The Official Los Angeles Lakers Thread

[Angel Oracle]

At least Luke doesn't just scream it into their ears or go full disciplinarian, a la Byron Scott.   He's firm and fair with them.

[HaloMilliVanilli]

Randle seemed to own up to it and didn't make excuses last night in the post-game.  They asked if Luke spoke with him about why he wasn't on the floor and Randle replied "He doesn't need to".  I assumed that meant it was clear to Randle it was based on his play.

[Angel Oracle]

Or....

Draft Lonzo Ball (mini-Magic Johnson), and then package Russell to get a really good experienced SG in here.

Trade Lou Williams for a solid backup NBA PG.

Ball/experienced SG/Ingram or Deng with Clarkson as 6th man sounds good to me.

Then sign a FA center, and hope that Mozgov and Zubac can become rock solid backups at the 4/5 spots.

 

[HaloMilliVanilli]

I'd definitely prefer to keep the pick and draft a PG like Ball or Dennis Smith Jr.  I'd love to check in on Paul George or Jimmy Butler and see what it would take to get one.  If Russell + other assets could garner us one of them....Great.

 

[HaloMilliVanilli]

Looks like we are currently tied for the second worst record and Draft Express has us drafting second so we must own the tiebreaker.  They have us taking Ball.

[Stradling]

Yea, I am liking what he brings to the table.  At times he comes off as slightly uncoordinated with rebounding and catching passes, but he sure seems like an early steal in the 2nd round.  He absolutely is a usable piece that deserves to be on the roster.

[HaloMilliVanilli]

He is 19.

Let that sink in.  He sets absolutely killer picks and moves so well on the roll, understanding where to roll depending on where the defense is.  Also has really great hands and deft touch around the basket.  He has quickly moved up as my favorite of our youngsters to watch and the most likely to hit his ceiling based on his fantastic basketball I.q.

I've developed a man crush.

[HaloMilliVanilli]

He definitely deserves to be on the roster.  At this point he should be starting.

[HaloMilliVanilli]

Agreed.  Zubac has a really nice stroke on the jumper as well.  He is hitting 85% on his free throws (small sample size) and I believe he could have range out to the 3 point line.  If he continues getting the playing time and hits the weights, he could be a force as early as next season.  He showed in summer league that he can block shots too, so he isn't a one-dimensional player.  Once he gets stronger, watch out!

[Angel Oracle]

That's TWO second rounders in the past 3 years paying dividends (Clarkson and Zubac).  

If they can somehow hold a top 3 pick, then the Nash trade ultimately did not hurt them very much.

 

[Angel Oracle]

Russell returns, and they win 120-116 with 5 players in double figures including Russell's double-double.

Zubac with 17 more pts and 6 more rebs in only 21 minutes 

 

[HaloMilliVanilli]

I think he and Russell could really develop a stellar pick and roll relationship.  Zubac has such a nice little floater and great touch around the basket.  Gonna be fun continuing to watch these guys.

[Richard]

Happy to see Zubac getting some well deserved playing time.

 

Looks like Magic is back in the organization

 

 

[Angel Oracle]

Just need for Randle to return, and they are then at full strength for the first time in who knows how long.

[Richard]

Can't say I'm thrilled to see Magic back to add another character to the already in drama-filled FO. Magic is of the same cut as Byron and should just let the coaches work with the team while he helps handle the business.

[HaloMilliVanilli]

A mindblowing stat prior to the Lakers vs. Celtics game last night.  Here these two franchises are, both having had historic runs, titles and decades of games.  Going into last nights game, they were tied with the most wins in league history...3,252.  Celts +1 now.

[Angel Oracle]

That is mind boggling about Zubac, even though Randle is back.   I guess Luke is happy with Black at this point? 

[Richard]

49 minutes ago, hangin n wangin said:

So Zubac averages 15 and 9 over his last 3 games and he's rewarded with very limited time the next two games. Why?

Moz getting paid is probably why.

[Angels_Make_Me_Drink]

I too am wondering why Zubac has seen very limited minutes? Maybe monitoring an injury or sickness?

Russell has been impressive since coming back from injury...that is the Russell I expect we will see more often. I still don't like his feet on his jumper...so sloppy...how do you make it to the NBA with such broken footwork on the J?

[Richard]

Ingram officially moved to the starting lineup.

edit:

and Tarik Black at Center

[Angels_Make_Me_Drink]

Is Ingram replacing Deng? I wonder if its permanent or just until Deng gets back into a flow. I like it, let Ingram develop chemistry with Russell and Randle.

 

[Richard]

The way it was reported, it sounds like it's permanent. They said they're throwing them into the fire and seeing what the results are.

 

Think this really solidifies they are in Tank mode.

[Angel Oracle]

One more top 3 pick in 2017, and then the 2018 draft doesn't really matter.

[Richard]

..and of course the Lakers are BLOWING OUT the Knicks

[Angel Oracle]

New lineup already pays dividends.

Mozgov didn't even see the court.   Nothing says nothing like an $18 million/year bench player.