What Exactly Is The Issue?

[madmaxmedia]

Is it just a matter of re-focusing, or does the roster just not work?

They had a defensive coach last year and the start of this year, where they were off to a 1-12 start.

[semi-sentient]

Yeah, focusing isn't the issue.

Gasol can't defend the 4 at all, and IMO neither Artest or Kobe are adequate defenders at the 3. Those are two positions where we need a bit more speed without sacrificing a ton offensively. Metta is a bit quicker and a lot stronger than Gasol so it makes sense to move him there. Hill wouldn't be a bad option either, but I think that might hurt our spacing too much after giving it more thought.

What to do with the 3 spot? The only one on the team capable of defending that position adequately is Ebanks, but he's in the doghouse for whatever reason.

That partially helps our half-court defense. I say partially because until these guys start communicating effectively we're going to have issues regardless.

Our transition defense is the easiest thing to fix. Guys need to run back after a shot goes up instead of worrying about offensive rebounds. This is what the Celtics do, and it's what we need to do since we don't have much foot speed. The other part of that is obviously limiting turnovers which will come in time.

[GeneralNash]

hungry vets the lakers are not.

except nash, he's awfully hungry

i hope for nash's sake the lakers move him after the all star break, once it becomes clear rebuilding is their best bet moving forward..

Rebuilding lol. Get outta here.

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[SlavaMedvedenko]

I actually wouldn't mind giving Earl Clark a decent run with the starters. Him or Metta can swtich between defending the 3 and 4 based on quickness, strength and height of the match up. Clark is pretty decent from the mid range and athletic, he played well when I saw him against Houston.

[Ballah]

Seems clear that issue is horrible defense. Howard is obviously not what he was, he made Orlando into a top defensive team with zero defensive options besides him.

[tenten]

Is it just a matter of re-focusing, or does the roster just not work?

They had a defensive coach last year and the start of this year, where they were off to a 1-12 start.

they were fine last year. if MB didn't try to run the Princeton offense, we won't have 1-12 start and he won't get fired.

I think the best "system" for this team is just run free flow half court offense and MB's defense schemes if he has any. This was effective when Bernie was coaching.

[0HeadAche0]

The lakers cannot put multiple stops together and thats what hinders them. They can't close out games because the teams will score more often than not.

[LA_Sports]

I understand what you guys are saying, but if this team is truly defensively broken then the only option is to make wholesale changes. However what are the realistic chances of that happening this far into the season. Especially with the way our players up for trades (Pau, Jamison, Duhon, Ebanks) having been preforming so far this year.

[tenten]

The lakers cannot put multiple stops together and thats what hinders them. They can't close out games because the teams will score more often than not.

well, if they stop turning the ball over and giving up fast break and inside layups, they won't be down double digits in the 4th and need multiple stops. You have two 7 footers and a bunch of old legs, slow the game down, reduce the number of possessions.

[LAKESHOW]

THERE is some truth to the statement

[Gunner24]

We are old and we lack energy. Along with this, the players who we thought were good have declined immensely. 3 years ago this would have been a dream team. Nash, Gasol, Howard, Jamison are not the same dominant players they used to be. Although Nash is still looking pretty good.

I say we cash in now while we can and try to steal some players from the Grizzlies. I'd be more than happy to trade anyone of our big name players (apart from Kobe) for Gay along with some draft picks or fillers. We absolutely need to get younger, I'm sick of having old players. How long has it been since we had a high draft pick or a genuine young talent who we know will be dominant in the future? I would have preferred it if we kept Ramon Sessions

The league is now full of young teams who like to run (Houston, Thunder, Denver etc.) so we just can't compete with them at this stage.

[madmaxmedia]

We are old and we lack energy. Along with this, the players who we thought were good have declined immensely. 3 years ago this would have been a dream team. Nash, Gasol, Howard, Jamison are not the same dominant players they used to be. Although Nash is still looking pretty good.

Yeah, I just don't think this team can collectively keep up with the better younger teams. If it was 1 or 2 older prominent players that's one thing, but 5-6-7 major rotation guys (with little help) is just not working. The team is always looking flat and outhustled, I don't think it's because of lack of effort, it's mainly because other teams have much younger, quicker legs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-yDUB-XD4

I say we cash in now while we can and try to steal some players from the Grizzlies. I'd be more than happy to trade anyone of our big name players (apart from Kobe) for Gay along with some draft picks or fillers. We absolutely need to get younger, I'm sick of having old players. How long has it been since we had a high draft pick or a genuine young talent who we know will be dominant in the future?

To answer your question- the guy who got hurt bowling. The trade was a steal for us, it's just unfortunate that Dwight is still stiff and recovering from the back surgery.

[curryshimmylol]

Dwight denied the stories, there is no beef between Dwight and Kobe.

Dwight is an honest guy so you can trust what he says right? He didn't deny saying him and Van Gundy weren't getting a long last year either, oh wait.

I agree with the OP and many of the Lakers fans here. Kobe just doesn't know how to lead and build his teams confidence. He just insults and breaks down team morale.

But i'm sure he will take a pay cut next year so you can buy someone else. He only cares about rings and not money right? Right????? RIGHT???????????????????

[curryshimmylol]

IS THERE REALLY AN ISSUE HERE GUYS? IT COULDN'T BE KOBE RIGHT?

[leeprettyp]

Dwight denied the stories, there is no beef between Dwight and Kobe.

Dwight is an honest guy so you can trust what he says right? He didn't deny saying him and Van Gundy weren't getting a long last year either, oh wait.

I agree with the OP and many of the Lakers fans here. Kobe just doesn't know how to lead and build his teams confidence. He just insults and breaks down team morale.

But i'm sure he will take a pay cut next year so you can buy someone else. He only cares about rings and not money right? Right????? RIGHT???????????????????

Bill Simmons is that you?????