The NBA is back. With so much of life in a state of flux watching some good ol’ fashioned NBA basketball was a very enjoyable experience. The games we’re highly competitive, shots are still a bit rusty as a general rule of thumb on all counts, and the televised environment still feels wonky. But the game mattered for the record books and so to all you Lakerholics I just want to say: welcome back, let’s do this.
- To Live and die by the Laker defense. It started solid, we got out to a big lead by way of the Clippers missing shots as much as our team defense. That big lead slipping away in the second quarter followed by falling behind big only to come back and pull it out might be all you need to know about how the Lakers did at tightening loose screws. Kyle Kuzma continued to show improvement and intensity on defense. LeBron turned it up big-time in the 4th on defense. Anthony Davis was excellent. Good to see out of the gate.
- Speaking of Kyle Kuzma… It’s no secret his role has changed from year’s past. Comes off the bench, doesn’t always finish games, and most frustrating (one would wager for him more than anyone) the foot injury he suffered over the summer wiped out the progress he had made on his game. First to show itself was an improved passing game. Next we saw his focus and aggression on defense start to improve and now, in the Bubble NBA, he looks more settled on the floor. Less harried, quieter feet and he’s more decisive shooting the rock. He showed off all of that improvement tonight and I hope it continues.
- Dion Waiters making his presence felt. While he may not be the defensive force that Avery Bradley is there’s no denying Waiter’s ability to create offense. While it may not always be pretty (kind reminds of J.R. Rider’s game, actually) it’s effective. Can’t play him and our newest J.R. together, not if you want any defense. But when he played with LeBron or AD on the floor he, along with Kuzma, gives us a couple of secondary ball handlers who can get their own shot off. Important foe the playoffs.
- We’re 2 wins or a win and another Clipper loss away from locking this all up and clinching the western conference. The Lakers could have something that a lot of other teams in the west won’t have: using their time how they please as we wind the end (this part) of the season down. I expect to see Frank continue to tinker with his second unit line up and rotations, in general. The minutes will likely stay around 35 mpg for AD and LeBron, I expect our key bench guys (Kuzma, Caruso, and Waiters…Dwight has some X factor to him) to play around 30 and I really hope our defense improves because that’s what’s going to matter in a couple, short weeks.
- The new NBA. I have to say, I think the NBA is probably exceeding my expectations while still falling short of my hopes. Peeking to see what dudes wrote on their jerseys was cool enough, loved the player videos (and even a couple of the owners) in support of the peaceful protests, and I expect there to be more come the playoffs. On TNT I loved that sideline camera on a robotic dolly, honestly the replay cameras looking as terrible as they did is kind of inexplicable…there isn’t anyone’s view to block? Put a camera there man! Seeing the officiating made me wish that there had been a decision made to add a 4th ref. But there wasn’t and there probably never will. But, all in all, including the weird TECMO Bowl style crowd, I dig it. OK, the crowd is weird and the fake noise is still silly (not as silly as MLB which looks like they’re about a month or another team trip to gentleman’s club away from blowing it…) but doggone it… it was NBA basketball and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Looking forward to the Lakers locking up their seeding by Tuesday of next week at the latest. Could be as soon as this weekend. After that the focus will turn to tuning it up for the playoffs. Good position to be in.
Sizzling restart to your great ‘5 Things’ series, Jamie.
Agree 100% that the Lakers defense built and then blew the lead and was also impressed that they were able to get back on track behind AD and recapture the lead and control of the game. Cannot understate how important that was. AD at the 5 was the key.
LeBron had a tough game for him but still showed his clutch mettle both on the offense and defense in the Lakers and Clippers final possessions. I think we both agree he’s the ultimate reason the Lakers are going to win it all.
What can you say about Kuzma? He’s got a chance to become the Lakers ‘Kawhi Stopper.’ His individual D on the Klaw the second half of the game was critical. Hard to decide whether it was his offense or defense that was better last night. And that says all you have to say about Kuz’s performance.
As you noted, Lakers basically clinched top seed in the West last night with a 6.5 game lead and just 7 games to go. Big win is an understatement. We now have two in a row over the Clippers.
While I was a nervous wreck the entire game, the pleasurable aftermath of beating the Clippers was worth it. Hopefully, I can now relax over the next 7 games and be well rested and ready to go for the playoffs.
Great job, Jamie. Let’s keep it rolling, Lakerholics! LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERS WIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!
Win! Good stuff my friends! Didn’t like Howard’s, Green’s, or KCP,s play. Howard gets so many dumb fouls. Come on D, you know how to set screens, or not?
Great write-up.
Yup. If you can get 40-50 points a night from your guards and Kuz, that’d be all we’d need.
We’re 7 games up in the loss column. 6.5 up 7 to go. Frank will tinker as you said. Gives him options.
I like Danny and Alex as your two defensive guards down the stretch.
The AC, Danny Green, Kuz, LeBron, AD.
Lineups shows they haven’t started a game together this season. I think it should be our starting 5. I’m hoping they become our clutch 5 as well. We shall see.
https://www.lineups.com/nba/lineups/los-angeles-lakers
And according to NBA.com they haven’t played together much at all. They need some time together.
Spot on comment, Sean. That could be the Lakers ideal closing lineup. I really like AD playing the five down the stretch and with Kuz coming on strong, it opens up the four for Kuz to play. That could be our ‘Death Lineup.’
The game started on a positive note with the Lakers playing good defense and AD doing damage everywhere while the whole team put pressure on the Clippers. That caused the Clippers to lose their footing and were left off balance until the latter part of the second quarter and much of the third quarter when they adjusted and forced turnovers on the Lakers, who in turn looked lost and lacked cohesion. Both teams showed signs of rust, which is to be expected. It took heroics from the lineup of AC, Green, Kuzma, AD and LeBron to finally turn the tide. (Sean also mentioned that lineup).But at the end of the game it was the Lakers defense that got us the win. Kuzma has been playing under control while playing good defense and letting the game come to him instead of forcing things. It is a sign of growth and maturity which will get him to the next level. Also, I agree with DJ about Dwight not taking advantage of playing time, but instead getting stuck in silly foul troubles. He is smarter than that, and he should realize that we are going to need the center position when matchups dictate. Remember earlier in the season when our size was what bothered our opponents? He needs to be able to stay in the game when called upon. Overall, a win is a win and some wins are meant to teach you a lesson, which is what we got from the Clippers. After all, no win feels as good as one over the Clippers.