Los Angeles Lakers: A bold squad structure
We are now less than a day away from Los Angeles Lakers regular season basketball.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to open the 2018-2019 NBA season on Thursday, October 18th vs. the Portland Trail Blazers in what should be an exciting match-up between two talented teams with post-season aspirations. Lakers are trying to breathe life into a franchise that hasn't reached the post-season since 2013. The new-look front office led by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka did not rush to pair the biggest free agent in Lakers' history with others stars. They did not hand out massive contracts to players like Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng. Also they stayed away from trading from the young core made of promising youngsters like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart. They have to figure out how best to fill out the roster around LeBron and return to legit title contention. The Lakers‘ plan is to land another one within the next year's free agent class. the rumor mill will be running overtime all season and into next summer. The next best player signing in must be convinced that this team is one awesome player away from being a championship caliber team.
The Goal for this season will be to finish 4th or above in Western conference or win the first round of playoffs. James, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo and Michael Beasley were signed to help teach the youngsters. The drag against success are shortcomings at center, defensive issues, injury concerns involving James and the possibility that some veterans will be unhappy with their playing time.Other than James, all are on one-year deals and are expected to leave in free agency and they will need to restock the depth chart. Lakers have made what is likely their final regular season roster with 16 players by waiving forward Johnathan Williams and guard Scott Machado.
It’ll certainly be intriguing to see how the regular season plays out for Lakers. Walton likes stable five-man units that almost always stick together. He also prefers to spread minutes around and come at teams in waves. The team’s younger players have to learn on the fly. Therefore, the following three approaches are key to success.
So....drumroll....
Lance Stephenson, the one who blew in LeBron's ear is LA's wild card this season. By teaming up with Lance Stephenson, a man who made it mission until last season to get under LeBron's skin, the latter has shown a Lincoln-like moment. The Lakers went from worst team in the league defensively to No. 12 in defensive rating last year. They can build on that with Lance. While not much of a shooter, he is a crafty ball-handler who possesses the ability to get to the rim and finish in traffic. Minutes played last season: 1850
Inserting LeBron into the mix immediately makes any lineup formidable. We've seen LeBron do plenty with much less. Minutes played last season: 3026
Off the Court, Michael Beasley is interesting anytime he is answering a question. He is a reliable scorer in the post. While he will never be known for his defense, he can score points and help the Lakers improve upon their offense from last season. Although not a three-point shooter, he converted on 39.5 percent of his attempts. Minutes played last season: 1653
Yes, the same champion of Shaqtin' shown above; needs to be the starting center in the upcoming season. Given the lack of experience in center, the most experienced guy can at least bring some consistency on what to expect. He is a legitimate center that can change shots at the rim. McGee going to have the energy to spare and continues to thrive in the role carved out for him last season in
Golden State. The risk is of an Injury due to lack of Stamina. Minutes played last season: 615
One of the most intriguing story-lines will be the development of Lonzo Ball. Ball comes with a terrific passing and can function as a premier disruptor on the defense. Much of the attention though will be driven by his father; who will complain about the low playing time. Watching and talking to the veterans on and off-court should help him a lot. Minutes played last season: 1780
Outside of LeBron; who led the league, the only other current Laker to rank in the top 40 in total minutes last season was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (39th). A solid ball handler and passer, he is also a consistent shooter staying on the perimeter for defense and offense. If KCP keeps up the 3-point shooting he displayed last season, he would be valuable in the second-unit, especially if Kyle Kuzma suffers a slump. Minutes played last season: 2458
Often overlooked as part of the Lakers’ young core, Hart brings bravado in offense and determination on defense. Hart has developed his three-point shot, plus he is a reliable defender and good with rebounds. His ability to catch and shoot should serve him well–and keep him on the floor in a supporting role. Minutes played last season: 1461
Ingram, is as close as this team has to a player with legitimate all-star capabilities apart from LeBron. He has the length and athleticism that most teams want. Minutes played last season: 1975
Kuzma, is the prototypical big man for the modern NBA offense. He has the athleticism to score in the paint among big bodies and also the skill to capably shoot three-pointers. Minutes played last season: 2401
Ingram and Kuzma are two of the most promising young players in the league and could blossom into one of the top units in the NBA. If both Ingram and Kuzma can emerge as reliable options, Los Angeles can expect to make a strong playoff push.
Whatever happens; good or bad, this team will not be boring.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to open the 2018-2019 NBA season on Thursday, October 18th vs. the Portland Trail Blazers in what should be an exciting match-up between two talented teams with post-season aspirations. Lakers are trying to breathe life into a franchise that hasn't reached the post-season since 2013. The new-look front office led by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka did not rush to pair the biggest free agent in Lakers' history with others stars. They did not hand out massive contracts to players like Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng. Also they stayed away from trading from the young core made of promising youngsters like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart. They have to figure out how best to fill out the roster around LeBron and return to legit title contention. The Lakers‘ plan is to land another one within the next year's free agent class. the rumor mill will be running overtime all season and into next summer. The next best player signing in must be convinced that this team is one awesome player away from being a championship caliber team.
The Goal for this season will be to finish 4th or above in Western conference or win the first round of playoffs. James, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo and Michael Beasley were signed to help teach the youngsters. The drag against success are shortcomings at center, defensive issues, injury concerns involving James and the possibility that some veterans will be unhappy with their playing time.Other than James, all are on one-year deals and are expected to leave in free agency and they will need to restock the depth chart. Lakers have made what is likely their final regular season roster with 16 players by waiving forward Johnathan Williams and guard Scott Machado.
It’ll certainly be intriguing to see how the regular season plays out for Lakers. Walton likes stable five-man units that almost always stick together. He also prefers to spread minutes around and come at teams in waves. The team’s younger players have to learn on the fly. Therefore, the following three approaches are key to success.
- Veterans in starting lineup but lesser minutes in the first half of season. The expectations will be high from this team. The Ball family circus is not going away. Also playing with LeBron is not easy as he demands the best from his fellow players. It is difficult to play with both the above points running in the head. The younger players need to eased in to the higher level of performance as part of their growth. The hardheaded veterans can demonstrate by example to the immature youngsters; from locker room behavior to game prep and while taking a break on the bench. Luke Walton should keep the Starter and Bench squads playing time almost equal. The target should be 980 minutes for the 10 men by the time of All Star Break. Low playing minutes in the first half will avoid injuries, spread playing time, keep veterans like LeBron fresh for playoffs and ensure the young players get to practice what they learn.
- Fluid rotation of two "Bigman" players for PF and C . Anthony Davis trade rumors were strong till Alvin Gentry stepped in to kill it. Davis is one of the most physically dominant players in the league and has flexibility as a C/PF. If there’s a mid-season trade to make for Lakers, it’s probably at this position. Th reason is that Lakers have four players who have can backup at center but not a legitimate starter. Modern NBA has diminished usefulness of traditional centers. Centers are expected to possess many traditional offensive skills of a Power Forward usually possesses. High value is placed on versatility and the ability to start players at multiple positions on any given night based on need. How about two players playing a combo PF-C role? Besides solving many of the weaknesses mentioned above, this gives the flexibility and versatility to both Offense and Defense.
- Focus on strengths: This team has strength in Ball handlers, Fast breaks. Rather than worry about not having Golden State's pack of 3 shooters, Lakers should focus on playing a team that is strong in what they do. Run, shuttle personnel in and out, drive to the lane followed by kicking to the perimeter and switch roles/positions. The squads below are organized by physique and not necessarily by role.
So....drumroll....
Starting lineup till mid season:
Bench lineup till mid season:
Starters:
Lakers signed Rondo for the veteran’s ability to be a leader and game-manager. Head coach Luke Walton knows that he’s been one of the best point guards and one of the smartest. While Rondo may eventually be replaced in the starting lineup by Lonzo Ball when he fully recovers from his knee surgery, Lakers need him to start and play the way he did last season in New Orleans. Having Rondo in this group means two seriously threatening ball handlers. Minutes played last season: 1705Lance Stephenson, the one who blew in LeBron's ear is LA's wild card this season. By teaming up with Lance Stephenson, a man who made it mission until last season to get under LeBron's skin, the latter has shown a Lincoln-like moment. The Lakers went from worst team in the league defensively to No. 12 in defensive rating last year. They can build on that with Lance. While not much of a shooter, he is a crafty ball-handler who possesses the ability to get to the rim and finish in traffic. Minutes played last season: 1850
Inserting LeBron into the mix immediately makes any lineup formidable. We've seen LeBron do plenty with much less. Minutes played last season: 3026
Off the Court, Michael Beasley is interesting anytime he is answering a question. He is a reliable scorer in the post. While he will never be known for his defense, he can score points and help the Lakers improve upon their offense from last season. Although not a three-point shooter, he converted on 39.5 percent of his attempts. Minutes played last season: 1653
Bench:
Outside of LeBron; who led the league, the only other current Laker to rank in the top 40 in total minutes last season was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (39th). A solid ball handler and passer, he is also a consistent shooter staying on the perimeter for defense and offense. If KCP keeps up the 3-point shooting he displayed last season, he would be valuable in the second-unit, especially if Kyle Kuzma suffers a slump. Minutes played last season: 2458
Often overlooked as part of the Lakers’ young core, Hart brings bravado in offense and determination on defense. Hart has developed his three-point shot, plus he is a reliable defender and good with rebounds. His ability to catch and shoot should serve him well–and keep him on the floor in a supporting role. Minutes played last season: 1461
Ingram, is as close as this team has to a player with legitimate all-star capabilities apart from LeBron. He has the length and athleticism that most teams want. Minutes played last season: 1975
Kuzma, is the prototypical big man for the modern NBA offense. He has the athleticism to score in the paint among big bodies and also the skill to capably shoot three-pointers. Minutes played last season: 2401
Ingram and Kuzma are two of the most promising young players in the league and could blossom into one of the top units in the NBA. If both Ingram and Kuzma can emerge as reliable options, Los Angeles can expect to make a strong playoff push.
Whatever happens; good or bad, this team will not be boring.
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