On Monday night I joined Mo Dakhil on The Jumpball Podcast to talk all things Lakers. Among the topics discussed: the draft, which prospects fit best, the importance of this off-season for D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, what team building approach the front office should take, and more.
After talking Lakers, we also got into the playoffs, talking the conference finals, whether Boston has any chance to make it a series against the Cavs, the end of the Spurs, and the dominance being displayed by the Warriors. I really enjoyed our discussion and would encourage you to give it a listen:
Alan says
Very good podcast. Lot’s of discussion about Russell and what or how he contributes. I would agree that Russell is a plus. From my perspective, the media is quick to lable young players as the “face of the franchise.”
This is terribly unfair to a 19 year old rookie or sophomore player in the pros. It’s something to consider after maybe five years and a couple of playoff series wins.
Right now, Russell can make a real contribution as the #2 guard.
Randle showed real flashes of outstanding offense last year, sort of a man amongst boys. The next night he was just not with it. Hopefully he can come up with a consistent outside shot and repeat going to the basket with authority. It’s his make or break year.
The draft remains an enigma, but Ball seems to be the consensus pick. I hope he isn’t instantly labeled as the “face of the franchise” as well because he’s going to have a big target on his chest due to his dad’s outlandish comments. He’ll be knocked down, double teamed, shoved and trash talked from the tip off. Good luck keeping your composure young man in the pros.
The Moz & Deng contracts were not discussed and I’m only guessing both will be on the team all year with the potential of trading them better the following year with only two years left on their contract. It’s overly hopeful something could be done with the #28 pick to help move one of their contracts.
Again, really enjoyed the podcast.
FredP says
I always enjoy the podcasts. It was interesting to get the Lakers insider vs outsider takes on the team and what they should do going forward. Mo’s comments about going after CP3 were a bit horrifying just because it would be a win now situation and require gutting the team to get the veterans to make it work. I did like where the conversation ended up supporting the long rebuild.