It’s hard to believe there are only seven games left in the Lakers’ season, but here we are. Sitting at 21-54, the Lakers possess the 2nd worst record in the league (a half game “lead” over the Suns), which offers both a level in disappointment from a results standpoint and a hope the team will be able to retain its top-3 protected lottery pick come May.
I’d be lying if I said this all sits well with me. Before the season started I was of the mindset that this season would be the one where the Lakers finally stepped out of the shadows of “the tank”; a season where growth in the teams young players resulted in the types of on-court results which pushed the team’s (very likely) lottery pick out of reach. Of course, that hasn’t happened. There’s been growth with the players — if you cannot see that, it’s really your problem — but the wins have not followed.
And while that may actually end up being a good thing (pending the lottery results; fingers crossed) from an asset acquisition standpoint, the rigors of losing and how that can impact team trajectory is something which concerns me for next season and beyond. No, I can’t offer iron clad proof that losing this much, over several seasons, really does engrain bad habits that begat more losing. But I’d argue it does. I am firm believer that you are what your habits say you are and when you work backwards from the on-court results and get into the reasons why the team loses, you see the mistakes, the lack of execution, and the repeating of too many bad habits.
Which brings us to today’s game against the Clippers.
The other LA team is sure to win today. They have given the Lakers loads of problems over the years. Initially it was an influx of good players and a real sense that they would “get up” for games against the Lakers. They were the new and improved Clippers and they wanted to show the Lakers they were going to take the mantle as LA’s best team. Now, though, it’s simply the combination of talent and the tactical advantages it creates. The Lakers just don’t have anyone to slow Chris Paul, to compete athletically with DeAndre Jordan, to match the overall game of Blake Griffin. Those advantages cascade down and create separation between these two teams.
In saying all that, however, in a funny way, the Clippers are an example for these Lakers of how things can turn around. It was not long ago that the Clippers were forever terrible and a laughingstock. Then they drafted Griffin, traded for Paul, and developed DeAndre. The Lakers can use a similar formula to turn around their franchise. They may not have drafted as much of a sure thing as Griffin, but their young talent is real. One or more of their young guys could also take the path of Jordan and make a leap into an all-star caliber player. And, like the trade for Paul, the Lakers could make a run at a star player through trade using some of the assets they have accumulated.
Whether the latter his how the Lakers approach this off-season remains to be seen. And the questions of player development will not just fall on those individuals to harness their skills and make the leap, but on the coaches and player development people to coax it out of them/guide them there. These are the great unknowns and challenges of becoming a contender and, like I said at the top, I wish we could look at all this with a bit more clarity than we currently are able to. And I say this as someone who is, truly, optimistic about the direction of the team. It’s just at some point the results have to align with the direction you think you’re going. And it’s just not there yet.
I know I’ve said little about the actual game today and, really, that’s be design. These early start games are always a bit strange as you never know if players’ internal clocks will be ready to play high level NBA basketball a full 6-7 hours earlier than they’re typically asked to do so. I would not be surprised at all to see a sloppy game early on where one or both sides look asleep. In the end, I expect the Clippers to prevail, but the path to that end may include some unexpected twists and turns. The Lakers have been playing some better basketball lately (even if Thursday’s loss to the Wolves didn’t show it) which could translate into some fun stretches.
Anyway, enjoy the game, folks. We’ve only got so many more of these left.
Where you can watch: 12:30pm start time on Spectrum Sportsnet.
Ira Caples says
The team lacks a “gangster”…someone who lives and breathes basketball. (Kobe, Harden) I don’t see the fire (Westbrook), …they seem to accept losing…seems like they dont care enough…Randle seems a little “soft”..pouts too much when he doesn’t get calls. Where’s the Walton that was all up in Boogie’s grill earlier?…Is Walton the guy to lead these guys..can he handle veterans if they come? I’m tired of playing for the lottery every year!
Anonymous says
Unfortunately, this year never should have been about winning. Due to the fact that losing this year’s pick meant losing the 2019 pick the FO never should have have thought playoffs.
They never should have gone all in with Mozgov/Deng. Those signings were designed to save Jim/Mitch’s jobs and were really a case in point of how poorly the Lakers have been managed these last 5 years. We have made virtually no progress these past 4 years.
So, yeah, it’s very telling when the absolute best thing for the future of the franchise is to lose badly for another year.
Guest says
Every season should always be about winning. If you’re not in it to win, then you’re in the wrong industry.
Let the chips fall where they may. Players have to play for jobs and shouldn’t have an incentive to tank. Management should also manage for its jobs.
If the Lakers lose their lottery pick to the Sixers and then the 2019 one as well, so be it. That would close the book on a lousy chapter in team history and allow for a completely fresh start.
If this year’s draft is deep, the Lakers may find a gem with the late first round pick (depending on where the Rockets finish).
Fern says
I don’t know, he handled Steph Curry, Klay and the rest just fine.
Jim213 says
Last 3-4 games are winnable, but at least they’ll finish as a top 3 (preferably 2nd tho).
RR says
The Clippers’ starters were a combined 34/50 from the floor in this game, with Paul and Griffin going 21/29. But the Lakers’ shock-troops bench of Robinson/Brewer/Black/Ennis/Nwaba outscored the Clippers’ bench 55-13 to keep the score respectable.
So, in way, this game was bad for both teams. GM Doc still has not gotten Paul/Griffin/Jordan/Redick enough secondary help so that Coach Doc can lead the Clippers to the WCF or Finals, and their window is closing. Walton started a smallball lineup of Nance, Clarkson and the three lotto picks. Ingram to his credit took advantage of the Clippers weak wings to score 18 points and put up a +5. But the other four had a combined +/- of -101 with Nance at -20 having the best numbers of the four by that metric. Russell and Clarkson went a combined 4/21 from the floor, scored nine points between them, and had a combined +/- of -55.
dxmanners says
I see DAR is back in regular form after a few games that appear to be exceptions. 1 for 9, 3 to’s in only 28 minutes. I hope he hasn’t killed his trade value. Clarkson wasn’t much better, but his effort always seems to be at 100%, I tend to give him a pass.
Darius Soriano says
Lol.
Rick in Seattle says
Team’s gotta continue losing last six! Sorry to correct one of the contributors above, but finishing the season 3rd worst instead of 2nd doesnt sound like much but it is potentially huge! Here is what I mean:
The 14 worst teams are in the lottery (even though some have already traded away their pick). The very worst team (Brk) has the most ping pong balls, potentially giving them a greater advantage. The 14th team (whoever that may be), will have the fewer ping pong balls, hense a lesser chance to move up.
However, theoretically, there is a small possibility that even the 14th worst team could move into the top-3. Your season ending top-3 can be bumped down I believe a max of two places.
Therefore, if another team or two gets really lucky, they could push out 1, 2, or all three of the season-ending bottom dwellers.
So, if the Lakers win another game or two and finish 3rd, (instead of 2nd), they could be bumped to 4th by any surprise team above them–and lose the pick to Phil.
Whereas, if they can remain as 2nd worst, and a surprise team jumps up ahead of them, they can fall to 3rd and still keep the pick. That is the huge difference!
If you look back over the lottery results historically (and certainly this will be publicized a lot as we get closer to the lottery), it is interesting to notice that many of the worst teams did not end up with the top pick.
If you remember the 2015 draft, the Knicks finished 2nd, and the Lakers finished 4th. But the ping pong balls fell for the Lakers, so the Lakers picked 2nd & NY fell to 4th!
So, beware of letting PHX sneak into the 2nd position!
Anonymous says
BREAKING NEWS: Phoenix just signed a Blind guy with one leg and he will make his NBA debut STARTING for them in their next game.