Lakers get Bullied on the Glass. Lose to Chicago.

BULLS TOO MUCH ON THE GLASS FOR LOS ANGELES as the YOUNG LAKERS Take a Hit on their Home Court:

The Los Angeles Lakers Power Forwards may have said it best Sunday night after the loss to the visiting Chicago Bulls:

"We Got Bullied on the Glass." _ Larry Nance Jr.

Junior had a career-high 18 points, many of which were of high-fly variety, as he grabbed oop passes and put-backs for dunks. 

18 on the clock and 18 Points for Nance Jr (Career High)

"We didn't guard anybody tonight...Coach said we can shoot the ball real well, we just didn't guard anybody.. Jimmy went crazy" _Julius Randle

"Jimmy Went Crazy," Indeed:

Jimmy Buckets went to the line on four occasions alone in the first quarter.  He was 7 of 8 for a total of 14 points to end the quarter. The ridiculously hot hand of Lou Williams kept the Lakers close. Lou's inspired play included a clutch buzzer-beating three to end the first quarter tied with Chicago.  Lou went cray as well: 25 points, 8-14 FG, 5-6 3pt, 4-6 Fts.

Highlights of A Nance Jr Dunk and Lou's buzzer-beating 3




The Bulls "JB" ended the game with 40 on 14 of 23 shooting (only 1 attempted 3) and 12-14 from the charity stripe.  The Bulls were 20/28 as compared to the Lakers 15/21 from the line.

"We set the tone with our Fouls.." _Luke Walton


Butler was aggressive early going right at D'Angelo Russell and his "wounded knee."  D'Angelo was attempting to "play through" the sore knee he woke up to Friday that prevented him from playing then.  

"This is what separates great players from the rest." _ Antawn Jamison

"You're going to have nagging injuries.  You might have some tendinitits or something, but at some point you're gonna have to learn to play through it."_James Worthy

Russell may have thought he was doing the team a "service" by playing through the injury but in reality this may have been one of the biggest mistakes of the game.  In fairness to the young guard, no one on the Lakers was slowing Butler down.  

"D'AngeRUSS" was 3-11 FG, 2-9 3pt.  

Clarkson was 1-12 FG, 1-3 from 3.

And, as a Team, the Lakers were giving up way too many second chance points.  They got out-rebounded by the Bulls 56-37.  Many of those "rebounds" were "Fifty-Fifty" Balls the Lakers had chances to grab but were either out of position or lacked the effort to capture. 

Surprising Stat of the Game:  

TURNOVERS.  The Lakers had 10 versus 16 by the Bulls

This IS a young team and this IS a process.  But, like any young team and as Coach Walton has been preaching since the Summer, "it ALL starts with defense."

There were glimpses of "pretty basketball" however..



Lower body, ie "leg workouts" like lunge work will not only strengthen any problematic knees they will help with the jumpers and all around defense.  The individual is going to have to put the effort in to be great however.

This young season's perhaps most difficult test is upcoming.  With two losses in a row, on their home court to boot, and OKC coming to the house it will be interesting to see how ALL these Lakers respond.

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...

FAITH: Do the Los Angeles Lakers have ANY?

THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS BIGGEST OPPONENT MIGHT BE STARING RIGHT BACK AT THEM IN THE MIRROR

    

 So Much has been made, this Season, of the Lakers defensive struggles.  This (defense) has been topic of conversation for three years running under several different head coaches and completely different personnel on the floor.  "Fire Byron" has not only surfaced but has become prominently featured on Twitter during and especially "post" Lakers games as they typically rack another "L."  Fans express themselves in a variety of ways.

DO we really NEED to know that Coach has had them on increased defensive and rebounding drills?  This has been discussed after recent Losses... Maybe EVERYONE: FANS, Coaches, Management AND Players have ALL had "ENOUGH."

The reality is that the team, in spite of losses, IS making progress.  

D'Angelo appears to be maturing on the floor in terms of his confidence and overall play.  The team has reduced the ridiculous amount of turnovers they were rolling out not to long ago.  And they have been consistently "in games" especially after a series of good "starts."

How is the left side of the floor?  

Loading... 

Try Loading the left with Randle, Russell, and... BROWN?  Are we going to see the sharp-shooter from Stanford actually get a handful of minutes when it counts?  [He just rolled out 18 points a game on decent efficiency for the D-Fenders]  I suggest it happen tonight.  Who in the hell is going to guard Steph?  If Brown can fill a much needed role, in terms of specialist off-the-bench, then roll him out there tonight and let the long, lean forward take a crack on tracking Curry.  Let's see if his athleticism and frame (length) CAN bother Curry a bit.  The reality is that NO ONE is slowing Curry down so there really isn't ANYTHING to lose.  Perhaps another game, but "we" are used to it by now.  And, although any team can beat anyone on any given day, Kobe Bryant is probably NOT going to see a pretty improbable feat happen tonight when the Warriors face the Lakers at 7:30 pm.  

Tarik Black has gotten buried on the bench and Nance has not been able to capture more PT in spite of his energy and positive attributes.  In limited PT and chances he (Nance) looks like a great pick up who could perform BETTER than MANY drafted ahead of him.  In fact, in the game against Orlando this year his play and numbers were BETTER than the previous year's number 4 pick (Aaron Gordon_ UofA).

The numbers between GSW and LAL do NOT compare.  One team is resting at the top in ALL categories, including wins at 15-0. and the Lakers are bottom-feeding once again.

There is one category, however, that might make a huge difference for the Lakers this season.

Faith is complete confidence or trust in a person or thing; or a belief not based on proof. It may also refer to a particular system of religious belief.

The Golden State Warriors have it.  They have FAITH in one another as teammates and many have a strong faith in God.

I am not suggesting that the Lakers all "find God" and that this IS the answer.  However, if one does not trust his teammate, or the Coach it will ONLY be an uphill battle regardless of whomever the opponent is.

The Lakers MUST beat their BIGGEST opponent FIRST:

THEMSELVES

BTW...

Did Kobe REALLY preach ball movement and THEN roll out a 6-22 FG and 0-5 on three point attempts?


With continued lack of efficiency and poor shot selection it will become more and more clear that Kobe's deficiencies as a player (currently) will continue to hurt the Lakers.

I can make the easy argument that Kobe IS the "GOAT" simply based on the fact that the guy is still playing at a relatively high level in spite of having two season ending injuries.  Most people would not be able to function/ walk the same let alone play in the NBA like he is.

That being said:

If the volume shots keep going up which then take shots from more efficient players in any given game, this will not ONLY produce more Losses but will breed a culture of negativity and animosity.

THIS is a dangerous game that "Old Kobe" is playing.

The Youth may only have patience for SO long....

And then you have a self-manifested "Culture" of ALL THINGS NEGATIVE which ONLY adds to why TOP FREE AGENTS are reluctant to come this way.

"I've had Enough..."  

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?

Too Many Options Not Enough Time? Lakers lose Season Opener to T'Wolves

Byron Scott went on record recently to say that he was still contemplating whether D'Angelo Russell would be starting (this past) Wednesday night vs the Minnesota T'Wolves.  Since then, we know that Mr. Russell did start:

4 Pts, 2 Ast, 3 Boards, 3 TOs in 25 Minutes

That kind of stat line doesn't necessarily make ANYONE happy and, no doubt, Russell would like to have that one back for personal reasons.  Perhaps the emphasis and focus should be MORE on the reasons WHY he should want this one back from a team perspective.

I am and have been "reserved" on Russell since draft night when the Lakers went bit-o-surprise with the pull of the Rabbit, not the Hare, out of the proverbial hat.

I both wonder and worry about this kid and I don't mean ANY disrespect.  D'Angelo is a man, no doubt, but he is young and inexperienced.  

Es lo Que es.  

And, by that I mean, there is no amount of experience you can muster that will prepare you for being the highest draft selection for this esteemed franchise since James Worthy went #1 back in 1982.

Let me phrase that in a different way:

D'Angelo Russell is the highest draft pick the Lakers have selected in 27 years.  

He has the attitude, demeanor and I believe is quoted as saying he thought he should have gone #1 overall (context.)  I get it.  The competitor within believes you ARE the best.  However, all players, including the GREAT Kobe Bryant take time to develop and Gelo is still wearing training wheels on a vehicle that has a lot of fast-moving and interchangeable parts.  If he is able to reel it back, walk humbly, let the game come to him and focus more on the desperately needed play-making attributes of HIS and He will be just fine.  If he comes off the bench: fine.  If he starts: fine.  It doesn't REALLY matter except from the simple stance of allowing the player to be in the best position for success as ANY top business professional would want for their respective team.  He needs reps and he NEEDS to be on the floor.  What he DOESN'T need is to concern himself with being anything than what he is: a 19 year old kid out of Ohio State that can ball.  And, oh yeah, ahem, STAY AWAY FROM TWITTER.  In fact, D'Angelo, just stay away from social media in general.  I realize this might be a huge challenge for a millennial.   

S/Os #Kanye2020: 

"We're Millennials BRO!"

The Lakers have won NINE Titles over that span of 27 years since J Dub went #1.  That is ONE NBA RING every THREE YEARS.  That reminds me, does Charles Barkley have an NBA Championship?   RING? 

"SCOREBOARD!"

Lakers: #16RINGS  Charles Barkley: NIL

Moving On...

In fairness to D'Angelo regarding his game 1 "stat line":

" Five players had more than Russell’s 36 touches, including reserve power forward Ryan Kelly (39), who played five fewer minutes than the rookie." _Lakers.com

I don't want to ever have to read information like this again for two reasons:

1) Ryan Kelly should never have more touches than Russell

2) Ryan Kelly should never have touches... Period

Too Harsh?

Kelly was 1 player in the second-to-last preseason game that was in the melee versus the Portland Trailblazers that led to an eventual win.  Most might remember that Ryan Kelly had this game-winning moment for the purple and gold.

My view of @RyanKelly34 game-winning dunk last night. Was a dream come true to watch the @Lakers at @STAPLESCenter pic.twitter.com/hiSXd9OTMx

— Robbie Priddle (@RobbiePriddle) October 20, 2015

Ryan Kelly might have actually saved his job (for the moment) with that play.  It was a great moment, however, for Kelly AND his teammates as he flew down the lane with the grace of a gazelle (everything is relative) before jamming home the game winning dunk.

However, prior to that wonderful moment of redemption which was desperately needed for self preservation, Mr. Kelly had been a part of watching the Blazers drop in a quick 5 points to tie the game.

Chris Kaman had grabbed a rebound off a miss and Ryan Kelly simply turned and faced the goal like a ten year old rec ball player that hasn't grasped the concept of blocking out. Kaman cruised to the basket, with not even a sniff from Kelly who was guarding him, swooped up the miss and dropped in a deuce.

Kelly then grabs the ball out of bounds, somewhat lethargically, and in-bounds the ball to a D'Angelo that was pushed to the edge by Portland's jock-riding D as the final ticks on the clock shined bright over the

                 "94 by 50 hunk of wood." _chick

Kelly NEVER looked Russell off and he NEVER saw anything but Russell.  That just left Portland to force the opposition's point guard to one of the worst spots you can be: the sideline.  D'Angelo bobbles, Portland retrieves, Kelly stands in the middle ... and a three comes raining down to tie the game.  This was fundamentally bad basketball all around and, quite frankly, probably got pushed to the wayside as a result of the Ryan Kelly version of " Jumpman23 "flying from the free throw line.  The ONLY differences are that it wasn't Michael Jordan and that it was from two feet out.  Other than those TWO differences they were the same DUNKS.

This is AIR "Jor-DAN," NOT to be CON-FU-SED with Air "Kelly"

Should Kelly or any other LAKER play poor fundamental basketball at all, especially on a consistent basis then, yes, I stand firm on the aforementioned stance:

" 2) Ryan Kelly should never have touches... Period" 

This could be anyone on the team at any given time for this reason: The Lakers need EVERY mathematical edge, or advantage, they can conjure up to put themselves in the best possible position to win.  Let's be REAL.  Get past our noses and realize how difficult the West is and continues to be.  This is old hat. If I am building the future NOW with such expectations on a squad that starts THREE very young players I have no time AND ZERO TOLERANCE for "experimenting" OR being so stubborn to avoid certain situations OR player combos whether it relate to philosophy or lineage.  BS is blessed with young talent this season.  No Doubt, when the D-League gets started here in a minute ( D-League Draft this Saturday) both Anthony Brown and Nance II should be back-and-forth between Varsity and JV like JC did for half of last NBA season.  They will join training camp invitee Robert Upshaw.  The D-Fenders are looking at rolling out lineups looking like:

Manny "Michigan Mamba" Harris

Vander Blue (by YOU)

Anthony Brown

Larry 2

Big UpShaw

SEE them while you can.  Some were fortunate to see Xavier, JC, Manny, Bari, and Vander last season for a bit.  THIS is Exciting but also frightening.  Just in time for Halloween I suppose.  Arguably and especially considering certain situations or subs that both Anthony Brown AND Nance II have shown enough to say that they ARE better then those handful of Lakers "ahead of them" on the bench.  Concurrent with a "Hind-Sight's Glance" what would having Jabari Brown on the roster in lieu of Kelly.  Their Guard options are thin overall and if J. Brown is on Roster is it he, Nance II, OR A. Brown that gets minutes in

Game 1 v T'Wolves ??

Personally, I would have sent either one (A. Brown / Nance II) and/OR Both starting with the third quarter (provided they have health).   The Lakers CAN force the behavior or action by increasing/ decreasing size/ length/ skill/ etc by the various combinations and B'rid players they have.  Does it REALLY matter that we are calling Kobe Bryant a Forward or a Guard?  A "2" OR a "3?"  JC? D'Angelo? LOU? Swaggy? Marcelo? OK, so now take any 4 of those and add Randle at the 5.  

THIS MUST HAPPEN! (is that too direct?)

But THAT did NOT happen.  What happened instead was Ryan Kelly picked up 20+ minutes, a bulk of which were in the 4th quarter.  When did the Lakers begin handing their lead OVER? Hold on... oh yeah, it says right here:

" Approximately 2:39 left in the third quarter when Ryan Kelly was inserted" _ SiriDOESGoogle (so it ain't thaat precise like my spellin)

Kelly closed the quarter out.  REPEAT.  Ryan "not 1 of the best 5 players in a Laker uniform" Kelly closed out a tight game that the Lakers end up losing by ONE.

This one is on COACH 

(listen to Byron Scott's post-game interview here)

Es lo que es

mas y meno

Incidentally: #Randle4ROY

is he eligible?

Did you know? Vander Blue had an offer of approximately $1M to play for the Lakers 2015-16?  Next thing you see Blue wearing RED for the BULLS in #NBASUMMER. HUH?
Blue will be back for the D-Fenders (oooops)

Also:

Looking to correct Google after typing "top Ten NBA Players to NEVER WIN NBA Championship" and seeing THIS

                                                  

#BarkleyIsAClown


I do know, since he is ON THIS list, Charles Barkley is at least 1 of NBA's TOP 50 players to NEVER win an NBA Title. Does HE deserve "Top 10 Consideration?"