Optimism Discussion: The Laker's Sky Is Not Falling

I'm optimistic or young guys are going to take a big step forward and separate themselves from the pack.

Right now, it could look like we have too much mediocre talent at the same positions, but some of our young guys are going to surprise us!

 

Looks very much like we are headed in the right direction. It appears management, coaches, and players are all on the same page. I like synergy in action. This is all I need. (for now) Let's get this party started.

 

Even at 30 wins Jim Buss will say what a success having a 180% win increase over last season. It'll be true too though. At 30 wins the kids aren't quite winning every other game but they are winning more than 1 in 3 and getting a little more used to that winning feeling rather than just being beat down all the time. That's a real grind.

I look at it this way: 17 more wins = 30 and a win every 5 days during the season. Definitely enough to keep spirits way higher even though it's technically a losing season I don't think it will be viewed that way. If they increase another 12 more wins the following year it's a winning season and playoffs very likely. Doable, Oklahoma rose way faster than that, from 23 to 50 wins in a season.

I am totally happy with 30 where we should have been last year if our players used a workable modern system. The schedule is intimidating in the west and Luke has got to get that system in and running, you know there's going to be a lot of turnovers and speed bumps. Running that system in practice isn't the same as against NBA teams so this is a reset and we've got to expect some learning curve adjustments.We have more room to improve than the competition so I see the 2nd 1/2 of the season picking up with a few slightly easier stretches coming then, and the team given time to run this game.

 

I keep wanting to say something to this but then I catch myself because way too often I am glass half full guy. Still I feel if we were to have last year's health, with Luuke running the show with this Roster that's being put together ..... that it's low. In for 44 here. The Logo. Muhammad .... gonna shock the world!!


:JuliusPumped 1:

 

I'm content with being on the cusp of playoffs. At least challenging for it.

Focus on the chemistry and the fire, and bring out the competitive purple and gold everyone is used to seeing.

 

content? i'd be ecstatic. so much would have to go right in order for this to happen. let's just hope for some clear, tangible growth from the youngsters and a non-bottom-five finish.

 

I like the good vibes coming from the players and Luke. Good vibes don't necessarily translate into wins, but they do help a team learn and grow. It's easier to admit mistakes and shortcomings and learn from them when you feel support rather worrying about somebody stabbing a knife in your back if you screw up.

 

Great read!! :Headbang:




Even if it was from Jeanie's "hired hit man" Ding.

:MitchReally: ..... right before start of free agency, Jeanie???

 

First half of the season: 14-27

Second half of the season: 19-22

Total for the season: 33-49

 

Just Jeanie's way of lighting a fire under Jim I suppose.

 

LOL. She's more involved than this now?

 

love this quote from Luke in that article posted above

"There are different styles of coaching. For me, I like the back and forth. Especially at this level. These are some of the best players in the world. They didn't just get here by accident. They're really good at what they do. And sometimes they have ideas that might be different from what we do but might work better with the personnel we have."

 

Uh oh, the inmates will be running the asylum

 

Four months later and I still can't believe we got Brandon Ingram. Don't even care if the kid starts or not, but he's gonna be a superstar. You're lucky to get one potential superstar, but to have two is something that the Lakers are very fortunate to have. I believe this season is the beginning of something special. It's a new age, a new era, a new beginning, and this season is all about growth, development, maturation, and the Lakers beginning the process of becoming the Lakers again.

Honestly it wouldn't surprise me if the Lakers made a run at the playoffs. Russell just looks poised for a huge year. I wouldn't be shocked if he was an All Star or at least on the verge of it. Clarkson got his deal and his long term security and all indications are he is working extremely hard. You've got some legit NBA veterans who are also still really solid players who are huge upgrades at their respective positions.

Haven't seen Randle yet, but I saw him last season and there was a lot of growth, but still needs to be a lot more. There is potential there. If Luke can just get him to slow down a little bit and play a little smarter and understand the big picture he has a chance to be really good in this league. Having Luke changes everything. He'll command respect and hard work, but also will hold himself accountable and making sure these guys hear what he's saying and teach them in a way where they fully grasp and understand what needs to be done on the basketball court.

Things just feel different. There's a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of excitement and buzz around this team. When the season is over playoffs or not nobody will be laughing at this team they'll be fearing what they can and will become.

Side not, but I've gotten a jersey of every young player on this team and can't wait to rock them. Hoping to travel out to LA to go watch a home game. Will definitely be in San Antonio for their two road games against the Spurs. Can't wait to get this train rolling. Go Lakers!

 

Oooo... Would you look at that?

A coach learning from his players? May be DAR was onto something here.