3 Thoughts on the Lakers Season Opener
The Lakers struggled in their season-opening game against the Clippers. They trailed by eight after the first quarter and went on to widen the gap to 11 by the half. Then they closed the gap, trailing the Clippers by 24 after the third before ultimately losing by 16.
The final score: 108–92, Clippers.
Here are several thoughts regarding the Lakers loss.
#1 This Could Be A Case Of the Nerves
In Summer League, the team lost their first game but went on to become Summer League champions.
Who’s to say they won’t bounce back?
#2 Most Players Have Little to No Experience in the League
Of the Lakers starting five, three of them (Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Larry Nance Jr.) have two years or less of experience in the NBA. Of the eight on the bench, five have three years of experience or less.
What does this mean?
It means, they have little experience overcoming bigger, stronger, and smarter players. It means, they haven’t fully developed the ability to foresee plays on the offense or defense. It means, they don’t always have the best judgment in clutch situations.
These Lakers need time to elevate their basketball IQ.
#3 These Players Haven’t Played with Each Other Before
Last season, President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson traded for Corey Brewer and Brook Lopez.
When General Manager Rob Pelinka joined the front office, the team drafted Ball, Thomas Bryant, Josh Hart, and Kyle Kuzma.
In the off-season, they signed Vander Blue, Andrew Bogut, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Alex Caruso.
That’s 10 new players who were added to the roster which now totals 17.
That’s 10 new players the existing players need to learn to read.
That’s 10 new players for Coach Luke Walton to mold his game strategy to.
That being said, passes are going to be fumbled, miscommunication is going to happen, shot opportunities are going to be lost and more.
It’s going to take more than a couple months for the team to develop a rhythm, much less a winning streak.
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