Young Core: Which Are Showing Signs of Being Playoff Ready?

[yinoma2001]

If the playoffs started next month, which of our young core would be ready to help LBJ get to the Finals?

1. Hart: Due to age and experience, I think he would be the most right now to contributed in a playoff series. Shooting 43% from 3 on 5.2 attempts a night, able to defend on switches. I think of the young guys, he'd be the most capable of playing in a Finals game. Yes, his point of attack leaves much to be desired, but I feel like I can trust him in a tight playoff game.

2. BI: Yes, his iso play can get frustrating and his shot selection is frustrating, but I think his ability to play many roles would be helpful. However, his hesitancy to shoot 3s may be a negative in the playoffs and LBJ needs 3 point shooters in the playoffs to space the floor.

3. Kuz: I think he would be mercilessly picked on by teams for his lackluster defense, but I think he could provide an offensive spark in games. However, I think his lack of defensive consistency may lead to quick yanks out of games too.

4. Lonzo: biggest wildcard but as of now, just not consistent enough with his offense. He could play a role with his defense and passing, but you know Luke is closing with Rondo over Lonzo. His FT shooting problems and anemic scoring threat may pose problems.

5. OTHERS: Svi/Wag/Bonga likely not ready, though I think Svi may see some spot minutes.

Out of all the guys, the one I just trust the most in a playoffs atmosphere is Hart. Hopefully the rest will start getting acclimated but as of today, that's my outlook.
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From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[ringfinger]

To me? Josh Hart and that’s it so far.

Maybe Kuz #2.

For Brandon, I’m just not clear on what his role is on this team. So less a knock on him and more as to how he fits with the guys we have.

[yinoma2001]

I think Kuz could have a few games where he just goes on a hot streak scoring. But his defense is just so atrocious that at the playoff level, he would really be a liability.

BI has many tools to be a contributor, but the physicality might be a bit much as we get deeper.
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From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[governator]

Hart for sure

Lonzo if we need him to just concentrate on defense, crashing board and spot up 3s... still insecure about penetrating

[KeepItRealOrElse]

Zo could be in a very impactful stride by Playoff time

[ringfinger]

[yinoma2001]

Maybe Kuz can be a Horry like figure in the playoffs. But if we start him, he will be ripped to shreds on defense.
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From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[TooMuchMajicBuss]

I agree on Hart. He's the kind of role player who can help a team win playoff games.

Lonzo - interesting question. Will he evolve a little this season to where he doesn't hide his offense under a rock? He could be very helpful to a playoff drive with his defense and court vision, and his low usage style could mesh well with high-usage LeBron, if only he could get over his phobia about taking shots, or shooting free throws.

I also don't understand what's going on in Lonzo's head that causes him, on nights when his 3 pt shot is on, to always have one shot that misses the rim by a mile. I mean, laughably misses. Does he take an analytic approach to what causes the mental miscues, then fix the problem? Looks to me like he has decided to shy away to avoid further embarrassment, and that latter approach pisses me off, in spite of the many good things he does.

Ingram - how hard is it for a coach to tell a player to stop playing mid-range contested iso ball? I'm surprised BI hasn't figured out on his own that it isn't working. He's disruptive on defense, one would think he could fix his offense so he doesn't hurt the team. And maybe someone should tell him he's not LeBron James, nor is he Kobe Bryant. Don't trust him in the playoffs until he stops the mid-range iso black holeativity.

Kuz - off the bench please. Until he learns defense. He can score in bunches if we're behind, but I wouldn't trust him on a playoff starting roster.

[venturalakersfan]

None
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RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023.

[Laker_Town]

1.) Hart. Experienced success in college and is a pitbull. Hes got that Fisher-like dog in him.

2.) kuzma. His youth and confidence allows him to keep shooting. Not saying this is a good thing, but hes not scared.

3.) Ingram. I think he has the grandpa game going where he might be able to get a bucket or two in half court sets.


Lonzo isnt ready. Game slows down and he is extremely challenged offensively. He lacks confidence on that end and has shown he can be rattled.

Also, we have Rondo.

[PauPau]

None.

[epak]

[PHILosophize]

Hart but nobody else as of now
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one dog goes that way the other dog goes the other way

[BigGameHames]

[2019]

Hart is a guy I'd feel very comfortable playing a big role in the playoffs. I also have faith in Kuzma-- kid is a gamer and loves those big moments. BI, if his shot isn't falling is going to be an offensive liability come May. Lonzo, I'm just over in general so playoffs or in December, I don't feel great about him.

I'd rank:

1) Hart
2) Kuzma
3) BI
4) Lonzo

[yinoma2001]

It's also a function so far, of age and experience.

Kuz had what, 4 years in college?

Hart won a NCAA championship so he knows what it feels like to be on a big stage.

Lonzo/BI are still growing into their bodies but they have higher ceilings IMO. But as of 2018-19, I tend to think Hart is the most ready to play deep into the playoffs.
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From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[AFireInside619]

Zero.
Zilch.
Nada.
None.
The Nun.

[Lakers_Jester]

I actually think kuz is most ready. He has the type of personality that seems like he yearns for the bright lights. I think his performance actually increases during the playoffs.

[lakerz32]

for now just hart, partially because he plays a smaller specified role, but even than he will make mistakes and come with warts

still a long season for everyone to adjust and improve

[numero-ocho]

[methdxman]

We know it ain't Lonzo.

[Fortysixn2]

[BigGameHames]

[Fortysixn2]

[BigGameHames]