ONE AND (not) DONE? LONZO'S BALLS TEND NOT TO GO IN; Lakers Lose Opener to Clippers

LonZo Ball had a subpar debut in the Summer League; The Lakers won the tourney and Ball the MVP. [Image SI.com]

          I saw a tweet the other day, BEFORE Lonzo and the Lakers debuted last night, that read,

" that trade (D'Angelo Russell / Timofey Mozgov to BKN for B. Lopez and the no 27 pick) is the worst trade ever next to the James Harden trade."

Others were super pumped about D'Angelo's debut for Brooklyn with his 30 points on 12/22 shooting.  Yes, he did well.  His team lost, just like the Lakers did.

D'Angelo is a good player.  He is hungry and probably bitter about the trade.  He is also on a team/ roster who's other starting guard (Jeremy Lin) just went down with a season-ending injury.  The roster is as putrid as Mr. Russell's (THEE) Ohio State Roster and Dee AingeRuss will have AMPLE opportunity to fill it up.  How about those assists?  Rebounds? Defense?  

That trade had to be made and it was a good to great move for LA.  To be able to unload the horrific Mozzie deal (Luol where YOU at?) , have a major upgrade at the Center position which also plays a part in next year's Cap flexibility, AND score Kyle Kuzma?  UM, "that trade" was a very smart, very wise, and very good trade.  Period.  Unfortunately, the Lakers had to include a good player of their own.  Lonzo is a better point guard.  

There has been a pattern, albeit a small and short sampling, where his "debut games" at the NBA level have been, well, less than average.

Lonzo Ball's Lakers Summer Debut Game ONE:

 32 minutes, had five points on 2-15 FG (13.3%), (ahem) 1 for 11 from three point range (9.1%), grabbed 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 TOs, 2 Steals and 1 block.  As bad as that line is, and it is, the worst part is he got schooled by Kendall Marshall in that game.

We all know what transpired after that.  The Lakers went on to capture the NBA Summer League Title and Ball won the MVP with averages of:

 16.3 ppg // 34-89 FG 38.2% // 7.7 rpg // 9.3 apg // 2.5 spg // 1 bpg _ NBA.COM 


LonZo Ball's NBA Pre Season Debut:

5 pts // 7 reb // 8 A // 2 Stl // 3 TO // 2-9 FG // 1-5 3pt

He only played a little more than a game and a half of the pre-season before injuring his ankle and ONLY being released to be a full participant in practice as of this past Monday, October 16, 2017.  The Lakers first game was last night (4 days AFTER he was released to practice in full).

So, to anticipate a crazy debut with crazy numbers is, quite frankly...CRAZY.  And that is asking way too much of a 19 year old with an ankle injury.

One nice attribute about Ball is that when his shot is not falling he will find other production to help his team.  Last night Ball was second on the team in rebounding with 9, tied leading the team in assists with 4 (Ingram) and he also had a steal and a block.  Similar to his "other" NBA debuts, Ball fell short in the shooting column: 

3 points on 1-6 FG // 1- 3 from 3 // 0-2 FT 

This team, right now, is a BAD free throw and three-point shooting squad.  But watch...

Lonzo WILL help that.  He has not had a lot of time to gel yet with the team (due to injury).  Is anyone talking about Markelle Fultz?  (crickets)

The Lakers may have selected the best player in the draft.  We cannot say that about the previous draft selections at the number 2 spot.  So, D'AngerGod can go out there and get his 20 points a night on 7- 21 shooting with 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 turnovers and .... lose.  Meanwhile, in his first season as a pro, Lonzo Ball will hover around the top 5 in Assists and top 3 in rebounds for a guard.

The bigger issue or question for the Lakers is this:

What the fuck is Coach Walton doing playing 12 guys in game 1?  Is this still pre-season?

Andrew Bogut?  11 mins?  He basically did nothing but make Luol Deng look fleet-footed...

Speaking of Deng..2 points in 13 minutes.  Why bother.

Ennis // Caruso BOTH? 21 mins // 4 points // 5 assists.  I like Caruso and was stoked to see him get a two- way deal but he should not have been on the floor last night simply for continuity reasons.

Same for Bogut.  We have seen enough.  Bogut is a waste of space and cannot move.  Hell, Roy Fucking Hibbert can do more than what we saw last night (and that is REALLY, REALLY, really really really....BAD).

So the issue is not Lonzo Ball's debut so much as it is that Coach Walton decided to play 12 guys, several of whom should NOT be playing at all, and also play one of his top 5 or 6 players (Julius Randle) just under 18 minutes.

This loss goes to the Coach.

ps

Nance Jr was a beast last night.  His defense on Blake Griffin was absolutely superb!

Russell Returns for the Lakers: Rose is sweeter for the Knicks

Before last night's game against the New York Knicks I tweeted that it wasn't his offense I was worried about but it was D'Angelo's defense that had me concerned especially coming off of a knee injury.

I should have used some of the 140 characters more wisely.

Lakers turned and looked a lot on D last night vs the Knicks. 

It is pretty easy to look at a box-score and define how easily a team "could have won" when the loss is by as few as SIX POINTS. That's three layups or two threes.

Kristaps Porzingis continues to make the argument that he could have easily been the Number One Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.  Certainly no lower than the pick number two, behind only Towns, where the Lakers decided upon young D'Angelo.  Jahlil Okafor went third and Porzingis was four.  He had 7 BLOCKS against the Lakers, most of which were around the rim.

D'Angelo, in his "minute-restricted" return after missing 12 games, played 16 minutes and took 8 shots.  He went 1-8 from the floor.  The make was a three.  He shot three of those.  He also had five assists, 2 steals and turned the ball over 4 times.

Ingram also went 1-8 and 1-3 from three.  These two combined for 2-16 FG, 2-6 3pt for 6 points.

So, if one of those 7 Blocks by Porzingis ends up and "and-one," and Russell and Ingram each hit one more shot, the Lakers Win.  There is certainly more to it than that, but it could have been that simple.  It also could have been as simple as playing proper defensive positioning.  The Lakers have reverted to their "DEFENSIVE SYNDROME" once again with guys getting beat and help-side defense either not being present or the rotation falling short.  They were lethargic at times, lacking energy and communication, and seemed to almost be without "purpose."

Someone called the game that Luol Deng had a "break-out" game as a Laker.  I will call it perhaps his most productive and he was maybe the most efficient he has been with 62.5% shooting from three (5-8) and 8-13 for 61%  overall for 22 points.  Deng added 2 steals which he has consistently done this season regardless of point production.

Will Deng continue playing at this level of efficiency?

Unlikely.

But, he can play close to that each time out and the Lakers need productivity from his position, especially considering the $18M per.

There was so much (media) emphasis on the "Return of Russell" that people forgot that Nick Young, Tarik Black and Jose Calderon have all been missing in action as well.

Young returned and looked good, particularly in the first half when he ended with ten points in twelve minutes.  He finished with 15 in 20 on 54.5% from the floor.

On a night when Nick Young and Luol Deng were feelin it and were very efficient, especially in the first half, perhaps young D'Angelo should have "looked" for his mates more as opposed to launching so many bricks?

Speaking of Bricks.. Derrick Rose did NOT have many. He finished 12-16 for 25 points.  Many of those were either a running shot or layup. Defense? Having D'Angelo Russell on the floor, coming off a knee injury, playing defense on Derrick Rose is like.. like.. well, it was like the best cure for an ailing back.

D'Angelo needs extensive wall drills and lunge work.  This will only benefit his "injured" knee (it's weak), but will help him in shooting as well..

D'Angelo" What did you say?"

Me: I said you need to strengthen your knees by doing lunges and the wall drill

D'Angelo: Nah, man.. the part about shooting?

Me: Oh.. yeh, this will also benefit you as a shooter.

The (Defensive) Bad Habits need to end...soon

Where is the "D" in "D Loading?" D'Angelo Russell Returns Tonight vs Knicks

D'Angelo Russell looked poised.  He followed through with stellar "actions" this past Lakers Summer, perhaps with a bit of a chip on his shoulder from the previous season.

He has since followed through with more "ice in his veins" moments this season and has increased his offensive production and efficiency.

Russell Loaded Up this past Summer with a plethora of clutch shots. Note: Ben Simmons (25) defensive position. (He is a 6-9 point guard that takes time off on D)

Next Man-UP! The Lakers Mantra being tested

The Lakers find themselves testing the limits of the "next man-up" mantra and attitude that begins with Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton and ends with the last men on the bench.  It has been some of the last men on the bench, literally, that have filled in nicely for the team.

Walton has demonstrated on more than one occasion that he would much rather keep one of the NBA's best five, the Lakers' Second Unit, in tact.  Thomas Robinson, Jose Calderon, Metta World Peace and Marcelo Huertas are all players that with a "healthy" starting backcourt would ordinarily not be seeing the floor much, if at all.

Much is being made of the loss of D'Angelo Russell.  When you factor in his 4.8 assists each time out, you can say that he has a part of at least 26 points per contest.  Nick Young is fourth on the list of Lakers Top Scorers and Russell is two.  Losing two of your top four scorers hurts ANY team.  Marcelo Huertas filled in nicely last game with 7 assists and five steals last game.  Huertas replaced the injured "back-up point guard" Jose Calderon.  Calderon had previously filled-in for D'Angelo and had been playing steady basketball.

When T-Rob, Thomas Robinson, got the start when Julius Randle missed a game due to a "hip-pointer" injury he grabbed 10 rebounds.

So, the "next-man UP" IS stepping UP for the Lakers.

They are just running out of available players to back-up those back-ups.  And, players like Jordan Clarkson and Luol Deng are not stepping up enough.  Clarkson has had moments but has been inconsistent, including a 3-13 performance against the Rockets.

Deng?   Luol is still doing the intangibles.  He is hustling and making plays on the ball that do not show up in the stat sheet.  However, at some point your highest paid player and "leader" needs to take the bull by the horns and ball.  Luol has not done that yet.

 He has complained about playing time yet when given added opportunity he seems to take "steps-back," while  those around him seem "step- UP."   Surrounded by his youthful and more energetic Lakers Teammates, Deng seems to fade away into an obscurity of sorts.  Almost forgotten about.

But, Luol Deng is STILL on this team and he is STILL a starter.  I don't think the Lakers have anymore "protected-picks" to lose for so at some point the Coaches have to look long and hard at Deng.  Thomas Robinson has already shown that when called upon he exceeds expectations, brings energy and hustle and also produces.  These are ALL things the Luol Deng is NOT doing.

Lou Williams has stepped up, hit big shots, played consistently and put his team on his back.

Jordan Clarkson has... well, Jordan Clarkson has worn a kilt.

He has to do more than that.

Way more than that.

Tarik Black's energy and defense in the middle has been missed but the Lakers have Nance Jr. back who knows he has to step-up in Black's absence.  Robinson can also help fill that void.

It is easy to look at a 39-point loss and say that you need to play better defense.  They also shot poorly (39% vs HOU 54 %).  This includes Clarkson and Deng combining at 4-18 from the field totaling nine points.

Next MAN-UP!

Step IN, Step-UP.. Defend the perimeter against the quick guards of Phoenix and contain the middle against the Suns'active Bigs.

D-Fend Home Court

Will the Lakers REBOUND? Lakers True Test begins Tonight vs OKC

   Jimmy Butler wasn't scared and neither will a Russell of another ilk, Westbrook, coming to "his house" in Los Angeles. RUSS will no doubt be bringing rings of fire with him to only add to his gaudy numbers against these Lakers. 

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

In their first meeting, which was an LA Loss back on October 30, 2016,  Westbrook hung a "Kareem" on them with "33" pts.  He also went "trip-dub" adding 16 Assists and 11 Rebounds.

   This facet of the game, REBOUNDING, will be key in their re-match.  Rebounds,

Lakers are .500: A re-cap of the 3-3 start, Jim Buss might be right and the Phoenix Suns Tonight

     Well this "that season" for the Lakers.  This is the so called year that Jim Buss was referring to when he said that if the Lakers were not in contention in three or four years that he would step down.  This chatter started to change a bit last year during the Lakers all-time worst season.

D'Angelo Russell (1), one of the rewards of the Lakers past dismal seasons showing he does have "Ice in his veins."

Speaking of (worst seasons and such..)

     It is interesting to see, hear and read all the so-called pundits, experts and analysts that rank players and teams in the preseason.  I believe the consensus was that the Lakers would finish last in the Western Conference this season. Uhhhhh.... what?  Where were YOU LAST SEASON?!

Many, if not all of us, believed the Lakers would "better" their record last season from the 21 wins of 2014-15 right?  Well, the Lakers had another one of those "top 3 protected" picks that they did not have a chance at unless they were amongst the last rungs of the NBA ladder.


 The Lakers were BETTER than their 21 win AND their 17 win records indicate in my opinion.  
But, in the words of a long-time Lakers Season Ticket Holder I sat next to last season vs Memphis at Staples (1 of the few games Kobe "sat out"),

"We Want the Pick.."

The Lakers GOT THEIR PICK in Brandon Ingram (14) shown here firing one off in Lakers Summer

     Soooo, say or think what you want but A) there were at least 13 games of horrible coaching with respect to line-up moves and situations and B) T....t...t...t...Taaaaank syndrome seemed to set in every now and again so that the race to the bottom remained in tact.  One of the bottom dwellers last season is the team the Lakers face tonight (6:30 pm PST), the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers "edged" Phoenix and the Celtics out for number 2 and went with Ingram.  The Suns took Dragan Bender, a 7'1 ish shooting guard at number 4.  You heard me.  

The reason why Bender "handles the ball so well" is because he has played a lot of point guard.  And, dude likes to shoot from the perimeter.  Not to say he has no inside game to speak of but he looks to be most suited and comfortable at guard and this is where the Suns played him during the summer where we saw him guarding wing players like Jaylen Brown.

Dragan Bender (35) "guards" Jaylen Brown (9), 2016 picks 4 and 3 respectively.  At 7'1" Bender is a perimeter player.

      The Suns are "guard heavy" and one of those guards is perhaps the best shooter of the 2015 draft, Devin Booker.  Booker is averaging 19.8 thus far.  Eric Bledsoe, who the Suns acquired* in an off-season trade in 2013, is at 17.2 and Brandon Knight is averaging 13.2 points and leads the team with 5 assists.  Knight was acquired in another three team deal* in the 2015 off-season.

Devin Booker (1) might be the best shooter of the 2015 draft, taken 13th.  Let's see what D'Angelo and the Lakers D says

     These guards are all good and they are all fast.  Their second-round draft pick, Tyler Ulis (Kentucky), AND their top pick (Bender) are not really seeing the floor thus far.  The Lakers had their chance at Ulis but went with Zubac instead at number 32.  And, what a pick. 



The caveat for Zubac this season will be

Ivica Zubac: Second Round Gold again for Lakers

opportunity as the Lakers have a pretty full deck.  Look to possibly see Zubac pull "Clarkson-Like" double- duty with the DFenders and Lakers this season.  That being said, once Ivica has the right opportunity, ie "PT" Playing Time we may see that the Lakers scored the best big in the last draft.  He is a skilled big and a ball-hawk defender that in time will tally the blocks for the purple and gold.


Lakers 3-3 Roller-Coaster Re-Cap:

After game one (a Lakers Victory):  The Lakers will go 82-0!

After going 1 and 3 (prior to the Atlanta Game) "If they don't win tonight, I don't know WHEN they will get another "double u."

After beating Atlanta and GSW to go 3-3:

The Lakers will win the championship in 2017!

Well, if that last remark is true or if the Lakers are in contention this season that would make Jim Buss correct and safe in his position of management.  Bitter-Sweet?

So, I like the Lakers in tonight's matchup and not because they have played well all season, nor because they have beaten the A-T-L and GS dubs in the last two, but because their roster is a better roster than the Suns.

This is home turf and Luke Walton has his young team focused and poised on D-Fending Staples.  

Tonight will be a great test of the defense and maturity of the Lakers.

But, who is going to guard Randle?

 And as far as Jim Buss is concerned?  

At some point is there credit where credit is due?

Ingram (14), Nance Jr. (7) and Russell (1) all seem to be shining bright and so does Lakers Brass

Lady Luck kind to Lakers in Vegas: The ice in D'Angelo Russell's veins too much for Ben Simmons and the 76ers

      It seemed as though the Lakers may have been suffering from a little Hangover effect Saturday night as no one could hit a shot, make a pass, or defend the hoop.

The Lakers may have been a little drunk on their success 

Friday Night as they face Ben Simmons and a 76ers squad

that is much tougher than New Orleans.  

     The first half of basketball, between the Los Angeles Lakers and 76ers, is something that I am sure everyone would like to forget.

Especially the Sixers.

Philadelphia played three games in the Utah Summer League, had a day of rest, a  30-25 Halftime advantage, a 16 point lead in the third quarter and they managed to lose to the Lakers by one point.

A similar back-forth happened between these two teams in last summer's match which featured picks two (D'Angelo) and three (Okafor).  This year it was about 1 v 2.




Ben Simmons enters the building and it is only a matter of time before BOOS rain down when Bennie's mug is plastered on the Jumbo Screen.  Speaking of elephants in a room, Jim Buss was there again and was seated at his center-court position, again, right across from the Lakers Bench.  Simmons got more Booos Saturday night but, ahem, ESPN/NBA TV did not show Jimbo on the screen like they did twice in game one.

All Eyes were on Ben and Brandon (picks 1 and 2)

Simmons looked good though.  He almost had a quadruple double (7 Turn-Overs).  His vision, speed and passing dominated.  Many of those turn-overs are acceptable due his having the ball a majority of the time and in some cases his teammates are ill-prepared for his passes.  He found them often for 8 assists.  His "back-court" mate (yes, Simmons started at the "4" but really played point guard) T.J McConnell led the Sixers with 12 points, including an end-to-end layup past D'Angelo Russell that put his team up by one with 1.8 seconds left.  D'Angelo admitted to being schooled on that play.  He was.  And did.  D'Angelo has a lot of work to do with his feet and defensive positioning.

But, if it wasn't for D'Angelo Russell's performance down-the-stretch, the Sixers walk away with their forst victory in Vegas rather then the Lakers being 2-0.  It was the first of TWO Larry Nance Jr.'s skying statuesque dunks that may have had Steve Wynn looking out from his penthouse suite wondering why the ground was shaking.


"LARR-EEE... LARR-EEE... LARR-EEE..."

The LARRY chants kicked in after this thunderous dunk, but fans also greeted LARRY with the chant earlier in the game when Nance Jr. air-balled his first attempt from the field.

Respect.  So EPIC.  THIS is WHY you COME.  THIS is why you drive some 5:35 hours (Trafiic) and risk bumper-to-bumper bullshit traffic on the 15 freeway on a sweaty Sunday Night.  This is shit that television cannot bring you.  Larry Nance Jr. Reminded US of Larry Nance, his father, chills ran down our spines and the crowd noise and energy was off the chain.

Larry Nance Jr. threw done two Giant Hammers on the 76ers that were reminiscent of his father (shown here).  Juniors energy (13 pts, 7 steals, 4 blocks, 8 board) propelled the Young Lakers to their second victory.  Brought chills down my spine.

Lakers begin waking UP (I was hoping that someone gave these Lolly-Gaggin Lakers some Red Bulls and Vodka for their Hangover).

Nance has another tomahawk slam.

The crowd erputs.  If you left during that strecth, like homie and home girl in fron of us, then you missed out on the best dunks of the game and D'Angelo had begun dropping bombs from the outside.

At one point, during the Fourth Quarter,  a fan on the big screen mimicked D'Angelo Russell, mouthed, "I have Ice in my veins" several times all while pointing down to his left forearm.  Russell was definitely cool under pressure hitting essentially two game-winning shots to edge Philly at the wire: 22 points on 3-9 3PT field goals and he is on record as saying in conclusion, post-game with J.A. Adande, "I played like shit!" D'Angelo ends the game, from deep, and the ice water floweth.  Without Nance tearing it up on both sides of the ball, however, the Lakers have no chance for Loading to win the game at the end.

 

D"Angelo Russell showing fans and teammates something this season.  More than anything, Mr. Russell is accepting responsibility for his play.  He is being accountable and understands he has a ways to go.  Meanwhile, D'Angelo beasted down-the-stretch with inspired play of his own dropping in 4 of 5 late for his Lakers to get the dub.  And, even if this TEAM was drunk on the champagne of their own success and adrenaline that happens from all of the deserved excitement that fans out here in Vegas got to see.

Other Notes (Jibber-Jabber and opinion fodder of another kind:

TJ McConnell went schoolyard out here and dribbled ALL OVER the floor..  These Lakers, who were swarming Buddy Hield and the Pelicans one night earlier, could not stop Ben Simmons and McConnell from driving all over.  Zubac seemed sluggish but eventually drains two key buckets in the fourth that the team desperately needed.  Auguste had ANOTHER nice game and compliments this team/core very well.  I would like to see Auguste gets chance with the Varsity squad if he continues to play ball like this.

McConnell needs to be on a roster (if he is not already)

Ben Simmons sliced and diced very much like LeBron does cutting through the lane and finding people for sick dump passes.  Yes.. he is good.  Scout: Shut him down on the perimeter; do not let him roam free; take away his passing lanes/ options.  Force Simmons to be a post.  When he is posted assume pass.  His post offense is weakest.

D'Angelo/Nance?Brown maturing nicely with rookies Ingram and Zubac.  Zubac has better game of the two, again, and may not have been in towards the end due to an eye injury he suffered down the stretch.  Even though he, Ingram and the rest did not play as well as they did in game one, they rallied and willed themselves to a win.

Epic performance:

THE GOOD: Part One of the Lakers WIN against the Brooklyn Nets

D'Angelo Russell_ obvi

Dude went off and apparently has ice in his veins:







IN his post-game press conference he said his dad texted before the game which is something that his dad does not ordinarily do (anymore).   

"..He usually texts me after the game(s).." Russell said in regards to his father.

"He asked me if I was hungry.  HE was like, EAT, and I was like, oh, ok now I know what you mean.."

D'Angelo ATE alright

{ 39 pts on 14/21 FG, 8/12 3pt., 6 Reb, 3 As, 1 Stl, 3 TO, +13}

A record-setting performance by the rookie_ via Mike Trudell, Lakers Reporter in THIS interview with Larry Nance Jr.

"The most a Lakers' rookie, I think,  has had since 1959 when Elgin Baylor did it a couple of times..." 

Larry Nance Jr. made some tremendous plays of his own, including a high flying blocked shot off the backboard that was negated on a call for "offensive interference:"



And THIS dunk off a sweet no-look pass from Marcelo Huertas who has not had a whole lot of run this season..



Huertas got 5 assists in 14 minutes and really helps the flow and pace, particularly as a set-up man for "Gelo" and Co.


 Jordan Clarkson played great ball including his own Mamba Moment to close the third quarter giving the Lakers a five point advantage:



There were moments of inspired play and stellar TEAM DEFENSE.  Swaggy 3 not ONLY showed up but so did Swaggy D:



And here is a contribution by Tarik Black who plays perfect defensive position on Brook Lopez, who had 23 points, and receives help defense by Larry Nance Jr:



Nance, literally, had Black's Back.  He also had Marcelo's.  In his post game interview he looked to correct a turnover stat that had been given to Marcelo:

"I felt bad that I think they gave him the turnover for, that's MY turnover...I always look out for my point guards.."

T E A M

Speaking of TEAM

It REALLY is not whether you win or lose it IS how you play the game and this team, for the most part, played pretty decent team ball on BOTH sides of it

THIS is WINNING

And, on the heels of watching the "Top 10 Chickisms.."

It is fitting that THIS game ended with "Gelo (not Jello) Jigglin" as D'AnGelo Russell hits two consecutive three pointers to ice and close the proverbial door on this one..

LIGHTS OUT!

LA has been missing this...

BEAT LA: LAKERS LOSE TO PHILLY

the WIN-less 76ers get off the snide and get their first win of the season...

(courtesy NBA_ 76ers)

     

The emotions and energy were high Tuesday (12/1/15) Night as Kobe Bryant returned to his Philadelphia roots in the first "away" game of his farewell tour.

Kobe came out on fire in the first:



Kobe looked good;  REALLY good to start.  But, Vintage Kobe waned and when it was ALL over, the 76ers "BEAT LA."

There was no Dr. J in uniform, although there was a Julius (Randle) of a different ilk.  There was no MO (Cheeks) but momentum played in favor of the Lakers led by Kobe Bryant.  With an 8 Point halftime lead the Lakers were looking to keep Philly in the "L" column but the "MO" was shifting by then and the Lakers ended up producing the same amount of points in the second half as they did in quarter one (33).  But there was no THIRTY-THREE (Kareem) and No Magic like there was in 1982:  The Lakers took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy then in a four games to two NBA Finals match-up of  these two franchises. 

Perhaps this was poetic justice from years gone by.  It was in the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the 76ers, at Boston Garden, where the Celtics' Fans began the now infamous (and extremely obnoxious) chant of, "Beat LA!"



There were some bright moments beyond the Mamba ripping his first threes of the game.  D'Angelo Russell despite what "numbers" might indicate is improving and steadfastly maturing.  He is handling the rock extremely well and finding guys with crisp and needle-threading precision:




AND....



Played with MORE Confidence while "Loading" UP for this SLAM.

AND...

LAKER LORE

Lakers' Brass showing they struck GOLD with Larry Nance Jr.

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.

#PlayMetta        #Nance2

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?

STILL LOADING... Lakers waiting on D'Angelo AND team to show up

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

The reality is that WE will (fans) be waiting for this young player to mature in ALL facets of the game regardless of the talent level.

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.

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)

There just isn't a lot of punch nor threat in the Lakers starting five and based on what has been on display thus far, the combinations and rotations don't seem that "Loaded" either.  And, on ANY given night Russell will be facing the league's very best at a very difficult position to defend.

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...