Why Lonzo Ball....you look like somebody just walked over your grave
Yeah, I'm a pretty big Laker fan, and I follow the situation closely.
I'm of the opinion that they could have dumped Mozgov later. I don't think it was urgent.
I would have liked to have seen Russell beside Ball, since Russell has been solid and would be going into his 3rd year. And since Ball's forte is making other guys look better.
I think the decision had more to do the culture of the team than dumping Mozgov now (although they had to dump him eventually). I think Magic and probably Luke didn't like Russell and wanted to start over with their guy (Ball).
I just don't think it was a very smart decision from a business standpoint. Better to play Russell, try to win games (since they have no pick next year), and either keep him or sell him high later (when his production is up).
I know there's no guarantee he would have a breakout year, but imo it was the smarter play.
If they actually sign two max free agents next summer, this will mostly be moot ( although it will make me a little sick if they are league bottom again and send a great pick elsewhere). But if they blow it in free agency (like they have been for several years now), I think they will be sick about letting Russell walk at such a low value.
I attended the game last night in Vegas. Fox looked great. The surprising player however was the development of Skal. He has put on much more muscle mass and seems tto play with greater confidence. I wish Hawkins had gotten some clock though
Kings should be better, considering they added Randolph and Hill to go with their youth. Playoffs will be a stretch in the West, but I wouldn't be shocked if they pushed .500.
Imo, Lakers, drafted ball, to pull in interest to the team. Not the Lakers of old right now in terms of interest.
But Lavar guaranteed the Lakers will make the playoffs this year. So they do have that!
I think Ball is overrated and it has nothing to do with his dad or Fox. Ball is a great passer as already mentioned, has great vision and is a great leaper off of two feet however, He is a one dimensional player and has huge holes in his game that were covered up at UCLA.
Below are his weaknesses:
1.) He can't create his own shot.
2.) He has issues penetrating and getting in the lane. I think this key to running point for any team.
3.) He can't shot two point jump shots.
4.) He can't post smaller guards even with his size.
5.) Has issues playing in the half court.
6.) His lateral quickness is terrible which means he can't defend smaller or more athletic guard or wings.
7.) His shooting mechanics are poor and will be exposed at the NBA level.
8.) He has a frail body type and doesn't like contact.
Ball is a unique player due to his passing and vision kinda like Kendall Marshall several years back coming into the league, but people ignored his glaring weaknesses.
Magic saw a little of himself in Ball even though Lonzo's workouts were poor.
People look at the one strength that is unique but disregard all other aspects of his game.
Below are his weaknesses:
1.) He can't create his own shot.
2.) He has issues penetrating and getting in the lane. I think this key to running point for any team.
3.) He can't shot two point jump shots.
4.) He can't post smaller guards even with his size.
5.) Has issues playing in the half court.
6.) His lateral quickness is terrible which means he can't defend smaller or more athletic guard or wings.
7.) His shooting mechanics are poor and will be exposed at the NBA level.
8.) He has a frail body type and doesn't like contact.
Ball is a unique player due to his passing and vision kinda like Kendall Marshall several years back coming into the league, but people ignored his glaring weaknesses.
Magic saw a little of himself in Ball even though Lonzo's workouts were poor.
People look at the one strength that is unique but disregard all other aspects of his game.
Interest remains high (attend a Lakers game on the road, for evidence).
However, to your point, the team needs star power and Lonzo brings that instantly, in a way that Fox could not.
Fox could win games for the Lakers. That usually brings attention. Lakers will end up trading Ball. Watch it happen.
It's about the instant star power Ball brings to the team on day 1, as evidenced by the crowd you saw attending his first summer league game last night.
Believe it or not, De'Aaron Fox is not as popular in LA as he is in Kentucky.
Plus, Ball is already wildly popular in LA.
This is about marketability for LA right now, as they hope to bridge the gap to a successful free agent period in 2018.
I have no problem believing that Fox is a better player than Ball is today.
But that isn't really what was at stake her for the Lakers.
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This is silly. Ingram had a similar crowd to see him last year. Vegas is close for Laker fans
It was a big part of it.
On paper, the two players are really a "push".
They have different skill sets.
So, the Lakers end up taking the guy who is already a star in the market and is already popular with their local fan base.
If the Lakers are going to win again, it's going to be more about who they can haul in in free agency over the next couple of off-seasons, than who is better between Ball or Fox.
Even if Fox is better, he isn't must-see TV, especially not in LA. Ball is.
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Silly is, as silly does, I guess.
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...-first-advance-anticipation-lakers-vs-celtics
LAS VEGAS -- The hype surrounding Lonzo Ball and the Lakers-Celtics rivalry has led to Las Vegas Summer League history as Saturday's session sold out by noon on Friday, according to Warren LeGarie, Las Vegas Summer League executive director.
The "must-see tv" phrasing is literal. The Lakers have an obligation to their local cable partners to deliver viewers.
It's part of the reason for the Kobe farewell tour. And it played into the drafting of Ball.
If they are going to be terrible, they at least want to keep their advertisers happy.
It's part of the reason for the Kobe farewell tour. And it played into the drafting of Ball.
If they are going to be terrible, they at least want to keep their advertisers happy.
I know the fans were there .I watched the game. they were also there in force last year to see Ingram .. Ball didn't bring them..they're Laker fans watching their team
Forgive me for writing that article for ESPN, in which I referenced the hype surrounding Lonzo Ball.
I will be sure to have you edit it next time before it's published.
"The Lakers will get their first glimpse of him on the court this week in Vegas, and while it's far from the type of spotlight and stage he'll experience once the real games begin, it's going to be one of the most anticipated summer league debuts in years."
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/pag...-lakers-looking-new-face-franchise-lonzo-ball
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/pag...-lakers-looking-new-face-franchise-lonzo-ball
I know it's an ESPN article...I also know the building was full last year to watch the Lakers
I also know that Rupp Arena is full almost every night.
However, some nights, the crowd is more excited than others.
Ball went for an 11/11/11 triple double tonight.
See?
And it's equally as dumb to extract anything of substance from that. Which I'm sure more folks will agree with now that he's played well.
See?
And it's equally as dumb to extract anything of substance from that. Which I'm sure more folks will agree with now that he's played well.
IMO. Ball will be a bust and LA will move him in a couple years..They made a mistake passing on Fox. ..Fox will be a good shooter in time..Ball I don't think that funky shot is going to sever him well in the NBA
Although I don't like him, Lonzo had a triple double last night 11/11/11...Against the Celts..Lakers lost..
Opposite effect for me. When I see anyone in their family, I change the channel.