After their second 1-game trip to Texas this season (and their 2nd blowout loss, this time to the Spurs) the Lakers are back in Los Angeles to play a “road” game against the Clippers. The game is a matinee with a 12:30pm start time so the Kings can use Staples tonight to play against Winnipeg. According to Arash Markazi, this just the 3rd time a little over a decade that all three of the Lakers, Kings, and Clippers have all played a game in the Arena on the same day. So, the more you know.
Anyways, the Lakers have been playing pretty poorly over their last 6 quarters. A really bad 2nd half against the Blazers bled into the aforementioned lopsided loss against the Spurs. The Clippers, on the other hand, have won 5 games in a row after a string of losses to close 2016. One of those losses was to the Lakers in their last match up, the gift a lot of fans were looking for on Christmas.
Like that game, the Clippers’ poor results were mostly injury related. At one point they were missing Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and JJ Redick at the same time, a brutal run of injuries that would cripple any team, but especially one as dependent on their stars as the Clippers. Some teams — the Warriors and Spurs, for example — have very strong systems which are only enhanced by their superstar talent. The Clippers system is their superstar talent — especially Paul. Surviving one guy’s absence might be tolerable, but missing two or three of their top 4 players is untenable.
Luckily for them — and bad for the Lakers — Paul and Redick are back and playing really well. Since returning to the lineup three games ago, Chris Paul has had lines of 14/6/12, 19/6/18, and 18/7/6. After a couple of rough games after returning from his own ailments, Redick has not scored under 19 points in his last 5 games while hitting nearly 44% of his 3 pointers. Add this to DeAndre Jordan’s play in the paint (on both ends of the floor) and the Clippers are starting to roll again.
Getting back to today’s game, then, the Lakers have their hands full. It looked like they were starting to turn a corner recently, but the past two games have been a reminder that they still have a ways to go. Can Russell deal with Paul on both ends of the floor? Can Randle take advantage of Griffin being out even though he’ll have to deal with Jordan lurking on the back-side to contest his shots? Can Mozgov help out Randle by hitting jumpers and protecting him on the defensive glass? Can Lou, Young, and Clarkson hit enough jumpers to counter the shooting Redick (and others) will provide?
If the answers to these questions end up being yes, the Lakers will not only keep the game close, but can win this game. But if Paul plays as he has been and the team doesn’t find a way to limit Redick, the odds start tilting towards the Clippers quickly. I know that’s pretty basic analysis, but sometimes the game really is simple. As we saw when the Lakers started to play better, when your best players perform well you have a good chance of winning. In other words, I’m looking for Russell and Randle to set the tone.
Last note, I’m happy to see Ingram playing well lately and I’m very interested in seeing if he can keep it going. The Clippers don’t have great depth on the wing and when they go to their reserves Ingram will have a chance to get it going — especially if he continues to attack the rim when Jordan goes to the bench. Bass and Speights can offer some resistance in the restricted area, but Ingram has been showing a better understanding of how to use his length around the hoop to get baskets. If he can continue that while keeping up his newfound accuracy from deep, he could be in for a good game.
Where you can watch: 12:30pm start time on Spectrum Sportsnet.
John Citizen says
Russell need to go to the basket a lot more and show some aggression. Between Deng unreliable shots, Swaggy P disappearing shot, Randle awkward shots, Russell need to shoulder the whole starting group and he must be allowed to be the star he is destined to be.
30twhite40 says
Lakers slow start for their rare 12:30 PM for the Clippers home game.
Clipper eat last a Staples Center as the Kings get the night game.
KevTheBold says
Ingram is impressing, while D’Angelo is disappointing.
I’m trying to figure out what his problem is now,..as his shot mechanics have deteriorated, with him shooting a rushed series a set shots that usually miss.
Where is that sweet jumper he used to have that sailed perfectly through the net no matter who was in his face?
I’m also concerned about his easy going manner through slump after slump. No sign of frustration, or self motivation.
Walton mentioned that he gets on Randle, sometimes harshly, but uses a different style of management for Russell, more easy going.
Though maybe he needs to light a fire under Russell. Scott was too negative, but Russell seemed more intense than he does this season.
Or is that my imagination?
LordMo says
John Citizen
Not sure if Russell is the star at all but he can be a good NBA pro but has bad habits and form right now. He just does not have the athleticism needed to excel at a high level. He will have to do it with skill and thought but I believe he is really too immature to lead this team at this point. Looking at DLO I’m beginning to think he needs to work on his mechanics quite a bit. He plays with his behind too high and does not bend his knees nor take full strides. BI on the other hand looks like he is starting to figure some things out! When his body fills out he is going to be good. Just a question of how good.
It is time for the Lakers to fully embrace the “youth movement” and let the younger players get the majority of the minutes so we can really see what we have in terms of talent and make roster adjustments accordingly. Let go of the pipedream of playoffs and develop the youth because that is really all we have right now and the future of the franchise hinges on their growth.
LordMo says
KevTheBold
Ya @Kev it is like DLO has regressed. Both he and Randle are missing and on a milk carton somewhere right now. We need to be able to pencil in their points every night. They have to start taking these games as a personal challenge and step up. Randle has done it several times and I believe Walton pulls him too much when he has it going. DLO not so much needs to find what works for him when the jumper is not falling.
KevTheBold says
LordMo,
I think you were right when you said that he must feel like he’s already made it.
Yes I know he works out and practices way after hours, thus his off court attitude is right on, but his on-court hunger is lacking.
If he keeps this up, he will lose an opportunity of a lifetime, and end up bouncing around from team to team,..because you can have all the skill in the world, but without that fire to go along with it, it’s useless.
Mid Wilshire says
The Lakers had 14 TOs; the Clippers had 7. That’s a big difference and a crucial statistical battle that must be won. Also, the Clippers picked the Lakers apart pretty easily, shooting 52.2% vs. 44.4%. Those two statistical differences, by themselves, almost assure a team of a double-digit loss.
The Lakers, in short, have very little margin for error. They can not afford to lose the assist battle. (The Clippers won that one, too: 28-21.) They can not afford to lose the turnover battle. And they cannot afford to let the other team out-shoot them by 8 percentage points. Once they start to figure out how to win these micro-battles, then they’ll start to win more readily. Cutting down on turnovers would be a good place to start, IMO.
On the positive side (not everything is bleak), Clarkson, Ingram, and T-Black looked good. Clarkson had 21 points (8-14 shooting, 3-4 from three), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 TOs. Ingram had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal. And Tarik Black had 8 points (3-4 shooting, 6 rebounds, and one block. If all the Lakers had played as well as these 3, we might have had a win.
One final point: I think the Lakers miss Larry Nance, Jr. It’s just a feeling.
John Citizen says
This one lost mainly because of the immature coaching staff. The freacking weaving actions are not working, since the start of the season. Randlle should never be allowed to go one on one with his unbelievably awkward shot. Robinson, Black, Huertas, metta and Calderon have no business in the NBA. 5 spots wasted, all on Mitch and Jim.
LKK says
@Mid W…
Another disappointing stat is the 15-27 from the free throw line. That’s a lot of misses by the Lakers.
LKK says
@Kev the Bold…
An honest assessment of Dlo by you. I know you have been one of his biggest supporters on this site. He just can’t seem to figure it out at the moment. I think he needs to simplify matters and drive the ball looking to score more. If he’s going to play the point, he has to be a threat to penetrate and break down defenses. Every defender he faces is playing him tight, trying to take away the 3. He’s got to force the action and take it at them.
Mid Wilshire says
LKK The missed FTs is a good point. I’m glad you brought that up. That just underscores the fact that the Lakers at this point in their development have very little margin for error, especially when playing against the better teams. When playing the Warriors or the Spurs or the Clips, just about everything has to go right.
If everything doesn’t click, then they’re inviting disaster.
I keep believing though that things will be a lot better in 2-3 years.
KevTheBold says
LKK
Yes, I have wanted to, and still do, give him every chance to reach his potential as I believe in his talent.
What some others have commented on however, even last season was his demeanor under the pressure of his errors, which is like a teflon coating.
Back then, I viewed that part his method, as a way for him to keep his composure and self esteem, while learning at his own pace.
Now however it seems that this shield is working against his own best interests, by imo keeping him from feeling the pain and frustration of defeat, and thereby motivation to overcome.
I seriously view this as the only real danger to his career, not his lack of a certain kind of athleticism, but a sort of inability to push himself by being his own best and harshest critic.
As for your opinion on driving to the hole; I just commented in the previous thread against the need for him to dive into the teeth of the defense, but after reading your reply, I may have been wrong in that.
I’m just not sure at this point, if he’s capable of doing so without injuring himself. If that is the case, then I hope his jumper returns, and this time stays. Otherwise, after a time undetermined at this point, I will pin my main hopes on Ingram, while keeping Russell, Clarkson, and to a lesser degree Randle {as he’s got the passion, only needs to learn to control it},.. as possibilities of hope, yet won’t feel surprise or shock, if they fail.
LKK says
@Kev…
Russ’ reluctance to drive makes me wonder about his health also. That earlier procedure on his knee might have lingering affects and it’s possible he is not 100%. His body language at present is that of an individual with self doubt, though, and he’s not the only one. Right now the whole team looks uncertain as to how to break out of this funk.
LordMo says
Mid was it you that noticed some flaws in DLO’s posture? I thought I remembered you saying something in regards to that. But he looks awkward at times like when he bumped knees today? The Lakers used to have the best medical & training staff around but now its seems we have slipped there also. Like I said below I rarely see DLO take long strides if you notice it is short choppy strides. I would like your analysis on this pls.
Mid Wilshire says
LordMo Mo, I was not the one who commented on DLO’s posture or strides. However, I agree that the bumped knees seemed to have thrown him off a bit today. Bear in mind that Russell recently missed several games because of knee tendonitis. I find that very concerning considering that he is only 20 years old (soon to turn 21). I think the Lakers would be wise to monitor his minutes very carefully. He may have to rely on the kinds of procedures that Kobe would get during the summer. (Apparently, he’s had one such procedure already.) DLO may never be more than a 30-minute per game player. I hope I’m wrong on this. But the Lakers will have to monitor him carefully.
LordMo says
Randle is fine going one on one when he puts the ball down on the floor from 15 to 18 feet away. But he needs to work on finishing strong at the rim which means attacking the rim for the dunk. Also a counter move to his left hand is needed and he needs to utilize the crossover and inside out dribbles more. When he brings the ball up and cannot go coast to coast he has to learn to give it up earlier or at the top of the arc then cut hard down the lane for the dunk. I noticed he tends to pass the ball up the court in no mans land quite a bit. But our guards r at fault also as they rarely come to get the ball so he can go setup…they go setup more often and he and Ingram initiate quite a bit. This is not GS so I agree the coaches need to tweak the sets to fit our roster not theirs. In regards to our role players their shortcomings have been well documented here so im not going to go there but I agree with you. The FO made some bad calls in the off-season and the ulnas is on them to fix it…again time will tell and most of these guys wont be here when we make a championship run… Like Ceballos, Van Exel & Jones. Good Lakers at the time and made the playoffs but they were not going to hang any banners.
LordMo says
Kev do not give up on DLO just yet buddy. I really think he is the shooter we need. You know I feel both he and JC are out of position. Here is how I see it in regards to Russell. He is not going straight up on his jumper lately for some reason. He has been leaning back for some reason quite a bit. Needs to work on his leg & core strength this off season. Also as noted in an earlier post not the type of player who can just raise up and nail the jumper when facing tight defense. So it limits his looks when he plays the 1. It’s starting to look like the Lakers really need a dynamic PG who can free it up for everyone move DLO to SG where that jumper can really space the floor and he can get some nice open looks.
KevTheBold says
LordMo
Oh I’m not ready to call him a wash yet.
As LKK mentioned, there are factors which could be affecting his play of late.
Long term however, if someone fails to recognize his body mechanics, muscle balance and alignment problems, I fear he will hold onto his bad habits of compensating, and thereby injuries will plague him, plus, his athleticism will suffer.
You are right about his legs. Much of his weakness is a result of tight hamstrings which has made him rely on his knees, upper back, ankles, and twisting his body in strange contortions to get around defense.
Notice in his dead lift workouts how he rounds his back to reach the bar on the floor, and kept that rounded posture all the way through the exercise. Bad form and also dangerous to his spine.
This is also true when he plays defense,..versus using his hips to lower his body in a wide stance, keeping his upper body upright, he bends his upper back hunching over, and this leaves his lower body out of proper form for quick lateral movements, thus the offensive player can get around him.
His explosiveness is also hampered because he does not utilize his glutes during his forward or jumping motions by using push back motions to move ahead, or to jump, and instead aka Westbrook, but pushes his legs forward to run, or his quads alone to jump.
He was born with thin ankles, this the workout should be to build his feet, arches as well, from the toes up.
These problems are not insurmountable in one so young, though I rarely see a team exercise coach recognize and correct them, thus he may lose out and fall to the wayside like so many before him.
On top of everything however, like I mentioned before, his mentality needs also to be in sync with his skill and physicality. What made Kobe great was his killer instinct above all, and an absolutely hatred of losing. Now, though I’m not totally convinced as of yet that Russell lacks the killer instinct, as he does display emotion when he succeeds in spectacular fashion, yet he seems to take losing too easily,.. at least to what he displays in both mannerisms and pushing himself to succeed in acceptable chains of consistency.
_ Robert _ says
Kev: So with regard to your “possible” re-evaluation of DAR: I realize you are just re-looking at things and not “concluding” yet, but kudos to you for even re-evaluating and admitting that you are. Often people make bold predictions like the team will make the playoffs or win 50 games, ridicule those who disagree with them, and then never acknowledge they were wrong. Some of us do not have that luxury, because we state our opinions so “redundantly” that everyone knows what they are : ) That said – with regard to DAR – if we “re-evaluate” it does not change things in the short run. We should play him in situations that allow for a complete evaluation (just like the other youngsters). Attempting in vain to make the playoffs or adding to win totals should not change that. However – as I have been saying – our appraisals will change how we proceed into the future. If we determine that DAR is not all that – it mandates different moves than if he is. The worst thing we can do is to go “all in” (more than we have already) on all the kids as a group, and then have them not turn out. At some point you need to re-evaluate and make other plans. At this point, signing DAR, Randle, and Ingram to max contracts in a few years is not appealing to me and would lock us out of other good things. You seem to be entertaining this thought as well, as if you are saying DAR could end up being an NBA vagabond (rr loves it when I use this term), then that implies he might not have a long term future with us. Would love to see him turn this around and along with Randle and Ingram for them to form a “core”, but I have never seen that as a realistic possibility. Your thoughts?
KevTheBold says
_ Robert _
Robert, I can see your points, now somewhat clearer than before.
Though I have always seen Russell’s weak areas, now my belief has turned more to hope than trust, that he can overcome.
He is very young, which is a fact not to overlook, and physical weaknesses can be corrected, but the mental aspects of determination and unflagging will to win, I don’t believe, can be taught. Not that I know for sure if the win mentality is lacking, or submerged at this point, only that it won’t take more than this season for me to get a strong indicator.
As for Randle, the drive and athleticism are there, yet the mental aspects of thinking his way through a situation or better yet, forming good habits has yet to form any semblance of a wall. Again, no telling what will occur, thus the concern is valid and I cannot argue with anyone who doubts.
Never had much hope in Clarkson to be a star, so not much to say there.
That leaves Ingram, and Zubac, both of which I see as holding high potential.
If they turn out, and we can still build around two potential bases, and trade off the rest, I would be satisfied.
If they all fail, then we are back at square minus 3, a phase I loathe to consider at this point.
What is your idea of a way out if that were the case?