After letting the Grizz hang around for 3 quarters the Lakers got down to brass tacks and shut them down in the 4th. That and an assertive Crunch Time LeBron was more than Memphis could handle. Especially without stars Ja Morant and Justice Winslow. This game also featured the fan-less return of Marc Gasol to Memphis where he had so much success.
- The Marc Gasol video tribute. It’s easy to forget the league-wide hue and cry that went up when the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol. Kwame Brown Javarris Crittenton and…Aaron McKie (who’s inclusion eventually created a new CBA rule limiting team’s ability to to trade contracts of players out of the league). Marc looked like a toss in. Something to make it look like Memphis had gotten some young prospects with an established, if over-paid, role player. But it’s long been my opinion that Memphis knew what they wanted: Marc Gasol. he had been around the team for a few years since his brother had arrived as a rookie. Memphis ultimately did pretty well from the elder Gasol trade. Marc went on to become the franchise leader (or close to) in multiple categories. I hope they replay the video tribute when fans are in the stands, Marc deserves it.
- The bench comes through big. Led by super-sub Montrezl Harrell the Laker bench helped us keep pace with Memphis until LBJ could take over in the 4th. Solid contributions from Trezz, Wes and THT were key in the Lakers pulling this one out as we were down 2 starters in KCP and Alex Caruso. Nice to see the bench pick up the starters for the first 3.
- Crunch Time is LeBron time. James almost always seem s to find a way to win. He played within the Laker O for the first 3, deferring to Schroder and Kuzma who had another hot start. But when the game was on the line and the Grizzlies had kept pace through three quarters The King found that “other” gear. the one few can keep up with. James drove and scored, stopped and pulled up to score, hit a three from the bear claw at center court and pretty much put Memphis away single-handedly in the 4th. James ain’t easing into anything.
- Kyle Kuzma as the de facto spot-starter. I don’t mind this role for Kuz. I can see an argument being made that the chance to start should be spread around to other players like THT, Trezz or Morris but the fact of the matter is that Kyle plays better as a starter. He’s also learning that a hot start doesn’t always beget a hot finish and is allowing the shots to come organically, keeps finding the open man and doing his part on D. There will be a time that maybe Kuz isn’t the starter for KCP and THT gets his shot but, for now, I like this role for Kyle.
- Free throws. it’s early but I’m already annoyed at the lack of calls James and others get driving the ball to the rim. We’re a team built to finish at the rim and take a lot of hits in the doing that don’t get a whistle. The refs are finding their mojo, too… But c’mon man, Trezz should be going to the line a lot more, James certainly should and there have been a few calls every game that seemed very questionable. 4 refs, add a dedicated replay official in-game to clean up the calls they have to review. Speed up the game, get more right: it’s worth it.
Tonight we play Memphis again and I have to say I’m expecting about the same game, hopefully a little better defensive effort from us. Should be a W, though so here’s hoping dreams can become reality. Go Georgia, I honestly think a 50-50 Senate split is just the thing for the country to be able to re-discover how to work with one another again.
Go Lakers.
Another superb Fiver, Jamie.
(1) I’m still a fan of signing Gasol and think it’s going to pay off big for the Lakers. Yes, he’s slow as molasses and can’t jump more than a few inches but he can make up for that in spades with his passing, shooting, smarts, and anticiplation skills. He gives us so much that we’ve not had from the center position.
(2) That depth we all have raved over is starting to rear it’s head. Loved what we saw from Trezz, Wes, and Talen. Give these guys time to learn to play with each other and jell as teammates and the Lakers are going to see a lot of blowouts rest of the year.
(3) LeBron taking off the first month because he’s a tired old man? LMAO. I think Bron is loving having Schroder on this team as it allows him to rest a little as the playmaker. I also think he’s going to shoot more threes this season than the last few years. I would not be srprised if he shot this well from deep all year. The older Bron gets, the craftier and wiser he plays.
(4) Kuz has sacrificed his game to fit a role the Lakers need, which is the designated replacement starter and I love the role. I think it’s a great way to take advantage of his skill set and commitment to team basketball and doing whatever the team needs first. Love that we signed him to the extension and that he wanted that.
(5) LeBron will always be treated like Shaq was since he’s so strong and physical. Fouls bounced off him like they didn’t happen. You just hope it won’t cost the Lakers when it counts but you can see LeBron get pissed when it happens. Most of the time, that makes him get evern more physical and turns him into a bully. If that’s what it takes, so be it. Don’t poke the bear.