LA Lakers Hire Mike D'Antoni

[CardiacCavs]

JaVale is being used off the bench with Dre Miller behind Koufos so that they can two man game the opponent's second line. They got off to a rocky start, no pun intended, but they are coming along.

They also got Mozgov who has a bit more meat on his bones to go against D12 in this hypothetical scenario. That's a decent core of big men, plus Faried who is playing spectacular this year. Then there is Anthony Randolph. Who knows what he will do. (Probably not get minutes)

 

[Randolphkeys]

They also got Mozgov who has a bit more meat on his bones to go against D12 in this hypothetical scenario. That's a decent core of big men, plus Faried who is playing spectacular this year. Then there is Anthony Randolph. Who knows what he will do. (Probably not get minutes)

Sadly, I think we ALL know what Anthony Randolph will do at this point. What a waste.

Back to the Lakers, I'm guessing Bickerstaff, Eddie Jordan, and the rest of Mike Brown's assistants are on their way out. I'm sure Dan D'Antoni will join his brother. What else does he have to do? I hear Nate McMillan has been contacted about an assistant head coach job, so he would be the defensive coordinator if he takes the gig.

https://twitter.com/KBergCBS/statuses/268045447992590337

 

[Green Lantern]

But U may want the Lays

 

[Pyro]

But U may want the Lays

The Lay's? What? I thought it was widely agreed that Phil is the KFC Colonel.

 

[blommen]

D'antoni is going to turn whatever last thread of defense the Lakers had disappear and good fucking luck managing the superstar egos and pressure that comes with coaching an LA theme.

 

[Frank Reynolds]

D'Antoni is best served as an Adolf Hitler stunt double.

 

[Triumph36]

still makes me laugh that nate mcmillan is considered a "defensive specialist" for some strange reason

 

[Randolphkeys]

still makes me laugh that nate mcmillan is considered a "defensive specialist" for some strange reason

I agree, his defensive success had a lot to do with his slow pace... unless you talk about his actual play back in the 80's. Dude could shut a wing down. Still, McMillan worked with D'Antoni on the U.S. squad and has similar connections to big stars because of it. If L.A. is still about pilfering stars going forward, Nate is a smart add. Still no word if he accepted.

 

[MalTalm]

Well, it's going to be a fun ride.

Steve Nash (if he can stay health) can still run that offense, but D'Antoni's system is based around his 5 guys beating the opponents 5 guys up the court and taking advantage of the extra man and the defensive mismatches that are created.

But can the Lakers sustain that sort of pace? Howard can certainly run the court, but what about Gasol and all the old men on their team?

During the regular season they should be fine, as just talent and a desire to win is enough to get a good team past a bad one most nights. The playoffs will be rough though, the Lakers were gassed against the Thunder last year, and they were trying to play a half court game. If they try to play up tempo against OKC or the Clippers, it likely won't end well.

 

[RaptorFan]

During the regular season they should be fine, as just talent and a desire to win is enough to get a good team past a bad one most nights. The playoffs will be rough though, the Lakers were gassed against the Thunder last year, and they were trying to play a half court game. If they try to play up tempo against OKC or the Clippers, it likely won't end well.

a matchup with memphis would be the worst nightmare for the lakers. wanna play fast? we got rudy gay and conley, wanna try and slow it down? say hello to marc and zach. what's that? you have kobe? heres some tony allen for you.

 

[CleveRocks]

There are many many matchup challenges for the lakers in the league. Without Nash they are not better than a 500 team. So far they have managed to beat Detroit, Golden State and Sactown, all of whom will be in the lottery again this year. The only team of worth they have played is San Antonio, which they lost to inspite of ridculous efficiency from Kobe and Dwight. I personally dont see them getting past the second round in the playoffs, and in fact they might be struggling to get there if they have any further injury problems to Nash, Howard or Kobe, because the rest of their squad is right there with our bench.. And yes Memphis will wreck them, but then again, the way they are playing right now, Memphis can wreck anyone.

 

[shaggyZ]

And yes Memphis will wreck them, but then again, the way they are playing right now, Memphis can wreck anyone.

Except the Clippers.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Lakers are playing some inspired ball right now under D'Antoni. They look like they are finally enjoying hoops again.

 

[The Process God]

Lakers are playing some inspired ball right now under D'Antoni. They look like they are finally enjoying hoops again.

If the Potato Head sets you free, then you will be free indeed. :chuckles:

 

[Jon]

Lakers are playing some inspired ball right now under D'Antoni. They look like they are finally enjoying hoops again.

Obviously D'Antoni is just riding the coattails of the genius which is Bernie Bickerstaff ... :/