There's no reason they can't yet it is more about the number of touches afforded to each player given both like to have the rock in their hands to create. I recall incidents last year when both Russell and Randle had to work things out so that they can be on the same page on the floor. Imagine a third ball dominant playmaker around? Every talented player wants to be The Man. We already have Russell to orchestrate the offense as long as he is in a Laker uni so why not surround him with the right pieces to take advantage of his court vision and exemplary passing skills?
I agree. I think they can be effective in high-low actions. Kinda like what Memphis does with Marc gasol and zbo
He has to learn how to play without the ball like almost everyone else. That's the way the league works. Even ball dominant guys like LeBron and Chris Paul have had to learn that. If the kid is gonna make it in this league he can't just have the ball all the time.
I don't know how necessarily true that is. He is a phenomenal passer, so in that instance, you are right. But if you are basing it off his LSU tape, then the question becomes "Which future orthodontist on that team deserved to handle the ball besides him?" I don't think most anybody has seen him on a team where he's NOT expected to handle the ball 99% of the time, due to the difference in talent between him and his teammates. To the larger, more existential point, everybody needs the ball in their hands at some point to be effective. And if he or Julius is as ball-dependant as some think, they are gonna have a hard time in the new offense anyways, since the arch villain of the motion offense is isos and ball stoppers.
Exactly. Everyone needs to learn how to be effective off the ball. Just like how Steph and Klay had to learn after playing so much one on one ball under Mark Jackson. It's part of their learning curve. If they want the ball in their hands all the time then we're gonna be too easy to guard. We have to have movement, off ball action, off ball cuts, and the ball can't stay on the strong side all the time. Whether it's Ingram or Simmons there is gonna be some learning curve because it's not like Ingram didn't isolate quite a bit at Duke.
The thing with Ingram is that his body has a lot of growing to do too, including athleticism. He wasn't always as tall and lanky as he is now, so he's a late bloomer with his size and athleticism. When he puts in a bit more weight, especially in the legs as Real said, his explosion can really take his game to another level. He already posses great footwork and tremendous skill, and is still figuring out his size. #AllIngram
I want Simmons. That is all. I like Ingram, but I'm becoming more convinced that I want Simmons; I'm drawn to him and his skill, his size, his athleticism. I know there are questions about his character and lack of drive, but I'd take the risk with him. That said, I'd be very happy with Ingram.
I'm on just the other end of the line. I'd prefer Ingram by a teensy bit, but if we get Simmons that'd be awesome too. I'd love Simmons and having the "problem" of making him fit into our lineup.
I agree with the sentiment about playing Simmons at the 5 for small stretches; such as what Draymond does. I also think you can play Ingram at the 4 eventually when he fills out a bit. Both guys give you versatility and size at their respective positions. I think Ingram is going to have to work off the ball a little more when he first comes into the league. Simmons is going to have to learn to work off the ball. The good thing is these kids will be learning how to play the right way, IMO. They'll be cutting, moving, setting screens, and learning to do how the little things that Luke needs to have in this offense to be successful. I can't wait for next season.
LOLOLOL Lakers2015 thank you for this post right where you put it. I think he is going to drop to us and I too have been thrilled by what I see in clips. But swear to G .... then I'm reading literally the few posts and tweets right above you talking about just how amazing Simmons already is and is going to be with his ceiling and I start feeling down that we're not going to get him. Slaps self in face. The situation for the Lakers at this key point in their history is full of nothing but WIN with either of these very special players.
I can make a good case for either guy to be honest. We can really just kick our feet up and wait to see how it all plays out knowing we will get another great young player.
I had that same attitude last year and then Mitch and Jimmy pulled a fast one. Nothing is guaranteed with these 2.
Guess it does no good to say it again this year with "don't get cute" because they didn't listen last year.
At the time everyone loved the pick saying we'd finally embraced the new age of basketball and the future. Now they all hate it saying what a mistake we made and Jim Buss needs to get fired. Can't win for losing.
I was 100% on the Okafor bus. Begrudgingly, I got on the D.Russ train and was pleasantly surprised. I'll never pretend to know more than Mitch. But to me, a 7 footer with those mitts is a no-brainer. He's gonna be a 20/10 guy in this league for a long time. It was just the easy pick. "don't get cute" was my mantra. I feel like we did well last year with D. Russ and I'll back whoever they pick, but "don't get cute" Mitch. Pick whoever is left over between Simmons and Ingram. Please!!!
Oh I was with you all the way. I had visions of a great Laker big man there, but alas it was not meant to be. Mitch knows what he wants and what he wants is the next Golden State Warriors type team. I'm fine with it as long as we have a vision. Unfortunately that vision means no Okafor here because he's not really a Golden State type of guy. I think Bender is interesting and I think he deserves at least a shot to impress us. He's a legit 7 feet tall with some good ball skills and can shoot outside. Unfortunately I don't think he'll be able to play Center for a while. He's really thin. Porzingis is too, but Porzingis makes up for it with a little more explosion. Bender isn't quite as athletic as that. In the end I think you give the kid a shot to prove you wrong, but Simmons or Ingram is the right choice.
