Lakers’ Situation

 this year the startign lineup will be 

pg-jordan clarkson

sg-deangelo russell

sf-kobe bryant

pf-julius randle

c-roy hibbert

bench-nick young, lou williams, anthony brown, rabert sacre, larry nance jr, ryan kelly, tarik black, brandon bass, robert upshaw

this team wont make playoffs, but could win 30-35 games and be entertiaining. Im honestly more hyped about jordan clarkson then either randle or russell, clarkson looked like the best rookie in the league the last half the season. And he is the best defender on the entire team now that wes johnson, ronnie price and ed davis are all gone. But speaking of defense, this has to be the worst defensive team in the league. Kobe will be asked to gaurd  the other teams best wing? At 37? Hibbert about to get 6 fouls in 20 minutes every night.

My biggest hope is that fans can stop shitting on kobe for one minute and appreciate his last season in this league and that his final time leaving the court will be healthy and walking out on his own fee will instead of an injury. If he does that, i will consider this season a success.

 this year the startign lineup will be 

pg-jordan clarkson

sg-deangelo russell

sf-kobe bryant

pf-julius randle

c-roy hibbert

bench-nick young, lou williams, anthony brown, rabert sacre, larry nance jr, ryan kelly, tarik black, brandon bass, robert upshaw

this team wont make playoffs, but could win 30-35 games and be entertiaining. Im honestly more hyped about jordan clarkson then either randle or russell, clarkson looked like the best rookie in the league the last half the season. And he is the best defender on the entire team now that wes johnson, ronnie price and ed davis are all gone. But speaking of defense, this has to be the worst defensive team in the league. Kobe will be asked to gaurd  the other teams best wing? At 37? Hibbert about to get 6 fouls in 20 minutes every night.

My biggest hope is that fans can stop shitting on kobe for one minute and appreciate his last season in this league and that his final time leaving the court will be healthy and walking out on his own fee will instead of an injury. If he does that, i will consider this season a success.

I think picking up Hibbert was a great move for the Lakers. LA is big man city and though Hibbert will not remind people of Shaq or WIlt, he’s still a decent player. Roy needed a change of scenery after basically falling off a cliff in Indiana after being an all-star. Having Kobe Bryant in your ear, one of the most intense competitors professional sports has ever seen could be a problem for Hibbert. He really needs to develop some thicker skin because he’s so fragile mentally. The Lakers don’t play a run and gun style which suits Hibbert because he’s snail slow. I don’t think he’ll be an all-star but I look for him to be much improved this season if he stays healthy.

I think picking up Hibbert was a great move for the Lakers. LA is big man city and though Hibbert will not remind people of Shaq or WIlt, he’s still a decent player. Roy needed a change of scenery after basically falling off a cliff in Indiana after being an all-star. Having Kobe Bryant in your ear, one of the most intense competitors professional sports has ever seen could be a problem for Hibbert. He really needs to develop some thicker skin because he’s so fragile mentally. The Lakers don’t play a run and gun style which suits Hibbert because he’s snail slow. I don’t think he’ll be an all-star but I look for him to be much improved this season if he stays healthy.

 It looks like they will be ok going either small or big.  

I hope they play small ball inside with Randle and Bass.  Hibbert is limited in an up and down game.  Then if you are playing a slow down game he is not a great rebounder.  Hibbert might be only a situational big at this point.

If they play together, who knows?

Off the top of my head, the top of the West is LOADED with the Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, Rockets, and Grizzlies all serious threats to win the West.  But, after those top 6, I think there is a bit of a drop off.

Why can’t the Lakers compete with the likes of the Pelicans, Suns, Blazers, Mavs, Jazz, Kings, and T Wolves for one of those last 2 spots?

I can see those 8 teams trading wins and loses back and forth.

The Denver Nuggets are done, but that’s about it.

I don’t see the Lakers getting to 50 wins under any scenario, but if 42 or 43 wins can get you into the playoffs then I think the Lakers have a shot.

It looks like their baseline will be between 30 and 40 games.  The West is top heavy this season.  

As long as the Lakers run the table against the non-elite Eastern Conference teams, they have a shot at accumulating some wins (just like any other team).

 It looks like they will be ok going either small or big.  

I hope they play small ball inside with Randle and Bass.  Hibbert is limited in an up and down game.  Then if you are playing a slow down game he is not a great rebounder.  Hibbert might be only a situational big at this point.

If they play together, who knows?

Off the top of my head, the top of the West is LOADED with the Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, Rockets, and Grizzlies all serious threats to win the West.  But, after those top 6, I think there is a bit of a drop off.

Why can’t the Lakers compete with the likes of the Pelicans, Suns, Blazers, Mavs, Jazz, Kings, and T Wolves for one of those last 2 spots?

I can see those 8 teams trading wins and loses back and forth.

The Denver Nuggets are done, but that’s about it.

I don’t see the Lakers getting to 50 wins under any scenario, but if 42 or 43 wins can get you into the playoffs then I think the Lakers have a shot.

It looks like their baseline will be between 30 and 40 games.  The West is top heavy this season.  

As long as the Lakers run the table against the non-elite Eastern Conference teams, they have a shot at accumulating some wins (just like any other team).

 They are going to need hibberts rim protection because their backcourt is going to get torched by dribble penetration. I would like to see them add at least one player who is a solid perimeter defender at the 2 or 3 position, but I can’t think of anyone available who would be worth getting at this point, at least in free agency.

For what it’s worth, I thought the bass signing and hibbert trade were 2 of the more underrated moves of the offseason. I’m not as sold on Lou Williams but he definitely gives them a third ball-handler and instant offense off the bench. I would like Williams more on this team if they were able to somehow move Nick young. The biggest problems I see with this current roster is a lack of spot-up shooters (most of their perimeter guys are more create their own shot off the dribble players) and perimeter defense. This should be an exciting team to watch though, which is more than I can say for the past few seasons of Lakers basketball.

Honestly, my hopes for this upcoming season are 1.) Kobe stays healthy all year, is willing to take on a lesser role, and takes a more patient approach as a leader and mentor and 2.) Russell, randle and Clarkson all start from day one and are given ample playing time and opportunity to develop and learn from their mistakes. Right now I can’t say I have any illusions of this team making the playoffs this year but for the first time in years I actually see signs of a rebuilding plan in place (besides just hoping that whatever big name fa is on the market will sign with them in the offseason). And who knows? Maybe everything will break right and progress faster than expected and they will be competitive this year.

 They are going to need hibberts rim protection because their backcourt is going to get torched by dribble penetration. I would like to see them add at least one player who is a solid perimeter defender at the 2 or 3 position, but I can’t think of anyone available who would be worth getting at this point, at least in free agency.

For what it’s worth, I thought the bass signing and hibbert trade were 2 of the more underrated moves of the offseason. I’m not as sold on Lou Williams but he definitely gives them a third ball-handler and instant offense off the bench. I would like Williams more on this team if they were able to somehow move Nick young. The biggest problems I see with this current roster is a lack of spot-up shooters (most of their perimeter guys are more create their own shot off the dribble players) and perimeter defense. This should be an exciting team to watch though, which is more than I can say for the past few seasons of Lakers basketball.

Honestly, my hopes for this upcoming season are 1.) Kobe stays healthy all year, is willing to take on a lesser role, and takes a more patient approach as a leader and mentor and 2.) Russell, randle and Clarkson all start from day one and are given ample playing time and opportunity to develop and learn from their mistakes. Right now I can’t say I have any illusions of this team making the playoffs this year but for the first time in years I actually see signs of a rebuilding plan in place (besides just hoping that whatever big name fa is on the market will sign with them in the offseason). And who knows? Maybe everything will break right and progress faster than expected and they will be competitive this year.

 Hibbert was a nice low-risk move, because there’s only one year, but I’m not sure there’s that high of a reward for him. 

Take away his monster series against the Heat and what do people think of him as an NBA player? He doesn’t shoot a high percentage, he doesn’t rebound and he doesn’t play defense anywhere outside 5 feet from the rim (which isn’t good when every Center is out setting screens 30 feet from the basket).

I do think Russell and Randle are good pieces to build around and they at least have pieces that could eventually make them attractive again for marquee free agents. 

I think they should be good for 30ish wins this year assuming Kobe gets hurt again. If he stays healthy, I think he’ll hold back those younger guys I think and they may be worse for it. 

 Hibbert was a nice low-risk move, because there’s only one year, but I’m not sure there’s that high of a reward for him. 

Take away his monster series against the Heat and what do people think of him as an NBA player? He doesn’t shoot a high percentage, he doesn’t rebound and he doesn’t play defense anywhere outside 5 feet from the rim (which isn’t good when every Center is out setting screens 30 feet from the basket).

I do think Russell and Randle are good pieces to build around and they at least have pieces that could eventually make them attractive again for marquee free agents. 

I think they should be good for 30ish wins this year assuming Kobe gets hurt again. If he stays healthy, I think he’ll hold back those younger guys I think and they may be worse for it. 

 people concerned about kobe holding the young guys back, kobe realized him jacking up shots wasnt working last season. he went into facilitator mode towards the end of his run last season. over his last 10 games before he got hurt last season, he took more then 15 shots in a game only once while averaging 8.2 assists per game over that stretch. In fact his last game he played he dished out 17 dimes. I fully expect the kobe we saw down the stretch of last season to be the kobe we see for the majority of this coming season.

 people concerned about kobe holding the young guys back, kobe realized him jacking up shots wasnt working last season. he went into facilitator mode towards the end of his run last season. over his last 10 games before he got hurt last season, he took more then 15 shots in a game only once while averaging 8.2 assists per game over that stretch. In fact his last game he played he dished out 17 dimes. I fully expect the kobe we saw down the stretch of last season to be the kobe we see for the majority of this coming season.

 Hibbert is a good pick up for virtually nothing and is in contract year so will be looking to up his game. It will be interesting to see how Julius Randle returns after he missed most of his rookie year.

Playing with Clarkson, Randle and Russell in the starting 5 means that it is a big ask for such inexperienced players to help mount a serious push. But the key will be to integrate these younger players so that when other FAs come on the market in future years the Lakers are major players again.

I wonder how Byron Scott will look to work plays next season, do they give the ball more to Clarkson and Russell with the future in mind or does Kobe still be the main ball carrier for the Lakers.

Kobe is of course the wildcard, he is pushing 37 and the last two years have finally see injuries start to catch up with him. But if this is going to be his last year, we can all assume he’ll want to go out with a bang. Hopefully he will look to help drive on his younger team mates and not try to play hero ball and win games on his own. It’s not like 2005-06 81 point game Kobe, he’s a decade on from that.

 Hibbert is a good pick up for virtually nothing and is in contract year so will be looking to up his game. It will be interesting to see how Julius Randle returns after he missed most of his rookie year.

Playing with Clarkson, Randle and Russell in the starting 5 means that it is a big ask for such inexperienced players to help mount a serious push. But the key will be to integrate these younger players so that when other FAs come on the market in future years the Lakers are major players again.

I wonder how Byron Scott will look to work plays next season, do they give the ball more to Clarkson and Russell with the future in mind or does Kobe still be the main ball carrier for the Lakers.

Kobe is of course the wildcard, he is pushing 37 and the last two years have finally see injuries start to catch up with him. But if this is going to be his last year, we can all assume he’ll want to go out with a bang. Hopefully he will look to help drive on his younger team mates and not try to play hero ball and win games on his own. It’s not like 2005-06 81 point game Kobe, he’s a decade on from that.

 Think the have improved enough that they will lose their Draft pick next year. But not good enough to make the playoffs.   The are headed to the dreaded middle ground.   Unless Randle and Russell both develop into incredible players.  Luckily next year (if Kobe doesn’t ask for extension)  they will again have cap space. 

 Think the have improved enough that they will lose their Draft pick next year. But not good enough to make the playoffs.   The are headed to the dreaded middle ground.   Unless Randle and Russell both develop into incredible players.  Luckily next year (if Kobe doesn’t ask for extension)  they will again have cap space. 

 They will be one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Looking at that lineup no matter how you look at it all I see is defensive lapses. Hibbert can be good but no Center can be good in this league when facing constant perimeter penetration which the Lakers have written all over them.

 They will be one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Looking at that lineup no matter how you look at it all I see is defensive lapses. Hibbert can be good but no Center can be good in this league when facing constant perimeter penetration which the Lakers have written all over them.

 This team won’t win more than 40 games in the West, and think around 35 wins give or take sounds about right. I also think people are skewing the lineup a little bit. The Lakers starting lineup on opening day is most likely going to be 

Hibbert-Sacre

Bass-Randle

Nance-Young

Kobe-Russle

Clarkson-Williams

I just don’t see a rookie Julious Randle being able to beat out a prime Brandon Bass. Bass right now is the better player who brings a reliable 12/6 every game with good PnR defense. He’s a better compliment to play with Hibbert, and if the Lakers truely are looking to win a lot of games, than their best chance is with Bass not Randle. 

The SF position for the Lakers is just a mind bender. They could start Young, but he is literally one of the worst defenders in the enitire NBA. I think they might try and go defense/offense platoon style and start Nance if he is a capable defender, because you simply can not have Kobe with two of Williams/Young/Randle is your starting unit, because Hibbert is good, but he isn’t that good to were he could hide that abysmal defense. 

Pretty much the Lakers are going to have to outshoot teams, and run a great system. Scott has his work cut out for him, and ultimately I think he fails to get everything to fall into place. I don’t see how have either Bass/Randle, two players notorious for getting their own, are going to work coming off the bench with Lou Wills and possibly Young…two players known for getting their own. I don’t know if their personel can run a flowing offense, and offense is going to be their calling card. I’m also concerned with their two best players, Kobe and Hibbert. Not that they will mesh, but more so the time they will play. Hibbert has never played more than 30 mpg, and Kobe 100% should not play more than 30 mpg. So your two best players are going to be on the bench…a lot…should be an interesting year.

 This team won’t win more than 40 games in the West, and think around 35 wins give or take sounds about right. I also think people are skewing the lineup a little bit. The Lakers starting lineup on opening day is most likely going to be 

Hibbert-Sacre

Bass-Randle

Nance-Young

Kobe-Russle

Clarkson-Williams

I just don’t see a rookie Julious Randle being able to beat out a prime Brandon Bass. Bass right now is the better player who brings a reliable 12/6 every game with good PnR defense. He’s a better compliment to play with Hibbert, and if the Lakers truely are looking to win a lot of games, than their best chance is with Bass not Randle. 

The SF position for the Lakers is just a mind bender. They could start Young, but he is literally one of the worst defenders in the enitire NBA. I think they might try and go defense/offense platoon style and start Nance if he is a capable defender, because you simply can not have Kobe with two of Williams/Young/Randle is your starting unit, because Hibbert is good, but he isn’t that good to were he could hide that abysmal defense. 

Pretty much the Lakers are going to have to outshoot teams, and run a great system. Scott has his work cut out for him, and ultimately I think he fails to get everything to fall into place. I don’t see how have either Bass/Randle, two players notorious for getting their own, are going to work coming off the bench with Lou Wills and possibly Young…two players known for getting their own. I don’t know if their personel can run a flowing offense, and offense is going to be their calling card. I’m also concerned with their two best players, Kobe and Hibbert. Not that they will mesh, but more so the time they will play. Hibbert has never played more than 30 mpg, and Kobe 100% should not play more than 30 mpg. So your two best players are going to be on the bench…a lot…should be an interesting year.