Strategy, game-plan and offensive outlook

[LeCalinou]

I was watching an interview with Rajon Rondo earlier today, with him talking about being a play-makers and about the game plan going forward.

I think Magic Johnson is on to something.
As the GREATEST PG ever, in terms of creativity, impact, leadership, competitiveness, the plan of having play-makers across the board in order to beat the Warriors is the best plan anyone could come up with currently.

Why?
Because the Warriors are effective because they have both SHOOTERS and PLAY-MAKERS to play at different positions.
There is absolutely no way you can outshoot GS. Curry and Thompson are on their way to be the two best shooters of all time, and KD is a shot maker (with very good three-point range).

So the Lakers' plan is to focus on Play-making.
From that point of view, we can argue Rondo is among the best in the league. Lonzo Ball has great floor vision, too.
LeBron James is the best play-making forward in the game, maybe only Draymond Green is on that same level.
Lance Stephenson off the bench, as a second play-maker, is not a bad option to have.

Among other options on the roster, Ingram has shown he can handle the ball and play PG for stretches.
Kuzma has great quickness and decision-making around the basket.

Others on the roster can be effective if the game plan is working.
So WHAT is the game-plan? IMHO, that probably focuses on:


1. Running the break:
1a. Ball-handling: Lonzo Ball, Rondo, Stephenson, James, Ingram, Kuzma, Hart have shown they can take it coast to coast.
1b. Passing: Ball, Rondo, James, Ingram have good enough floor vision to see plays unfolding.
1c. Rim-running: James, Kuzma, Ingram, KCP are all quick, fast and long.
1d. Finishing at the rim / lob potential: James, McGee.
1e. Filling the lanes: Stephenson, Ingram, Hart, Kuzma, James, KCP.

2. Secondary break:
2a. Good decision making: Ball, Rondo, James.
2b. Floor spacing (positioning): Stephenson, Ingram, Hart, Kuzma, James, KCP.
2c. Passing up a good shot for an even better shot: James, Kuzma, Ingram, Hart.
2d. Creativity: Stephenson, James, Ball, Kuzma.

3. Half-court execution:
3a. Executing half-court sets: Rondo, James
3b. Making plays for others: all of the above.
3c. Selflessness to a fault: Ball, James, Rondo.

[cashflo]

Good points.. also Defense
This team can put long defenders on the floor and with Lance we can be physical with them.

Anytime I played against a physical player that was on me it seems like I just couldn’t get consistency on my shot. I think if we play a more physical game with the warriors we might be able to throw them off ala Houston...

[dockingsched]

Ball movement, defense, and high IQ, three things that don’t go on cold streaks. Whatever the concerns are with shooting, I’m willing to give this experiment the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

[Landsberger]

Defense and rebounding will be the key. I'm glad to hear less about trying to combat GS head on at their game and more about diffusing what makes it work. Ball control, defense and rebounding is how it can be done.

That said, we're not there yet. We've gotten better because of Bron but the remaining pieces will need some time to settle into new roles..... if they get to the regular season that is.

[stan francisco]

Play inspired defense, run the break. I agree with all of the above, OP. Switchable on defense, switchable on offense. Loving this team already.