Stan Van Gundy had a talented roster but didn’t make the proper adjustments to help them succeed!
This statement from Pelicans’ executive David Griffin basically describes what Lake Show Life would say to readers all season long…a lot more polite than some of us!
"“We know this is a process and it takes time. But we also have to take a look at ourselves, front office, coaching, players. Is what we are doing working? Are we doing enough for the group to create winning? That’s what our focus is going to be.”"
The Lake Show Life Lessons staff spent so many late night pointing out issues and pitfalls for the Los Angeles Lakers as far back as the preseason. Most of the comments would be ignored especially when the team was 21-6. Comments like…
- They’re the champs and are winning! Stop hating…
- They are still implementing the players into the new system (Now we know there wasn’t one!)
- After Anthony Davis got hurt: Wait until AD gets back…things will be fine.
- After LeBron James gets hurt: Wait until LeBron gets back…things will be fine.
- We’re just getting ready for the playoffs, no team want to face us…
The Pelicans with Stan Van Gundy had the same issues as the Los Angeles Lakers. They just let go of the rope about three weeks before the Lake Show. Van Gundy did not find the proper rotations with the talent he had.
Frank Vogel comparison:
The second Andre Drummond got into the fold, we now see the team chemistry was blown up. Montrezl Harrell, who was probably the hardest worker on the team started collecting DNP-CDs (Did not play…coaches decision) like the ones you have color coordinated next to your old CD/radio player. A huge collapse to the Dallas Mavericks on national TV when Harrell was benched put the Lakers in a spiral that led the team to the play-in tournament.
It was this game on April 25th that this writer knew the Lakers would not get out of the first round. (Click on the article and head to the comments! Internet is forever!). Frank Vogel refused to maximize his three center rotation for specific situations. His in game adjustments were horrid.
Harrell and Marc Gasol could have been assets to finish out the season, but Vogel’s insistence to play Andre Drummond when the matchups didn’t favor the Lakers doomed the season.
If the above statement rubs you the wrong way, why did Drummond get benched in the last game of the season? Just a thought.
The Los Angeles Lakers did end their season in a frustrating way. It was plain to see that the roster was not as focused as the championship team (Kyle Kuzma, yes Lake Show Life is talking about you!) and appeared to let go of the rope. Some players took to social media to express their frustrations while other went to the media.
If things continue on next year if the team decides to run the roster back, hopefully things won’t turn out like this recently fired coach. Hopefully…Read on…