There are now fewer than 10 games left in the Lakers’ season. Even if the team was not 21-52 on the year or that Brandon Ingram was set to sit out his 2nd consecutive game with knee tendonitis, I would be saying this same thing: with the Lakers out of the playoff hunt, there is very little left to analyze in this season.
Sure, we can see if Julius Randle making 3’s is an actual thing. We can look at D’Angelo Russell’s work off the ball and start to sort out what type of contributor he can be playing next to a ball dominant player. We can see if Jordan Clarkson can continue his uptick in growth as a passer out of the P&R. Add whatever other small things you’ve noticed since the all-star break and add them here too.
And while those things matter, at this stage of the year, the value you extract from those things can only go so far. The off-season will be here before we know it and with that will come a time for change and, hopefully improvement. It will come through roster turnover and through player development via their own regiments. The expectation is that forward strides will be made and that both the organization and the players will explore all avenues (within the rules of the game) to come back next season better.
Which, ultimately, leaves what remains in this season as less important than what stands ahead in the coming months. Again, that doesn’t mean there’s no value in the Lakers’ final 9 games, it just means what does come out of them isn’t going to change many opinions or projections based off the 73 games which came before them. We have seen enough to form the basis of a good opinion about where guys stand.
So, when the Wizards visit the Lakers tonight, I’ll be watching and taking notes about how the guys play, I’ll be looking for more wrinkles in the sets, and watching for how they respond to the various situations which occur within a game. How do they respond to adversity? Do they play hard defensively? Do they try to move the ball offensively? These are signs of team play and of, you know, caring about what happens on the floor. The other stuff is good and nice and I’ll be happy to see those things continue to progress, but if they don’t I’m also not going to cause a riot.
Where you can watch: 7:30pm start time on Spectrum Sportsnet.
Anonymous says
The Suns are SITTING Devin Booker tonight…….he has a problem with MAKING LOTSA BASKETS so he is listed as “TOO GOOD TO PLAY” and he will be Day to Day. Carry on.
Chearn says
Once again, Clarkson proves that with playing time his learning curve accelerates exponentially. He mixes personal offensive aggression with assists to open players effectively and more importantly, the players appear to respond to his court leadership.
Brandon Ingram has to continue developing a will to take over the game when the team flounders putting the ball in the basket. Ingram and Clarkson are the two Lakers that reveals an understanding and willingness to respond to an opponent’s offensive thrust. Overall, the Lakers core players, Ingram, Clarkson, Zubac, Russel, Randle, Nance, and Nwaba, are fine candidates for continued development.
JuanJ says
CHearn,
I´m completely on board with you as to Clarkson.
& the post overall as well.
drrayeye says
Scared me to death, but sanity finally prevailed–we lost going away. Incredible third quarter, though.
The only thing that still matters for us is to keep pace with the Sun.
KevTheBold says
Lol,..I admit getting nervous when I see them trying to win a meaningless game that could lose us a key talent. But at the same time, I’m urging them on, to strike some blows.
As long as one of the kids flashes previews of things to come,..while losing,..I’m satisfied at games end.
reggie says
i dont like randle…i feel like ive seen enough of his game to come to the conclusion that he should be traded if a good deal presents itself…id rather have junior than randle and i like dlo, clarkson, ingram zubac and nwaba…i havent been following the pick drama too closely this year it gives me unneeded stress how are we doing? we have the third 2nd worst record right? what are our odds of keeping it?
Craig W. says
It’s not so much that I don’t like Randle, as it is that he is 1) very predictable and 2) has brain farts at very inopportune times. These are two characteristics that are almost unacceptable in a starter on a competing team. Add this to the fact that he is not a reserve player and he becomes the weak link in our group of youngsters.
Anonymous says
There’s tanking… and then there’s Tyler Ennis.
I can swallow – maybe – playing Nwaba in crunch time, but that midget version of Deron Williams is walking evidence that not everyone who has played basketball once in his life should be in the NBA. I hate tanking, so personally would rather see the best players out there even to our draft-statistical detriment, but Ennis in a Laker jersey in the 4th quarter of a close game is some kind of crime against humanity worthy of investigation by Amnesty International.
drrayeye says
Tyler Ennis may have almost single handedly saved a Laker first round pick last night. We need more of him in the fourth quarter on future games to beat the Sun.
lil pau says
The anonymous Tyler Ennis screed was courtesy of yours truly.