Random Thoughts

Aloha,

This has been a weird year for inconsistent play in the west. Lakers have had a ton of injuries, and that’s part of our problem but other teams have as well. Yet the Nuggets, Rockets and us all have 19 losses in the 3rd 4th and 5th slot. The TWolves haven’t had that many injuries but have 22 loses. Even the mighty Thunder are 5 and 6 over their last 11. This is why you play the games because health is always the X factor.

Luke Kennard was on the court but a few minutes and you could already tell he has a high basketball IQ. Every one talks about his 3 point shooting but I was more impressed with his play making. He made the right play, every time. I saw a video of his play making ability. The ball is going to move when he is out there.

It’s funny, there are analytics for everything. Vando is currently ranked number one in defensive versatility. I guess they measure time guarding every position. I think we may have found something in that zone with Vando at the top. I don’t think it’s an accident that we have been playing better defense since Vando has gotten more minutes.

Rui has looked extremely good coming off the bench. It gives us a real offensive shot in the arm. Jake is not that consistent and if his offense is off the bench suffers. Now with Kennard we have a couple of guys off the bench that can light it up.

I’m not sure what the starting lineup will look like when everyone is healthy, assuming that ever happens. Not sure I want Smart starting. The downside of the Gabe trade is that it leaves Bronny as the 4th PG. I don’t think you want all 3 of your point guards starting. Perhaps start Jake. You can live with his inconsistency on offense playing with the big 3.

With Maxi finally healthy we have finally been able to see why he is still in the league. He has been such a difference maker the last two games that he has closed the games. He brings the same kind of energy that Vando brings. While he’s really not a shot blocker he is a good positional defender and mucks up the paint for other teams. We now have kind of a 3 center by commitee that we can call on per the situation.

I do understand the Kobe Bufkin signing. First these buyout guys will want to go to a place that they can really contribute and build their stock. That’s why Cam signed with the Bucks. He will have a real role. Other guys actually may have turned the Lakers down for that very reasons He would not have played as much with the Lakers. Kobe has been lightning it up in the G league and plays a little defense as well. I think the Lakers signed him to prevent another team from scooping him up. He probably won’t play much, but the buy out list wasn’t really stellar with the best prospects coming off of injuries and have not played. Not sure who we could have signed that would have played much more than Kobe will.