These days I really forget we have him. We play some good team ball and Hart looks like a Fisher type player out there. As for the rookies (besides Kuz who has been hitting the wall hard I guess) I really enjoy watching Mitchell. That guy is my ROY.
It's a blessing in disguise. This team was lost without Ball on the floor, and they finally learned to play together when he's not on the floor pushing the pace. Most notably, Ingram has taken the point forward role and leader on the floor. He's directing the traffic and pressing the issue when we need it. Insert Lonzo back into the lineup and now you have two players on the floor who can push the pace and get the team involved.
Good to see him out there shooting and moving. But no, doesn't look like he can really go any time very soon. Heal up kid.
Dear Zo, I see you on the bench today; well-dressed, looking quite smooth; I said to myself "you look like a star." When I first seen you at UCLA, I wasn't impressed; I admit I may have jumped to conclusions without having seen you much at all. When the Lakers drafted you, I thought you were going to be a bust; but that hasn't been the case. You started slow, but the talent was there for everybody to see; your vision is exceptional, an above average athlete, with a surprising ability to play high-level defense right out of the gate; you have had highlight moments very early in your career; your "elite" all-around game is something I haven't seen since Jason Kidd. In short, you're special, and I'm glad to be wrong about you. We need you healthy; we need you back soon. With you in the starting 5, I think we can beat any team in the league; and as you mature into stardom, the franchise is going to be on your shoulders; I believe it already is; we believe in you and your talent. Sincerely Yours, Your Grandfather...LOL!!
The question is...did we overrate his value to this team? I remember just a few weeks ago, everybody said the Lakers blow without Ball and can't do anything. All of a sudden the team goes on a run and nobody is missing Ball.
See the grandfather's heartfelt letter to Lonzo above. And it's a dysfunctional family ....he used to hate the kid.
The opposite. The team was forced to learn how to win without him and it has improved them, I'm looking at Randle, Ingram, And Lopez specifically. Hart also stepped up into a bigger role. Pope has found more of a rhythm. With Ball and his unselfish style returning we should be even better. Our pace should be insane.
Yeah I don't think we're necessarily better without Ball OR better WITH him...I think it's just guys finding chemistry with each other. When Zo gets back, there might be an adjustment period and I would urge Luke to work him back in slowly and play him maybe 15-20 minutes a game and not 38 minutes right away. With the emergence of Hart, I don't see any reason why Zo should be play 30+ minutes right when he gets back. Ease him in...
Very true. Although, we were looking much better with Ingram running point, and Zo playing off ball, which also contributed to his better shooting from playing off ball. But I can definitely see a lot of fast break opportunities missed without the vision that Ball possesses, especially right off a defensive rebound. Those outlet passes are money.
