Luke Waltons defence and ball movement the difference

[kevin_405]

Last years finals we lacked Defensive intensity.. Radmanovich was picking up cheap fouls against pierce.. This story was repeated in the beginning of this season..

The Christmas day game and in the other games he has started Luke has made big contribution in defence and ball movement..

Pierce scored 20 points but was defenitly bothered by Luke length and feet movement..

Nobody expected Luke to start this season ..Kudos to Phil for making the unthinkable and succeed at it...

[wallflower]

If this is a Luke appreciation thread then am all over it. Three cheers for Luke playing out of his mind against the celts on Christmas.

[dockingsched]

don't forget going 2 for 3 from downtown!

[Erik Eleven]

What Luke lacks in individual skill and athleticism he definitely makes up for with smarts. The offense runs so much smoother when he's on the court. His defense has improved a bit this year. He looks a bit more determined to work hard on that end.

[kevin_405]

Basketball is a team sport which a lot of times NBA players seem to forget.. Thats why players like Jason Kidd succeed .. not concentrating on individual play but on making other look better...

Thats what makes me cheer for a no talent hardworking player like Luke..

That said I dont think we will be seeing the celtics in the finals this year.. It will most likely be Cleavland ..So it is critical he does equally well against LeBron.. Doing well against Cleveland will make the SF position his to keep..

I think will do even better if we put Sasha in with Luke .. because he tends to make quick and early passes and that will give Sasha our only pure jump shooter more time to make open shots..

Where does all this leave Ramanovich?

What Luke lacks in individual skill and athleticism he definitely makes up for with smarts. The offense runs so much smoother when he's on the court. His defense has improved a bit this year. He looks a bit more determined to work hard on that end.

[LA-LA-Land]

im getting this odd feeling that phil is showcasing luke for a trade. anyone else share the sentiment?

[Flipdog69xxx]

according to the wiretap there's a Luke trade rumor swirling around.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ke_walton/

I've always been a Luke fan, and his bball/triangle offense smarts would be missed.

[pearfruitboy]

according to the wiretap there's a Luke trade rumor swirling around.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ke_walton/

I've always been a Luke fan, and his bball/triangle offense smarts would be missed.

Even if the Lakers are putting Luke on the block, IMO not many teams would actually be willing to deal for him. Lukes skill sets are good for the triangle, but besides that I really can't see him fitting with another style of play. He would not be a good pickup for mediocre teams, as most of them play a running style of play, which luke would not be effective in. And also, good teams would not be willing to get stuck with his 21.6 million dollar contract over the next four seasons.

[kevin_405]

Luke ain't getting traded... Nobody wants him and he fits well in our team..

according to the wiretap there's a Luke trade rumor swirling around.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ke_walton/

I've always been a Luke fan, and his bball/triangle offense smarts would be missed.

[hermes]

Luke the Celtic Stopper

[tayzer]

Lukes defense is perfect against Pierce because he gives him enough room and stay in front so Pierce can't do his normal stubbling flops.

[Danny Darko]

im getting this odd feeling that phil is showcasing luke for a trade. anyone else share the sentiment?

Well supposedly he was inserted for offensive reasons... but we were scoring 109 a game with Rad and our per game has gone down since Luke came in, so yeah.- I smell shopping season, but no, I don't think there's a single team out there that even sort of wants him.

[Danny Darko]

oh and Defence happens in other countries, so cough it up Kevin.... Where you from? A-Zed I'd say Canada or Aussie land.

[Dr Aki]

i believe luke's been primarily inserted for offensive reasons

phil may have also caught onto the fact that the lakers play better defense and are more motivated to concentrate when theyre doing well on offense...

its a win-win situation until luke gets burned hard by a premier swingman, then we'll be calling PJ a fool again for using luke in the starting 5

[kevin_405]

Lukes offensive utility will be shortlived if he does not start making those open mid range jumper..
Teams have not started making plans yet and which is why Lukes offense in terms of passing is working... Come playoff it will be a different story.. and teams could play him like Rando.. Daring him to shoot the ball and cut of his passing lanes.. This is what need to be better prepared for..

I think his defense has been the key contribution so far..

I disagree that permeter swingmen will cause luke trouble ..It will be hard for perimeter swingmen to burn luke because of his size and reach which almost matches a PF.. He will have problems where he has to go against SF who are truly dribble penetration Guards..

There arent that many teams in the west that have that combination.. In such a case Sasha or Ariza is a better starter.. Luke will not work in all situations.. NBA is about matchups and PJ has to recognize that..

i believe luke's been primarily inserted for offensive reasons

phil may have also caught onto the fact that the lakers play better defense and are more motivated to concentrate when theyre doing well on offense...

its a win-win situation until luke gets burned hard by a premier swingman, then we'll be calling PJ a fool again for using luke in the starting 5

[kevin_405]

U guess it right i am now in Canada.I used to live in Cali for 4 years.. and thanks to Satellite now i get to see more Lakers games than i have ever seen in those 4 years..

oh and Defence happens in other countries, so cough it up Kevin.... Where you from? A-Zed I'd say Canada or Aussie land.