News 'n Views - Mar 2016: D'Angelo Russell affair just the latest sign the Lakers are losing their identity

[lakersfreak]

Byron Scott plans to play young players in the fourth quarter 'no matter what'
by Harrison Faigen - silverscreenandroll.com

The fourth quarter benchings are (probably) over!

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming down the home stretch of what will likely be their worst season in franchise history. The team currently has the second-worst record in the league at 14-55, and as the team has proven all season, they are unlikely to get wins no matter who plays down the stretch.

For more than a handful of games this year, that reality has not stopped Lakers head coach Byron Scott from benching most of his younger players and chasing wins with veterans, most recently when he closed the Lakers most recent loss with a lineup of Marcelo Huertas, Lou Williams, Brandon Bass, Ryan Kelly, and one rookie in Larry Nance, Jr. The Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns anyway while the rest of their young core of Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson (although he made an eight-second cameo), and D'Angelo Russell looked on.

After the Lakers' practice on Saturday, Scott told the media that wasn't going to happen anymore:

Byron Scott says he is done benching young players for the fourth quarter. Going forward, they will play in fourth quarter “no matter what.”

In a change of pace from his typical statements this season, Scott also blamed his veterans for the team's struggles to start games instead of chalking it up to youth and inexperience:

Byron stressed he doesn't just blame the slow starts on the young guys. It's on the vets too

Given that the team has had very little to gain other than experience for their young players going forward for most of the season, this public change is a little later than what would have been ideal. But as the saying goes, "better late than never," and so this adjustment is still a positive one, but it's also debatable how much of an adjustment it actually is.

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[lakersfreak]

Byron Scott considering starting Larry Nance Jr. at small forward
by Mark Medina - insidesocal.com

His first NBA season has taken Larry Nance Jr. seemingly everywhere.

He has defied gravity with jaw-dropping dunks. He has shed his reputation as an energy player into a versatile one. He has played seamlessly in any role asked of him as a starter and reserve.

But Nance will experience something that will soon test the bandwidth on how much and how fast he can grow. Lakers coach Byron Scott has considered starting Nance at the small forward position despite his inexperience both at the spot and in taking 3-pointers.

“I expect him to struggle with it,” Scott said.

And yet Scott could make that lineup change whenever Kobe Bryant sits out with shoulder issues for a few simple reasons.

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[fiendishoc]

[K28]

Does anyone remember Joey's embarrassing speech in Orlando after Game 5 in 2009?

I just remember shuddering at the thought that one day this Jerry's kid would be in charge of the whole team.

[yinoma2001]

Not only once, but two times, Scott has eclipsed the "worst Lakers team ever" mark. Wow. That takes some anti-skills.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[RCS926]

[gumby]

[lakersfreak]

Buss family 'absolutely' not going to sell Lakers
by Harrison Faigen - silverscreenandroll.com

The purple and gold will stay in the family for the foreseeable future.

With Jim Buss' self-imposed deadline for contention drawing closer every day while the Los Angeles Lakers continue to struggle, there has been louder and louder wondering if the Buss family will eventually sell the team their legendary father Jerry helped lead to 16 NBA championships.

According to Joey Buss, the second youngest Buss sibling and Los Angeles D-Fenders team president, selling the team is not something their family is considering. Buss spoke with Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times in a wide-ranging interview about his own personal history and his time with the D-Fenders and Lakers, and he revealed the family is "absolutely" not planning to sell the Lakers.

"We're not going to sell the team," Buss told Bresnahan. "I can speak for myself mostly, but I think my dad's legacy is so strong with the basketball world. When you think of the Lakers, you think of Dr. Buss. We want to keep that forever. That's the goal."

Despite rumors to the contrary, this statement from Buss matches up with the initial reporting in the wake of Jerry Buss' death in 2013 that his children would continue to own and maintain the Lakers. Some may be disappointed with the results in their time without their father so far, but those hoping for new ownership will have to show a little more patience with the Buss family as they continue their attempts to rebuild the team into a winner.

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[lakersfreak]

Ben Simmons Declares for NBA Draft
by Eric Yee - lakeshowlife.com

Lakers draft prospect, Ben Simmons, has declared for the NBA draft

This should come as no surprise but late Sunday night, early Monday morning, LSU Freshman, Ben Simmons, told ESPN that he’s “making it official,” and declaring for the NBA draft.

Coming into the NCAA season as the overwhelming favorite for the first overall pick come June 23, Simmons has undergone a bit of what peer Jahlil Okafor experienced last year, dropping off towards the end of the season, subsequently causing his top dog status to come into jeopardy.

More so, while issues about his flaws and lack of commitment begin to arise, Duke forward, Brandon Ingram’s stock continues to sky rocket with his impressive play in March Madness where he is averaging 22.5 points, 7 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game.

Simmons’ faithful will argue that he was a great player on a sub par team that was destined for failure, but regardless of the debate, he is still pegged to go either first or second overall.

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[lakersfreak]

Staples Center to Reportedly Host 2018 NBA All-Star Game: Details and Reaction
by Mike Norris - bleacherreport.com

The Los Angeles Lakers may be one of the worst teams in the NBA, and the Los Angeles Clippers can't seem to get over the playoff hump. But their fans at least reportedly have something to look forward to in a couple of years.

According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, Staples Center—the teams' shared home court—will host the 2018 All-Star Game. The NBA plans to formally announce it Tuesday before the Lakers take on the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.

It will be the venue's third time showcasing the event after bringing the game's best to Los Angeles in 2004 and 2011.

According to Bresnahan, the Clippers and Lakers will share hosting duties during the four-day extravaganza.

Gerald Bourguet of Hoops Habit took a swipe at the 14-55 Lakers shortly after the announcement:

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[lakersfreak]

TDIKH: March 21, 1999
by nba.com

When the Lakers fell behind by 20 points at halftime, they turned to their budding superstar, who instantly delivered.

Kobe Bryant poured in 33 of his season-high 38 points in the final two quarters to lead Los Angeles past Orlando, 115-104.

Bryant’s tally was at just five points at intermission, as the purple and gold had fallen behind, 63-43. But everything changed from there, as L.A. outscored its hosts, 72-41, in the second half.

Bryant shot 15-of-24 from the field, while Shaquille O’Neal did his part by racking up 31 points (14-of-19) and 13 rebounds.

While Orlando put up a fight behind 22 points and 13 assists from Penny Hardaway, it simply couldn’t avoid a collapse against an L.A. unit that shot 60.3 percent from the field.

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[lakersfreak]

Jordan Clarkson Wants To Follow ‘Blueprint For Success’ From Kobe Bryant
by Ryan Ward - lakersnation.com

With his second season in the NBA coming to a close, Jordan Clarkson has proven to be a promising young player for the Los Angeles Lakers with a potentially bright future ahead.

Clarkson has had the privilege of learning from one of the greatest players of all time during his short time in Los Angeles. The second-year guard has tried to soak up as much knowledge as possibly from Bryant as he prepares to be the future Hall of Famer’s successor at the shooting guard position.

In a recent interview with Francisco Arechiga of East West Bank, Clarkson talks about wanting to follow in Kobe’s footsteps with the five-time NBA champion giving him the blueprint to succeed:

“You see great players like Kobe, they’re always in the gym. They’re working on their craft. So I’m just trying to follow the blueprint for success that they’ve laid out, and listen to what they’ve said.”

Los Angeles originally had one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft at seventh overall. After selecting Julius Randle out of Kentucky, the team’s front office was intent on acquiring another pick in the draft.

The Lakers acquired Clarkson with the 46th pick in the draft from the Washington Wizards. Los Angeles purchased the pick from Washington, and it has proved to be one of the team’s best investments over the last few years.

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[M2K]

[lakersfreak]

Russell - 'Great to Hear' About Increased Fourth-Quarter Minutes
by Joey Ramirez - nba.com

Head coach Byron Scott made his focus clear on Sunday, when he said that his young core will begin playing at the end of games, regardless of circumstance.

One of the chief benefactors from this news is D’Angelo Russell, who understood why Scott rolled with the hot hands of Lou Williams and Marcelo Huertas late in recent contests.

“I wasn’t really aggravated or bothered by being on the bench, because we were making runs and coming back,” Russell said at Monday's practice.

Nonetheless, the rookie called Scott’s decision “a great thing to hear.” Still, he didn’t agree with Scott’s diagnosis that the stating unit’s troubles are stemming from a lack of trust between one another.

Yet Russell did concur with his head coach that something is amiss with he and his fellow starters.

“If he sees that and he feels that way, there’s something that we’re doing to make him feel that way,” Russell said. “I don’t see it. I feel like we’re always talking to each other, trying to find ways to better each other. But actions speak louder than words, so if he sees it I guess it’s true.”

One of Scott’s primary critiques of his starters is that they don’t seem to be sharing the ball as much as they did when the Lakers took down Golden State and Orlando in back-to-back games two weeks ago.

“I feel like a lot of people feel that way and that’s what gets us in trouble,” Russell said. “Everybody’s like, ‘I’m gonna do it myself. I’m gonna go get 40 points tonight and put up crazy numbers to try to lead us to a victory.’”

As for himself individually, Russell has focused on growing in general over these final 13 games of the season.

He has made peace with coming off the bench for two months in the middle of the season, saying over the past couple of weeks that he didn’t feel like he had earned it in the beginning.

“In this league, a lot goes on with no explanation,” Russell said. “And there will probably never be any explanation, especially for a rookie. When things like that go on, you’ve just gotta stick to your craft and trust the process.”

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[lakersfreak]

LA D-Fenders’ Jabari Brown grieving over father’s death, chasing NBA dream
by Mark Medina - dailynews.com

The tone sounded muffled as Jabari Brown spoke. He closed his eyes. He then rubbed them to stop the small drops from becoming large tears.

The past year has become what Brown called “a whirlwind.” The Lakers cut him from their training camp roster for the second consecutive year. Brown dabbled overseas in China both to develop his game and land a larger paycheck. He returned three weeks ago to the Lakers’ Development League affiliate, the D-Fenders. Brown has since waited for any NBA team to call.

But those concerns hardly compare to what has left Brown soft spoken. His father, David, died on Feb. 27, 2016 after a nearly two-year battle with cancer.

“It’s tough dealing with it every day,” Jabari Brown said in a recent interview with Los Angeles News Group at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo. “I have good days and I have bad days. That’s how it’s going to be for a while.”

On Dec. 29, 2013, Jabari Brown learned of his father’s diagnosis during his junior season at the University of Missouri. But after doctors predicted David Brown had six months to live, he underwent enough treatment to delay his death by nearly 20 months.

Meanwhile, Jabari Brown’s NBA aspirations stayed on hold as the Lakers put higher priority on experience than upside. But despite cutting him twice, Lakers coach Byron Scott predicted Jabari Brown “has a future in the NBA” because of his work ethic, athleticism and prolific scoring. D-Fenders coach Casey Owens reported the Lakers “are still very high on him” for possible invitations to summer league and training camp. But part of that hinges on the Lakers’ draft and free-agency efforts.

“It’s a matter of when, not if,” Owens added. “I don’t think it’s going to be a long struggle.”

Meanwhile, Jabari Brown said he has heard “interest from a few teams” before speaking tongue-in-cheek after understanding how the NBA operates.

“If I don’t get the call up, it’s just interest,” Jabari Brown said. “I’m sure teams like a lot of guys.”

So Jabari Brown waits his turn and carries with him lessons his father taught him.

“He’s a fighter,” Jabari Brown said of his father. “I feel like that’s something I took from him. I’ve been counted out a lot of times and I’ve still found a way to make it happen. That’s what I’m going to continue to try to do even when it doesn’t necessarily look promising.”

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[lakersfreak]

Jabari Brown's journey to China left him hungry for his next shot at the NBA
by Harrison Faigen - silverscreenandroll.com

The well-traveled Brown and the D-Fenders are both confident he'll be back in the NBA before long.

Jabari Brown was driving to the basket as he has so many times before, ready to take flight for a dunk and send the Foshan crowd into a frenzy for their leading scorer. Before he could rock the rim, however, a waiting arm collided with his head directly above his right eyebrow, sending him to the floor.

The collision required 10 stitches to repair and a giant bandage worn over the wound, but it also served as Brown's rude awakening that he was in a more dangerous and physical league now.

"Welcome to China," says Brown, recalling the moment.

That CBA hello was a reminder Brown couldn't have been further, both geographically and figuratively, from the NBA and his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Several months, thousands of miles, and ten stitches later, the sophomore guard from Mizzou has returned to the D-Fenders, determined to make his way back to the big leagues.

Since rejoining Los Angeles, Brown has picked up where he left off with the team prior to his call-up last season, ranking fourth on the D-Fenders in scoring at 20 points per game in the six games since his return after averaging 24.4 points per game the year before.

"Jabari is an elite scorer," says Andre Ingram, Brown's D-Fenders' teammate who also played with Brown last season. "I've never seen anyone get to the line, or have a knack to get to the line more than Jabari. The game is just so easy to him, he has a very smooth game."

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[fontana3d]

[lakersfreak]

Josh Magette is proving himself with the D-Fenders while he waits for his NBA calling
by Harrison Faigen - silverscreenandroll.com

One of the D-League's top playmakers is focused on winning his way into a call-up.

Josh Magette doesn't look like anyone's mental image of a professional basketball player. Measuring in at a listed 6'1, 160 pounds, the wispy point guard out of Alabama-Huntsville has had to overcome those that doubt him based on his appearance his whole life.

"I had one scholarship offer coming out of high school," Magette told Silver Screen and Roll on Saturday night. "I just kind of felt, not under-appreciated, but something to prove every time I step on the court."

The same edge he plays with is audible in the clean-cut Magette's voice as he continues.

"I take it personally against every point guard in this league. I want to go out there and win my matchup every single night."

Magette is now leading both the Los Angeles D-Fenders and the entire D-League in assists (9.1 per game), and is fulfilling his goal of winning his matchup most nights. Even if it hasn't led to much acclaim or a call-up yet, Magette has gained the respect of his teammates, who rave about what he brings to the D-Fenders.

"He looks like you could throw him around anytime," says Magette's teammate and close friend Andre Ingram. "But he's tough. So without question, without hesitation, I'd definitely say [he's the best point guard in the D-League]. I've seen all the other so-called top point guards, point guards who get called up. I'll take Josh all day."

Magette's playmaking has been at the center of the D-Fenders offense, which ranks third in the D-League in offensive efficiency. The offense collapses when Magette is on the bench, averaging just 102 points per 100 possessions as compared to the 111.8 per 100 possessions they average with Magette on the floor.

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[lakersfreak]

TDIKH: March 22, 2007
by nba.com

For the third straight game, Kobe Bryant proved that he was one of the most dangerous scorers in NBA history.

By exploding for 60 points in a 121-119 win over Memphis, Bryant tied Michael Jordan for the second-most 60-point outings with the fourth of his career.

Plus, he joined Jordan, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players with three consecutive 50-point games.

“It just feels great,” Bryant told reporters. “Growing up I idolized all of them, from Wilt to M.J. to Elgin. It’s a tremendous honor to be in that same class with those guys and in the history books.”

Bryant shot 20-of-37 from the field and 17-of-18 on free throws. He was cooking both early — with 13 first-quarter points — and late — racking up 19 in the third and 17 in the fourth.

Lamar Odom added 20 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn’t just current teammates being overshadowed, but also future ones, as Memphis’ Pau Gasol went off for 35 points (17-of-23) and 15 rebounds in the loss.

Mike Miller also poured in 33 points and six 3-pointers for the Grizzlies, who shot 55.0 percent from the field, but Bryant was just too much to handle, scoring 10 of Los Angeles’ final 15 points.

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[lakersfreak]

Can The Purple and Gold Return to Prominence?
by Ed Schrenzel - lakeshowlife.com

The Lakers are on pace this season to have the fewest victories and the lowest winning percentage in the history of the franchise. Is it possible to return to the glory days?

The Lakers have had a magnificent history spanning the 68-year existence of the NBA. They they have won more games and have a higher winning percentage than any other team, and their 16 titles rank second only to the Boston Celtics’ 17.

In all major team sports, only baseball’s Yankees have done as well or better, as the Lakers franchise has enjoyed four distinct, separate championship eras:

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[lakersfreak]

If Lakers are playing at home, it's uncertain Kobe Bryant will take the court
by Mike Bresnahan - latimes.com

The question arrives almost daily: Will Kobe Bryant play in the Lakers' next game?

There are 13 games left until the April 13 finale, with the Memphis Grizzlies up next Tuesday. Because it's a home game, it's uncertain if Bryant will appear in it.

He has played in 96% of games away from Staples Center since declaring his intent to retire, and only 58% of games at the arena.

The Lakers' next game after Tuesday is at Phoenix on Wednesday.

Lakers Coach Byron Scott typically says it is "50-50" that Bryant plays in a particular game, repeating the phrase Monday when asked about Bryant's availability against Memphis.

"I just don't have answers for you guys," Scott said. "I wish I did. I don't know sometimes until game day. Or game time, really."

Last Friday, Scott said there was a 75% chance Bryant would play later that night against Phoenix, but Bryant ended up sitting out.

In addition to making road games a priority, Bryant has prioritized certain home games over others.

In recent weeks, he played against high-profile teams Golden State, Cleveland and New York but sat out against Orlando, Sacramento and Phoenix.

Bryant has complained of a sore right shoulder. A torn rotator cuff in the same shoulder ended his 2014-15 season.

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[lakersfreak]

Byron Scott concerned about Kobe Bryant’s health post-retirement
by Mark Medina - insidesocal.com

The concerns about Kobe Bryant’s durability sounded ridiculous to the Lakers’ 37-year-old star. Then again, when has Bryant not found those questions dumb?

Bryant scoffed about any possible decline during his early 30’s as he won back-to-back NBA titles. Bryant laughed at it again when he received innovative treatments to push back Father Time. Bryant dismissed the uncertainties when he rehabbed from three season-ending injuries to his left Achilles tendon (April 2013), left knee (Dec. 2013) and right shoulder (Dec. 2015).

So it seemed hardly surprising that Bryant sneered again about his health during his 20th and final NBA season.

“What’s long-term?” Bryant asked rhetorically in early December. Bryant then joked with a reporter, “Equinox pick-up games, dude. I’ll post your (butt) up there. It doesn’t matter.”

Apparently it matters to Lakers coach Byron Scott.

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[lakersfreak]

Practice Videos - Mar. 22, 2016
by lakersnation.com

Byron Scott Talks Kobe Bryant's Remaining Games

D'Angelo Russell Gives Ben Simmons Advice

[lakersfreak]

Brandon Bass Uncertain About Future In Los Angeles
by Ryan Ward - lakersnation.com

The upcoming NBA off-season will be an important one for the Los Angeles Lakers. The storied franchise hopes to hold onto their lottery pick while also making a splash in NBA free agency come July.

Along with attempting to upgrade the roster with a star player or two in free agency, the Lakers also have a few players on the current roster that could hit the open market.

Brandon Bass has a player option worth $3.1 million for next season and remains undecided about whether he’ll opt in to remain with the team or elect to test free agency via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Bass told Los Angeles News Group. “I’m a special type of player and person to be around this type of group. I think I can help develop these young guys. I want them to be successful. I would love to see them grow and would love it to be here. But you never know what happens.”

Head coach Byron Scott has been a big fan of Bass for a long time. Scott coached Bass during his time with the New Orleans Hornets. Bass played two seasons under Scott in New Orleans and left an impression with the current Lakers coach singing his praises, via Medina:

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[lakersfreak]

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James show support for Craig Sager
by Harrison Faigen - silverscreenandroll.com

Two basketball legends show love for another.

Iconic TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager is best known for bringing levity to national broadcasts with his memorable back-and-forth's with Gregg Popovich and his ridiculous and colorful suits. On Tuesday, however, the Los Angeles Lakers TNT televised showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies will take on a more somber tone with Sager telling HBO Real Sports (via the Washington Post) that "his cancer is no longer in remission."

Sager had returned to TNT this season after a lengthy battle with leukemia, but has now been told by doctors he may only have "three to six months to live." But Sager hasn't given up yet.

"I'm not going to be that three to six months," Sager recalled telling his doctors. "I'm going to be that five years. I'm going to make medical history. ... I'm fighting this thing to the end. I have too much to do."

The NBA community as a whole was saddened by the news, which led to such an outpouring of support that "Craig Sager" was trending on Twitter on Tuesday. Kobe Bryant was among those expressing his support for the broadcasting legend:

Thoughts and prayers for Craig Sager and his family. Keep on fighting man. #prayforsager

Bryant wasn't alone among NBA greats in sharing his love for Sager. LeBron James also joined in the massive showing of solidarity:

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