Words eye view

Basketball from a fan perspective

Bits n Pieces    

The Lakers will not sign Boogie Cousins recently released by the Rockets; this member of Laker Nation has no inside information other than a gut feeling.  I wanted to provide you this information ahead of time for two reasons.   1.  You have advance notice on your friends, feel free to contact them if you feel brave enough.  2.  On the other hand you can laugh at me should the Lakers decide to sign Cousins. 

For the first time in recent memory there will likely be the fewest 20-win teams in NCAA history.  We could make the same statement for the post-season tournaments; it was once said a team might have difficulty being invited without winning at least 20 games.  The 2020-2021 pandemic season causes that view to go out the window.  Several teams have either cancelled games or postponed them in most instances the missed games have not been rescheduled.    

Speaking of the college game a shout out to Michigan coach Juwan Howard.  In his second year at the helm the Wolverines sport a 16-1 record as this is written.  There might have been doubts regarding Howard’s coaching credentials when first hired, we seriously doubt if anyone is questioning his coaching aptitude now. 

He continues to improve

LaMelo Ball has proficiency at the point, as the calendar heads toward March it’s likely he’s named Rookie of the Year.  Anthony Edwards is experiencing a good rookie year; we could make the same statement about the Warriors James Wiseman until his injury.  Back to Ball, as was pointed out earlier he was a mystery headed to the association.  Ball had size as a point guard (6 foot 6) but was considered a “hot-dog” in some circles. 

At times he seemed more concerned about a fancy pass to a teammate even if it sometimes missed its mark.  In addition, his shooting was considered suspect by several scouts.  Over the course of the season Ball is shooting a respectable 43.7% from the floor, over the last 10 games he’s raised that percentage to 47.5.  His rebound numbers (6.2 per game) are nearly the same level as his assists 6.1.  It would appear the Hornets are set at point guard for the future, now they must continue to add talent throughout the team. 

There are others

Our focus was Mohamed Bamba becoming a Laker, there are other Big Men they could pick up.  Naturally, several of these acquisitions might be more difficult to acquire than others.  A trade or buyout or something along that order must be required to add them to the roster.  Drummond is certainly the most talented with Whiteside coming in second.  Keep in mind none of the players listed are required for their offense…it’s strictly defense and rebounding the ball.  My guess, Marc Gasol will probably be moved at the trade deadline and the Lakers add Bamba or one of the players additional player. 

The Lakers are second in the NBA in fewest points allowed, they average 105.5 points per game on 40.0% opposition shooting.  That’s the good, the bad well it’s not terrible however it could stand improvement.  The Lakers could use rim protection help; they average 4.2 blocked shots per game which gives us an idea improvement is needed.  That certainly is not terrible it just details the need for someone other than Marc Gasol capable of shot blocking.  This ends my dalliance with Boogie Cousins, the Boogie I believe my focus was on the player witnessed in 2017-18 while he played for the Pelicans.  That was the pre-injury version of what we see now, he is slower and several years older now, the question can he help?  These are the names we should consider:  

Dewayne Dedmon

Thon Maker

Hassan Whiteside

Andre Drummond

Nerlens Noel