02/14 - Final Score: @ New Orleans 117-139 [L]
Highlights: *Courtesy of Ximo Pierto*
The big highlight of the game was Isaiah Thomas' fight with Rajon Rondo. Both players got ejected this game. Not that it affected the outcome. The Pelicans got off to a very fast start. They didn't run away the whole game. The Lakers cut the deficit to as little as two points. Randle, Ingram, Kuzma, and Hart carried the team scoring-wise as all four were in double figures. Kuzma really had to pick up the load for the 2nd unit, especially without I.T. with 23 points. But, they really had no answer for Anthony Davis down low. This was one ugly road loss this season.
02/15 - Final Score: @ Minnesota 111-119 [L]
Highlights: *Courtesy of Ximo Pierto*
The Lakers almost had this game as the first win with I.T. on the floor. The biggest positive was the chemistry between I.T. and Ivica Zubac. They really developed a very effective rapport in pick-and-roll during this game. Zubac resurrected himself here with 18 points and 11 rebounds on perfect 8-8 shooting. No question he should see the floor more. The Timberwolves, they have a promising teams with seasoned veterans. And that showed down the stretch in this game. Wiggins and KAT didn't have to pick up the load. Rather, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, Jeff Teague, and Jamal Crawford carried the Timberwolves to victory here. Butler, in particular, was sensational on both ends of the floor in that quarter. That ultimately spelled the Lakers' demise before the All-Star break.
After the All-Star Break
The Lakers get a big time boost with Lonzo Ball returning to the lineup. It's a heated debate between Zo and I.T. in terms of the starting point guard role. Some say they should start alongside each other. I don't see how that would work, especially at the idea of I.T. at the 2 guard or Zo at the 2 guard (which doesn't make any sense). It should be clear as day with Zo in the starting lineup and I.T. coming off the bench to give the Lakers more firepower. Zo's return should also benefit the Lakers defensively. The team defense has been out of the loop during this three game losing streak. The Lakers have to recommit on the defensive end to set up the fast pace play in the Lakers' favor. I think after Zubac's game, Luke Walton must consider adding him to the rotation. They're playing a two-man rotation at the 5 with Brook and Randle. The small ball lineup works, but like the Dallas game, coaches will counter with a big-sized lineup to slow down the Lakers' small ball play. I'd say the same should be said for including Thomas Bryant in the rotation. Use those guys to counter if teams send out a bigger lineup. Josh Hart likely going back to the bench with Zo returning could do wonders to mask I.T.'s defensive weaknesses as they'll be the back court for the 2nd unit. A playoff push for the 2nd half is still not out of the picture, but the Lakers have to get back to the basics to make that a reality: playing tough team defense and playing fast and aggressive. It all hinges on Luke as a head coach to push the right buttons at the right time. The Lakers resume tomorrow against Dallas. I was supposed to cover that game after the break, but something else has popped up and I won't be covering the game unfortunately. Speaking of Dallas, the Mavs in a massive ditch with the sexual harassment in the workplace allegations. Mark Cuban's got his work cut out to clean up that deep of a mess. I'll see you guys later.
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