Basketball from a fans perspective
Wow
Several outstanding and serviceable rookies have begun their NBA careers with the Lakers. Without research there have been two Hall of Fame inductees and a third is waiting to be enshrined (Kobe). You know most of the names, Kobe, James Worthy, Magic Johnson and several others who would become key players; Byron Scott, Nick Van Exel, Andrew Bynum and Eddie Jones to name just a few. I once heard someone state; “You can’t term ____ a rookie when he’s played ¾’s of the season.”
In any event point guard D’Angelo Russell now a starter scored 39 points against the Nets leading the Lakers to victory. His point total was the highest total scored by a Laker rookie since 1959 when Elgin Baylor scored 55 for the Minneapolis Lakers. Before it appears I’m rushing to judgment Russell still has much to improve his stock as an NBA player but the youngster definitely has talent. This game was for all the naysayer’s who claimed the Lakers made a mistake drafting him.
NBA back courts
Last week I wrote “The Blazers might have the second best back court in the NBA.” I didn’t name the top back court however I believe that to be the Warrior combo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. After careful consideration there might be a 2a and 2b team. I’ve been critical of the Clippers all year but I’m not going to make a negative statement regarding their back court. Point guard Chris Paul and shooting guard J.J. Redick might be right up there with the Blazer court, just an opinion doesn’t make it correct.
They missed the tourney too
LSU and Ben Simmons might miss the NCAA Tournament this season. Much discussion has centered on the fact the potential number one pick in the 2016 draft would be missing. According to ESPN this wouldn’t be the first time a number one pick failed to appear in the tournament. Doug Collins and Mychal Thompson also missed the tourney; Collins playing at Illinois State would become the first choice of the 76ers in 1973.
Klay Thompson’s dad was the number one pick from the University of Minnesota by the Blazers in 1987. Both Collins and Thompson went on to successful NBA careers despite their teams’ failure to appear in the NCAA Tournament. The truth is the networks are probably looking at the ratings picture, they are hoping LSU and Simmons make an appearance to enhance television viewer ship. Despite his teams so-so record the hype surrounding Simmons remains at a high level
Can he be saved?
I loved Byron Scott the Laker guard, Byron Scott the Laker coach is another story. Losses by the Lakers continue to mount as we move from January into February and now March. The balance of this month two weeks in April and the 2015-16 concludes for the Lakers. Last season with no Kobe from December through the end of the season the Lakers managed a 21-61 record. A good draft, a couple of free-agent signings and the return of Kobe expectations were high this season.
I don’t believe any Laker fan expected them to be playoff contenders but the team would be improved over the previous season. Expectations did not become reality as the team has stumbled throughout the season. This is written prior to tonight’s game, the Lakers stand 11-49. With 22 games remaining can they win 10 of them to tie last year’s record? As for Scott I believe he’s a “Dead man walking.” I would be shocked if Laker management retains him next season on the other hand.
