2017-18 Lakers Season Watch Thread (27-34, 10th Slot on 3/2)

[Phantom255x]

So are the Grizzlies going to try and make a run soon, or just settle on a tank...

Would be nice if the Hornets, Nets, Suns could go on a little 2 game winning streak or something soon lol.

I think the Bulls will keep the good stretch going for a while, despite two straight L's to the two top East teams.

[jambr380]

So are the Grizzlies going to try and make a run soon, or just settle on a tank...

Would be nice if the Hornets, Nets, Suns could go on a little 2 game winning streak or something soon lol.

I think the Bulls will keep the good stretch going for a while, despite two straight L's to the two top East teams.

I am not too worried about the Grizz - Conley will be back soon and should help elevate that team out of the NBA's lowest tier. Charlotte should also be a much better team.

I agree about the Bulls. Last night notwithstanding, they have been an incredibly solid group since Mirotic returned.

The Lakers are a bad, but not horrible team, though - we are going to need some good fortune for that pick to convey. At least we still have something to shoot for!

[Phantom255x]

So are the Grizzlies going to try and make a run soon, or just settle on a tank...

Would be nice if the Hornets, Nets, Suns could go on a little 2 game winning streak or something soon lol.

I think the Bulls will keep the good stretch going for a while, despite two straight L's to the two top East teams.

I am not too worried about the Grizz - Conley will be back soon and should help elevate that team out of the NBA's lowest tier. Charlotte should also be a much better team.

I agree about the Bulls. Last night notwithstanding, they have been an incredibly solid group since Mirotic returned.

The Lakers are a bad, but not horrible team, though - we are going to need some good fortune for that pick to convey. At least we still have something to shoot for!

Yep.

I think if it goes as expected and Hornets, Grizzlies and Bulls go above LAL, then there will be just 4 teams worse than them (DAL, ATL, PHO, SAC), in which case, maybe hope 1 or 2 of those teams overachieve late in the season?

As you said, it's going to also come down to some luck and fortune, and of course, Lakers losing a ton! I think it's not crazy to imagine this team finishing with just around 25 wins, especially once they trade away Clarkson and/or Randle (at deadline) to clear up some cap space for the summer.

[rondofan1255]

Looks like Lonzo will miss this week, which includes 12/27 vs. MEM and 12/29 vs. LAC.

MRI exam on Lonzo Ball’s left shoulder reveals a sprain. Ball will miss the Christmas Day game vs. Minnesota and get re-evaluated in a week.

https://twitter.com/Mike_Bresnahan/status/945071666161315840

[trickybilly]

Looks like Lonzo will miss this week, which includes 12/27 vs. MEM and 12/29 vs. LAC.

MRI exam on Lonzo Ball’s left shoulder reveals a sprain. Ball will miss the Christmas Day game vs. Minnesota and get re-evaluated in a week.

https://twitter.com/Mike_Bresnahan/status/945071666161315840

Feels like this hurts the pick. Lonzo, whilst an undeserving pariah, seems to hurt the Lakers when he is on the floor...

[CelticsElite]

 

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21862877/luke-walton-says-los-angeles-lakers-play-professionals-loss-portland-trail-blazers

[hodgy03038]

Why is Bogut even on that team? Bogus Bogut. What were his motives in playing for them?

[Birdman]

Bogut should had sign with the Celtics..his loss

[Roy H.]

Why is Bogut even on that team? Bogus Bogut. What were his motives in playing for them?

Presumed playing time, better weather, a closer proximity to Australia and familiarity with Walton’s system.

[Phantom255x]

I'm honestly not surprised, and thought it was bound to happen.

They obviously won't admit it publicly, but the players have to be feeling irritated at all the media coverage and hype Lonzo gets, despite Kuzma looking WAY better at the moment.

Also, you have Clarkson and Randle at the center of trade talks almost every day now, despite what they've done for the team.

Hell, the Lakers had to have a meeting with LaVar for him to tone it down with his criticism of Luke Walton 

So obviously, some players are pouting and frustrated, and of course the losses only add to that "fuel".

[nickagneta]

Seems like a toxic situation, especially for young players. The rumors are swirling about trades to dump salary, all the media coverage is on the teams youngest player who isn't even close to being their top young player, injuries, tons of youth, tons of scrappiness with little in the way of wins to show for it.

This team could be getting ready for a nice collapse.😁

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Jordan Clarkson has always been the type to get his.
Julius Randle is frustrated that he is producing well but getting less and less of a role.
Lonzo Ball gets a ton of coverage, even though they are often better without him on the court.
Kyle Kuzma is cocky and rubs some guys the wrong way.
Luol Deng is making a ton of money but getting no playing time.
Corey Brewer trying to prove he's still got it.
Bogut is a warm body, but largely unproductive.
Lopez has always been a talented scorer, but hurts his team on the glass and defense, and is playing for his next contract.

You can see why there are chemistry problems.

[CelticsElite]

Wolves pulling away

[CelticsElite]

Jordan Clarkson has always been the type to get his.
Julius Randle is frustrated that he is producing well but getting less and less of a role.
Lonzo Ball gets a ton of coverage, even though they are often better without him on the court.
Kyle Kuzma is cocky and rubs some guys the wrong way.
Luol Deng is making a ton of money but getting no playing time.
Corey Brewer trying to prove he's still got it.
Bogut is a warm body, but largely unproductive.
Lopez has always been a talented scorer, but hurts his team on the glass and defense, and is playing for his next contract.

You can see why there are chemistry problems.

tp

[SparzWizard]

Wolves dismantled Lakers 121-104.

Taj Gibson was just killing it at the end.