The dawn of another Lakers season is upon us and there is a lot to be excited about!! :) :)
The Lakers have a completely overhauled roster from last season. Which is good news for those who don't enjoy setting franchise records for losses. 2013-2014 was an injury filled year for our Lakers (led the league by a wide margin in that category). It's one that we'd all like to quickly forget.
So this year we have some new young talent, and a rejuvinated old guy named Kobe Bean Bryant. I'm really looking forward to watching the development of Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Jeremy Lin. They all are being put into a good position to succeed thanks to the mentorship of Kobe, Nash, and Carlos Boozer. Additonally the Lakers hired a new coach in Byron Scott who is looking to bring back the championship culture of the Laker brand which evaded the last two head coaches.
Impressions
For full game analysis check the one and only Dancing Barry threads over at Lakers Ground. I won't be doing more detailed anlaysis until the regular season starts. This is because the team is experimenting with different lineups, players, schemes, etc. instead of being focused on winning the game. Instead I'll focus on the impression I've gotten from each player through training camp and the pre-season games.
vs. Nuggets: http://forums.lakersground.net/viewtopic.php?t=170280
vs. Warriors: http://forums.lakersground.net/viewtopic.php?t=170325
Nash - Played well in his 20 minutes of action vs. Denver. They sat him out to rest against Golden State. He seemed to be moving well and was more agressive shooting the ball than he was last season. It appears to be a point of emphasis from coach Scott.
Bryant - He is operating from the free throw line extended just like he said he would. He's doing much less ball handling. He is running the offense from the post positions. His ability to score and draw fouls still exists despite his elevation on the jumper not being as high. I look to see him get in even better shape as the season progresses and start to test the waters with his slashing game. Defensively he's had good and bad spots. But he looks capable and I don't think he will get abused on that end.
Johnson - Still has minimal impact on the games. He'll do probably 2 things a game that make you notice him. Other than that you forget he is playing. Wesley needs to play better.
Boozer - His 15 footer has been automatic. His defense has been below average. And most of his drives to the basket have been blocked. Maybe it's just because of pre-season, but I'd like to see him play with more fire.
Hill - Looked good in the first game against Denver. Didn't do much in the second game. If this trend continues he will lose his starting spot to Ed Davis.
Lin - Looks a little shaky at times while trying to find his role in the offense, but overall I've liked his play. He is crticial to the Lakers making the playoffs. I think when he settles in he will have a good season. He has the talent.
Clarkson - He has made some rookie mistakes when it comes to shot selection and defense, but his effort is unquestionable and he's made some good things happen on the court in both games. He's looking to be the scorer of the 2nd unit with Swaggy P being out. Unfortunately he strained his calf in the last game and is expected to miss at least a week. Get well soon Jordan!
Ellington - Has been competing as the backup 3 even though he is a 2. I think he's demonstrated that he can shoot the basketball (which is why the Lakers signed him as a Jodie Meeks replacement). I think he's performed slightly above expectations so far.
Randle - Looked good in both games. He got off to a rocky start in the 2nd one though after taking forced shots and then hesitating on wide open jumpers. He cleaned up his mistakes toward the end of the game and showed flashes of the superstar caliber player that he can be. The best part about it is that he recognizes his weaknesses and he works on them.
Davis - He has impressed many with his play in the first two pre-season games. He had great pick and roll chemistry with Lin in game 1, then he continued to impress with his defense and effort in against the Warriors. If he keeps this up he will be starting.
Price - Did not play against the Nuggets. Showed some defensive hustle in the second game. He can shoot if open, but he can't really orchestrate an offense.
Sacre - Looks the same as last year except with a slightly improved jumper.
Tyler - Got a few mins to play in the Warriors' game, but did not show anything other than bricked jumpers. In his defense he was in the game with all 3rd stringers though.
Smith - See Tyler.
Swaggy - Injured (Wrist)
Kelly - Injured (Hamstring)
Henry - Injured (Back)
The next game will be Sunday against the Warriors again at 6:30pm.
