Lakers @ Suns 2-15-17

[Mainstreet]

Tonight the Lakers visit the Suns after losing a squeaker to the Kings last night 97-96. Only one game in the loss column separates the Suns from the Lakers with the Suns having one more loss. Presently the Suns and Lakers have the distinction of having the second and third worst records in the NBA respectively. The Nets have the worst record.

The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Arizona time.

From the ESPN Preview:

The Lakers (19-38) and Suns (17-39) will take the West's two worst records into their third meeting of the season. The teams split the first two, with both games having been played in Los Angeles.

The Lakers rallied from a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit to tie the Sacramento Kings late in an eventual 97-96 home defeat Tuesday night.

A defeat Wednesday night would give the Lakers the same number of losses as the Suns at the break. If it is any consolation, Los Angeles already is significantly better off than last season at midseason, when the Lakers had compiled an 11-44 mark.

For lottery watchers, this game could have draft implications.

This is the Suns last game before the All-Star break.

http://www.espn.com/nba/preview?gameId=400900250

 

[AzStevenCal]

For lottery watchers, this game could have draft implications.

Yeah, unfortunately it will also have a lot to do with the level of noise around here when the Lakers pass us in the race for 2nd worst. But there is little doubt that the Lakers will own that spot as they can almost lock themselves in there simply by trading an aging Vet. The Suns, OTOH, can't help but win some games unless we trade Bledsoe and probably Tucker/Chandler too. And if we trade or bench Knight, we might not even hang onto a top 5 spot.

LA just has too much riding on this draft to not play for that 2nd spot IMO. If they don't hold one of the top 3 picks this season they lose not only their pick this year but also their 1st round pick in 2019. If they finish in the top 3, they'll owe a couple of future 2nd's instead and although their 1st rounder next season will be unprotected, I'm sure they're confident that a healthy Lakers team will be close to .500 by that time.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yeah, unfortunately it will also have a lot to do with the level of noise around here when the Lakers pass us in the race for 2nd worst. But there is little doubt that the Lakers will own that spot as they can almost lock themselves in there simply by trading an aging Vet. The Suns, OTOH, can't help but win some games unless we trade Bledsoe and probably Tucker/Chandler too. And if we trade or bench Knight, we might not even hang onto a top 5 spot.

LA just has too much riding on this draft to not play for that 2nd spot IMO. If they don't hold one of the top 3 picks this season they lose not only their pick this year but also their 1st round pick in 2019. If they finish in the top 3, they'll owe a couple of future 2nd's instead and although their 1st rounder next season will be unprotected, I'm sure they're confident that a healthy Lakers team will be close to .500 by that time.

I wish I could disagree with your take but I see the Lakers grabbing the #2 slot based upon superior motivation as well. Tonight's game might provide some hints.

The Suns could make some trades that improve their chances but nothing seems imminent.

Oh yes, there will be a lot of noise on the Suns forum when this happens.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I wish I could disagree with your take but I see the Lakers grabbing the #2 slot based upon superior motivation as well. Tonight's game might provide some hints.

The Suns could make some trades that improve their chances but nothing seems imminent.

Oh yes, there will be a lot of noise on the Suns forum when this happens.

Superior motivation, as you say, but also, ease in accomplishing their goal. Lou is highly desired for his role and will be very easy to move. And they take a real hit losing him. We'd accomplish that much and more by moving Eric but the markets are completely different for the two of them and our odds are probably slim in finding a sane deal.

 

[ArizonaSportsFan]

If the Lakers are tanking for #2, who would they take? Are they done with Russell? Do they take someone like Jackson and push a Fultz/Ball down the line?

 

[Mainstreet]

Superior motivation, as you say, but also, ease in accomplishing their goal. Lou is highly desired for his role and will be very easy to move. And they take a real hit losing him. We'd accomplish that much and more by moving Eric but the markets are completely different for the two of them and our odds are probably slim in finding a sane deal.

I guess if we look at these two players, I agree. However, I'm looking for the Suns to make a major trade or trade for assets (picks). McDonough has a lot on the line as well.

It would be nice to get a early pick in this draft but the Suns should still be able to get a quality player in the top 5. However, if the Suns could somehow snag the #1 pick, I'm always fascinated with trade down scenarios.

 

[AzStevenCal]

If the Lakers are tanking for #2, who would they take? Are they done with Russell? Do they take someone like Jackson and push a Fultz/Ball down the line?

It's not so much tanking for whoever is there at 2, it's reducing the likelihood that the lottery drawing will force you out of the top 3 spots. If they drop to 4th, it costs them that pick plus their first round pick in 2019. If they stay top 3, they lose their pick for sure next season but they'll owe a pair of seconds instead of another first round pick. That's a huge swing for them. It's probably too early to guess the top order.

 

[Mainstreet]

If the Lakers are tanking for #2, who would they take? Are they done with Russell? Do they take someone like Jackson and push a Fultz/Ball down the line?

You lead into another interesting point. If a lot of teams take PGs in this draft, it may push a lot of PGs into the market after the draft. Maybe the Suns go for a front line player if they don't draft in the first two slots.

 

[pokerface]

You lead into another interesting point. If a lot of teams take PGs in this draft, it may push a lot of PGs into the market after the draft. Maybe the Suns go for a front line player if they don't draft in the first two slots.

Well cripe we might as well keep Bledsoe if that's the route we're taking.

 

[Mainstreet]

Well cripe we might as well keep Bledsoe if that's the route we're taking.

It's always good to keep as many options open as possible. There should be some good young front line players in the draft. Depending where the Suns draft, they should be flexible going after BPA whether it be a PG or something else.

 

[Mainstreet]

I read McDonough was going to be on Burns and Gambo at 3 p.m. today. I tuned in about 3:20 p.m. I don't know if I missed it or what.

Anyone know if it happened?

 

[BC867]

You lead into another interesting point. If a lot of teams take PGs in this draft, it may push a lot of PGs into the market after the draft. Maybe the Suns go for a front line player if they don't draft in the first two slots.

Well cripe we might as well keep Bledsoe if that's the route we're taking.

Bledsoe is the typical flashy player (without a natural position) whom a losing team keeps to attract fans. Usually an all-star, and Bledsoe is not even that.

Any team with such a player trying to be a leader/facilitator is announcing that they are not going anywhere, just looking to bring in some revenue.

The Suns have been in that position for too many years now. It is time to draft or trade for a Point Guard who can make the rest of the team better, rather than lead the team in scoring. Especially on a team whose two top scorers by far are in the backcourt. Steve Nash never stopped being the leader and facilitator no matter how dependable his scoring was.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Bledsoe is the typical flashy player (without a natural position) whom a losing team keeps to attract fans. Usually an all-star, and Bledsoe is not even that.

Any team with such a player trying to be a leader/facilitator is announcing that they are not going anywhere, just looking to bring in some revenue.

The Suns have been in that position for too many years now. It is time to draft or trade for a Point Guard who can make the rest of the team better, rather than lead the team in scoring. Especially on a team whose two top scorers by far are in the backcourt. Steve Nash never stopped being the leader and facilitator no matter how dependable his scoring was.

It was a different league when Nash played. And you seem to be talking about the early Bledsoe and ignoring the player he's been the past year and a half. Having said that, Bledsoe is no Steve Nash. But guess what, there isn't another Nash to be found in this league. Bledsoe is very representative of the modern NBA point guard. He's not perfect but he's hardly the ball-hog you make him out to be.

 

[BC867]

It was a different league when Nash played. And you seem to be talking about the early Bledsoe and ignoring the player he's been the past year and a half. Having said that, Bledsoe is no Steve Nash. But guess what, there isn't another Nash to be found in this league. Bledsoe is very representative of the modern NBA point guard. He's not perfect but he's hardly the ball-hog you make him out to be.

I agree with your comments, Steve, but do you really put your hope in Eric Bledsoe being the guy to build the team around going forward? I just can't buy that. The Knicks have tried that approach (with deeper pockets than the small market Suns) and where has it gotten them?

 

[AzStevenCal]

I agree with your comments, Steve, but do you really put your hope in Eric Bledsoe being the guy to build the team around going forward? I just can't buy that. The Knicks have tried that approach (with deeper pockets than the small market Suns) and where has it gotten them?

I'm not getting the connection to Bledsoe and the Knicks approach? I'd have no problem building around Eric if it weren't for his knees, as it is I'd prefer to move on from him. But I'm not at all disappointed with Bledsoe the player this season. He's playing very well.

He started off slowly the first month of the season, I assume it was still the result of him coming back from surgery. But since then he's been one of the best PG's in the league. But we are still trotting out the weakest offensive front court in the NBA, there's only so much he can do.

 

[Mainstreet]

If Bledsoe didn't have a history of injury I would all in for keeping him at PG. I'm very pleased the way he is playing and he is only 27. Now if the Suns drafted a better PG, then the Suns should look at trades. Trading Bledsoe as a means to tanking is short-sighted. After all, the draft is a lottery plus there are plenty of good players in this draft.

 

[pokerface]

WTF are we doing?? We can kiss off Ball or Fultz if this is a sign of things to come. This better be a wake up call for McDonough!!

 

[pokerface]

Now Tucker down... Thank goodness it's not Bled!

 

[pokerface]

If Bledsoe didn't have a history of injury I would all in for keeping him at PG. I'm very pleased the way he is playing and he is only 27. Now if the Suns drafted a better PG, then the Suns should look at trades. Trading Bledsoe as a means to tanking is short-sighted. After all, the draft is a lottery plus there are plenty of good players in this draft.

I'm all for keeping Bledsoe if it means we go for Cousins

 

[pokerface]

Someone tell me how this is a smart move playing Bledsoe and risking his health and our tank...For what?? Against this lousy Lakers team?

 

[pokerface]

AAAARRRRRGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Hoop Head]

I want us to get the top pick we can and lose a ton to get more ping pong balls but I'm ok with beating the Lakers, especially since there are 2 full months left in the season. Tucker getting hurt though could throw a wrench in some trade plans though, hopefully it's nothing serious.

 

[pokerface]

The Lakers are out tanking us...I'm not down with that.

Their fans are laughing at us...again!

 

[AzStevenCal]

Someone tell me how this is a smart move playing Bledsoe and risking his health and our tank...For what?? Against this lousy Lakers team?

Really? We're going to have to put up with a half season of this stuff? We are not going to finish with the second worst record, it isn't happening. Not, not, not!!! We are better than the Lakers and the Lakers will be able to send away their best player with out consequence, making us much better. We can't compete with that. Unless we trade key players we are going to win games, it's that simple. And to expect otherwise is just pissing into the wind.

 

[pokerface]

The way to really hurt the Lakers is by LOSING. The ultimate revenge is the Suns getting a top two pick and the Lakers not collecting on their pick at all