Following the Lakers IST tournament win, many (including myself) thought that they would be able to head into the following part of the season on a burner streaking ahead of the West, and comfortably sitting amongst at LEAST the top THREE if not top FIVE. However, as of 29/12/23, the Lakers have had a disappointing 3-6 record with notable losses to the likes of the struggling Chicago Bulls and also ending the 18 loss streak Spurs because Darvin Ham decided to load manage 3 starters. Is this a roster issue? Many fans like to think so, but it really is not, it’s a mental issue.
A lot of the Laker struggles are evident in the first quarter, as they are
20th in PPG
22nd in FG%
29th in +/- (a rare time where +/- is actually helpful)
15th in TRB
These lethargic 1st quarters have been a thing all season long, and it does not help that Ham has not yet played the starting lineup that he used in the playoffs last season which saw great success: D’Lo/Reaves/Bron/Vando/AD
Instead, he’s experimented with different tall ball, 3 guard, no superstar, and other full ROTATIONS that leave out the likes of Christian Wood, a skilled big man shot creator.
Furthermore, ratings wise in the 1st quarter, they are
28th in ORTG
29th in DRTG
20th in TOV%
Some of you guys might be wondering, why just look at the first quarter? Well, the reason I look at the first quarter is because typically the first quarter is reflective of a team's energy levels, and mentality as a team. If you have been watching the Lakers all season, aside from the IST games, there has been a lack of intensity, and willingness to play high level basketball. This leads me to what I think is a primary Lakers concern which many fans either have not seen or are not willing to admit, lack of Locker Room Veteran Leadership.
Although Bron is the oldest player in the league, it is universally known that he does not try 100% in the regular season so that he can go as Phil Handy so eloquently put,
“Zero Dark Twenty Three S***”
However, this also reflects on the efforts of his team around him. In previous years, the Lakers have had the fortune of having leaders like Dudley, Howard, and heck even Pat Bev at times (Russ? That’s a complicated situation.) However, even last year, the Lakers signed Tristan Thompson and he was willing to be that locker room presence that united the team together.
Mentioned Segment starts at 17:14
NBA Veteran Jeff Green explained in an interview on usatoday:1
Green said. “I think it’s great when you have guys who are experienced who have been through the ringer. To have them in the locker room is great. The experience itself, teaching the young guys what it takes to be a true professional. The everyday grind.
“At some point, a coach’s voice can only go so far, and that is when vets come into play,” Green continued. "DeAndre Jordan, Ish Smith, myself, our voices went a long way (in Denver). I do think its importance for vets to be in the locker room.
While talent is important for a team, a leadership voice is so important for a team. The Miami Heat is a perfect example of this as recently retired Udonis Haslem was seen as that locker room veteran that helped ignite ‘Heat Culture’ into the veins of the young and talented Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Max Strus etc etc
However, in other previous championship teams, leaders like
Draymond Green, Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, Rondo, Iggy, and UD whom of which are just the stars amongst the locker room veterans. If I were to name all of them, we would be here for hours. However, this locker room veteran issue is not just a Laker problem. This topic in certain NBA circles was a hot discussion topic. Damian Lillard said in an interview on SHOWTIME (and reported from a sportskeeda article)2
“Almost like a father figure on the team because guys are coming into the league so young, and they have all this money,” Lillard said.
“It’s almost like they get everything and it’s a dream come true, but they’re exposed to a lot of things that can put you in a world of trouble. And your parents aren’t always gonna be able to be there to hold your hand," he continued.
Lillard also spoke on the necessity of two vets. These would be players who have been through the whole NBA experience, who knows how to deal with the money and the fame.
This has led to the struggle for teams like the Grizzlies and Hornets who have had players featured in the news for all the wrong reasons. Both of these teams are also 2 of the younger teams in the league. This thinking is not just new school modern day thinking either, NBA HOFer Kevin Garnett also shared his thoughts on veteran leadership in a book he wrote called, “KG: A to Z” 3
There are so many little habits, and tricks that help players stay ready and focused mentally. Especially with the business structure of professional sports which is exposed to teenagers and young adults, it can be daunting for these players to show up on a nightly basis. This is why draft busts, and failed talent exists in the league.
The league could implement a rule that Dame was mentioning, but the real solution begins with organisations first understanding that locker room veterans are necessary for their young talent to grow. It also starts for these veterans to understand that their time on the court is dwindling and that they need to find other ways to provide value for the team in an off court setting. I admired players like Jared Dudley, UD (although he has some shenanigans right now), and even Corey Brewer when he was doing his Philly antics, because these are the leaders which help bring the team together.
Relating this back to the Lakers, no they do not have the off court issues that some teams have like the Hornets or the Grizzlies. However, when their supposed locker room leaders like D’Lo are slumping, going through role changes, and also getting heckled by one of the biggest and also most ruthless fanbases, professionalism can only take you so far. I am aware that I am just a fan, I do not see what is happening behind the scenes, I do not know what the locker room looks like, I do not know what the team dynamics outside of the arena is, but from a pure basketball fan point of view, the lethargic first quarters, the lack of urgency, and also just the mental struggles that are seen through silly turnovers and poor decision making speaks to us that there needs to be a fresh voice on the floor. That leads to the question, who is available?
According to Sportrac, notable FA’s include Blake Griffin or Goran Dragic.
These are players who have great leadership, and have playoff experience.
I was chatting to a few of my Celtic fan friends and they mentioned how much of a locker room help that Blake Griffin was. He probably will not provide too much on court value nowadays, particularly in a Laker uniform, however, for guys like Rui, Hayes, and Wood, Griffin would be a great locker room presence to sit behind.
Goran Dragic is one of my favourite guards ever. I love seeing his playmaking ability, and during his short time with the Heat it was very cool seeing him come off the bench and lead that young second unit. Like Griffin, he likely will not bring anymore on court value, but his off court value is otherwordly at this stage.
Whether the Lakers decide to make a trade or not, it could be very helpful for them to sign a locker room presence. Obviously one locker room guy is not going to make them into a sudden championship threat, a trade might be needed, but it will be a step in the right direction. They have the talent necessary to make a run, they have the assets to make one or two more team improving trades, but they just need one more mental edge to help push themselves over that next level threshold.
Thank you guys so much for reading. What are your guys thoughts?
Until next time
Have a blessed day, and a Happy New Year :)
I’m not mad at a vet. It’s a good call. I think the vet is a bridge, but at the end of the day during the dog days of the season, aka right now; bron and AD don’t give an eff about winning lol so the time will win/lose with their effort. There’s no band-aid or vet that will make a difference IMO. After the all star break the lakers will start to care IMO
I see the point but you’re also kinda saying that lebron and AD are not locker room vets, which I kinda think is an intriguing point but I don’t think it’s black and white. I agree that a bridge vet, someone who can go between bron/ad and the rest of the guys when Bron/Ad are over it would be good. It’s a really good idea: but I do think Bron is the ultimate presence. His mere presence is probably why Christian Wood has been on his best this year. Lebron doesn’t have to say much to “own a room.”