An early look at the Los Angeles Lakers

Game 2 – Lakers vs Warriors

No Steve Nash is bad

The news that two-time MVP Steve Nash would not be playing the second game of back-to-back’s was very concerning; and Wednesday’s game proved why. Without the veteran leadership of the ailing 39-year old, Steve Blake was given the ball to run the offense and he did it poorly. Granted, the Lakers starting five consisted of Gasol, Shawne Williams (who?), Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks, and Nick Young, but Nash’s presence on the court would have smoothened the offense. Which brings me to my next point.

The Lakers missed Steve Nash in Game 2.

Change the starting five

Shawne Williams has no business playing as the starting power forward. I don’t care if he plays solid defense and has a nice three point shot. I believe the first six minutes are very important in setting the tone for the rest of the game, and this was proved when the Lakers went down by double digits in the first six minutes against the Warriors and never recovered. There is no reason Chris Kaman and Jordan Hill need to come off the bench.

If I was the Pringle Man (Mike D’Antoni), I would start Kaman and see how two above average seven-footer mid-range shooters pair together. Sure, they won’t be the quickest team on the floor, but defenders will have to respect their shooting abilities and give the other seven-footer a one-on-one match-up in the paint for the rebound (if there is one). The Pringle Man can switch it to small, fast ball anytime he wants by putting in Farmar, Johnson, Meeks, and Henry in.

Nick Young is ineffective

The Laker’s first points against the Warriors came on a contested three-pointer by Young. That was about the extent of Young’s presence on Wednesday night as he earned a -16 in the +/- column. Young is a heralded ball hog. He has an amazingly quick release and if he’s on fire, he’s truly El Fuego. Other than that, Young is pretty darn useless. He can’t pass, he can’t defend, he can’t do anything except jaw off when he’s hot. Then again, it’s only two games into the season so we’ll wait and see on him.

Final thoughts

If Mike D’Antoni can find a way to balance slow ball with Gasol and Kaman and fast ball with the reserves, he could have a deadly combo on his hands. The Lakers need to play with confidence and structure. If the Jordan’s can spark the bench, we could see one of the strongest back-up units in the league. Additionally, if Gasol can stay healthy and Nash healthish, the Lakers should find as a fifth or sixth seed. Either way, I’m stoked.