Still can’t get to the site at work, something in our security is blocking it.
Anyhoo, some thoughts on the last 2 games and Rich “Clickbait” Paul.
1) It might not be “fair” to Rui but Jake LaRavia is better in the starting 5 as currently constructed. When Reaves comes back and Smart goes back to the bench, Jake should stay in the starting 5. Our energy picks up, our toughness picks up, and it’s clear that Jake is at least Rui’s equal and has more ceiling. Jake has plenty to work on (passing and his handle come right to the front) but his fit with Luka, Ayton and LeBron is legit.
2) Smart, Vincent, Vando, Rui and Hayes make up a solid bench. Thiero is hurt a lot already, Knecht can’t connect, and the talent drop off is vast after that. That’s a serviceable bench for the season until we get some off-season clarity on exactly what LeBron is doing (likely it mostly depends on how he and the team finish). There’s a lot to be said for the bench being gritty snd tough to compensate for the formula one vibe the starters have.
3) Rich Paul needs to stop flapping his yapper. He’s not doing LeBron any favors and seems intent on pulling a Diddy: throwing the folks he reps under the bus in lieu of pushing his own agenda, no matter how silly or petty. The Grizz would need a monster haul to trade JJJ, less so for Ja (who is an AWFUL fit here in LA). We don’t have a monster haul. You can put the Nets, Heat, Portland and maybe even Milwaukee before the Lakers in terms of what they can put into a trade. The Thunder, too, just hard to see them move on from either Chet or IH in their respective roles. Regardless, Rich Paul needs to find a better hobby.
4) Ayton needs to be a little more of a focal point, he’s too much of a threat to just be left to finish broken plays or missed shots. When engaged he’s a monster. It’s the keeping him engaged part.
5) This is your Lakers team. We have a decent stretch of games against middling/low end team. Time to regain some momentum and swagger. LeBron looks better every game, LaRavia as a starter really works, adding Smart, Rui and a healthy Gabe give the bench some pop. Maybe we end up a 3rd team as part of a larger deal but my gut tells me we’re finishing the season with this squad. Time to just make it work.