The OtherArena

[jdw]

The Tanking Lakers Made Metta World Peace Shoot A Ton Of Threes But They Still Won Anyway:
http://deadspin.com/the-tanking-lakers-made-metta-world-peace-shoot-a-ton-o-1794243480

[guren]

The Ringer also had an article about the Lakers trying to lose and winning anyway.

The Lakers Are the Real-Life NBA Version of ‘Major League’

[JAG]

So:

* Russell is gonna be a real player as his post-ASB was impressive and the metrics project really well. Keep or trade, he will be valuable.

* Ingram showed why his floor is so high. He will be a good player at the least. But the shooting was so bad, it makes it hard to imagine a superstar. Then you watch the games and you see this puppy flash things that few guys in the league have. I still say he's going to be a two-way stud.

* Randle. Um, still no idea. Does a few things so well, that he will be well-paid, but can't shake hat he will also be a tease. He shot 3s late in the year and that will open up his game, but two things are reductive: He needs the ball to be most effective and he's not efficient enough to justify doing that with him as a starter and he sucks on defense. Most of it seems effort-based, but I learned long ago that motor is a skill and his only revs up on D every fifth game or so. I'd look to trade him, rather then paying him.

* Clarkson is a 6th man. Maybe even good enough to be one of the best in the league at that. Trade bait with that nice contract.

* Nance is a good first big off the bench, but seems too afraid to shoot to be a starter. Would like to see what he could do with that role if Randle was moved, but he probably is what he is. Good energy guy who's a plus on defense and a willing passer.

* Zubac is skilled but really far away from being a starter. Horrendous on D, not strong enough, etc. But he has post moves, can shoot, can pass and has that Euro big feel that is becoming all the rage. Keeper, but reasonable expectations for next season.

I like Tarik Black, but guys like him always get overpaid by somebody. Rest of our roster is trash.

I'll leave Luke alone until next season.

Jagdip

[jdw]

I agree with most of that. More comments later...

[jdw]

Kobe Bryant's Last Game, from the Players, Reporters and Coaches Who Were There

[corrado]

Looks like the Paul George to LA rumors are going to pick up steam very soon:

http://thebiglead.com/2017/04/15/paul-george-threw-c-j-miles-under-the-bus-for-taking-final-shot-against-cavs/

http://thebiglead.com/2017/04/18/paul-george-wants-out-of-indiana-blasts-his-teammates-again-after-game-2-loss/

Not the best way to do it, but it seems he really wants out.

[JAG]

God willing and if the wrong lotto combinations don't rise, Paul George is gonna be a Laker come draft night.

Jagdip

[corrado]

After what just happened, with the Pacers blowing a 26-point lead and losing, one more game before PG heads to LA.

[corrado]

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19225055/nate-mcmillan-indiana-pacers-coach-says-more-line-one-game-cleveland-cavaliers

With the Pacers swept, let the countdown begin!

[JAG]

Bird out in Indy, which takes out the possibility of him sneak-dealing him to Boston ala McHale. Larry and that org haven't had a relationship since he stopped playing, but I'm with Riles, never trust a Celtic.

And removes the awkwardness of Magic and Bird making that trade.

And cements that George is gone.

Jagdip

[guren]

This article from a couple of days ago does a good job of explaining the different scenarios for the Lakers vis-à-vis Paul George.

Breaking Down the Los Angeles Lakers' Potential Path to Paul George

[guren]

Kobe Bryant helping Celtics' Isaiah Thomas with playoff preparation

So a retired Laker is helping the Celtics to win a championship. I am okay with that.

glenn

[corrado]

Here's news on someone who has a realistic shot at becoming a Laker:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/245851/Lonzo-Ball-Unveils-First-Big-Baller-Brand-Signature-Shoe-At-$495

He's really hurting himself with this. Of course he's not entirely to blame for this.