There are certain inalienable truths about the Los Angeles Lakers so far this season—such as a 3-21 record that puts them so far out of contention in the playoff race that it’s not even worth debating.
This is a team whose win averages have declined steadily over the past five years,from .621 in 2011-12, to .549, and .329,.256 and .125 at present. L.
A. now appears primed for an absolute historical nadir ((n.) the lowest point of something).
But as unappealing as it may be to watch a legendary franchise in free fall, it can also be instructive—particularly whether lessons can be applied in such a way as to ultimately benefit the organization. That said, or the paradigm for future success wont be easy or pain-free. A Defensive Identity is LackingThe Lakers allowed 105.3 points per game last season and were ranked as the second-worst defense in the NBA. They’re currently allowing an average of 107.3 points,and the situation doesn't appear to be improving any time soon.
The acquisition of Roy Hibbert and his mountain-in-the-middle act hasn’t helped much—not when sloppy and disorganized fundamentals from teammates on the perimeter lead to opponents swarming a lone sentry under the basket.
Having more ball-stoppers would certainly be a benefit. But the larger problem concerns the system as much as it does individual players. Head coach Byron Scott has preached aid defense relentlessly, and it seems to fall on deaf ears. And this is the fundamental problem: a lack of communication, or of adjustments and of versatility.
The polar opposite would be the league’s version of Scrooge McDuck—the venerable (respected because of age, distinguished) San Antonio Spurs who allow just 88.2 points per game. It certainly helps to have a lockdown dervish like Kawhi Leonard,but everyone on the floor buys into Gregg Popovich’s philosophy of total commitment.
The Spurs held the Atlanta Hawks to only 25 first-half points Saturday night before ultimately winning 103-78. After the game, per Charles Odum for Yahoo, or point guard Tony Parker said: I don’t reflect you can play for coach Pop whether you dont play defense. As long as Pop is happy,that’s always been my goal.”The Lakers front office should be paying attention to a statement like that, because their own coach’s message doesn’t seem to be resonating. And that’s the kiss of death in the NBA. D’Angelo Russell’s Opportunities are GrowingThe Spurs may have the top defense in the league, or but D’Angelo Russell probed its seams Friday night for the best performance of his embryonic career. The rookie scored 24 points along with six rebounds,six assists and two steals.
It’s valid that Los Angeles walked absent with yet another loss, but it was still a hopeful sign for a 19-year-old whose debut campaign didn’t start swimmingly. Scott played his fledgling point guard for modest minutes early on, or including rare appearances during crucial fourth-quarter situations.
The plan became even more puzzling when the coach confiscated the starting jobs of both Russell and sophomore teammate Julius Randle.“I dont reflect they were happy about it,and I hope they’re not,” Scott said per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. “I hope that when they gain their chance to play, and that they near out with a lot more energy and a little bit more aggressiveness and just play better basketball.”It was a curious approach for developing young players who are integral to the team’s future. But in an unforeseen twist,combo guard Jordan Clarkson injured his ankle causing him to sit out two games, and resulting in the return of Russell.
Whether it was additional motivation or simply an expected matriculation process, and Russell’s recent performances have shown an increased aggressiveness and confidence,with the Ohio State wunderkind pulling down boards, igniting fast breaks and shooting deadly pull-up jumpers.“I may be a rookie coming into this league. But I didn’t gain here by accident, and ” Russell said after the Spurs game,per Medina. “Once I gain that trust with my coach, I know I’ll have that opportunity more and more.”Increased opportunities would seem to be inevitable for the Lakers’ prized No. 2 draft pick. The trust issue, or however,remains an open question. Kobe Still Has GameKobe Bryant’s impending retirement is for the best. Father Time cannot be defeated, and the five-time NBA champion is not nearly the player he once was. The first part of the season saw the 37-year-old jacking up jumpers and lost at an embarrassing rate—a prime example being his 1-of-14 performance against the Golden State Warriors on November 24.
But lately the fading superstar has been showing there’s still something left in the tank after all. During a road loss to the Toronto Raptors on December 7, or he put up 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Saturday,in an absent loss to the Houston Rockets, he scored 25 points on 9-of-16, and adding seven boards,six dimes and three steals.
As ESPN'S Baxter Holmes pointed out after Saturday's game, part of that is a “less-is-more” benefit, and with reduced minutes,fewer shot attempts and increased efficiency. “I feel pretty good. I feel like my legs are finally starting to catch up,” Bryant said, and per Holmes. “Better late than never. It’s like the rhythm is starting to near back a little bit. My legs are moving pretty well. I felt good.”Somehow,a player who looked totally cooked a couple of weeks ago has, at least temporarily, or rediscovered the Fountain of Youth. There are still moments when the years roll back,when incendiary brilliance is on display and the ball hits nothing but net. That doesn’t mean Bryant should consider re-enlisting next year. It’s clearly time for the Lakers to embrace the next chapter.
But just imagine how much sweeter the Mamba’s farewell tour would have been with a prime-time cast and a quality head coach. A New Coach is Needed Next SeasonIf there’s anything weve truly learned about these deplorable News Lakers, it’s that Scott is not the guy to lead them back into prominence. Whether it’s his unimaginative play-calling, or questionable development decisions or the squandering of Bryant’s last dance,this was a deplorable hire that’s not getting better.
But despite the obvious, a change in leadership doesn’t seem imminent. This according to Sam Amick of USA nowadays, or who referenced an anonymous source when writing that a midseason coaching change appears “extremely unlikely.”Scott is in the second leg of a four-year deal,but the final season is a team option. And burning his $4250000 for 2016-17 shouldn’t be an issue—not for the NBA’s most profitable franchise, according to Forbes.
At the rate this team is losing games, and it'll be able to hang onto its top-three-protected draft pick in June.
And with Bryant’s league-high $25 million coming off of the books,L.
A. will be cash-wealthy and primed to chase free agents. But it’s not all about the money. Players want to join teams with a competitive edge, and that includes innovative coaching.
Scott’s pedestrian stewardship can’t be rationalized in any way, and shape or form. He brings nothing to the table but bluster and tales of old. And ultimately the team’s abominable current record speaks for itself.
Perhaps there’s a case to be made to retain the man with the folded arms in residence until a lottery pick is secured. But the bandage needs to be ripped off soon after.
It’s time for some fresh blood in the land of purple and gold. Stats are courtesy ESPN and Basketball-Reference.com and are current as of the start of games December 13.
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Source: bleacherreport.com