Optimism Discussion: The Laker's Sky Is Not Falling

Elgin is your Avi of Tarik(?) when he was watching Boogie and Julius trash talking after the game up close?

 

Yes...lol

 

Also I'd add we deserve this. As a fan base we had been so accustomed to seeing this terrible basketball with no continuity, no movement, no effort on the defensive end, and just horrific coaching. For years we had gotten the privledge of watching what was basically the basketball version Belichick/Brady in Kobe/Phil. The Lakers were a dynasty with those two guys along with the likes of Shaq the most dominant big I ever seen in my life and Pau one of the most skilled and best all around bigs we've seen in the last fifteen years.

Then Phil walks away and a few years later Kobe tears that Achilles after a disastrous season with that Nash/Dwight team and D'Antoni and yet and still somehow we get in the postseason because of Kobe's brilliance unless to see the beginning of the end for him after that terrible injury.

You talk about one of the greatest dynasties and franchises in sports having to rebuild and it was just weird and the worst part is they couldn't truly rebuild till Kobe decided to walk away. I will say I disagree with what Barkley said yesterday that the Lakers wouldn't have extended Kobe if they had to do over again. No way they give Kobe the Wade treatment that the latter got from Riley. Magic never played for another team and neither was Kobe and that's the way it should've been. No way I can stomach seeing Kobe play for a different team and I still fully believe he deserved all the appreciation and respect he got just wish the young guys had been developed while doing so.

Still and all despite having to endure some pretty rough years as fans we stayed the course and that's what you do. There will be good times, great times, and some really dark and bad times. Luke Walton comes aboard and brings a completely new vision to the Lakers. He wants to bring unselfish play back to this team, he wants to really teach these guys how to play the game of basketball and have fun doing it.

Luke has had his moments where he looks like a rookie and he'll have many more, but it's clear and evident that Luke is really starting to change the culture. No knock against Kobe who as I've said many times he is THE REASON I became a Laker fan and I freaking love that guy and nothing could ever change that, but it's not about one guy anymore. It's about a young group of guys and really just kids mixed with some veterans trying to come together and really learning how to play together.

It's about moving the basketball around, quick and precise movement, bodies moving, guys not just standing around and isolating, guys setting good screens for each other, the bigs rolling, guys spacing the floor, communication on both ends of the floor, helping each other, holding each other accountable, and competing each night.

Just really refreshing to see. I love the Lakers and I love basketball and I LOVE seeing unselfish and beautiful basketball and the fact that my team is playing that way for the first time in a long time and it's just been fantastic to watch. I look forward to every game as opposed to dreading it the last few years. Seeing these young kids start to grow up like Julius, JC, Nance, Ingram, and although he's struggled Russell I believe will get there. Seeing these veterans play at a level we haven't really seen like Lou and Nick. I love this bench and the energy they bring to the game. This team is getting out and running, they're actually rotating to shooters, getting in the right switches, I mean of course you'll still have breakdowns, but it's a much improved defensive basketball team.

So many guys just look like different players. Nick didn't even look like an NBA player let alone a quality starter like he's playing now. Playing in an offense where he doesn't have to dribble, dribble, and then jack up a shot. Just space the floor and shoot set shots. I believe it's had an impact on his defense. He's competing and moving his feet. Lou is playing more within the confines of the team and not as many of those bad shots like last year. Got so many capable playmakers on this team. Him, Ingram, D'Angelo, and Randle who looks like a guy who when you talk about best bigs in the game it's only a matter of time before he's in that conversation. He's just a different guy right now. Under control, more defensive awareness, help defense, switching, rebounding, pushing the ball, improved jump shot, reading the defense better and being more of a playmaker, finishing inside, and that fire and competitiveness has been apparent.

What's scary is our most talented all around player hasn't really shown up to the party and I believe it's only a matter of time. We saw tonight that when Russell wants to turn it out he can. Just needs to be more consistent and take care of those damn turnovers and stop being so loose with the ball. I think we'll see him get D'Angelo the ball more in the post where he can take advantage of smaller guards. I think if we can get him involved early he'll stay more engaged the rest of the way.

Just been an excellent start. Long way to go. There will be a lot more growing pains. Both for the players and the coaches, but that's okay. That's what makes this season so intriguing. This team will continue to get better and better. They'll get more comfortable with each other and with Luke and his system. This is just the beginning.

 

"I love basketball!" Again

If this was last year, would have turned off the game at halftime. Luke has got us fighting, playing a wonderful brand of basketball.

These kind of performances on nationally televised games are changing the perceptions of this team. That blow out victory against GSW and this fight from behind win against the Kings, those type of games resonate throughout the league. Media members are slowly coming on board, basketball fans love watching us, home fans finally getting what we deserve after years of having to put up with the one that shall not be named.

The great part is, being a witness to the whole thing.

 

im at about optimism level 14 out of 10 right now

i love these baby lakers

 

And for you .... that is pretty unusual. Harder than many to please. Amirite?

 

Disagree with the "new showtime" but still..

 

im hard to please because i nitpick the details

but nothing makes me happier than to see a young team fight and show heart...

 

America seems to be loving us too now that they don't have Kobe to hate and talk ish on.

 

You mean long term? If he came on board I'm sure we coould attract another top free agent next year. With the develoment of our draft picks this team could contend in 2 years IMO.

 

Imagine if it doesn't work out they trade Durant and what they'd get in return? They'd probably have some crazy depth and still replace him with a good SF.

 

Gameday Mood:

 

Compared to last 2 years with Boron the a-Hole coaching the Lakers

 

Nobody is going to give gsw anything of value for durant. Teams will feel that he'll opt out after the yr

 

I think they'll be clicking on all cylinders after the all star break, they'll probably make a trade for a big man that can bang a bit.

Come on Russell, crud on the Pelicans tonight.

 

This team, I mean, THIS TEAM! Outperforming what even the staunchest supporters on this site predicted.