A lot of critics aren’t feeling too confident about how the Lakers look right now. Well, as a Laker fan and as someone who is responsible for critiquing the team and their performance, I say there is a legitimate reason for the concern and questions.
The Lakers have built a tradition of excellence on the court since their days in Minneapolis, and have strengthened this tradition with the dynasties created in Los Angeles. Now, I am not suggesting that there is a credible reason to complain just because they are losing. It is because of the way they are losing. The Lakers are playing as if this is a throwaway season. This does not fall in line with the Lakers’ tradition of excellence.
The Lakers’ offense is in complete disarray right now. Kobe Bryant told reporters recently, “[The offense] is under construction. We’re still working on the blueprints, actually. We tweaked some things offensively. We probably want to kind of go back to some of the things that we were doing a few weeks ago in terms of some of the spots I’m in on the floor and things like that.”*
Mike Brown added, “There’s a lot right now [to be fixed on offense]. We have a better feel, a decent feel of what to do in terms of a second and third option when a play is getting a little out of whack, but we’re not quite there yet. Versus better defensive teams, it really shows because it’s not as fluid, it’s not as easy because they’re up in us and now you got guys up in you and it’s physical, and you may be thinking about something else as opposed to, ‘Hey, just continue to run the play. They took this option away; go to the next. This guy is here, so I need to move here so our spacing is right.'”*
—- Play Fantasy Basketball for Fun & Cash Prizes | Use “LN2011” 30% Deposit Bonus —-
Phil Jackson’s triangle offense was so embedded into Bryant, Gasol, Fisher and Bynum’s mind that Brown’s style is affecting their approach to the game. For example, Gasol recently stated that he wanted to return to receiving more opportunities inside the paint instead of being rotated out to the perimeter, which is a little too far out of his comfort zone despite his ability to make outside jumpers.
Total blame does not belong to Mike Brown and his offensive philosophy. He is not Phil Jackson and he didn’t have the time to teach his approach to the players due to the lockout and a two-week training camp, where there was too many distractions with trades. In fact, before Tuesday, the Lakers had yet to have a full-contact practice since the start of the regular season. Yet, with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers getting older, time is of the essence. Things need to change now.
Yes, a trade for Deron Williams would pave the way for the Lakers to reach the NBA Finals for the fourth time in five years, but to regain the status of world champions once again the Laker offense must make a change. To do this, they must return to basics. Everyone has heard of the motto, “play to your strengths.” Now is the time for the Lakers to do just that.
Let’s begin with the starting roster.
Next Page: Dissecting Each Player’s Strengths
Andrew Bynum: He is the second best center in the game today. He needs to start playing like it. Consistency is his key and the most important of these he needs to demonstrate night in and night out is his strength. His dominance under the basket is remarkable, yet he seems to find a way of getting away from his strengths.
Pau Gasol: He is a 7-footer that is skilled with a nice outside shot. This is his best asset. I agree with Gasol that he needs to get more inside opportunities. He needs to stick with his successful basics, shots around and in the paint, only shooting long jumpers when wide open or when necessary.
Matt Barnes: His strength is his defense, but also to drive the lane. He is an unselfish player who opts to pass on a shot, sometimes too much. However, he needs to increase his attempts in taking the ball to the basket for a layup and draw fouls. He needs to create open space in order for Kobe to pass him the ball when Bryant draws a double-team.
—- Play Fantasy Basketball for Fun & Cash Prizes | Use “LN2011” 30% Deposit Bonus —-
Kobe Bryant: While his increased jump shot attempts are to adjust to Father Time instead of going against Father Time, he needs to push the ball inside more to create fouls and free throw opportunities. Get to the line; they are free points, take them and say thank you to the opponent. Bryant needs to take better care of the ball and stop depending on a bailout call from the referees, who aren’t making those calls.
Derek Fisher: There is no question that his offense is down quite drastically. Not utilizing the triangle offense is showcasing Fisher’s weaknesses. Fisher shouldn’t force his shot. If it’s not there, it’s not there. Create plays and opportunities, increase your assists, be the leader on the court and stay open for that big shot.
Let’s move on to the bench.
Bench: No energy, no Steve Blake (for at least two more weeks), an inconsistent bench leader in Metta World Peace. Besides a weak point guard position, this is the Lakers’ greatest weakness. World Peace’s basic strength is working in the paint. This goes back to his days in Indiana and Sacramento. World Peace’s three best games of the season occurred when his offense was in the paint. Troy Murphy needs to increase his opportunities with open jumpers. Jason Kapono needs to create space for spot-up jumpers. Josh McRoberts needs to work inside for dunks and/or create alley-oop opportunities.
This is nothing new for the Lakers to learn. They are suggestions based on their individual strengths. Their current offense clearly isn’t working and because of the heavy schedule this season, a new offensive identity may have to wait until the off-season. The Lakers need to return to the basics of basketball and can’t wait for a bailout trade to get them back on track. This will test the players and the team, but it is necessary to return to that tradition of excellence.
*Source: ESPNLA.com | Dave McMenamin