After a stretch where the Lakers looked as though they were turning a corner with improved play, they have lost three games in a row. In the last two of those three, the Lakers haven’t even held a lead. Considering how rare buzzer to buzzer losses are, the fact the Lakers have had two such games in a row isn’t good. At all.
This dip in team play is directly related to the dip in play from D’Angelo Russell and, to a lesser but still meaningful extent, Julius Randle. Russell has struggled as a shooter and his forays into the lane have not earned him many baskets nor free throws. As for Randle, he had an excellent first half against the Spurs, but in the 2nd half did not have near the same impact. Then, against the Blazers and Clippers he was a combined 4-16 from the field and only scored 10 total points. And while the rebounding was still there, the team needs more from Randle than to be a glass cleaner, they need his scoring and the subsequent impact that has on his ability to create shots for others.
All of this is disappointing. And while my level of patience remains at the level it has been heading into and through the first half of the season, those feelings and ones of hoping for more can both be present. No one will preach the idea of progress being non-linear more than I will, but even when understanding that it doesn’t change the natural feelings of when seeing actual progress not wanting that followed up by regressions — even if they are short-term.
The interesting thing about feeling this way is that I know disappointment isn’t just something I feel. Nor is it just limited to Lakers’ fans and their team. Look around the league and it’s easy to see teams and players who are struggling and/or underperforming. Look at today’s opponent, the Pistons, for example. Heading into the year many picked them to be a playoff team, maybe even challenging for home court in the 1st round by getting up to 4th behind Cleveland, Toronto, and Boston.
Instead, the Pistons are currently 11th in the East and are six games under .500 through 42 games. All things considered, they are one of the more disappointing teams in the league. They’ve dealt with injuries (most notably to Reggie Jackson who missed the first part of the season), but the bigger issues seem to be in the lack of growth from some of their young players — specifically Andre Drummond. The big man is still scoring alright (14.5 points a night) and remains an excellent rebounder (13.5 a night), but he’s not impacting the game defensively as much as needed and on some plays simply looks lost on that end. Considering his talent and experience level, some of these things just shouldn’t be happening.
Heading into tonight, then, I’m interested in seeing how both teams compete. The Lakers have suffered two straight blowouts and, being at home, really could use a win to settle them down. The Pistons, meanwhile, are ending a five game road trip tonight. They won their 1st game — a double OT battle in Portland — but have lost their next 3 vs. the Kings, Warriors, and Jazz. Considering their want to turn things around get back into the playoff race (they are 3 games out of the 8th spot), wins against teams with the Lakers’ profile are much needed. But at the end of a long roadie, will they have the focus and effort level they need?
One last thing — tonight will be the Lakers 45th game of the season, which will be the most of any team in the league. They’ve already had two one-game road trips to Texas, two separate four game trips beyond the mid-west, and a 7 game road trip to this point. I’m not saying they’re tired, but the schedule has not been kind to them simply from a logistics standpoint (to say nothing from a quality of opponent one). This 3 game stretch of home games which has them home through Friday, then, would be a good time to show some life.
Where you can watch: 6:30pm start time on Spectrum Sportsnet.
mattal says
Lakers badly need a win. A loss would drop them into the 15th spot (last place) in the Western Conference.
30twhite40 says
Randle strong to the hoop for the slam dunk. Would love to see more of that by Randle.
fern16 says
This game shouldn’t be a Lakers trailing by two at halftime that last play must be a new level of stupid. This team gets a little lead and turn stupid.Incredibly frustrating to watch…
30twhite40 says
Lakers have surrendered 5 points as the first (2) and second quarters (3) ended and is the difference in the game. They need to close out quarters better. Lakers shooting well 50%, need to force more turnovers than 3 in the second half.
new rr says
Amused by Walton’s facial expression after the b2b airmailed passes.
LKK says
Nice to see Russ playing well on offense. You know it may be a long night when Drummond hits the “Hail Mary” three. Thought Luke kept Dlo on the bench too long after a good start. Lakers’ poor defense continues, especially guarding the 3… Pistons are 7-14 from deep as opposed to the Lakers 3-11 from distance. That’s the biggest difference in the game so far.
30twhite40 says
Lakers give up another basket at the buzzer. That is 7 points as the quarter buzzer sounded. LA down by 3 heading to the fourth quarter.
LKK says
Zubac with some good minutes. Kid has a soft touch and good hands.
KevTheBold says
LKK
Agree,. Zubac has a chance to be a force, and he should get floor time.
KevTheBold says
LKK
I hope he realizes that this should be his norm. His rookie year is over,.. no more days or plays off.
LKK says
4 points from the starting forwards… Ugh!!
LKK says
Another winnable game down the drain. Lakers get a resurgent game from Russell and Lou, but the starting frontcourt doesn’t show up. Tough times.
LKK says
@Kev the Bold…
Russ definitely made a conscious effort to attack the basket. That was nice to see. I hope he lets success be his guide and continues to do so. Unfortunately, the Lakers starting forwards were outscored 46-4 by their Piston counterparts. Can’t expect to win like that. The Lakers remind me of the old saying… “If it ain’t one thing, it’s another.”
LordMo says
Use the force Luke! Sorry been watching Rogue One today. What I meant to say is Luke use the youngsters! They need to play extended minutes in the 4th quarter and learn how to close out these games. I am wondering if Russell is on some type of minutes restriction? They are young guys cannot tell me they can’t run all day because I know I could when I was their age. The lack of major minutes and the substitution patterns is hurting their rhythm. Again I would rather lose with them on the floor than the vets chucking up shots trying to win meaningless games. Development should be our goal and it needs to take priority over “Saving Private Jimbo!” Sorry again lots of movies for me this weekend.
mattal says
Technical correction: the Lakers have a .008 winning percentage advantage over both Dallas and Phoenix but trail them in the GB department by half a game.
Wins and losses don’t really matter when you’re playing the kids and the main objective is their development. The acquisition of Mosgov/Deng and the playing of Young/Williams for so many minutes means that the team is prioritizing wins. In that case the lack of more substantive progress is an issue.
_ Robert _ says
LordMo: “Saving Private Jimbo” ? This is more like “Apocalypse Now”
mattal: yes as we have been saying all year – let’s at least get some development out of this. Playing vets in leading roles and still losing (at home to bad eastern conf teams) is somewhat the worst of both worlds.
LKK: “frontcourt doesn’t show up” Not a very good return on our “ investment” is it. And this is a 4 year annuity.
Kev: Saw your response – we will talk further in a future thread – I am certainly not in the right mood to plot anything that would resemble a “way out of this” right now.
JuanJ says
…but even when understanding that it doesn’t change the natural feelings
of when seeing actual progress not wanting that followed up by
regressions — even if they are short-term.
___
Boy, you had me re-reading this line time and again Darius – couldn´t figure out what you were trying to say! Haha – is it the grammar, or just me?
RE:: latest slide-
sigh…but then again, we knew coming in that this year was bound to go like this.
BigCitySid10552 says
How long before the conversation turns to the Lakers increasing chances of keeping their protected “top 3” draft pick? Can’t believe they are as close as they are at mid season.
John Citizen says
With the news about the new CBA that it favors team keeping own players, we should look at what we have now and go full development mood. Whats the point of the 8th sport, to meet GS in the first round.
This season is very important for the future of the team , next 5 years as we wont be able to get or move players easily.
Before the deadline, priority one, find out what we can get for Randle, Priority 2, wave/cut/trade Robinson, Black, Huertas, Meta and Calderon. Add/trade for young players, 2 wings, one pass first pg and a big.
John Citizen says
Sorry, did i mention Randle not having the ball on offence and his awkward shot at the rim. i think i did, for the gazilion times on this website.
Did i also mentioned that Russell should have the ball at all times to create plays instead of Randle going one on one to shot air balls at the rim.
John Citizen says
LordMo We must see what can we get for Randle, for the right price, he should be the development project of someone else.
Zubac today showed me that he is immensely skilled but very novice. the kind would benefit from playing time, like Russell and Ingram. I dont see the same with Randle, lost on defense and so awkward on offence.
Vasheed says
Unusual game ,where looks like the Lakers big line-ups outperformed their small ball line-ups.
mattal says
I get that many folks are saying the Lakers miss Larry Nance. I agree that he brings much to table that the current roster lacks.
My concern is his ongoing health. The short sample size conclusion so far is that he is injury prone. He missed 19 games in his rookie campaign and has missed 17 games so far this year.
KevTheBold says
LKK
It’s looking like you may have been right about him taking it to the hole.
_ Robert _ says
If we are looking for a sympathetic reason why we are playing so poorly, the excuse that our 8th man is injured does not sound compelling.
John Citizen says
mattal
Exactly my thoughts