POLL Serious question for Lakers fans (no trash talk intended)

[HurricaneDij39]

If you could go back in time, would you trade present-day Kyle Kuzma for the 1998 edition of Eddie Jones?

Jones was the anti-Laker in that he was a humble 26-year-old kid that stayed in the moment and was not fazed by the banners in the Forum rafters.

Notable Jones 1997-98 season stats: 16.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 SPG,.484 FG%,.389 3PT%, NBA All-Star, starting SG on 61-win Lakers that reached conference finals.

People tend to forget that Kobe had actually came off the bench behind Jones for his first two years in the league. As a #13 overall pick and one of the youngest players in NBA history, Kobe was not the can't-miss prospect LeBron was and had to work for his spot in the NBA. When you consider all the factors at the time, the Divac trade was actually a good one for the Hornets given that they had let go of Alonzo Mourning not long before.

In 1999, the Lakers had traded Jones (ironically to Charlotte, the team that drafted Kobe) in order to create a full-time starting role for Bryant.

 

[tlance]

If you could go back in time, would you trade present-day Kyle Kuzma for the 1998 edition of Eddie Jones?

Jones was the anti-Laker in that he was a humble 26-year-old kid that stayed in the moment and was not fazed by the banners in the Forum rafters.

Notable Jones 1997-98 season stats: 16.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 SPG,.484 FG%,.389 3PT%, NBA All-Star, starting SG on 61-win Lakers that reached conference finals.

People tend to forget that Kobe had actually came off the bench behind Jones for his first two years in the league. As a #13 overall pick and one of the youngest players in NBA history, Kobe was not the can't-miss prospect LeBron was and had to work for his spot in the NBA. When you consider all the factors at the time, the Divac trade was actually a good one for the Hornets given that they had let go of Alonzo Mourning not long before.

In 1999, the Lakers had traded Jones (ironically to Charlotte, the team that drafted Kobe) in order to create a full-time starting role for Bryant.

Divac was a good player and Kobe was always trying to force his way to the Lakers, so not sure Charlotte would have drafted him with their pick without the trade.

But that deal was not good for Charlotte. They gave up an 18 year old future all time great for a high quality role player.

And yes, 1998 Eddie Jones was a better short term fit for the Lakers needs. He could shoot a bit and he could defend the wing (maybe the point?). He would be a better fit with Cousins and AD already on the roster.

LeBron, Jones, Green, Davis and Cousins would be a pretty tough lineup.

 

[MHSL82]

Oops, delete my answer. I’m not a Lakers fan but responded.

 

[Bart]

Good question, OP.

I voted for Eddie Jones. I'm not a fan of Eddie Jones at all. I think he was a bit overrated, however, he was a better 3 and D guy than Kuzma which fits today's game better.

I wanted to comment about the OP's post about Kobe coming off the bench the first 2 years. It was pretty obvious Kobe was an elite talent from the start but Del Harris insisted on bringing him off the bench in favor of Eddie Jones. At the time I thought that was a horrible idea and I still do. He could have easily started both players but Del Harris was pretty much an idiot so he waited 2 long years to start Kobe, hindering his development and keeping a exceptional talent from contributing more. I have no doubt that starting Kobe earlier would have resulted deeper runs into the playoffs and probably saved Del Harris's job. Of course, it probably worked out for the best since the Lakers eventually got Phil Jackson but it still doesn't remove the fact that it was a bad decision by Del Harris at the time.

 

[trojanfan12]

Interesting choice.

Their stats are pretty similar. Kuzma averages more points and rebounds, but Jones shooting percentages were better and he averaged 1 more assist. Jones was a better defender than Kuzma is.

It's really close, imo. I don't think there's a wrong choice between the 2.

I think I would lean Kuzma. The difference for me is that the season used was Jones 4th year and Kuzma has been in the league 2 years. Kuzma is also bigger and just as athletic as Jones.

I lean Kuzma, but certainly wouldn't feel slighted with Jones.

 

[True Lakers Fan]

If you could go back in time, would you trade present-day Kyle Kuzma for the 1998 edition of Eddie Jones?

Jones was the anti-Laker in that he was a humble 26-year-old kid that stayed in the moment and was not fazed by the banners in the Forum rafters.

Notable Jones 1997-98 season stats: 16.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 SPG,.484 FG%,.389 3PT%, NBA All-Star, starting SG on 61-win Lakers that reached conference finals.

People tend to forget that Kobe had actually came off the bench behind Jones for his first two years in the league. As a #13 overall pick and one of the youngest players in NBA history, Kobe was not the can't-miss prospect LeBron was and had to work for his spot in the NBA. When you consider all the factors at the time, the Divac trade was actually a good one for the Hornets given that they had let go of Alonzo Mourning not long before.

In 1999, the Lakers had traded Jones (ironically to Charlotte, the team that drafted Kobe) in order to create a full-time starting role for Bryant.

Kyle Kuzma stats in just two years is already 18 ppg 5.5 rpg 2.5 apg 0.6 spg(weak spot due to not enough defense) 45% FG and 75% FT(Huge weak spot that needs to be corrected big time), and 30% 3 3PT(Not quite as good as Jones, but okay for now) So we already know what Jones did produce and it appears that Kuzma can become much more. I would gamble with Kuzma

 

[bksballer89]

Loved Eddie Jones when he was in Miami

 

[CitySushi]

Eddie Jones 100%.

 

[Bart]

Good question OP.

Eddie Jones 100%.

It's actually the pretty clear choice. Kuzma feels like a bust.

 

[tlance]

LOL @Bart.

That is funny. Really hope you are joking.

There has to be at least some semblance of truth for a troll attempt to be effective.

Kuzma was the 28th pick and has probably scored more points in 2 seasons than most late 20s picks do in their entire careers.

 

[CitySushi]

Eddie Jones or probably one of the only dudes I like who have played for the Lakers. Dude was a hooper. 3x AS, 1x All NBA and 3x All Defense.

One of the more under appreciated 2 guards I can remember.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Good question OP.


It's actually the pretty clear choice. Kuzma feels like a bust.

How is a 28th pick averaging 18ppg a bust?

 

[tlance]

How is a 28th pick averaging 18ppg a bust?

Any first rounder that averages less than 25 is a bust.

Cmon, you know that!

 

[Bart]

LOL @Bart.

That is funny. Really hope you are joking.

There has to be at least some semblance of truth for a troll attempt to be effective.

Kuzma was the 28th pick and has probably scored more points in 2 seasons than most late 20s picks do in their entire careers.

Kuzma seems like a player that is going to need consistent touches to be effective. With Lebron and AD getting most of the touches, I predict Kuzma's productions and efficiency is going to a huge hit. He already regressed tremendously at the 3 point line last year, I expect this to continue with his production and efficiency on the rest the floor to follow. This is why he will be a bust. He's not good enough to be a first or second option but isn't suited for a 3rd or 4th option either because of the fall off in production and efficiency. He is not really a bad player, he just doesn't fit with a contender. If you want a good player on a lotto team, then he's your man.

 

[Bart]

How is a 28th pick averaging 18ppg a bust?

See my post to Tlance.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Kuzma seems like a player that is going to need consistent touches to be effective. With Lebron and AD getting most of the touches, I predict Kuzma's productions and efficiency is going to a huge hit. He already regressed tremendously at the 3 point line last year, I expect this to continue with his production and efficiency on the rest the floor to follow. This is why he will be a bust. He's not good enough to be a first or second option but isn't suited for a 3rd or 4th option either because of the fall off in production and efficiency. He is not really a bad player, he just doesn't fit with a contender. If you want a good player on a lotto team, then he's your man.

A fall in production and efficiency?

He averaged career numbers in FG%, FT%, assists and points last season

Are you literally looking at his 3pt % and calling it a day?

 

[bksballer89]

Kuzma seems like a player that is going to need consistent touches to be effective. With Lebron and AD getting most of the touches, I predict Kuzma's productions and efficiency is going to a huge hit. He already regressed tremendously at the 3 point line last year, I expect this to continue with his production and efficiency on the rest the floor to follow. This is why he will be a bust. He's not good enough to be a first or second option but isn't suited for a 3rd or 4th option either because of the fall off in production and efficiency. He is not really a bad player, he just doesn't fit with a contender. If you want a good player on a lotto team, then he's your man.

Solid post but nothing in this post suggest that Kuzma is a bust.....because he isn't

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Solid post but nothing in this post suggest that Kuzma is a bust.....because he isn't

Hardly a solid post if all the info in it is wrong.

 

[bksballer89]

Hardly a solid post if all the info in it is wrong.

His post about Kuzma 3 pt % is actually dead on.

Went from 36% in his rookie year to 30 % last year.

That does fall under regressing tremendously at the 3 pt line

 

[Wamu]

No trash talk intended?