Lakers needed some Magic in Orlando but got snake bit, Mamba style, instead
There was talk that Vucevic would possibly test himself (coming off missing the previous three games due to a bone bruise in his right knee). THIS was NOT the news I wanted to hear.
Well, he not only tested his knee, he ends up with this game-winning bucket with 1.5 seconds left for the play...
Heart- Breaking. THIS Hurt https://t.co/3Mx6G55xBs
— Chauncey (@gonzosports1) November 12, 2015
Nikola (USC) finished with 18 points in 25 minutes on 9-16 shooting.
This game and moment HURT. However, it had to be equally or more so exhilarating for Vucevic and the Magic; as much as this was painful to watch and perhaps more painful to bear witness to on the hardwood as a Laker. What a moment and a game for them (Magic).
And, that's just it. THIS was a good game. I would go so far to say it was a great game in spite of the "L" for L - A.
Positively Speaking:
1) Another quality start for Metta:
9 pts, 4-7 FG, 27 Mins, 2 Bds, 1 A, 1 Stl, 1 BS
2) Career game for Nance 2:
Nance was inactive for the first THREE games for the Lakers. He was available in game 4 but got "DNP." At this point we knew that the Lakers were struggling on defense and getting pounded in areas like "paint points." Playing MWP and Nance seemed logical but they didn't get a sniff until they BOTH debuted in the first quarter vs the NY Knickerbockers ( #FPhil ). Good things happened. Since then, Metta has found himself starting at the "Three" while Kobe "Rests."
"I'm one of the best forwards in the world"_ MWP
Robert Horry, after the loss in Orlando, suggested Nance starting at the 4 and Randle at the Three. Not a bad idea.
Who starts, for me, is NOT as important as overall contribution and finishing.
The game against the Magic should NOT have come down to a last second turn-around.
The Lakers Needed some of their OWN MAGIC
Nance had been on the floor for a considerable amount of time but was taken out (5-6 minutes left in the 4th) to NOT return.
20 mins, 13 pts, 6-6 FG, 1-1 3pt, 3 bds, 1 A
Nance is averaging 18.25 mpg, 6.8 pts, 4.3 rpg and 70.6% FG. Start or NOT, this player needs MORE time on the floor.
It should be evident by now that the "front court" rotation between the 4 and 5 spots are firm with the following: Hibbert, Randle, Nance and MWP.
Inactive/DNP are reserved for Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre.
This leaves Black and Bass. I like them BOTH and they BOTH do positive things, however, they BOTH also show too many lapses and deficiencies.
Easy shots and opportunities were missed, in the 4th quarter, and blown by the Lakers including mental lapses and turnovers.
3) Russell closed the game out? I don't necessarily call this a "positive" as players like Clarkson and Nance were riding the pine down the stretch. What I DO like is his overall play.
For those of you who think #DLoading is NOT good. Lakers https://t.co/wk3D90o7yA
— Chauncey (@gonzosports1) November 12, 2015
The numbers are NOT great but he played with more energy and assertion:
31 mins, 14 pts, 6-15 FG, 2-5 3pt, 6 bds, 3 A, 3TO
Who was guarding Napier?
30 mins, 22 pts, 8-16 FG, 5-9 3pt
4) The comparison of Julius Randle TO Aaron Gordon:
Gordon went 4 and Randle went 7 in 2014 DRAFT.
Gordon:
18.1 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 44%, 4.9 rpg, 1 A
Randle:
28.4 mpg, 11.9 ppg, 45%, 8.3 rpg, 2.9 A
Granted, Randle is playing about ten more minutes per contest, but he is currently showing better than Gordon. AND, one could make the argument that Larry Nance Jr.'s number are comparable and/or better in ways. Either way, Lakers' Brass showing they struck GOLD in Nance2 (27th pick in 2015 Draft).
5) Huertas: He did some good things AND he did some bad things. THIS "rookie" needs to stay on the ground when passing AND learn how to get through screens. If he could shore up his deficiencies he CAN help the purple and gold as the only true backup point guard.
6) Coach Scott: He is FINALLY getting his rotation in order. Now, it is just a matter of having the RIGHT combos in the RIGHT situations and times. And he has to play his very BEST, the very MOST minutes.
Meanwhile on the "Lakers Flagship Station"
"they are STILL looking for that elusive second win.." _Brian Kamenetzky ESPN LA 11/12/15
This isn't necessarily the stuff that motivates ME to do THIS which is to take my time to write thoughts and opinions that no one is paying for nor necessarily cares about.
I do THIS for "the love of the game."
BUT, really "Kam Bros!?" WE did know that this squad was going to struggle, right?
