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Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are expected to be out tonight. For a few hours, the Lakers are back to no. 10 in the standings. A win tonight would go a long ways towards making a play-in appearance. Maybe LeBron does not value that, but having that experience is important for the young players he mentioned by name: Gabriel, Johnson, Reaves, and Monk.

Many posters have said how disappointing this season has been. Having watched teams like the Hornets and Pacers for many years, I perhaps had different expectations, but I certainly never thought the Lakers would be so dysfunctional on the court. I followed Malik Monk in Charlotte for four years, where he was treated very poorly, then when he signed with LA, I decided to follow the Lakers and see how he did. Monk himself said after the last game that “I think our rhythm was off because there’s so many starting lineups, then some guys don’t play. Then they get thrown out there and I guess that throws them off a little bit. We just didn’t have enough rhythm as a team together.” So a lot of that has to do not just with the players but with 1) injuries and 2) inconsistent rotations throughout the season.

https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-malik-monk-believes-teams-rhythm-is-off-due-to-lineup-changes/2022/03/31/

On the other hand, Monk himself has blossomed and it has been wonderful to watch. He makes the same amazing plays he did in Charlotte, but with the coaching of Phil Handy, Frank Vogel, and even LeBron James, has become a far more complete player. Even his defense has improved dramatically. Here is an article on his offensive repertoire and how the Lakers have utilized it:

https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2022/3/31/23003957/lakers-analysis-malik-monk-career-year-free-agency-stats-contract-season

And yet another starting lineup, no. 37 in 75 games: Howard, Ariza, Johnson, Monk, Westbrook. Frankly, Coach Vogel, I think Ariza played poorly two nights ago. They may as well use player trading cards and pick out five at random.

Westbrook just came back in. Time for a big run by the Jazz.

Turnover and two, right on cue.

Get em Dwight

Oddly enough, the Jazz look frustrated.

It's strange to see a whole arena jammed full of people, none of whom are wearing masks. There are still 108 cases a day reported in Utah.

Despite what I said earlier, Westbrook is playing pretty well. Ariza, on the other hand, is 1-7 for four points in 23 minutes.

Can’t believe we’re not making the playoffs

Westbrook is in full blackhole mode right now though... Same with Monk... Way too much iso.

As expected, another blowout L.

Last time the Lakers were above .500 was January 9th at 21-20. With the teams they're facing in the final 6 games, they have a real damn good shot of finishing the final three months of the season with a record of 10-31. Amazing lol.

This team just has no organized offensive scheme... There's a hierarchy, but no scheme.

It's been a full 2 years since I've watched a game that was actually enjoyable to watch. Even when we play relatively well, there's no flow ... No unity... Just LeBron Iso, to AD Iso, back to Lebron Iso, and maybe a last second corner 3 by whoever is in the game with them.

Now we just have Westbrook iso's which always result in a drive to the basket and zero passing out of traffic...

I think we're probably stuck with AD and LeBron, and I honestly am not all that excited about watching any of the young players in the NBA... So I'm not sure what there is to look forward to or why I should be all that interested, at this point.

This is easily the worst situation this franchise has been in since the 70s.

Just another proof that there is no need to tune in when Lebron isn't playing.......

Kilroy wrote:
I think we're probably stuck with AD and LeBron, and I honestly am not all that excited about watching any of the young players in the NBA... So I'm not sure what there is to look forward to or why I should be all that interested, at this point.

Agreed. Also the league is so watered down. It's basically trading baskets for 48minutes just to make it look exciting (Bos-Mia and Nets-Bucks come to mind).