[llperez]

 …and they will be a damn scary team for whoever they face.

I was coming into this season excited about watching the team grow and play a more free up tempo style. But i wasnt expecting them to be this good already. Guys all acorss the board have improved. I was really curious how the rotations were going to be used coming into the year, and walton has taken almost a hockey approach rotating guys in and out utilizing the depth. Right now the lakers have a 10 man rotation with 9 guys averaging between 20-28 minutes per game. Nobody plays more then julius randle’s 28mpg. The teams second and third leading scorers(clarkson, williams) both come off the bench. Randle and ingram are asked to bring the ball up the court a lot and initiate offense allowing score first gaurds like russell, clarkson, williams and young to be aggressive without having to feel the need to be traditional pass first gaurds.

Here are some stats that stand out:

lakers are 3rd in the nba in fg% behind only the hawks and warriors.

they are second in scoring at 110ppg behind only the warriors.

they are third in the nba at gaurding the threepointer allowing opponents to shoot only 29% from beyond 24 feet. This stat is especially evident in watching them play as the perimter defense has picked up considerably this year. Nick young, russell, clarkson and even ingram really do a good job contesting and fighting through things wich is helped by the fact they get regular rest and rarely stay on the court for more then 8 minutes in any stretch.

Here’s my little breakdown of the rotation guys:

deangelo russell: 27.1mpg…16.8ppg…3.4rpg…4.7apg…39%3pt

—Hes been playing very confidently. Doesnt hesitate to shoot. Nice post up game for a pg. While he doesnt beat ugus off the dribble a ton, he is crafty and knows how to take advantage of the slightest edge and uses body well and has a nice mid range game. Still too many turnovers trying to create off the dribble and get into the lane where he gets into trouble since he doesnt blow by guys.

jordan clarkson: 26.3mpg…14.8ppg…2.7rpg…2apg…50%fg

—best guy on the team at beating his man off the dribble and getting into the paint where he really uses his explosiveness to finsh over taller defenders. Very aggressive on offense which suits coming off the bench and playing with second unit. Good at getting out ahead in transition. Shooting solid 34% from three while taking over 3 per game, showing better shot selection this year and not settling for one on one jumpers as much.

julius randle: 28.3 mpg…14.2ppg…8.7rpg…3.8apg…55%fg

—unselfish big man who loves to handle the ball in transition and attacks the paint hard. Willing passer who likes to penetrate and dish. Best rebounder on team, doesnt get pushed around down low. Starting this year doing a much better job finishing shots around the rim that he struggled with last season. 

nick young: 26.5mpg…13.4ppg…2.4rpg…1.2apg…45%fg

—many thought he would be gone after the disasterous season last year and drama with deangelo. But walton promised Nick a fresh start if he was focused on basketball and so far so good. Nick is the teams designated floor spacer not asked to do much other then catch and shoot. His defense is improved and he is competing at both ends like ive never seen him before. The team really feeds off his energy.

lou williams: 22.5mpg…15.5ppg…2.2rpg…3.5apg…39%3pt

—He’s arguably been as valuable as any laker to start the season often finishing close games. Has the best +/- ratio on squad. He is instant offense and can both create off dribble and catch and shoot. Probably the best guy on team in terms of understanding where the mismatches are and orchestrating the offense and telling guys where to be.

timofey mozgov: 22.1mpg…8.9ppg…5.2rpg…1.1apg…65%fg

—he’s been a better athlete than i anticipated. He can run the court and gets up in the air whether contesting shots or catching lobs. Good touch around paint and with the mid range shot. Has zero plays called for him but does a good job moving and keeping himself involved. I honestly think he’s one guy who should see more minutes but walton rarely plays him in 4th quarters.

brandon ingram: 22mpg…6.9ppg…3rpg…1.4apg…41%fg

—it was obvious starting in summer league that brandon wasnt going to come in and be a takeover type guy. He struggles with his shot and finishing in paint. But what i love about him is his basketball iq and unselfish behavior. He knows when to pass and when to attack. He brings a little of everything using his length on defense and has been a better ball handler then i expected often bringing the ball up the court. He has a bright future and its easy for walton to trust him since he plays smart team ball.

luol deng: 24mpg…6.9ppg…5.7rpg…1.3apg…31%fg

—deng has probably been the biggest dissapointment on team and scary to think his 17 mill per season will still be in play as guys like randle and russell hit free agency. The good thing is deng plays a style that does not inhibit or hurt the development of the young guys. Hes a solid role player who still can gaurd the other teams best wing and provide locker room leadership.

larry nance: 20.4mpg…6.4ppg…5rpg…1apg…60%fg

—hasnt shown as much development in his skill set as many hoped but reality is nance is comfortable just being a role player and doing all the little things. Hes the teams best athlete and is capable of a good poster dunk every night. Very smart passer who reads the court well. Leads team in steals and is good in the open court. Really allows our second unit to continue to play fast while not losing size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kokayne_DawkinzParticipant]

 Don’t forget about Tarrick Black. He’s been a beast this season in limited minutes 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I would love to see this happen but I’m still skeptical until their defense improves. I think they have the potential to remain in the race for a good portion of the season, but giving up 118 to Brooklyn at home isn’t going to cut it if they want to take the next step. While they are incredibly deep, I also think someone needs to emerge as a true go to guy in crunch time situations (besides Lou Williams) and it hasn’t really happened yet. The progress so far this season has been encouraging though.

[HitsterParticipant]

Lakers have looked promising so far and it being a collective scoring effort gives real encouragement as it’s not just Russell or someone having a hot streak.

After 27, 21 and 17 win seasons in the last 3 years, their start this year has been encouraging, as regards an 82 game season, there is a long way to go, but I think they will do a lot better than expected. As far as the play-offs are concerned, I’d say possible but not really bank on it. I’d figure they will probably be 8th-11th out West this year.

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

I just don’t think they’ll make the playoffs this year, I can definitely see them make the Playoffs next year and every year there after as long as they keep Luke Walton happy and his roster has fresh bodies to run the break…

I just don’t think they’ll keep up this current production, their defense doesn’t look good enough to win 45+ games and they can’t expect Russell/Young/Williams to outscore their opponents every night, they can’t really defend anyone consistently and have already given up a ton of points against teams like Brooklyn

The NBA will adjust to their pace and space style, their hot shooters will cool down eventually and they’ll likely have to deal with some injuries (Deng and Randle worry me TBH)

They’ll likely JUST miss the playoffs, and they’ll definitely hand over their lottery pick to the 76ers, I think the Lakers will have to find a few free agents to help them out next year, although an older Ingram just might be enough…

 

 

 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 It’s easy to overreact when Russell and Randle had career games. I agree that the Lakers are in great shape for the future. Who knows…Mozgov and Deng might just have enough vet steadiness to keep them on track. If they make the playoffs you could pretty much guarantee Walton gets coach of the year.

[markfitz14Participant]

Year after year we see teams with better than thought Guard play make a huge jump in the standings. The Celtics did this and Portland as well. That Guard core of Russell, Clarkson, and Williams is pretty nice. Love that minutes spread they are using too

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

Today- San Antonio (9-3)
Sunday- Chicago (8-4)
Tuesday- Oklahoma City (7-5)
Wednesday- @Golden State (9-2)
Following Friday 11/25- Golden State (9-2)
Following Sunday 11/27- Atlanta (9-2)
11/29- @New Orleans (2-10)
11/30- @Chicago (8-4)
12/2- @Toronto (7-4)
12/3- @Utah (7-6)

If they survive this upcoming stretch, they will need to be taken seriously. 3-7 sends them back to reality. 4-6 or 5-5 would be an accomplishment, and probably make the thoughts about the playoffs more realistic.

[Author]

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