Could this be? Do my eyes deceive me? Has this Lakers team found an identity?
Today they beat the Thunder 105-96. It was a must win, as are the rest of the games for the Lakers, because of the huge hole the Lakers have dug for themselves this year. The team showed up and showed us not only what they're made of, but what they're capable of doing. If they continue to play like this, there will be no problems contending for a title. They played hard, they played smart, and they played together. Like any competent basketball team should.
Coach D'Antoni has made some adjustments over the last few games that I think have been crucial. First of all, starting Clark and bringing Pau off the bench has several benefits. It adds athleticism and defensive versatility to the starting lineup. It adds a clear number one option off of the bench (Pau). It allows the Lakers to have a post threat in the game at all times. And lastly, it gives Pau more rest and more time in the post where he is most effective.
Everyone will point to Kobe's 14 assists in the last two games (each) and say he has become a more willing passer. The truth is he has always been a willing passer. Except he ain't passing it if you're not going to do anything with it. The biggest adjustment I saw the Lakers make today was to MOVE when Kobe gets doubled or tripled. Finally players were cutting and diving to the rim. Kobe is an intelligent enough ball player to find them, and he did. BOOM. 14 assists. It's simple. If they can continue to cut off ball, there is no guarding the Lakers. Anyone remember that '08 Lakers team when we first got Pau? If you don't go back and watch how Lamar Odom would dive off ball and receive dime after dime from the Mamba. Same thing.
Notables:
The Good:
- Solid defensive scheme and effort
- Great cutting off ball
- Great bench play
- Mental toughness
The Bad:
- Poor free throw shooting
- Foul trouble for Howard
Bottom line is, despite their record the Lakers still have a chance. They MUST continue to play like this. They really only have 1 critical weakness when they play to their potential. #GoLakeShow
No comments:
Post a Comment