(Whew) We made it… The All Star break is upon us and not a moment too soon. This game was cast into immediate “could totally lose” status the moment LBJ was listed as not making the trip and I didn’t mind that at all. Nor did I particularly mind the loss. But when you’re 2 best players are out it shouldn’t come as a surprise that major elements of our game were off. In the end we had a chance to win it (twice) but came up short both times. Seems to be a theme.
- Big games from expected sources. The three Lakers one would have hoped would step up to fill the void left by Davis, James and Caruso were the ones that did, at least in my book. Huge offensive showings from Schroeder, Kuzma and Harrell kept this game competitive throughout. The trio combined to score 79 points on 34-62 shooting (54.8%), 6-15 from three, 26 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks to 8 turnovers. It might not have been enough to pull out the W but it was a lot of fun watching these guys get a chance to truly shine as brightly as their talent and work can allow them to do when not constrained by a role that better assists the team.
- Decent games from unexpected sources. Since the role guys were thrust into starring roles that left the scraps for others to fight over. Decent games by Markeiff Morris, KCP and Alfonzo McKinnie were also on the docket which was also fun to watch. In particular I enjoyed McKinnie’s breakout performance as a Laker as I had hope in the off season that he would contribute more than he has been asked to. Morris seems to thrive as a starter and, should we not make a move to replace Gasol with a better player outside the team I would like to see ‘Kieff get some reps as a starter. KCP was perfect from the floor which was nice to see. We’re going to need solid input from both guys if we want to reach the ultimate goal.
- Biggest positive: no injuries and guys who were injured played. Except for Alex Caruso who was listed as out every player listed as questionable or doubtful played. The last thing we needed was another injury just before the break. Now we can get some guys back on the healthier side of the coin and gear up for the stretch run.
- Damien Jones might have played his last game for the purple and gold. While it’s safe to say he didn’t get much of an audition it won’t surprise me if the Lakers don’t offer him another 10 day deal. It also won’t surprise me if they do simply because they got such a scant look at what he can bring to this team. While he won’t be asked to do more than provide some spot contributions his athleticism is one of the things this team lacks at the 5 spot.
- Nice to see Luke. I’m a Luke Walton fan, always have been since he cracked the super team rotation in his rookie year simply because he was a solid passer and made the smart play in front of him. Luke had very kind words for both Kuzma and Caruso I kinda hope the Kings at least qualify for the playin and that he gets a shot at keeping his job. I always hope to see ex-Lakers succeed, except when they play the Lakers, of course.
All in all, this game, like the last few, will not define this team. Anything that happens without LeBron James is relegated to instant footnote status, at best. The same goes for AD on the defensive end. They both are such huge parts of what we do that to measure the success or failure of this team without them is futile. So enjoy the ASB, Lakerholics and we’ll see you on the other side.
Good final fiver for the first half, Jamie. Thanks for the great effort and result. It’s become an institution we all look forward to reading after each game. Great job, especially since you have a day job and family too. We all appreciate the effort and result.
1. Big games by the Sub Big Three. Guys did their part and held their own. Tough to play coordinated defense without having played with each other much.
2. I like Keef and it was great to see him getting his shot back and starting to look like the guy who shone in the playoffs. Glad for him since it’s been a tough stretch.
3. Yep, nothing more important than no more injuries. Worried about Kuz’s test results. Still don’t understand the rules behind the Covid situations. Just hope we keep dodging bullets.
4. It will be inteesting to see what we do about the center position. I think Jones could stick for another 10 days as backup until AD is healthy or we make a move. Happy the kid got a shot and he did some good things. Not explosive enough.
5. I’ve always liked Luke as a player and a coach. Tough job to coach a team that the Kings poor front office cobbles together. Coaches always get more blame than they deserve. In the end, it’s still a team game both on and off the court.
Thanks, Jamie. Feels like I could go on and on reading your fivers every morning I wake up with my coffee in tow, and never getting tired of reading them. Great job and words alone can’t describe my appreciation for the hard work you put in. Looking forward to the resumption of the season and the fivers after the all-star break.
As far as the last two games go, I would say I am more than satisfied with the way the team played, except for the fourth quarter of the Phoenix game which got chippy and the officiating was horrendous. But otherwise, great effort. That’s about all I can say.
I like the way Morris, Kuzma, Trez, Schroeder, and McKinnie played. Wish Damian Jones had a wider window to audition his talent. But don’t think he has any control over that at this point. We shall see what happens next. In the meantime, let the folks rest those banged-up bones.
Thank you, Jamie. Looking forward to your fivers on the half-second of the season. Go Lakers!