Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Thoughts Through 11 Games

At about one-eighth of the way through the Los Angeles Lakers season, what have we learned?

We are 11 games into the Los Angeles Lakers 2015-16 season. For most, it’s been a long, grueling process that has featured only two victories on the season.

There have been maddening moments — most of which are borne of frustration. Inconsistent rotations, poor performances by key players and failure to meet already low expectations have been the root cause.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the positives, too. The youngsters have shown flashes of greatness, offseason acquisitions have shown their worth, and there is still a shot at keeping that top-three draft choice.

Here are three thoughts that I have as we begin the next 10-game stretch of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season:

Kobe Bryant’s Last Ride

After only a handful of games into the Los Angeles Lakers season, it’s safe to wonder if Kobe Bryant is going to make it the entire way.

Bryant has already missed three games designated with knee and back injuries. After his performance against the Detroit Pistons – one that led to the Lakers’ second win of the season – Kobe said that he was dreading the walk to his car after the game due to his injuries.

If that doesn’t cause concern, I don’t know what does.

This week, Bryant said that this season would “be it” for him unless “something changes.” It’s unclear whether he is alluding to his body responding better or the team making a big move to set up another playoff run, though neither is likely at this point.

His age makes it difficult to see things getting better as the grind of an 82-game season continues, especially as the losses mount. You have to wonder if the 20-year-veteran will be able to hold up; the evidence we have been presented thus far shouts that he will not.

Byron Scott Wants You To “Man Up” and “Bring The Fire”

If you liked pretty much every cheesy sports flick ever, you will love the answers that Byron Scott has been giving to the media when it comes to the development of his players, or lack thereof.

Recently, he has implored D’Angelo Russell to “bring the fire.” He has also told his team that the solution to defense is “manning up.”

To take Scott’s comments at face value is the wrong thing to do; he doesn’t benefit by being straightforward with the media. But, the fact of the matter is public perception is a real thing, regardless if you mean what you say or not.

And boy do the Lakers look like a disillusioned mess because of the nonsense their coach has been spewing.

Between “wins over development” for his young team and touting Kobe Bryant as one of his best defenders, Scott has tried to create a culture that represents “the Laker way.” That is all fine-and-dandy for inside the Los Angeles Lakers organization, but you can bet it looks ridiculous to those on the outside looking in.

For a team that so desperately wants any major free agent, it is simply bad PR. We will have to see what happens going forward, but so far it hasn’t been a good look for the Lakers.

Roy Hibbert Has Been Fantastic

The stats for Roy Hibbert aren’t outstanding overall. He is averaging 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His 2.4 blocks per contest are eye-popping, and he has certainly been bright spot on a rather depressing defensive team, but Hibbert has been great for the Lakers outside of the numbers.

As a 29-year-old, Hibbert is one of two elder statesmen of the Lakers’ starting lineup. He shows up, he plays his role – quite well, as a matter of fact – and he moves on. He has shown solid defensive effort, he has now played through injury, and best of all: he has defended his younger teammates from the outrage of the fan base.

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As far as role players go, Hibbert has possibly been the best the Lakers can offer this season. His leadership is quiet, and is often by example. If the big guy keeps this up, I am sure that plenty of fans would be excited to see him back in a Lakers uniform next season.