5 Things: Crossing the Equator

Its a longstanding maritime tradition to initiate sailors who are crossing the equator for the first time. Those who have not yet crossed are known as “pollywogs.” After crossing the equator they become “shellbacks,” or trusted subjects of Neptune, the Roman god of water. As the Lakers cross the equator into the second half of the season i think we can all agree the first half of the season had way more pollywogs than hoped for and we need to see some tougher shellbacks going forward. Whatever sailors are onboard we need to sail smart, no more ship of fools.

1. The new, old, new again lineup. We saw it in game 1 and halfway through the season we’ve come full circle: Russell, Reaves, Prince, james and Davis started the game against OKC, logged the most minutes individually and collectively, and beat the upstart Thunder once again. Not only did we desperately need this win from a record standpoint but the future of several Lakers are likely directly entwined with the team’s win/loss record at this point. While I’m sure there are shapes of deals to be made the truth is anything that’s gonna happen will go down in the 24-36 hours around the trading deadline. Not for the desire to see what player X or Y can do, but to measure the desperation of the teams looking to trade vs. the teams with guys other teams want. The New, Old, New Again starting five played well together, for the most part, although the (to me anyhow) un-earned level of trust the staff has in Prince will continue to be an issue if he misses this many shots with regularity.
2. Vando and Rui solid off the bench. With Cam out with mystery knee soreness (never good and something that’s obviously not getting better with a small amount of rest between games) it’s on Vando and Rui, along with one of Wood or Hayes (which sems matchup based, at this point) to bring some fire off the bench. Box checked in this first game. Our four guys off the bench (Rui, Jarred, Christian and Max) played the 6 Jazz reserves evenly (28 points apiece, outrebounded them by 1, swapping steals and blocks superiority and dishing out the same 5 dimes). If our bench can at least match the opposition than I like our starting 5’s chances of outplaying their opponent, as well.
3. Back to what works. Fewer threes, more points in the paint, and (despite coughing up the ball 6 more times than the Thunder) dominating in transition and points off of turnovers. While we had an edge in free throw attempts (18-11) it wasn’t overwhelming and was born of focusing on getting AD the ball in the post and driving the attack right to the rim.
4. Anthony Davis has to continue to be the Lakers fulcrum on both ends
   

Ful·crum/ˈfo͝olkrəm,ˈfəlkrəm/noun

1. the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots.
   • a thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation.

AD is the Lakers pivot point on both ends now. We can’t win without him being engaged and a priority. Were our record a little better he’d likely be headlining more awards convos, he’s certainly looking like he’ll meet the 65 game criteria, and it needs to continue, if not improve.
5. Exactly where we were at. At the 41 game mark we’re at the exact same win/loss total as we were with Russell Westbrook on the team. There are plenty of excuses/reasons for this situation but at the end of the day there is a simple truth: the :Lakers’ own inconsistency on both ends has led them here. Whether it be line ups, injuries, poor play or whatever the lakers need to look and the mirror and find the fire within. Sure, you may be traded but you’ll still want that inner, mounting flame to burst forth and prove the doubters wrong. No time like the present.

Shou out to OKC for really seeing the rebuild through. Not long ago they had 3 elite players in Westbrook, Harden and Durant. They went to the NBA Finals, everyone talked about how many more times we’d see that trio there. They never returned together and only KD has won it all of the three along with being the only one to even make it to the NBA Finals. Took them some time but they did the rebuild right and are looking at another potential decade of dominance if they can keep improving and keep the gang together. The good people of OKC just voted to build the Thunder a new arena with their hard-earned tax dollars, looks like everything is set up for success. For now.