’s bad coaching in Phoenix, i like the thought of this the most. It’s also a gamble, but a good backup with him might make it work.
Drummond is restricted free agent would be a great sign, but highly unlikely
And of course my personal favorite pau gasol, but as a center he is not good, the lakers had him at center and it looked bad, it was sad how he left, at the time i wanted the lakers to sign gortat and resign pau, but anyways, pau should only be used at power forward and occasionally center, not full time center.
Other notables
Zaza Pachulia, mosgov, Henson, ezeli, these guys might be good short term or backups
Sorry if anyone doesn’t like my post
Clay Bertrand says
I’m Highly Skeptical we can move Hibbert for the following reasons:
1.) Steve Kyler is a good NBA reporter but a mere tweet about Lakers intentions don’t make it a likelihood.
2.) Roy makes $17 MILLION….meaning…..
3.) NO Playoff team has space to take on his contract without sending a CONTRACTED player(s) back to us meaning NO CAP RELIEF for us in such a deal.
4.) Any team trading merely a draft pick for him would have to have the cap space to absorb Roy’s entire contract (prorated) and there are only a couple of rebuilding teams in that position (Portland to name one). Rebuilding teams don’t want Roy. That is because……….
5.) FINALLY, for those who may not have noticed, ROY STINKS!! Cleveland is trying to TRADE MOZGOV and Chicago is trying to trade Pau, Taj Gibson, and Noah. Eternal Dumster Fire Phoenix may consider trading Tyson Chandler but his best days are far behind him. The Market for OUTDATED lumbering Centers of yesteryear is like the Market for H1 HUMMERS in California!!!
***Under these circumstances, if Roy is traded for ANYTHING useful that does not harm our future flexibility, the FO will deserve some credit. I don’t see much of a possibility of it goin down that way though.
Vasheed says
@Clay,
Hibbert makes closer to 15 million. 17 was with the trade kicker he waived. And you don’t need to trade dollar for dollar. So some guys like in the 12 million dollar range are possible swaps. There are actually a few rumors I would consider plausible trades for Hibbert. But, by all accounts the Lakers are fairly happy with Hibbert’s locker room presence. I think they will just keep him unless somebody is willing to sweeten the deal slightly with a pick or something.
BigCitySid says
– Good news for those starving to see more good professional basketball, but for whatever reason don’t currently have NBA League Pass. Starting today and thru 1/24, League Pass will be free. Enjoy
KenOak says
@BCS
No offense, but the plan sounds terrible the way you describe it. I’m okay with Robert’s plan though. 😉
“– No problem with the “Less Kobe” plan suggested by Robert and echoed by many.”
Clay Bertrand says
Vasheed,
I believe you are correct sir regarding the number on Hibbert’s contract. Forgot to account for the waived trade kicker.
Still, even under the circumstances regardless of his Cap figure, the Player or Players we receive in return would LIKELY NOT be on expiring deals meaning no Cap flexibility. This scenario would be fine if that means we are getting a quality asset in return. BUT that isn’t likely. The exchange could be for ANOTHER expiring deal where we would essentially TRY OUT another team’s bad fit for ourselves. OR it could be for a guy on a bad contract with like 3 years remaining. Like a Nick Young type of contract. Maybe like a Kent Bazemore type of player can be obtained which would be something at least.
Bottom Line: Nothing against him personally (hes been a real PRO here) but I would WELCOME a Hibbert trade because he isn’t the long term answer here and probably not in any future plans. But I’m not holding my breath expecting any valuable asset in return. We need to temper our expectations in this regard.
Vasheed says
@Clay,
Per boards rules I’m not going into specific players. But I can think of 2 trade rumors where the Lakers could receive an expiring deal. However, I don’t think the Lakers would perform such a move without at least a draft pick. You can’t get Kwame for Gasol every year but, if the goal is to gain a modest asset it is plausible to do so.
These are the sort of trades I’m expecting as per Mitch’s comments on not expecting a blockbuster trade. Although personally I would be a little more willing to package a young asset to get a solid player in return.
Time will tell.
rr says
Renato,
Again, I have been saying that all six young guys (seven if you count Kelly) should be playing. But BB has not done anything to warrant a benching, he is, as a you say, a pro, and Byron has always been a veterans guy. If you sign BB and hire Byron Scott, then Scott is going to play him unless you tell him not to
LKK,
I think Scott is just being himself. Hard case/tough love/kids gotta earn it etc. I don’t think it is the best way to run this team, but again: if the FO thinks that Scott is hurting the young guys, they can fire him and turn the team over to Pressey or Madsen for the rest of the year.
Trades: I don’t see any playoff team wanting Hibbert; his main value is his contract. There are teams that could use BB and LW, though.