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With how resilient this team is we are going to have a lot of close games this season. I'm convinced now that our ability to close down the stretch will make or break our season. I know Brandon likes to be our closer and I don't necessarily hate the idea of having Brandon iso at the top of the key in the final seconds. But the precious three minutes leading up to that point is crucial and is where we can win games.

More times than not this is when the game will slow down and I'd like to force feed the ball into Lopez in the post in these situations. Not do pick and pop with him forcing him to shoot a one handed floater from the free throw line. I cringe when lonzo gets our bigs the ball around the ft line on screens. We should go old school and run the triangle set to get him the ball in the post and clear out. His touch and post moves is damn near unstoppable if they don't double him. In fact, I think we should do this more often when the transition buckets aren't there and we need to settle it down to score a bucket. Lopez is a big weapon in the post and we should utilize it more. He IS our half court offense.

While it would be good to have a consistent scorer on the team...

I think this just comes down to who is feeling it on game to game - But If I had to pick anyone on this team

Kuzma

But having that said star player would help

We only have two players that can really create their own offense right now with Kuzma possibly being the third. Having said that, relying on Ingram or Clarkson isn't ideal. I hope Luke starts rewarding Kuzma for his play and that the offense starts running through him more.

I like the idea with Lopez in the post, but it's pretty clear KCP has absolutely no fear taking the last shot. He's experienced. I say we give him the last shot if we can get him a good look.

Give Lonzo the ball, let him find whomever has the best look. I'd hope in the preferred order 1) KCP 2) Kuzma 3) Ingram 4) Lonzo

Michael Lucky wrote:We only have two players that can really create their own offense right now with Kuzma possibly being the third. Having said that, relying on Ingram or Clarkson isn't ideal. I hope Luke starts rewarding Kuzma for his play and that the offense starts running through him more.

I don't understand getting Bogut and not having a place for him. He will have stiff back all the time , because of not playing.
At the beginning there was praise for him, but now he's been treated like a beginner player , keeping him on the bench.

It must have also effect on his life. Luke did know Bogut's play and he did know that he isn't fitting as a small ball player.Does that mean , he won't be playing at all?

I am very happy for Lakers to be 5-5 and so successful with limited players and small ball working, but that will not be working with all the teams and not all the time. I don't wish to be a whinger, but must admit I am a Bogut homer and with that goes also Lakers fan.

Kuzma deserves reward for his good game, that is really true. Whatever happens with Bogut I wish Lakers many more Wins and no injuries. Go Lakers!

Once Ingram continues to learn how to use his advantage over his defenders his will be the closer. At this moment I am amazed by some of Ingram's shots where, I mean, his arms stretches like Mr. Fantastic's and finish that lay-up / finger roll. If this continues I see Ingram as the closer towards the end of the season.

As of now KCP seems fearless and BLo has the offensive tools. As veterans I won't be surprised if we go to them in close games.

I'd go with (in no particular order):

Abuse PnR with Clarkson
Low post with Lopez and be ready for drops and cuts
Ingram or KCP iso

Putting Ingram in that position now is beneficial to the team long term. Ingram is gonna be the one on one, isolation closer. The guy looks almost unstoppable when going to the rim at times. I see no reason for him to close unless we need a 3 point shot.

I am so glad that the coach values Bogut's play.Those 2 turnovers could just as well be assists.
Copy of Luke Waltons Lakers News posting.

Bogut finished with three rebounds and a block in six minutes. He had two turnovers, but those were due to his teammates not looking for the ball when they were open.

The problem with playing Bogut is the opportunities you miss on. He's a liability in a lot of ways on defense b/c he won't defend on the perimeter and he's completely useless on offense unless he's catching a lob or making a good pass. Randle should be soaking up all of the backup 5 minutes when Brook is not playing.

Franc wrote:I am so glad that the coach values Bogut's play.Those 2 turnovers could just as well be assists.
Copy of Luke Waltons Lakers News posting.

Bogut finished with three rebounds and a block in six minutes. He had two turnovers, but those were due to his teammates not looking for the ball when they were open.

Out future closer is wearing another uniform right now boys...

XXBKXX wrote:With how resilient this team is we are going to have a lot of close games this season. I'm convinced now that our ability to close down the stretch will make or break our season. I know Brandon likes to be our closer and I don't necessarily hate the idea of having Brandon iso at the top of the key in the final seconds. But the precious three minutes leading up to that point is crucial and is where we can win games.

More times than not this is when the game will slow down and I'd like to force feed the ball into Lopez in the post in these situations. Not do pick and pop with him forcing him to shoot a one handed floater from the free throw line. I cringe when lonzo gets our bigs the ball around the ft line on screens. We should go old school and run the triangle set to get him the ball in the post and clear out. His touch and post moves is damn near unstoppable if they don't double him. In fact, I think we should do this more often when the transition buckets aren't there and we need to settle it down to score a bucket. Lopez is a big weapon in the post and we should utilize it more. He IS our half court offense.

Not even Bogut would be a worse closer. If everyone would go out after seven Minutes as Bogut, The whole team should have been from time to time out. Nobody was too exiting. Senseless LOSS.