Point Guards that can help solidify the Lakers 2014-15 season.

With the recent news of Steve Nash's season ending injury, the Lakers are scrambling to find a legitimate replacement for the 2-time former MVP. Although Jeremy Lin is likely the potential starting point guard there are still plenty of stronger and better point guards that the Lakers should keep their eyes on. I've compiled a list of reputable starting point guards that would not only fit perfectly within the Lakers squad, but most importantly be a viable PG for the future.

Trade options:

Phoenix Suns have plenty of quality starting point guards, most notably Goran Dragic, who has come off a spectacular 2013-14 season. Dragic is entering his last year with the Suns, with a player option for the 2015-16 season. Dragic is making close to 8 million this year, and unfortunately in order for the Lakers to have any shot at the Dragon they'll most likely have to give up their coveted rookie, Julius Randle. However, the Lakers are in a dire situation at the PG position and Randle, who shows great potential, would be perfect to trade away, especially since he's a rookie. Whereas Dragic is a proven All-star caliber PG who will remain at the top of his game for at least 8 more seasons.


Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo have reached the end and the Lakers will likely look to Rondo as a short term answer. The Celtics are in full rebuilding mode, furthermore, Rondo wants no part of the Celtics anymore. So with that in mind, a trade for Rondo might be easier than what most insiders believe. The Lakers have shown that they are not afraid to trade away their draft picks, and with their potential 2015-16 first round pick already going to the Suns (exempt are any top 5 picks) the Lakers will likely be willing to part with their other future draft picks because lets face it, the Lakers are going to shop for a big name free agent rather than find the next star in the draft. But Danny Ainge has a proven track record of demanding a lot for anyone on his roster. In the case of Randle, a trade for Rondo will likely be the worst option for the purple and gold, since resigning Rondo isn't guarenteed and furthermore, his injuries may be too much for the Lakers to handle, especially after the Nashcapades. However, the Celtics has shown interest in the past for Jordan Hill, and Jordan Clarkson with a potential first round pick would be enticing for Ainge and the Celtics.


Minnesota Timberwolves banked off the Kevin Love trade, and they've made it clear that they don't think Rubio is worth a max contract. Rubio would compliment most of the players on the roster, and he brings a much needed defensive presence out on the perimeter. But riding off the tail end of the Love trade, it'll be likely that the Timberwolves will request more assets then what Rubio is worth, particularly a first round pick, which the Lakers will not likely be willing to give up for a player of Rubio's talents. So who can the Lakers give up for Rubio? Well, Steve Nash's expiring contract may be appealing, and with his veteran presence that could be the last piece to turn their rookie filled roster to an actual competitive team. Throw in Ed Davis and that might very well be an enticing trade.


Philadelphia 76ers quietly put Michael Carter Williams on the trading block last year, and for good reason, they're team isn't very good and they are content with throwing away a season to find that one superstar in the draft. With that in mind, the Lakers can possibly get MCW for a lowly first round pick, which is a fantastic deal for the purple and gold. MCW would be the ideal fit for the Lakers as he brings much needed length to the back court, his defense is impeccable, and playing next to Kobe can possibly turn MCW into a legitimate All-star PG. In addition, the 76ers have shown that they aren't too picky with what they get back, so long as there are first-round draft picks in the mix.


Nash's injury shouldn't have surprised Laker fans, as he's been struggling with nagging injuries since he came to LA. But his injury may be a blessing in disguise. Nash still has his mind and his veteran presence will affect Lin and Clarkson for the better. But if the Lakers aren't confident in they're two young PG then the options I've listed would be great replacements. I for one would love to see MCW in a Lakers uniform, but until then, la la land will have to wait and see.

What Lakers need to address after the Warriors preseason game.

After reports of Byron Scott stating that he wanted the Lakers to attempt 10-15 3-pointers a game, one glaring issue came to mind, which is the Lakers ability to keep up with prolific scoring teams.

After watching the Lakers play against the Golden State Warriors one thing was certain, the Lakers are far from being a contender. The Warriors fired away against the Lakers, shooting 57.1% (12-21) from behind the arc, while the Lakers, who attempted only 11 3-pointers, shot an abysmal 9.1%. Although the Lakers had an overall poor shooting performance, a field-goal percentage of 43.8, it still should be noted that the Lakers will no doubt struggle against offensive power teams that shoot well behind the arc, for instance the Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Spurs, Mavericks, and Suns. The aforementioned teams have a steady balance of shots behind the arc and inside the paint, but what those teams also have are guards who excel at penetrating the paint and play exceptional pick and roll offense. The Lakers unfortunately still struggle at defending the PG position and most concerning the pick and roll.

If the Lakers want any shot at competing against the loaded Western Conference then they must figure out a way to play like those teams, figuring out that perfect balance of shooting from the inside-out. However, the Lakers do not have much firepower from behind the arc. While Swaggy P is out. the Lakers must depend on Ellington, Lin, Nash, and Johnson to produce three's. In regards to penetration, Nash's health is always a concern, Lin struggles with finding the right person to pass to, Clarkson is still learning the ropes, and Kobe will ultimately have the biggest load to bear, which is the worst-case scenario for Bryant.

Another glaring issue that the Lakers must address immediately is their transitional defense. Under D'Antoni, the Lakers ignored the transitions, but with Scott running the team, one can only hope that the Lakers quickly address this issue, or it'll be another stressful season for Laker fans.

Laker fans should remain hopeful though. The Lakers did a great job on the offensive boards, out rebounding the Warriors 17 to 6 and also the Lakers committed fewer turnovers compared to the Warriors (10 vs 14). With a final box score of 120-105, the Lakers still have a lot to improve on, but it appears that the Lakers are moving toward the right direction. Solid performances from Ed Davis, Ronnie Price, and a late run by Julius Randle should keep Laker fans optimistic.

Lakers post-game analysis: OCT. 6th 2014

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets [Preseason]

After several weeks of anticipation the 2014-15 Lakers finally took the court against the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers starting line-up consisted of Steve Nash (PG), Kobe Bryant (SG), Wesley Johnson (SF), Carlos Boozer (PF), and Jordan Hill (C), and the Nuggets starting line-up had Ty Lawson (PG), Randy Foye (SG), Aaron Afflalo (SF), Kenneth Faried (PF), Timothy Mozgov (C).  

At tip-off the Lakers looked to feed Kobe the ball early, and in the first quarter Kobe shot 3-6 from the field. Steve Nash also had an impressive first quarter, looking healthy and sprite for a player entering his 19th season. Johnson played some solid defense, Hill imposed his presence with his tenacious rebounding and finally Boozer played some solid contributive minutes. Overall team defense looked strong, however there is still much improvement needed at the PG position, as Ty Lawson willingly got into the paint multiple trips down.

The second quarter consisted mainly of the second unit, with Jeremy Lin (PG), Jordan Clarkson (SG), Wayne Ellington (SF), Julius Randle (PF), and Robert Sacre (C). The second unit played well with they're up-tempo pace. Lin was effective at dishing out assists, Clarkson made a strong impression on the defensive side, Randle, although struggling at times, looked strong and essentially NBA ready and finally Ellington and Sacre played to their roles nicely. 

Overall the Lakers first preseason game was a close one, final box score of 95-98 going to the Lakers. The main highlights from the game was Kobe's performance, Lin's double-digit assists, Nash's impressive outing, and our rookies overall performances. In additional the improved defense, active hands, and strong hustle kept the Lakers on top.

Stay tuned next time for the Laker's next game.