What's Wrong with the Lake Show???

So for my first installment, let’s tackle a hot-button issue that has been debated around the league this season, and seems to be somewhat of an annual concern around this time of the year:  WHAT’S UP WITH THE LAKERS?!?!?!?!

Well, you heard the allegations of Kobe slowing down, the banged up Bynum, and even the idea that the Lakers are so talented that they become disinterested with the process (the regular season that is) and simply turn it on when it’s winning time. 

I, however, have a different opinion on why the Lake show is struggling:  Lack of a true playmaker.

Now, I know some of you will take offense to the comment being that the Lakers are coached by the Great, yes I said it, Great Phil Jackson and he employs the triangle offense which doesn’t need a pure playmaking point guard.  Or you could argue the fact that the Black Mamba is the primary wing playmaker, when the ball is not kicked in the post for Pau to do work and that this set up works fine.  But all of those arguments would overlook one critical issue.  And that is, at this age, Kobe needs some backcourt help.

There was a time when Derek Fisher was a perfect compliment to Kobe, in that he was low maintenance, he found his buckets in the system of the offense, and knocked down open three pointers, and played heady defense.  But those were in D-Fish’s glory days, when he still had his legs under him.  Now, age, who no one can defeat, has relegated him to an average defender and the occasional three point shot maker.  Whether you’re willing to admit that Kobe has lost a step is moot; but you can definitely notice this season that he is not as efficient as he used to be.  Although he’s still hanging in there FG% wise (46% this year, compared to a 45% career average), his scoring has decreased steadily the last three years. But screw the statistics!  I’ve been watching this guy these last three years, and he just isn’t able to take over the games like he used to be.  You could argue that his scoring is dipping because of the talent of his roster, and his trust in teammates, but I believe differently.

What the Lakers need to quell their concerns is a true playmaker, someone in the mode of Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo, in that they are able to affect the outcome of the game by controlling tempo.  A guard like this could burn teams on the break, get some easy buckets for themselves and the team in transition, and make plays when the offense breaks down.  Simply put, the Lakers don’t get themselves any easy buckets.  Everything is dictated by how hot Kobe is, and the triangle offense. Adding a point guard of “starting caliber” to the roster would infuse the roster with some life and get everyone some easy buckets, from Kobe to their trio of big men (Odom, Gasol, Bynum).

By now, you’re wondering does this guy even know what he’s talking about?  To support my opinion, I suggest you look at the Spurs and the Celtics.  Both of these teams, like the Lakers, are veteran-laden teams where they have a relatively young point running the show.  Needless to say, both of these teams have found success, especially the Spurs this season, leading the NBA with a 40-8 record. 

Last year, and coming into this season, everyone had written the Spurs off saying their window had closed.  But with a re-invigorated Tony Parker at the helm, not many teams have been able to defeat them. But it’s not just the fact that Tony is healthy this year, it’s the freedom that Popovich has given him in the offense along with the fact quick and easy buckets are being emphasized in San Antonio this year.  No longer are they bound by the constraints of the offense. No longer is the offense primarily run through Tim Duncan, but rather, through the playmaking guards Ginobili and Parker. The Spurs are getting out into transition more than ever, looking for quick shots and easy offense. As a result, the Spurs have again shown themselves to be a viable contender, and a true threat to the Lakers goal to three-peat.

As for the Celtics, you always hear about Paul Pierce, KG’s and Walter Ray Allen’s importance to team. Yet neither of those future Hall of Famer’s would argue the point about how easy Rondo makes the game for them.  He is a game changer, in that once he gets going he doesn’t have to score to hurt you, but you see his impact on the game.  Rondo gets every guy on the team involved and he also gets them easy buckets in spots where they are comfortable. Rondo ensures that the Celt’s offense never becomes stagnant as he is consistently pushing the tempo, changing directions, and looking to get his team involved.  With Rondo, the vets aren’t hesitant to run as they know that they’ll get the ball if their open.

With the Lakers struggling, I wonder whether Kobe would reap the same benefits from a set up guy?  I certainly think so.