5 Things: Lakers Can’t Defend Clippers

The Lakers gave up another mammoth first half to the opposing team…this time to the tune of 75 first half points to our cross hall rivals The Clippers. There would be no epic comeback in this one, however. Yes, the Lakers got themselves to within ten but never seriously threatened the Clippers in the second half as we failed to put in the proper focus or attitude on the defensive end of the court. This has been a problem for some time.

1. One man against the world. I do feel for LeBron, I felt similarly for Kobe when, as his career wound down a lot of his historical accomplishments came against the backdrop of a loss. Still, he’s had as much of a hand in this situation unfolding like it has as anyone else not named Rob Pelinka. James was, again, masterful checking the “Have I scored 40 against you?” box against the Clippers. That box has now been checked for every team in the Association. Everybody has given up 40 to The King at least once. His three point shot was on, and has been of late, which is an encouraging sign from a health and conditioning standpoint. All in all, James just needed more help. Although too late for last night’s history-making game, it does sound like help is on the horizon.
2. The Clipper bench kicked our asses. Whether it was defensive plays by Batum or uncanny accuracy from all over the floor the Clipper bench had it’s way with any line up we put out there. Not surprising as the Clippers are an extremely deep team as they have been for several seasons now. Ballmer spends but they also sign and draft wisely. They only pay two elite salaries. They don’t let homegrown talent walk for nothing. They make better use of players discarded by franchises like us who think they need to make absurd “win now” moves like trading Zubac for Muscala. It’s safe to say that, at this exact moment in time, the Clippers are the better run franchise but it’s not solely because of over-spending. They also do things wisely.
3. 6th Man of the Year race. FWIW we saw a battle of two of the top 6th men of the year candidates (Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis being up there, as well). Last night Powell out-played his rival for the award and continues to be my personal pick, at this time, to hold that trophy up come season’s end. Russ had a pretty off game and was unable to make the kind of impact we need him to do in order to win.
4. Kids get some burn. It was nice to see Jones, Pippen Jr., Swider and Christie play for a few minutes. Unfortunate that it came in a blowout loss.
5. Help is on the way. With the news that Rui and AD are questionable for tonight’s game and Lonnie and Austin are progressing in their individual rehabs the walking wounded team called the Lakers is about to get some much needed bodies back. Here’s hoping we avoid serious injuries for the rest of the season. We don’t have a chance if we don’t.

Lost in the shuffle, likely because it doesn’t fit into the global media world view that the Lakers have but one choice, was Rob re-iterating that he has no intention of trading the 2 available FRPs for players that don’t vault us into title contention. Cross any Spur, Toronto or Indy trade now. Those teams are looking for a fleece job, Rob won’t have it. To that I say “well done Mr. Pelinka. You’re finally doing your job correctly.” Might we see a smaller move? Sure, I could still see a Cam for Lonnie deal, I guess, but honestly I think we already have the better player in that scenario. Why then make the trade? Simply to shuffle deck chairs? Smart teams don’t make trades to make trades because…hey maybe it’ll be, like, way better and stuff? They make trades they borderline know will make them better. Not many of those out there this season and not at the price we can really afford to pay. Personally, I’m pleased with the Hachimura trade because we traded older for younger and smaller for bigger. That’s what made the trade good to great, IMO. If Rui finds his All Rookie team self in the doing and helps lead us to the playoffs it’ll certifiably be a great trade.