There has been a lot of fawning over Lonzo Ball lately and…I’m going to keep the trend alive today. Ball’s summer league wasn’t just impressive because he put up good numbers or that he ended up winning the MVP. It’s not even that the team won the Vegas championship. Of course those things matter, but it being the summer, what was more important to me was the process of how those things came about, not necessarily that they came about at all.
Which brings us back to Lonzo and the small things he was doing on multiple possessions a game which ended up helping his team.
A quick tangent, I don’t watch much soccer anymore, but I was a junkie when I was a kid. I played all the time and watched the game a ton. Soccer helped me understand basketball better, especially the concepts of counter attacks and creating advantage by passing into space. While soccer helped me with hoops in other ways too (angles, understanding foot work and quick ball movement), it was these ideas of taking advantage of spacing with passing and countering your opponent which stuck with me for a long time.
This brings me back to Lonzo and his summer league play. My podcast partner Pete Zayas of Laker Film Room fame recently made a video that he describes as a compilation of “any pass that Lonzo Ball made in summer league which gave the Lakers an advantage”. Pete adds that the pass did not need to lead to an assist directly, but was just a pass which looked like it gave the Lakers an edge on any given play. You should watch it:
https://vimeo.com/226048912
First of, that thing is 12 and a half minutes! That’s a lot of passing which, in Pete’s view, gave the Lakers an advantage. I agree almost fully with all the plays he included, but even if you don’t the video speaks to something that I’ve had some trouble verbalizing since Lonzo really started to find his stride in Vegas (around game 2).
One of themes of Lonzo’s play while at UCLA and what made him such a good prospect heading into the draft is his ability to capitalize on teams’ defensive mistakes. Take a wrong angle? Mess up your P&R coverage? Over-help in the paint? Stray too far in any direction on the weakside? Lose discipline in transition? Yeah, you’re toast because Lonzo’s ability to read the floor and his skill as a passer allow him to pounce almost instantaneously.
But, what this video also shows is how Lonzo helps create mistakes by the defense; how his throwing the ball into space to teammates who have an ability to make a move in the open court puts the onus on the defense to then make the right decisions consistently. What makes this difficult is how easy it is to panic or get caught off-guard by an offensive player running full speed at you when you’re not set defensively. Decisions need to be made in an instant and, when that’s the case, it is easier to falter.
Further, it’s hard to overstate how easy it is to lose discipline in transition and semi-transition defensively. Often teams are a bit relaxed (especially after they’ve scored) and it takes them a moment to find their man, read where the ball is, and then act accordingly. This moment of letting your guard down, however, is when Ball throws the ball ahead and suddenly defenders are put in compromised positions. This can lead to both mental and physical breakdowns which allow the offense to make a positive play.
How all of this translates to the regular season can’t be known now, but I’d argue these things are still going to work. Remember, not many teams in the league will play this style. The Warriors and the Rockets (and maybe the Nuggets) will play with this type of pace, but that’s a fraction of the teams in the league. Opponents are going to play the Lakers and experience a fairly large difference in style from the team they saw the night before. That takes some adjusting and, in some cases, I’d bet teams won’t really find their stride quickly. That doesn’t mean the Lakers are going to win a ton of games they shouldn’t, but I do believe it will help their competitiveness from night to night.
To be honest, even after watching a ton of tape on Ball, I didn’t really get a great feel for how his relentlessness as a passer played over the course of a game. Seeing it in Vegas, though, offered more perspective. And seeing him consistently put defenses in disadvantageous positions by not only capitalizing on their mistakes, but leading them to the point of making them, was a sight to see. And it’s something I can’t wait to see more of.
FredP says
It is kind of a paradox that Ball understands and reads defenses so well and then is accused of being a weak defender himself. Part of the answer is that he is more effective on defense that he gets credit for. The point that he punishes players for making mistakes on defense is great and it makes it easier to understand the mindset of players trying to defend against him. How many times when he drove to the basket was he given lanes because defenders were too worried about his passing? How many hockey assists did he initiate by hitting the open man and creating other open players as the defense reacted? Next year’s team should be solid on offense when Ball is on the court and hopefully not have too much of a drop off when he needs his rest.
Matthew says
Agreed. I feel he’s a much better defender than people think. His inability to stay in front of his man is his biggest weakness because of his lack of lateral quickness and that makes it look like he’s a bad defender, but that’s something he can learn from working with coaches and watching tape of elite defenders. However his overall reading of the passing lanes, help defense and just general off-ball defense is really good. I mean he did average 2.5 stls/game and 1 blk/game which is pretty good for a PG.
The biggest thing I noticed in SL after the first two games was the way the Lakers played when Lonzo was on the bench. During that final 6 game winning streak the ball movement continued even with Lonzo off the court which was an encouraging sign. Even players like Blue, Thomas, Wear, for whom passing isn’t the biggest strength, were looking to pass the ball around and find the open man. Hopefully that translates to the regular season, because we have players like Randle, Clarkson, even Ingram at times that end up holding on to the ball for too long.
John says
Lonzo is a traffic director for both his team and the opponent’s.His basketball IQ causes him to benefit his team at the expense of the opposition.He controls how the opponent plays and the pace of the game is controlled by his passing.
KevTheBold says
Yes, it’s amazing, no doubt !
I think we should give credit to his father, for developing this new style of play, that Lonzo and his brothers are adept in.
It will evolve the whole of the NBA eventually, yet, let us hope that we can take advantage of it before that occurs, and reach the top of the heap !
Ed says
Before the draft I knew Fultz projected to be the best individual prospect.. But I also knew that Lonzo would make his teammates and thus the overall team better than any other player. I`m waiting to see how he reacts when teams pressure him, and get very physical.Like the great NFL qb`s,if you give him space and time,he`ll carve you up.l
Fern says
Somebody explain to me how this Derrick Rose met with the Lakers makes sense? What? Hes coming off the bench? Do KCP comes off the bench? Do Lonzo comes off the bench? I find it really hard to believe Rose is coming in for a mentor role. Not feeling this move at all…
KevTheBold says
I suppose Fern, that they’re seeking an athletic mentor to show Zo the ropes in areas which would turn him into unstoppable offensive threat on top of his other skillsets.
He’s got the potential score, and they might want to maximize that ability.
Probably why they approached Wade as well.
Alexander says
Wade is the perfect salary dump – move Deng and/or JC for the largest expiring available and pick up a world class vet for one year, who may stay if other stars come. Rose, not so much. I’m with Fern – I don’t see DRose accepting to come off the bench for a sub-30 win team and a kiddie starting lineup.
Vasheed says
Their styles don’t match but, Rose is definitely a veteran who can give advice about what refs are likely to call or not call and other subtle things. Rose is still a pretty decent PG in his own right and could even be used in a double PG back court at times due to Lonzo’s size. The only thing that really concerns me is that he hasn’t had a great attitude, worse than Rondo imo. If he felt comfortable in LA however, and a change of scenery and situation helps him then he would be a steal.
I liked what Ennis did at the end of the season so that would be my preference. However, I agree with the Lakers F.O. that Rose can offer a lot of upside so this is worth at least exploring. For Rose I think it comes down to backing up Irving for the Cavs or Lonzo for the Lakers. The Cavs give a shot at a title while the Lakers can offer more playing time and a greater role.
Robert Fisher says
Cavs give a shot at a title? Doubt that – look at LeBron’s demeanor. The Cavs can’t get it together to improve the team and may not even make it to the finals.
With D Rose still on the market, what does that say to his value? He is probably meeting with the Lakers to improve his bargaining position. If he does sign with the Lakers for the Room Exception, Ennis can still sign for his $1,524,305 vet min and get a full year with the Lakers to show what he can do and learn from D Rose or whatever vet PG they bring in, not to mention Magic.
The Lakers have 12 under contract and one 2-Way signed, that leaves 3 roster spots and one 2-way left. So there is room to sign D Rose and Ennis and still have room for a 3rd string backup center like say Thomas Robinson and sign Thomas Bryant to the second 2-way. Or they could simply use the $815,615 rookie minimum to sign Bryant directly and get on with it. However, my guess is they will sign a vet PG and Ennis, and leave the last roster spot and the second 2-way open to see what jewels training camp brings.
Fern says
The Cavs are a perennial mediocre franchise that had the luck that Lebron was born in Akron. They were mediocre before him, couldn’t rebuilt for crap after Lebron went to the Heat and are heading back to mediocrity once he’s gone. Gilbert is as bad a owner as James Dolan.
213inthe415 says
What came through in the film session for me was the not just the passing but the decisiveness. And the velocity that comes from that decisiveness. The defense was constantly at a disadvantage. It wasn’t just Ball either, as some of the film picks up, his teammates clearly were pushing and seeing some of the same things.
I was trying to describe to a Laker friend back east who couldn’t watch the games what I was witnessing, and the word “ping” came out as I was trying to articulate it. The ball moved. Sure there were some dropped dimes and turnovers, but man, that ball was live.
Reminded me of a particular team across the Bay from me during their growing pains…now if we could just get some team defense like they play, we just might have something.
Alexander says
Fellow San Franciscan here…always game to catch a game with a fellow Laker fan 🙂 October can’t come soon enough
Renato Afonso says
The synonym for tunnel vision in the dictionnary is Derrick Rose. How would he fit? Yes, if he can be 80% of his former self for 10 games he’ll probably get 3 or 4 wins that shouldn’t happen in the first place but I’d rather see the minutes go to someone who can stay with the Lakers beyond next season…
Vasheed says
I’m going to remain skeptical about Lonzo until I see him playing against real NBA defenders. However, the part that really shines about Lonzo is his ability to read the floor. It is a joy to see these full court passes and hockey assists just change the way the offense hums.
Fulofunk says
First off, Thank you Pete Zayas for that! This will be my got vid for the next 2+ months while we wait and wait for the new Magic show. And thank you Darius for your analysis once again.
A couple of quick random thoughts as I watched this:
Watching someone so gifted at passing is probably the most exciting part of play to me than anything else.
We were extremely lucky to get Kuzma.
I miss Nwaba and am sad we couldn’t retain him.
I hope Ware and Thomas find spots as it was so nice to see these guys convert time and time again.
Zubac will be fine and showed signs of some good passing to boot
Caruso is a great example of not judging a book by its cover
Stating the obvious here, but, purely from an entertainment standpoint, Lonzo has made the Lakers relevant again, no matter our W/L record and this has got feel good.
Glad to see Mrs. Ball is on her feet and will be praying for that family.
Lastly, I have liked Lavar from the beginning. It is very clear he is devoted to his family above anything else and all his shenanigans, entertaining and otherwise, when viewed through this lens, really do make me smile.
Now……the wait……
LT Mitchell says
If Rose is willing to come off the bench, he could be a 6th man of the year candidate. Most effective 6th men tend to be a bit tunnel visioned. Plus I would not underestimate the impact Lonzo and Luke’s system could have on Rose. If Rose could thrive in the Triangle, he’ll look even better in Luke’s high paced offense.
I like the idea of occasionally playing Lonzo at SF to surround him with as much speed as possible. The faster the game, the more of an advantage Lonzo will have. This lineup has three to four ball handlers and would outrun Houston and Golden State out of the gym.
PG – Rose
SG – KCP
SF – Lonzo
PF – Ingram
C – Nance
TheNumberOfFlopsIsTooDamnHigh says
LT: that’s a…. wild line-up, to say the least.
but the more I look at it the more I’d like to see that lol
A Horse With No Name says
@Daruis’ tweet: That the lakers are trying to find a vet pg to back up Lonzo says more about Clarkson as a potential trade piece than about his ability to play quality minutes there. That is his best spot, and as you note, where he has the physical advantages. But, if he is moved, they are going to need another lead guard. This begs the question: wouldn’t the team be better off upping his value with optimal position fit and quality minutes, if the goal is to move him? My best guess is that they are planning for all contingencies. So, yeah. Ian Clark already.
Rick in Seattle says
Yes, its interesting to notice that Magic Johnson almost never mentions Clarkson, when he talks about the young core. Therefore, it seems reasonable to conclude that Clarkson is probably looked at as a more likely future trade piece.
So, as Horse alludes to, why are they NOT positioning Clarkson into the backup role to showcase him? It would seem an obviousl way to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak! They should also showcase Deng and Randle.
That would of course imply a mid-season trade.after the aforementioned three players are played reasonable minutes.
If Magic & Pelinka are still focused on a big free-gent impact next summer, they should have interest in gathering as much cap space as possible. There are still a number of BIG expiring contracts around the NBA that could be traded for.
Obviously, their first objective is freeing up space currently filled by the miserable Deng contract.
.
Anonymous says
What I like best about Lonzo is how the base never sticks with him. If there is a better option on the court, he will find it and move the ball. He could probably average many more assists, but as everyone says, his pass-happy approach is contagious and changes the approach of the whole team. How many open 3s were we knocking down in summer league? That was fun to watch. Watching the Lakers/Celtics 30-on-30 series, they noted how Larry Bird brought also changed the team dynamic and everyone started passing, which made them a much tougher offensive team.
drrayeye says
I can’t believe the apparent acceptance and even enthusiasm for Derrick the anti Lonzo. A volume shooting point guard who seldom passes, can’t shoot the three, can’t play defense, has character issues, and already has career threatening injuries to his knees at 28, is not the mentor I had in mind for Lonzo. Best news for Derrick is that Staples is only a few miles away from County/USC medical center–where he can get diagnosed and rehabilitated when he goes down.
Ray
Pbz06 says
I think what we have to keep in mind is that Pelinka and Magic are trying to build relationships, engage with multiple clients to improve the destination perception, and just show good faith while doing due diligence.
The NBA is a fraternity so at the very least they are advertising their brand and vision to get the word out. They might not necessarily be serious about Rose, but players and agents talk so it could always be a possibility for a future client or word of mouth etc.
KevTheBold says
More good news that the Cavs are unraveling. Irving wants out !
http://www.lakersnation.com/nba-rumors-kyrie-irving-asks-cavaliers-to-trade-him-tired-of-playing-next-to-lebron/2017/07/21/
Robert says
I was extremely skeptical on DAR from the beginning and am thankful he is gone.
It is early, but I am very encouraged by Lonzo. He is showing the potential that DAR never did. He is also just a easier guy to root for and I believe he will be a better leader and a better representative of the franchise which is sorely needed.
KevTheBold says
Robert, we’re shocked, who could have ever imagined, that you felt that way about Russell? Lol,..
Minor Threatt says
As others have stated, I can see no good outcome if we wind up with Rose. I would have taken Rondo 100x before a no-shoot, no-D point guard with bad knees whose character is questionable, to put it mildly. The details of his “acquittal” last fall would be enough to make me steer well clear.
Why you would even contemplate having a guy like Rose “mentor” a kid who, by all accounts, already has a maturity that Rose will never attain is beyond me. I’m going to assume the meeting was a favor to someone to give him leverage somewhere else. Cleveland can have him; Dan Gilbert richly deserves him.
Stephen says
I imagine the appeal of Rose is:
1) The Lakers don’t start rookies at the beginning of their rookie season. let’s them acclimate to the NBA and being a pro. Having Rose gives team a starting caliber PG while Ball settles in.
2) If Rose shows he’s back from his latest injury he becomes a nice rental a contender might want and the Lakers turn him into a nice asset,a nice Second,maybe even a late First.(Esp if #1 was a factor,about late Jan the team may feel Ball’s ready to take over the starting spot.)
3) PR. Rose is a “name” player casual fans would recognize and perhaps buy a jersey or watch the games on TV. Prob more importantly,it would help sell the perception that big names WANT to play for the Lakers again,keeping fans excited about the Lakers even if the team struggles again this season,because next summer everything is possible.
Chutch says
Hoping that we keep Clarkson, the dude is one of the fastest players in the NBA and I can’t wait to see Lonzo hitting him on leak outs, back door cuts, on the wing with Lonzo running the break. Brewer as well. Both can absolutely fly
The best part of making teammates better is being able to accentuate their strengths. JC could have a breakout year if he’s sharing the floor with Lonzo even though he won’t be starting.
dxmanners says
You and I seem to be in the minority around here, I also would like to see JC play with Lonzo before possible shipping him out. Guy is multi skilled, let’s see what happens when he plays with Lonzo, and with Lopez spreading the defense…
Old Timer says
With the development of Kyrie’s trade drama, Rose will entertain the new PG role for the Cavs. Will the Lakers participate in this drama if Lebron is also offered for fire sale? I say NO, stay put and let 2018 FA takes its course. If they come to the Lakers, great! if not just continue the improvement and marquee stars will come to purple and gold.
At present, who will be the back up PG for Lonzo? It appears Rose will go for Cavs with Melo and Lebron. Bulls will hold on to DWade and look for possible trade than buyout. Well, Magic will not trade anybody unless they are willing to get Luol Deng contract. Therefore, Ian Clark becomes the supporting PG together with Ennis and part-time Caruso
Lonzo was compared to Pistol Maravich, well Pete is a good shooter and fancy dribbler. He is an SG. There are many good dribblers in the past like Bob Cousy, Tiny Archibald, Nash and I. Thomas of Bad Boys but Lonzo is more a passer without any fancy. He is more of like Ervin + Jason, the players known for their passing abilities and shooting is their last resort. Lonzo has his own identity with unorthodox style. Looking back at Lonzo games with the Bruins, he could also apply his talents as QB in the NFL
I hope Lakers will invite the perimeter shooters: Matt Thomas, Gabe York, Travis Wear and Vander Blue to the preseason and take another look. There are diamonds in a rough with these G League players. Just add defense in their game, they could be the next wave of Lakers if Clarkson, Randle, Deng are traded before Feb..
drrayeye says
If we get real lucky, we’ll lose Rose to the Cav’s, bring on Clark to be our new Swaggy P, bring Tyler Ennis back as our #2 PG, and play pure Lonzo style ball from the beginning of the season–the kind you envision, Darius..
That has to be instinctively the way Magic wants to go–but he’s not convinced that’s the best way to win. That summer league experience, and the enthusiastic aftermath may be swaying his thinking. It may even be making him rethink 2018.
If we really need that established pg veteran, we’ll still be able to trade for one.
Old Timer says
Agree with your observations drrayeye, Magic is looking for experienced player who had been tried and experienced NBA fox hole. Ian could help on the perimeter but don’t know if he could handle the hustle and grind of the 2nd unit bec of his cameo appearances w/ Dubs. Well, Tony Allen is still available could be paired with JC in handling PG/SG responsibilities. Tony Allen can handle the grit and hustle as sub.
MsWay says
Lonzo has skills that make us all very excited about the future.what we can all agree upon is that we are definately in possession of stars on our roster.Witch one’s will become All-Stars?,-Brandon?-Lonzo?-Julius?-Kuzma? We don’t know yet but what if they are?,We also ,will find out who on our roster is a big game player,who can take it up a notch in the most critical situations.So far only 3 have given us a hint of that potential,Kuz,Jr,Ball. I bet we have a few others also.I think every game at staples will be big this year and every game against 500% and below teams on the road,So it is very possible that we will be watching huge games for the 8th seed race for us at the end of this season, that will tell us who and what we have ,And who to keep.We know or are thinking that one big FA is coming next summer,what if that’s all we need plus tinkering?
Busboys4me says
LeBron’s Next Move
The 2017–2018 NBA season has yet to begin, but speculation is already abuzz about where LeBron James could end up next summer. The biggest rumored destination appears to be the Los Angeles Lakers time and again. However, let’s take a step back and look at this scenario from what we know of LeBron, and what makes basketball sense from a fanalyst perspective.
First things first, we know that LeBron wants to win RIGHT NOW. With the Golden State Warriors players all in their prime years, whatever LeBron (or any other free agent for that matter) chooses to do, it’s measured by one question and one question only, “Can we beat the Dubs?” Right now, no team or player outside of the Bay Area has an answer to that.
To put LeBron in the best possible scenario to win another championship over the next three years, let’s look at the ‘Top 5’ landing spots for him.
5. New York Knicks
The Knicks have been terrible since forever now, but the team does align with LeBron’s needs in a few categories. First it’s New York?—?LeBron’s bigger than life and so is NYC. He can play basketball and operate his many business interests outside of basketball in the biggest advertising market in the world. Additionally, the team hasn’t had a legitimate superstar since Patrick Ewing, who never won a championship. This gives LeBron a clear path to put his stamp on the franchise and the city.
On the court, LeBron can pair up with one of the best big men in the game in Kristaps Porzingis?—?everyone else is expendable so there’s a clean slate here once Carmelo is off the books this year via buyout or trade. Not to mention, the vacant GM and coaching seats are flimsy, so LeBron can make his wish list and slide them to ownership on a paper napkin. To recap, there’s Lebron + Porzingis + whoever else LeBron wants. The King gets to stay in the Eastern Conference, which paves an easier yellow-brick-road to the championship showcase.
There is a downside to going to the Knicks though. The biggest one being, LeBron can be a sore loser at times and the media might eat him alive if, and when, he fades in spotlight moments. Not to mention that New York fans are unforgiving too. Then again, this may be something that strengthens LeBron’s character and further pushes him to greatness. The Knicks are a great option for a control-centric LeBron, but not exactly the win RIGHT NOW team if ownership doesn’t respond once the ink dries on the contract. Those could make for terrible prime years for LeBron.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Kawhi Leonard is a silent beast, a White Walker in disguise. Outside of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, he probably gets to the rim easier than any other player in the league. Pairing LeBron and Kawhi together would be a death duo. You can literally place three other ‘average’ players on the court and it’ll still turn out well on any given night. However, it’s not the pairing itself that’s scary, it’s the trio of LeBron + Kawhi + Popovich.
If LeBron were simply about winning and winning only, this is the destination for him. On the flip side, it could never work. First things first, playing for the Spurs literally means that players trade in their egos, identities, and personalities for a jersey number. Secondly, Popovich is the leader and that’s that. You whine, you sit. You talk back, you sit. You don’t hustle, you sit. LeBron’s not down with that. Period.
Lastly, there’s nothing in San Antonio for LeBron, and the team will forever belong to Tim Duncan and David Robinson. That’s bad for brand.
3. OKC Thunder or Houston Rockets
These two teams will be the ‘just add water’ destinations next summer. Both teams have two alpha dogs in place already that will have played with one another for a year already in Russell Westbrook + Paul George and James Harden + Chris Paul. To be honest, these teams will both be too rich with contracts and too top heavy for consideration, so it would never work. Plus, LeBron James doesn’t want to be a part of a team so much as he wants to be the team and build his personal brand. Neither of these destinations builds upon that, yet both would be a sight to see on the court.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Even if the Golden State Warriors are the team of the hour, there’s no team larger-than-life as are the Los Angeles Lakers. There’s not only history in the organization, but there’s also new and renewed blood in the core personnel of Team President Magic Johnson, Coach Luke Walton, rookie phenom Lonzo Ball and fast flourishing Brandon Ingram. The team is all about rings and the city is all about glamour, two things that LeBron can easily buy into.
Every player on the Lakers (not named Lonzo or Ingram) is expendable at this point. Additionally, the team has a war chest the size of Scrooge McDuck’s basement?—?gold bricks that are stacked, stamped and ready to spend with a purple seal of approval by Magic and one of the Buss’s.
The roster would be free and clear to bring in an entire starting lineup. Anyone and everyone from John Wall, Chris Paul, Boogie Cousins, Paul George to LeBron James himself. Let’s not forget that Russell Westbrook can be swapped for one or both of the guards. The possibilities of stacking next year’s Lakers team would be like playing with special edition Lego’s.
The ONLY drawback to this scenario for LeBron is that he would live in the shadow of Kobe Bryant. Kareem, Magic and the other Laker greats are from different eras so they don’t matter much, but Kobe looms large in the present. LeBron’s brand can ill-afford to be overshadowed by five rings that he may never get close to. LeBron’s brand and legacy may overshadow a desire to rub shoulders with Jack and Denzel on the sidelines. Besides, LeBron can hop on his private jet to run any or all of his companies in LA whenever he wants.
Prime Destination: Miami Heat
Magic may be the man in LA right now, but Pat Riley is the Godfather! Riley’s proposition to LeBron is easy, “We’ve done it before and we can do it again.” Plus, LeBron’s had a taste of Miami already.
Let’s forget about how the money works out for a moment because Pat Riley can make anything happen. He’s the lifeline you want on any gameshow and in any situation in life?—?call Pat Riley. In thinking about the team as it stands, Hasan Whiteside is the only must-keep piece on the roster. In Erik Spoelstra, LeBron has a coach that he trusts already. In Riley himself, LeBron has the man who knows how to piece together a team for winning RIGHT NOW. Clearly if LeBron ends up back in Miami, Dwayne Wade is a must-add sixth man for both leadership and ‘making things right’ in the basketball universe. Ideally, Wade can retire gracefully after another run and give LeBron the ‘right of passage’ as the Heat’s leader.
A move to Miami does several things for LeBron:
Keeps his legacy and promises intact among two teams
Keeps him in the Eastern Conference
Gives him a front office that knows what it’s doing
Pairs him with coaches and surrounding players built for RIGHT NOW
Adds another layer to his legacy if Miami wins more championships
While the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be the glamorous destination, I look for LeBron to call Miami home once again in the near future.
Anonymous says
Lebron will be 33 next year with more mileage than any player in history. On a 1 or 2 year deal fine. But a 4 year deal guarantees you are buying the downside of his career.
Plus, adding Lebron puts the Lakers in a win now mode. All of Lebron’s teams find themselves old and capped out in an effort to satisfy his need to win. That’s when Lebron wants to move on. Buyer beware.
Old Timer says
This is the beauty of 2017 season, M&R as well as Luke can experiment and see what the future brings? Supposing miracle happens Lakers go deep in the playoffs and the Vets/youth chemistry works, will u still proceed with the expensive 2 marquee stars? At this time we can speculate the learning curve and trends, we’re not even sure that James and George are committed to purple and gold. We are not also sure whether those two egos will complement and submit themselves to Lakers? If the chemistry does not pan out and don’t work with their self interest what prevents them from Imitating Kyrie: “I’m the Star here”. I suggest let’s move on forward as we withstood being bored Laker fans, survived the mediocrity since 2011 with multiple coaches and clueless vision. I’m excited of what will come out of this new breed of Lakers in ’17-18 season.
Alexander says
This was an interesting and thoughtful read, until you got to Miami and your conclusion. Do you see *anyone* on MIA’s roster that can match up even to GSW’s bench (Iggy, Levingston, West, McCaw, McGee, Swaggy P, etc), never mind their four all-NBA starters? Surrounded by players “built for RIGHT NOW”? What and who are you talking about?
Whiteside is a traditional non-stretch 5 / top-30 player, Dragic the 14th best PG per Bleacher Report, the rest of the roster is G-league, and they are OVER the cap now and in 2018 with no flexibility. If Lebron takes the MLE to go to MIA, does Wade sign for the vet minimum?
If Lebron leaves, it will be either for a near-ready super team (as you mention), or for a young team with assets that are poised to become better than GSW *and* cap room for himself and ideally at least one more top-10 FA. That’ll be the Lakers or Philly.
RR says
Pelton on SL
“…the takeaways regarding which stats translate well from the summer league to the regular season held up well. Rebounding, assist rate and block rate all tend to translate well. Shooting percentages have little predictive power, and steal and turnover rates tend also to be somewhat misleading.”
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20122364/kevin-pelton-weekly-nba-mailbag-including-kyle-kuzma-dennis-smith-jr-more
drrayeye says
Lots of crazy talk: good crazy talk; optimistic crazy talk–maybe a Laker team in the playoffs or more in 2018-2019–but wait . . . .
We’re preparing for 2017-2018, and we’d like to win more games than last year–and that needs to be what we’re mostly thinking about. At the same time, I think we need to establish Lonzo ball as a new style of basketball, and be sure that anyone the Lakers add in the future–buys in. That’s anyone.
and that’s why I’m hoping we will be losing the Derrick Rose sweepstakes tomorrow.
After our 2017-2018 season, those superstars, whoever they are, will be grateful when the Lakers give them a chance to once again make Laker history.
George Best says
Will we overpay more for LeBron or Steve Nash?