The Lakers went 5-7 during the month of December. More disturbing than their record was the fact that they repeatedly displayed poor habits that frequently frustrated head coach JJ Redick, writes Dan Woike of The Athletic.
While most of Los Angeles’ issues show up on the defensive end, there have been several instances in which the team has simply lacked the “energy, effort and execution” necessary to win NBA games, according to Woike. That often manifests in a lack of focus and attention to detail — Redick said the Lakers failed to execute eight of their 12 designed plays after timeouts during Friday’s win over Memphis.
“In order to win, and at the highest level, you have to be able to do the simple things,” LeBron James said. “You have to be able to execute after timeouts, dead balls. You have to execute coming out of the locker room. You have to have a game plan, execute that. So you can’t execute the big things if you don’t execute the small things and play winning basketball from that standpoint.”
Jake LaRavia is one player whose defensive effort hasn’t waned this season, Woike adds. The fourth-year forward had another big game in Sunday’s victory over the Grizzlies, recording 26 points (on 9-of-16 shooting), five rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes.
“We knew that he was, by the metrics, a disruptive defender, something that we were really searching for, because we were bottom third in the league last year in blocks, steals and deflections,” Redick said in explaining reasons the Lakers targeted LaRavia in free agency. “He’s probably better defensively. Yeah, he is better defensively. He’s been one of our most consistent guys, if not our most consistent guy, on that end of the floor.
“But I think the thing that stands out with him is, you know, I was talking with a close friend of mine the other day about Jake, and I was just telling him, like, he’s one of the guys that his care factor is high all the time. Those are the guys that are really, really fun to coach.”
We have more from L.A.:
- After being benched for the fourth quarter on Friday, starting center Deandre Ayton responded with a much better performance in Sunday’s rematch with Memphis, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Redick said Ayton was “frustrated” by his lack of touches during Friday’s game and the team made a concerted effort to get him the ball on Sunday. “He was great throughout the game,” Redick said of Ayton, who finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. “I think that was good for him to just touch the basketball and feel like he’s part of the offense. It’s a tale as old as time for a big guy. That’s the reality of being a big: Someone has to pass you the ball. You’re not initiating the offense.”
- While the team is optimistic his injury won’t be a long-term issue, forward Rui Hachimura will be out at least two more games, as he won’t travel for the back-to-back road trip at New Orleans and San Antonio, tweets veteran NBA reporter Mark Medina. Hachimura is dealing with a right calf ailment which the Lakers are now calling a strain.
- As McMenamin relays (via Twitter), guard Gabe Vincent has a chance to play Tuesday in New Orleans — he’s listed as questionable after missing the last eight games due to a lumbar back strain.
- Lakers Daily recently reported that Luka Doncic is dealing with “sharp” pain in both of his legs. According to Woike’s sources, that information is not accurate (Twitter link).
Just when I didn’t think it was possible…..lakers getting carried so hard by the league this season. Absolute pretenders, go shoot some more free throws.
Pretty difficult position for the Lakers
JJ (the coach), and both LeBron and Luka have all now started to speak out abit about some issues recently. They currently are third in the west at 22-11 and have had to deal with all 3 of their stars missing games at times. You’d think they’d be happy with where they are at and how it’s going but doesn’t seem to be the case.
In terms of getting better by making trades it’s pretty hard to get something good back for the players you have outside the big 3. Your plan is to have expiring deals (Rui, Vincent and Kleber) but AR will opt out and need an expensive extension which then takes up a lot of your cap space. Even if Bron takes less and returns it’s hard to see them creating much money and looking at the market there isn’t much big name forwards that you’d likely be targeting.
Me personally I don’t see a world in which Luka AR and Bron win together and with Bron on his last legs the long term plan of Luka and AR doesn’t really do it for me either.
I’d be looking to cash in on him now while the value is high. Trying to get a good win now return while not having a bunch of salary to match with makes it difficult but I’d really think about it with this one…
AR and Rui for PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie and a future protected first.
Line up
Luka Christie Bron PJ Ayton
Then for the bench some combination of
Vincent Smart Knetch LaRavia Vando Gafford
Yes you lose AR’s massive offensive output but you add quality role players, keep some of the cap flexibility and add a draft pick. PJ would be a solid two way forward, Christie nice role playing guard and Gafford would pair nicely with Ayton in a centre rotation.
With whatever cap space you create continue to bring in better depth like a Colin Sexton and maybe Tari Eason. Those two with LaRavia and Gafford off the bench that’d be nice.
Also think Dallas could be interested, even more so if they do the AD deal with ATL.
AD for KP, Risacher and Kennard
Plus
Gafford, PJ, Christie and a future 1st for AR and Rui
Long term you’ve got AR Risacher Cooper and Lively as your core. Got plenty of cap flexibility with KP, Kennard, Rui all coming off contract. I’d try bring back KP.
They’ve also got a likely top 10 pick this year to add another key player.
Kyrie AR Risacher Cooper Lively
Nembhart Naji KP
I’ve experimented with that exact same package from Dallas as well as damn it would be so sweet of a fit for lakers
I have the Lakers actually sending out a first tho w reaves and probably a swap or 2
Idk if Dallas has the stomach for another Laker trade but do agree they have a ton of pieces that fit Lakers well – Sadly the 2nd best fit for lakers is the crosstown. Clippers which presents many obstacles as well
Just fire Podcaster Redick
How well will the Lakers play in the playoffs is the questions.
Lebron needs to be moved if they want to actually compete.
He has a no trade clause. He’s not agreeing to be traded. So trading him isn’t a realistic move they can make. After this season they can reallocate his salary to improve the roster.
Find an agreeable move if possible.