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Preview & Chat: Lakers vs. Timberwolves

by


Records: Lakers 9-41, Last in the West; Timberwolves 14-35, 14th in the West
Offensive ratings: Lakers 96.6, 29th in NBA; Timberwolves 101.7, 23rd in the NBA
Defensive ratings: Lakers 108.2, Last in the NBA; Timberwolves 105.3, 22nd in the NBA
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Clarkson, Williams, Anthony Brown, Randle, Hibbert
Timberwolves: Rubio, Wiggins, Tayshaun Prince, Gorgui Dieng, Karl Anthony-Towns

The Lakers Coming in: The Lakers have tied their franchise worst 10 game losing streak. They have also lost 14 of their last 15 games and 16 of their last 20. I could go on, but you get the point. The losing has been bad and, to make matters worse, the L’s have been by large margins.

All of the losing has stirred up the ongoing themes of player development and what is the best way to handle the rotations with all these losses piling up. After all, if the team is losing, why not change things up and start to focus more on the young players? Byron Scott says D’Angelo Russell will be inserted back into the starting group eventually, hinting it will happen after the all-star break. That hasn’t appeased many people, though. In fact, Scott has come under fire recently, from former UCLA star and current Clipper announcer Don McLean, for how he has handled Russell’s development this season.

Excellent summaries of this very public spat can be found here, by Dan Devine and here by Kurt Helin so I will spare you the specifics. They also offer some very level headed thoughts on the matter so I would read what they have to say. Really, go do it, we’ll be here when you get back. My thoughts on this are pretty simple, but can best be summed up with a few short bullet points:

  • I don’t know what Scott says or does behind the scenes in supporting and developing players, so it’s important to acknowledge that we can only know so much.
  • What we do know is heavily influenced by Scott’s public comments.
  • Scott’s public comments, about Russell specifically, have skewed negative multiple times over the course of the season.
  • Some of Russell’s recent comments imply he’s struggling, not only in his play but in his understanding of how to improve and with the lines of communication between himself and the coach.
  • The foundation of any good player/coach relationship is communication. The foundation of any good coaching is communication.
  • If Byron Scott is struggling to communicate with Russell or any of the other players — young or veteran — he must find a way to break through that. Communication is a two-way street, but if your tactics are not working with a player, finding ways to make it work are more on the coach. This is especially true with young players who need more guidance and direction, especially in their first couple of seasons while they are learning the league.

Again, I do not know what is happening behind the scenes, but there needs to be improvement here. And, yes, I’m putting the onus on the coach to make those inroads. Especially when what I am seeing, publicly, implies he has room to improve his approach.

The Timberwolves Coming in: The ‘Wolves, like the Lakers, are not a good team. They are losers of 4 straight games, 8 of their last 10, and 15 of their last 17. They have 5 more wins than the Lakers, but what is that really saying when the Lakers have 9 wins in 50 tries?

In fact, you could argue that the Wolves are suffering through many of the same growing pains the Lakers are. They have a slew of young players — including last year’s rookie of the year and this year’s presumed winner. They have other lottery picks who have real talent. They also have veteran players who are on their last legs, but still get minutes, and a veteran coach who played in the NBA and is influenced by his old-school upbringing in an NBA era past.

That said, the Wolves are also ahead of the Lakers in nearly all facets of roster development and progression. Wiggins is better than any young player the Lakers have. As is towns. While players like Dieng, LaVine and Muhammad have a ways to go in their development, they are getting good minutes and showing improvement (some more than others). They have solid to very good veterans in Pekovic and Rubio, and a veteran in Kevin Martin who might fetch something in a trade. They are going down the right path, albeit slowly and with hiccups along the way.

Timberwolves Blogs: I read A Wolf Among Wolves a lot just because they are a good site with excellent writing. The fact that they teach you about the T’Wolves is just a bonus.

Keys to game: There is a 50/50 chance Kobe plays tonight. If he does suit up, it will be the last time him and Kevin Garnett face off in their respective careers.

These two were the modern pioneers of the prep-to-pros movement, establishing an period which saw some of the games great players make the jump directly from highschool to the NBA. For this alone, they should be celebrated. To be two of the best players of the league has seen, to play 21 (KG) and 20 (Kobe) seasons, is at a level I’m not sure anyone saw coming.

This game, though, is more about this next generation rather than Kobe and Garnett. Which means I’ll be watching the young players to see how they perform. As noted above, this game is filled with talented young prospects so seeing Wiggins, Towns, Russell, Randle, Clarkson, LaVine, Muhammad, et al go head to head will be fun. Whichever group of young guys has the biggest impact on the game probably translates to a victory.

And considering how good the other games between these two teams have been this year and how both teams could really use a W, I’m interested in seeing how these match ups go.

Where you can watch: 7:30pm start time on TWC Sportnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. KevTheBold says

    As always, excellent preview Darius !

    Did anyone hear that the FO has given Scott 2.5 a month rope ?

  2. BigCitySid says

    – Glad to see a growing majority telling it like it is about this season…straight no chaser. Will get uglier before better.

    – Big noise today: where Durant may land…rich getting richer. Reminds me of how things use to be in L.A. I guess Big Market teams still have a chance of making things happen under this new system…if you know what you’re doing.

  3. Anonymous says

    Did anyone hear that the FO has given Scott 2.5 a month rope ?
    __

    So they’re going to let him finish the season. He was likely gone this summer anyway.

    • KevTheBold says

      Yep. If it’s accurate, I was just pondering the timing of the release of this information.

      Would it be to quiet the shouts for his head, or light a fire under Scott himself?

  4. Anonymous says

    Regarding KD going to the Warriors — this topic came up a few months ago. By trading Bogut and letting Barnes walk the Warriors could create the needed space for KD.

    From a Yahoo article:

    “He adores the Oklahoma City community and holds a fondness for the franchise, but Durant is chasing championships, chasing a legacy. This limits his choices, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers with little, if any, chance.”

  5. BigCitySid says

    -The Lakers dropped their 10th straight to fall within one loss of setting a franchise record Sunday. Kobe Bryant, for one, took it in stride. “Honestly, it doesn’t really matter,” he said. Winning and losing doesn’t matter? Sounds like a tired man.

  6. stats says

    BigCity – I think KB said that 10 in a row doesn’t matter – i.e., is not of any significance in and of itself – because their record is so bad anyway. That is, they suck. I’m sure he’d rather win.

  7. Robert says

    Kobe Alert: KB is 50/50 tonight as he has been for the past couple of weeks. Perhaps the Lakers are heeding the advice to see if he can play good minutes in the ASG. That said, Kobe is closing in on 48k minutes as he recently moved by Wilt for #6 on that list. He needs 9 more games to catch Moses for 12th and then he can catch G Peyton for 11th. Kobes needs 26 defensive rebounds to get by Bob McAdoo (he should be on the wall), for 46th. Last game, Kobe moved by Predrag for 12th on the three pointer list and has a decent shot at Rashard Lewis for 11th. I am hoping to do an extended ASG Kobe Alert right before the game where Kobe will get his 5th MVP

  8. bluehill says

    Nice preview especially the video. Lots of respect between Kobe and KG. Not a surprise because they are cut from the same cloth.

    As for the Lakers of tomorrow, hard to figure out what’s happened since the beginning of January when the team had a little momentum and most games were closely contested. Maybe the rookies are hitting the wall or this is just what the team is in terms of talent. Of course, can’t ever rule out Byron Scott reasons. Whatever it is, the recent losses seem worse because we are seeing as much growth in the rookies.

    With the all-star break and trade deadline coming up, I’m hoping that the FO and Byron will start to focus on the future so that this season isn’t a total waste. Give the young guys some consistent burn. I think Kobe is just trying to make it to the end of the season so his minutes shouldn’t be an issue. I know we don’t have much to trade outside of the young guys, but if we can swing a second round pick or young player with promise languishing on the bench of a team win-now mode I’d take it.

  9. Baylor Fan says

    From Mark Medina:
    During Make-A-Wish recipient signing. Lakers GM Kupchak said kid joked, “It would be hard for me not to improve your team.”

    It does not get much worse than granting a Make-A-Wish kid a Laker for a day and having him say that.

  10. Clay Bertrand says

    Baylor Fan,
    I hadn’t seen that but if that’s legit, that’s an absolute GEM!!!!!!!! A from the heart comment from that kid too. Make a Wish does amazing things for kids and that was cool to see.

    Keep in mind though even HE almost DIDN’T sign because the pitch they gave him only focused on marketing opportunities and not basketball….. #JimBussReasons

    Sadly/Happily, my resolution for 2016 is NO MORE. Alas I will crack some beer for tonight’s contest. I’m hoping Byron’s coaching improves with my Beer consumption. I’m thinking I’ll need like a 12 pk to accomplish that feat………and I’m talking Stone IPA too no Coors Ice Waters.

    Byron hasn’t been driven to drink yet because he’s been busy driving EVERY ONE ELSE to.

  11. Anonymous says

    I listened to the Jeanie interview. I laugh whenever she says that she knows nothing about player personnel moves. Clearly, Jim doesn’t either.

  12. Clay Bertrand says

    Byron:
    “That’s what I was taught a long time ago,” Scott said. “You just give them a little bit at first. To give it all to them and try to take it back is much harder.”

    A LONG TIME AGO the Earth was flat and diseases were dealt with by BLEEDING the evil out of patients. You know what else happened A LONG TIME AGO????? The last time Byron had success as a Head Coach.

    Byron still SWEARS that Pluto is a planet…..”That’s what he was taught A LONG TIME AGO.”

    John Black is the guy whose job I question when these weird interviews and comments seep out. He’s the Lakers PR guy. Clearly he doesn’t control what comes out of Byron OR the FOs mouths. Your PR person is supposed to help you professionally spin situations in the Media so you don’t some off looking like a fool. But not here where the Lakers all seem to suffer from FOOT IN MOUTH disease…….

  13. Clay Bertrand says

    My Last beer driven Byron jab before watching on slight delay:

    “Better to stay silent and be thought a Fool than to speak and remove ALL DOUBT.”

    -Twain/Lincoln/Solomon/Whoever

  15. Fern says

    Hmm Tarik Black can actually guard and make his man commit a turnover, feels weird seeing him this early, must be bizarro world…

  21. matt says

    Michael Thompson on 710 radio, when byron took russell out, “why would you take out a player when he’s hot, thats like having hot dice and walking away from the table”

  22. Mid-Wilshire says

    Halftime: Kobe’s looking good. The kids are looking good. Lou’s looking good. Tarik Black is getting some burn (!) and looking good.

    Who are these guys?

  23. Fern says

    What a report about your almost certainly will be canned after the season can do to a man. That seat must be white hot for him to finally give Tarik some burn.

  24. Marques says

    That play is why Byron gets on russell, simple pick and roll, he runs onto the pick, them jogs/walk instead of recovering on the roll man.

  30. LKK says

    For one night, Kobe treated us to a vintage performance, turning back the hands of time. The team defense must improve but we’ll take any win the team can give us. A nice effort from the youngsters as well. Julius was beasting and Russ played a strong game. I thought the 2nd quarter combo of Bass and Black brought energy and gave the Lakers momentum. A much needed win.

  31. KO says

    And the Bean saves the Bryon bacon..

    See what I did there?

    Bacon and beans.

    Good win since next 8 are 7 road and no doubt losses.

  34. J C says

    No one who loves hoops could watch that game without smiling for Kobe.
    An almost perfect game for the mamba.
    Great for him and good for the team.

    As Chick would say, he must have taken a basketball pill!

    DR pulled early when he was on a roll and finished the game on the bench. Sigh…

  35. AusPhil says

    JC – Agreed on all points. Especially DAR. Surely this was an example of “earning” the minutes like Byron claims he wants the young guys to do…

  37. Fulofunk says

    Nice win. Still scratching my head over some of BS’ substitutions. Sticking with Hibbard in the second half for that long when Black and Bass brought the energy and lift for the team……it must be a hard job, and there must be so many complex factors BS has to consider before subbing guys……ya think? Let’s hope the FO puts a LOT of thought in who they hire next. I wish BS all the best, I really do, but this old school experiment won’t end soon enough for me.

  38. Tra says

    Solid win, but it’ll probably be a while before we get another (which, considering our circumstances, might be a good thing). Vintage Kobe performance and the kids all played well. Black – as Mid has been consistently stating – deserves more floor time.

  39. Mr.G says

    He played well against Charlotte and yesterday was epic for a man with injuries against young and athletic kids. He shut my mouth up and I love that

    And I observed a little thing yesterday that I liked very much. He was talking to the kids, gesticulating to them, showing all situation on the court. He was a real leader.

    And in post game interview he remembered the great contribution by Black. I’m a happy Laker today at all.

    Thanks Kobe for surprise me over and over!!!

  40. matt says

    Regarding k durant, i just hope he’s clear with his intentions and or his destination is decided before free agency, so the lakers don’t waste their time pursuing him.

  41. Anonymous says

    kd does not need to be clear, it is the lakers who need to be clear with their intentions for the first time in 4 years

  42. jojo says

    “Savoring the win”.

    Man, there’s as worn-out a sports cliche if there ever was one. But yet, with the team at 10-41, I am still enjoying what came out of the kitchen last night. So many delightful treats! (Aighht, I’ll kill the food analogies.)

    Besides, steak & champagne every night’s no good for you anyways.

    In a slightly more serious tone, I’m wondering about a couple of things. First, am I hallucinating that there was a better team effort & energy level last night versus, say, the previous 10 games? I’m not talking result or scheme execution, just energy, effort, and dare I mention, enthusiasm? Sure seemed so…

    Secondly, if that’s the case, then what happened? Or more pertinently perhaps, what needs to transpire so that this type of team flow/spirit/energy occurs more than once every blue moon?

    Hey, I get it, a weaker opponent makes you look better. But it looked to me that the team simply had more desire. Or something. Bottle that, Byron!

  44. KevTheBold says

    That was a great game, one to savor like a rare day when everything goes right.

    Kobe was 28 again for one night, and the kids played hard with all their might.

  45. LordMo says

    Forget KD like I have posted before if he goes there confirmed what I already knew… He ain’t the man! Load up for Russell and let’s roll.

    • KevTheBold says

      Agree LordMo.

      In addition, in a recent interview, Curry was asked about KD, and supposedly said that he was “comfortable with our team”.

      If true, then he’s smart enough to realize that you don’t mess with chemistry.

      Of course, this could change, depending upon the outcome of the season.

  46. Anonymous says

    kd does not need to be clear, it is the lakers who need to be clear with their intentions for the first time in 4 years
    __

    Meaning?

    Look the Lakers are going to get a meeting, even if its for PR sake. There’s not much of a story to tell from the Lakers perspective. Come join us and we believe that by the 3rd year of your 4 year deal we’ll make the 2nd round playoffs and by the time you’re 32 we hope to get to the Western Conference Finals. KD wants to win championships — we can’t help him do that.

    Our best hope is the near elite players, like DeRozan. We’ll have to pay him like he’s elite but he’s young enough (26) to wait until we coalesce our young talent into winners. But th eissue with him is that his team is the second best team in the Eastern Conference. If winning is important to him he’s already on a winner and in a weak conference as well.

    Our value prop is better suited to DeRozan than KD.

  48. Kbj says

    The Lakers should be going after Hassan Whiteside first and then DeRozan. The Lakers are in need of a rim protector and Whiteside will be the best option this offseason.

  49. Anonymous says

    From Yahoo Sports’ article regarding the Warriors’ pursuit of KD:

    Outside of those well-known suitors – Washington, Houston and Miami – there’s another California team determined to make a bid for Durant, league sources tell The Vertical: The Los Angeles Clippers. If the opportunity comes to move Blake Griffin and replace him with Durant, the Clippers won’t hesitate, sources said.

    Teams are calling on Griffin trades now, but Clippers president and coach Doc Rivers seems determined to play the year out with Griffin and see how far the team advances in the playoffs. Eventually, the Clippers will determine how intrigued Durant might be in becoming a Big Three with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan.

    The Thunder would resist a sign-and-trade deal until the very end – until they were sure Durant was leaving them – but Griffin, an Oklahoma native, could be a fascinating part of that scenario.

  50. Anonymous says

    Personally, I think KD resigns for one more year in OKC and then becomes a free agent with Westbrook the following summer. If he really does leave then the Warriors have an inside track. However, to make it work the Warriors would have to make some hard decisions: let Barnes walk and trade Igoudala and or Bogut. I would think that GS wouldn’t let Barnes walk unless they had a good idea that KD was coming.

    The Clippers aren’t as attractive in my mind. Next year, Paul will be in his age 31 season so his window as an elite is narrowing. DA is at beast defensively but his poor free throw shooting make him a liability at the end of games where you need your best players on the floor. Redick never impressed me and they paid a dear price to get him (Bledsoe).

    As bad as the Lakers are I think they will be a trending up soon and conversely the Clippers will be trending down. Don’t get me wrong the Clippers will likely have a better record than the Lakers as long as Paul is effective but the brighter future will belong to the Lakers.

  51. LordMo says

    Whiteside is horrible don’t be fooled he is an effective weak side protector nothing more. Pretty much at the bottom of every other stat and horrible minus numbers which we already have that issue with Randle on the floor. A few better options out there.

  52. Mid-Wilshire says

    By the way, Kobe Bryant is only the 4th NBA player in the last 30 years to score at least 35 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists at the age of 37 or older.

    The other 3? Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Karl Malone.

    This info is from an article by Eric Pincus in the Los Angeles Times.