LA Lakers

[Guiness]

They need to defend better if they're going to keep the game close and have a chance. The offense is going to come and go but their defensive effort has to be consistent each night

[joewhite]

Lakers lost again ... to Denver ... 109-120. The only bright side is Jordan Clarkson scored 30. Go (to) GILAS!

[darksoulriver]

Lakers lost again ... to Denver ... 109-120. The only bright side is Jordan Clarkson scored 30. Go (to) GILAS!

 

his confidence is currently on top

 

im still lookin for Nance Jr to play and contribute.

 

good thing Tarik got playin time

[direstraits94]

0-4 start, I hope they don't need 3-4years to enter the playoff

[Guiness]

Kobe Bryant blames the Lakers' dismal start on the team's lack of experience

 

 

The Lakers — who fell to 0-4 after losing Tuesday to the Denver Nuggets — are a defensive mess this season. They are scoring points, but getting stops has been problematic.

The team lacks experience, relying on young players like D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.

"At some point, we can't just use our youth and inexperience as an excuse," said Lou Williams after Tuesday's loss at the Staples Center. "We just have to go out there and compete and try to win games."

The Lakers are trying, according to Coach Byron Scott, but the desire to compete isn't the issue. They have yielded 116.8 points a game while scoring only 106.8.

"Most of it's not effort. It really isn't. I think our guys are giving a great effort," Scott said. "Most of it is just knowing where you're supposed to be at the right time, in the right place."

Kobe Bryant gave a more detailed example, after Kenneth Faried scored 28 points on 10 of 13 shots to lead the Nuggets past the Lakers.

 

"It's just basic stuff. They ran a top screen and roll, for example, and we allowed the big to roll on the single side," Bryant said. "[it's lack of] experience. You can see the action, you make the big roll to the crowded side, so now Faried is rolling to a congested area.

"And those are all just little details. That's not something you recognize before; you see the action taking place, and then you make the adjustments right then and there. That's just experience."

 

Bryant's point is that there's only so much that can be coached. At some point, players become experienced enough to make defensive reads based on what the opposing offense is running.

 

"Defense and recognizing formations ... honestly this stuff just comes from experience," Bryant said. "You look at the film and see what's there. The answers are right there. Just look at the film and learn the same way I learned, just by watching the film, game by game, piece by piece."

 

Russell, the team's 19-year-old rookie guard, was fickle with his answer as to why the Lakers are struggling defensively, first placing the blame on a lack of desire.

"Once we value how important it is getting a stop, then we'll be all right," he said.

 

But when told Bryant's opinion, that the players may not be experienced enough to make the necessary reads on the fly, Russell changed his mind. "Sure, that sounds right," he said.

 

Scott is trying to keep a few veterans on the floor to help the younger players along, but he also talks about players being on a string, and if even one is out of position, the defense can fail. He's been hesitant to add more youth to the mix with rookies Larry Nance and Anthony Brown.

 

Combinations with players like Roy Hibbert, Brandon Bass, Lou Williams, Nick Young and Bryant aren't making up for the lapses from some of the younger players — but then the veterans aren't blameless. Bryant is nowhere near the defender he was in his youth. Williams and Young are scorers, first and foremost. Bass is undersized at power forward, let alone at center, where he's been primarily positioned.

 

"Roy is great," said Bryant of the team's defensive anchor. "He's intense all the time. I think he's been phenomenal for the team."

On Tuesday, Scott finally turned to the athletic Tarik Black against the Nuggets, but the second-year center also is undersized and relatively inexperienced. The Lakers coach had hoped to stick with his rotation with Ryan Kelly and Bass, but the team had foundered badly enough that a change was necessary.

 

"We're going to keep pushing at it, and they're going to get it," Scott said. "It's going to take us some time, but we're going to get it."

Bryant said there's a certain amount of natural frustration in losing, but he added that there's no reason to dwell on what's missing, other than to focus on solving the problems at hand.

 

"Frustrated is not going to do anything. You've got to fix things and communicate and teach," he said. "You can be as mad as you want, but if you're not executing tactics, the basics of it? A boxer can go into a ring as mad as he wants, but if he's technically not sound, he's going to get knocked out."

 

The Lakers embark on a five-game road trip starting in Brooklyn on Friday. The Nets also are 0-4 on the season.

"We'll probably play better on the road, actually," Bryant said. "Getting in an environment where it's just us against the world, we may actually play better."

 

It's not like the Lakers can do any worse than their play over the past four games, at least defensively.

Bryant, at least, was calm after the team's loss against the Nuggets.

But should the fans take the same approach — because the early response has been to freak out?

"Freak out. It's good," Bryant said. "It's good for the soul."

 

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-lack-experience-problematic-20151104-story.html

[Guiness]

LA Lakers’ Byron Scott prioritizing winning over developing young players

Back when the Lakers seemed ecstatic after acquiring D’Angelo Russell, it appeared the only uncertainty would entail how long it would take for him to develop. Who would have known that the Lakers’ biggest offseason acquisition would have also sat during crunch time in two of the first four regular-season games?

 

Yet, there Russell sat the entire fourth quarter of the Lakers’ 120-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday at Staples Center. The Lakers’ 19-year-old rookie point guard then admitted he has “no idea” why he has failed to close out games. Lakers coach Byron Scott contended Russell’s absence simply stemmed from Lou Williams scoring 14 of his 24 points in the final period.

 

But is it in the Lakers’ best long-term interests for Russell to finish games?

“Of course,” Scott said.

 

And what needs to happen for Scott to grant Russell that opportunity?

“Just keep playing. Cut down on the mistakes and continue to run the offense and do a better job on the defensive end. All the little things,” Scott said. “He knows he has to earn minutes, especially to play at the end of games that are on the line. If Lou wasn’t playing well, I would have brought him back in.”

 

Russell posted seven points on only 3-of-11 shooting in 20 minutes. But he logged six assists and only one turnover. Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson also credited Russell’s presence for giving him open looks that resulted in a career-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting. But even if increased playing time could accelerate Russell’s development, Scott admitted he has different objectives.

 

“I’m always thinking about trying to win,” Scott said. “The development part comes secondary to that. The practice is when you work on the development part.”

 

That only opens up more questions. The Lakers are off to their worst start since last season, which ended with their worst record in franchise history. Scott has lamented that productive practices have not translated onto the actual court. But even if Scott ultimately wants Russell as his closer, the Lakers’ coach will not do so at the expense of a veteran player he believes earned his spot.

 

“That is the reality,” Scott said. “But the second part of the goal is you still have to develop the core of the young guys that you have. That’s my job, to win basketball games and, in the meantime, try to develop young people.”

Through four games, the Lakers have failed to do both.

[Guiness]

Lakers' heated bench argument reveals passion, Byron Scott says

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott said several of his players engaged in a verbal "altercation" on the bench during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 120-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets, which dropped the Lakers to 0-4 this season.

"It was late in the fourth quarter, where we were losing the game and guys weren't happy," Scott said after practice Wednesday at the team's facility.

"A few guys kind of discussed it in a very angry way. If they would have just sat on the bench with a smile on their face, I would've been much more concerned."

 

 

Scott added, "I loved it. It tells me guys care."

Scott wouldn't reveal which players engaged in the verbal fracas, nor did he say that it was concerning, but he did say that it was the first such altercation involving any of his players this season.

"I don't know if we needed it, but sometimes I think it's necessary if guys need to go at each other, kind of hold each other accountable," Scott said. "I like the fact that guys weren't just sitting there smiling, having a good time when we were down by 8, 9 points with 35 seconds left. I like the edge that they got."

Forward Julius Randle, who was on the court during the bench incident, said it was a natural thing.

"We don't want to lose, man," he said. "[We're] just competitive. [it's] just how it is. We've got guys in here that care. It's going to happen."

 

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14054736/byron-scott-says-losangeles-lakers-bench-incident-shows-guys-care

[Gizzimo]

Finally, we got 1..... yeah! #LakersNation

[*kalel*]

I think kobe should move to a support role and allow his younger teammates blossom...

 

The hunt is on for the next franchise player... maybe lure durant?

[Guiness]

I think Kobe should take a page from Michael Jordan's book during his time playing for the Wizards and instead take open jumpshots, get free from screens instead of doing his iso play down in the block where he shoots a contested jumpshot with a defender draped all over him.

 

He should change the way he plays considering his advanced age. He can't do the same things he's used to doing for the past 19 years or so before. He should reinvent himself. That's why he is shooting so poorly from the field.

 

They have a road game against the Knicks later so it will be interesting if the Lakers get 2 wins on the road against both New York teams.

[GrandGM]

I think Kobe should take a page from Michael Jordan's book during his time playing for the Wizards and instead take open jumpshots, get free from screens instead of doing his iso play down in the block where he shoots a contested jumpshot with a defender draped all over him.

 

He should change the way he plays considering his advanced age. He can't do the same things he's used to doing for the past 19 years or so before. He should reinvent himself. That's why he is shooting so poorly from the field.

 

They have a road game against the Knicks later so it will be interesting if the Lakers get 2 wins on the road against both New York teams.

 

 

i agree.

[Tommy Haverford]

Byron has been misusing D'Angelo imho

[darksoulriver]

if they need to salvage a good season

 

they need to start now Lakers should fire Byron Scott

 

the last play against Magic is a disgrace on his playmaking!

[Cap™]

well, I think they'd fire Scott soon. Moreover, they should just hand the reins of the backcourt to the young guys. Prolly trade Lou Williams to a playoff contender who would be willing to absorb his contract

[darksoulriver]

well, I think they'd fire Scott soon. Moreover, they should just hand the reins of the backcourt to the young guys. Prolly trade Lou Williams to a playoff contender who would be willing to absorb his contract

 

well Scott should at least put some players that could make some mismatch on speed and not always make isolation play with Williams..

and the last defensive play boom! his playmaking decision really hurt the Lakers they could have won that game

[Cap™]

not always make isolation play with Williams..

 

I think that's where Lou Williams dominates: the fact that he could create and play the 1 or the 2. Thing is, he shouldn't given that there are other volume shooters in the team, even on the bench with Swaggy P

[darksoulriver]

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/11/11/9718764/the-lakers-game-winning-chance-against-the-magic-was-an-awful-play

 

the only thing Byron Scott make a good decision is to give Nance Jr playing time and put Kelly in the bench.

[Guiness]

 

 

 

Between the Nets, Sixers, Pelicans and Kings, that are on the bottom of the standings with the Lakers who is the worst of them all?

[Cap™]

 

Between the Nets, Sixers, Pelicans and Kings, that are on the bottom of the standings with the Lakers who is the worst of them all?

 

I'd say the Nets because they don't have any future pieces in place

[Guiness]

With the way the Lakers are going I'll be surprised if they manage to win 20 games. This team definitely won't make the playoffs. I feel sorry for Kobe, he has too much pride to admit that in his last year if this is really going to be his last year. He won't be able to compete for that 6th chip that he is chasing in order to match MJ's chips.

 

He should drop that pride of his and ask for a trade to a contender. The Lakers will respect that decision I'm sure and won't hold it against him if he wants to play for a contending team. It's not like he didn't give the Lakers 5 championships.

 

The guy is a not even a shell of his former self.

[darksoulriver]

nice win against the Pistons

 

much better if Kobe will be the facilitator not always the shooter.

 

again using Nance Jr over Kelly is a big factor

[darksoulriver]

too tired...

 

and tooooo many unforced TURNOVERS!

[Tommy Haverford]

Here are my takeways from the game tonight

 

- Metta was getting hot, but guess what? Byron still took him out of the game.

 

- He's still limiting Russell's minutes. Why can't he just give him 30+mins, like what he did with Kyrie and CP3 when they were rookies? And to think that he even said that he still would've gave an old, and banged-up Kobe Bryant more than 35+ minutes per game. Sigh, take the old legs out and put the fresh legs in (ehem, Russell) It's like he's been treating our 2nd overall pick as a 2nd round pick.

 

- Too many ISO plays. Too many turnovers.

 

- Stop putting in Lou and Swaggy together, they're basically, the same player. They both need the ball in their hands to be effective.

 

- The only thing that he's been doing so far that I liked was giving Nance minutes.

[Unggoyako]

Galing no clarkson bro

[darksoulriver]

sakit sa mata depensa knina

 

shuffle the lineup

 

Hibbert

Randle

Nance

Kobe

JC

 

or

 

Randle

Bass

Nance

Kobe

Lou

 

a 1st pick bust