Mar 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) tries to defend during the first quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 94-83. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
After the Lakers heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves to begin this season, an uncomfortable reality settled back into fans minds.
There is no denying the fact that this season is going to be a rough one for Lakers fans. This is year two of being a bottom feeder, and to nobody’s surprise, it’s not a good feeling. It didn’t help that many Laker icons went overboard with their predictions for this season.
For example, Kobe Bryant stated back in August that the Lakers would “absolutely” make the playoffs this season. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar added on to Bryant’s bold prediction, telling Sirius XM NBA radio the Lakers “will surprise people in a positive way” and expected them to make the playoffs.
Fans bought into the hype and were ready to move on from the Lakers worst record in franchise history. Fans were disappointed when the Lakers couldn’t land any free agents last summer, but were given hope when the Lakers drafted D’Angelo Russell, a sign perceived as the Lakers embracing change and figuring out the new NBA.
Personally, it also doesn’t help that I go to college with so many Golden State Warriors fans, a team that has been denied the sweetness of winning for so long, and now their fans are going crazy on a sugar high. Teams like the Warriors used to be easy victories for the Lakers and Lakers fans were eager to cheer for a team that could once again compete with them, among other winning NBA squads.
Despite high hopes, that has not been the case. With that in mind, here’s a helpful guide for difficult season ahead and tips on how to still back the Purple & Gold with pride.
Next: Focus On Player Development
Nov 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott talks with forward Julius Randle (30) during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Focus on Player Development
Last year seemed to be coined around the phrase “Team Tank”, a popular term deemed by sports aficionados as a team that should lose in order to obtain a high draft pick. Well, “Team Tank” for the Lakers ended up working, as the Lakers landed the second overall pick in last year’s draft.
This year, the Lakers have another chance to land a top draft pick, due to their poor record that is likely to persist. But, this year’s pick is top 3 protected (last year’s was top 5), which means that the Lakers are less likely to retain the pick. As a result, “Team Tank” needs to be altered to “Team Player Development.”
The Lakers season needs to be all about Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and to a smaller degree, Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown. When watching a Lakers game, Laker fans should be asking themselves, “Are the young guys improving?”
Over time, look for Clarkson to provide consistency in his shooting and decision-making. Hope that Russell slowly commits fewer turnovers as more games go along and starts feeling more comfortable as the general on the court. When Russell finally adjusts to the NBA game, fans wil start seeing the player worth the number two overall selection.
Julius Randle has had flashes of success so far this season, but also needs to develop his game. If Randle improves his defense, improves his free throw shooting, and develops a jump shot, he can be a special player. Right now, Randle is playing a lot of “bully ball”, a tactic that worked in his lone season in Kentucky, but won’t succeed as much in the NBA.
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Also, keep track of the Lakers other draft picks: Nance Jr. and Brown. So far, Nance Jr. has established himself into the lineup as the “energy guy” the Lakers hoped he would be, and has developed a nice mid-range jump shot.
Brown has recently been demoted to the D-League, but this is seen as a move for him to get more playing time, and hopefully be brought back into the Lakers rotation and become the “3-and-D” guy the Lakers were expecting on draft night.
This is asking a lot and all of these improvements won’t come over night, but hopefully by the end of the season these players have improved enough to be trusted to lead this franchise for the future. After all, GM Mitch Kupchack said that Clarkson and Russell would lead the Lakers backcourt for the next 10 years. That has to mean something, right?
Next: Appreciate Kobe While You Can
Nov 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) celebrates with Anthony Sadler and Spencer Stone during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Stone and Sadler helped to foil a terror attack on a train traveling form Amsterdam to Paris in August. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Appreciate Kobe While You Can
Lakers fans should enjoy the presence of Kobe Bryant while he is still around, but need to realize he is no longer the same Kobe they’ve grown used to for such a long time.
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The majority of Laker fans understand that Kobe is past his prime, but there are still some fans out there that think Kobe can still lead this team to wins just because he is Kobe Bryant. Bryant should no longer be relied on to lead the team; that responsibility should go to the young guys.
Instead, Bryant should be looked upon as a mentor, someone who can help develop the rookies. Bryant has even accepted this role, stating at the beginning of the season that “the important thing is these young guys develop and to be there when they have questions.”
Hopefully, Lakers fans can see Bryant stop trying to take over games and live up to his word as the mentor. But at the same time, fans are going to miss when Bryant isn’t around, and must relish all the time the future hall-of-famer has left.
Next: Keep An Eye On the Coaching Staff
Nov 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott watches on from the sidelines during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Keep An Eye on the Coaching Staff
Is Byron Scott right for the job? The easy answer is no, but Scott can help improve his case by playing the young guys more, especially in crunch time.
For example, Russell has disappeared in the fourth quarter due to Scott’s poor rotations. That is not acceptable. It is better losing games with Russell and Randle playing 35 minutes per game versus winning and the duo playing 25 minutes a night.
The young guys need to have some growing pains, and Scott needs to give them playing time to have these pains. Winning is important, but the development of the future core is more important. The coaching staff needs to recognize this.
Next: Enjoy the Presence of LA's Role Players
Nov 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace (37) reacts on the court in second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Enjoy the Presence of the Lakers Role Players
It is fun to see Metta World Peace turn back this clock this season and establish himself as a worthy member of this Lakers roster. Without World Peace, the Lakers wouldn’t have their 16th title, and it is nice to see him get a second go-around in the NBA.
Roy Hibbert is playing like a player worthy of another contract, and frankly is the only player who consistently plays defense for the Lakers. Hopefully, Tarik Black can get back into the equation and prove he can belong with the Lakers young core. Enjoy the comedic value of Nick Young and Lou Williams jacking up ridiculous shots, and understand that it’s fine because they are here for entertainment.
Next: Keep Ben Simmons Close In Mind
Nov 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) against the South Alabama Jaguars during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Keep Ben Simmons Close In Mind
Lastly, keep an eye on next year’s top prospects for next year’s draft.
It’s beginning to look like the Lakers will finish third or second worst in the NBA, which means that there is a chance the Lakers can keep their pick.
Maybe the Lakers will be able draft Ben Simmons, the top prospect in college basketball. Root for the Nets and Sixers to win games to help the Lakers gain percentage points in keeping their pick. You never know, maybe the Lakers can get lucky with the ping-pong balls again on lottery day.
Next: Three Reasons Why the Lakers Should Keep Byron Scott
There is plenty of reasons to still stay positive for Lakers fans this season, but we’re going to have to dig a little deeper for them.