Kobe’s Preseason is Over, Julius Randle Scores 17

After he accepted the Lakers coaching job, Byron Scott promised to save his star. Competitor Kobe Bryant would have to take a break from athlete Kobe Bryant. In adhering to that vow, Byron pulled the plug on Kobe’s preseason. Satisfied with what he has seen from Kobe the last few games, particularly late in second halves, Byron saw no reason to play him against Portland on Wednesday night in Ontario. Or in Las Vegas on Friday.

Oct 22, 2014; Ontario, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Dorell Wright (1) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) in the second half of the game at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Lakers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Displaying the sort of strength that is evident mid-season, Kobe hasn’t been fatigued late, showing an ability to elevate and get his shot off with a good amount of lift after playing 30 minutes. As for how he took the news Byron shrugged. “He was okay with it.” Though he conceded had it been the regular season there would have been some heated back and forth about it.

Replacing Kobe in the starting lineup was Wayne Ellington who has had a particularly miserable preseason shooting the ball. The game against the Blazers was no different. He missed 8 out of 12 shots

The Lakers led most of the game, playing with an energy that overwhelmed the Blazers who also played the night before. But the Blazers were flat and unenthused allowing the Lakers to dictate tempo and style of play. The Blazers rested all of their stars except for Damian Lillard who played in the first half.

Besides Kobe, the Lakers rested Jordan Hill. Robert Sacre took his place and was very efficient with his mid range jumper and his activity was the usual Sacre all over the place mania. Ronnie Price started in lieu of Jeremy Lin again and controlled the pace of the game although he didn’t shoot the ball well. Jordan Clarkson came off the bench for the first time since his calf injury and he was very athletic and poised as the back up shooting guard. He was the fastest player on the court when he was in the game and had a nice crossover reverse layup. “He brings athleticism and speed”, Byron Scott said.

But it was Julius Randle who was the star in the fourth quarter, pushing the ball with the dribble, finishing at the rim or with his jump shot. For the second time in a week Randle had a calmness to his game and nothing was forced. He had 17 points on 70% shooting and 8 rebounds. “I don’t think the kid has ever had to work hard, not as hard as he has to work”, Byron said, explaining further his criticisms about Randle. Byron knows what he is capable of. He told Randle, “when I stop talking to you then you can be worried.”

Randle has the perfect temperament for the Lakers. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He hopes to build upon his Wednesday night performance once Friday rolls around and the Lakers play the Kings in Sin City. “I feel more comfortable. I just want to keep my confidence and build on what I did today.” Jeremy Lin is impressed with what Randle can do at such a young age. “He shows so much potential. Even at 19 he has an impact on the game.”

Oct 22, 2014; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) defends a shot by Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland (19) in the second half of the game at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Lakers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Basically, the game came down to who had the better subs. It was the Lakers. Eccentric Chris Kaman is on the Blazers this year, a good fit for him and he did all the things in this game that Mike D’antoni despised. But Ed Davis was too much around the rim. Julius Randle played with the confidence of a veteran player. Jeremy Lin ran the offense even as he had turnovers and was not as sharp handling the ball as he was the night before. He had 13 points and 6 turnovers. “I had some good stretches and bad stretches”, Lin said. “I want to get back into a good rhythm. Get my legs under me and my wind and my rhythm so I can hit the ground running when the regular season starts.”

Wesley Johnson has been a surprise these last two games. Yes, he is an abysmal passer. Last night, he looked frozen at the free throw line. But he’s not the timid scorer he was last year for Mike D’antoni when all he did was hide in the corner. He is looking to shoot first and even when he misses he shakes it off to shoot again.

One of the question marks early in the preseason was the Lakers offense which seemed a little confused and slow the first two games of preseason but it has developed into a consistent rhythm these past few games as players seem to know their roles. In this game they shot 50%.

The Lakers play hard and together although their transition defense is still a work in progress and they have to control turnovers. Overall it was a nice effort by the team before they prepare for their last game of the season.