This topic contains 6 replies, has 7 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Mr. HookShot 9 years, 7 months ago.

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  • Posted on: Fri, 11/11/2016 - 6:56am #65246
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    Dazzling Dunks and Basketball Bloopers
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     Well. The Lakers have started the season at a surprising 5-4. If you had told me that before the season I would have thought it would most likely be due to guys like Russell, randle and Clarkson making big leaps. While those guys have shown some subtle improvements, the biggest reason for the quick start has been the play of their role players and the surprising depth they have showcased so far.

    By far the biggest surprise of the season has to be the play of Nick young so far. This is a guy that was basically left for dead after 2 horrible seasons under Byron Scott. A few years ago he was arguably one of the best bench scorers in the league, but his game and role had regressed so much that most thought the team would just flat out waive him and eat the remainder of his contract. However, young has actually earned a starting role and has emerged as both a veteran presence and probably their best and most committed perimeter defender (I can’t believe I’m actually typing this). If there is one player who the coaching change from Scott to walton is benefitting more than any it has to be young, who is suddenly relevant again and has clearly gotten his swag back. 

     

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  • Posted on: Fri, 11/11/2016 - 7:29am #1088264
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    high floor
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    I was like damn! I’ve never even seen him attempt a pass like that when he had a somewhat open look throughout his career. On top of that he’s had some nice shot blocks while playing man-to-man D.  Great start for Swaggs

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  • Posted on: Fri, 11/11/2016 - 8:12am #1088265
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    Magic Jordan
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     I was completely done with Young.  Counting the days until he was waived.  After he was waived I thought for sure he wouldn’t play again in the NBA as his shot all but left him and aside from that he didn’t really provide much else.

    I love to admit that I was completely wrong.  Partly because I am a Lakers fan, but partly because I love to see someone revive and extend their career in a positive manner.  He is playing good, smart basketball… and actually competing on defense.  That is something I don’t think could ever be said about Young at any point in his career.

    Most of all he looks like he is really enjoying it out there.  The Walton effect.  

     

     

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  • Posted on: Fri, 11/11/2016 - 10:57am #1088268
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    Mopgrass
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     I figured Walton was going to help, but watching this year, the improvement this year is ridiculous. I figured best case scenario: they win 35% of their games. Now I think best case is 40-50%. If they somehow got to the playoffs, Walton will deserve coach of the year. I’m most surprised how well Young and Mozgov are playing. Deng, however, looks like he’s on his last legs. I’d say they should trade him, but who’s taking that contract? 

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  • Posted on: Fri, 11/11/2016 - 4:13pm #1088275
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    SeattleSuperChronics
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     Walton was the perfect hire for the Lakers. I hope things go well so he can have pop like staying power.

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  • Posted on: Sat, 11/12/2016 - 9:25pm #1088328
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    BigChamp12
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     I’ll get negged but so what… Kobe held those guys back. None of them could play their game while Kobe was there. Nick Young was benched last year for speaking up about it. Russell also spoke out about it plenty of times.

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    • Posted on: Sun, 11/13/2016 - 1:26am #1088332
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      Mr. HookShot
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      Not negging you, but that’s always difficult to say. Obviously when a guy like Kobe, who’s won it all in several occasions, is on your team he is largely responsible for the culture and atmosphere within a team. Some guys can’t cope with that, while others flourish in such a competitive environment like that. 

      With Kobe leaving, and Walton becoming the HC there has obviously been a change in culture and atmosphere. For some players, Young as a prime example, this change has helped them in enjoying the game and playing harder on both sides. It is almost like when players change teams and they say "he could benefit from the change in scenery"; that happened here as well, even though Young stayed at the same team. 

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