LAKERS -at- THUNDER – 11-22-19 - DIY Thoughts and :-)) Ratings
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> Thoughts and Ratings Reply to topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
DancingBarry
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief


Joined: 07 Sep 2001
Posts: 40188
Location: O.C.

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 9:11 pm    Post subject: LAKERS -at- THUNDER – 11-22-19 - DIY Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

See Wolf’s writeup below.

Last edited by DancingBarry on Sat Nov 23, 2019 4:24 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
akgolf
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1448
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 9:23 pm    Post subject:

We won.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
JM
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 25 Jun 2005
Posts: 1281

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 9:45 pm    Post subject:

Looking gassed, leBronze hero ball down stretch was difficult to watch. AD was terrific, and KCP was solid. Enjoyable game, but the defense effort seems to have dissipated a bit. Danny Green is a pleasure to watch. His Numbers do not tell the full tale. Good P and R from several players. Fun two games, the OKC group is scrappy. AD at the line was the difference.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Startrout
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 06 Aug 2004
Posts: 2141

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 10:25 pm    Post subject:

LeBron’s iso ball at the end almost cost us the game. He’d run the clock all the way down with zero movement from the rest of the team, then throw up some low percentage desperation shot, missing every time. He did that over and over. Otherwise, another good game from him.

Our 3-point shooting is finally improving to where we expected it to be.

AD with two 4 point plays was amazing. His free-throws and defense saved the game.

McGee looked like he was driving 40 on the freeway tonight. He just seems to be slow (mentally and physically). He was getting knocked around by everyone. The effort was there, but things just weren’t clicking for him.

Rondo getting tossed in a tight game didn’t help (or maybe it did... more Caruso).

Caruso was solid again.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
socalsp3
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 07 Jul 2016
Posts: 3501

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 10:43 pm    Post subject:

Rondo being Rondo
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
LakerSD
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 10 Nov 2016
Posts: 23731

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:21 pm    Post subject:

3 point shooting won the game.
AD and KCP were great.

Lebron looks a bit tired. They need to monitor those minutes...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
RI Laker
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 27 Jun 2005
Posts: 7134

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 12:12 am    Post subject:

KCP continues his GREAT play. He changes the entire dynamic of our team with play like this.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Nobody
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 13 Sep 2008
Posts: 5699
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 1:58 am    Post subject:

Startrout wrote:
LeBron’s iso ball at the end almost cost us the game. He’d run the clock all the way down with zero movement from the rest of the team, then throw up some low percentage desperation shot, missing every time. He did that over and over. Otherwise, another good game from him.

Our 3-point shooting is finally improving to where we expected it to be.

AD with two 4 point plays was amazing. His free-throws and defense saved the game.

McGee looked like he was driving 40 on the freeway tonight. He just seems to be slow (mentally and physically). He was getting knocked around by everyone. The effort was there, but things just weren’t clicking for him.

Rondo getting tossed in a tight game didn’t help (or maybe it did... more Caruso).

Caruso was solid again.


Also losing the ball against CP's pressure. I can't believe the old and small dude can still D up players like that. Put a damper on an otherwise perfect game from LeBron.

Anyway, I thought the game was done when they went up 15, but a loose defensive effort and some headscratching plays (Rondo) did the trick. Glad they escaped with the W, though.

Go Lakers!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Nobody
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 13 Sep 2008
Posts: 5699
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 1:59 am    Post subject:

RI Laker wrote:
KCP continues his GREAT play. He changes the entire dynamic of our team with play like this.


Agreed. If not for that erratic layup attempt in traffic, he would get a 10 for his performance in my book. Keep on with your performance, KCP!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
A Mad Chinaman
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6121

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 3:59 am    Post subject:

Interesting that when Rondo was on the court, LBJ will still bringing the ball up - should there be more trust in Rondo in ball-handling skills. Despite Rondo hitting a 3pt shot, how useful can he be if not handling the ball, that would allow LBJ to have more energy at the end of games

With Javale and D30 getting (18+17) 35 minutes on the floor and AD closing games, that appears to be the rotation that seems to usually works. JaVale is the "Fast Starter" (if he is on) and D39 is providing the hard screens/energy that is making an impact in this game (made Adams work hard for his points and rebounds).

With Bradley not playing, the defense doesn't seem to be as effective despite that the defensive-minded KCP started in place of him. This seems to keep most of the other rotations the same (Caruso playing off the bench with D39 and Kuzma)

Kuz's "chase down block" was great

Cook made his impact for a few minutes, the other times he was invisible. Hopefully that he maintains his offensive efficiency while developing his defensive prowess.

Could the team be tired with nobody moving late in the fourth quarter, which is the reason why LBJ pounded the ball for almost the entire clock for a fadeaway 3pt shot that he can get at any time?

Hopefully soon the team will decelop the reputation and effectiveness to have teams know that if they have the lead going into the fourth quarter that the game is over - like for the Shaq/Kobe teams in the past.

Hopefully the Lakers will find someone who can make life hard for excellent shooters such as LouWill, who has become a more lethal scorer because they can't load up on him when PG and Kawhi are on the floor. Though a AD/LBJ/DG or Kuz or Bradley can effectively defend Kawhi/PG/LouWill. JaVale/D39 have size and length advantage over Harrell. Can Rondo/Caruso/Bradley bring the ball up against Beverly's defensive pressure. These are questions the Lakers have this season to discovef and develop. One answer is Igoudala - will the Clippers trade their depth for Iggy, big game for them. If not, Igoudala on the Lakers would be HEAVEN and hell for all the other teams

Note: Magic has always been a GREAT Ambassador for the Lakers (though not a great tv host, coach and evidently GM), Rob has put together a very good team
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
DancingBarry
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief


Joined: 07 Sep 2001
Posts: 40188
Location: O.C.

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:37 am    Post subject:

The passing between LeBron and AD in the past couple of games has been off the charts.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
wolfpaclaker
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 29 May 2002
Posts: 58318

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:47 am    Post subject:

Team Stats

Points
Lakers 130
OKC 127

FG%
Lakers 51.1
OKC 52.7

3PT%
Lakers 54.1
OKC 35.5

Points in the Paint
Lakers 50
OKC 62

Fast Break points
Lakers 19
OKC 7

The STARTERS:

Lebron James Lebron looked a little angry in this one. You can sense he has a little more edge to him this year, to prove something. He was not happy on the bench in a number of sequences where the Lakers were playing some poor defense. Lebron paced himself very well in this game. Did not play too passive or aggressive. When Rondo comes in, he starts to go into the post more. I love it when we see Lebron in the post, it allows us to become a completely different team. It's like you have a point Center. From a point guard, he becomes a point Center. Very Magic like. We saw a lot of bully ball from Lebron in this one. Lebron did not close out the 4th strong. though. The one flaw in today's game (that keeps him from a 3rd thumbsup). Ran the shotclock down and then took a tough shot. All isolation. No ball movement. I know they want to milk the clock with the lead, but Lebron needs to get better shots there, and run better sets. It has become a bit of our identity where we milk the clock with a lead in the 4th Q and run isolation sets. No problem the isolations, but can not have Lebron both be the point guard that handles the ball and then also takes the isolation, need to switch that up a bit to make the defense work - Great defensive play on the last possession, like a football player. Just intercepted the pass with such ease. Lebron finished the game with 23 points (9-20 shooting), 14 assists, 5 turnovers and was +3.

Anthony Davis Big game from AD. When he is making his outside shots, he is pretty much the best player in the league, IMO. In terms of value of all he does on defense, boards, scoring, spacing, versatility. Even more than Giannis. That is when he is making the outside shots, and moves the ball quickly out of doubles. Loved how well he moved the ball out of the doubles in the paint. Every time AD was catching the ball in the post, doubles were coming. A few weeks ago AD was not sure what to do and we got in alot of trouble in those situations. Now? AD finishes with almost a career high in assists, and many of his assists didn't count as they were hockey assists. He created the defensive breakdown with the post ups, then moved the ball and we got an open shot. Love this version of AD, he is the most valuable player in the league by far. Gotta keep AD focused on playing this way especially with regards to the ball movement out on doubles inside. A huge 4 point play that sort of sealed the game for the Lakers. Hit the 3, and then got fouled. Converted the FT. Clutch. Then some fantastic D late in the 4th. AD closed the game at the 5 very late. He defended Adams, Schroedor, Gallinari in this one. That's his defensive versatility. You can stick him on pretty much anyone on the floor and you will usually get a contested shot. Best player in the game right now. Davis finished the game with 33 points (9-19 shooting, 4-7 from 3 point) 11 rebounds, 7 assists and was a +7.

Danny Green Excellent "average" game from Danny. Pretty much showed why we signed him. He hit 4 of his 6 three pointers. He played some defense in spurts, and he was the leader in the +/- stat at +10. Danny is so important to our offense as he is the most reliable outside shooter. Danny had some good plays in this one again. Some late 3 point shots which were not simple catch and shoots from the far wing late in the shot clock. He is making a habit of at least making 1 or 2 driving bank shots. I love those. Keeps the defense guessing. Not really a game where anyone outside of AD, Dwight and Caruso played defense consistently, but nice game from Danny here. Green finished with 14 points (5-8 shooting, 4-6 from 3 point) 4 boards and was a +10.

KCP How nice is it to get this sort of play from KCP right when Bradley goes down. KCP can not set the tone defensively like AB, and he made some poor choices on Chris Paul defensively late in the game. However he is doing exactly what we need and why we signed him for so much money. He makes his outside shots. He makes some athletic drives to the basket. He is sometimes even creating a shot and making them. The difference in KCP now vs 3-4 weeks ago is night and day. Credit goes to Coach Vogel for believing in him and allowing him to work though his struggles. Most coaches would have given up on KCP. One note about KCP. He has to stop going under screens. He may feel he does not have the footspeed to recover. But he has length and a lot of help from the bigs behind him. He needs to try and go over the screens and contest the open 3 point shot. CP3 and other guards are making a living off this since AB went out. Bradley would do everything in his power to fight through that screen and make it hard. He would even foul, to stop the play from happening. This is a huge contrast to what KCP is doing. In isolation defense though, KCP is doing solid. It is when the picks come into play ..... Still much needed 3 point shooting provided. A huge play in the 1st half to beat the buzzer -Lebron delivered a great pass after catching a tough pass, and KCP nails the 3 at the buzzer making the 4 point deficit to 1 going into the half. Klutch KCP finished the game with 17 points (5-9 shooting 4-5 from 3 point) 5 rebounds and was a +6.

McGee Decent game from McGee. Some nice catches in the paint and finishes. Has become very involved in off the ball plays in the offense. Gives us a legit 4th/5th option scorer in the offense, something you don't see with Howard as much. Like that about McGee. Teams are having a very hard time dealing with his length and size because they are focusing on Lebron/AD and he gets some really great looks. Can not fault him for the defense on Adams, because a lot of Adams plays were after McGee or Howard went to help out. Still, I'd like McGee to be more of a 2-way player than he is. Dwight and AD really give 2-way play. McGee can do more as he is a very good shotblocker and with his length can contest a lot more shots than he is. McGee finished the game with 8 points (4-9 shooting) 7 boards 1 block and was + 6 in 18 minutes.

The BENCH

Alex Caruso Another impact game by Alex. Alex is always moving on defense, looking to make something happen. You know how good he is defensively? He closes the games. He was out there with Davis, Lebron, Green and KCP. Probably was our best defensive matchup lineup against the guard heavy Thunder team. Alex needs to make his open 3 pointers though. He is more of a 1-way (defensive) reliable player right now than a 2-way guy. If he can become a 2-way guy, he is a core player for us. Those extra 10 minutes a game from him will happen if he can be that scorer on offense with those open 3 pointers. Frank has to limit his minutes right now because he knows Alex can't score as well as Quinn or Rajon's playmaking or KCP even. Still, some two nice plays. An open corner 3 pointer off a kickout from one of the superstars (he missed 2 more from same sort of play). A nice athletic drive and finish at the basket. Alex finished the game with 5 points, 2 steals, 2 assists in 17 minutes of play.

Dwight Howard Dwight played his role with consistency again. Same flaws too (mainly the fouls). He is being dealt a tough task with being the Center on a bad defensive lineup that has Kuzma (suspect defender), Rondo (inconsistent defender) and Cook (bad defender). This makes Dwight not look as impact as he has been. He is continuing to be a physical presence and is a load to deal with inside. The Lakers don't look for him, but he still winds up scoring inside. Would like to see Dwight with a few more talented lineups around him defensively, so we can get some shut down D. The current rotation has Dwight having to play D with a lot of poor defensive talent around him, thus negating the impact. Decent overall game from Dwight. Needs to contest the FT line and in shots from players though. We saw a lot of help from Dwight on D end up hurting us, because when he left to help, no one kept a body on his man. It is why we need better perimeter D around him. Nice job of making 1 or 2 of 2 FTs in each stretch. Dwight Howard finished the game with 10 points (3-4 shooting) 7 (3 offensive) boards 1 block in just 16 minutes of play.

Kyle Kuzma Good to have him back out there. Got the goggles on. Did not seem to effect his offense too much. Good speed actions on offense. Got a few great finishes off the ball on cuts to the basket, feeds from Lebron. That is Kyle's biggest value to the team, his speed and ability to move within the fast breaks, or halfcourt offense, off the ball. Other than McGee, I can not think of anyone else who gets so many good looks inside off movement in the offense around Lebron/AD. Defensively, he had one nice block off pure effort. Nice sub by Vogel to get Caruso in for Kuzma late in the 4th. I do not think Kyle is good enough defensively to be a closer in clutch situations. He is getting better on that end though. Gotta keep working with the staff on his defense. I think Kuzma deserves Alec/Dwight minutes, and to have AD a bit more at the 4 with Dwight at the 5 so we have better rebounding, defense and etc. but Vogel is maybe trying to get Kuzma to develop into a 25-27 minute 6th man type, which means we may need to use AD more at the 5. Right now the offense with Rondo, Kuzma, Dwight is not there. We need to figure out some better offense for the bench, as it is hurting us. We seemed rto have ran better offense with the bench before Kuzma and Rondo came back. Kuzma finished the game with 10 points (4-6 shooting 1-3 from 3 point) 2 blocks in 26 minutes.

Rondo Rajon needs to be better than that. He helps the team a lot on offense when he comes in and makes quick passes and gets the ball to players in their scoring spots, He did that this game. Some great stuff from Rondo in that he is taking (and making) his open shots. That is what we need from him. However he does not seem to be able to control and run the 2nd unit as I'd like on either end. He needs to have a better control of that 2nd unit. I do understand he is playing with far less superior players than say KCP is. Still, the ejection, the Ts and all that. Not needed right now. Stay focused on running the offense and playing D. Get the 2nd unit in control and you need to be the leader of that unit. I do get his value though. Some of his post entry feeds and passes to guys is beautiful to watch. No one on the team can set up AD and Lebron like that. Rondo was ejected after receiving a T earlier. He and Shroedor were having issues. Rondo eventually flagrant fouled him and was thrown out. Rondo finished the game with 8 points (3-6 from field 2-3 from 3 point) 4 assists 2 steals in just 18 minutes.

Quinn Cook Quinn is having the tough task of coming in for the moments in the game Lebron is resting. So you're without the most valuable player on offense, the one that probably Quinn would get the most open shots available from. Got to understand that. I do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups. I think that's 3 players who can struggle defensively on switches. Quinn had a nice finish switching hands under the basket off a dribble penetration. He struggled defensively in this game (and the last few). Quinn finished the game with 2 points (1-2 shooting) 2 assists in 11 minutes.

Coaching

Frank Vogel Frank has shown he will make some key adjustments in the right moments of the game, later in the game. He uses the 1st half to understand what's going on, and then you usually see a better 2nd half. This is a sign of a well coached team. Started KCP defensively at point, Lebron on offense at point guard continues. Good decision with KCP over Rondo, Alex or other options as KCP has responded well as starter.

The bench - Do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups they have struggled defensively and offensively. Need to find a different mix in there. Frank is a big supporter and believer of Rondo (and so am I in terms of what Rondo could theoretically do for Lebron, AD and the team) but we need Rondo to take more ownership of that 2nd unit.

Key adjustment of the game: First Dwight out for Kuzma in, and then Kuzma out for Alex in. Those were two very good subs at the right time of the game. One was for offense spacing, the other was for defense.

Very happy with Frank and this staff this year. No coach is perfect, but I feel we are the most balanced team in the league and have the most balanced coach who values offense and defense. FWIW, Lakers are 6th in offense rating in the NBA. 3rd in the NBA in defense rating. That is a 2-way team being coached by a coach who understands both sides of the ball.


Last edited by wolfpaclaker on Sat Nov 23, 2019 7:54 am; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
governator
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 28 Jan 2006
Posts: 24994

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:56 am    Post subject:

wolfpaclaker wrote:
Team Stats

Points
Lakers 130
OKC 127

FG%
Lakers 51.1
OKC 52.7

3PT%
Lakers 54.1
OKC 35.5

Points in the Paint
Lakers 50
OKC 62

Fast Break points
Lakers 19
OKC 7

The STARTERS:

Lebron James Lebron looked a little angry in this one. You can sense he has a little more edge to him this year, to prove something. He was not happy on the bench in a number of sequences where the Lakers were playing some poor defense. Lebron paced himself very well in this game. Did not play too passive or aggressive. When Rondo comes in, he starts to go into the post more. I love it when we see Lebron in the post, it allows us to become a completely different team. It's like you have a point Center. From a point guard, he becomes a point Center. Very Magic like. We saw a lot of bully ball from Lebron in this one. Lebron did not close out the 4th strong. though. The one flaw in today's game (that keeps him from a 3rd thumbsup). Ran the shotclock down and then took a tough shot. All isolation. No ball movement. I know they want to milk the clock with the lead, but Lebron needs to get better shots there, and run better sets. It has become a bit of our identity where we milk the clock with a lead in the 4th Q and run isolation sets. No problem the isolations, but can not have Lebron both be the point guard that handles the ball and then also takes the isolation, need to switch that up a bit to make the defense work. Lebron finished the game with 23 points (9-20 shooting), 14 assists, 5 turnovers and was +3.

Anthony Davis Big game from AD. When he is making his outside shots, he is pretty much the best player in the league, IMO. In terms of value of all he does on defense, boards, scoring, spacing, versatility. Even more than Giannis. That is when he is making the outside shots, and moves the ball quickly out of doubles. Loved how well he moved the ball out of the doubles in the paint. Every time AD was catching the ball in the post, doubles were coming. A few weeks ago AD was not sure what to do and we got in alot of trouble in those situations. Now? AD finishes with almost a career high in assists, and many of his assists didn't count as they were hockey assists. He created the defensive breakdown with the post ups, then moved the ball and we got an open shot. Love this version of AD, he is the most valuable player in the league by far. Gotta keep AD focused on playing this way especially with regards to the ball movement out on doubles inside. A huge 4 point play that sort of sealed the game for the Lakers. Hit the 3, and then got fouled. Converted the FT. Clutch. Then some fantastic D late in the 4th. AD closed the game at the 5 very late. He defended Adams, Schroedor, Gallinari in this one. That's his defensive versatility. You can stick him on pretty much anyone on the floor and you will usually get a contested shot. Best player in the game right now. Davis finished the game with 33 points (9-19 shooting, 4-7 from 3 point) 11 rebounds, 7 assists and was a +7.

Danny Green Excellent "average" game from Danny. Pretty much showed why we signed him. He hit 4 of his 6 three pointers. He played some defense in spurts, and he was the leader in the +/- stat at +10. Danny is so important to our offense as he is the most reliable outside shooter. Danny had some good plays in this one again. Some late 3 point shots which were not simple catch and shoots from the far wing late in the shot clock. He is making a habit of at least making 1 or 2 driving bank shots. I love those. Keeps the defense guessing. Not really a game where anyone outside of AD, Dwight and Caruso played defense consistently, but nice game from Danny here. Green finished with 14 points (5-8 shooting, 4-6 from 3 point) 4 boards and was a +10.

KCP How nice is it to get this sort of play from KCP right when Bradley goes down. KCP can not set the tone defensively like AB, and he made some poor choices on Chris Paul defensively late in the game. However he is doing exactly what we need and why we signed him for so much money. He makes his outside shots. He makes some athletic drives to the basket. He is sometimes even creating a shot and making them. The difference in KCP now vs 3-4 weeks ago is night and day. Credit goes to Coach Vogel for believing in him and allowing him to work though his struggles. Most coaches would have given up on KCP. One note about KCP. He has to stop going under screens. He may feel he does not have the footspeed to recover. But he has length and a lot of help from the bigs behind him. He needs to try and go over the screens and contest the open 3 point shot. CP3 and other guards are making a living off this since AB went out. Bradley would do everything in his power to fight through that screen and make it hard. He would even foul, to stop the play from happening. This is a huge contrast to what KCP is doing. In isolation defense though, KCP is doing solid. It is when the picks come into play ..... Still much needed 3 point shooting provided. Klutch KCP finished the game with 17 points (5-9 shooting 4-5 from 3 point) 5 rebounds and was a +6.

McGee Decent game from McGee. Some nice catches in the paint and finishes. Has become very involved in off the ball plays in the offense. Gives us a legit 4th/5th option scorer in the offense, something you don't see with Howard as much. Like that about McGee. Teams are having a very hard time dealing with his length and size because they are focusing on Lebron/AD and he gets some really great looks. Can not fault him for the defense on Adams, because a lot of Adams plays were after McGee or Howard went to help out. Still, I'd like McGee to be more of a 2-way player than he is. Dwight and AD really give 2-way play. McGee can do more as he is a very good shotblocker and with his length can contest a lot more shots than he is. McGee finished the game with 8 points (4-9 shooting) 7 boards 1 block and was + 6 in 18 minutes.

The BENCH

Alex Caruso Another impact game by Alex. Alex is always moving on defense, looking to make something happen. You know how good he is defensively? He closes the games. He was out there with Davis, Lebron, Green and KCP. Probably was our best defensive matchup lineup against the guard heavy Thunder team. Alex needs to make his open 3 pointers though. He is more of a 1-way (defensive) reliable player right now than a 2-way guy. If he can become a 2-way guy, he is a core player for us. Those extra 10 minutes a game from him will happen if he can be that scorer on offense with those open 3 pointers. Frank has to limit his minutes right now because he knows Alex can't score as well as Quinn or Rajon's playmaking or KCP even. Still, some two nice plays. An open corner 3 pointer off a kickout from one of the superstars (he missed 2 more from same sort of play). A nice athletic drive and finish at the basket. Alex finished the game with 5 points, 2 steals, 2 assists in 17 minutes of play.

Dwight Howard Dwight played his role with consistency again. Same flaws too (mainly the fouls). He is being dealt a tough task with being the Center on a bad defensive lineup that has Kuzma (suspect defender), Rondo (inconsistent defender) and Cook (bad defender). This makes Dwight not look as impact as he has been. He is continuing to be a physical presence and is a load to deal with inside. The Lakers don't look for him, but he still winds up scoring inside. Would like to see Dwight with a few more talented lineups around him defensively, so we can get some shut down D. The current rotation has Dwight having to play D with a lot of poor defensive talent around him, thus negating the impact. Decent overall game from Dwight. Needs to contest the FT line and in shots from players though. We saw a lot of help from Dwight on D end up hurting us, because when he left to help, no one kept a body on his man. It is why we need better perimeter D around him. Nice job of making 1 or 2 of 2 FTs in each stretch. Dwight Howard finished the game with 10 points (3-4 shooting) 7 (3 offensive) boards 1 block in just 16 minutes of play.

Kyle Kuzma Good to have him back out there. Got the goggles on. Did not seem to effect his offense too much. Good speed actions on offense. Got a few great finishes off the ball on cuts to the basket, feeds from Lebron. That is Kyle's biggest value to the team, his speed and ability to move within the fast breaks, or halfcourt offense, off the ball. Other than McGee, I can not think of anyone else who gets so many good looks inside off movement in the offense around Lebron/AD. Defensively, he had one nice block off pure effort. Nice sub by Vogel to get Caruso in for Kuzma late in the 4th. I do not think Kyle is good enough defensively to be a closer in clutch situations. He is getting better on that end though. Gotta keep working with the staff on his defense. I think Kuzma deserves Alec/Dwight minutes, and to have AD a bit more at the 4 with Dwight at the 5 so we have better rebounding, defense and etc. but Vogel is maybe trying to get Kuzma to develop into a 25-27 minute 6th man type, which means we may need to use AD more at the 5. Right now the offense with Rondo, Kuzma, Dwight is not there. We need to figure out some better offense for the bench, as it is hurting us. We seemed rto have ran better offense with the bench before Kuzma and Rondo came back. Kuzma finished the game with 10 points (4-6 shooting 1-3 from 3 point) 2 blocks in 26 minutes.

Rondo Rajon needs to be better than that. He helps the team a lot on offense when he comes in and makes quick passes and gets the ball to players in their scoring spots, He did that this game. Some great stuff from Rondo in that he is taking (and making) his open shots. That is what we need from him. However he does not seem to be able to control and run the 2nd unit as I'd like on either end. He needs to have a better control of that 2nd unit. I do understand he is playing with far less superior players than say KCP is. Still, the ejection, the Ts and all that. Not needed right now. Stay focused on running the offense and playing D. Get the 2nd unit in control and you need to be the leader of that unit. I do get his value though. Some of his post entry feeds and passes to guys is beautiful to watch. No one on the team can set up AD and Lebron like that. Rondo was ejected after receiving a T earlier. He and Shroedor were having issues. Rondo eventually flagrant fouled him and was thrown out. Rondo finished the game with 8 points (3-6 from field 2-3 from 3 point) 4 assists 2 steals in just 18 minutes.

Quinn Cook Quinn is having the tough task of coming in for the moments in the game Lebron is resting. So you're without the most valuable player on offense, the one that probably Quinn would get the most open shots available from. Got to understand that. I do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups. I think that's 3 players who can struggle defensively on switches. Quinn had a nice finish switching hands under the basket off a dribble penetration. He struggled defensively in this game (and the last few). Quinn finished the game with 2 points (1-2 shooting) 2 assists in 11 minutes.

Frank Vogel Frank has shown he will make some key adjustments in the right moments of the game, later in the game. He uses the 1st half to understand what's going on, and then you usually see a better 2nd half. This is a sign of a well coached team. Do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups they have struggled defensively and offensively. Need to find a different mix in there. On the positive, love the development of the offense and how he is using Alex Caruso. The closing clutch lineup was good coaching. Very happy with Frank and this staff this year. No coach is perfect, but I feel we are the most balanced team in the league and have the most balanced coach who values offense and defense. FWIW, Lakers are 6th in offense rating in the NBA. 3rd in the NBA in defense rating. That is a 2-way team being coached by a coach who understands both sides of the ball.


nice
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
RI Laker
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 27 Jun 2005
Posts: 7134

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 7:20 am    Post subject:

Thanks for stepping up Wolf. Spot on and insightful. Great take on the isolation at the end of the game.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
wolfpaclaker
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 29 May 2002
Posts: 58318

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 7:48 am    Post subject:

RI Laker wrote:
Thanks for stepping up Wolf. Spot on and insightful. Great take on the isolation at the end of the game.

No problem, my pleasure.

The isolations at the end of games are quite normal for teams that have superstars like Lebron, but what we need to do is mix it up a bit. It is why I want Rondo and Kuzma to develop into reliable defenders so they can close games. They give the Lakers another shot creator. Rondo will handle the ball and bring it up and deliver it to LBJ or AD in the iso. Rondo can milk the clock. I know a lot of people don't like Rondo, but against elite teams we will need better closing offense than what this team has shown so far this season.

Kuzma because he is just a scorer period. You sense that you could just send the ball his way and he could make shots, period. So if he can start defending better and better, we can have him in there in the clutch. Another option is Bradley over Rondo, as Bradley is a much better defender. Bradley can do some ballhandling and can call for a screen and roll with AD. Right now we're wining our "close" games mostly through some fantastic defense late in the game combined with some 3 point shooting heroics. I think we can play higher percentage offense than to rely on 3 point heroics. We have 2 superstars who are a load and tough to handle 1 on 1. Just get the ball in 1 on 1 situation that is closer to the basket or on the move, so that it is harder to defend that play.

Whatever we do, we can not get the habit of running out the shotclock with Lebron playing the entire shotclock or as predictable as he has been in some games. Same with AD. It's too easy to defend those situations IMO.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
ribeye
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 10 Nov 2001
Posts: 12611

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 8:27 am    Post subject:

wolfpaclaker wrote:
Team Stats

[snip for brevity, not for a lack of quality]



Good job with such an in depth review and analysis. If it were up to me, you should be the snark OFFICIAL /snark DB backup.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
TOTALECLIPSE24
Starting Rotation
Starting Rotation


Joined: 16 Apr 2004
Posts: 347
Location: the reservation NM

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 8:55 am    Post subject:

Reading the game breakdown is so much more pleasent this year
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Wolverine
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 7846
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 10:05 am    Post subject:

TOTALECLIPSE24 wrote:
Reading the game breakdown is so much more pleasent this year

It was quite a thankless task in previous years.

Thanks wolfpaclaker! Loved your take on the game, especially the coaching decisions.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Dr. Laker
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 12 Apr 2002
Posts: 17065

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 12:54 pm    Post subject:

wolfpaclaker wrote:


. . . Dwight played his role with consistency again. Same flaws too (mainly the fouls). He is being dealt a tough task with being the Center on a bad defensive lineup that has Kuzma (suspect defender), Rondo (inconsistent defender) and Cook (bad defender).

. . . I do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups. I think that's 3 players who can struggle defensively on switches.

. . . Do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups they have struggled defensively and offensively. Need to find a different mix in there.


So how do you feel about the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups, Wolf

Just kidding - I appreciate your insights.
_________________
On Lakersground, a concern troll is someone who is a fan of another team, but pretends to be a Lakers fan with "concerns".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
LandsbergerRules
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 29 Aug 2004
Posts: 11197
Location: The Other Perspective

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 1:55 pm    Post subject:

JM wrote:
Looking gassed, leBronze hero ball down stretch was difficult to watch. AD was terrific, and KCP was solid. Enjoyable game, but the defense effort seems to have dissipated a bit. Danny Green is a pleasure to watch. His Numbers do not tell the full tale. Good P and R from several players. Fun two games, the OKC group is scrappy. AD at the line was the difference.


Yeah, he tries to iso like he used to in his prime a bit too much when he doesn't quite have the explosiveness for it anymore.
_________________
"Chick lived and breathed Lakers basketball…but he was also fair and objective and called every game the way it was played."
-from Chick: His Unpublished Memoirs and the Memories of Those Who Knew Him
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
wolfpaclaker
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 29 May 2002
Posts: 58318

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 2:31 pm    Post subject:

Dr. Laker wrote:
wolfpaclaker wrote:


. . . Dwight played his role with consistency again. Same flaws too (mainly the fouls). He is being dealt a tough task with being the Center on a bad defensive lineup that has Kuzma (suspect defender), Rondo (inconsistent defender) and Cook (bad defender).

. . . I do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups. I think that's 3 players who can struggle defensively on switches.

. . . Do not like the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups they have struggled defensively and offensively. Need to find a different mix in there.


So how do you feel about the Cook/Rondo/Kuzma lineups, Wolf

Just kidding - I appreciate your insights.

LOL. You can see how much frustration I have when I see those lineups out there. Frank has gotten things fast and made adjustments very well this season. I think he will eventually move on from this one if in 5 games there isn’t a major improvement. It just doesn’t look like a lineup that I can see thrive on either end. These are regular season lineups I hope that we won’t ever see once the playoffs roll around. Come playoffs usually coaches tighten their rotation to 8-9 players.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
Laker7
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 24 Feb 2003
Posts: 6393
Location: Past left field

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 2:33 pm    Post subject:

We won.

Defensive intensity has slipped over the last 5 games but offensive efficiency has increased during the same time. Offensively the Lakers have moved up to #14 but has fallen from $1 to #4 in defense according to ESPN. Point differential has slipped from 10.2 to 9.3. Losing Bradley has hurt.
_________________
Keep winning!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Chronicle
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 21 Jul 2012
Posts: 31930
Location: Manhattan

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 2:35 pm    Post subject:

thanks wolf !!
_________________
Kobe
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
wolfpaclaker
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 29 May 2002
Posts: 58318

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 3:21 pm    Post subject:

Laker7 wrote:
We won.

Defensive intensity has slipped over the last 5 games but offensive efficiency has increased during the same time. Offensively the Lakers have moved up to #14 but has fallen from $1 to #4 in defense according to ESPN. Point differential has slipped from 10.2 to 9.3. Losing Bradley has hurt.

We are sixth in O rating actually
https://stats.nba.com/teams/advanced/?sort=OFF_RATING&dir=-1

To go from 16th-18th to then 10th and now 6th, probably we were one of the top 3 O teams the last few weeks.

Yes D has slipped and I think a lot has to do with Bradley but also Frank using more Kuzma at 4, less AD/Howard lineups.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
DancingBarry
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief


Joined: 07 Sep 2001
Posts: 40188
Location: O.C.

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 4:19 pm    Post subject:

Wolf crushed it. Thank you!!

I’ve always wanted to have multiple people do this because we’d get different perspectives.

I’m missing tonight’s game, too, I’m sure as I’m traveling and picking my son up from the airport.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> Thoughts and Ratings All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2
Jump to:  

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum






Graphics by uberzev
© 1995-2018 LakersGround.net. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.
LakersGround is an unofficial news source serving the fan community since 1995.
We are in no way associated with the Los Angeles Lakers or the National Basketball Association.


Powered by phpBB