So, we just did this. In a weird scheduling anomaly, the Lakers play the T’Wolves again after just playing them a week ago. In an even weirder anomaly they will play them again next week, but whatever. So, if you’re wondering what I think about the Lakers playing the Wolves, you can read what I wrote on that day. Of course, it’s worth noting, the Lakers did end up winning that game — battling back in the 2nd half to force overtime and riding a career night from Jordan Clarkson.
So, maybe it’s worth remembering that game to give tonight’s contest more context – or maybe this game is on the road rather than at Staples and with it being another 1-game road trip and the start of 3 games in 4 days, combined with the Lakers’ general inconsistency, there’s nothing to take from a good game a week ago. Add in that Brandon Ingram is out for his 3rd straight game with knee tendonitis and who knows what to think?
In any event, this game has the chance to be a fun one. Despite still losing a lot, the Lakers are playing better. In the past 6 games, the Lakers have had extended stretches of good play against the Bucks, Cavs, Wolves, and Wizards. And, yes, they’ve only won one of those games, but I’ll take being competitive in two-thirds of the contests over the opposite any time.
I have specifically liked the play of Russell and Clarkson, both of whom seem to be getting more comfortable playing together and finding ways to complement eachother’s skill sets. I’ve also liked Russell’s attentiveness defensively of late, especially his play against the Wizards. There were several possessions where he did a good job on John Wall in isolation and, overall, was simply more engaged and ready to slide with his man at the point of attack or make the needed rotations on the back end.
If Russell can string together a few games where his defensive effort and engagement mirrors what he displayed against the Wizards, that would be a very nice step forward and something to build on heading into the summer.
Where you can watch: 5pm start time on Spectrum Sportsnet.
nimble says
wow!a truly great year has been.free from KB and Byron,Lakers flying freely under Luke and have roughshod opponents to 21 wins.A remarkable feat truly.
this is further proof that KB contract was awful.
Rejoice will continue long years with DLO and Julius Ingram core.
Anonymous says
What the hell is Phoenix doing!!?? We can’t afford to lose our pick
drrayeye says
The Suns gave it a shot, gave the Clippers a scare while we kept to the plan,showing some offensive firepower and enthusiasm–but not too much: Ingram out, Zubac out almost from the beginning. Gave Black a chance, and Robinson–not bad.
I see an active post season with a free agent and trades almost certain–keep exploring the possibilities–watching the standings.
These are interesting times.
Anonymous says
Per the recent ESPN’s NBA Management Rankings:
Los Angeles Lakers
General Manager: 26th out of 30
Head Coach: 22nd out of 30
Ownership: 25th out of 30
Overall: 23rd out of 30
Yeah, we’ve got a ways to go…
Rick in Seattle says
Anonymous, was that data compiled before or after Magic & Pelinka took over?
Anonymous says
All articles were posted this past week on ESPN.com.
Rick in Seattle says
Seven loseable games remaining–dont blow it Lakers!
With a lack of defense being arguably a key component holding back this young core, the front office focus in the upcoming draft should be on defensive help. As was mentioned yesterday, picking Fultz or Ball will not help cure the Lakers defensive issues. If it requires trading down to get that defensive player, so be it!
Perhaps the FO has somthing else in mind. If the team waits until 2018 and goes after free agents George & Cousins, that could work. But if Jeannie pressures the FO to acquire an all star this summer, they they will likely have to make a trade.
In trade, a Jimmy Butler type player would be a better fit/need than a Paul George. Although Chicago needs a new point guard (Fultz or Ball?), they will not sell cheap because Butler has a reasonable long term contract.
Rubio (a good defensive pg), was available at the deadline, and would be a good complement if Russell moves to sg. Another factor is that Minny might still have some lingering interest in Loul Deng, which would be a huge positive for the Lakers, even if it cost them the Houston pick.
Also, in my humble opinion, Mozgov still has value as a solid backup C and part-time starter. Therefore, I really believe he is tradeable, even if it takes a couple 2nd round picks to grease the deal.
As a last resort, the FO can waive & stretch one of them.
By potentially adding salary cap space (by removing either the Deng or Mozgov contracts), or trading a couple players like Clarkson & Randle, it opens up a lot of free agent and trade options.
I’m not big on Lowery, who says he is interested in the Lakers, but I do really think a player like Rubio could help!
Bottom line, they dangle their top-3 pick and go after players like Rubio or Butler this year, or do some minor stuff and wait till 2018 to go after George & Cousins?
With Russell capable of playing both guard positions, the FO has a lot of flexibility.
Mid-Wilshire says
The Lakers will shut down Ivica Zubac for the rest of the season because of the high ankle sprain that he suffered in last night’s game against Minnesota:
http://www.thescore.com/news/1268159
Considering that I expected nothing from him at all, the fact that he finished the season with averages of 7.5 points per game (on 52.9% shooting), 4.2 rebounds, and .9 blocks in 38 games (11 starts) while averaging 16 minutes per game a a 19-year old rookie, is actually rather encouraging. I look forward to seeing how he develops over the summer.
I would not be surprised if, pending any trades and/or FA signings, he is the Lakers’ starting center next season.
Rick in Seattle says
Mid, agree with your assessment. Like the Clarkson & Nance picks, Zubac was a great surprise choice by the previous front office regime. And yes, unless the FO brings in some all-star type C/PF, Zubac looks like the logical starting C next season.
The only fly in the ointment is how well Z complements Randle. We havent seen enough of them playing together. Z and Nance have already developed some chemistry, due to their time together on the 2nd unit. Also dont know how well Z will fit, if a stronger pf like Cousins were to be brought in, because I definitely think we will see some new veteran faces on the roster come October training camp…
The biggest roadblocks for this team in the near future, are those albatros Deng and Mozgov contracts. Without them, the team would be in a terrific financial position going into next season.
Fern says
I think he will, it has to be a no brainer. The kid can be something and has some skills beyond his age. He hasn’t even fill up yet.