Lakers offseason moves5/27/2023 ![]() ![]() I’d wager on him becoming a solid, versatile 3-and-D.Īfter the draft, the Lakers added Scotty Pippen Jr. Christie contributing in 2022-23 may be a longshot, but his future is bright. He’s a mature, thoughtful kid whose work ethic is unquestioned. His lateral agility and 1-on-1 defense stood out. He needs to bulk up to be a true stopper.Ĭhristie’s IQ - on both ends - is obvious, and he flashed impressive play-making, rebounding, and midrange skills in Summer League. His outside shooting performance at Michigan State and in Summer League doesn’t align with the smoothness of his stroke. Christie was a mildly surprisingly selection considering his rawness, but the Lakers opted for potential and talent as they strive to balance now and later after fielding a historically old team in 2021-22.Ĭhristie has plenty of work to do. ![]() 35 - they nabbed a first-round talent in 19-year-old Max Christie (I graded it here). After trading into the second round - higher than expected, at No. Therefore, I’m optimistic about their 2022 haul, though patience will be necessary. They’ve selected well atop the draft (Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram), later on (Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker, Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac, Larry Nance, etc), and afterward (Austin Reaves). The drafting and developmental track record of the Lakers’ scouting department over the decade is inarguably impressive. Ham brought in Chris Jent and Jordan Ott. He was the right man for the gig.Īs for the staff, the Lakers let go of David Fizdale, Mike Penberthy, and John Lucas III, while retaining beloved assistant/developmental guru Phil Handy (smart) and Quinton Crawford. He holds stars accountable and has improved defenses and developed talent throughout his career as an assistant. Ham was long-deserving of a head coaching opportunity. Only time will tell whether the Lakers have the roster - namely the shooters - to make that work. Ham plans to institute a 4-out, 1-in scheme that was employed by Mike Budenholzer. Considering how much Ham has talked up Westbrook and his personal commitment to executing the plan this summer, it will be fascinating to see how long of a leash Ham, and the Lakers, afford Russ should he fail to evolve. If he can’t do it, nobody can (well, maybe Scott Brooks). Whether Ham can be an effective Russ-whisperer is the biggest question entering his first year on the job. But Westbrook refused to adapt for Vogel and then fired his agent for suggesting that he embrace that vision. Ham has the same intentions for Westbrook, specifically: an elite role player who can set the tone on defense and make an off-ball impact on offense - a role that Vogel idealized, too. In his introductory press conference and ensuing media appearances, Ham has repeatedly laid out his vision for the Lakers as a defense-first, selfless, and tough squad (Vogel had the same idea). I asked Darvin Ham at halftime of Lakers-Suns about what he wants to see from THT (then he clowned me) /616UqpTMDe He’s huge, affable, naturally commands a room, and knows everybody. Just being around Ham at Summer League, his gravitas and communication skills were glaringly apparent. Way back in June, the Lakers hired Darvin Ham to succeed Frank Vogel. Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial) Lakers Offseason Grades So, going by the current roster, let us holistically evaluate the Lakers’ unexpectedly lengthy hiatus from basketball. With each passing day, it looks increasingly likely that Westbrook will be wearing a purple pinny when camp commences. Yet, here we sit in mid-September, two weeks before Media Day, and Russ remains a Laker. Of course, a Russell Westbrook trade is still possible before training camp - if real estate listings are any indication - which would fundamentally shake up the Lakers’ roster (talks with the Utah Jazz are ongoing). We shall grade the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2022 offseason!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |