After the offseason excitement in Los Angeles, leading to
the crowning of the Lakers as the team to beat in the Western Conference, the
early season collapse and coaching situation have completely changed the
atmosphere.
When Mike Brown was fired after the horrific 1-4 start, the
obvious choice to fill the void was Phil Jackson. Jackson has won 11
championships in 20 years coaching on the NBA level, and the Zenmaster would
have won more, had it not been for the baseball side-show that was Michael
Jordan and the breakup of Shaqobe. Dismissing those years gives Phil a record
of 11 rings in 16 years, unequalled in modern times, and never to be seen
again.
While Mike D’Antoni is an offensive mastermind, his defensive
coaching deficiencies are impossible to ignore. Though never having the likes
of a Metta World Peace or Dwight Howard, both Defensive Player of the Year in
past years, how will D’Antoni manage this Lakers team that would be considered
a bust without reaching the Finals?
D’Antoni was as surprised as anyone at his hiring, which
begs the question…why accept a job you don’t even feel worthy of?
Last night’s game against the Spurs showed both ends of the
court need work. Danny Green was left wide open for a three that would give the
Spurs the lead with 9.3 seconds remaining. After a timeout, the Lakers
inbounded the ball to Pau Gasol in the right corner…umm, does anyone else think
he needs to be the ball handler in this situation? Kobe could break open, and
Pau launched a 3 from the corner, which rattled out and a melee ensued for the
loose ball, which was never recovered as time expired.
How is D’Antoni going to fix what is ailing in Laker world?
His run-and-gun style from Phoenix is most definitely not the answer for this
Lakers squad. With a post-up big man in Howard, and the aging vets at the other
positions, D’Antoni must change his formula for success.
Kobe says he idolized his new coach growing up, but just how
long before that affection wears off? I’m calling for ten games from the time
he actually takes his place along the sidelines. Kobe is the ultimate
competitor, and will not accept anything but excellence both in-game and
practice.
If the Lakers cannot acclimate themselves to the new “D’Antoni
system”, whatever version that might be, the chants for Phil will return…and
louder than ever.
Jerry Buss will then have to tell his son, Jim, to suck it
up and call the Zenmaster to fix what should have been his job in the first
place...
Where does this merry-go-round end in your mind?
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