After a 3-3 Grammy road trip, the Los Angeles Lakers, 17-12, looked glad to be home, but their legs looked tired as they struggled to beat the Atlanta Hawks, 18-11, Tuesday night, 86-78.
Although the Lakers were successful when they stuck to Coach Mike Brown’s strategy to force the ball inside, the Lakers still suffered from some of the same problems that have plagued them this season: transition defense, defending the point guard position, and so on.
But, overall, the Lakers looked timid against the Hawks and looked like they were a very average team on their road trip. Is mediocrity the destiny for this team? I certainly hope not.
At 33, Kobe Bryant and his knees, wrists, etc. probably do not have more than a couple more superb seasons left in them. So, the Lakers’ organization does not have much time left if they want to squeeze another ring or two out of Bryant before he leaves the game.
I still agree with Bryant, that the Lakers are being methodical and will look to make a splash at some point with a trade or signing. Until then, how can these Lakers play better?
Problems: The Bench is Weak; they are one of the best teams in the league defensively, but they are one of the worst offensively; they cannot guard the point guard position
Solutions:
1. Bring Metta World Peace off the Bench, Again
The Lakers desperately need a leader off the bench and someone to go to offensively, but they do not really have many other choices than to go back to bringing Metta World Peace off the bench. It did not work last time because they did not run the offense through MWP. Give him enough minutes and enough shots, and he’ll produce more. If the Lakers can sign J.R. Smith, he would help them tremendously. They should not let another one get away only to be signed by the Los Angeles Clippers (Chris Paul, Caron Butler, and Kenyon Martin).
2. Jason Kapono Can Shoot, So Play Him
Last season, three-point shooting was a problem for the Lakers. That’s why Kapono is here. The bench needs to produce more, so play Kapono more. Put him in a position to knock down some open looks, and the Lakers will improve offensively and improve their bench production.
3. Go Back to the Triangle!
Offensively, the Lakers are one of the worst teams, 23rd in the league. With a new coach and a new system, we all knew the offense would be an issue, but this is getting silly. Why not have the Lakers go back to the triangle, which Bryant and Derek Fisher have run almost their whole careers?
4. Guarding the Point
Unfortunately, this is one problem that probably cannot be fully addressed without a trade or signing. Moreover, the signing of Gilbert Arenas is a terrible idea. Look at what happened to his last two teams. He was a great player in his prime, but he was last a relevant NBA player in 2007. If they are thinking that kind of signing would help, then why not try out Allen Iverson? The only option at the point for the Lakers would be to bring the experienced and valuable Fisher off the bench. In his place, they would have to see who defends starting point guards the best—Steve Blake, Andrew Goudelock, or Darius Morris.
Without a trade, it’s going to be a rough rest of the season for the Lakers, but there are ways they can maximize the talent they do have.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
