Has there been any signs that the Lakers really want Lonzo?

[eaglesnut]

Why is all the media talking about LeBron to the Lakers after next year? Doesn't make sense at all to me. At 34, he would be looking to go to a ready to win today kind of team. The Lakers are not going to be there next summer.

Won't happen. Lebron has always been afraid of playing in the west for a full season.

 

[shopson67]

Stop letting facts get in the way of a good Chaiman Yi joke

Good? Questionable lol.

 

[Mecca]

Curious considering his big mouth Father is a personal trainer and he hasn't worked out for any other teams....

Many qualities have made the Lakers impressed with Ball, including his leadership potential, passing and scoring. They are not impressed, however, with his level of conditioning. Some observers of Ball’s workout last Wednesday thought he came in out of shape. Ball acknowledged that the “drills get you tired, so you got to stay focused.”

– via Orange County Register

 

[larryjohn]

I don't think this new front office knows how to play the deception game just yet, so I believe the Magic Johnson quotes more than the unnamed source "leaks" about not liking Ball. Seems like they are trying to defuse his early comments after realizing there were advantages to not tipping their hand. Regardless, they are guaranteed to get their choice of at least 2 of those 3 (or Josh Jackson), so we'll see (and they have been working out all of the above, other than Fultz who they are still trying to get for a workout. They are also taking a look at Smith this weekend, so maybe the Kings' trade up desire is an option if he impresses (although I have similar questions with him that I have with Fox).

I'm not so sure about Fox, especially with his lack of a reliable perimeter game. Fultz is the better scorer, but he's basically a better version of D'Angelo Russell IMO, which makes me think having both of them together wouldn't be a great fit. Ball is the distributor and perimeter threat that the Lakers need. Fox's speed and aggressive play is interesting, but he's also very slight (20 lbs lighter than Fultz and Ball) and will get pushed around a bit in the NBA.

Let's say that Magic & Lakers really like Ball. There would be zero reason for making that public.

What would make sense is if they "faked" interest in Fox or Jackson. Then if the 76ers or Kings were really interested in Jackson/Fox/other -- there is a chance they may try to trade up and the Lakers could get more assets. (or agree on some type of trade) The Lakers potentially could end up with an asset + Ball. Stuff like this happens quite a bit in the NFL.

 

[flyerhawk]

Let's say that Magic & Lakers really like Ball. There would be zero reason for making that public.

What would make sense is if they "faked" interest in Fox or Jackson. Then if the 76ers or Kings were really interested in Jackson/Fox/other -- there is a chance they may try to trade up and the Lakers could get more assets. (or agree on some type of trade) The Lakers potentially could end up with an asset + Ball. Stuff like this happens quite a bit in the NFL.

While I would say the odds are that the Lakers take Ball, I think there is a significant chance they don't. Bill Simmons believes that Magic watching that UK/UCLA game had to have a big impact on him and that the Lakers may be secretly coveting Fox.

I have no idea bout that but if I were the Lakers I completely agree with what you are saying. Downplay interest in Ball and make other teams think you might take the guy they want. Now it is entirely possible, likely even, that those teams would be just as happy taking Ball instead so they won't care either way. But you have to assume that someone might get jittery or maybe would look to trade with you if they thought you were seriously willing to not take Ball.

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

Dennis Smith Jr. made a strong impression from his workout with the Lakers. And apparently Lonzo was out of shape.

Curious considering his big mouth Father is a personal trainer and he hasn't worked out for any other teams....

Many qualities have made the Lakers impressed with Ball, including his leadership potential, passing and scoring. They are not impressed, however, with his level of conditioning. Some observers of Ball’s workout last Wednesday thought he came in out of shape. Ball acknowledged that the “drills get you tired, so you got to stay focused.”

– via Orange County Register

^

 

[Ickey Shuffle]

At first I liked Ball, but come on. Instant red flag. I wouldn't even bother. Enough of the drama, L.A. Time to play some basketball again.

 

[The Q]

While I would say the odds are that the Lakers take Ball, I think there is a significant chance they don't. Bill Simmons believes that Magic watching that UK/UCLA game had to have a big impact on him and that the Lakers may be secretly coveting Fox.

I have no idea bout that but if I were the Lakers I completely agree with what you are saying. Downplay interest in Ball and make other teams think you might take the guy they want. Now it is entirely possible, likely even, that those teams would be just as happy taking Ball instead so they won't care either way. But you have to assume that someone might get jittery or maybe would look to trade with you if they thought you were seriously willing to not take Ball.

If you can get 5 and 10 from the Kings...you probably do it.

 

[flyerhawk]

If you can get 5 and 10 from the Kings...you probably do it.

Yeah I would agree with that. This is a great draft and you could get a real quality player with the 10th pick.

Hard to see the Kings being willing to do it though.

 

[The Q]

Yeah I would agree with that. This is a great draft and you could get a real quality player with the 10th pick.

Hard to see the Kings being willing to do it though.

Rumor is they're considering it.

I think Fox is getting a little too much hype right now.

I'll take Dennis Smith and Zach Collins and be ok.

 

[flyerhawk]

Rumor is they're considering it.

I think Fox is getting a little too much hype right now.

I'll take Dennis Smith and Zach Collins and be ok.

You never know with Vlad and that crazy owner. IMO, if they are trading up, though, I would think they would be going for Jackson or Tatum. I can't imagine they think any particular guard would be make that move given the depth of the position this year.

 

[The Q]

You never know with Vlad and that crazy owner. IMO, if they are trading up, though, I would think they would be going for Jackson or Tatum. I can't imagine they think any particular guard would be make that move given the depth of the position this year.

Teams fall in love with guys.

It's crazy

fucking Miles Bridges staying really hurt Sacto more than anyone else IMO. He would've been primed for that 10 pick.

Getting a PG and Bridges fills out their team.

Right now DraftExpress has the Kings getting Tatum and Dennis Smith.....that would be an A+ draft imo.

 

[larryjohn]

At first I liked Ball, but come on. Instant red flag. I wouldn't even bother. Enough of the drama, L.A. Time to play some basketball again.

Actually, Ball is one guy who I may learn something from with "one on zero" workouts. It would be worthless to watch him shoot 3s. I'd somehow setup stations and make him shoot pick & roll jumpers -- from 8-15 feet. I'm very skeptical that he has the type of mid-range game that makes Kyrie almost unstoppable. In Ball's first 22 games at UCLA last year -- he made 2 shots that were not either 3-pointers or layups/dunks.

To me ... in today's NBA ... that is a huge red flag.

But .. if he showed in workouts that he actually had the mid-range jumper and the runner in the lane ... I'd be much more interested.

 

[The Q]

Actually, Ball is one guy who I may learn something from with "one on zero" workouts. It would be worthless to watch him shoot 3s. I'd somehow setup stations and make him shoot pick & roll jumpers -- from 8-15 feet. I'm very skeptical that he has the type of mid-range game that makes Kyrie almost unstoppable. In Ball's first 22 games at UCLA last year -- he made 2 shots that were not either 3-pointers or layups/dunks.

To me ... in today's NBA ... that is a huge red flag.

But .. if he showed in workouts that he actually had the mid-range jumper and the runner in the lane ... I'd be much more interested.

why can't he shoot pick and roll 3s?

 

[larryjohn]

why can't he shoot pick and roll 3s?

Weird release ... maybe.

My main question is why he would only make 2 of those shots in 22 games at UCLA. Red Flag.

I know guys who are only "3 pointer and layup guys". I think it is harder for them to learn the mid-range, P&R game than it is to teacher players like Fox (and many others -- like Jason Kidd -- many big guys) to learn to shoot the 3.

 

[The Q]

Weird release ... maybe.

My main question is why he would only make 2 of those shots in 22 games at UCLA. Red Flag.

I know guys who are only "3 pointer and layup guys". I think it is harder for them to learn the mid-range, P&R game than it is to teacher players like Fox (and many others -- like Jason Kidd -- many big guys) to learn to shoot the 3.

It's actually a really efficient offensive attack.

3s and layups/dunks are the most efficient shots in the game.

 

[larryjohn]

It's actually a really efficient offensive attack.
3s and layups/dunks are the most efficient shots in the game.

Watch how they guard point guards who don't have a mid-range game. Inside the 3-point line -- they back off -- and you don't get layups.

Watch Kyrie -- that is one of the things that makes him so dangerous (and Harden/Westbrook ... Wall/Parker/CP3) -- you have to respect the mid-range jumper when he is doing the jittery jump stop & jumper -- you have to cover it ... then he can change and take it to the hole.

Wall/Parker/CP3 don't have great 3-point shots ... what makes them really good is the mid-range threat.

If you have no mid-range game -- it is much easier to defend.

 

[bksballer89]

anyone posted this yet?

The Lakers reportedly thought Lonzo Ball looked 'out of shape' during his workout

 

[bksballer89]

I don't want to see the Lakers draft Lonzo. Nothing against Lakers fans but man I would love to see Lavar Ball reaction/comments if the Lakers pass on him lol

 

[wildturkey]

Dennis Smith Jr. made a strong impression from his workout with the Lakers. And apparently Lonzo was out of shape.



^

Good. He needs to be talked about more. Personally, I think he's 2nd best player in the draft behind Fultz. He can do it all. He was right up there with Fultz and Harry Giles before the season started but now his stock has fallen because his team was dirt rotten. If you watched NC State play, he'd leap off the screen. Teams would throw everything at him, he'd still put up numbers. And he could have had gaudy assists numbers like Ball too but his teammates literally could not handle it. They'd fumble passes or miss easy shots. He can be a real star.