TLDR (MY THOUGHTS): I think if we can get healthy, and add a TRUE 3&D AND/OR a starting caliber big to pair with AD, that can defend and crash the class well, then we should be in a good spot. I’d be willing to give Ham the season to see what we got.
As it stands we’re almost at the quarter mark of the season (time flies right?). Lakers are 11-8, 7th in the West, 3 GB of 1st. They’re also in the knockout stages of the in season tournament, after going undefeated in the Group Stage.
This team is hard to read on. Very inconsistent so far but a lot to be desired. Big issues so far involve rebounding, shooting, and perimeter defense.
We aren’t fully healthy, so granted I do think when we’re at full strength, it’ll help with those deficiencies. But even then I think this team needs 1-2 pieces to fully contend.
Darvin Ham is also hard to read on. He’s frustrating in a lot of aspects, but consider what he’s done so far. Lakers had a 47 million dollar liability that hampered the team, and when traded for spare parts, this team went 17-6 to close out the year. And made the WCF. And while we got swept, I wasn’t expecting a one legged Bron and AD to carry against the Nuggets. Especially when we had Tristan Thompson on Jokic.
I watched the Clippers game boy they dismantled the Kings with ease. Didnt know how tf Zubac outplayed Sabonis, while Sabonis embarrassed AD in all possible ways. Fuck yhem, but I cant help myself but wish that our players are automatic just like theirs. It feels like its automatic when you leave them wide open from 3 or mid range especially Kawhi, PG and Norm. Cant say the same with this team wide open or not I get nervous when we shoot 3s lol. Austin Reaves missed like 4 straight wide open 3s, Lebron and DLo are both streaky shooters. Lebron been struggling from the 3 for like the past 3 games. Dlo come and go. Other than those 3, who else? TP and Rui? Godd luck on that. Whenever Im watching Norman Powell, hes so quick and a great shooter. Feels like he dont miss. PG too even when guarded. Man, we wont win shit if our best shooter is below 40% and streaky
To be fair the Kings had to play a crazy come back game against the Warriors the night before. They all just looked tired out there.
Fair, but Clips also destroyed Mavericks last game and Clips were on the 2nd game of back to back