Go To Play

[JustAwesome]

Been studying the offense for the team thus far this season, and I think I found a potentially great go to play for the Lakers.

Bryant and Gasol

In Bryant and Gasol, the Lakers might have the most versatile offensive tandem in the league. The set starts with a high two man game. Either the pick & roll or give & go would work. Gasol's ability to hit the outside jumper makes it hard for the defense to sag down, which would enable Bryant to work his magic with a clear lane. Gasol also has tremendous court vision, so he's still a threat as a passer from this spot.

Nash as Second Option

By placing Nash in the corner, you're basically clearing space. His defender will have a hard time leaving him because of his range. Also, by placing him on the strong side of the play, he can then become the initiator if things between Bryant and Gasol breaks down. He can run a two man game with Bryant or Gasol on that side as the second option. This set utilizes Nash as both a spot up shooter off the ball and as a creator.

Weak Side Howard

Howard being on the weak side also creates a lot of space. Defenders are taught to keep a body and eyes on him. Since teams have to respect Nash, Bryant and Gasol, this is going to create some opportunities for Howard to free himself for quick shots, where he is almost unstoppable. If the ball is swung over to the weak side, Howard is already in position in the low blocks.

Minimalizing Artest

I positioned Artest outside for two reasons. First of all, it keeps him away from the main part of the play. He doesn't need to be a priority on this side of the ball. However, he's close enough to the action to where he can still be utilize as a spot up shooter (not the best idea, but not the worst either). If the strong side can't get things done, then the ball can be swung to the 6'7" Artest, whose height should make him an effective passer into the low blocks (to Howard).

[StarneyBinston]

This seems like the logical setting for me. Gasol and Howard can be switched, but overall I agree.

I wonder if we'll ever see a Nash-Kobe pick and roll. That sounds like it could be deadly.

[JustAwesome]

You can definitely switch Gasol and Howard. I think Gasol should be the primary player in that set, though, since he is more versatile on offense. Also, he's a smarter player.

[Luxury]

This is not a go-to play, this is a typical 'set' that all teams run.

[LAFan24]

Gasol barely has a jumper now, can't catch the ball and can't finish at the basket, in other words, I think we'll continue to see Metta dribbling the ball in circles for 10 seconds before he hoists a shot near the basket just as the shot clock runs out.

[JustAwesome]

This is not a go-to play, this is a typical 'set' that all teams run.

While the sets may be the same, the players involved make them quite different because of the skill sets that they bring along. I can't think of another unit that has the same skill sets that Nash, Bryant, Artest, Gasol and Howard provide.

[LAKESHOW]

thats just awesome. send it in to Mike Brown.

[JustAwesome]

Gasol barely has a jumper now, can't catch the ball and can't finish at the basket, in other words, I think we'll continue to see Metta dribbling the ball in circles for 10 seconds before he hoists a shot near the basket just as the shot clock runs out.

One of the biggest reasons why Bryant pushes for a structured offensive system is to prevent Artest from freelancing. It frustrates me to no end whenever I see him chewing up a third of the shot clock trying to create something on offense. He needs to learn that it's not an asset for the team.

[JustAwesome]

thats just awesome. send it in to Mike Brown.

Brown gets paid millions of dollars from a franchise that has won several championships, while I watch on television. I'd like to think that his basketball knowledge far exceeds mine. He and his staff should already have something like this in mind.

[thomas1897]

The Lakers have been my favorite team since I was a teenager. The problems the Lakers are having can be associated with time. The core of the Lakers team are players well above 30 and near the end of their prime playing years. Steve Nash is a critical player because the position he plays; point guards are quick and are important piece of the offense and defensive. They are the first line of defense coming up the court. Next Kobe Bryant is still a threat but does not have the explosiveness that he once had. Metta World Peace has played his best basketball and is a good player you bring off the bench. Next Gasol is still a good player but has his weaknesses are luckluster performances missing in action and he goes into hybernation from time to time. Mr. Howard did the Lakers purchase damaged goods after last season's injury. Where is the bench? Is anyone going to show up and take charge. This is an expensive assembly of talent gone past its prime and (are use to be's). My assessment is the teams in the NBA like the Clippers have gotten better more talent quicker faster and youthful as well as teams like Golden State, Portland and many more teams on the rise and the Lakers are declining and fading fast into the sunset. Mitch can work some majic and does the management have your back because this team has not shown me nothing. You are paying these guys huge salaries and this team has the highest or near the top of all NBA payrolls and I know it is early but these guys are professionals and Los Angeles is one the top major NBA markets in this country so poor consistent performances are not acceptable and should not be tolerated. This combination of players should know at the professional level there is no time to make adjustments with a winning franchise as the LA Lakers; the learning curve is high and fast if these players do not measure up then changes should be made.

[JustAwesome]

Another thing about time is that these guys have been doing things their way for quite a few years now. They've also experienced a degree of success by doing things their way. Now, they're being asked to change things up (especially Nash, Jamison and Howard). It's not as easy as most people think that it is.