I wasn't sure what THIS was all about the first time I saw THIS with respect to D'Angelo Russell. When you look into this a little further you see that this young buck has chosen to sort of brand himself with this concept of
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The question is what are we waiting for?
"DLoading's" teammates might suggest they are still waiting for a pass (Russell has 5 assists through 3 games). In game three it seemed that D'Angelo kept "Loading" shots ( 4-13 FG and 2-7 3pt). Perhaps he was just following Kobe's Lead (3-15 FG, 2-8 3pt).
"I'm the 200th best player in the league. I fricking suck." _kobe bryant after game 3
It really isn't fair to compare him to anyone currently playing or who has played the game (see Magic Johnson comparisons). But, we do it anyways.
Last Season, Jordan Clarkson spent a fair portion of the NBA season getting reps for the DFenders. He started and played a ton of minutes. He "Developed" and that is what the "D" in D-League stands for. After three seasons in college (age 22) and a ton of minutes in "the D," this player's readiness and expectation level was much different than what Russell's were coming in.
Regardless of the "excitement" of having a young play-maker like Russell coming in to start alongside the other "baby Lakers" in Clarkson and Randle, perhaps it is better to ease him into that role.
DLoading NEEDS some Loading... time
Perhaps too much hype and emphasis has been put on the kid's shoulders? The number two overall was selected ahead of Jahlil Okafor which DID surprise MANY. With THAT move, the Laker organization CLEARLY put their stamp on their future. No top Free Agent was pulled and the Lakers filled the void at Center with Indiana cast-away Roy Hibbert. That is okay. You can't coach height so if you can get a 7-2 lane-clogging, shot-blocking Center you do it. But, Hibbert is limited in speed, quickness and offensive game.
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| Russell said he isn't used to losing. I'm sorry Russell have you WON anything? |
So, when you insert a 19 year old rookie into the lineup as your starting PG, with ALL the hoopla and expectations, and your lineup consists of:
Sophmore guard Jordan Clarkson, an aged and struggling Kobe Bryant, a sophmore forward with 14 minutes of NBA action and a center who poses NO threat offensively what can you realistically expect? That, in and of itself is unfair.
Is this young player REALLY in the best possible position for his or the team's success?
Even the Dodgers babied who is now known as the "best pitcher on the planet" over the last three seasons in Clayton Kershaw. They knew what they had in Kershaw when they drafted him but didn't bring him up right away. When they did he was on limited pitch count to preserve his young arm. Look how HE turned out. He was developed properly with a very precise game plan as to HOW to do it. And, D'Angelo is probably NOT the Clayton Kershaw of the NBA so he might need just a little more time to develop.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have gone "feet-to-the-fire" with Russell. Byron was still contemplating NOT starting the kid for game 1, but he did.
The organization should look at developing this asset in the right way in terms of bringing him along and lessening the burden and expectations, otherwise this really will be another very very long...
(STILL) Loading... (You get the idea)
Let's face it, the Lakers aren't THAT good. That being said they must look for EVERY opportunity to create more success in the way of defense, rebounding, possessions, ball control and made shots. Where is the cream and when will "it" rise?
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The Lakers went "all-in" on the number 2 saying that they would rather have Russell over Free Agent options like Rondo and then pursue the big man options in the future.
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In comparison they "could have" landed Rondo AND drafted Okafor who is averaging 20 ppg, 5.3 rebounds over 33.7 minutes played. This young Center IS an offensive option you can throw the ball to in the post compared to Hibbert who is NOT. This is ON Lakers' Brass.
Right now, in terms of moving the ball, pace and ball control "rookie" Marcelo Huertas' numbers are showing much better than Gelo.
Huertas: 14 mpg, 9 assists, 3.0 APG, 2TOs, .7 TOpg AP48 10.3, Ast/TO 4.5
Gelo: 25.3 mpg, 5 assists, 1.7 APG, 5 TOs, 1.7 TOpg, 3.2 AP48, Ast/TO 1.0
So when D'Angelo makes excuses about his self-proclaimed lack of opportunities (dude, you are the starting PG for the Lakers averaging 25.3 minutes per game) look no further than down the bench to Marcelo Huertas who is finding success in an extremely limited role.
As a coach, I don't like excuses. I want accountability and hard work. The hype around this kid concerns me with now with Nike, Gatorade and the "Kardashian" brands on his jock. All of THAT plus his nonchalant attitude is ONLY going to bring on more harsh criticism and I am not so sure that ANY 19 year old kid can handle THAT:
Too many Distractions Already for an unproven player.
With what we have seen thus far it is fair to say that Randle IS a stud and he stays the starter at the "4." Kobe? Well, he is Kobe Bryant and with health is STILL one of the game's best. Meanwhile, Marcelo is showing his value as a ball-handler and a passer without looking to score, and Lou Williams is one of the team's best scoring options (perhaps the best).
If this is 5 years ago Kobe then he could CLEARLY take the lead, the burden and the CHARGE of this young squad. But this is "old kobe" and he too needs relief physically AND support from others in the way of scoring. Enter Lou Williams and Nick Young.
It becomes easy to bash, criticize and perhaps "hate."
The reality is this:
The NBA season is three games in.
The Lakers DO NOT have a good team.
The starting point guard is 19 years old and has limited options to throw the ball to.
Let us let this kid and this team "DEVELOP."
That part is on the Coach and the Coaching staff.
I see no harm in entertaining a starting lineup of:
Huertas, Lou, Kobe, Randle and either Black or Hibbert
Second group:
Russell, JC, Swaggy, Bass (?)...
and the energy of Anthony Brown, Nance 2 and Metta are MUCH needed!
Something has to give
for let us not be
D(e)Nying...
the reality that we, FANS, will be waiting...
while this team is
(STILL) LOADING...
The TEAM needs to get on the same page, or else...
The TEAM needs to get on the same page, or else...
