1/5 Lakers vs Warriors :: Staples Center

[jeroka]

We have too many players that shouldn't be on an NBA roster.

- Huertas
- Anthony Brown
- Ryan Kelly
- Robert Sacre
- Metta World Peace (as far as playing ability)
- Tarik Black, possibly?

That's 1/3 of the roster that probably shouldn't even be playing in this continent. There's zero upside out of any of those players.

Russell, Kobe, Clarkson, Randle, Hibbert, Bass, Williams, and Nance are the only players that should be on the roster for either a) production on court or b) seen signs of potential and has ability to grow.

Hibbert should be included in that list. dude is just a waste at the Center position.

[Slava]

I mean, I guess you're right and I'm just cranky, but.. two years of shooting isn't exactly a "bad shooting patch," as much as I wish it was too. There were times two years ago when I said, "Huh, this guy could be like a Ryan Anderson type of player for us." But, that's not going to happen or anything close to it.

Biggest thing in the NBA is not judging good players playing for bad coaches.

[Slava]

I disagree buddy. The only time he showed anything of interest was with D'Antoni and it was over a very small sample period. We played him at PF to start this season off and he was actually in the rotation. Shot horribly. Actually shot worse than Kobe when Kobe's shooting percentages were at it's absolute worse.

He's supposed to be a shooter, but his shooting numbers the past TWO YEARS have been horrendous. Whether you're at small forward or power forward, an open shot is an open shot. If you're a shooter, make it at a good clip. He hasn't done that. So, goodbye.

Black has showed promise at times and he does deserve minutes and a sample size. You're right about him.

Players go through bad shooting patches, **** happens. When he's not shooting well, he's capable of selling defenders on fakes, putting the ball on the floor and he's an underrated help defender. He needs time without forgetting he's only 24. That's an year older than Larry Nance and Anthony Brown.

What are your thoughts..on Anthony Brown. don't think he has much potential outside of being a 3rd stringer ..

Kelly seems to have more value as a potential guy who can spread the floor.

Kelly and Black were lighting up the D-League while this guy has looked bad even in that level of competition. I'd be surprised if he can hang on in the NBA.

[FrozenIceCubes]

Players go through bad shooting patches, **** happens. When he's not shooting well, he's capable of selling defenders on fakes, putting the ball on the floor and he's an underrated help defender. He needs time without forgetting he's only 24. That's an year older than Larry Nance and Anthony Brown.

What are your thoughts..on Anthony Brown. don't think he has much potential outside of being a 3rd stringer ..

Kelly seems to have more value as a potential guy who can spread the floor.

Kelly and Black were lighting up the D-League while this guy has looked bad even in that level of competition. I'd be surprised if he can hang on in the NBA.

Sadly.. Seems like we have at least 5 guys who can't hang on the NBA level.

[So Gutta]

Sacre, Metta, and Huertas are just not capable of contributing on an NBA level. Really disappointing that our front-office can't move on from these guys.

[Sofa King]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkgE7AIjO-c[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx0Njz3zlaE[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQsTH1tORF8[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jblwZeG1uwk[/youtube]

[Aaramirez16]

Hibbert 23 min. 2 Pts. 5 Rebs. 1 blk

Black. 7 min. 4 Pts. 4 Rebs. 1 blk. 1 ast

[TylersLakers]

Players go through bad shooting patches, **** happens. When he's not shooting well, he's capable of selling defenders on fakes, putting the ball on the floor and he's an underrated help defender. He needs time without forgetting he's only 24. That's an year older than Larry Nance and Anthony Brown.

What are your thoughts..on Anthony Brown. don't think he has much potential outside of being a 3rd stringer ..

Kelly seems to have more value as a potential guy who can spread the floor.

Kelly and Black were lighting up the D-League while this guy has looked bad even in that level of competition. I'd be surprised if he can hang on in the NBA.

Yup, and his college career was pretty unspectacular as well. His only somewhat decent seasons were his last two years.

He's supposed to be a shooter, yet here are his college statistics:

Year 1: 41.7% FG, 35.3% 3PT
Year 2: 39.6% FG, 35.0% 3PT
Year 3: 20% FG, 33% 3PT (4 GP)
Year 4: 47.5% FG, 45.3% 3PT
Year 5: 43.1% FG, 44.1% 3PT

Mystery Player (In SEC)

Year 1: 44.6% FG, 46.8% 3PT
Year 2: 45.9% FG, 44.5% 3PT
Year 3: 42.7% FG, 38% 3PT (Missed handful of games due to ankle injury that plagued him all season)

Player: Michael Frazier, SG/PG, Florida

By the way, his conference totals for 3PT % --- 53.6% 3PT, 41.6% 3PT, 45.1% 3PT -- Also played in deep runs in NCAA Tournaments, hit big shots.

Why is he in the D-League playing for the D-Fenders? There's more upside in having him and Upshaw on the roster instead of Huertas and Ryan Kelly/Metta/Hibbert/Bass. If we can't find a trade for Hibbert or Bass by the trade deadline, we should just waive them and let them go to a competitive team. Then we can bring guys onto the roster that are potential long term fits for the team.

[crazyeights]

Hibbert 23 min. 2 Pts. 5 Rebs. 1 blk

Black. 7 min. 4 Pts. 4 Rebs. 1 blk. 1 ast

I honestly can't fathom it. I get that Black's not a world-beater defensively, but his offensive production makes him worth having on the court. Especially if we want to run a fast-tempo game. My only thought is we're lowering his value for the summer as he's a RFA. That's the only thing I can think of, but even that feels a little too conspiracy theory and not enough what this hokey family organization does.

[TKainZero]

Hibbert 23 min. 2 Pts. 5 Rebs. 1 blk

Black. 7 min. 4 Pts. 4 Rebs. 1 blk. 1 ast

I honestly can't fathom it. I get that Black's not a world-beater defensively, but his offensive production makes him worth having on the court. Especially if we want to run a fast-tempo game. My only thought is we're lowering his value for the summer as he's a RFA. That's the only thing I can think of, but even that feels a little too conspiracy theory and not enough what this hokey family organization does.

More likely lakers don't value black..

Ed Davis was one of the best lakers last year, and was shafted similarly with mins, leading fans to speculate that lakers were trying to keep his value down to sign him.

Lakers let Ed Davis walk

Annoys me to no end that the lakers seem to like to keep 3rd string / 15th men on the roster.

Yet will jettison solid rotation guys

[ArC_man]

There's an argument to be made that the Lakers are tanking Black's value on purpose. Black's contract situation is the same as JC's, however I believe the Arenas provision can only be used on one player. There may be legitimate concern that if Black blows up, we may not be able to retain him if someone decides to offer him a large contract (and he takes it) since everyone has money next offseason and there aren't going to be many good players available.

[crazyeights]

Hibbert 23 min. 2 Pts. 5 Rebs. 1 blk

Black. 7 min. 4 Pts. 4 Rebs. 1 blk. 1 ast

I honestly can't fathom it. I get that Black's not a world-beater defensively, but his offensive production makes him worth having on the court. Especially if we want to run a fast-tempo game. My only thought is we're lowering his value for the summer as he's a RFA. That's the only thing I can think of, but even that feels a little to conspiracy theory and not enough what this hokey family organization does.

More likely lakers don't value black..

Ed Davis was one of the best lakers last year, and was shafted similarly with mins, leading fans to speculate that lakers were trying to keep his value down to sign him.

Lakers let Ed Davis walk

Annoys me to no end that the lakers seem to like to keep 3rd string / 15th men on the roster.

Yet will jettison solid rotation guys

But Black will likely be on the roster next year as he's just a restricted FA.

I'm fine with letting Davis walk as they were trying to preserve cap space for multiple years, plus he's not a defensive anchor worth investing in (at least until you have a star). Black on the other hand is a bench player, 3rd or 4th big kind of guy. He could be a starter in spot minutes or with the right 5, but is mostly a bench guy. Davis was simply out of our price range and a center in a PF's body.

[dockingsched]

Tarik Black better start getting more and more minutes once the trade deadline passes, til then let Hibbert either play himself up or leave no doubt he doesn't deserve the minutes he's getting. I'm ok with giving Hibbert that leeway cause he's probably the most supportive vet of the youngsters in terms of public statements. Always showing support on his Twitter for example. No doubt it's important for him for the youngsters to be developed.

[Slava]

I honestly can't fathom it. I get that Black's not a world-beater defensively, but his offensive production makes him worth having on the court. Especially if we want to run a fast-tempo game. My only thought is we're lowering his value for the summer as he's a RFA. That's the only thing I can think of, but even that feels a little to conspiracy theory and not enough what this hokey family organization does.

More likely lakers don't value black..

Ed Davis was one of the best lakers last year, and was shafted similarly with mins, leading fans to speculate that lakers were trying to keep his value down to sign him.

Lakers let Ed Davis walk

Annoys me to no end that the lakers seem to like to keep 3rd string / 15th men on the roster.

Yet will jettison solid rotation guys

But Black will likely be on the roster next year as he's just a restricted FA.

I'm fine with letting Davis walk as they were trying to preserve cap space for multiple years, plus he's not a defensive anchor worth investing in (at least until you have a star). Black on the other hand is a bench player, 3rd or 4th big kind of guy. He could be a starter in spot minutes or with the right 5, but is mostly a bench guy. Davis was simply out of our price range and a center in a PF's body.

Letting Ed Davis walk would make sense if they did not turnaround and offer Lou Williams the same money over the same years in a position we were abundantly covered. Keeping Ed also serves the purpose of giving a pick and roll guard they drafted with the 2nd pick his roll man. That was such a bone headed move it still bothers me to this day and I have major concerns with Kupchak having money to spend.

[Slava]

Not to forget all of Mitch's MLE signings including Walton, Vujacic, Radmanovic, Blake etc had to be salary dumped with picks attached in a short duration.

[moonpie]

Did we win?

[crazyeights]

More likely lakers don't value black..

Ed Davis was one of the best lakers last year, and was shafted similarly with mins, leading fans to speculate that lakers were trying to keep his value down to sign him.

Lakers let Ed Davis walk

Annoys me to no end that the lakers seem to like to keep 3rd string / 15th men on the roster.

Yet will jettison solid rotation guys

But Black will likely be on the roster next year as he's just a restricted FA.

I'm fine with letting Davis walk as they were trying to preserve cap space for multiple years, plus he's not a defensive anchor worth investing in (at least until you have a star). Black on the other hand is a bench player, 3rd or 4th big kind of guy. He could be a starter in spot minutes or with the right 5, but is mostly a bench guy. Davis was simply out of our price range and a center in a PF's body.

Letting Ed Davis walk would make sense if they did not turnaround and offer Lou Williams the same money over the same years in a position we were abundantly covered. Keeping Ed also serves the purpose of giving a pick and roll guard they drafted with the 2nd pick his roll man. That was such a bone headed move it still bothers me to this day and I have major concerns with Kupchak having money to spend.

I think the thinking was Ed Davis doesn't do what he needs to do well well and that's anchor a D. Lou is a good 6th man off the bench in terms of scoring. The main issue I have with Mitch and Lou (other than his style of play, which to many is not winning basketball) is fit.

Which is a separate issue from Byron.

Byron playing Lou as both a starter and with starter's minutes, has been incredibly incredibly frustrating. But to be honest we had a lot of unknowns coming into the season. Clarkson's been touted as our "most consistent player" all year, but even he was a question mark (and still is). Kobe coming back from another surgery (old as hell), D as a rook, Randle too, Nick having a particularly awful year the year before...I think Mitch feared we could be run out of the gym every night--which incidentally we nearly have been.

I hope next year, when you take out Kobe (and hopefully Nick), that the dynamic between the ball-dominance of Lou/Clarkson/Russell will ease a bit. Two of them can start and one can come off the bench.

I think we needed a vet, both for Kobe, to keep us competitive, and to lean on when the kids **** the bed. I'd like to think we signed him as someone we can easily trade, especially locked-in at 7M when the new cap goes up. I mean really if he were on OKC they'd have the consistent scoring they've been looking for. I can also see the Bulls as a team that's needed a player like him.

My sneaking suspicion is they wanted a 6th man that they could rely on for the future in the case that we do nab a big fish. But who knows, I still find it puzzling. Hopefully next year we trim two of these ball-dominant chuckers, nab a big fish, and one of those head-scratcher MLE signings will step-in and coach.

Unfortunately, based on what Mitch has been saying I think what's most likeliest is: Byron won't be the patsy for this season, it's all Kob's final year party, we're not actively tanking, and we're setting ourselves up for failure on the FA front. And it's at that point where I really turn on the FO.

[Slava]

My only educated assumption is that they scoured the free agent market for leftovers once the bigger fish were taken and found Lou on a bargain contract they thought they could flip readily for a better asset.

Ed probably wasn't willing to really wait that long for the dust to settle once Portland came calling.