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Lakers: 3 Things We Learned About LA After Beating the Timberwolves

By Eric Yee

Feb 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tuesday night’s Lakers game presented various signs of hope for the LA faithful

Despite losing 10 straight games, at times the Los Angeles Lakers actually looked impressive against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Instead of walking the ball up the court, the young Lakers finally used their athleticism to their advantage jumping out on the break every chance they had.

More over, the Lakers finally came out and showed some of the aggressiveness that fans have been pleading for all season. Los Angeles had their best half of the season, scoring a season high 66 points on 56 percent shooting and actually looked like they were having fun, another thing that the team’s been devoid of for weeks.

The second half was a different story completely, as the Lakers fell back into form, letting the Wolves back into the game by early in the fourth quarter, but they still managed to come away with the close victory.

Aside from the fact that Kobe Bryant can still ball and Andrew Wiggins is the truth, here are three important things that we learned after Tuesday’s solid performance.

1. Rumors About Byron Scott‘s Job Security Must Be True

Reports recently surfaced that the final two and a half months of the season would determine Byron Scott‘s future with the franchise, and based on Tuesday’s game, it seems like the reports are true.

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Instead of his nonsensical rotations, during the first half Byron actually looked like an NBA coach, subbing players based on performance rather than pre-planned minute restrictions. Further, Byron didn’t wait entire quarters too long, per usual, to make the necessary adjustments but did so in a prompt, effective manner.

However, in the second half, he went back to his old habits, playing Kobe way too many minutes, leaving D’Angelo Russell and Tarik Black, who were responsible for the dominant first half, on the bench way too long.

Further, Byron Scott didn’t even utilize rookie, Anthony Brown, at all, showing his inability to balance the playing time of his rookies. Yes, you can’t expect him to change completely in one game, but this excuse becomes irrelevant when you realize that he’s had over half a season to figure this out.

Though extremely doubtful, the prospect of Byron Scott being the head coach of the Lakers next season is terrifying nonetheless. Hopefully, the front office realizes that waiting until right before the All-Star break to understand the error of his ways is far from the the trait of a desirable head coach.

2. Tarik Black is the Big Man LA’s Been Looking For

The Lakers strong was first half was due largely in part to D’Angelo Russell‘s aggressiveness, especially when attacking the rim, but more so, to the reemergence of Tarik Black, who ignited the team on defense and in the pick and roll.

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Especially when compared to Ryan Kelly, who has been inconsistent as ever, and Roy Hibbert, who moves as slow as molasses, Black looks like a perfect fit alongside Julius Randle and in the pick and roll with Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers lineup of Russell-Clarkson-Young-Black-Bass was actually the most effective unit of the night.

Not only does Black have the athleticism to match his young companions, but he brings a certain spark and energy to the lineups that has been missing from the Lakers nearly the entire season. Similar to Clarkson, Black is a restricted free agent after this season but based on performance in limited minutes, the Lakers can’t afford to lose this valuable young player.

3. The Lakers Young Players Are Highlights Waiting to Happen

The highlights speak for themselves, from D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson smooth euro steps, to Tarik Black and Julius Randle hammer dunks, the young Lakers are a highlight film waiting to happen.

However, this was only made possible by the the new Byron Scott.

Even though it may have taken them one step further from securing their draft pick, Tuesday night served as a much needed glimmer of hope for the Los Angeles Lakers. Man, that was fun.

Next: Byron Scott Finally on the Chopping Block

What do you think of Byron Scott’s coaching adjustments? How about Tarik Black? Let us know in the comments below and as always be sure to check into Lake Show Life for all your Lakers news and updates!

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