The Lakers’ three game roadie churns on tonight, in Milwaukee, against the Bucks. This after losing on Sunday night to an undermanned, but still game Bulls team who flashed a level of offense they have not all year. The Lakers’ porous defense was a major contributor in Chicago’s success, but this has become somewhat routine for the Lakers that it’s hard to even get too worked up over it all. The Lakers are, after all, last in the league in defensive efficiency.
In any event, the Bucks are on tap and one can likely expect them to offer a strong effort against the Lakers’ struggling defense too. No, the Bucks do not have a lead guard in the Derrick Rose mold who will attack off the dribble, but they do have a Greek Freak, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, and Greg Monroe. That foursome hits all the right notes to capitalize on how the Lakers struggle to defend and will look to break the game open using their athleticism, then settling down for bully ball and off the bounce work to get into the paint when the game slows.
The Lakers do have the ability to counter punch, especially when Greg Monroe mans the middle. His ability to defend in space and/or protect the rim are not good, so the Lakers should be able to get some action going to the rim out of the P&R and when working off backside pin-downs and curl actions. They must look to exploit Monroe when he’s on the floor and then make the defense pay by either scoring inside or knocking down outside shots when the defense collapses.
As for individual matchups, the positional battles between both teams starters offer intrigue. Russell vs. Michael Carter-Williams, Clarkson vs. Middleton, Kobe vs. Antetokounmpo, Randle vs. Parker, and Hibbert vs. Monroe are all worth watching closely. If two or three of these battles strongly favor one team, that side is likely to win the game. I am particularly looking forward towards how Randle and Parker deal with each other. Coming out of the same draft, there are some bragging rights in their match up and I’m interested in seeing how Randle attacks Parker out of his face-up post game and how, on the other side of the ball, he deals with Parker’s jumper and off the dribble attacking style.
Where you can watch: 5:00pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM.
Fern says
From the other thread because in all honestly i doubt we are going to catch the Bucks flat footed again and on their gym. Derozan? is a good player not great. Like i said before come July 1st i max the living hell out of Whiteside, 14-12-4 don’t come out of trees, is as simple as that and if we dont max him somebody else will, no doubt about that. And i like Batum he may not be the top tier star of a team, but he is certainly a guy you want playing on the wing for your team. Pretty good pieces to pit around our kids. If we get a top 2 pick then we might not need to spend a lot of money on a wing. We can have a pretty decent starting lineup and still have a boatload of money to add more complimentary pieces. Lot of moving parts though for this to happen, but like i said before we don’t need the homerun aproach…
Vasheed says
I agree with Fern on Whiteside. There are things I don’t like about Whiteside but, I don’t think there are too many other players worth signing to a max contract that the Lakers are likely to get. I wouldn’t think it a bad idea to leave 2 slots open next year and save cap space to make moves later.
Anonymous says
From the last thread: KAT > Wiggins= Russell > Randle
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Agree. MDA’s late season wins pushed the Lakers draft position down and cost us a real shot at Wiggins. However, the FO did get a top Three player at the 7th slot – maybe a top Two. All depends if Parker regains his game or not. But yes, Wiggins > Randle.
Anonymous says
DeRozan is a Two not a Three. Unless you want Clarkson as your 3rd guard then there’s no benefit to signing him. He’s 6′ 6″ 210 — bigger than most SGs but small for a SF.
Whiteside has 15 assists all season (46 games) and shoots 54% from the line. He’s a black hole on offense and you can’t trust him at the end of games. Statistically, the Heat are a better defensive team with him on the bench. $20 mil per year doesn’t buy what it used to.
Anonymous says
Bucks starting lineup is young:
SF: Giannis 6’11” 220 / 21 years old
PF: Parker 6′ 8″ 250 / 20 years old
C: Monroe 6′ 11″ 265 / 25 years old
SG: Middleton 6′ 8″ 234 / 24 yrs old
PG: MCW 6′ 6″ 190 / 24 yrs old
Yes, they are 23 – 33 but I believe they have the best young talent outside of Minnesota. I think our FO shouldn’t be afraid of going young — veteran leadership is over rated. Look at the Lakers with Kobe. He’s more do as I say not as I do. I think an assistant coach can do the same.
Bryce says
The Lakers are 11-44. 3 games behind the 8 – 47 76ers and 3.5 games ahead of the 14-42 imploding Suns.
I just want the team to be better and I know the only wauy that happens is if we keep our pick. I can look the other way for 26 more games.
Mid-Wilshire says
It seems that there are a lot of people down on Hassan Whiteside. Candidly, I’ve not seen him play very much. So, I’m in no position to judge.
I do understand that there are some statistics that show (to my surprise) that Miami is better off on defense with Whiteside on the bench. However, he does average 12.5 ppg (62% shooting), 11.2 rebounds per game, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game. These numbers (especially rebounding and blocks) are pretty gaudy. Also, in his last game he went for 25 pts., 23 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots in 29:18. With that in mind, I would agree with Fern. If the Lakers don’t go after him hard, some one else will. Also, he’s only 26 years old. I would think he’s still mold-able and teach-able. But…I do want to see him play again before I draw any conclusions.
Finally, Robert Upshaw in his last D League game had 18 points (9-11 shooting), 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 20 minutes (with 3 fouls). Of course, the Lakers have no room on their roster (as of now). They would have to release someone who is under contract (such as Ryan Kelly) to bring Upshaw up to the big leagues. If they were to do that, then Byron would be almost obliged to play him. But of course, with Byron being Byron, you can’t count on that.
Let’s see how we do tonight (especially the kids). Go, Lakers.
bluehill says
If the FO can’t get the max FAs they want, I hope they don’t make a desperation max FA signing just to say that they did something.
I don’t know much about Whiteside but based on the comments it sounds like he has potential but needs good coaching. I also don’t get the sense that he’s a leader. Given our current coaching situation and young team, that doesn’t seem like a good fit especially to for a max player.
Anonymous says
If the Heat don’t make a serious effort to resign Whiteside that would be my red flag.
Fern says
I dont care, outside Whiteside is there any other center that is close to his production and his athleticism? Horford? c’mon Dwight? HELL NO to him.People want the perfect players with no faults whatsoever, straight from a video game. Not happening, and his faults specially his passing or lack thereoff can be corrected. He will get a max or really close to it at the worst. That’s what is available and i think he can fit with our core. I see him playing several times and he can beast, and would be a major, major upgrade over Hibbert, he is mobile athletic and teams think twice about attacking the rim plus he is an outstanding rebounder. Does Hibbert have or do any of that?
Gary says
Good read on Hassan Whiteside:
http://paceandspacehoops.com/posts/10951243/is-this-nba-player-any-good–hassan-whiteside.html
The article asks the question: Is he any good? Their answer:
So is he any good? Well, let’s call this one a hesitant yes. He does enough good, especially at home, to merit some of the plaudits that get him on SportsCenter. But he also does enough head-scratchingly bad things to make a justifiable argument that he, in fact, sucks.
In Mythbusters terms, the myth that Hassan Whiteside is a competent NBA player is…Plausible.
Baylor Fan says
Whiteside is getting excellent coaching by the Heat. They also have a solid analytics staff. I agree with Anonymous – if he is all that, then the Heat will keep him. So far, he is not.
Gary says
I dont care, outside Whiteside is there any other center that is close to his production and his athleticism?
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Fern you should care. Even in a rising cap environment mistakes can be costly. Regarding Whiteside, I think folks just don’t want the Lakers to make a desperate move that costs 4yr/$80 mil. Let’s just hope the FO does their due diligence and really looks at how Whiteside might fit as a person and a player. I don’t think folks are saying no — they’re just pointing out that there are issues at play other than the points and rebounds he puts up.
Keep in mind that even if the Lakers want him badly there’s no guarantee he’ll want the Lakers. I think there are 20 teams with $20+ mil in cap space this summer. Many teams will make him a max offer — likely teams with a more talent and more wins under their belts.
Let’s hope if the FO has set their sights on Hassan that they get their sales pitch down.
Anonymous says
Some folks would be happy with Black getting the starting nod at center next year.
Fern says
Black can help but i dont think he’s starter material, he is only 6’9 for starters. Whiteside is 7ft tall…
bluehill says
Speaking of Black and Hibbert, don’t know why Black isn’t getting a little PT since Hibbert isn’t adding anything at all in this game and we’re getting blown out.
Robert says
Darius: “Still feel like the Lakers have too many players whose 1st instinct is “how can I attack w/ the ball?” I redundantly pointed this out all last summer after we failed to deal Nick and then layered Lou on top. Kobe, Nick, and Lou are a combined 6-28 with 8 left in the fourth. This is obviously not the first game this has been an issue. Sadly we may still have Lou and Nick on the roster going into next year.
R says
Whiteside says he wants a team with a winning culture; if true that would seem to leave the Lakers on the outside looking in.
Mid-Wilshire says
R,
The Lakers have a winning culture. They just don’t have a winning team.
I think Whiteside will go where he can make the most money and be assured of the most PT that he can get.
bluehill says
Hey as soon as Black came in the Lakers made it a game!
desmo says
I make $25 million a year, work from home , have no boss and only work a few minutes a day…….I am slowly destroying a well known franchise but they are still sponsoring a year long tour for me…..if you……..
fern says
Throw a max deal his way with a good presentation and i like our chances. And the Lakers are down but if there is a team with a winning culture and tradition is the Lakers present situation notwithstanding, it’s all in the air now but a player of his caliber can turn this team around in a major way. Hypothetically speaking now ,but we get a top 2 pick and pick someone like Ingram and add Whiteside we are talking a dramatically improved team with youth, potential and a lot of upside. Just a possible scenario and enticing one for a guy like him.
Anonymous says
It is not a given that the Buss kids can recreate the Lakers winning past going forward. The sample size (since Dr Buss’ passing) is small but Jim/Jeanie have produced the worst records in franchise history in consecutive years.
R says
Yeah I’d have to be feeling pretty generous to call whatever it is the lakers are putting out there a winning culture. They do have a winning tradition that is perhaps more accurately labeled a winning history. A history that’s starting to look a whole lot like yesterday’s news.
R says
… Saying they have a winning culture rings a little hollow … Hate to say it reminds me of the embarrassing motto on the Raiders toilet bowl, er I mean stadium: “Commitment to Excellence”.
bluehill says
Pat Riley has a better chance if he wants Whiteside. With Bosh’s medical issues and no Chris Andersen, Whiteside’s re-signing becomes a lot more important. If Riley doesn’t want him, then I agree w/ anon above there’s something up.
Gene says
The Lakers have 3 or 4 of the worse players in the Association….Clue…I don’t mean any of the kids..
Ray says
If Luke wants Whiteside then I am all for it too. Lol. I can dream big rite. I seen Ingram play recently vs tar heels. Good looking young talent and seems like a better fit with our young’ins. Hope we keep our pick and that its top 2.
Anonymous says
I prefer players with a high basketball IQ. That’s why I wasn’t too happy when Young got his long-term contract (to be fair, that contract isn’t a disaster, though). And that’s why I consider Whiteside a huge question mark. Can’t imagine someone like him playing on teams like the Spurs.
Fern says
Gary i don’t care because the positives outweight the negatives easily. Still waiting for someone to propose another name at center that can change my mind. There is no such thing as a perfect player…
Vasheed says
Because of Whiteside’s age/experience a max contract for him will be I believe about 20 million. Max contracts get bigger with more veteran players. With the cap rising salaries in general going up will get larger. This was one of the reasons I was in favor of trading for players with contracts this year who would be under contract long term. They will look like bargains in a year or two. Keep in mind the Lakers will have over $60 million to spend. Unless a group of super friends decides they want to play in LA they will be very hard pressed to spend all of their money. The Lakers want to win and I just don’t see where else they going spend their money.
Vasheed says
To be clear Max contract guys like Whiteside will be cheaper than max contracts like Dwight. The Lakers set themselves up to have lots of cap flexibility but, there aren’t that many players worth signing with all of that cap. So it makes perfect sense to throw a max contract at Whiteside.
Anonymous says
Keep in mind that even if the Lakers want him badly there’s no guarantee he’ll want the Lakers. I think there are 20 teams with $20+ mil in cap space this summer. Many teams will make him a max offer — likely teams with a more talent and more wins under their belts.
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This is when having the Buss kids as the face of your franchise hurts. We have little gravitas in the FO. (Other teams have got to be wondering what happened to Mitch that his talents/skills have been suppressed by Jim.)
The reality is that the Buss kids don’t have a good track record. There’s infighting and talk of deadlines which spell instability to a prospective player and his agent. Plus the team doesn’t have a coach that gives anyone confidence.
The challenge then becomes how do you spin this situation to look appealing so that any free agent and their advisers say, ‘Yes’. With JW here or Dr. Buss or PJ (coaching) there was a strong feeling that past success would continue. The Buss kids give everyone pause. They make you feel as if the past glory is just that in the past.
There aren’t that many game changing free agents this summer. And the ones that are out there will have a lot of choices — many with better situations than the Lakers.
KevTheBold says
I would rather bring Upshaw up, than Whiteside in.
Not only is it a totally realistic plan, versus all of the Whiteside speculation which will most likely come to nil, I don’t see much more upside in Whiteside, than Upshaw’s potential.
I’m also very keen into Upshaw’s unrelenting, steadfast struggle and desire to become a Laker. That kind of dedication would in my mind, give him the right stuff, along with his tool set of shot blocking, and full range shooting, to shape himself into what we need most.
It’s also smarter from an age and financial standpoint.
matt says
Whiteside is 27 years old, but he has only played 2 full years which makes his nba age younger, there is a risk involved in signing him, and all i would consider is how he will look alongside randle, or if we draft simmons …. notably whiteside would be the best lakers center in years, there is a debate here but i would rank him above Dwight, because dh is a non chemistry guy, if they do land whiteside they should consider a solid backup, and with the rest of the league possibly going the draymond green route, small ball center, (imagine if dallas decides dwight powell is their future), we might be able to steal whiteside.
And kev seriously upshaw over whiteside??????
Upshaw looks like he can’t compute whats happening, slow in the head
KevTheBold says
More overrated Whiteside praise, tied up with speculative twine.
As for Upshaw, your view is totally outdated, the pre-season has long since passed.
KevTheBold says
Upshaw can shoot from anywhere on the court, including the free throw line, unlike Whiteside.
Is also a shot blocking force like Whiteside.
Not that I don’t want Whiteside, it’s more that the Lakers can ill afford additional snub damage.
We aren’t ready and presentable for quantity free agents.
If however we have a core of 4 including an improved Upshaw, then in 2017, we will be an attractive destination.
It’s a logical and doable plan, and keeps within our historical roots, of organic growth, building a team for long term results.
matt says
I heard the cap is gonna be 92 mil, thats a jump compared to the 85 mil previously reported
Call it conspiracy but maybe its because notable teams need more cap
matt says
Yeah vasheed i agree
the tanking definitely gots to end, this offseason
Fern says
Man, Upshaw again? It could be worth bring him up as a backup though. Just because he had a couple of ok games in freaking D-LEAGUE don’t mean he can hack it in the big show, But it’s worth a shot for the simple fact he can’t be worse than Sacre. Best case scenario? We have a rim protector in the court at all times. But he ain’t no starter, not by a long shot. I admit that is kinda encouraging he is playing better and he has kept out of trouble.
matt says
Notably russell is starting, playing good rookie ball, but other players that we all like are now lost on the bench, a.brown, and tarik black, you can see the trend happening here.
Nick young is playing ok, maybe byron sees potential there.
Lou williams is very often frustrated defensively but still gets plenty of minutes.
Roy hibbert, lets just say we are all happy he’s helping us lose
Darius Soriano says
Nothing is straightforward with Whiteside. To imply otherwise is to oversimplify things. His production is unquestioned, but the issues which kept him from becoming a rotation player in the league until this point can’t just be swept under the rug. I’m not saying he’s not worth a max offer, but I’d be lying if I said such an offer wouldn’t come with some real fears on my end.
matt says
Kev.
Note that i view whiteside as risky, I’ve always thought of the fact that he’s playing alongside bosh, it’s gotta make him look better, but if he does get signed by the lakers, i will be excited.
Vasheed says
I really like Upshaw. At the moment I see him more as the back up Big man. I think he does have a lot of potential. I had heard the Lakers were considering shutting down Nance for the season. This might be an opportunity to try out Upshaw for the remainder of the season and see what he can do against NBA competition.
I do have reservations about Whiteside. I also recognize there aren’t exactly that many great options to choose from unless suddenly Durant and Lebron decide they want to win one in LA or some other scenario out of left field. There just aren’t going to be that many free agents on the market who will command max contracts who have zero draw backs. Pick your poison.
bluehill says
Again I’m not that familiar with Whiteside other than some highlight reels, so I ask these questions from the perspective of an owner than signs the checks but looks to their FO to make the call. I’m not expecting answers, just food for thought. And some of the questions are really intended to understand what the FOs plan is going to be.
Is Whiteside the type of player you would build a team around?
If so, what type of system and coach would suit his skills the best?
In what ways is a center-oriented offense an advantage in today’s league?
In what ways is a center-oriented offense a disadvantage in today’s league?
If you were the opposing coach, how would you play him?
What players do we already have that would fit into the system and coach needed to take advantage of his skills?
What other types of players would we need to acquire?
J C says
I think the Lakers will be feeling enormous pressure this summer. I’m sure they’ll make a substantial offer to Whiteside.
The question will be how is their pitch received?
As many have mentioned, the current front office isn’t exactly inspiring bandwagons.
If they fail to land a name free agent they’ll be obligated to throw money at someone just to hit the salary floor.
If we are lucky and they retain their lottery pick, and the current new youth core continues to develop, we may have to wait a year – but by then we should be gaining appeal to the next crop of FAs.
Anonymous says
The reality is that the Buss kids don’t have a good track record. There’s infighting and talk of deadlines which spell instability to a prospective player and his agent. Plus the team doesn’t have a coach that gives anyone confidence.
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I agree the instability of the FO has got to be a real concern for FAs and their agents. FA want to win — the Lakers are in a rebuilding phase — nice foundation but not much else. Do I sign on for four years with a team that just won 15 games and their FO is on the clock? I’d want to know who the coach is and who’s going to be making the personnel decisions? And will those same guys be in place during the summer of 2017 as well? If not, Jeanie what is your plan for a new FO? Ryan West…really?
The Lakers have many natural advantages. Right now Jim and his promise are likely to stifle FA interest which will prevent him from meeting his stated goal.
Mid-Wilshire says
My own attitude at this point is to keep an open mind re: Whiteside. As I said above, I just haven’t seen enough of him to make a judgement with any confidence. But I’ll be tracking him for the rest of the season. There’s 25 games or so remaining — lot’s of time to watch him perform.
With that, a couple of thoughts. As I understand it, Miami will have no substantial cap space this coming summer. As a result, they may not be able to make Whiteside an attractive offer. As a result, the conclusion is that he’s a goner. Right now, he’s not even starting. He’s backing up Amare. As a result, he’ll probably be looking for 3 things:
1) Money (he makes less than $1 Million at present);
2) Assurances that he will start;
3) Playing time.
Now, if the Lakers don’t pursue and/or sign him, then we must address Fern’s very legitimate question: If not Whiteside, then who? Almost certainly, the Lakers will be in need of a center. They’re going to have to bid on someone. Any ideas?
Finally, for the Lakers to bring up Upshaw, they’ve got to create room on the roster. Right now, the Lakers have a full house. They might possibly release Ryan Kelly (or not). But right now, they’ll be ill-advised to buy a canary. There’s just no room on the bus (no pun intended).
Anonymous says
I agree the instability of the FO has got to be a real concern for FAs and their agents.
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Absent clarification, about Jim/Mitch, from Jeanie keeping the status quo is a problem. There is a real case for cleaning house this summer so that the new FO get’s a new good coach in place and can begin to lay the ground work for the Summer of 2017.
I’d be curious if other posters also felt the FO uncertainty is a obstacle for free agency success. While technically, Jim is owed another year — its not likely he achieves his goal of making the Western Conference Finals or the Championship series next season. It’s simply better for the future of the team that a new FO is put in place after this year. I think organizational stability is a big concern for free agents.
R says
The Lakers are the 2nd most valuable team in the league, according to Forbes magazine. I often wonder if they are using (some of) those financial resources to be the best in the league at aspects of winning that aren’t restricted by the salary cap, such as training, analytics, scouting, coaching? Well I guess we know the answer regarding coaching, unless we think Byron is the best money can buy! OK, then, how about assistant coaches?
matt says
Good thoughts mid wil
This is about the time of the season they would consider bringing guys up from the d-league, like they did last year due to injuries, i guess this would just be be due lack of team direction, ny knicks just signed jimer ferdette to a 10 day deal from the d-league.
Any new player would just make ot interesting, but playing time would definitely be a concern
Anonymous says
If they fail to land a name free agent they’ll be obligated to throw money at someone just to hit the salary floor.
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The salary floor is of no consequence. 1) you don’t have to hit the floor until the end of the year. 2) If you don’t hit the floor there is no penalty. 3) If you don’t hit the floor then whatever the difference between your current salary level and the floor is paid to your current players per percentages provided by the Players Association guidelines.
Portland just picked up a 1st round pick for absorbing a player into their cap space at the deadline. Something the Lakers couldn’t do because they filled their cap space with Hibbert.
matt says
76ers 8-47
Lakers 11-47
Nets 15-51
Suns 14-43
Todd says
Speak of the devil. CBS Sports Online article about our team.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25491679/jeanie-buss-wants-lakers-competing-for-west-title-next-season
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Jeanie Buss wants Lakers competing for West title next season
By Ananth Pandian | NBA writer
February 22, 2016
For the third straight season, the Los Angeles Lakers won’t make the playoffs. And for the third straight season, the Lakers are one of the worst teams in the league. One of the winningest franchises in the history of the NBA, the Lakers are stuck in rut and although there is some hope for the future, it looks like they won’t be an elite team for quite some time.
But team president and part owner Jeanie Buss doesn’t appear to be too worried because she thinks by next season, the Lakers will be competing for the Western Conference Finals.
From USA Today’s Sam Amick:
There is no change to the timeline that Jim first shared in April of 2014, when he indicated that he would resign if the team wasn’t contending for a title by next season. Since then, it has become clear that Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak would likely be part of this equation as well.
“I think that (Jim Buss) was very sure of himself when he promised that timeline, and I think that he has everything he needs to fulfill that promise of getting the team back competitive,” Jeanie Buss said. “And when I say competitive, it’s competing for the Western Conference Finals, which would mean at least second round (of the playoffs) – if not more … They have earned the right to take the time that they’ve needed to put together what they want to have out on the court, and if they can’t do that then we have to re-examine how things are going.”
And while next season seems unrealistic for the Lakers to make such a drastic turnaround and compete in the Western Conference Finals, they will have plenty of cap space next summer so they could potentially sign a marquee free agent. Coupled with the fact that Kobe Bryant is retiring, a free agent that wants to play in a bigger market and have a large role while playing alongside the Lakers’ promising core of Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell could choose to come to Los Angeles. Buss is optimistic that this will happen:
“I think that what we offered (the many free agents who passed on the Lakers in recent years) didn’t match where they were in their careers or what they were looking for,” Jeanie said. “Hopefully now, our story and what we have to present will be enticing to whoever they have targeted in terms of free agency to bring here. But again, I don’t make the decisions about the vision of basketball.”
A whole lot of factors — and quite frankly luck — need to work in the Lakers’ favor if they want to be one of the top two teams in the West next season. As of right now, it seems extremely unlikely that this will happen. But you never know, anything is possible and the Lakers very well could be in the playoffs again next season.
However if that doesn’t happen, it sounds like Buss will hold her brother and the team’s vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak accountable.
david h says
sounds like Jeannie is giving brother jim a little wiggle room: “it’s competing for the Western Conference Finals, which would mean at least second round (of the playoffs) – if not more … They have earned the right to take the time that they’ve needed to put together what they want to have out on the court, and if they can’t do that then we have to re-examine how things are going.”
this sounds wrong on so many levels, i’ll just repeat what my neighbor said the other day. Seems Jim has an eye for head cases. Wonder why is that??
still shaking my head at that one…
Go lakers
matt says
If lakers finish with 2nd worst record here are the odds
#1 pick…..20%
#2 pick…..19%
#3 pick……17%
#4 pick…….32%
#5 pick……12%
matt says
Last year they were the 4th worst their odds at the #2 pick was 12.6%
matt says
Lakers are not reaching the west finals next year.
I’ve said before they will likely sign one max deal, one mid range deal, and two one year deals, with all the youngsters maybe a 7th or 8th seed
matt says
Current west standings
Warriors, spurs, thunder, clippers, grizzlies, mavs, tblazers, rockets, jazz, kings, pelicans, nuggets, twolves, suns, lakers
Next years projection
Warriors, spurs, and clippers are gonna be secure
Thunder slip if durant leaves but still playoffs
Grizzlies and rockets may slip maybe playoffs still for at least one
Blazers and jazz rise maybe one makes playoffs
Mavs and pelicans who knows??
We will say 6 teams here will be better than lakers next year
Fern says
For me is this simple, if the ping pong balls dont bounce our way and we fail to make any significant splash in free agency Jim, Byron and Mitch needs to be fired. The entire regime needs to go. I dont mind Jimbo’s self imposed timeline, but promising a WCF? I would had settle for playoffs, unless some FA coup for the ages happen which is highly improbable, it’s an imposible task. I don’t trust Jeanie either and im terrified that her “Lakers Grand Recue Plan” is bringing PJ back to run the team and of course run the triangle which its been proven that w/o trancendent First Ballot HOF players just dont translate to wins. We need to get younger and with the times not only on the court.