Lakers Thread

by **Brave Sir Rubin** on Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:51 am

Lonzo already playing ROTY level ball.

Seriously though, he kinda did the right thing by sucking his first game,. This way he can pave the way of a "comeback" and "overcome early obstacles" narrative. The only way to go is up. A lot less pressure than having a great summer league debut and then having to keep up with expectations.

by **Jackal** on Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:54 am

Lonzo's passing is so effortless, I'm really digging his passes.

Lonzo might just turn out to be the player I had hoped D-Lo would be: a tricky passer who could score. D-Lo is more of a scorer that can pass though. Would've been fun to see what they could've done till around the AS break.

Oh well.

Kuzma plays with heart too, liking him as well. Mwa ba is very Pat Beverly-esque.

by **[Q]** on Sun Jul 09, 2017 11:21 am

Loving the ball movement from the team. They're all being very unselfish and it helps when your best player plays that way as well. lead by example. Kuzma is playing well and Nwaba plays like a perfect NBA 2K player (only goes up for dunks, no layups). I can get behind these new guys. I was a bit skeptical about these guys I knew nothing about when they had signed a few days ago, but I am excited to see how they play with Lopez, Randle & Clarkson

Also, fuck Boston.

by **Sauru** on Sun Jul 09, 2017 11:40 am

Jackal wrote:Anyone calling anyone a bust after one summer league game is just...yeah.

anyone calling him a bust after 1 summer league game is rooting for him to be a bust and was happy he had a bad game.

also of note, bust and all star are not the only 2 options for a players career

by **Sauru** on Sun Jul 09, 2017 1:14 pm

a triple double? fucking GOAT material right here

by **Bruce** on Mon Jul 10, 2017 3:24 pm

Not trying to blow things out if proportion here, but I liked how Lonzo wanted the triple double. On his last shot he went full court for the slam. It felt kind of forced having a triple double at 11-11-11, but I liked it. Lonzo sucked in game 1, he powered his way in game 2 of the summer league to create something. Not having to wait 20 games later for an "ice in the veins" type of game.

I'm sure D-Lo will make something out of himself in Brooklyn. But it simply does not feel like D-Lo can be a top two player of a winning team.

YouTube · by **shadowgrin** on Tue Jul 11, 2017 6:00 am

[Q] wrote:This passing is contagious. The ball would be sticking to Russell's hand at this moment

To be fair to the snitch he was asked to be more aggressive with the scoring even when Magic took over.
That is why Magic's comments about needing a distributor instead of a scorer when he traded D-Lo seemed ludicrous considering Magic gave D-Lo the permission to stick the ball in his hands.

by **Bruce** on Wed Jul 12, 2017 5:11 pm

There are reports now that Lakers are going to sign Caldwell-Pope to an $18M 1yr contract. I checked over the stats comparison on basketball reference for Clarkson, Waiters and Caldwell-Pope. Link here. Essentially, The three players put up near exact same numbers in the 2016-2017 season. So not really that exciting, but I do hope that Caldwell-Pope can have a good season.

by **Jackal** on Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:47 pm

Awesome signing, dude is already infinitely better on defense than anyone else we have on the roster. It's a one year deal so it's not eating in to cap space long term either in case they need the space for a legit all star. You hear that Paul??

Rondo might still sign with the mid level exception. I'd say this has been a solid off season so far. KCP is an ideal fit next to Ball thanks to his defense. Good get.

by **Bruce** on Wed Jul 12, 2017 9:42 pm

Well if Paul does decide to move to LA, I do hope he brings with him his other teammates that are California natives.

BTW, besides Rondo. I do hope the Lakers make space for Thomas Bryant. I like the guy's activity. And I think at some point LA needs to grab a third PG. It looks to me like Tyler Ennis is gone.

YouTube · by **Andrew** on Thu Jul 13, 2017 1:39 am

Sauru wrote:a triple double? fucking GOAT material right here

I did actually see quite a few people suggesting that, seemingly seriously, on social media. To that, I'd say let's not forget Bo Outlaw used to tear it up in the Summer League, but at the same time, it'd be just as misguided to write off Ball, too. I can certainly understand the optimism of Lakers fans here.

by **Kevin** on Thu Jul 13, 2017 12:14 pm

Andrew wrote:
Sauru wrote:a triple double? fucking GOAT material right here

I did actually see quite a few people suggesting that, seemingly seriously, on social media. To that, I'd say let's not forget Bo Outlaw used to tear it up in the Summer League, but at the same time, it'd be just as misguided to write off Ball, too. I can certainly understand the optimism of Lakers fans here.

It's been a rough 5 years for us. Let us have this. :cry:

YouTube · by **Andrew** on Thu Jul 13, 2017 12:54 pm

I understand. The Bulls missed out on Bo Outlaw, too.

by **[Q]** on Thu Jul 13, 2017 4:14 pm

Soooooo Ball nearly missed on a monster triple double in a great all-around game from him

I was hoping Clarkson would be a starter this year but unfortunately it looks like with KCP there, they'll make him the 6th man again. I bet after this season they'll complain that he hasn't done much in 2 seasons

by **big-shot-ROB** on Thu Jul 13, 2017 4:38 pm

Andrew wrote:
Sauru wrote:a triple double? fucking GOAT material right here

I did actually see quite a few people suggesting that, seemingly seriously, on social media. To that, I'd say let's not forget Bo Outlaw used to tear it up in the Summer League, but at the same time, it'd be just as misguided to write off Ball, too. I can certainly understand the optimism of Lakers fans here.

When I get too excited with players in the Summer League, my medicine is to go check old Summer League stats to see how the players performed there and how has his career in the NBA evolved from that point. Kyle Anderson (Spurs) averaging 25 points last year is a good start to calm down. :lol:

by **Kevin** on Thu Jul 13, 2017 5:06 pm

So Lonzo wore Kobes tonight instead of his BBB and posted monstrous numbers :whistle:

YouTube · by **Lamrock** on Fri Jul 14, 2017 10:06 am

Lonzo is becoming my new favorite player. What have I become?

YouTube · by **Andrew** on Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:15 am

A Big Baller, I guess.

by **[Q]** on Fri Jul 14, 2017 2:49 pm

Sauru wrote:Lonzo is becoming my new favorite player. What have I become?

YouTube · by **Andrew** on Fri Jul 14, 2017 5:07 pm

[Q] wrote:
Sauru wrote:Lonzo is becoming my new favorite player. What have I become?

Ah, cruel. :lol:

by **big-shot-ROB** on Fri Jul 14, 2017 6:09 pm

Lonzo is a winner. I can't remember when was the last time I saw a player coming out of college with such a high IQ. It is amazing how the whole game pace is adapted to his playstyle. Fultz will be a nice stat-boy, Tatum a nice scorer and DSJ a big time athlete. Fox, Ball and Jackson are the ones who really catch my eye because when you see them play, they've that grip required to be successful in the post-season.

I think his shot will come back, Summer League has to much of a playground playstyle. Walton is a great hc and will see Ball's shot is way more effective coming off screens or in kickouts. JC, Ingram and Nance are all decent ball handlers and passers, especially Nance (who I am a big fan of). With Walton's background, I could really see how he could implement some floppy sets and loops for Ingram and Ball where Nance is the ball-handler at the top of the arc.

by **Sauru** on Fri Jul 14, 2017 9:15 pm

[Q] wrote:
Sauru wrote:Lonzo is becoming my new favorite player. What have I become?

shit who leaked it?

by **Jackal** on Sat Jul 15, 2017 3:53 am

Laker basketball has some excitement to it again. All aboard the Ingram/Ball train! Hop on everyone! :dance:

Edit: Also Kuzma has been balling during summer league! Hope that translates to the regular season as well. Makes the D-Lo trade sting less. Another solid pick late in the draft.

by **NovU** on Sat Jul 15, 2017 10:13 am

Another impressive outing by Zo. Better trip double than his first one.

His shooting efficiency isn't there yet. It'll come with time I guess. He needs it as it was his strongest point of his game along with passing ability in college days.

Speaking of stellar rookie PG showings, how about Donovan Mitchell. Do you guys think his game will translate well into regular season? I think Lonzo will do just fine.

by **[Q]** on Sat Jul 15, 2017 1:38 pm

Well, he's showing that he can hit the shot. But with the regulars, he won't need to be putting up that many shots and he'll be shooting a lot less low-percentage shots

by **Bruce** on Mon Jul 17, 2017 8:58 pm

I know it is the Summer League. but it has been quite a while that the Lakers was used in the same sentence as finals.

by **Jackal** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:42 am

Lonzo Ball is amazingly fun to watch as a player. He's pure fun. When I think of an ideal way to play basketball (Steve Nash, Jason Kidd), this is what I think of. I hope he has a long, successful career. I'm definitely a fan.

by **NovU** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:11 am

So many rookies especially guards are excelling in summer league from this year's class. Perhaps the hype was real.

And I told you guys this. Ainge should have put his foot down and drafted Lonzo with the top pick. #fucDaCelts :lol:

by **Bruce** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 1:42 pm

Jackal wrote:Lonzo Ball is amazingly fun to watch as a player. He's pure fun. When I think of an ideal way to play basketball (Steve Nash, Jason Kidd), this is what I think of. I hope he has a long, successful career. I'm definitely a fan.

I think there are some things that Lonzo needs to work on in his physique to keep himself from getting hurt in the future. But he certainly has the talent.

And how about that Kuzma kid? He has made the summer league awards 2nd team. Without Lonzo in the game and less than 3 minutes to go, Kuzma has put up 30 and the team is up by 12. How great is it that he has suddenly found a 3pt shot. If Kuzma keeps this up, he will certainly be recognized as a good stretch 4 and should not have trouble finding success in the league. Randle better watch out or he might be out of a starting job soon. In this short time, it is looking like Kuzma and Adebayo are good steal in draft. Let us see how they fare going into the season.

by **[Q]** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:02 pm

Really psyched about KUZZZZZZZZZ

I think Ball Bryant and Kuzma can all contribute this year, plus we've already seen massive improvement from Ingram plus Julius should havea career year as well with his physical transformation. So excited to see these young'ns play with the team now, after knowing absolutely nothing about them
Lopez/Bryant/Zubitch
Randle/Nance
Ingram/Kuz/Deng
KCP/Clarkson/Brewer
Ball/Clarkson

by **Bruce** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:55 pm

Last I heard Thomas Bryant and Ennis are still without contracts. And I think Deng has voiced that he wants to play at 4, which fits in todays NBA. Brewer is a good perimeter defender, but he lacks the legit ball handling skills of a guard, so I think he should be played more at 3. Clarkson also is not a legit lead guard, I think he still works best at 2. The Rondo boat could be sailing away soon. But it will serve the Lakers better if they have an experienced lead guard to stabilize things. If it were up to me, I favor Brooks or Udrih. Both have legit veteran PG experience will show flashes on scoring if needed and could possibly be had for cheap. Ennis is a young developing talent that is still floating around.

So I think the '17-'18 roster should look a little more like this.

Lopez/Zubac/(Bryant???)
Randle/Nance/Deng
Ingram/Kuz/Brewer
KCP/Clarkson/Hart
Ball/[please sign somebody]/(Ennis???)/Caruso

by **[Q]** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 4:01 pm

I remember seeing before summer league an instagram post of all of them signing contracts, so I'm pretty sure all the rookies are signed. I could see Deng at the 4. Don't know how much Hart will play if any. I agree they could sign a veteran PG out there to a one year deal to help develop Lonzo's game.

by **Kevin** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:06 pm

Ok fuck it I'm buying in on the hype. At least, it won't be like the Howard-Nash-Bryant season where everybody thought we're going to be a dominant team..

by **Jackal** on Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:20 pm

I think Hart will be a rotational player. I read he's got a decent outside shot and with the Lakers spacing, I think he'll get a chance. Also I think Zu will get more back up minutes compared to Bryant off the bat.

It's a nice collection of talent. Looking forward to the strides both Ingram and hopefully Randle have made this year.

by **[Q]** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 1:15 am

Zubat kept pissing me off costing Lonzo assists with his kwame brown hands all summer league. I'd rather not see him on the court

by **air gordon** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 2:28 am

Sup with nwaba being cut? Even Heard some chirps from lakers fans not liking the move

by **Jackal** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 4:22 am

air gordon wrote:Sup with nwaba being cut? Even Heard some chirps from lakers fans not liking the move

They messed that one up. They thought no team would pick him up and that they'd pick him up at a later date.

Bad move, kid is athletic and plays hard every trip. Good on him being picked up asap.

by **[Q]** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:45 am

Yeah that was a mistake. I was excited for him too. Seems like a bit of a waste cutting a guy that could potentially be on the team for a few years just to have an extra mil or two to give to a one year rental

by **Sauru** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:52 am

NovU wrote:

And I told you guys this. Ainge should have put his foot down and drafted Lonzo with the top pick. #fucDaCelts

he could end up being 3 times as good as michael jordan and that still would have been a bad choice for the celtics as this dude had 0 intentions of every playing for the celtics.

by **Axel.** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 7:34 am

Sauru wrote:he could end up being 3 times as good as michael jordan and that still would have been a bad choice for the celtics

If he comes even close to MJ, I wonder what people will say about the Celtics/Sixers "passing up on Lonzo" a few years down the line.

by **Sauru** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 11:33 am

Axel. wrote:
Sauru wrote:he could end up being 3 times as good as michael jordan and that still would have been a bad choice for the celtics

If he comes even close to MJ, I wonder what people will say about the Celtics/Sixers "passing up on Lonzo" a few years down the line.

people will say they made a mistake without taking anything else into account. they do this with sam bowie/jordan and oden/durant. they dont consider things outside of where the player was at the end of his career.

there are going to be people at the end of the season saying how both those teams were wrong anyway as lonzo is sure to put up better numbers in his rookie year than both fultz/tatum. the only player with any shot at ROTY outside of ball is fox

YouTube · by **Andrew** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 11:39 am

I'm not counting out Ben Simmons just yet.

by **air gordon** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 12:35 pm

Dennis Smith Jr ROTY
Will put up stats on a winning team

by **NovU** on Wed Jul 19, 2017 9:59 pm

Any prediction on next Flynn/Ammo/Fredette/Bennett/Thabeet?

by **air gordon** on Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:41 am

That's mean lol

I could see kennard not playing up to his draft position

by **Jackal** on Sun Oct 01, 2017 12:21 pm

Anyone catching tonight's game?

Ingram looks way broader in the shoulder. Hope no one gets injured and it's a good game overall. Looking forward to watch Ingram-Ball.

In other news Frank Hamblen passed away. RIP coach.

by **[Q]** on Sun Oct 01, 2017 1:49 pm

WTF Minnesota wearing white. Did they do that because they chose to or did they do that because Lakers gold is technically the away jersey?

Kuzzzzzz is so sick. Already one of my favorite Lakers

YouTube · by **mp3** on Sun Oct 01, 2017 7:35 pm

Thank God nba basketball is back!

The Lakeshow has a nice young core of players and showed it for the most part, the Twolves have to much firepower to close out a close game but loved what I saw from Kuz and Ball

by **Jackal** on Mon Oct 02, 2017 6:35 am

Gotta love Thibs playing Butler the entire first quarter too. Thibs gonna Thibs.

by **air gordon** on Tue Oct 03, 2017 11:05 am

Whoa. Who that skinny guy wearing that randle uniform??

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