Game 2 ... Lakers vs Clippers now playing - Game Thread

[SlimShady83]

Westbrook is the big difference

For the love of god you all need to watch the game properly or heck even just look the box score

You all can't just keep blaming one player, this team game - Yes Russ sucked on offense and didn't shoot

But look at this

Russ 0-11
Reaves 1-2 Dude needs to shoot more IMO
Nunn 0-7
Bev 1-7

Oh but wait I guess this was all on Russ ... It's a team game, that's 4 guards going 2-27 just on 4 of our guards

But I guess It's all on Russ LOL

Its not all on Russ but big part of it is on him.
you need to watch the game again. See how the Clipps defend RW? He was guarded by zubac and most of the time they leave him open. They dont respect RW

LMAO ... You blaming it on Russ because he was being guarded by Zubac - That must all be on Russ then right LMAO

[winforlose]

For the love of god you all need to watch the game properly or heck even just look the box score

You all can't just keep blaming one player, this team game - Yes Russ sucked on offense and didn't shoot

But look at this

Russ 0-11
Reaves 1-2 Dude needs to shoot more IMO
Nunn 0-7
Bev 1-7

Oh but wait I guess this was all on Russ ... It's a team game, that's 4 guards going 2-27 just on 4 of our guards

But I guess It's all on Russ LOL

Its not all on Russ but big part of it is on him.
you need to watch the game again. See how the Clipps defend RW? He was guarded by zubac and most of the time they leave him open. They dont respect RW

LMAO ... You blaming it on Russ because he was being guarded by Zubac - That must all be on Russ then right LMAO

Outside perspective, a lot of what the Clippers were doing defensively was possible because of Russ. I mean they were literally daring him to shoot 3s and clamping down on the paint. This is the non shooter effect, and for better or worse, Russ is a non shooter. It doesn’t mean the whole loss is on him. Quite the contrary. But Russ’s big steals in the fourth were somewhat negated by his limiting the Lakers options on the other end of the floor. You guys just need more shooting, especially for end of the game, and especially if Russ is playing. One non shooter is the max, and even that has challenges, especially when that non shooter is a guard.

[winforlose]

This 3pt shooting weakness is absolutely crippling. No way we can wait till Thanksgiving to address it.

You are 100% correct. In fact, I am amazed the season started without a move to correct it. The west is just too good this year. Every game is going to matter. I will grant you the first 3 weeks are more about trying to gel then running complex schemes. But as much as that favors LBJ and AD, they cannot do it all themselves. They need shooters to space the floor for them, and they need people to play inside outside with (or drive and kick.)

[SlimShady83]

Its not all on Russ but big part of it is on him.
you need to watch the game again. See how the Clipps defend RW? He was guarded by zubac and most of the time they leave him open. They dont respect RW

LMAO ... You blaming it on Russ because he was being guarded by Zubac - That must all be on Russ then right LMAO

Outside perspective, a lot of what the Clippers were doing defensively was possible because of Russ. I mean they were literally daring him to shoot 3s and clamping down on the paint. This is the non shooter effect, and for better or worse, Russ is a non shooter. It doesn’t mean the whole loss is on him. Quite the contrary. But Russ’s big steals in the fourth were somewhat negated by his limiting the Lakers options on the other end of the floor. You guys just need more shooting, especially for end of the game, and especially if Russ is playing. One non shooter is the max, and even that has challenges, especially when that non shooter is a guard.

Thank you for saying this ... Everyone who don't have a clue, is putting this on Westbrook. This was well done on Clippers for doing this and the blame should be on Ham for not realizing this, NOT WESTBROOK, Ham should be like ok they putting Zubac on Westbrook let's sub Westbrook out and put who ever in at that time ... Yet everyone keeps blaming Russ for this - It's a team game and this Is on Ham ... IMO

If I was Ham Russ was going good in 4th quarter, everything except scoring of course, this is when you need to make a choice and say hey Russ ain't cutting it sub him out around the 5 min mark or so and put in who ever - oops they should start Russ in the 4th just not end it with Russ

Just can't blame all this on one player... I mean yes Russ is making 47k or what ever but would any of you would have turned down that offer? what If Russ was only making say 20k would the hate be the same? I think that's why he gets so much hate is the contract more then anything.

Edit: Even in saying all this, the 3rd quarter Is what lost this game. Should have won this game If It weren't for t he 3rd quarter

[SlimShady83]

This 3pt shooting weakness is absolutely crippling. No way we can wait till Thanksgiving to address it.

You are 100% correct. In fact, I am amazed the season started without a move to correct it. The west is just too good this year. Every game is going to matter. I will grant you the first 3 weeks are more about trying to gel then running complex schemes. But as much as that favors LBJ and AD, they cannot do it all themselves. They need shooters to space the floor for them, and they need people to play inside outside with (or drive and kick.)

9-45 at 3's ... 10-40 in t he first game

Yet they keep on shooting 3's ...

That's their weakness right there. Not realizing when to stop shooting so many frigging 3's

[winforlose]

This 3pt shooting weakness is absolutely crippling. No way we can wait till Thanksgiving to address it.

You are 100% correct. In fact, I am amazed the season started without a move to correct it. The west is just too good this year. Every game is going to matter. I will grant you the first 3 weeks are more about trying to gel then running complex schemes. But as much as that favors LBJ and AD, they cannot do it all themselves. They need shooters to space the floor for them, and they need people to play inside outside with (or drive and kick.)

9-45 at 3's ... 10-40 in t he first game

Yet they keep on shooting 3's ...

That's their weakness right there. Not realizing when to stop shooting so many frigging 3's

Yes and no. In a vacuum your answer is correct. But the offense usually takes what the defense gives, and the defense of both GSW and LAC gave open 3s. Without shooters the paint gets real crowded, and mid range is not a better alternative (similar shooting rates but one less point to offset, plus it is better defended.) The even more troubling part of this situation is the number of missed 3s that were wide open. Opposing defenses aren’t even pretending to close out some of the time.

[SlimShady83]

You are 100% correct. In fact, I am amazed the season started without a move to correct it. The west is just too good this year. Every game is going to matter. I will grant you the first 3 weeks are more about trying to gel then running complex schemes. But as much as that favors LBJ and AD, they cannot do it all themselves. They need shooters to space the floor for them, and they need people to play inside outside with (or drive and kick.)

9-45 at 3's ... 10-40 in t he first game

Yet they keep on shooting 3's ...

That's their weakness right there. Not realizing when to stop shooting so many frigging 3's

Yes and no. In a vacuum your answer is correct. But the offense usually takes what the defense gives, and the defense of both GSW and LAC gave open 3s. Without shooters the paint gets real crowded, and mid range is not a better alternative (similar shooting rates but one less point to offset, plus it is better defended.) The even more troubling part of this situation is the number of missed 3s that were wide open. Opposing defenses aren’t even pretending to close out some of the time.

I just can't believe they put in Westbrook around the 5 min mark ish in the 4th
Wish Lakers got Derozen damn that would have been so much better

[winforlose]

9-45 at 3's ... 10-40 in t he first game

Yet they keep on shooting 3's ...

That's their weakness right there. Not realizing when to stop shooting so many frigging 3's

Yes and no. In a vacuum your answer is correct. But the offense usually takes what the defense gives, and the defense of both GSW and LAC gave open 3s. Without shooters the paint gets real crowded, and mid range is not a better alternative (similar shooting rates but one less point to offset, plus it is better defended.) The even more troubling part of this situation is the number of missed 3s that were wide open. Opposing defenses aren’t even pretending to close out some of the time.

I just can't believe they put in Westbrook around the 5 min mark ish in the 4th
Wish Lakers got Derozen damn that would have been so much better

Again, in a vacuum you would be correct. But just this week Russ made it clear that any game he doesn’t start is a game where his hamstrings cannot be relied upon. Benching him sends a strong message and with AD already dealing with back issues, with Bryant and Schroder out for 3 weeks+ and guys like Lonnie banged up, it is risky to further upset player availability/stability. Westbrook must either be sent home, traded, or placated. Right now your placating him, which might cost games.

[tamaraw08]

LMAO ... You blaming it on Russ because he was being guarded by Zubac - That must all be on Russ then right LMAO

Outside perspective, a lot of what the Clippers were doing defensively was possible because of Russ. I mean they were literally daring him to shoot 3s and clamping down on the paint. This is the non shooter effect, and for better or worse, Russ is a non shooter. It doesn’t mean the whole loss is on him. Quite the contrary. But Russ’s big steals in the fourth were somewhat negated by his limiting the Lakers options on the other end of the floor. You guys just need more shooting, especially for end of the game, and especially if Russ is playing. One non shooter is the max, and even that has challenges, especially when that non shooter is a guard.

Thank you for saying this ... Everyone who don't have a clue, is putting this on Westbrook. This was well done on Clippers for doing this and the blame should be on Ham for not realizing this, NOT WESTBROOK, Ham should be like ok they putting Zubac on Westbrook let's sub Westbrook out and put who ever in at that time ... Yet everyone keeps blaming Russ for this - It's a team game and this Is on Ham ... IMO

If I was Ham Russ was going good in 4th quarter, everything except scoring of course, this is when you need to make a choice and say hey Russ ain't cutting it sub him out around the 5 min mark or so and put in who ever - oops they should start Russ in the 4th just not end it with Russ

Just can't blame all this on one player... I mean yes Russ is making 47k or what ever but would any of you would have turned down that offer? what If Russ was only making say 20k would the hate be the same? I think that's why he gets so much hate is the contract more then anything.

Edit: Even in saying all this, the 3rd quarter Is what lost this game. Should have won this game If It weren't for t he 3rd quarter

It’s not as simple as subbing Russ for a shooter because most shooters also gets exposed on defense, the main reason why Kennard, Seth are not playing 35 minutes while Ellington, Melo couldn’t even get a contract having said that Ham just look like a fool for encouraging Jones and JTA to even shoot because their shots are not even close

[SlimShady83]

Outside perspective, a lot of what the Clippers were doing defensively was possible because of Russ. I mean they were literally daring him to shoot 3s and clamping down on the paint. This is the non shooter effect, and for better or worse, Russ is a non shooter. It doesn’t mean the whole loss is on him. Quite the contrary. But Russ’s big steals in the fourth were somewhat negated by his limiting the Lakers options on the other end of the floor. You guys just need more shooting, especially for end of the game, and especially if Russ is playing. One non shooter is the max, and even that has challenges, especially when that non shooter is a guard.

Thank you for saying this ... Everyone who don't have a clue, is putting this on Westbrook. This was well done on Clippers for doing this and the blame should be on Ham for not realizing this, NOT WESTBROOK, Ham should be like ok they putting Zubac on Westbrook let's sub Westbrook out and put who ever in at that time ... Yet everyone keeps blaming Russ for this - It's a team game and this Is on Ham ... IMO

If I was Ham Russ was going good in 4th quarter, everything except scoring of course, this is when you need to make a choice and say hey Russ ain't cutting it sub him out around the 5 min mark or so and put in who ever - oops they should start Russ in the 4th just not end it with Russ

Just can't blame all this on one player... I mean yes Russ is making 47k or what ever but would any of you would have turned down that offer? what If Russ was only making say 20k would the hate be the same? I think that's why he gets so much hate is the contract more then anything.

Edit: Even in saying all this, the 3rd quarter Is what lost this game. Should have won this game If It weren't for t he 3rd quarter

It’s not as simple as subbing Russ for a shooter because most shooters also gets exposed on defense, the main reason why Kennard, Seth are not playing 35 minutes while Ellington, Melo couldn’t even get a contract having said that Ham just look like a fool for encouraging Jones and JTA to even shoot because their shots are not even close

And yet the blame all on Russ lol ... I don't hate or Like Russ, I'm just defending him, because he gets so much hate - kind of like I did with Barkley back in the day but then again at least he can shoot lols

[SlimShady83]

Yes and no. In a vacuum your answer is correct. But the offense usually takes what the defense gives, and the defense of both GSW and LAC gave open 3s. Without shooters the paint gets real crowded, and mid range is not a better alternative (similar shooting rates but one less point to offset, plus it is better defended.) The even more troubling part of this situation is the number of missed 3s that were wide open. Opposing defenses aren’t even pretending to close out some of the time.

I just can't believe they put in Westbrook around the 5 min mark ish in the 4th
Wish Lakers got Derozen damn that would have been so much better

Again, in a vacuum you would be correct. But just this week Russ made it clear that any game he doesn’t start is a game where his hamstrings cannot be relied upon. Benching him sends a strong message and with AD already dealing with back issues, with Bryant and Schroder out for 3 weeks+ and guys like Lonnie banged up, it is risky to further upset player availability/stability. Westbrook must either be sent home, traded, or placated. Right now your placating him, which might cost games.

Russ Starting isn't really the issue here, Russ Finishing games Is (I missed the first 8 min) or so... He probably shouldn't really be finishing games, unless he is playing well again coaches choice on this one.

[winforlose]

I just can't believe they put in Westbrook around the 5 min mark ish in the 4th
Wish Lakers got Derozen damn that would have been so much better

Again, in a vacuum you would be correct. But just this week Russ made it clear that any game he doesn’t start is a game where his hamstrings cannot be relied upon. Benching him sends a strong message and with AD already dealing with back issues, with Bryant and Schroder out for 3 weeks+ and guys like Lonnie banged up, it is risky to further upset player availability/stability. Westbrook must either be sent home, traded, or placated. Right now your placating him, which might cost games.

Russ Starting isn't really the issue here, Russ Finishing games Is (I missed the first 8 min) or so... He probably shouldn't really be finishing games, unless he is playing well again coaches choice on this one.

Starting and finishing are both signs of role and prestige. Russ saying he won’t come off the bench isn’t that much different from saying he won’t stand for not being in at the end. Ham is in a really tough spot, and just trying to keep this thing together as long as he can.

[SweetTouch]

LBJ again showed up with lock down defense on players in their prime

and we give him this roster

already know he will have to do some , complain, take the heat in order for these management staff to wake up

[winforlose]

LBJ again showed up with lock down defense on players in their prime

and we give him this roster

already know he will have to do some , complain, take the heat in order for these management staff to wake up

Didn’t he play a massive part in building this roster? Didn’t he insist on bringing Russ in? Honestly asking.

[NBAWestFan]

Defensive was pretty good.

Practice makes perfect.

Shooting coach gets paid to do what?????

Do the Lakers have a shooting Coach??

The Lakers need to develop the younger guys to shoot in the moment in the 4th qtr.

Young Legs can make the 3's.

Anyone getting paid 7 figures and that is there only job should be practicing a lot.

Shooting form is the key to making threes and having some design plays so the guys can shoot.

I would gets more shots design for the shooters. Ryan, Develop Walker & Nunn to shoot the three.

Less of Lebron taking shots from deep when the legs are tired.

[Laimbeer]

Outside perspecive, the Lakers should send Russ home until they can make a trade. He was 0-11 and allows the defense to play a totally different game. Very good chance you win this game without him.

[tamaraw08]

Thank you for saying this ... Everyone who don't have a clue, is putting this on Westbrook. This was well done on Clippers for doing this and the blame should be on Ham for not realizing this, NOT WESTBROOK, Ham should be like ok they putting Zubac on Westbrook let's sub Westbrook out and put who ever in at that time ... Yet everyone keeps blaming Russ for this - It's a team game and this Is on Ham ... IMO

If I was Ham Russ was going good in 4th quarter, everything except scoring of course, this is when you need to make a choice and say hey Russ ain't cutting it sub him out around the 5 min mark or so and put in who ever - oops they should start Russ in the 4th just not end it with Russ

Just can't blame all this on one player... I mean yes Russ is making 47k or what ever but would any of you would have turned down that offer? what If Russ was only making say 20k would the hate be the same? I think that's why he gets so much hate is the contract more then anything.

Edit: Even in saying all this, the 3rd quarter Is what lost this game. Should have won this game If It weren't for t he 3rd quarter

It’s not as simple as subbing Russ for a shooter because most shooters also gets exposed on defense, the main reason why Kennard, Seth are not playing 35 minutes while Ellington, Melo couldn’t even get a contract having said that Ham just look like a fool for encouraging Jones and JTA to even shoot because their shots are not even close

And yet the blame all on Russ lol ... I don't hate or Like Russ, I'm just defending him, because he gets so much hate - kind of like I did with Barkley back in the day but then again at least he can shoot lols

I understand where you are coming from. I used to defend guy like Glen Rice, Fisher etc because some fans just hate their guts. There was a Kobe fanatic who would always lock his missiles on Pau whenever they lose. Russ had 5 steals, 3 rebs, 4 assists to only 1 turnover, for me the biggest disappointment last night was Kendrick Nunn. His main role was to shoot unlike Russ, but he failed miserably. Having said that, Russ making 47 Mil, $ could have been spent on really good 3&D players could have helped this team a ton.

[danfantastk32]

Of course this loss is on Russ....give me a break. The guy can't shoot! So the defense lays off of him, and he rewards their decision with a perfect 0 for 11 performance. What a total brick-job. Just clanging them up....one after the next, vindicating our opponents game plan. This is what is tying up $47 million of our salary?!

Watching Darvin Ham.....and I'm not really seeing anything that Vogal wasn't doing. Give this team about 30 games for the apathy to set in, and AD to go down.....and it will probably be worse.

I bring that up, to point out were not gonna go anywhere making dumb decisions one after the other. Signing Russ was a pathetic joke decision. And the solution??? Oh....let's fire a perfectly fine coach. And then the next season we're surprised it didn't get better?

Just sit Russ.....get through the season, and his whoppin $47 million in salary, and we can all try and forget this ever happened. Last night was enough for me....nothing's changed. Brick-boy still blows....still insists on doing it his way....and Ham can't change that either. How long before people start to blame the coach???? Or are we all finally gonna see who REALLY needed to be dumped this last offseason.

Jeanie.....you fired a good coach, and man with a family who you knew had nothing do with last season's debacle. Shame on you.

[Kilroy]

Lebron spent so much energy, while AD played with pain trying to win, and some here wants to just stay put and let the team lose many games so they can keep the 2 picks, ok

And yet they combined for 45/18/6 and a net -4... That's 1 top 10 player not 2... That's not worth leveraging our future to build around... There isn't a deal that's been rumored for us that turns that into a championship contender, no matter how many picks we throw at them.
If there was, I'd be all over it, but there just isn't...

Bottom line, LeBron/AD isn't that great... Time to move on.

[danfantastk32]

Lebron spent so much energy, while AD played with pain trying to win, and some here wants to just stay put and let the team lose many games so they can keep the 2 picks, ok

And yet they combined for 45/18/6 and a net -4... That's 1 top 10 player not 2... That's not worth leveraging our future to build around... There isn't a deal that's been rumored for us that turns that into a championship contender, no matter how many picks we throw at them.
If there was, I'd be all over it, but there just isn't...

Exactly. Hield will make us a tad better. Ok...so now there's 1 shooter you have to sorta stick to. If he was half the hype going on around here.....how come nobody else is offering?

Lakers might get something worthwhile once the season rolls on, and teams realize they aren't so good, and want to offload/reboot. Maybe there will be something worth it. For now.....we just need to suffer through this year. But at least bench Russ, and let's give the minutes to young guys. I mean....who cares if they stink it up? 0-11 pretty much set the bar for them.