Lakers Lose Two in a Row to Durantless Rockets

 The Los Angeles Lakers were rolling along taking a commanding lead in the best of seven game series with an ad hoc line up when the two highest scoring players were out. Luke Kennard; the most accurate three point shooter in the league, was a dead-eye in the first two games and averaging more than 20 points a game as a substitute starter.

Then coach Reddick mentioned the possible return of guard Austin Reeves and, coincidently, Kennard found that someone had put a lid over the basket and couldn't buy a three point shot. One might think his confidence and accuracy was clipped when his magic starring role mojo vanished and critics returned to describe him as a choker.

The Lakers lost the last two games to the Rockets (playing without Houston's star Kevin Durant) and may lose two additional games. If Luke Kennard could rediscover confidence in shooting and not find his point of aim slightly off- nervous perhaps, he might be able to hit the bullseye again. At any rate coach Reddick failed to diversify his line-up and run the youth squad a lot more. He tends to be overly conservative with player selection as a coach.

I suppose it won't matter if the Lakers lose the series or win it, perhaps returning to Los Angeles in game seven. It is nearly certain that the conservative player rotation will get the Lakers defeated by the OKC Thunder in the next series if they win. In fact the Lakers would probably lose to OKC even if Luca Doncik and Austin Reeves play full time.Doncik is the league's highest scorer for the regular season and injured a hamstring against OKC the last time they met in the regular season and hasn't played since. It would be a shame to return him too early and risk a more serious reinjury when they are likely going to lose 4-1 or 4-2 anyway. Coach Reddick doesn't trust his younger players on the bench, and played the slumping Kennard even when he should have resumed the off the bench to make threes role and let Bronny James or Nick Smith Jr. start.

Irrational Exuberance About Reeves Re James

 Austin Reeves has been scoring a lot in the absence of Luka Doncic and Lebron James due to injuries. Reeves has show the ability to be a competent point guard against some teams. It is notable though that some have decided that Lebron james is now obsolete, and of course that is entirely incorrect.

 James is over 40 with 21 years in the league, yet he still plays at a very high level for two-three quarters of the game. Using James as an opener and closer to extend his quality time is important. He is the best power forward on the team and can give the team a decisive edge in the 4th quarter if rested.

The Lakers have had a tendency to give up large leads in the first quarter compelling them to play catch up. Perhaps resting james in the first and third quarters is a better tactic while letting him bring a different structure to the lakers in the second and fourth.

The Lakers expect a lot of things from the rookie Adou Thiero who is recovering from surgery from an injury last college season. He can be a very aggressive power forward who needs time to improve his three point shooting. Jake Laravia can be a versatile and competent wing defender and forward as well with adequate defense skills. Jarred Vanderbilt is another forward with great defense and rebounding skill yet without much offensive prowess. Rui Hachimura is another forward with middle of the meter all-round skills. None have the power of Lebron James who can even help at center in a pinch.

LA is getting solid center position work this year. They have three centers led by Deandre Ayton who are skillful and improving. The options the Lakers have for mixing quality line-ups this year are better than last. If James is rested and Doncic healthy while the rest of the team stays on track their prospects for reaching and going far in the playoffs are good. It is worth remembering in the Austin Reeves exuberance of the moment that Reeves is not the best defensive guard in the N.B.A., and neither is Luka Doncic. The Lakers will require some interesting rotations and line-up changes that match well against select opponents. Over-playing the declining cardio of Lebron James before the 4th quarter will reduce his value at helping close out games with a win for the Lakers.

Plainly the Lakers have strong guards. It is reasonable to compare Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves to Jerry West and Gale Goodrich. If Lebron James is like an aging Elgin Baylor, and Laravia isn't yet a 3/4 John Havlicek destined to have 8 championship rings, he is yet a good prospect for a future starter too- perhaps with Adou Thiero. Definitely missing is the Wilt Chamberlain power. Yet Ayton has shown good shooting, rebounding and competence this season.  The Lakers seem to have the potential for being a smarter, faster championship contender perhaps able to match up with strength where needed and speed and bench depth such as the championship OKC team has.