A bullet point summary of Wednesday’s Lakers’ game against the Blazers would go something like this:
- The Lakers competed well for most of the evening, finding a way to keep their deficit reasonable and then come back to take a lead with 5 minutes left. This was great to watch. It really was.
- The key offensive performer was Lou Williams who, once again, showed off fantastic shot making and general scoring savvy.
- Down the stretch, though, the Lakers’ defense failed them, Williams got a bit too ball-hoggy while also missing shots, and the Blazers made a late push to take control and ultimately win the game.
- The other overarching theme was that the Lakers’ starters — playing without D’Angelo Russell — were terrible and, for stretches, lacked the needed effort. Walton responded by playing the bench heavy minutes and offering quick hooks to certain starters. The result was Julius Randle playing only 20 minutes and Timofey Mozgov only tallying 13.
After the game Walton commented that it “just wasn’t (the Lakers’) night” while also noting that Lou could have moved the ball better late in the game when the Blazers’ defense started to blitz him more. Walton was also asked about changing up his starting lineup and responded by saying it would be something they continue to look at, but did not offer specifics nor a timeline for making any potential change.
The above was worth hashing out again because, honestly, this reads like any number of losses the Lakers have taken over the last 6 weeks. Whatever fun the team had harnessed through their first 20 games is mostly gone, replaced by second guessing and players reverting to the types of habits which were strong contributors to 21 and 17 wins in back to back seasons. None of that sounds good and, frankly, it’s not. The Lakers are in the midst of a tumble downwards and while there are stretches in many games which offer hope, those things are not sustained to the point where it’s as easy as it once was to feel good about the direction of the team.
This has little to do with tonight’s game against the Jazz, but does offer the backdrop the game will be played against. Can the Lakers find a way to be better for longer? Can they do it with real teamwork rather than having Lou Williams (or Nick Young) do his best Kobe-lite impersonation? Can they get the stops they need against a methodical, but potentially potent offensive attack of the Jazz? And can they do it all on the 2nd night of a road back to back?
If you’re shaking your head “I doubt it” to those above questions, I don’t really blame you. The Lakers have taken on a similar identity to the bad teams of recent seasons. Luke Walton isn’t Byron Scott — he of the punishing rhetoric and heavy hand in the press; he of the poor schemes on both ends of the ball and the very public double standards offered in deference to veterans over his young players. But Luke is providing stewardship of a unit whose recent dip in play looks all too familiar on the court anyway.
I’m not hear to bury Walton. Some of the same roster issues which were handed to his predecessor were recreated on this current team. Walton is looking at a high usage guard who is seen as a leader, not enough defensive talent, and the general mistakes and immaturities (of player game(s), not necessarily of player actions/mentalities) that comes from having young players in key roles. If nothing else, I credit Walton for continuing to take a diplomatic approach to his team’s struggles rather than blasting them for, ultimately, not being good enough. (Though, I will say, when the team gives games away as they have at certain points this year, Walton has been sharply critical, which is more than fair, in my opinion. But that’s another story for another day.)
So, in some ways, my take on what the Lakers need to do to be better and win any specific game has less to do with the opponent and their specific strengths and weaknesses and more about countering their own systemic issues to the point where they can be overcome for long enough to be leading when the final buzzer sounds. Which speaks to that paragraph of questions above.
If the Lakers do those things better, they can compete against the Jazz. They can compete against most teams, actually. Because they’ll be locked in defensively and will produce the types of shots offensively which they are more than capable of knocking down. They’ve not done those things as much as they’ve needed to lately, though. So to think they’ll actually do them against a very good Utah team playing on their home court is probably not the wise choice.
I have not abandoned hope it will happen, but I do believe it’s time to recognize that it’s not as likely as any of us would want it to be.
Where you can watch: 7:30pm start time on TNT.
_ Robert _ says
2017: “The key offensive performer was Lou Williams who, once again, showed off fantastic shot making and general scoring savvy. Down the stretch, though, the Lakers’ defense failed them, Williams got a bit too ball-hoggy while also missing shots”
2016: “The key offensive performer was Kobe Bryant who, once again, showed off fantastic shot making and general scoring savvy. Down the stretch, though, the Lakers’ defense failed them, Kobe got a bit too ball-hoggy while also missing shots”
In 2016 – this was described as a farewell tour that was holding us back. Now it is described as “Development”.
Darius Soriano says
_ Robert _ In 2016 – this was described as a farewell tour that was holding us back. Now it is described as “Development”.
By who? Hahaha. I don’t think I’ve seen one person call having Lou dominate the offense “development” — not even those who have supported having him on the team.
_ Robert _ says
Darius Soriano Lou should not be on the team IMO and I said so the day we signed him. We should not feature the offense around him. And between him and Nick – too much of this year’s offense is just like last year’s (I also said this many times last summer when I was calling for both of them to be jettisoned).
The Development is “supposed” to be happening overall. Many said it was hindered last year due to Kobe and Byron and it is equally hindered this year by Lou/Nick and Luke featuring them. The FO set up both situations.
As far as the Defense – it is the same.
Still R says
_ Robert _ Darius Soriano Well, the Lakers don’t actually seem to play “defense”, at least not as the term is generally understood. In fact, if the Lakers keep their first round pick this year, I would strongly advise them to draft somebody – anybody – who can play defense. They should do the same in 2018. And in 2019. In fact, they should keep doing so until I advise them otherwise.
Still R says
Darius, I just saw your tweet addressing “Lakers fans wanting Carmelo.” GASP.
I mean, seriously, I thought the Knicks made a big mistake acquiring him, what, five years ago??
Joel_ says
Well this lineup makes sense.
Mid Wilshire says
When Gobert goes out of the game, the Lakers should attack the rim.
30twhite40 says
The more I see Zubac play, the more I think he should see his minutes increase. Really like what I am seeing from him .
Vasheed says
Darius Soriano _ Robert _
I don’t have a problem with Lou. He is having a banner career year statistically. He is doing what one would expect him to do exceptionally well. Still, I think he is probably more valuable to the Lakers as a trade chip (selling high), than as a long term solution.
Mid Wilshire says
Something tells me that the Lakers will soon have a decision to make regarding their rotation at the center position.
Zubaz is simply playing too well to be kept under wraps. Last night he had the third double-double of his career (16 & 10) and his second consecutive double-double. Also, he’s starting to get some substantial minutes. In his last 5 games, he’s had 3 double-doubles and has played the following minutes in those 5 games: 26:01, 6:25, 18:33, 27:40, and (last night against Utah) 26:19. Furthermore, he seems to be getting better by the week.
This could be a real conundrum. I still don’t think he’s ready to start. (I don’t think Luke will start him.) And, to a degree, he must still be “protected.” You probably don’t want him to go 25 minutes against Boogie Cousins. Furthermore, to complicate matters, Tarik Black has, I think, earned playing time. But Mozgov–although his play has been largely underwhelming (though not terrible)–still seems like the logical choice to be the starting 5.
So what does one do?
I don’t have an easy answer. But the Lakers could have a log jam at the 5 position coming up. After the All Star break, the coaching staff will have to arrive at a solution.
On a separate note: Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams continue to play well for the most part. (They’re even outplaying their starting counterparts from the opposing team.) Right now, they’re probably the Lakers’ two best players.
Now, if we can just figure out what to do about the center position. Something’s gotta give.
Vasheed says
Mid Wilshire
I think a lot of people project Zubac taking more time to develop than is warranted. Sure he is a 19 year old drafted in the 2nd round. However, he was projected to go much higher in the middle of the 1st round. Also, he isn’t a skinny 19 year old kid who can be pushed around. He is 265 pounds and 7′-1″. I was also struck in summer league at just how good he was around the basket. He defended without fouling which is often a problem for young Centers. I don’t think he is quite ready to start but, I don’t think it is that far off.
Pbz06 says
Still R _ Robert _ Darius Soriano Have you seen any team featuring players in the 19-24 years old range being a good defensive team? If you have, it’s the exception and not the rule. The worst defensive teams in the league are dominated by young rebuilding teams.
You can grade young teams the same way you do with veterans. If my 12 year old sister hits 5 of 10 free throws, you say good job keep it up and you will get better. They are trying out there so just relax.
mattal says
Mid:
The best solution would have been to have signed a ‘rent a center’ this
off season, like Nene or even let Luke work with Hibbert. Or, absent that
to have signed Mozgov to a reasonable two year deal. In either case the
1st string center wouldn’t be a long term/expensive impediment to the emerging kid, Zubac.
The
Lakers are in a bit of a pickle as you have noted. Mozgov is signed for
three more years and having that much money tied up in a reserve center on a
team like the Lakers, who are struggling to move forward, is well, insane. The best solution is to move Mozgov. Now, no one is untradeable but Mozgov is
tricky because of the length of his deal.
You have to find the right team someone who has already committed to
winning now and has an ‘in for an ounce in for a pound’ attitude. Not many teams in that boat and need front
court help.
I
watched Wednesday’s game and thought Timofey may be a fit in Portland.
This offseason they capped themselves out through the rest of this
decade and didn’t really resolve their issue at the 5 (I think Plumlee is a
four). I also think Milwaukee could use
him as they have been playing Henson at the Five with Monroe (and his 20+ PER) off the bench. Mozgov is a fit for teams that need what he
brings: 24 minutes 8 pts and 5 boards. His
niche skill set was lost with the Lakers who need so much more than what he can
deliver.
My last
thought on Mozgov. If the Lakers can’t
move him soon he’ll be ours for the balance of his deal or he’ll be trade
ballast as an expiring contract during his last year in LA. In one week of playing time Zubac has made
Mozgov redundant and expendable.
Trying
times to be a Lakers fan. For the 4th
straight season rooting for what’s best
for the franchise long term has meant rooting for losses.
Mid Wilshire says
mattal Moving Mozgov (if possible) might very well be the best solution. Of course, as you correctly note, trading him would be a challenge although there are some teams that could definitely use his services. His contract, of course, is fairly onerous. But, in the best of all possible worlds, finding another team for him might be the best solution. Unfortunately, I’d give it, at best, a 5-10% probability. We’ll see what happens. In any event, the Lakers have got to do something.
Regarding Nene (or any other rent-a-center): we really don’t know if he (or others like him) would have been willing to come to the Lakers. After all, this is a team that won only 17 games last year. A lot of players might have looked at that and said (as Hassan Whiteside apparently did), “No thanks.” The Lakers during the last summer were simply not in the cat-bird seat. Nene, in a sense, might have been a good option. But he might not have been accepting calls from the Lakers. (The same goes for Biyombo, Ezeli, etc.)
Regarding “trying times”: I hear you. I feel it, too. But hang in there. At least the Lakers have a foundation for the future. Imagine if we didn’t. That would be really bleak.
Keep up the comments. I enjoy your posts.
Vasheed says
Mid Wilshire mattal
Nene has been the best bargain center of the year. But, I’m not sure he would have signed that contract with the Lakers. Probably the most realistic rent-a-center option for the Lakers would have been Hibbert.
LT Mitchell says
Mid Wilshire mattal
The probability of finding that sucker to take on Mosgov’s contract is closer to zero. Mosgov is barely an upgrade (some would argue a downgrade) over the younger Mason Plumlee and Henson. They are also making $13.7M/year and $5M/year (respectively) LESS than Mosgov this season.
If the league still employed a David Kahn or a Billy King, the odds would be higher of finding that sucker, but as of now, the only sucker I see works for the Lakers.
Still R says
mattal With Moz’ insane contract I’d be very surprised if he’s movable … in any event players and I think especially big men are fragile and although its great Zu is showing potential he may well get hurt from time to time and the Lakers will inevitably need back up help.
I think Moz’ contract while awful is far more defensible than Deng’s. Even fans saw Deng was washed up as a SF so why didn’t the FO see this? The two contracts taken together are absolutely unforgivable … ah, don’t get me started … I mean really though what was the FO thinking?? People here have characterized these contracts as head scratchers … that is very charitable. My description of them would get me banned from this site – and rightfully so.
Pbz06 says
Looking at comparisons from last season to this season, I did notice that the Lakers won 12 home games all of last season. They are currently 11-13 at home. To me, that’s a sign of progress, being more competitive at home. It’s hard winning road games in the NBA. The other thing to note, they won only 8 wcf games last season (8-44), while this year they are already 8-23. The next step would be to start winning more conference games since it’s the bulk of the schedule, but they are showing progress.
Looking at context instead of acting like it’s “final product” (as a team, and as each young player individually) helps.
A Horse With No Name says
Good vibe today on the board. The lakers are a bad team, but we fought hard last night on a back to back and were in it against the Blazers. I want to see effort, growth and be entertained. I got that last night. Frankly, Zubac being sent to the Defenders where he had to change ends all game long was exactly what he needed. He got in NBA shape: lost weight, gained stamina and reportedly is stronger (weight room). At nineteen he is going to get stronger with maturation, which he still needs. Too many times last night he had trouble securing the rebound in the scrum to get it. Anyone watching him in these recent games has to be impressed with his skills, feel and understanding of the game, and competitive instincts. The guy is a diamond who is beginning to sparkle. He is going to emerge as one of the top players on the roster over the next season or so. I agree with Mid-W and others that he really isn’t ready to battle the elite bigs right now, but he isn’t far off at all either. In the meantime give him meaningful minutes, preferably with the young guys.
I guess I’m the only one who was impressed with Mozgov’s play last night. In 17 minutes he scored 9 points on 4-9 attempts, had 9 rebounds against a great rebounding team, blocked a shot, had a steal, an assist, and played Gobert straight up. There isn’t anyone else on the roster that can take it to Gobert like that. But here’s the thing: his most effective minutes were with Black at the four. All season long the team’s position on Mozgov has been that they are pleased with him, and many of his struggles have more to do with the porous team defense than his deficienies. Black at the four last night gave credence to that argument, as he consistently rotated and helped Mozgov protect the paint. The truth is that Randle has been inconsistent at best in team defense, and he frequently is the guy who gets out of position leaving Mozgov on an island. I want to see a starting frontline of Mozgov, Black, and Randle. There is going to be spacing issues, but put Mozgov in the mid post where he can utilize his jumper, and let Randle abuse wings on offense by attacking the basket, and develop Randle’s perimeter defense potential (which is high) by focusing him on hounding 3s with his elite lateral quickness. I mean, how much worse can it be than Deng’s overall contribution? Bring in Zubac as the first big off the bench and give 25+ minutes a night.
If Mozgov looks better paired with Black (and he will) it just might spark some interest in him. Deng? Pine time and stretch him if there’s a chance to sign someone.
JuanJ says
mattal
`… In one week of playing time Zubac has made
Mozgov redundant and expendable.´
___
Tough love, but it hits the mark.
Now, Luke´s gonna have to do some juggling here as there is Moz´s contract & playing time to defer to, and Z´s emergence – which, in turn, goes with the ´let the young fellas play it out!´ stance. (FWIW: I believe Zubac´ll be fondly remembered for what he brought to the Purple & Gold)
Lou2 says
A Horse With No Name
I like all your suggestions. About Deng, didn’t he play the 4 the last half of last season and do well. Could he play that position coming off the bench? Even if limited minutes. See if he wakes up.
Still R says
Pbz06 Still R _ Robert _ Darius Soriano Some young players are willing and eventually able to defend at a high level, while other players never get there. The Lakers would be well advised to seek out the former in future drafts. And yes, by the way, there are ways to evaluate young players – probably even your 12 year old sister – for defensive potential.
FredP says
A Horse With No Name I liked Mosgov’s play after he was clotheslined and knocked down. He showed some rare quickness and even more determination. If he plays like that every game, more people would respect his game. I like bigs who are willing to move people around.
LKK says
Last night’s game brought an interesting question to my mind. Is this group of Lakers best being served by trying to push the pace constantly as opposed to playing more of a half court game? I realize the league has changed. 3 point shooting and pushing the ball up the floor quickly is en vogue. However, looking at this team’s personnel make me question this strategy.
The Lakers are weak at point guard. Dlo may or may not be the point of the future. He seems a bit uncomfortable in that role at present. He lacks the explosive burst and/or will to break down defenses with penetration on a continual basis. His forays on the fast break lack the polish of a true floor general, which is understandable because of his youth and inexperience at the position. Although he runs the team better than the other guards for the most part, he has a ways to go in developing a consistent approach that minimizes turnovers and exploits the opportunities the opposing defenses present. The rest of the guards are not the answer, either. Each has his flaws as a point. It seems to me that pushing the pace constantly only exposes those flaws more readily.
Watching them play last night, the Lakers slowed the tempo and presented a bit more resistance than usual at the defensive end, although their 13 turnovers were way too many in such a slowly paced game. Of course, Utah’s own style resulted in a low scoring game. One in which the Lakers had a good shot of winning. Except for the 3rd quarter drought, due in large part to Gobert’s dominance, the Lakers gave themselves a chance in a very hostile environment on the second night of a back to back.
Zubac sets great screens, rolls well to the basket off those screens and seems to have the hands and court awareness to make plays out of the pick and roll. In a small sample size, he is emerging as the best pick and roll big on the team. I think the team can benefit from slowing the pace and taking less chances in the open court and trying to utilize his half court skills. Guys like Randle and Clarkson can slow down a bit and move the he ball via the pass rather than pounding it and forcing things late in the shot clock. The poorest shot is better than a turnover. Maybe it’s time to stop with the quest to be like the GSW and look for other ways to maximize the talent on this Lakers squad. The Dubs can turn the ball over 20 times and still win. These Lakers can’t.
Clay Bertrand says
LT Mitchell Mid Wilshire mattal
Kahn or King!!!!!! Hilarious man!!!! I am still holding out hope that the Orlando Management can be an FO we can deal with. Hennigan and Martins and the whole AMWAY family running them?!?!?!
But you rightly point out another significant element of Change in the NBA. No more LAME DUCK franchises run by idiots for us to fleece!!! The only one run by an idiot is sadly our Lakers.
Orlando though doesn’t make smart moves and is constantly starting over mid stream.
LordMo says
All I know is that this Tank Platoon is picking up momentum to the NBA Draft Basecamp! That make me happy! Just want the youngsters to improve and want more youngsters! Forget the wins for now they mean nothing…Play to the Future!
Still R says
Just in case the future Lakers GM/President is lurking here, I have a couple tips regarding defensive potential in young players: look for fast hands and feet, big wingspans, and a burning desire to impose one’s will on the competition.
Yeah, I know Draymond Green is already taken …
_ Robert _ says
R: “I know what you’re thinking” Well maybe you don’t. Because I was focused on the other part of your post.
“Just in case the future GM/Pres is lurking here”: I like the implied assumption here and it is not only correct – but the end of a very long road.
new rr says
Pbz06 Still R _ Robert _ Darius Soriano
The problem that people have with the defense is not that it’s bad. The problem is that after hiring a new coach, Kobe retiring, and the FO dropping a lot of money on two veterans in their 30s who supposedly have defensive value, the team D has not improved. The Lakers are still dead last in team defense and are giving up as many points per 100 possessions as they did last year.
In the previous thread, I linked to a SSR piece with some metrics and discussion of the issue. The piece was notable both for its substance and for the fact that someone at SSR, given how that site covers the team, had written it at all. So, that is an anecdotal indicator that the situation with the D is very bad.
As to the larger point, yes, it is true that young teams are usually at the bottom in Team D, although Philadelphia, as I have mentioned a couple of times, is doing pretty well on D, thanks largely to Embiid and Noel. Also, Minnesota has now moved up to 24th in DRTG as per Bask Ref and they are playing a bit better, as their luck in close games has turned and they are giving up fewer points. It would be nice to see the Lakers move up a few slots in this area as well. They haven’t done it yet.
KevTheBold says
Though our season is taking a dive, at least we have some mysteries and drama to keep us interested.
Will Randle and Russell grow up and overcome their weaknesses, and will one or both of them become stars? Or will Ingram and Zubac rise to become our building blocks instead?
Maybe, including Nance, they will gel into a starless, yet potent cohesive unit, a sort of 5 pronged star that re-writes what is possible?
Last but not least, will Jenny boot her brother and bring in a younger crew to match our young coach, our young core and usher in a new era?
True that being a Laker fan these days can be frustrating, but at least it’s not boring.
LordMo says
KevTheBold
True! KevTheBold … It is a big change for LakerLand! The whole league is against us and it started when the “Chris Paul” trade was unwound due to the whining of Cuban & Gilbert among others. It was a brilliant move by the Lakers which would have undoubtedly yielded another banner or two. Now this crazy CBA is in place and the chance to land a bigtime FA will be almost nil. Regardless of what most people say…money talks! And most bigtime FA’s will stay put now for humongous paydays. The league basically built the Clippers at the expense of the Lakers. I have watched the NBA for 45+ years and have never seen anything like the rescinded trade or the Laker betrayal (rumored that Dr. Buss never forgave Stern). A team along with Boston that built this league. Before the great Laker-Celtics rivalry the games came on late night CBS tape delayed after the news. You had to stay up late and cut yourself off from media so you would not know the outcome. Dr. Buss continued to revolutionize the league with the innovations that are “common place” in the NBA today. The Laker Girls, inviting the stars and the beautiful people to the venue. Most importantly other owners freaked out when he put the home games on local cable and told them “watch this”…now they have contracts worth billions plus the national TV deal. He did that when others had no idea how to market their product…franchises were floundering until he showed them the way to the land of “milk & honey!”. Stern took a lot of credit but it was Dr. Buss who really changed it all and was stabbed in the back in the end on his sickbed no less!
I know that I can be a “glass half-empty” guy but I always expect a lot from the Lakers just used to it. We have had great owners even before Dr. Buss … Jack Kent Cooke was a great sports owner also… he of “The Fabulous Forum!” and Bill Sharman was a great coach before Riley and Phil were here. I do not need to mention the players check the wall and that’s all you need to know.
We are down right now and we know there needs to be some changes in the FO to get us to where we all want to be. But I have faith in this franchise even though I come across as hyper-critical. I have rooted for and watch them from “fly-over” country and as far away as Okinawa Japan! I have not doubt in my mind that the Lakers will get it together and reclaim their rightful place in this league! When we do there will be hell to pay for this “blantant disrespect” and “effrontery” that we are enduring now! They are laughing and enjoying it now. But one day it is going to be “Return of The Jedi” around here and we will be slicing and dicing them all!
LordMo says
Still R
Yes I like “Defensive Players” with Offensive Potential. Really hard to teach defense at a high-level if they don’t have any instincts to begin with. If they really exceptional Offensively then you cover for them … like Harden & Curry. Both really stink at defense but are so gifted at the other end you put up with it. My hope is that DLO develops into that type of player and Randle to a lesser extent. He must use his body and rebound at a “high-level” in order to become an “All-Star” caliber player.
Also, do not forget Klay Thompson who is probably the best “two-way” guard in the league. He guards all the tough guys so “Mr. ToothPick Legs” can focus on his offense. Otherwise Curry would wear down and would not make it through a whole season. That is truly the key to the Warriors that they have some elite defenders that enable the “Offensive Only” players to focus pretty much on just that.
KevTheBold says
LordMo
Great post LordMo, you brought back memories of events and put them into a perspective that was indeed interesting.
Yes we all have our own perspectives, yet what have in common on this board, is a love for our Lakers.
LordMo says
OT: Kobe is still the Man!!!!
Now you know why he got the big contract at the end! Much deserved KB24 and the league still owes us as China and Asia will be their biggest market one day. I have spent a lot of time in Asia. The Lakers were insanely popular over there back in the 80’s. Kobe has taken it to new heights!
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18571714/kobe-bryant-stephen-curry-top-nba-jersey-sales-china
Clay Bertrand says
LordMo
In China, grown men CRY when they meet Kobe……….
MT87 says
LordMo Of course Kobe’s big contract is probably the #1 reason we couldn’t sign top flight FA’s the last handful of years.
JuanJ says
KevTheBold LordMo
Yes we all have our own perspectives, yet what have in common on this board, is a love for our Lakers.
___
absofrigginlutely!!!
new rr says
MT87 LordMo
Highly unlikely. Neither Durant nor Horford had any interest at all in the Lakers this past summer, with Kobe off the books and money available. One thing that has emerged very clearly in FA is that Tier 1 guys (Durant, James) and Tier 2 guys (Aldridge, Horford, Howard in 2013) who leave some money on the table to change teams do so to be in a place where they think the team they are joining can win, or at least contend strongly, and is headed in a positive direction.
Also, you seem to be implying that the deal is on Kobe. While there is not much point in re-litigating it now, I never had any sympathy for the argument that Kobe should have left tens of millions of dollars on the table based on team loyalty/spec about FAs. Nowitzki did that in Dallas, and Dallas never landed the big fish, and is probably in worse shape organizationally than the Lakers are. As with the Scott hire, responsibility for any damage from Kobe’s last contract ultimately rests with the FO.
LordMo says
new rr MT87
I think it speaks volumes that none of these so called Super-Stars or All-Stars would come and play with Kobe. That’s on them really KB24 is a winner! There is no doubt he would be a great 3rd option on a championship contending team right now. KB24 has the heart of a lion and these stars of today do not want to be challenged they want to be cuddled and caressed and take bubble baths and what not!
Durant is a punk! When his team needed him to be the man … he folded and went out with a wimper! Now he struts his stuff and talks craps and curses on the court like he is the man. They will in all likelihood win it all but in his heart deep down he knows he punked out. He could not even call Westbrook to tell him as Russell heard it in the media. We know how great and what a competitor LeBron is and I applaud him for challenging his FO right now… get me the guys so we can win another! I love Westbrook man local kid and too bad the CBA probably will keep him from ever being a Laker because he is the only star in the league who has that Kobe like fire. You can keep the rest of them but I would take Cousins he has passion and is not as bad as you think. Rasheed Wallace comes to mind both are similar in their demeanor. But again he already said he is staying put now…. 200 million reasons!
But if you could ask Melo off the record bet he wishes he would have came to LA now and played with KB24! He will never get a ring now and will languish in purgatory until his career ends. Just another “Almost” like the nickname of the guy in Apocalypto. And guys Durant did not leave any money on the table at all. He actually stands to make much more he took a 2 year deal under the old CBA and will be a Max player under the new CBA.
LKK says
LordMo…
lol at your take on Durant. You certainly didn’t pull any punches! I may think it’s a bit harsh, but I share most of that opinion. Imagine Kobe joining Boston after getting beat down in the 2008 Finals. Nope, I can’t imagine it either.
I got to part ways with you on LeBrawn though. Great player, even greater opportunist. So now he needs another ball handler, according to reports. He’s already playing with two All-Stars in Love and Irving as well as a slew of willing role players, most of whom were hand picked or sanctioned by him. Who else does the “King” need? Steph Curry?
NBA parity is a joke. There is parity when lower tier teams play each other, but there are only 3 or 4 teams with a legit shot at the title. Forming super teams via free agency may be as legal as a parade on the 4th of July, but for me something has been lost. Fierce rivalries are a thing of the past, unless we’re talking about shoe companies and sneaker deals.
Mid Wilshire says
Julius Randle has been diagnosed with pneumonia. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.
new rr says
LordMo new rr MT87
Fair point about Durant’s contract, but it doesn’t really apply very well to the other guys. Also, Durant is sort of gambling that his foot problems won’t recur. So, maybe I should have phrased it as “left guaranteed money on the table. And, of course, Durant decided to leave the guaranteed money to join an historically great team.
J C hoops says
LKK
SNEAKER PARITY LOL
LEFT SHOE, RIGHT SHOE
LT Mitchell says
MT, you got it backwards.
When Kobe was here, ALL the free agents the Lakers wanted to pursue, including the elite free agents, were at least willing to meet with the Lakers, despite being a botttom dwelling team.
After Kobe left, the Lakers couldn’t even get meetings with second and third tier free agents like Batum and Bazemore, let alone a top free agent like Whiteside.
Kobe was blamed for the Lakers awful defense last year, yet the Lakers currently rank last in defense. He was blamed for hindering DAR’s progress, yet DAR is still struggling. He was blamed for turning off free agents….you know the rest.
I almost wish Kobe’s mystic powers to turn off free agents were real. Perhaps he could have used those powers to prevent Mosgov and Deng from signing here. If only he had retired a year later.
J C hoops says
A Horse With No Name
Horse, you’re right on here.
I’d try Black at the 4 – I’ve been thinking this all year.
It’s why those few minutes we saw Black and Robinson together recently when they seemed so effective – Black really brings something to the floor. He elevates the hustle quotient for the whole team.
And yes, why not try Randle at the 3…or even see if Randle, Clarkson and Nance could net you a Jimmy Butler. I’d make that deal.
DaneOfTheHill says
Guys stop talking about Kobe’s contract please.
I think this team is at a painful point in their development, where moral victories just don’t taste the same anymore. The very real danger is that this group can develop into the Wizards, just not good enough to even be considered a threat for the championship.
On the one hand there have been too few moments of brilliance from the young core and this team really does look like it is lacking in real, superstar talent.
Now there is a lot of pressure on Walton to push through this barrier and create a sustained team identity and develop these kids. He cannot make a superstar out of nothing, but it is on him to develop a team concept that establishes a foundation of sound basketball principles (like the Spurs and Celtics have).
JuanJ says
DaneOfTheHill
Although I agree that it´s on Luke (& I´d add his squad, and the FO) to “develop a team concept that establishes a foundation of sound basketball principles´´, I am not on board with your notion that our Lakers are in danger of morphing into a Wizards´ type Sisyphean nightmare at some point.
Yes, it´s quite obvious that our franchise (jeez, I always squirm a little when refering to our beloved Purple & Gold in that way) has been swimming against the current, so to say, for what has now been too many seasons. However, this is a time of `rebuilding´ and, apart from some changes which´ll need to be made with regard to some vets on the squad, I firmly believe that our `young core´ has got the goods – yet it simply needs time to grow.
That Luke and his staff are working diligently to instill those priniclples you´ve astutely referred to is, IMO, happening…right now, and will continue to do so.
Are we seeing `quick fix´ results, heck no! Is it a drag to see flashes, and the occasional solid W, seemingly outweighed by poor play, not to mention a defense that at times seems akin to a sieve? Heck yeah!
But these don´t seem to me to be reasons to fret over the team´s future, or an eventual slide into the netherworld of squads such as the Wizards.
Our ship is being righted, however slowly; and that takes sustained hard work on everyone´s part: a clear vision from top to bottom as to not only where we want to be, but also how to get there – with sound, deeply-rooted, but also flexible to innovation, hardwood concepts.
True, one has to look hard to see that it´s playing itself out this way, and that doesn´t mean that it translates itself into Ws, but it is on the move – & thank the basketball heavens for that!
LT Mitchell says
JuanJ DaneOfTheHill
I would be jumping up for joy and doing cartwheels (after extensive and proper stretching of course:) if this team developed into the Wizards. The Wizards are currently in 5th place, only 2 games behind 2nd place Celtics, and the average age of their core (Wall, Beal and Porter) is only 24. They might not be a true contender at the moment but they have nowhere to go but up.
I don’t understand this dread from fans of being a middle of the pack playoff team. Those teams, like the Wizards, are usually only one star free agent away from contending and are the type of teams that the top free agents (who decide to change teams) tend to flock to.
Championship or bust sounds good in theory, but to eventually get there, it will take steps, and being a middle of the pack playoff team is often one of those steps.
Plus, how fun would it be just to be part of the playoffs again, win or lose? …that nervous energy and excitement on game day, and to watch our young players grow in that pressure packed environment? Oh how I miss being in the playoffs! Those Van Exel teams may not have been true contenders, but they were exciting as heck, and when they got hot, they had a chance against anybody. That non contending team provided me with hours of excitement and entertainment. Today’s team…not so much.
new rr says
LT Mitchell JuanJ DaneOfTheHill
The key thing about the Van Exel/Jones/Ceballos/Campbell/Divac team is that they set the stage for the Shaq/Kobe teams. Divac was traded for the pick that West used on Kobe, and the Lakers still had enough talent, coming off a 53-29 season, to be attractive to Shaq.
My hope is that this team, even though the league and the CBA have changed a lot since those days, can get on a similar track.
JuanJ says
LT Mitchell JuanJ DaneOfTheHill
I would be jumping up for joy and doing cartwheels (after extensive and proper stretching of course:)
___
LOL!
CHearn says
LT Mitchell I almost wish Kobe’s mystic powers to turn off free agents were real. Perhaps he could have used those powers to prevent Mosgov and Deng from signing here. If only he had retired a year later.
——–
If only…. LOL