The miscellaneous, leading up to Opening Night Thread!!

[FrozenIceCubes]

Metta seems engaged with the team in practice today I wonder if JB has already been told that he's getting cut and MWP is making the final cut.

[gotokyo]

Don't know why he wanted to keep the trash talker anonymous, we all know it was Nicholas.

[dipstick]

Don't know why he wanted to keep the trash talker anonymous, we all know it was Nicholas.

Reports are it was Nicholas and Lou.

[crazyeights]

Don't know why he wanted to keep the trash talker anonymous, we all know it was Nicholas.

Reports are it was Nicholas and Lou.

I hope Nick and Lou talk trash to him every game right at tip-off I don't need Kobe to heat-check all game, but for my money there's nothing like seeing the Mamba playing angry.

[Danny Darko]

Kobe's injury is starting to smelly fishy to me... contusion that is going to likely hold him out for 2+ weeks including a real game? Starting to feel like a fracture 6 week timeline.

dogh...should have waited a few hours...

At any rate, I'm glad he's looking to play in game 1.

[Wavy Q]

Don't know why he wanted to keep the trash talker anonymous, we all know it was Nicholas.

Reports are it was Nicholas and Lou.

I hope Nick and Lou talk trash to him every game right at tip-off I don't need Kobe to heat-check all game, but for my money there's nothing like seeing the Mamba playing angry.

would you rather Kobe be trash talking and Nick and Lou be heat checking all game

[Pinoy cchio]

Spoiler:

Excited that season is just about to start. My expectations this season obviously are not not very high with regards to winning but will enjoy perhaps Kobe's last season, watch the development of the kiddie corps......just to watch basketball again. Let 'em play !!!

[iamworthy]

But most of the concern centers on Russell after averaging 6.9 points on only 39.6 percent shooting, 3.3 assists and 1.28 turnovers in training camp.

"He has to understand how to play this game at this level," Scott said. "He has to understand it's a totally different change of pace. These guys are more physical, more aggressive and they're quicker."

Russell has conceded those hiccups. But Russell also admitted feeling uncomfortable in Scott's Princeton-based offense.

"I just want to figure out my role," Russell said. "I don't want to be stamped with 'You're this or you're that.' I want to know what coach wants and help better myself."

Scott admitted that "us coaches have to put him in a position to be successful." But Scott downplayed Russell's suggestion the Lakers' coach has not communicated with him about his development.

"That's a young guy that doesn't know what the hell is going on in the NBA right now," Scott said, laughing. "When we start Wednesday, there will not be a question on what his role is."
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151025/la-lakers-byron-scott-believes-dangelo-russell-julius-randle-and-jordan-clarkson-could-become-all-stars

I had never heard Russ having issues with the offense. Interesting...

[ArC_man]

Some thoughts from various experts (Mark Jackson, Reggie Miller, JVG, etc) on Kobe and our playoff chances

On Kobe:

Mark Jackson, ESPN analyst and former NBA coach: “My expectations for him is certainly not to be the 93rd-best player in the world. How healthy he will be will give them an opportunity to win games that maybe their talent level collectively should not have them winning.”

Reggie Miller, TNT analyst and former NBA player: “Don’t be surprised if Kobe wins the comeback player of the year. (Lakers coach) Bryon Scott is going to have to play a masterfully hand of poker with Kobe.”

Anonymous NBA assistant coach: Kobe will be solid. But it’s all about if the Lakers can manage Kobe and not put too much on his shoulders. If they are in a heat of a battle and they’re struggling, then you can see Kobe having anywhere between 25 to 30 attempts a game. But if everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing and buying in, I think he’ll stay contained.

Anonymous NBA executive: “That team without Kobe, I don’t think you can they can beat anyone on any given night. With Kobe, they can at least win some games.”

On Playoff chances:

Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN analyst and former NBA coach: “The Lakers in the Western Conference are just not as good as the other teams. It’s going to be a struggle to win 30 to 35 games.”

Brent Barry, TNT/NBA TV analyst and former NBA player: “This team is absolutely in flux. Who knows what they are capable of doing because there are so many dynamics going on from top to bottom; from the front office, to the team, to one of the most beloved Lakers to ever put on the uniform in Kobe Bryant. It’s a real soap opera.”

Anonymous NBA assistant coach: “I could see them grabbing an eighth or seventh seed in the West if they stay healthy. Other Western Conference teams that are ahead of them could suffer injuries to key players and allow them some wiggle room. If they stay healthy, they’ll be light years from where they were last season. I see them getting anywhere between 43 to 47 wins.”

Anonymous NBA executive: “The eighth spot in the West is open. I don’t think they have any chance of beating the elite. But they have enough talent and veterans to beat some of the bottom-feeding teams to get to 35 to 40 wins. So if they’re really willing to scratch and claw so they can get their (tails) kicked by Golden State, the Clippers or San Antonio in the first round, God bless them.”

On the young core:

Miller: “All of these guys idolize Kobe. They grew up watching him and they want to put him in the best light, but Kobe has to allow them to put him in the best light. They can’t run everything through Kobe, not at this point in his career. He has to allow these young guys to grow, falter and fall down. I don’t mind tough love, but he can’t break them.

Jackson: “Jordan Clarkson’s shown he’s a starting player in this league, … (D’Angelo) Russell can make an impact right away and has a great feel for the game, … Julius Randle has improved in his ability to shoot the basketball. He’s a guy that is very comfortable being a playmaker, whether it’s rebounding, pushing it in transition or playing in the half-court set. … Those are three guys that can play a vital part to their success, not just this year but more importantly moving forward.”

Anonymous NBA assistant coach: “Russell has a the tools, is a hard worker and has a great personality. But he’s going to go against one of the NBA’s best point guards every night. … Randle has a lot of interesting tools with his playmaking and physical play, but I reserve judgment on him. When he uses his right hand, he pulls shots out of nowhere. … Clarkson has to prove he can everything besides just score the ball. Can he hold his weight defensively? Can he get shots up for other people?”

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151025/nba-experts-mixed-on-kobe-bryant-lakers-playoff-chances

[crazyeights]

Reports are it was Nicholas and Lou.

I hope Nick and Lou talk trash to him every game right at tip-off I don't need Kobe to heat-check all game, but for my money there's nothing like seeing the Mamba playing angry.

would you rather Kobe be trash talking and Nick and Lou be heat checking all game

I'm not sure what you're saying. What I was saying was I hope Nick and Lou get Kobe amped throughout the season, so he can take it out on the other team.

[Edrees]

Kobe's injury is starting to smelly fishy to me... contusion that is going to likely hold him out for 2+ weeks including a real game? Starting to feel like a fracture 6 week timeline.

this 'Injury" might have been dragged out just so he can be there for Lamar

[gts1]

I hope Nick and Lou talk trash to him every game right at tip-off I don't need Kobe to heat-check all game, but for my money there's nothing like seeing the Mamba playing angry.

would you rather Kobe be trash talking and Nick and Lou be heat checking all game

I'm not sure what you're saying. What I was saying was I hope Nick and Lou get Kobe amped throughout the season, so he can take it out on the other team.

I imagine being ranked 93rd in the league by ESPN and a all the other negative views of the Lakers coming season will have the results you're looking for...lol

[Kilroy]

But most of the concern centers on Russell after averaging 6.9 points on only 39.6 percent shooting, 3.3 assists and 1.28 turnovers in training camp.

"He has to understand how to play this game at this level," Scott said. "He has to understand it's a totally different change of pace. These guys are more physical, more aggressive and they're quicker."

Russell has conceded those hiccups. But Russell also admitted feeling uncomfortable in Scott's Princeton-based offense.

"I just want to figure out my role," Russell said. "I don't want to be stamped with 'You're this or you're that.' I want to know what coach wants and help better myself."

Scott admitted that "us coaches have to put him in a position to be successful." But Scott downplayed Russell's suggestion the Lakers' coach has not communicated with him about his development.

"That's a young guy that doesn't know what the hell is going on in the NBA right now," Scott said, laughing. "When we start Wednesday, there will not be a question on what his role is."
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151025/la-lakers-byron-scott-believes-dangelo-russell-julius-randle-and-jordan-clarkson-could-become-all-stars

I had never heard Russ having issues with the offense. Interesting...

I'd change interesting to disturbing... A rookie calling out the coaching staff?

[gts1]

I'd change interesting to disturbing... A rookie calling out the coaching staff?

I don't think he's calling out the coaching staff... doesn't seem that way to me at least. Feels more like he's admitting to not being up to speed quite yet on what he's supposed to be doing

[iamworthy]

But most of the concern centers on Russell after averaging 6.9 points on only 39.6 percent shooting, 3.3 assists and 1.28 turnovers in training camp.

"He has to understand how to play this game at this level," Scott said. "He has to understand it's a totally different change of pace. These guys are more physical, more aggressive and they're quicker."

Russell has conceded those hiccups. But Russell also admitted feeling uncomfortable in Scott's Princeton-based offense.

"I just want to figure out my role," Russell said. "I don't want to be stamped with 'You're this or you're that.' I want to know what coach wants and help better myself."

Scott admitted that "us coaches have to put him in a position to be successful." But Scott downplayed Russell's suggestion the Lakers' coach has not communicated with him about his development.

"That's a young guy that doesn't know what the hell is going on in the NBA right now," Scott said, laughing. "When we start Wednesday, there will not be a question on what his role is."
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151025/la-lakers-byron-scott-believes-dangelo-russell-julius-randle-and-jordan-clarkson-could-become-all-stars

I had never heard Russ having issues with the offense. Interesting...

I'd change interesting to disturbing... A rookie calling out the coaching staff?

Im not sure what it is but whatever it is its not good.

[gts1]

A little more insight into Russel was discussing

D'Angelo Russell says he has better understanding of role with Lakers
By Eric Pincus via LA Times

"He's still very young. Very talented [but] he's still getting a grasp of everything that's going on," Scott said. "We had a nice little sit-down talk yesterday. As he told you guys I think one time, that he doesn't know his role -- he knows it pretty clearly right now."

Russell recently expressed confusion, as Scott experimented with him both coming off the bench and in the starting group.

"I don't know man. I really don't," Russell said of his role last week. "I have no clue at all. Coach is going to do what's best for the team. And if that's what he sees is me coming off the bench, then it's best for the team."

Scott urged the media to ask Russell to describe his role Monday, now that the two have had time to talk.

What did Russell get out of the conversation?
"Just really focus on playing hard, all the time, defense [and] rebound," Russell said. "I told him I thought my role was to facilitate, be a playmaker.

"He said, 'That's what you do naturally, so I'm not going to label you with that.' He was just saying if I do all those other things, that it'd be easier - playmaking and decision-making, that stuff would come easier."


more here
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-dangelo-russell-understands-role-lakers-20151026-story.html


also
Eric Pincus ‏@EricPincus
The Lakers list MWP and Nance as inactive on opening night's roster

[The Skyhook]

I am beyond excited for this season. After getting a new job this year I was able to get tickets to the Lakers @ Barclays and @ MSG but those aren't the games I'm most excited for. I've never been to LA but I decided if there is chance that this is Kobe's last season then I had to get tickets to the Lakers last home game.

I don't care about wins or losses this year. I just want to see these young guys grow together and most importantly to see Kobe stay healthy.