I have been saying that before. Having AD and Russ figure out things while LeBron waits is the first step in developing a synergy among the three of them. So LeBron out for some time might help in a big way while it hurts. Chemistry takes different forms to materialize.
5 Things: Lakers hang on and beat Hornets in OT
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November 9, 2021 7 Comments
Who takes him? Seriously, what deal could there possibly be that works for both sides?
Good fiver, Jamie. And thanks for being there on Lakers Fast Break so Gerald did not have to go solo.
1) We started out hoping for 1 out 4 great games from Melo. Then it was 2 out 4. Now it’s looking like 3 out of 4. Melo is the one player the Lakers signed who has the stones to shoot better rather than worse like everybody else who can stand the bright lights. Melo and AD showing grit and guts to lead the Lakers are two huge reasons to be high on the Lakers despite the record and injuries. Every win without LeBron is like two wins in the end.
2) I think we’re getting out in the break fine but we’re still not finishing at an elite level. Russ and Baze missing bunnies at the rim. We’ll get better. When you play at such a fast pace, you turn the ball over more and increase the number of possessions and thus points scored and allowed. So I think it’s a misconception that playing fast hasn’t helped us win games. It has but it’s only one component.
3) When you look at the last six games, we’re 4th in defensive rating in the league with similarly impressive individual player defensive ratings. That tells me what Frank is doing defensively is working. Pace is just distorting it and we still haven’t played enough games for the true rate to emerge. The key is we are getting better and should continue to improve once LeBron, THT, Nunn, and Ariza get healthy.
4) Completely agree with you regarding composure. We’re getting hosed by the refs but we’re compounding the situation by complaining, arguing, and sometimes not getting back into play. I think that’s an early season issue that will resolve itself. As we start getting healthy and winning, the frustrations will go away.
5) There’s always two sides to the story. No, we didn’t win comfortably but, like Russ responded to Bill Oram, “Who won?” The key is this is a win without LeBron James. This is why we traded for Russell Westbrook. For situations just like this when LeBron or AD are out. Russ is the insurance and last night, it worked. That’s such important progress that it should have been at the top of your five things.
My issue, as I indicated on the post game podcast, is that if you offense that has AD, Russ, and LBJ is relying on 37 year old Melo to make it all work there is a fundamental flaw in that offensive system.
Many instances of older elite 3-point shooters helping winning championships: Kyle Korver, Ray Allen, Steve Kerr… Just add Melo to that list.
“Helping win” and “making the offense work at a basic level” are two very different things dude.
Every LeBron team has had a designated 3-point shooter who played on his strong side wing or corner. That’s always been part of the formula for success with LeBron. Lakers finally found their version of that shooter in Melo, which is a huge positive development for this Lakers’ team.
Hilariously, I see above that I never finished my response to your fiver so I fixed that and responded to your remaining 4 points. Damn, getting harder to juggle those mental balls as I get older.
“Melo light up as in the days of yore” Yes, days of yore, indeed. Great 5er. Thanks, Jamie.