Lakerholics.Net

DJ2KB24 2:32 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink  

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  keen observer 3:14 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

  I think it’s quite clear actually. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have a certain vision for this team that isn’t going to form overnight. They inherited players they did not draft and even a head coach they did not hire. They have been loud and clear about who they like -- Ingram, Lonzo, Nance and Kuzma and one would think they will hold on to Hart and Bryant. Everyone knew that Lopez and KCP were one year rentals who could serve a purpose.

  I hope that helps. Challenging Jordan Clarkson to be 6th man of the year doesn’t mean that they like him. He still comes off the bench. The writing has been on the wall for Julius Randle since Day 1 with this new regime and I think they are making a grave miscalculation. The difference between now and prior years is that we have a legitimate young core to build around even if their Mitch/Jim-like visions of free agent grandeur fall through.

  I agree with bringing Bryant along slowly and I think that Caruso is a joke. I think Ivica Zubac is a goner, too. If you focus strictly on the won-loss record, I think you’re making a mistake, but that’s another issue in my view. We’ll be fine. Bad timing on the injury bug though. Oh well.

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    DJ2KB24 3:21 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

    Gotcha. I just don’t understand why we keep minutes with KCP and Lopez (when he returns), unlees we are thinking of trading them too. Not a problem bringing young ones along slower than others, but regardless of LB (yes, he will add wins), but we are confused on and off the court. Hopefully the TALK explained things to the players.

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      Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well) 3:41 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

      That’s my biggest issue, there are very few defined roles on the team. Luke wants to play jazz when they’re all still learning scales. I hope the chat cleared heads and we can start playing with that great energy we saw earlier in the year. Luke has guys looking over their shoulders wondering if he’ll yank them the wonders where the good energy is…rookie error on his part. Nobody likes getting yanked around or being punished for a role that’s not defined. A player has every right to think of limited minutes as punishment, especially with this win/loss record. It’s on the coaches to explain their choices if they want the sort of trust and bond I believe coach Walton is trying to foster.

      Folks around here regularly lambasted coach Scott for the same thing. Funny how these things have a habit of repeating when there’s no clear line of talent on the squad. Coaches and front office want some of these guys to just…be better than they actually are. Can’t see a reason why they’d anoint players when there is nothing ready to anoint. Even the lowliest weed needs a tiny space to grow in and these guys need a lot more than that.

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        mud 5:41 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

        if the players have such huge issues, dump them.

        i tire of hearing about how someone is “mistreated” or “confused about their role”. what are they? a bunch of upper middle class girls who are so fragile that just yelling in the same room with them will lead to a nervous breakdown?

        a player has no right to think of limited minutes as punishment, but if he does, he better figure out exactly what the coaches want and then provide that. that is his job.

        people who lambasted Scott for these same kind of crimes need to stfu.

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          Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well) 5:55 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

          Completely disagree. Basic psychology informs us that people perform better when they know what’s expected of them. This team has no idea what’s expected of them in the general sense of if I do X really well than why isn’t Y improving? Not saying they’re right but one ought to certainly be able to understand where their gripes are coming from.

          When did you ever appreciate the rug getting pulled out form under you at work? For me the answer is never, and yes, you do the professional thing and suck it up and slog on. But we toil in obscurity, these guys are constantly in the spotlight and are assessed on a fraction of the work they put in. Again, not saying they’re “right” only that I can see it from their point of view.

          This would be an issue with any group of players whose roles seem this undefined. Takes a very strong personality to hold people who are disgruntled together so it’s as good a test for Luke as anything. The unfortunate part is it’s a test largely of his own making. The players are acting in a fairly pro manner. Outside of Randle’s early season pout and this spat of games everyone has shown up to work with their head on right.

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          keen observer 6:23 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

          Kuzma- 22
          Lonzo- 20
          Ingram- 20

          Enough said.

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          mud 6:27 PM on December 29, 2017 Permalink

          basic psychology, psymology.

          the team knows what’s expected. they just can’t quite do it.

          i don’t care about their personal problems. i have enough of my own.

          again, this is not kindergarten.

          why is it a given that the players are so disgruntled or dismayed about anything other than losing? again, is it just because of twitter and “bloggers” who do not have any access to backstage?

          here’s a revelation for all those players with a problem. they are just not that good. they can get better, and i’m pretty sure that they will, since they have enough talent, but it is 100%, absolutely, the players’ problem to do so. they have not been denied anything that they need.

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          GDUBinDC 8:25 AM on December 31, 2017 Permalink

          All these wannabe GMs and coaches offering their expert analysis and sage advice … surely Coach Walton, Magic and Rob should be paying very close attention. : )