Aloha
Well what do you know. We finally managed a blow out. With the exception of the Bucks game, this was the first game that we played hard for an entire half. Going in to the season I expected a lot of growing pains. You can excuse the mistakes we have been making because of the new roster but you can’t excuse the lack of energy we have been playing with. Sure it was the Kings but play with that kind of energy and intensity and you have a good chance of winning even against the top teams. And you surely will win against the teams you should beat.
Game ball to Dwight. His energy was infectious. Even when he didn’t grab the rebound himself he would keep it alive for others. I really don’t get Frank’s fascination with DJ. Dwight has out played DJ in nearly every game. Our center rotation should be Dwight, AD and LeBron. DJ should be in only in case of injury or foul trouble.
Isn’t it amazing that when you look for your 3 point shooters and get them good looks they get you 3’s? Malik and Wayne combined went 9 for 16. That will get it done. AD and Russ went 1 for 7. That won’t. Let the shooters shoot. The next step will be finding the shooters when LeBron returns. Now there is a lot of minutes when all 3 stars are not on the floor together. If we can’t find our shooters when all 3 stars are playing. At least look for them when they are not.
Wayne’s defense was much better than advertised. He contributed to Buddy having an off night. And Malik was good as well. I think Wayne should get the start at the 2. Because Malik can create I like him off the bench when either LeBron or Russ rests.
I wonder about THT. He was holding that knee and left the game and didn’t return. I haven’t heard anything yet. I hope he’s okay, we can’t afford another injury.
AD started the game inside and was dominating. Move to the outside and missed a bunch of shots. Went back inside in the 2nd half and dominated again. I hope he stays inside most of the time, at least until he straightens out his shot.
Russ sucked in the first half. But he owned it and became himself in the 2nd half. I think he came out thinking playmaker for others. He can’t do that, he has to be himself and attack. That’s when things really opened up for our shooters. And he found his rhythm and the misses turned into makes. He has to be Russ because when he try’s to be C3P it doesn’t work.
Solid win Michael and some great points. I think AD needs to play inside out for this team to have the kind of success we believe they can.
Yes, couple of the 3 boys showed up. Makes a big differ!
I have always said that AD needs to focus more on the paint area and not the jump shots. That’s where he can cause damage. I don’t mind the jump shots occasionally but that’s not where his strengths are.
You are right, the game ball goes to Dwight. He was just the energy the team needs.
Aloha, Michael,
What a terrific game that could not have come at a better time, considering the news about LeBron. I’m going to paint this as a great opportunity to turn LeBron’s positive test into a silver lining. If AD and Russ can carry the team through the next 10 days to 2 weeks, it may be the turning point of this season for the Lakers. Winning the non-LeBron minutes is the key.