While the X’s and O’s of this game will matter — they always do — tonight’s Lakers game in New Orleans against the Pelicans will likely be impacted just as much, if not more, but who plays and who does not. Both teams have been dealing with players sitting out lately and while the news is mostly good for both sides, there is some not so good news as well.
Starting with the former, Kobe Bryant will be back in the lineup after missing the last two games. The team lost both games (and the three previous to those as well) and could have used his playmaking severely in both contests. Joining Kobe will be Ronnie Price who returns after missing a couple of games with a sore elbow. Price’s return sends Jeremy Lin back to the bench to steer the fate of the team’s reserves. This is a role Lin has done well in and I’m sure those guys will welcome his return as his aggressiveness with that unit aids in shot creation and makes the group harder to defend in general.
For the Pelicans, their good news is that Anthony Davis will play tonight after some doubts in the last couple days he would be able to. His bad big toe had him questionable as late as early yesterday, but he was then upgraded to probable to, now, playing. Davis’ return is should have the biggest impact of either return for either team — yes, even more than Kobe — as his two way play and ability to impact the game is as much as any player in the league right now. Even if Davis is not 100% (which is like the case) his mere presence will make a huge difference.
On the other end of the injury spectrum, point guard Jrue Holiday will not play tonight for the Pelicans. The former Bruin and 76er is out two to four weeks with a stress reaction in his leg and will be “replaced” by Tyreke Evans at PG with Eric Gordon and Dante Cunningham filling in on the wing for Evans. This little bit of musical chairs will hurt the Pelicans, but their hope is, surely, to get enough from Gordon offensively and have Evans be adept enough at running the offense to still be able to down the Lakers.
From the Lakers standpoint, the key to tonight’s game will be keeping Evans out of the lane and slowing down the big men out of the P&R. Davis is excellent at either diving to the rim or at popping to shoot his jumper so he must be marked at all times unless he proves he’s not ready to play above the rim or hit his jumper. Omer Asik can score as a roll man, though he’s not as fluid or smooth on the catch and is not nearly the finisher that Davis is. He must still be marked, however, and when the Lakers do dig down to slow either when rolling (or stunt on the perimeter to cover Davis or Ryan Anderson who will also pop) the defensive rotations behind that first action must be crisp or the scrambling and breakdowns will be too much to overcome — even against an offense that is not especially creative.
Offensively, the Lakers must hit shots from the outside and get Davis moving away from the ball to create the types of slashing angles and openings around the basket that can allow for higher percentage shots to be converted. If he is around the ball, he will disrupt what you want to do so the Lakers must try to get him on the move and rotating so the ball can be quickly moved on again with him not in the vicinity. Even then, with Asik around to cover, the team will still have their issues getting great looks, but if the team can hit a few threes and get defenders closing out hard, driving lanes will open up which can create the type of space that they can exploit for baskets.
Where you can watch: 5pm start time on TWC Sportsnet. Also listen on ESPN Radio 710AM Los Angeles.
Ko says
Crickets zxzxxxxxxxx
LKK says
Lakers got the wrong Davis!
Ko says
Lakers have the wrong Johnson. Better if with Lyndon Banes Johnson.
Ko says
Another fine performance by Nick And Wes 5 for 20.
J C says
Ko
I wouldn’t trust LBJ when we go on the road to play the Mavericks.
TeamN says
Ko — a classic line, I laughed, thanks.
LKK says
Something’s the matter with me… Watched the Lakers on League Pass instead of Thunder/Wiz on ESPN. This Laker thing is strong!! That game is now in OT. KD just put a monster dunk on Gortat.
Chearn says
Warriors came out to play! They are real….
#KlayThompson!
Calvin Chang says
Wow – we’re starting to accept that losing is the norm. I guess some commenters are starting to tune out. Can’t blame them. Watching this game, it looks like the team threw in the towel early in the 4th quarter. And worse, no Laker played with a sense of urgency. It’s like they were resigned to the loss.
Shaun says
So happy that we are not paying Dwight max money
hop says
Bryon Scott is bad people.
I watch B. Scott allow Kobe to drag his arm for at least three minutes.
Kobe couldn’t even shoot with his right hand, though he made a great shot with his left, but everybody in the house knew he was hurting. Scott looks clueless and please stop playing Ronnie Price. He is the worst starting pg in the league.
Chearn says
As a coach, it’s problematic formulating a game plan when not one player on the team plays the game in and game out with consistent metrics. It has nothing to do with the coach. When one is unsure which Jeremy Lin will show up, is tonight the night Hill gets a double-double, Kobe plays, Booz scores and rebounds off the bench or Nick Young gets hot. Even as a spectator I’m never quite sure which player or players will display a sense of urgency, and zeal to win the game. An ancillary problem to one-year contract throwaways is that they are not used to playing an entire season; thus the majority of Lakers players have hit the wall. Prime example, are the short-shots, lethargy defensively (granted they never extended much in this area), and inability to run back on defense (again, a season long problem). Unfortunately, there are no stalwart defensive players on the entire team, just one or two marginal defenders. So on nights when the Lakers offense is off there’s no chance for them to battle their way back.
Slappy says
” I guess some commenters are starting to tune out.”
Friend, it is not that we are tuning out. Instead is, what does one say? The worst lot of the draw is for Darius, as he has to write something, with his conundrum being, we could have the best x’s and o’s scheme(s) in the world, but given the talent on the roster, it would hardly matter, so what is one to write? So pity Darius, truly. Why, by the way, if it was anyone other than one Nick Young, I would have applauded a piece with such themes. And as some have noted well before me, if we had more of the Randle type, i.e., someone with promise, would be easier, since we could all write about the player’s development, new and improved schemes to maximize the talent, etc., but other than possibly Clarkson, who doesn’t get much burn, there’s no one else of that type. Everyone else is pretty much who they are and are going to be (and in some cases, will continue their inevitable decline). And so pity Darius even the more. And pity Darious yet even more for not being able to write what I just did, and for the obvious reason. Though, perhaps, with contributor consent, we could do the Mets fan things before Miracle Mets season, and make sport of the ineptitude of various and sundry on the team in some humorous ways (like I said last season, follow the exploits of the caped-crusader Kobe Been Bryant and his lovable yet inept sidekick, Sacre Bleu!….that sort of thing).
Mike in Beijing says
Kobe report: Kobe scored 14 scintillating points on only 14 shots. Kobe Rulezzzzzz
Mamba Vino OG!
Renato Afonso says
We’re not tunning out, it’s just that… there’s nothing to write about. The roster is bad. The coach is bad. And the FO did a terrible job in the last 4 seasons. We have no trade assets, no draft picks, no defensive players and outside Davis (and maybe Randle) none seems to have potential to become a good player. Note that I said good player, not great.
This is as depressing as it gets. My fear is that we have two or three more seasons of this before Jimmy boy packs his bags.
BigCitySid says
-“it was right after the slam that Bryant’s shoulder began to feel as if it “just came out of joint a little bit.” “I felt fine when I went up and didn’t feel too good when I came down,” Bryant said”
-For those of us focusing more on the upcoming draft than the current season, Lakers are now 12-31, losers of six straight (longest of the season) and currently holding steady in 4th place in the reverse standings. A look at the upcoming schedule shows this losing streak can easily grow to 10 (especially considering Kobe’s unknown status):
01/23 @SA 8:30pm
01/25 HOU 9:30pm
01/27 WSH 10:30pm
01/29 CHI 10:30pm
-For those looking for a good chance of a “W”, Lakers @ NY, Feb 1st.
R says
Looking ahead a bit, IF the Lakers luck onto a certain 6’11” stud now in college; IF Randle comes back next year and can play in this league; IF the Lakers can do something with the late first rounder they got along with Lin …IF IF IF, next year might not be such a dog.
R says
Hope is not a strategy, but sometimes it’s all we’ve got.
Ko says
Well the good new is Forbes valued the team at $2.7 billion yesterday. Considering its the worst team in LA Laker history with the worst ownership, management and players, welllll that says something about the value of the dollar these days?
Crazy world.
J C says
My mom taught me, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
••••••
Robert says
Renato: Nice post. “My fear is that we have two or three more seasons of this before Jimmy boy packs his bags.” That sums it up. “This is as depressing as it gets.” Not yet. Wait for the results of Kobe’s MRI The ASG is now questionable, then if he has to sit out a couple of weeks, then the “shut it down” convo will come. That will be rock bottom.
R: “If” Yes – lots of ifs and “if” they come true we will have something to root for next year. Asking for the year not to be a dog results wise might be a bit much though.
Byron: If Kobe goes out then all the hate will spew on Byron. Amazingly some think it should and that this has nothing to do with roster.
R says
Robert, IF all three “IF”s play out, THEN maybe a big time FA might find the Lakers an appealing landing spot down the road.
Vasheed says
Kobe is truly an amazing individual. Still trying to find a way to play despite injury. I respect him a lot for it but considering the season, I would hope he puts his health first.
Calvin Chang says
Agreed with Slappy – I do feel bad for Darius. It must be getting harder to write previews and analyses when it’s not clear whether the team is really motivated to win. So thanks DS for soldering on.
Disagree with CHearn. It’s the coach’s job to motivate the team, understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of your players, study the opponents, and create a game plan that will put the players in position to play to their strengths and force the opponents away from what they want to do. Quin Snyder demonstrated this when Utah whipped the Lakers last week. Quin was calling out the Laker plays as they were being called out, forcing the Lakers away from what they want to do, using up the shot clock, and forcing up a low-percentage shot. My point is, a good coach will be able to maximize / squeeze out whatever talent his roster has and make them play hard. Byron seems unable to do this.
BigCitySid says
– Scott’s 100% a company man. Him and Jimmy B. are on the same page. His job security is just as strong as Fish’s in New York under godfather Phil.
-@ R, here’s hoping those “if’s” happen.
– Won’t be surprised to see Pop totally disrespect the Lakers and sit Timmy and at least two others Friday night in San Antonio.
– @ Robert, I’d be shocked (and sadden) if Kobe sat out the ASG. Not crazy about him starting, but he deserves to be on the team.
Calvin Chang says
We were all laughing at the Pistons back in December – saying they’re legit to finish bottom 5. Yet the coach reduces the talent level, fixes the chemistry, and suddenly they’re a playoff team. Before the season started, Hawks were considered a fringe playoff team in the East without a superstar. Now they’re legit contenders. That’s good coaching.
Calvin Chang says
I’m not saying that the Lakers would be a playoff team with this current roster in the west, but a good coach would find ways to get his players to play inspired ball.
BigCitySid says
– Today’s ESPN’s 5 on 5 article pertains to who should be the All Start starters…Ramona is on the panel:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-150122-West/who-start-nba-west-all-stars
Chearn says
Of course Snyder could stand on the sidelines and shout out plays this is his second season with the Jazz. In addition, he knows the tendencies of his players since he’s been with them for one season and a half and two training camps. It’s unfair to demand that Scott implement plays constructed around the revolving door of injuries and personal problems (Ellington). The schedule provides scant time to convey one’s coaching style after training camp, let’s not forget that Kobe was feeling fine (his words), Kelly was injured, Nick hurt his thumb, and everyone was hopeful that Lin would find his New York minutes. I even gave D’Antoni the benefit of the doubt his first year as it is challenging to find a stride in one season. Add to the fact that, he is a lame duck coach with only three player’s (five if we count Clarkson and Randle) that could possibly be with the team next season based on their contracts. Learning to win in a corporate culture with upheaval and lack of consistent senior executive direction is troublesome for veterans (see Pau Gasol last season) let alone players forced into starting positions devoid the skills to fulfill their roles. Kobe and Lin are the only two players that comprehend how to play to win in games that matter, the rest are one step away from playing overseas. Basketball IQ is a difficult quotient to expect every player in the league to possess. Most players are competent at one or more elements that provided them the opportunity to play in the league, but far more are devoid of basketball acumen that enables a coach to stand on the sidelines and spew directives. For example, in the Nick Young story a few days ago, Antwan Jamison said that no matter how long the coach spoke or how many times they went over plays Nick Young never knew what play they were running. Anyone that’s been around basketball for any length of time knows there are players on the team that couldn’t run a play no matter how many times they practiced.
Anonymous says
OMG Robert, why is it so hard for you to accept that Byron Scott is not doing a good job?
hop says
@Calvin Chang
good point the coach job is to win. B. Scott does not have a clue how to win with this team. What gives him the best shot to win is offense. We have three very poor shooters starting and playing heavy minutes. Not a winning formula. We have an aging superstar that doesn’t practice, therefore no chemistry. players do not know what to expect from game to game from the coaching staff. The whole thing is a hot mess.
rr says
Quin Snyder demonstrated this when Utah whipped the Lakers last week.
__
Utah has more front-line talent than the Lakers do. Hayward and Favors are better than anyone on the Lakers, and they have an emerging rim protector in Gobert. As to the Pistons, they took off when they got rid of Josh Smith, so it is GM SVG more than Coach SVG who has moved that team forward. SVG coached the first 28 games as well. Monroe and Drummond are far better than any of the Lakers’ bigs. Again: the Lakers do not have any good, much less great, players, they do not have any solid NBA starters, and they do not have any high-level young guys active.
I have not seen any indicators that the Lakers aren’t trying. Everybody except for Kobe and Young is playing for his NBA future, so in the games that I have seen, the effort has been there.
It’s fine if you don’t like Scott; as I have said, there is a swathe of the fan base that was against him as soon as his name came up and that group is loud on the net. But the roster is a much bigger problem that Scott is, and it was Jim Buss who gave Scott eight figures to coach the team when Scott’s track record was known.
J C says
The fact is that before Byron was hired, I was against it.
Then I sort of wanted to give him a chance.
He’s a Laker, Magic and James are behind him, etc.
Calvin is right, the coach’s job is to motivate.
It seems like Byron does get his guys to compete.
But some Xs and Os is also required – yeah??
I mean, this is the NBA!!
Like in Utah, if the opposing coach was calling out our plays —
then our coach has to call a time out, huddle up, and go to an alternate game plan.
Simple in-game response.
Being able to adapt on the fly should be a job requirement.
I’ve played and coached and watched good coaches for years.
I hate to say it, but Byron isn’t an elite coach now, if he ever was before.
If KB has to rest to heal his shoulder and then they shut him down for the season,
with Byron at the helm, we are practically guaranteed that top 5 pick.
Archon says
It definitely feels like both B. Scott and Kobe are going through the motions which means to me that they got the memo that the priority this year is to keep their draft pick.
The only way I can see both Kobe and Scott being on board with that is if the FO told them that they are prepared to use all their cap space and package their picks (and maybe even Randle) to bring in a couple stars next year. I think that’s what the Lakers will do even if the can draft Okafor, because unless you think he’s Tim Duncan or Shaq he isn’t moving the needle for a few years and I don’t think the Laker fan base will put up with a few more losing seasons to “develop” players.
Calvin Chang says
@JC – I also wanted to give Byron a chance because of his history and relationship with the organization. But halfway through the season, it’s becoming clear that he’s the type of coach who will only be successful if the team is led by some superstars. He seems so old-fashioned that he just expects players to adjust to his system and stick with it. He doesn’t study the strengths or weaknesses of his players to maximize their game. 60% of the time, he’s running this elbow play that opponents already figured out. It usually results in a low-percentage shot with the clock running down, yet he sticks to it. He rarely makes adjustments during the game.
Robert says
Calvin: “He seems so old-fashioned that he just expects players to adjust to his system and stick with it. ” Yes – but was this not same issue that Pau had with MD last year? DH the year before? Did MD motivate the team to 27 wins Did Mike Brown do better? Not saying Byron is above criticism, but this is three in a row. So yea – what the heck – let’s can Byron and go for 4. By the way, above, you used SVG as an example of how things can turn around. So I guess what you mean is that you bring in a powerful basketball guy as your president, and new coach. He hires a new GM, and they embark on retooling the roster and chemistry. You are not expecting me to argue with that are you? : )
Calvin Chang says
Robert: Yes, I would can Byron and look to poach one of these Popovich disciples or assistants for cheap. I know you hate the Spurs, but Budenholzer seems to be doing well in ATL. Kerr’s doing ok. I’d give Becky an interview after the season to see if she’s learned from Pop. That would make a splash, and Kobe certainly respects Becky. Back in December, people were laughing at Detroit, saying they’re a lock for the bottom 5. Jennings is a scrub, Monroe’s too slow, Singler, KCP – no talent, etc. But now that they’re winning, suddenly Jennings is an all-star, they have a lot of talent, they’re fighting and playing entertaining basketball.
Calvin Chang says
Agreed that MD did not do a good job of maximizing Dwight or Pau or Kaman. MD is also stubborn like Byron in his own way. What I don’t want to see next year is: Lakers miss out on stud free agents in the off-season, then have another mediocre / irrelevant season. Coach shrugs and says “sorry, no talent”.
Ko says
Calvin
Robert
Scott is Jeremy Lin in a suit. Both had good time in NY/NJ and have failed since.
Just to amuse yourself go back and look at BS last 31/2 years. Counting this year it’s the worst % in 4 years in the history of the NBA. Talking 30% area.
One or even two bad years in business can be explained. Four years in a row us called a pattern.
Not saying anyone could win with this group but I promise most good coaches don’t run Kobe into the ground, continue to start ofer Price and ever start Wes the Brick any game. Standing and watching is not coaching IMO and lack of adjustments is part of that trend.
BigCitySid says
Bad news: Kobe has a torn rotator cuff
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12212329/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-torn-rotator-cuff
tankyou says
I hope Kobe’s rotator cuff injury isn’t bad enough to require surgery. If it requires surgery he won’t be playing again this entire year, 2016 would be the next time he reasonably could play.
I tore my rotator cuff in my 20’s and chose not to have surgery, it took over a year before I had significant strength in the joint again without pain. The shoulder continues to bother me mildly till this day. Rotator cuff surgery is also one of the surgeries that have the worst outcomes.
So hope its only a very very minor tear that just leads to scar tissue and pain and inflammation issues not severe pain and mobility issues. Even if its fairly minor, there is a good chance thats it for Kobe this season.
Ryan says
Mike in Beijing January 22, 2015 at 2:18 am
Kobe report: Kobe scored 14 scintillating points on only 14 shots. Kobe Rulezzzzzz
Mamba Vino OG!
LMAO @ how weird and childish some lakers fan are. Lashing out at Kobe like this. He tore his rotator cuff and came back into a blowout for the worst team he has ever been on. You want him to retire? Don’t worry, he probably will sooner than later. Then we can field awesome starting 5 of Davis/Kelly/Young/Wes/Lin and make the playoffs!!!
rubenowski says
Mike in Beijing sounds like undercover Bill Simmons lol
Calvin Chang says
@CHearn – What I meant was Snyder was on the sidelines calling out the Lakers plays. So as soon as the Laker PG shouted what play they were running (Elbow, Floppy, etc), Snyder was telling his defense what play the Lakers were running, and his defenders promptly executed their defense to cover the shooter or nudge the receiver farther from the basket / out of position. His staff scouted the Lakers’ basic plays, and he prepared his defense to foil the Laker plays. I do agree that Swaggy has low bball IQ. He’s like JR Smith.
Chearn says
Calvin, I wholeheartedly believe in adjustments while the game is in progress.
btoy says
Advice to Mr Byron Scott, if he wants a tough player… he must recruit a football player and he will be satisfied….. since he said that the players of the Lakers Team are soft then he is not the right coach for the Lakers Team…he’s duty as a coach is to make Lakers Team to be tough and stop commenting and do your job….