RealGM

… I thought the trade of AD and Max would devastate our defense. Wrong. We play the best 5 on 5 team defense in the league, with or without them. Big crow. Big props to JJ and Rob for knowing the defense would work out.

I eat crow because I thought Luka would not play ANY defense. Wrong. Luka getting up in people’s grill? Never thought I’d see the day. Big crow. Big props to Luka, and JJ.

I eat crow because I thought LeBron was too old to be able to play defense going back about four years. Wrong. JJ got him to buy in. Props to Bron and I hope his body holds up.

I eat crow because I thought we needed another center who is switchable onto guards and quick enough to protect the rim. Wrong. Hayes and is doing a fine job filling some really big defensive shoes.

There.

Badass defense leading to a humming fast paced break is exactly the kind of ball I like. Showtime.

Let’s go Lakers!

stan francisco wrote:… I thought the trade of AD and Max would devastate our defense. Wrong. We play the best 5 on 5 team defense in the league, with or without them. Big crow. Big props to JJ and Rob for knowing the defense would work out.

I eat crow because I thought Luka would not play ANY defense. Wrong. Luka getting up in people’s grill? Never thought I’d see the day. Big crow. Big props to Luka, and JJ.

I eat crow because I thought LeBron was too old to be able to play defense going back about four years. Wrong. JJ got him to buy in. Props to Bron and I hope his body holds up.

I eat crow because I thought we needed another center who is switchable onto guards and quick enough to protect the rim. Wrong. Hayes and is doing a fine job filling some really big defensive shoes.

There.

Badass defense leading to a humming fast paced break is exactly the kind of ball I like. Showtime.

Let’s go Lakers!

It's still the "honeymoon" stage, IMO. Let's see what this team looks like in a month. And my god....there's so many horrible teams! But that said...I agree that we're looking really good. It's certainly not that Luka is better than AD (defensively). But I think there is a "freshness" to the team again. A major shake-up has got everyone rattled...or fired up...or whatever the wording is. We definitely look alot better, and I'm curious to see if will last.

Since we're doing the crow thing....I definitely didn't think the FO had this in them. Now I could argue that they didn't, in reality, and that it was Dallas creating their own desperation who handed the Lakers this gift....and that all the Lakers did was accept it. But you know....I don't like that argument actually. You can call it "dumb luck" but at some point you have to admit we "fall into" alot of good players. So who cares why, or how? I guess the Dallas guy only trusted Rob for this.....OK.....little weird factoid #1 that we just so happened to be that guy. We kept it quiet....didn't mess it up. I think we held strong and only gave the 1 pick away, and to me we got a good deal. We sent a POWERFUL message to Lebron and his team that they actually don't own this team. And you know what?? So far it seems to be a great trade for us. So kudos to the FO. I was wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Called them idiots, and cowards, and stupid...and prob a bunch of other things. Eating crow.

Whatever happens this year, I'm just glad that we make a change. I wanted a rebuild.....but this is fine. More than fine.

If we can keep the defense going, and if Luka can find his 3 again (did better last night), honestly who knows? I will throw a couple negative words of caution: We're a brand new team, essentially. Give other NBA teams a few weeks to get some tape on what we're doing, and figure out countermeasures. We do have a giant hole in our team at the bigs. Finney-Smith and Hayes are basically meat out there.....getting us 6 rebounds in over 55minutes of combined play. Meanwhile Zubac just feasted. Shooting like 13of15. Only 2 freethrows....so we weren't even getting a body to him. So I'm gonna temper my expectations of what will happen this season.

And I would like to see how the FO pulls off filling holes here. The Luka deal was great....and I was wrong. But this FO still needs to complete this team.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying the new look team. We'll get as far as we're gonna get. I'm at peace with that. I love that the defense is there...and the effort is there. With Lebron and Luka on the floor, we're not out of any game. So f*** it....go win the whole damn thing, if they want! I certainly won't complain.

stan francisco wrote:… I thought the trade of AD and Max would devastate our defense. Wrong. We play the best 5 on 5 team defense in the league, with or without them. Big crow. Big props to JJ and Rob for knowing the defense would work out.

I eat crow because I thought Luka would not play ANY defense. Wrong. Luka getting up in people’s grill? Never thought I’d see the day. Big crow. Big props to Luka, and JJ.

I eat crow because I thought LeBron was too old to be able to play defense going back about four years. Wrong. JJ got him to buy in. Props to Bron and I hope his body holds up.

I eat crow because I thought we needed another center who is switchable onto guards and quick enough to protect the rim. Wrong. Hayes and is doing a fine job filling some really big defensive shoes.

There.

Badass defense leading to a humming fast paced break is exactly the kind of ball I like. Showtime.

Let’s go Lakers!

You were not alone with your concerns.
I'm betting old traditional coaches like Hubie and Larry Brown, Mike Fratello, Daly, Karl etc etc would echo your sentiments especially about not having a legit good center. I still have a hard time understanding the "death lineup" used by GSW and it's been more than 7 years ago.
Lebron usually activate his playoff mode by late February but JJ had to have that heart to heart talk after the 40+ loss in Miami and of course it wouldn't be possible if James was not healthy.
Hayes used to be a foul machine under Ham but somehow find a way to limit those stupid needless contacts which sent opponents to the FT line.
Most coaches would love to take credit for creating smart schemes but JJ said his cheat code is mainly players playing very hard.
About Luka not playing defense, I just don't buy it. Sure he lacks that lateral quickness but no way Dallas beat OKC AND Twolves without Doncic playing decent defense.
Another thing that didn't make sense for me is how Reaves still thriving with 2 superstars dominating the ball.

stan francisco wrote:… I thought the trade of AD and Max would devastate our defense. Wrong. We play the best 5 on 5 team defense in the league, with or without them. Big crow. Big props to JJ and Rob for knowing the defense would work out.

I eat crow because I thought Luka would not play ANY defense. Wrong. Luka getting up in people’s grill? Never thought I’d see the day. Big crow. Big props to Luka, and JJ.

I eat crow because I thought LeBron was too old to be able to play defense going back about four years. Wrong. JJ got him to buy in. Props to Bron and I hope his body holds up.

I eat crow because I thought we needed another center who is switchable onto guards and quick enough to protect the rim. Wrong. Hayes and is doing a fine job filling some really big defensive shoes.

There.

Badass defense leading to a humming fast paced break is exactly the kind of ball I like. Showtime.

Let’s go Lakers!

Luka’s effort on D has been gettin better and better. The big guys are helping!

Gabe
Vando
DFS

Work of art: Vincent VanDo (stole this)

I prefer Chicken and Turkey...! I have loved Luka's game, ever time I see him play. He was (about) the only non-Laker player that I liked and had often wished there was some way they could get him, so this trade to me was a God-send!

Throwing out Luka's first two games with the Lakers (both losses), my thoughts on the trade is that this was a HUGE upgrade for the Lakers for the following reasons:

1) As good as a defender as Davis was, other Lakers did not help him, so he was often left alone to sink-or-swim. this new-and-improved swarming Laker defense really disrupts the other team, look at how the still won at Denver and Jovic had a Triple-Double!

2) They don't really miss Davis Points and Rebounds: Luka averages more points than Davis, a few less rebounds, and way more assists!

3) The Lakers are faster now and have that 3-pronged attack (Luka, LeBron and Reaves) that other Teams have not figured out how to stop!

4) Hayes can do enough in the center and with others swarming to help, it is NOT the liability that was predicted. I still see Len as not needed, but oh well...

IN CLOSING, I DON'T THINK I AM BEING OVERLY CONFIDENT, AND I'M SURE OTHERS FEEL THE SAME, BUT I NOW EXPECT THE LAKERS TO WIN EVERY GAME...!

LakerPhan wrote:I prefer Chicken and Turkey...! I have loved Luka's game, ever time I see him play. He was (about) the only non-Laker player that I liked and had often wished there was some way they could get him, so this trade to me was a God-send!

Throwing out Luka's first two games with the Lakers (both losses), my thoughts on the trade is that this was a HUGE upgrade for the Lakers for the following reasons:

1) As good as a defender as Davis was, other Lakers did not help him, so he was often left alone to sink-or-swim. this new-and-improved swarming Laker defense really disrupts the other team, look at how the still won at Denver and Jovic had a Triple-Double!

2) They don't really miss Davis Points and Rebounds: Luka averages more points than Davis, a few less rebounds, and way more assists!

3) The Lakers are faster now and have that 3-pronged attack (Luka, LeBron and Reaves) that other Teams have not figured out how to stop!

4) Hayes can do enough in the center and with others swarming to help, it is NOT the liability that was predicted. I still see Len as not needed, but oh well...

IN CLOSING, I DON'T THINK I AM BEING OVERLY CONFIDENT, AND I'M SURE OTHERS FEEL THE SAME, BUT I NOW EXPECT THE LAKERS TO WIN EVERY GAME...!

Agreed on all points.

I indeed thought our defense would collapse without AD and Max Christie (elite perimeter defender), hence my initial gag reflex. Luka is playing D! Never would’ve thought.

Thrilled to be 100% wrong.

Like you said, I expect every game to be a win now. Our defense is now a badass team defensive system, not deferent to AD.