As the crowd chanted in the last game, "WE WANT METTA!". Sorry, but Jabari Brown looks like he got no fire. Maybe it's the droopy eyes but he doesn't exude passion. I'm not saying he doesn't play hard, but he does not play like he's got a chip on his shoulder if you know what I mean.
Jabari is a one-dimensional scorer and is redundant behind Lou and Nick. He's gone. Metta brings defense and stability off the bench. Keeper.
I think the problem is he plays with too much of a chip on his shoulder. He wants to prove he's great and he's an asset so he doesn't pass the ball. At the end of last season he was passing the ball better than he's done so far. He's regressed quite a bit as a playmaker.
I really don't think metta brings anything on court at all. I think the idea that him being in the game brings up our intensity and thus defense is an illusion and even if it does he's still a net negative. He may try hard, but at this point I'd say he's a below average defender due to his foot speed. I see all his redeeming qualities off court.
I'd like Jabari Brown to be the final cut however, we are light at guard. However, Kobe is likely to play at 2 as well as 3 but Kobe's body can't be counted on. This leads me to think it's someone else (Sacre, Metta). I think we could get a second round pick and a pack of smokes for Sacre from some team.
I think once we get to the playoffs, Metta will be a valuable player in spot minutes. Spoiler But if that doesn't happen, I still think the value in having him around exceeds Jabari's value right now. I'd put Jabari back in D League if he'll accept, and maybe we have room for him next year if Kobe retires....
Lakers roster is finalized: Russell/Huertas Clarkson/Lou Kobe/Young/Metta/Brown Randle/Bass/Kelly/Nance Jr Hibbert/Black/Sacre Best team we've had in a while. So versatile with almost everyone being able to play multiple positions. We can play big or small, slow or fast. Theres a perfect mix of vets and youth. We finally won't be bullied by other teams. Offense will take some time for the guys to gel and figure out rotations. Defense needs to communicate better and limit transition. The talent is there, let's see what Byron can do. Bold prediction: 8th seed Realistic prediction: 36-46
I wonder if Byron's figgered out his starting lineup yet. Am going to be pissed if it's not Russell, Clarkson, Bryant, Randle and Hibbert. :Headpoint: During game may need faster Black instead of Roy, if KAT is playing the 5 and killing us from outside. But you gotta start Roy.
I better see Russell starting out there tonight. Our young backcourt needs to develop together. The biggest thing we have going for us is our group of established vets. Not journeymen, actual guys who stuck around teams for a reason. Those guys will really shine for us and beat some expectations (25-30 wins) and lead the way for our young core. The biggest obstacle is always going to be defense. Hibbert can only do so much as an anchor and need support from everyone. If we can get into some sort of defensive rhythm of good perimeter defense and rotations, then I REALLY think we have a shot at playoffs.
