Aloha,
In the media and the blogs people are doing Chicken Little in mass. But the sky isn’t falling. It crashed two years ago and it actually began its decent a few years before that. The Lakers demise is squarely on the shoulders of The front office and our brilliant newly extended GM. I have little faith that this mess will be turned around because Jeanie doesn’t trust anyone other then her friends and that’s been a disaster.
The more I watch this team, the more I’m convinced that we should not waste our future on a trade that won’t do much more then possibly get us into the play in. But the more I watch the more convinced that we will make a panic trade, dooming the team to mediocrity or worse for years to come.
For this team to win we need both LeBron and AD playing at a high level. Against Denver AD was decent but LeBron was mediocre at best. His 8 turnovers and 2 for nine 3 point shooting was a big reason for the 30+ fast break points Denver laid on us. In this game AD sat out for the first of what will probably be many games and LeBron proved that he just isn’t the force he once was. We got another good defensive effort but LeBron couldn’t carry the team as he has in the past. Yes he had 28 points but on 10 for 24 shooting and another dismal game from 3. 1 for 6 to be exact.
Now I came into the year with little hope for a fast start. With a new squad and a tough schedule I thought we would be 1 and 4, with an outside chance at 2 and 3. But Ofer isn’t really surprising.
I’m still convinced that we will be better then our start as long as the defense holds up. No one is shooting their career average yet from 3 so that should pick up. And I think Russ is useful when coming off the bench. He’s allowed to play his game when LeBron sits. Still unless LeBron and AD are dominant it will be hard to win. I mean even with a trade it’s hard for me to see us in the play in unless both those guys are playing at a high level.
I do hope they follow through on their commitment to hold off on a trade for awhile. At least wait until we see what we have when the team has played enough together to jell. The longer we wait the better the odds are of more favorable deals materializing.
Next summer we would have enough cap space to put a better supporting cast on the floor. Currently we are the only non rebuilding team with projected cap space which would be an advantage. But I fear the allure of a potential 8th seed will be too great and we will make another bad trade and have another year of mediocrity at best. We will make a trade that will eat up that cap space and we will be going up against teams with deeper, better rosters. But that seems to be the Lakers way now.
LBJ shouldn’t have to carry the team on his back! He is a very very good player, but he isn’t above great. Other than AD (if and when he plays), we have 1 legit starter in LBJ. Not sure any others on the roster could start for any good team. I have zero expectations as we sit, but cheer LBJ to have another All-Star season on his way to top “CAP!”
PS-Even Tom Brady looks human.
DJ, what I like about your expectations being zero is that you will never be disappointed if you are expecting to be disappointed. The same goes for me. Thanks for the comment.
“Take me to the Pilot.” EJOHN
I’m fine with a trade as long as the salary comes off the books this summer. Or the player is easily flip label (won’t need a pick attached). Or they’re a great fit. Of all the trades I’ve seen none of them fit the criteria. Buddy and Myles are closest, I do think that trade happens. Too late. Of course, because they should have pushed hard for that this summer and seemingly didn’t. Anyhow, my issues are the same: I just don’t think the front office has a clue what it takes to build a winner in an 82 game season. No clue at all.
The Lakers would dumb beyond comprehension to trade the draft picks for players who are not on at least a 2-year contract or whom they plan to re-sign. Trading picks has to be for players who will be on the Lakers long-term. Picks are for keepers.
The only other alternative is to trade Russ’ $47M for multiple tradeable contracts that we could flip before the deadline once recently traded and signed players become eligible to be traded.
Here’s the rub you keep forgetting. The Lakers have to have tradeable contracts or they will not be able to use those three draft picks next summer if they only have expiring contracts. That is unless you’re now joining the trade LeBron and AD proponents.
Maybe don’t bet that farm on a 20 year vet? Past performance is no indication of future success.
“Past performance is no indication of future success.”
Very true sir!
Michael, your analysis is right on point. What I find encouraging this early on in the season is the defense of the team. You are right, the offense might pick up later, but boy, that needs a prayer. And lots of it.
While I have an obviously more optimistic outlook on this team, I can’t argue with your recap of why we got here. To think Rob Pelinka was given an extension right after the worst year in Lakers history is unforgiveable and a sign of the malaise that will always leave wins and championships on the table. Fortunately, we are still the Los Angeles Lakers so we still can win despite poor ownership and management.
Could the team play and shoot better if given more time? I think that’s where you and I totally disagree. I believe there are trades out there that will transform this team into a top-6 team and start the road to rebuilding a roster that can legitimately compete. Waiting will only guarantee this season is lost. Pelinka need to make a trade right now or this season will be lost. There is no trade that can help this team recover if they go 5-15 in first 20 games. Do that and you’re helping the Pelicans get Victor.
But there are trades that will restore the Lakers to respectibility and take the huge load off of LeBron and AD so they might be able to stay healthy and optimize their careers. Right now, we just burning them out. There are a lot of dumb trades out there and yes, it’s a worry if Rob can tell the difference but standing pat would only leave the Lakers in an even worse situation if they keep Russ all year and let his contract expire. Then they will have 3 straight lost seasons and no contracts to trade with those three first round picks. That’s just not acceptable.
Finally, despite not having shooters or size, this Lakers team still ranks second in the entire NBA in defense. That’s why I still believe this team can be a championship team if they make the right trade. Add 4 players with size and 3-point shooting skills and that will transform our starting lineup and upgrade the bench to be one that shoots well and defends well.
The ymoves to get a younger and more athletic roster has worked. Everybody knows we couldn’t sign elite shooters for the minimum so those shooters will have to come via the Westbrook trade. That is still the situation. The Lakers just need to act before the hold we’re digging is too deep to get out of. And no, 5 games into the season is not too late but 20 games will be. Lakers need a trade right now.
I don’t understand Tom, why you don’t think the shooting will improve. While none of these guys are snipers just about everyone has been much better for their careers. I mean even Russ has shot 30% for his career and he’s currently shooting 12%. Troy is a career 35% shooter and broke out with a 4 for 7 game. I think the shooting will improve. If it doesn’t. , adding one shooter isn’t going to do much to elevate the team. I think our biggest disagreement is over the impact of a trade. Even if it were to some how elevate us to a 6th seed unless we faced someone with major injuries I believe we would be out in the first round. My biggest concern isn’t trading the picks as much as it is trading them without protections. Turner and Buddy both could benefit other teams and yet no one is talking to the Pacer because unprotected 1st are to high a cost for either player. I believe over time that price will go down. Same goes for other names out there.