That's it exactly. They came in red hot and unfortunately, we didn't do enough to cool them down at all. As I mentioned in another thread, near the end of the third, the daring backcourt duo of Steph and Klay had 45 of the team's 90 points. And they were shooting 66% and 70% respectively. You can't beat them if you let them do that. We did a poor job defensively and it hurt. That was a great litmus test though, to see where we really stack up defensively. There's work to be done.
Oh definitely. Byron couldn't have been pleased with that defense. You've got to keep attached to these guys which is a problem in our defense because we like to switch and rotate. That's great, but you better rotate fast against this team. If they're open for half a second they'll kill ya. The defense failed last night to keep their best options off the three point line and that's just not going to cut it. Force them to drive and put the ball on the floor. Klay and Curry are great shooters and good ball handlers, which would I rather them do? Easily the second.
^^ Agreed. Klay hit 5 of 6 threes. That's a straight killer. When he's hot like that, make him try to beat you off the dribble instead. Even if he made layups on all of those shots (which he wouldn't), that's 5 less points and you would be taking away his first option.
I am very optimistic right now. A lot of the pieces we acquired are looking great. Not to mention Kobe looking like Kobe. This is a season I am very much looking forward too, unlike last year.
With Hill and Davis, with the former in good health throughout, they're mobile defensively in the frontcourt at the 5's albeit undersized. Randle if he hones in can be very good. Johnson too if he can maintain focus. Overall there's decent speed and quickness. I hope Price sticks. The perimeter shooting without Young and Henry will be upgraded when both come back. Scott is emphasizing "attitude" just to ensure that they won't quit.
I loved listening to Byron's post game press conference and wish TWC would have stayed with him a little longer. He was not happy with what took place even though the guys have only been working on this for a week and a half. It was more about our guys not playing with the same amount of effort as the Warriors players came with according to Byron. I'm sure with today's film session the team went through Byron will right the ship and we should see better effort this Sunday when we play the Warriors again.
I'm sure Byron Scott had a little happiness tucked away somewhere as a coach because now he gets to grind on the youngins some more. Also, important to remember Klay is probably in midseason from after FIBA.
Optimism is a bit hard to come by these days when it comes to the Lakers, but I think I'll be able to enjoy the season since I'm going to have reasonable expectations. I'll be happy just seeing Kobe playing close to his former ability and watching the team give a good effort on both sides of the court. If they sneak into the playoffs, that'll just be icing on what will hopefully be a much improved season.
I'm excited for Lin and his new starting position. I think he'll do just fine next to Kobe. The ability to stay in front of 1's, have the foot speed, size, length to guard the 1 position is huge; he has a lot of room for improvement to make on that end, and I think Byron and Kobe will push him to be better because he does have the tools physically. Of course we know what he brings on offense and playing off Kobe will make the game easier for Lin who can also play off the ball, initiate the offense, cut, slash, etc...I think it's a good fit.
I am definitely glad Lin is the starter. Nash should play limited minutes. Kobe is also looking solid to say he hasn't played in so long.
It'll be great to see some fresh legs in the starting back court this season. It'll be great if we got the Lin we faced when he was in NY.
NECESSARY bump tonight. This is the BEST possible time Randle could've injured himself - if there's such a thing. There's two ways to have an epic first game to a career - explode for 30 points or a triple double or hit a game-winner, or put yourself out for the whole season. The game was already over, so it didn't impact our immediate future. I'd rather have him get injured in his first game than before the season at all, because he got a small taste of the real NBA. And, he got a taste of the NBA, but had he got anymore of a taste, it would have been set back even further for next season. Imagine the fire that's going to be in him next year - got out on the court for one game. He's got his whole career ahead of him, minus one game. I'm numb right now, but trying to be optimistic. Let's go Lakers.
I actually still believe we can make the playoffs, however I might be delusional at this point. Kobe and Boozer looked good tonight and I think Lin plays better from here on out. We can't keep starting off games with a deficit though, execution must be better in 1st quarter.
My optimism coming into this game was high, sure we weren't at full strength but we looked capable. After this game, my optimism is shot. I'm sure it'll change after several games (maybe? Clips/warriors ) but man did we look bad out there. Lin was okay when he was able to stay on the floor, he needs to not get into foul trouble and hopeful get a few calls his way. Looks like Kobe is going to have to carry the offense and that's bad news. The defenses swarm him since we have no other threat and he has to battle for every point. Offense is a mess when kobe isn't in. Defense was better than last years but not that good. But hard when they were hot from the 3pt line. Injury to Randle was terrible. Was really looking forward to his development and he looked to be on his way. Hope he finds the silver lining from this and comes back strong. Honestly, it's going to be another long season with nothing to look forward to. Last year was the draft and cap space, next is what? Potentially a top 5 pick and what else?
Im super bummed right now but I personally saw a lot of good things that had flashes of what we can do as a team. I think we will fight for that 7/8 spot and it will be tough but baring more fricken injuries this team will improve drastically. Down right now but will have hope tomorrow.
If the injuries keep piling up as they have... then, we won't have any guys to put on the court to compete. Hopefully we get past this injury bug.
