Aloha

Im beginning to think that our tough closing schedule could be just exactly what this team needs. It seems lately like we get up for the good teams and let our guard down against the poor ones. Todays game was the opposite of the Wizards game. This 4th quarter the ball moved and everyone was involved and on the defensive end we locked in and shut them down. We out scored them 35-23. And the Cavs are a good young team that only gives up 104 a game.

There isn’t much left to say about LeBron. Too think he is in the running to win a scoring title at 37 is almost surreal. And he was more locked in on defense then I’ve seen him for a while. But it helps that Cleveland plays super big so he didn’t have to do a lot of chasing today. As for an overall game I actually thought this was a better in this pgame then his 50 pointers.

Frank made an ADJUSTMENT!!! After Garland has burned Austin and every other guard that drew him, Frank put Stanley on him and he shut Garland down he only scored 2 points on Stanley and I don’t believe he got an assist in the 4th. Plus they didn’t switch much and Stanley did a good job fighting through picks to stay in front of him. Stanley because he’s so strong often is slotted at the 4 or even the 5 but I sure would like to see him defending the perimeter more. He is our best perimeter defender. Stanley also scored all 12 of his points in the 4th.

Kids kids kids
One of the biggest reasons the team is playing better, is the young group are getting better. Austin, Malik, Gabriel and Stanley all played with energy, defended and chipped in on offense. Gabriel had another great game.

I’ve always liked DJ. I have wanted the Lakers to sign him for a long time. He is just the a steady old fashion floor general with a really nice 3 point shot. He was huge tonight and he demonstrated that he can play off the ball when he’s out there with LeBron or Russ. Along with Melo, he is the other OG I want to bring back next year.

Has Russ finally figured it out? I sure hope so because we don’t stand a chance if he doesn’t. He has been really good offensively over the last several games. While he isn’t a a very good defender I’ve seen him at least hustling on the defensive end.

While Dwight didn’t get a lot of run I think it’s important to get him a few minutes just to keep him engaged.

For long stretches tonight we saw LeBron and the kids, and the kids delivered. The Cavs are a young group and have played well this year. But our kids went toe to toe with all of those high lottery draft picks. We are going to need that every night going forward.

Aloha,

So much for turning it around. Will this team ever learn that it’s a 48 minute game?

Aloha,

I became really steamed watching this game. Not because we played badly but because we competed with the kind of energy you need to win. They demonstrated that we can play hard. We would have many more wins if we had played with this kind of energy. We may not win but we should have been playing this way all year.

The last 3 games we had come out playing LeBron iso ball and if it wasn’t LeBron it was iso with Russ. When both LeBron and Russ got off to slow starts we got blown out in the 1st. Today bodies were moving and the ball was moving. We had 33 assists.

It’s no surprise that we shot the ball much better today. When the ball is moving and everyone is involved guys get into a rhythm of the game and the shots are in rhythm.

We started big today. I think the micro line ups we have been starting are okay as a change of pace but we have been getting killed inside. Dwight and Gabriel gave us the size to complete with the long Raptors. I think that Dwight should get more run for the rest of the year.

As for Gabriel, he was terrific. we need sign this kid this summer. I have been impressed with him since we signed him. He is long and plays with energy. He would give us another young player off the bench that we can develop.

Russ had one of his best games as a Laker. It would be great if he can gain some confidence for the rest of the year. I have thought all along that Russ didn’t need to be great, just good.

For me the best part of this game was that every single guy that played contributed. Let’s see if we can string a few of these kind of games together.

Aloha,

There isn’t much to say about last night. The game was over after the first quarter. While LeBron recovered he and Russ were as much to blame for that ugly blow out 1st as anyone else on the team. And of course Frank was slow to react as usual by not bringing in Dwight when we were being destroyed inside.

All season it has been injuries as an excuse. And of course it’s true, still watching the Suns with key players out dismantle us made it clear that even if we would have hadn’t had the injuries we never were going to be a true contender this season. Sure we would have a better record, we more then likely would have been a top 6 seed, but we just would not stack up with the elite teams in the league.

This franchise has been mismanaged since Kobe’s last years. We gathered a lot of assets during our losing stretch. And while we landed AD, we pissed the rest away and it still haunts us. Then of course we totally dismantled a championship team in two years. While you always want to look to improve a championship team, you don’t completely tear it down. AD said we would have beat the Suns last year if he wasn’t hurt and I agree. But we had a much better team last year. This years version has a collection of aging minimum contract vets, that rarely get in the game. When you are playing a two way guy like Gabriel and a G leaguers signing like Stanley over Trevor or Bazemore it’s telling. Austin was undrafted but plays while Wayne sits. This team never was constructed to win. Even if Russ had played constantly well this year, we didn’t have enough.

So this summer will be huge for the franchise. If management gets it wrong we could be losing for a very long time. When you look at the west it’s going to be a daunting task for this team to complete next year. The Suns and the Warriors have pieces in place to win big next year. The Griz are ahead of schedule but have the cap space to add quality veteran role players and the pieces for a big trade if they choose to do so. Denver’s injury bug rivaled ours and they will be very good when healthy. And speaking of health the Clippers could be as good as anyone. Of course they are dealing with the Clippers curse. The basketball gods were not happy with them coming to LA and rain injuries down on them every time they field a contender.

Even if we pull off one of Tom’s wildest trades, I can’t see it making us a champion. Any moves we make will need to be for players we can build with. I really don’t want us bringing in anymore aging vets for a last desperate stab at a championship. Want to trade our 2 first rounders? Fine go get Grant. Don’t use them to dump Russ. I know it’s always written that you can’t waste Lebrons remaining years but if a trade isn’t going to help win a ring, add a piece or two and see what you can add the following year. We could easily be a bad team in 2017 and 2019. I would hate to spend those picks on guys like Wall and Gordon who isn’t going to move the needle enough to help us win. Guys like Brogdon and Buddy would give us a better foundation to add to but probably not a ring. Management completely forgot what what it takes to build a winner and blew it up for Russ. We can’t afford to make that kind of mistake again.

Aloha

Thinking about moves this summer, I’m wondering how much we can do with Russ and his expiring contract if he continues to struggle. Oh we can probably move him, using our 2 first rounders but I’m not so sure we can get enough value back to matter. The pipe dream of course is Brogdon and Buddy. While I will never say never after the trade the Trailblazers made with the Clippers, I will say it is highly unlikely. If Brogdon goes on the market, he will draw a lot of interest from other teams, especially the Knicks who can give the Pacers young players and picks. Just dumping Russ with picks would be a disaster.

So what is my ideal summer outcome, considering our limited assets? Well, the Pistons were asking for 2 first rounders for Grant. As soon as the season ends, I would contact the Pistons to see if they would consider the 2 picks and THT for Grant. THT has been up and down this year but has been trending more up than down lately and last night he looked like he has recovered from that nagging ankle sprain he’s been dealing with. If he continues to raise his level of play, the Pistons just might be interested.

At that point I would waive and stretch Russ. It would give of enough room to sign Malik. So in a way those two picks lands us both Grant and Malik. This would leave us with a starting line up of Reeves, Malik, LeBron, AD and Grant. As long as LeBron plays for the Lakers we don’t need a traditional ball dominate PG. That hasn’t worked yet, and won’t work in the future. Malik has shown enough playmaking ability to take the load off LeBron.
And remember we won a ring without a starting PG. Just 2 defensive minded shooting guards.

We could have a bench of Nunn, who will probably opt in, Stanley, hopefully Melo, and perhaps Gabriel. With the tight money this year, there will be some talent that will float down to us. For instance, Damien Jones will be a free agent. He would be a nice get as a back up big. We just need a couple of guys that can contribute off the bench.

Is this a championship roster if we are healthy? Probably not. Still I think it is best the best we can do with the assets we have. Sure one can come up with trades on the trade machine but those don’t happen. I try to stay realistic. And with a couple of decent free agents and health, you never know. I actually like this better than a Brogdon/Buddy deal with the way Malik has been coming on. I think he has a lot of ceiling left. He also shoots the 3 like Buddy but makes plays and defends. Something Buddy doesn’t do. And Grant gives us a young defender with size, something we need much more than a PG in a LeBron centric offense. If we use our picks with the Pacers, Malik is likely gone. Malik and Grant are a better duo than Brogdon and Buddy.

Aloha,

Last night was another example of how poorly this roster was assembled. It is a cautionary tale that illustrates how foolish it is to think you can get by with a lot 30 something minimum contracts vets with their best days way behind them. While most of the old guys sat and watched, the young guys scrapped and played with the energy it takes to win.

When Frank pulled Russ at the 8:30 mark in the 4th. We were up 4. Then we went on a run. DJ, who by the way I think was a good signing left a couple of minutes later and it was 4 young guys and LeBron closing out the game. Fortunately Russ never got back in.

Stanley, was signed from the G league Austin was undrafted, nobody but the Lakers offered Monk a contract, THT was a 2nd round pick and Gabriel who gave us some good minutes is a two way. By the way, I like Gabriel. They should consider giving him a contract this summer. He gives us size and switch ability we have been lacking.

This speaks to how great Jessie Buss and our scouting department is, and how poor of a job Rob has done filling out the roster.

Going forward we should win or lose with the Kids. They all make mistakes but they play the way you are supposed to play, hard. And I am seeing them developing synergy with LeBron. It gives me hope that perhaps we can have rotational young pieces in place for next year, so we don’t have to sign as many minimum probably old vets next year.

Aloha

Why do I even watch the games? On a night that Russ actually played well, LeBron had perhaps the worst triple double that I have seen in a very long time. And why did LeBron pass out of a game winning layup? While 4 blocks may look good on the stat sheet but he doesn’t play enough defense. He had a team high -17. Just so disappointing.

Aloha,

I almost didn’t watch tonight. It’s whale season here in the islands and they have been putting on a much better show than the Lakers in the early evening and I was tempted to go down to the ocean to watch. I am glad I didn’t.

What can you say about LeBron, obviously his best offensive game in a long time. But he’s going get all the well deserved headlines and stories so, I’m going to give a few shout outs to some of the other guys.

First Russ had one of his better games for a long time. Yes he had a couple of cringe worthy turnovers but he only had one missed lay up That I can recall. 20 points and he shot over 50%. He really picked his spots and used a lot of head fakes to get points in the paint. He needs to play this way every game. Not only for us to win but to recover some of his value.

Our +|- champs both had excellent games. Monk was a +19 and Austin was a +18. Malik shot the 3 well but he also had a team high 5 assists. He improves on defense by the game. He had a block and 3 steals. That steal he had on that on the out of bounds play was spectacular. He just skied. His athleticism has been the biggest surprise for me this year.

Austin is the hardest working guy on the floor. He just doesn’t back down from anyone, regardless of who it is. 2 blocks, 3 steals, 10 points 3 for 5 from 3. He just gives 100% all the time.

Stanley also is another guy that plays hard every minute. 6 boards, 4 assists, a block and 2 steals and the ability to stay in front of 1 through 5.

Those 3 guys bring the energy every night and I just hope they continue to get the minutes. There was one play down the stretch. Missed shot, Malik mange’s to tap the ball and Austin flys in to grab the board, finds LeBron who drives and kicks to Melo for the dagger 3. Melo gets credit for dagger but it was Malik and Austin’s hustle that made it possible. It’s the kids that will really decides how the season will end if they are given the chance.

Finally Melo is just steady. But he is in there to score but I’ve been surprised by his defense. He’s had some good defensive moments and
He rebounds as well. 8 tonight.

So believe it or not, I’m worried about the next 2 against the Rockets and Spurs. It’s almost better if we were playing good teams. Hopefully they will play with the same desperations that they did tonight.

Aloha

Austin and Stanley played well in the 1st quarter. Took them out after 9 minutes. Malik played well in the 1st as well. Started the 2nd with nearly a 6’ 4” and under team. Bradley, Russ and DJ? Really? Austin and Stanley didn’t get back in until under 7 minutes in the 2nd. Malik didn’t get back in until 4 minute mark. So they wiped us out until our young guys come back and stopped the bleeding. WTF Frank? Yes guys needs a break but sitting all those guys that long? Plus a super short group? Hope we don’t see that again. Ever.

Aloha,

If the Lakers are looking for a move for Russ that brings a little something back, I think the point guard hungry Knicks might be the most likely place for Russ to land.they would have a year to see if he fits. I I like the idea of Brogdon/Buddy with the Pacers but let’s face it, Russ would be a fall back deal not the top of their list.

The Knicks would send us Fournier and Walker who they have been trying to move. Walker has been so bad that they are sitting him the rest of the year but Fournier could be useful as a scorer off the bench. Walker could be an end of the bench break glass PG or he could be stretched. His 9.5 mil left wouldn’t hurt much. The Knicks would have to include Taj Gibson. His contract isn’t guaranteed so we could cut him or hold on to him for depth. The final player and the jewel of the trade world be Cam Reddish. Thibs never wanted that trade for Cam. The Knicks have cap space so no more salary would be needed and we knock at least 12 mil off our cap. I wouldn’t even include any future 1st since we are helping each other. Maybe a couple of 2nd’s if Cam is included.

Aloha,

I have to admit, I nearly turned the game off at half time. I tried to think of things that I could do that would be more enjoyable. When I couldn’t arrange any evening dental work or a colonoscopy I gave up and watched the 3rd quarter.

And I was rewarded with a high energy fueled comeback that the team often teases us with. Like a sadist they dangle hope so we can be crushed at the end.

Let’s face it, a lot of our first half woes rested on the shoulders of our superstars, who neither looked super of even start like. They both played poorly.

I have been preaching play the kids more and all 4 of them played hard on the defensive end. I think part of the first half defensive issues was we overplayed Luka, leaving
Brunson to have a great first half. Frank made a good adjustment at halftime, yes Frank and let the kids guard Luka in single coverage. And all 4 of them rotated beautifully. Brunson cooled off and Luka didn’t accomplish much. LeBron looked like LeBron for a quarter and we turned a 16 point deficit into a 6 point lead by the middle of the 4th.

So what happened? Well the inexplicable happened. Up to around the 6 to 7 minute mark left in the game, Luka had 18 points on 18 shots, 3 assists and 6 turnovers. In other words we did about as well as you can with Luka. But for some reason it was decided that we abandon what had been working and put LeBron on him. Over a 2 minute period Luka was 3 for 3 with 2 assists. Game over. Now did LeBron say, I have Luka? Maybe but it was the wrong call regardless and it never should have happened. LeBron was clearly gassed and had no business guarding Luka. Anyone who is in favor of adding another big and moving LeBron back to the 3 should watch those last 5 minutes. LeBron just can’t effectively guard the perimeter anymore. And he has apparently forgotten how to box out on the glass as well.

Of course Russ was his usual horrid self.how many 5 for 17 games can the coaches stomach? My sincere hope is that Augustine cuts into some of those Russ minutes and can provide a little consistent offense. Considering Russ is pretty much a defensive liability DJ’s lack of D won’t be much different.

Melo actually was the standard bearer for the oldsters. 20 points on 3 for 6 from 3. And unlike LeBron , he actually did a decent job on Luka when switched off on him.

On the defensive side of the ball I thought all 4 of the kids were great and their rotations are becoming better every game. Offensively it was a mixed bag. Austin continues to struggle and shot his way to a seat on the bench. Malik was 3 for 6 from 3 which was great but he caught a bad case of Russitis and missed 3 layups. THT was 3 for 6 but missed both of his 3’s. Stanley actually was the most efficient going 3 for 4 from 3.

Watching LeBron at 37 makes me wonder if we really want him to sign that extension. If this LeBron at 37 what will he look like at 39 when that nearly 50 mil contract kicks in. LeBron’s effectiveness will require a lot more help and I’m not convinced that we have the assets to provide it.

Aloha

It appears that the Lakers are trading one DJ for another. They are waiving Deandre and signing DJ Augustin. The dude can play some. He will definitely take some of Westbrooks minutes. Wish a 3 and D wing with size would shake free but those are in high demand. Not expecting any of them being bought out.

Aloha,

The latest rumor circulating around the LeBron and the Lakers saga is that LeBron wants Sam Presti to replace Rob. Who knows if that’s true, but he certainly went out of way to praise Presti. While he might be an upgrade it really demonstrates how out of touch he is with basketball matters when it doesn’t involve action on the court.

From my view point Presti is the most overrated GM in the NBA.
Sure he drafted well but let me ask this. When the Trailblazers decided to draft Greg Oden, leaving Durant sitting there, how hard was that decision? I’m mean is there a amateur Lakerholic who wouldn’t do the same? And when the Griz passed on Harden for Thabeet, how hard was that? Is Sam Presti skilled or just lucky? It’s mid to late first round, 2nd round and undrafted players where the skill lays.

Presti had KD, Russ, Harden, and Ibaka and only made one finals appearance. He was never able to put a good supporting cast around them, and traded Harden, although that may have been the owner’s call to avoid paying him.

This is just another reason I really don’t care for GM LeBron. He needs a Gam skilled at putting a supporting cast around him, not a guy who had good fortune in the draft. Give me the Warriors front office any day. They built their core without a top 3 pick. Presti had 3 of them, found Green in the 2nd and constantly built a quality supporting cast. No wonder KD left for the Warriors.

Aloha,

Watching last nights game provided another reminder that in most cases, big three’s are fools gold, especially when the 3 are all super max players. Consider this, Morris, Kennard, Jackson, Batum, Mann and Harteinstein all cost less then Russ. Having the depth and mid range contracts also allowed the Clippers to trade for Powell and Covington. We complain that the Lakers don’t spend enough but the Clippers did all of this by only spending 4 mil more than the Lakers. The Clips not only beat us but are now at 500 with their equivalent of AD and LeBron out. Of course it also doesn’t help when one of your big 3 isn’t playing anywhere near his pay grade. The Clippers also demonstrated the benefits of a little continuity which the Lakers haven’t had since LeBron arrived.

Unfortunately it really won’t matter much what we do this summer. If the Clippers are healthy next year, they could be the best team in the West. The Suns will be better. As will the Warriors, and the Griz. The talk of course is trading Russ, which we should. But the best case scenario would be say, landing Brogdon and Buddy from the Pacers, and that’s hardly a lock, it’s more like the Pacers last resort trade.

It’s extremely difficult to build a big 3 and Rob was foolish to try with the assets we had. 11 minimum contracts is not going to win a championship. 3 of our “big” free agent signings sat on the pine last night.

So what can be done this summer? I would still pursue a Russ trade and see if we can pull off something like the Pacers example. After that? Hope. Hope that we can keep Malik. Hope that Nunn is healthy and opts in. After do not trade THT, Austin or Stanley. Here is something new, develop them. THT is starting to get. He is now having more good games than bad, especially on defense where he has been very good. Austin is growing defensively and is cool under pressure. And Stanley’s defense is very good, not every guy in a rotation has to be a scorer. That would give us a core. It’s the young players stepping up that has been fueling us. Money will be tight this summer and some talent will trickle down. It would be very nice to target a few younger guys this time.

I know it’s always “don’t waste Lebrons remaining years” but we did this year with poor roster construction designs to “win now”. I just don’t see any moves that could elevate us into true contenders. I think we should be aiming for the following year when we may have some cap space. Develop the kids so they are ready when the cap space opens up. If win now is impossible, than win the following year is the best option.