Optimism Discussion: The Laker's Sky Is Not Falling

Agree with your last statement... What this crew has is depth and will be crucial when someone is out or is not playing well. Another instance last night of what you commented is when Russell was bungling his way in the last minute and a half. Deng took him aside to counsel him about his play. The latter patted his own shoulder acknowledging that it was on him. I also liked the interplay between Mozgov and Randle.

 

We shot 81% from the free throw line for the game. I would love to see this continue.

 

Overall, we have no brick layers on this crew. No Drummonds, Jordans or Howards...not that I wouldn't want them of course if their heads were on straight.

 

That was a really fun game to watch, especially that second half! These are sort of those kind of 50-50 games - could go either way, and it's awesome to see us get the W! Never would have happened last year or even this year with Byron at the helm again.

 

Luke in his postgame press conference point out that he was espcially impressed with how we improved on our transition defense, which was one of the keys to his gameplan. 18 pts in 1st half and only allowed 2 pts in 2nd Half.

 

My mood after the game last night

 

Telling stat to point out... This group can score capably from the 1 to the 4 slots. Our centers can chip in a max of 20 on a good night's work. Defensively, we won't be a shut down team but should be enough for now to keep us in games and be within striking distance every time. The only ones who won't be fretting are the taco vendors at home games...

 

If they keep their collective composure as we believe they have the capability of, the down times really will not be as depressing. What they can or should build on is how their consistent and persistent efforts can shut up hostile crowds on the road and serve notice that we are not going to be an easy night's work from here on...

 

Speaking of banter, if you thought NBA fans hated the Lakers before, we now have Russ, Randal, and Clarkson flexing and talking to the fans telling them "this my s***" haha

We will be so hated when we win games. The Doom will be gold!

 

I like the passion and individuality though it will motivate opponents to put us in our place. They can talk the talk if they can walk the walk which they have the talent for. Thank goodness we have Deng, Mozgov, Peace and the level headed Ingram to balance things the wild things on the court.

 

When 'Antoni was on the floor protesting a call, the boos were so loud... Harden showed to be a good passer but I like how our defenders backed off when he tried to initiate contact to draw fouls. That was a nice poke by Carlson that lead to Randle and Russell diving for the loose ball.

 

It's a thin line between motivation and frustration.

I love it. I'm hoping the opponents get frustrated with it eventually, and start playing mad and making mistakes because of it.

 

These damn crazy a** kids of ours... LOL! I'm sure we'll have more of this to see. We all hope as they build on and experience success, this will go from youthful enthusiasm to a more mature, business like approach at the end of this season or most of the next one. Don't get me wrong, I don't want our group to come off like mortuary salesmen either like San Antonio not that there is anything wrong with such a profession.