Nov 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) reacts on the court in 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
7. Too Much Bryant, Williams, and Young in the Fourth Quarter
The silver lining, if there is one, is that Clarkson, Julius Randle, and Russell are starting to play better both individually and as a trio. Russell, who has been especially maligned, is starting to make plays and hit shots, and is showing more aggressiveness and confidence. Randle is a beast waiting to be unleashed and, just by looking at him, there is a sense that he is going to be a force when he finally puts it together. As for Clarkson, he continues to improve and is the best all-around player on the team right now.
But these young guys cannot get the experience they need with Bryant, Williams, and Young on the court. For one thing, this trio of veterans shoots too much and they are not making their shots. Bryant and Williams are not playing at an NBA level, and Young, though behaving himself this year, is as streaky as ever on offense and is not the consistent scoring threat the team needs.
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Clarkson, Randle, and Russell, must learn to play together and win games down the stretch when the team is close. This simply will not happen with Bryant and Williams on the floor, both playing big minutes.