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lakersfreak
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 Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:09 am Post subject: News 'n Views - Jan 2016: Byron Scott wants Larry Nance, Jr. and Julius Randle to compete for job as starting power forward |
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If no one objects I would like to make some changes for 2016.
Changing to News 'n Views since some of the articles are editorials / opinions vs straight news.
Changing to a monthly vs weekly format.
Hope you enjoy and Happy New Year 
Last edited by lakersfreak on Sun Jan 31, 2016 5:46 pm; edited 78 times in total |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:10 am Post subject: |
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Lakers found a blueprint for success on offense; film breakdown and analysis
by Drew Garrison - silverscreenandroll.com
The Lakers beat the Celtics because of great guard-to-guard play and off-ball movement. This looks like a game plan that can work on offense
The Los Angeles Lakers rolled into Boston as a team playing flat on both ends of the floor in the midst of another deflating losing streak. They walked away victorious, though, and mostly because of the play between their guards. Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell combined for 59 points and eight assists, piling on buckets to help deliver a sweet victory to Kobe Bryant in his last game at TD Garden.
The Lakers score the second-lowest points per 100 possessions (97.2, per NBA.com) in the league, and we recently went deep into the numbers behind their horrific offense. What stood out, though, is how effective they are on offense when cutting to the basket, and how rarely they actually played accordingly. It was a very different story in Boston, with the Lakers repeatedly sneaking behind the Celtics' defense for points in the paint.
They used pick-and-rolls as their foundation and off-ball cuts to finish the plays, catching Boston off guard. The Lakers aren't getting much out of players rolling to the basket or popping once they set a screen, but they can squeeze points out of cuts.
Picking out players bursting to the rim is something that complements Russell's abilities as a ball-handler. Pick-and-rolls will almost always force a defense to adjust, but it's how an offense follows up that matters. There needs to be purpose in the actions, not just players waiting for something to happen, and there finally was signs of life Sunday night. In this example, D'Angelo takes a screen from Brandon Bass, then drives into the Celtics' defense:
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:11 am Post subject: |
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Lakers have no regrets drafting D’Angelo Russell over Jahlil Okafor
by Mark Medina - dailynews.com
Moments after he heard his name called, D’Angelo Russell offered a few fist bumps with close family members and friends. Just as Russell pointed his fingers to the sky, Jahlil Okafor clapped his hands while wearing a stoic expression on his face.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had announced that the Lakers had chosen Russell as their No. 2 draft pick. The selection suggested the Lakers put a higher priority on securing a top point guard (Russell) to adapt to the modern NBA than securing a top center (Okafor) to continue the franchise’s rich lineage of them. It revealed the Lakers’ optimism in securing an elite big man in free agency, even if those plans backfired. And, the Lakers maintain, the move showed they remained intent on acquiring the best player available.
When the Lakers (6-27) host the Philadelphia 76ers (3-31) on Friday at Staples Center, the buzz will go beyond whether a win or loss could influence either team’s odds in the NBA Draft lottery in May. It will spark a never-ending debate. Did the Lakers choose their No. 2 pick correctly by selecting Russell?
“Absolutely,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told Los Angeles News Group. “We’re very happy. He’s going to be a really good player.”
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:12 am Post subject: |
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TDIKH: January 1, 2010
by nba.com
It was a new year, but the same, clutch Kobe Bryant.
With his team trailing by two, Bryant shook off his defender, caught a pass from Pau Gasol and drained the game-winning, 25-foot 3-pointer at the final buzzer to steal the Lakers a 109-108 victory over Sacramento.
“It was just a matter of me getting to that spot with enough time to get a shot off,’ Bryant told the media. “Phil (Jackson) drew up a play for a 3. He wanted me to get a good look and knock it down. I think he wanted to get out of here.”
Bryant was brilliant all night long, scoring 39 points, while shooting 13-of-27 from the field, 5-of-7 from beyond the arc and 8-of-11 at the free throw line.
The Lakers trailed by as many as 20 points, but Bryant — who scored 27 in the second half alone — powered his team’s rally, with help from Gasol (17 points, 16 reobounds) and Lamar Odom (20 points, 10 rebounds).
The Kings were actually even more impressive offensively, as they shot 54.4 percent — 9.1 percent better than Los Angeles.
But the purple and gold outscored them at the foul line, 23-12, and had 15 offensive rebounds to Sacramento’s four, which allowed them to stave off Spencer Hawes’ career-high 30 points.
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:13 am Post subject: |
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5 Top Targets in 2016 Free Agency Not Named Kevin Durant
by Cody Williams - lakeshowlife.com
The Lakers are going to be major players in 2016 NBA free agency, but who should they target outside of Kevin Durant
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to make a play for Kevin Durant in 2016 NBA free agency. The Lakers and virtually any other team with room under the inflating salary cap next summer will be vying for the services of one of the game’s transcendent talents and they’d be foolish not to do so.
However, with how the Lakers have fared in recent free agency periods, it’s fair to say that they should go into the summer of 2016 with a contingency plan in case they don’t get Durant—especially considering that the Lakers aren’t widely considered to be among KD’s top destinations.
The Lakers will enter 2016 free agency with the opportunity to really make some noise and take substantial leaps forward. With the cap jumping to somewhere around $89 million for next season, LA will only have just over $26 million on the books. That gives them a ton of room to make signings to help the team truly rebuild in a post-Kobe Bryant era.
While landing Durant to put around the young core of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson (assuming the Lakers re-sign Clarkson as a restricted free-agent) would be the most ideal of situations, he’s by no means the only high quality player that will be on the open market.
Subsequently, the Lakers should be ready to pursue some of the other top guys on the market. Looking at the players that will be available beyond Durant, here’s a quick look at five upper-tier players that should be on the radar of the Lakers front office.
(Note: This does not include players with an option in their contract for the 2016-17 season that could thrust them into free agency)
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SweetP
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:15 am Post subject: |
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Appreciate all your hard work!
_________________
“There is always light if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it.” --Amanda Gorman |
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nash
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:13 am Post subject: |
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| lakersfreak wrote: | Lakers found a blueprint for success on offense; film breakdown and analysis
by Drew Garrison - silverscreenandroll.com
The Lakers beat the Celtics because of great guard-to-guard play and off-ball movement. This looks like a game plan that can work on offense
The Los Angeles Lakers rolled into Boston as a team playing flat on both ends of the floor in the midst of another deflating losing streak. They walked away victorious, though, and mostly because of the play between their guards. Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell combined for 59 points and eight assists, piling on buckets to help deliver a sweet victory to Kobe Bryant in his last game at TD Garden.
The Lakers score the second-lowest points per 100 possessions (97.2, per NBA.com) in the league, and we recently went deep into the numbers behind their horrific offense. What stood out, though, is how effective they are on offense when cutting to the basket, and how rarely they actually played accordingly. It was a very different story in Boston, with the Lakers repeatedly sneaking behind the Celtics' defense for points in the paint.
They used pick-and-rolls as their foundation and off-ball cuts to finish the plays, catching Boston off guard. The Lakers aren't getting much out of players rolling to the basket or popping once they set a screen, but they can squeeze points out of cuts.
Picking out players bursting to the rim is something that complements Russell's abilities as a ball-handler. Pick-and-rolls will almost always force a defense to adjust, but it's how an offense follows up that matters. There needs to be purpose in the actions, not just players waiting for something to happen, and there finally was signs of life Sunday night. In this example, D'Angelo takes a screen from Brandon Bass, then drives into the Celtics' defense:
Continued.... |
Pretty good read. I agree with everything. Russell has been our best cutter and he finishes really well without contact. Now other guys are starting to cut and Dlo, will find them most of the time. Lou did a good job cutting and finding cutters, that is something Randle should do to get some easy baskets, but I'd like to see him setting hard screams first. |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 11:01 am Post subject: |
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Could Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. Play Together?
by Hannah Kulik - lakeshowlife.com
Would Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. be able to co-exist in the same lineup for the Lakers?
With another double-digit loss on Monday night, this one to the Charlotte Hornets, the Los Angeles Lakers’ record has sunk to a shocking 5-27. Though they improved to 6-27 with a win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, the year 2015 cannot end soon enough for this team, which cannot seem to gain any traction and actually appears to be getting worse on both ends of the court.
There are still 49 games to play this season, which is a lot of basketball. The Lakers’ brain trust has to figure something out because, to this point, the year has been one gigantic failure. Byron Scott has hinted that he may tweak the rotation again in January. For one thing, bringing D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle off the bench has not worked and has been counterproductive to the development of both players.
It is time to get serious with Randle and Russell because the future of the franchise depends on them becoming All-Star caliber players. They have been maddeningly inconsistent this year, looking great one moment and terrible the next. Coming off the bench has worsened the situation, since they are forced to play with different teammates from one minute to the next, shuttling in and out of the game. Plus, many times the Lakers are already losing by double-digits by the time Russell and Randle take the court, forcing them to play catch-up.
Russell and Randle need to play before the game gets out of hand, meaning they need to start and play 30-plus minutes every game. The starters get to play with the same teammates around them each night, which results in greater familiarity, rhythm, and consistency.
The most intriguing question, however, is what should the team do with Larry Nance Jr. when Randle returns to the starting lineup? The fact is, Nance has been the most consistent Lakers player all season. He defends and rebounds, he brings energy, and he does all of the little things that aren’t reflected in the final stats, but are instrumental in giving the team a better chance to win.
Continued.... |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 11:04 am Post subject: |
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Byron Scott A ‘Little Worried’ About Larry Nance Jr.’s Injury
By Ramneet Singh - lakersnation.com
The Los Angeles Lakers got one of their most meaningful victories of the 2015-16 NBA season Wednesday night in Kobe Bryant’s final game in Boston. At the TD Garden, the Lakers played an overall solid game and walked off the court with a 112-104 win.
However, the win came at a costly price for the Lakers as rookie Larry Nance Jr. injured his ankle in the first half. Although Nance Jr. tried to play through the pain in the third quarter, it was clear that the ankle was bothering him.
After the win, head coach Scott spoke to the media and talked about the gravity of the ankle injury, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Byron Scott said he was a "little worried" about Larry Nance's ankle, hopes he'll be ready to play New Years Day (on @TWCSportsNet)
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A Mad Chinaman
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:19 pm Post subject: |
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| lakersfreak wrote: | Could Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. Play Together?
by Hannah Kulik - lakeshowlife.com
Would Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. be able to co-exist in the same lineup for the Lakers?
With another double-digit loss on Monday night, this one to the Charlotte Hornets, the Los Angeles Lakers’ record has sunk to a shocking 5-27. Though they improved to 6-27 with a win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, the year 2015 cannot end soon enough for this team, which cannot seem to gain any traction and actually appears to be getting worse on both ends of the court.
There are still 49 games to play this season, which is a lot of basketball. The Lakers’ brain trust has to figure something out because, to this point, the year has been one gigantic failure. Byron Scott has hinted that he may tweak the rotation again in January. For one thing, bringing D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle off the bench has not worked and has been counterproductive to the development of both players.
It is time to get serious with Randle and Russell because the future of the franchise depends on them becoming All-Star caliber players. They have been maddeningly inconsistent this year, looking great one moment and terrible the next. Coming off the bench has worsened the situation, since they are forced to play with different teammates from one minute to the next, shuttling in and out of the game. Plus, many times the Lakers are already losing by double-digits by the time Russell and Randle take the court, forcing them to play catch-up.
Russell and Randle need to play before the game gets out of hand, meaning they need to start and play 30-plus minutes every game. The starters get to play with the same teammates around them each night, which results in greater familiarity, rhythm, and consistency.
The most intriguing question, however, is what should the team do with Larry Nance Jr. when Randle returns to the starting lineup? The fact is, Nance has been the most consistent Lakers player all season. He defends and rebounds, he brings energy, and he does all of the little things that aren’t reflected in the final stats, but are instrumental in giving the team a better chance to win.
Continued.... |
When DLO and Randle were in the starting lineup (Hibbert/Kobe/DLO/Clarkson/Randle), the starts were very poor.
DLO and Randle needs to be in an environment to facilitate their growth and seems like playing without the Black Mamba on the court is the best scenario. Curious on what options Byron should explore that would provide better starts. Does this mean Clarkson should come off the bench - since Hibbert and Kobe are staying in the starting lineup.
If a certain lineups are not working, shouldn't one look for lineups that work? |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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The Time Has Come for Lakers to Move D'Angelo Russell Back to Starting Lineup
By Michael Pina - bleacherreport.com
The Los Angeles Lakers won their sixth game of the season Wednesday night, walloping the Boston Celtics with a 112-point uppercut. It was Los Angeles’ third win since head coach Byron Scott decided to alter his starting lineup by replacing D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle with Lou Williams and Larry Nance Jr.
Russell and Randle both shined off the bench in their first trips to Boston, combining for 31 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and only three turnovers. At times, both youngsters carried the Lakers, particularly a struggling Kobe Bryant, who finished with 15 points on 18 field-goal attempts.
When Scott demoted Randle and Russell, back on Dec. 7, it was viewed as a temporary experiment. Change was necessary, as Los Angeles’ starting unit of Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Bryant, Randle and Roy Hibbert was easily the least effective five-man unit in basketball, getting blasted with a net rating of -13.9 in 261 depressing minutes, per NBA.com.
The move has been a relative success, in that Los Angeles is slowly starting to isolate less and pass more. But it hasn’t resulted in wins, and it isn’t the most ideal way to develop the organization’s most important player: Russell.
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:35 pm Post subject: |
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Lakers’ assistant Larry Lewis happy with D’Angelo Russell’s progress
by Mark Medina - insidesocal.com
Below is an edited Q&A with Lakers assistant coach Larry Lewis about the development of Lakers rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell. Lewis is Russell’s closest confidant on the Lakers’ coaching staff.
With all the work you have done with D’Angelo, what has been your overall feedback to him?
Lewis: “I focus on game situations. Since the summer, we’ve worked a lot on pick-and-roll stuff. It’s been one of the main topics about his body and getting stronger. That’s what he’s done. One thing about the kid is whatever advice he gets that makes sense, he has a good radar for it. He takes to it like a fish to water.”
What’s the advice?
Lewis: “For example, in the weight room, it’s very important. When he first came into the door, one of our early conversations involved getting with Tim [DiFrancesco] in the weight room. He’s done that. He’s gotten stronger and he’s going to continue to get stronger. It’s going to be more of a problem for his opponents the stronger he gets.”
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lakersfreak
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 12:48 am Post subject: |
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Larry Nance Jr. On Developing Into A Stretch Four
By Dan Duangdao - lakersnation.com
At the 2015 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers surprised many when they selected Larry Nance Jr. with their 28th pick. The forward from Wyoming was projected to be a second round pick at best and popular names such as R.J. Hunter and Kevin Looney were still available.
Since being named a starter by head coach Byron Scott, Nance Jr. has been a pleasant surprise for the Lakers.
While Nance Jr. is averaging 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds, the rookie forward has recently been able to knock down his perimeter shots. Although Nance Jr. is known for his jumping abilities, he believes he will develop into a stretch four according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
“Yeah, it’ll happen,” Nance Jr. told Los Angeles News Group. “I’m a rookie and I got lots of years to perfect my craft and work on my game. I’m getting very comfortable shooting the 15- and 18-footer. I’ve got multiple years and multiple summers to be able to work that out to the 3-point line. I’m very confident.”
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ChefLinda
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 5:26 am Post subject: |
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| SweetP wrote: | | Appreciate all your hard work! |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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| ^ welcome |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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Jordan Clarkson credits Lakers' improvement to watching film with D'Angelo Russell
by Harrison Faigen - silverscreenandroll.com
The Lakers' young guards are working hard to improve
The Los Angeles Lakers evidently made a New Year's resolution to improve their winning percentage in the year 2016. The purple and gold are currently undefeated in the new year, moving to 1-0 in 2016 when they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night 93-84.
The quality of their opponent may have had as much to do with the victory as anything, but a team that has been as consistently poor as the Lakers have been this season has to take wins where they can get them. Part of the reason for the Lakers' triumph was the strong games of their two young guards, D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson.
Neither guard was particularly efficient, with Clarkson needing 17 shots to score his 19 points and Russell scoring 11 points on 14 attempts, but they were still able to escape Staples Center with a victory thanks in part to their continually improving on-court synergy, a development Clarkson credited to time spent together watching film:
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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TDIKH: January 2, 2009
by nba.com
Thanks largely to a 40-point effort from Kobe Bryant, a rematch of the previous year’s Western Conference Semifinals went largely uncontested.
The Lakers led by 17 points after just one quarter, while Bryant shot 13-of-23 from the field and 12-of-14 at the foul line to key a 113-100 win over Utah.
Los Angeles led by as many as 20 in its fifth straight win, but the Jazz managed to cut that advantage down to four with three minutes left. From there, reserve Trevor Ariza recorded two of his five steals to seal victory.
Bryant added seven rebounds and four assists, while Pau Gasol racked up 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, surpassing the 10,000-point mark along the way.
Utah’s front court of Mehmet Okur and Paul Millsap provided a fight by combining for 36 points and 30 rebounds, but the Lakers managed to keep the Jazz away with by outscoring them on free throws, 32-20.
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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Kobe questionable to play Sunday
by Evan Barnes - insidesocal.com
Lakers head coach Byron Scott said Saturday that Kobe Bryant will be questionable to play on Sunday following Bryant’s shoulder injury that kept him out of Friday’s win against Philadelphia.
“He said it felt better but we’ll see how it feels tomorrow,” Scott said. “From yesterday to today he said it felt a lot better. What that means, I don’t know yet.”
Scott added that he has not gotten any indication from Lakers head athletic trainer Gary Vitti that this is a longterm issue but rather another sign of the game taking its toll on Bryant.
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:21 pm Post subject: |
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Lamar Odom's son posts first photo of his father since hospitalization
By James Herbert - cbssports.com
Lamar Odom's son, Lamar Odom Jr., posted a photo with his father on Instagram on Thursday. It's the first photo of Odom since his hospitalization in October.
Odom Jr.'s Instagram account is locked, but the photo has been shared by the Washington Post and US Weekly, among other outlets:
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TooMuchMajicBuss
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 5:31 pm Post subject: |
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| A Mad Chinaman wrote: | | lakersfreak wrote: | Could Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. Play Together?
by Hannah Kulik - lakeshowlife.com
Would Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. be able to co-exist in the same lineup for the Lakers?
With another double-digit loss on Monday night, this one to the Charlotte Hornets, the Los Angeles Lakers’ record has sunk to a shocking 5-27. Though they improved to 6-27 with a win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, the year 2015 cannot end soon enough for this team, which cannot seem to gain any traction and actually appears to be getting worse on both ends of the court.
There are still 49 games to play this season, which is a lot of basketball. The Lakers’ brain trust has to figure something out because, to this point, the year has been one gigantic failure. Byron Scott has hinted that he may tweak the rotation again in January. For one thing, bringing D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle off the bench has not worked and has been counterproductive to the development of both players.
It is time to get serious with Randle and Russell because the future of the franchise depends on them becoming All-Star caliber players. They have been maddeningly inconsistent this year, looking great one moment and terrible the next. Coming off the bench has worsened the situation, since they are forced to play with different teammates from one minute to the next, shuttling in and out of the game. Plus, many times the Lakers are already losing by double-digits by the time Russell and Randle take the court, forcing them to play catch-up.
Russell and Randle need to play before the game gets out of hand, meaning they need to start and play 30-plus minutes every game. The starters get to play with the same teammates around them each night, which results in greater familiarity, rhythm, and consistency.
The most intriguing question, however, is what should the team do with Larry Nance Jr. when Randle returns to the starting lineup? The fact is, Nance has been the most consistent Lakers player all season. He defends and rebounds, he brings energy, and he does all of the little things that aren’t reflected in the final stats, but are instrumental in giving the team a better chance to win.
Continued.... |
When DLO and Randle were in the starting lineup (Hibbert/Kobe/DLO/Clarkson/Randle), the starts were very poor.
DLO and Randle needs to be in an environment to facilitate their growth and seems like playing without the Black Mamba on the court is the best scenario. Curious on what options Byron should explore that would provide better starts. Does this mean Clarkson should come off the bench - since Hibbert and Kobe are staying in the starting lineup.
If a certain lineups are not working, shouldn't one look for lineups that work? |
I think DLO works well with Kobe. Randle doesn't set picks well, and sometimes when he slips a pick he doesn't roll to the basket, he just hangs out expecting the ball from 18 feet so he can drive down the middle. It's kind of a play breaker. On the other hand I've seen the 2 man game work pretty well with Kobe when he and DLO share floor time. |
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 7:29 pm Post subject: |
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Byron Scott Discusses Larry Nance Jr., Julius Randle’s Practice Battles
By Corey Hansford - lakersnation.com
The Los Angeles Lakers power forward position looks extremely promising as the team has two young prospects with a ton of potential in Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr.
Randle was a known commodity as the team’s lottery pick last year, but Nance Jr. has been a big surprise as the team’s late-first round pick this season.
Head coach Byron Scott benched Randle for Nance and both have played extremely in the games since. According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, Scott believes they’re making each other better with their battles in practice:
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lakersfreak
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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Byron Scott Has No Place Coaching in Los Angeles
by Tristan Melton - lakeshowlife.com
Byron Scott is possibly the worst coach in the history of the Lakers franchise for many reasons
Byron Scott took over coaching the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014-15 season, ending the Lakers’ season with their worst franchise record at 21-61. One could say that, in Scott’s defense, Kobe Bryant was out for the season with an injury. However, Bryant is playing this season, and the Lakers still have a 7-27 record.
The Lakers had a chance to re-sign the legendary Phil Jackson, but miscommunicated their plans for the coaching search at the time and ultimately elected to hire Mike D’Antoni. After D’Antoni resigned after the 2013-14 season, the Lakers hired Scott as his successor. Now here we are.
The Lakers have a very young core, which makes Scott’s job even tougher. Young players need a coach that knows it takes patience for players to adjust in the league. They need someone that will have patience with them and transform them into better players. What they don’t need is a coach that’s only been over .500 five times within his 17 seasons of coaching.
Scott has already been bumping heads with two of the most crucial players to his team, D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. First, Scott took away their positions in the starting lineup, sending a message that’s still unclear. Then, Scott took to the media to call his team “scared,” yet again creating an excuse as to why he can’t win.
Continued.... |
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lakersfreak
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Location: Riverside Rescue
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| Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:26 am Post subject: |
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5 Trades Team Should Make This Season
by Cody Williams - lakeshowlife.com
The Lakers should at least explore making these five trades or something like them happen this season
It’s the turn of the New Year and that leaves many NBA teams starting to think about the second half of the season and what’s in store for their team. That naturally includes what trades a team could possibly make before the NBA Trade Deadline and what those deals would accomplish. Even with virtually no shot at the postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t excluded from those types of ponderings.
While many teams approach the trade deadline operating under the premise of how to improve the team this year, the Lakers should have a different approach when it comes to free agency. Whether the Buss family and Mitch Kupchak will have that approach remains to be seen.
Even still, the Lakers have to look at any potential trades in terms of acquiring assets and potentially acquiring draft picks. This is a franchise in the heart of a rebuilding process and there aren’t going to be any trades available that offer immediate fixes.
Subsequently, any trades or trade propositions should be centered around clearing more cap-room for next summer, getting high-value on young players with upside, or acquiring a security blanket for the 2016 NBA Draft in case the top-three protected first round pick falls to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Moreover, it would be great for the development of the young players if Kobe Bryant wasn’t on this team eating up their minutes. But realistically, there’s not a chance in hell that Kobe is getting traded while he’s on his farewell tour and retiring at the end of the season. His contract will be off the books at the end of the season regardless, so any trades that would involve trading Kobe to help develop young players is just a silly impossibility.
Obviously having those sorts of parameters limits some of the deals that could be made leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, but there are undoubtedly deals to still be made. These five trades could all help the Lakers organization in their own way moving forward and should at least be discussed by the front office in the coming months.
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lakersfreak
Franchise Player
Joined: 11 Apr 2001
Posts: 12389
Location: Riverside Rescue
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| Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:27 am Post subject: |
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Anthony Brown making most of opportunity
by Evan Barnes - insidesocal.com
Anthony Brown’s journey with the Lakers has been hot and cold to say the least. On Friday, he made his second start of the season and recorded five points and five rebounds against Philadelphia.
On Saturday afternoon, he was assigned back to the D-League and will be in uniform for the D-Fenders’ game against the Bakersfield Jam.
It has been that kind of journey for Brown so far but the rookie from Stanford is starting to find his groove and maximize his time on the court, no matter how limited.
“Every game for me, I feel like I’m getting more comfortable,” Brown said Saturday, “First time I was out there against [Oklahoma City], the game was moving so fast for me and now it’s starting to slow down a bit game by game.”
Aside from his starts, Brown has only played more than 20 minutes once in his nine games this season. His first start saw him thrown into the fire guarding Kevin Durant but against Philadelphia, he showed a glimpse of his shooting touch making his lone 3-point attempt.
He only attempted three shots all game but found ways to make affect the game with his defense and rebounding, something that impressed head coach Byron Scott.
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