Optimism Discussion: The Laker's Sky Is Not Falling

It's an offensive grade only so I'm not surprised at it. The kid is going to be hammered on until he starts hitting at a respectable clip. I don't really care what people grade his previous performances, they are going to leave aspects out of any ranking because of who he is and who he plays for and because he was #2. I just want him to get into the upper 30's from 3 which is the shot he takes most. He took about 6 per game at a .412 clip @ UCLA which would be fine for us. The NCAA distance difference isn't it, it's in his head. It's only about 1 foot difference from the corners and 2 ft behind the FT line. Also needs to finish around the rim and in the low post. he likes to hang around in there so he better learn to finish. He was not aggressive scoring and it's not surprising when you aren't connecting. Who wants to keep looking the fool? Lucky for him he has his defensive and passing game or he'd be on the end of the bench holding a clipboard next to Deng.

He's too big, skilled and fast (in transition) at his position to fail imo. I have no idea he'll turn his scoring game around though it may never be his calling card. Now, I just hope his body thing was a fluke but since he got squat done this summer in that regard we may be waiting another year on him to man up Byron-style.

 

Had Lonzo played more games he would have got a better grade. 19 year olds playing 59 games in their rookie year with knick knack injuries takes you down a grade.

 

It's become common, 19-20 year olds playing significant minutes, not used to the NBA = bad on bodies. 52 games actually isn't that horrid considering Julius Randle, Ben Simmons, Fultz, Embiid and there are a ton of 2nd year examples as well. Most of all these carried high expectations after injury. I'd say his scoring is hurting a lot more. At least he made 52 games. BI barely did better his second year. The 52 was a "welcome to the NBA stat kid" I am concerned about the fact that he's laid out this summer and can't build up. Don't likey that one bit.

 

It really is going to be fun. At any time during a game we will have at least one great ball handler out there. Looking forward to the combination of Lebron and Rondo's crazy vision with Lonzo's push forward passes to start transition.

 

I was Bullish on the Lakers without any additions, they were on the come up and likely a playoff team. With LeBron and the new additions I don't understand why folks are sleeping on them. If you look at it, Magic and Rob have constructed a roster with some serious veterans to lead and help develop a mercurical core. Bi-->LeBron, Kuz-->Beasley, Hart-->Lance, Zo-->Rondo. Right now I have the team in the top 4 in the West and if chemistry develops who knows what can happen this year.

 

yea, I'm curious about their pace this year too. LeBron is a situational runner, hoping that depth can run most teams until they're tounges are hanging and LeBron can finish them off.

 

If you think about it this way, we essentially did this:

Randle -> Bron
Ennis/Caruso -> Rondo
Lopez/Bogut/Nance -> McGee/Wagner
Corey Brewer/Clarkson - Lance Stephenson/Svi

In all facets other than maybe losing Lopez, we've upgraded everywhere. I know a lot of people like BroLo, but we've moved into the new era of fast paced basketball with him gone now. We were already a top team in pace, we're probably going to lead the league next year.

We won 35 games last year with significant injuries to Zo and BI, and them leading the team. Take the pressure off their shoulders (and bodies) with Lebron leading, a year and a summer of training and rehabbing under their belt, both will make strides next year in their game. Kuz focused on becoming a more physical player this year, to add to his already stunning rookie season, could add another dimension to his game. Hart looked like a man among children in Summer League, showing starter potential with his two way play. We'll see less KCP trying to play hero ball, but we'll still see the occasional gamble steal which is fine, he's pretty good at it. And lastly, we have enough competition from the veterans to push the young core to compete for minutes. We know Luke has a pretty short leash for anybody and now has the depth to pull someone in favor of another if he doesn't see the proper execution or just having a bad game.

 

Yes, I can see LeBron in the trailer role getting the ball on secondary break and exploiting mismatches.

 

Right .... Quiet as its kept KCP is probably amongst the three fastest players in the league along with Wall and Russ.

 

I can see Lebron back into the outlet role as he did in Miami. Full court lobs all day.