Lakers: Metta World Peace Leads LA To Their First Victory
The Lakers are now 1-4, but the question remains, where is the defense?
Up until last night, it seemed like the same old story each and every game. To start games, fans all wait to see if Kobe Bryant has a hot hand and the team is normally energetic on defense. Things look good going into halftime; this is to say, it looks like they have a chance.
After halftime is when it seems things begin to fall apart. The energy dissipates, leaving fans shaking their collective heads. What is wrong with the team? What is wrong with the coach?
So how do head coach Byron Scott and his crew right the ship? What is their plan? Are they just going to have the players play who they want to get better over time? Often times, it doesn’t seem like they want to win at all. This is the NBA, not the D-League. In the NBA you need to win, that should be your first priority.
Scott gave some fans hope when he activated Metta World Peace and had him suit up, finally playing him last night.
Byron Scott said yesterday activating Metta World Peace in wake of SAC blowout would be a "panic" move. Tonight, Metta is active.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) November 2, 2015
If the Lakers want to win, they are going to have to try new things. Try to put in players who are dormant, who are currently wasting their time on the bench. But that’s the rub, do the Lakers want to win?
We keep hearing that coach Scott wishes to develop his young players, what better way than to put in the experienced players for a bit and show them how it’s done?
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The Knicks head coach Derek Fisher is starting veteran player, and ex-Laker Sasha Vujacic, who is extremely active on defense.
Even when Fish was playing in his last years for Oklahoma City, they put him in when they needed veteran leadership. One three-pointer or one steal could change the pace of the game.
Yesterday, Scott finally adjusted his game plan, taking minutes from Ryan Kelly, Marcelo Huertas and Brandon Bass.
In his 17 minutes of play, World Peace posted a team-high +12, +/- rating, which is excellent considering the team’s recent struggles. He even played rookie Larry Nance Jr. who proved that he’s been patiently waiting for his chance, posting a second best +9.
Even Bill Oram of the Orange County Registry asked, “The burning question: Will Scott give World Peace a chance?” Last night, Scott finally did so and it payed immediate dividends. If he continues to use this lineup, fans will have to wait and see.
Next: How Brown and Nance Jr. Would Help the Defense
Should Metta World Peace get more minutes? Let us know in the comments below.