I dont want to sound mean but the T-Robs, the Black's, the Nick Young's, we are about done with bringing in those kinds of players. At this point its time to play the kids 40 minutes a game and get them acclimated themselves to what they will have to start doing if they want to win titles in the near future. No more lottery rejects. No more non-drafted players. And it looks like that's what the Lakers are starting to do and I am happy with that.
One bright spot in light of this news. The team has almost completely revamped the 4-5 spots on the roster since we first acquired Tarik. Here were the names back on page one of this thread: Then: Hibbert, Randle, Black, Kelly, Sacre Now: Lopez, Randle, Zubac, Nance, Kuzma, Bryant
I had completely forgotten about Sacre, and partially forgotten Kelly. Now those were dark times, at least I see some light at the end of the tunnel now.
Lopez can hit outside shots, yes. But he CANNOT play small ball. If you want to play small ball you have to have a player who can switch onto guards and at least work to stay in front of them. Brook is not that kind of player
Bryant not that quick and coordinated yet (ever?) either. Kuzma maybe at some point with more muscle. Julius perhaps with his body transformation and if he gets his head on straight with defense. Big if there. He's certainly motivated to stay.
OK OX who's your guy to do it? You know Luke wants that guy. Much as Lopez is a great pickup at least for the year and we love Zu, they are both huge 7 footers.
Bryant really looked quick in the drill where they dribble as fast as they can from mid court before throwing up a lay up. If Randle wants to stick around he's gonna have to start playing that Draymond type of D and become solid enough as a small ball center.
bummer. i liked black. seems like a good guy to have around, and not expensive. hope they make good use of the space.
We have no one who can switch on guards except for maybe BI. Draymond Green's don't grow on trees unfortunately. Maybe with Randle's new focus on getting into shape, maybe he will be the guy. As far as the rookies coming in, I will give that a chance since the Lakers have been stout in late round picks lately, but I doubt those kids will be juggernauts in guarding pick and roll guards in the west.
You HAVE to give Randle every opportunity until you finally say he CANT do it IMO. Like I'm talking about the first half of the season. Then Nance.
Randle was able to switch out onto guards and blitzed them decent enough. What makes GSW work, besides having the athletes for it, they have a system and everyone isn't bought in.
This sucks. Black was one of my favorite of the young guns. I knew the writing was on the wall when we drafted Bryant. He won't be unemployed long that's for sure.
Oh for sure. Hes still young, it has to be a pride thing and he should be as explosive as ever. He just has to do his best to not be a liability.
Casualty...sadly. All effort, all the time. Now @ElginTheGreat will now have to find another avi too.
He and Randle will get that chance. There's no physical reason Randle can't do it. Nance's feet aren't quite quick enough, but he's smart enough he should be passable.
