While I was looking forward to a couple of former Dukies doing battle tonight, Brandon Ingram being ruled out for the rest of summer league means that we won’t get to see him match up with Jayson Tatum — another smooth scoring SF who went number 3 overall in last month’s draft.
Instead, then, we’ll get to see how Tatum and last year’s #3 overall pick, Jaylen Brown, go up against Lonzo Ball. Ball will look to bounce back from a bad shooting night on Friday where he want 2-15 from the field for 5 points. Ball’s shooting distracted from some of the other good things he did offensively, where he ran the offense well, showed very good floor awareness, and mostly made good shot/pass decisions.
It will be a learning process for Ball, a 19 year old who has a unique approach to playing PG in comparison to what is widely viewed as the standard for lead guards in today’s NBA. How Ball adjusts to those norms and how he beats them back with his own game is one of the more intriguing storylines of every contest he appears in. It’s certainly something I’ll be watching for over the course of the summer as he gets more comfortable with the pace of NBA basketball.
Beyond Lonzo, I’m interested in seeing if coach Jud Buechler switches up his starting lineup or goes to a different rotation. In Friday’s loss to the Clippers, Buechler started Travis Wear and Vander Blue rather than giving those minutes to rookies Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma. I’d like to see the latter find their way onto the 1st unit, but even if that doesn’t happen I do hope Hart sees more than the 13 minutes he played on Friday if only to see if he can find the rhythm and flow that was missing vs. the Clips.
I’m also hoping for a bounce back game from Ivica Zubac. As I said on our podcast following Friday’s game, Big Zu looked a bit winded and heavier than I’d like. It seemed to impact his ability to move around the floor and certainly impacted his activity level. This was in stark comparison to how Thomas Bryant played, who flew around the court like an energizer bunny of a big man. I’d like to see Zubac play more like he did last summer and throughout the regular season last year rather than what he did on Friday.
Beyond that, I’m really just hoping for a competitive game without any injuries. Let’s see how it goes.
mindcrime says
It doesn’t mean he’s going to be a star (just as last night doesn’t mean he will be a bust), but Ball has looked pretty good trying to set his mates up for easy hoops, and doesn’t seem to be forcing the issue quite so much this evening.
What I really have enjoyed seeing is that the players are also moving the ball when he is on the floor–lending some credence to the hope that he will create an “infectious” atmosphere for ball movement.
MT87 says
Lonzo’s passing is legit. He is going to have growing pains this year scoring the ball but his floor vision is the real deal. He got a triple double tonight and made it look easy.
Very impressed by Kyle Kuzma. He has a lot of confidence in his shot, moves well around the floor, and gives effort on D. For one game at least I think he has shown real potential.
Old Timer says
Finally, Ball showed what he can do. Hopefully, Hart is ok with that bad tweak in landing. SL games are killing the anxieties of those fans who trekked to LV. What if you have BI playing there or regular season w/ Brook Lopez on the paint, here comes Jr flying and Russell dissing towards the hoop or Clarky with open looks on the perimeter it would be a different ball game. By that time Buehler/madsen are no longer calling the plays. This will be new Laker team much more exciting to watch than those dribble, dribble Dlo or Dantoni purely offense, no D.
Chris J says
I was at the game tonight, which was my first time ever watching Lonzo Ball play, live or on TV. (I don’t watch college basketball at all, and I missed Friday’s game vs. the Clippers.)
He’s got a lot on which he’ll need to improve, but his passing truly ability lived up to the hype. There were a handful of phenomenal looks vs. Boston, but more so than those, it was impressive to see him consistently find the open man and rarely force a bad attempt. He seemed to see the floor exceptionally well; all the more impressive for a 19-year-old playing just his second game as a pro.
Like others here, I was disappointed to see Russell traded. But the one area of Russell’s game that always irked me was his lack of “push.” There were so many times per game he’d barely get over midcourt before the eight-second violation, ad from there it was straight into a half-court set. Those days are over, as Ball was moving it up court the moment he saw a lane or open teammate. Good first impression this evening.
Fern says
Loved it!! I hope all these doom and gloom “OMG he is a bust on his first pro game” take a good enema right up. Dont read any of that crap talking now. Shove it!!! I have stronger words but let’s keep it pg. Idiots…
LordMo says
Take it easy on us Fern…. 🙂
Rick in Seattle says
If we are being truly honest, this young Lakers squad is not likely to contend for a playoff position in the currently loaded Western Conference for another season or two–perhaps three!
So, with regard to the remaining cap space, why not take the same stance as Brooklyn and Phoenix and take on a few less desirable contracts (in exchange for future picks).
Brooklyn did that recently with the Lakers (Mozgov) trade, and they did it again today with Toronto.
If the Lakers could implement that strategy just for one more developmental season, and pick up some extra draft picks in the process, they could use those picks to help move Deng next summer–perhaps without having to move any more of the young core like Clarkson or Randle. .
Yes, this has been suggested before, but I just think its worth suggesting again, particularly since next season will not be a contending year, and their free agency focus is still 2018.
LordMo says
@Rick
I agree man …
This roster as constructed is 3 to 5 years away… there is no way around that.
Young teams do not win in the NBA and PJ & Jones said it on the air last night.
We all know this and yes this team needs development so that has not changed.
What has changed is the direction the strategy… the pace!
Not just of the team on the floor but the organization as a whole! Cannot deny that Magic/Pelinka seem to have a better handle on it so far than Jim/Mitch ever did lets just hope
they can continue to build on this well orchestrated re-do. Looking back on it … I do give Jim/Mitch credit for trying and when you have Kobe Bryant … you must swing for the fences so I understand the mindset. However, the moves made were baffling and basically we are dealing with the aftermath of the Nash/Howard days still today. Don’t believe me watch Micheal Porter & Ayton go to Boston with one of our picks in 2018. Now, couple that with 2 of the worst “Free Agent” deals in the history of modern day basketball and now you understand how brilliant Magic/Pelinka are by extricating us somewhat out of that situation. We went from having almost no picks and no cap to 4 (ya…four!) picks in a loaded draft and “Big Cap” in 2018…when all the Big Time FA are available…. BRILLIANT!!! Still it will hurt to see Boston come away with so much… man I hate Ainge! Kudos to Boston…they have made great moves themselves I must admit. Remember, we held on to Kobe and sentiment … tough to let go of that waning Superstar(s). Boston did not let sentiment get in the way … when KG, Pierce and Allen had slipped and had become over-priced they made the moves needed… the Lakers did not and doubled down on Kobe… so here we are!
Jim in Boise says
Moving Clarkson at this point would be a good thing.
His development has flat-lined, possibly even regressed. Given his age he’s probably roughly the player he is going to be. A tunnel vision driver/gunner with an inconsistent jumper and no defensive instincts and he’s being paid $12.5M per year.
If we could dump his salary to make cap room for next summer, I think it would be a good move.
Rick in Seattle says
Jim in Boise: While I strongly agree with the premise that the Lakers need to continue to look for ways to increase cap room (for 2018), it’s the timing that I have a question about.
If the FO were able to make another Mozgov-type trade that exchanges Clarkson for a usable expiring contract–or even a 1-yr contract, there would be a lot of agreement with your suggestion. For example, if Detroit were willing and able to do a S&T with KCP, with Clarkson going to Detroit, most would agree with that. But if we were to just trade Clarkson for, say, future draft picks, it might be a less advantageous situation, because he would have to be replaced with someone.
Currently, I am a bit inclined to watch Clarkson for the coming season and see what develops. If he has flat-lined, as you have suggested, we will see that over the course of the season (and his trade value will likely decline).
But, if Clarkson is the starter at SG, the addition of Lonzo may actually help his game. Similarly, if Clarkson is still a 6th man, he may again try for 6th MOY (a goal he has talked about). Either scenario could improve his value.
If we carefully assess the current roster, they are weak in the back-court. As a combo guard, Clarkson currently fills a need. If the choice is to trade him (to gather cap space) combining him with another player (as with the oft-mentioned Randle) might be another way but only if the team gets something of value in return.
Unless something better turns up in the next 90 days, it’s quite possible that on opening night, Clarkson is the starting SG. Not sure we need to be pushing him out the door, until the team has an adequate (or better) replacement.
I think most of us probably agree with your main premise (as I do) that the FO needs to continue to add cap space for 2018. Like most fans, I am still boiling mad whenever the Deng & Mozov contracts are mentioned. Magic made a good trade to get rid of Mozgov, but the team may need to live with Deng for another season.
We cannot forget that there is still a season of basketball to play before 2018 free agency. Training camp always produces a few surprises. We don’t yet know how quickly Nwaba, Kuzma, or Hart (or even Bryant or Dozier for that matter) will look after a full training camp.
Nor do we know whether Magic & Pelinka will eventually find an adequate veteran PG and/or /SG to fill out the rotation.
With 9 players currently under contract (and if each of the 4 draft picks makes the final roster), then the 13-man minimum roster has been met, Unfortunately, a lot of this movement will not become clear until after training camp.
But, (IMO) you are ultimately right. Something will need to be done to add cap space for next summer. And, while I also agree that sooner is better than later, let’s not just jetison our player resources without an end goal in sight.
Right now, the most logical trade options appear to be Clarkson, Randle & Deng. Lets see what develops. We are barely 10 days into free agency. There is a lot of summer wheeling & dealing still left to be completed. With Magic and Pelinka appearing a lot more motivated to make changes than Kupchak & company ever were, optimism abounds for the moment.
George Best says
Exactly. This is what makes the DAR trade so stupid no matter what you think of him after only two years.
Gizpacho says
Summer League thoughts;
LOVE what I saw from Ingram
I am very encouraged by what I see from LonZo and Kuzma.
Bryant is a beast, I am buying Bryant and selling on Zubac
Nwaba and Hart are both very solid @ SG. Niether is a starter caliber now.
Wear can shoot the ball, I’m watching him close for a swing contract (especially if pelinka doesn’t get his shooters from FA)
Vander Blue and Caruso are G-League caliber
Off court; waiting on news of KCP rumors. A 2 way starting SG would be a major haul for this team. Rental or not.
More on that, Now that Knicks have renounced rights on Derrick Rose, I would be interested in renting him @ 1 yr $16M.
LakerPauer says
No way, Rick. If there’s one team in the league we shouldn’t emulate, it’s the Nets. First, I have a feeling we’ll land at least one marquee free agent next year with all of that cap space. Second, if that’s not enough to put us in the playoffs, we’ll be able to stretch Deng, still have our 2019 pick and cap space. No reason to take on bad contracts at the moment for picks. We just snagged at least 3 decent rookies this season along with our Ingram, Nance, and Randle haul from years past. I think we’re okay on young talent. We need to start picking up free agents or making smart trades with pieces like Randle or Nance if we don’t want to extend them.
D. HOOPS says
KuZma reminds me a lot of a Rashard Lewis type of forward
Wil says
With Demarre Carroll joining the Nets it opens the door for LAL to go after Caldwell-Pope imo. 1yr 17 mil.
Clay Bertrand says
I share your sentiment. I see it as more of a possibility after that trade.
LordMo says
Lonzo is the real deal! Once he gets acclimated he is going to be tuff to stop.
We have our new “stat stuffer”…. what you have to do is project these guys forward.
Lonzo will probably end up being the best rebounding guard in the league as well as a top assist man. He is not going to score 40 a game but will help BI score 40 a game, man those passes are on queue! Star in the making and you have to like how the culture and communication has changed already. Lonzo represents a new direction … a new way and I like it!
Told you guys Kuzma is a player! A player I said!!! This kid might be the steal of the draft! In a previous post I said in a normal draft year Kuzma would be a top 20 maybe top 15 pick he is that good but this draft was really loaded. This was a great move by the Lakers FO grabbing this kid @ 27 … he was going toe to toe with Jason Tatum (he is going to be really good too). This draft is going to power that league for years to come. Back to Kuzma … great all around game Kuzma he has and we have not seen it all yet. This kid can put the ball on the floor and has some shake…. err I’m not just talking a spin move to the left with a floater (hope Randle has worked on his off-hand this summer) like someone we already know. Talking cross-overs from a kid at the 4…nice!
Man, I like Josh Hart already! Just plays hard and lets his play do the talking and seems like he and Lonzo are already communicating well together. Has the right approach on and off the court.
What I like more than anything is the “hands on” approach that Magic/Pelinka are taking…. they are right there and they are owning this! Be patient everyone we are in good hands going forward still going to take awhile (3 years) to right the ship but man I can just feel the difference.
P.S. Don’t sign or rent anyone … what is wrong with you people? Rose, Rondo lol… we desperate? Stand Pat and let the kids develop. We do need an off-guard but one that can move to the bench rotation when the “homies” come home…they spending a little extra time in OKC working on some things but they both will be here right soon!
WWL says
Youngsters Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are going to be very special.
KUZ-TRAIN.
Clay Bertrand says
The KCP situation is going to come to a head soon and the Carroll trade COULD make things interesting.
Initially, I felt that KCP to the Lakers was a pipedream that the Nets would quickly stamp out with a huge multi year contract. The Carroll deal still leaves them with a healthy cap chunk to throw at a KCP deal. BUT looking forward, do the Nets really want to do this kind of deal??
While they could sign him to a large deal and still have decent cap space next summer, a KCP signing on the heels of a deal for another non ball handling wingish player in Carroll may be too much sunk costs at non dynamic positions even for a team in early resurrection mode.
Clearly the Nets are the poster child for the term ASSET POOR and they are in recoup, recover, rebuild, RE EVERYTHING mode really. So KCP to the Lakers on a big one year deal could be a realistic possibility IF the Nets choose to keep their remaining space available for absorbing bad contracts that come with nice draft assets attached. The Nets could get more assets this season in another trade or two by using their $20mil in available space. Maybe they get another 1st round pick or more, OR they could use that money as a starting point for a multi year deal for KCP.
Is KCP on a multi year big money deal better for the Nets at this point than more draft picks?? Probably not. Their window to compete isn’t even installed yet much less open. Russell is still on his rookie deal and he can be extended on that deal one year. What’s the point in potentially overpaying a 2 guard like Pope for 4 years??? Seems the cap space COULD be better utilized going forward. A team in the Nets position may well value flexibility over present day roster quality.
I’m not trying to paint the situation with a Laker brush here, it just seems there are reasons for the Nets to NOT want to sign him at this point. Not to say they won’t. Just that now they have made the Carroll move, it cuts into their cap space that much more and therefore there future flexibility as well.
Rebuilding teams generally DO NOT WANT long contracts. They want to be nimble and opportunistic. Look at what Travis Schlenk is doing in Atlanta. Of course, the Nets are trying to restock their bare draft asset cupboard whereas Atlanta doesn’t need to do that so their strategies are not identical.
I see more of a chance the Lakers COULD get a KCP deal done now that Carroll has been traded to Brooklyn. But I would still say the ball is in the Nets’ court and only should they pass would the Lakers be able to step in.
Pelinka TOLD us all he wouldn’t be spending money. So the free agent inactivity, while disappointing on some levels is as advertised. However ending up with a decent player after all because of market conditions etc. and because he remained steadfast in his plan could be a better than expected outcome.
If this were to happen, it would be the very antithesis of the Mitch and Jim Sh*t Show last summer. Even if he turns out to be a rental it would be a decent deal IMO.
Rick in Seattle says
Clay, why can’t the Lakers construct an acceptable multi-year contract for KCP? To maintain cap space, can’t the Lakers write the contract so that anything beyond the first year is a team option. Wouldn’t that be more appealing to KCP?
Another factor to consider: After the 1st year, KCP’s cap hold will be huge, and that will negatively affect cap space, right? (Unless renounced…).
While getting a player like KCP would clearly be a plus, paying $17-20 mil for a 1-yr offer to KCP doesn’t improve the current cap situation at all.
But, finding a buyer for the multi-year Clarkson or Deng contracts just might! Suggestions????
Clay Bertrand says
The CJ Miles to Toronto deal means another potential guy is off the market.
A Horse With No Name says
Very encouraging game by the young guys. Lonzo’s strengths were on display and he showed why the team drafted him #2. Some very nice 3 passes to score sequences, most of which were started by Lonzo firing the ball up court. I was encouraged by his driving to the hoop a bit; something he has to do when they are sagging off of him and leaving gaps. Loved his rebounding. We are going to be a good rebounding team this season because of his ability to track balls and get to spots, along with the beastly rebounding of Julius. They will need both of them to compensate for the lead footed Lopez. I really feel that Lavar did Lonzo a disservice by not insisting on developing a proper shooting form. With his touch and fine motor skills, Lonzo could be a great shooter with the proper shot form. Oh well. Kuzma is a very promising pick. He’s not in peak physical condition, as evidenced by his higher body fat % and lack of definition in his arms. I want to see this guy work his butt off, because he has a lot of upside still (forget the he’s 22 already crap–guys *still* get better at this age and beyond). I was impressed with his defensive chops; he slid his feet and used his length to disrupt shooters. Admittedly Tatum is very young, but Kuzma’s talents looked pretty good in their match ups. Hart is a steady guy,with skills. He gets a 3 point shot and he has a solid career as a rotation player. Great pick too. Bryant came back to earth, but his upside is high. If Hart can’t play tomorrow, I want to see PJ Dozier get good minutes. (Still feeling seriously geeked up by Ingram’s showing!).
Anonymous says
My take away from the loss to boston is that we must improve our shooting to utilize lonzos ability this year, our guys are going to get a ton of open looks,As for some of you guys out there that are down on clarkson,his average will blossom playing with this kid ball as should the whole squad.The sky is the limit with increased team FGP%.Another area that can really help this team is a huge effort and commitment to knocking down a higher free throw percentage.Our great laker teams were serious about free throws and the 3 to 5 point swing in this category could really help this young teams chances.Another factor is that we are taking shots way faster in the 24 and alot of them at the rim and finesse layups don’t work for young struggling teams that get challenged. If your going to the hole finish or die.
dxmanners says
Let’s see how Clarkson and Lonzo play together before burying him. I still like him. Playing off the ball may invigorate his game, Lonzo will get him some easy buckets. Someone has to be a scorer, think he can do it. People are quick to judge, look at the teams he’s played on, let’s see how he does with a new system and a positive environment..
Fulofunk says
I do believe Lonzo is the real deal, but what I love about this kid is his poise. He is all work, no showboat, just the opposite IMO of what Russel was. Even keel, constant vision, didn’t hang his head after a poor shooting performance in his very first game against a veteran guard. Nothing but upside here and we Lakers fans are in for a real treat for years to come, even if it takes us another 4 years to make the playoffs. Just listen to Magic, who would know more than anyone else ever could, as the ultimate leader who has seen and done it all, this kid is the piece we have needed, since we got Kobe….thank you Mr. Basketball.
MsWay says
A nice addition to this team would be a young player( Hart-Dozier-Blue-nwaba) that can start to hit some shots and also create for themselves.A trend that I see developing in these games is a up and down too often in momentum, the coach needs to stop that now.He is playing guys that don’t have it. Our youngsters that will be on this team need every minute of this experience.Keep them in they can run all day.
Rick in Seattle says
As we didn’t have an opportunity to see how well a Lonzo-DLO combination might have worked, let’s at least give Lonzo–Clarkson a good look in training camp, before we pass judgement.
But if the opportunity to pick up KCP materializes, it would be foolish to let it go. Having too much talent is always a nice problem to be confronted with.