Mike D’Antoni admits that Lakers are struggling to get used to his offensive mindset – NBA Update
Whenever the Los Angeles Lakers struggle, there love to find a scapegoat in Pau Gasol. However, this time around there struggles have been much more than the inconsistent performances of Pau. They have had three different coaches since the start of the season, and are definitely struggling to co me to terms with the offensive system of the new head coach Mike D’Antoni.
On Thursday after the Lakers’ practise, when D’Antoni was asked about the progress he is making on the inculcation of his system, his response was indicative of a major resistance, Starting with a plain ‘NO’, in response to whether the team is ‘starting to get it’, Mike went on to explain the issues;
"Within the numbers, there's some good stuff -- defensively, mostly -- that, in the long haul, will make us contenders," D'Antoni said. "In the short run, our offense is anemic right now. It's not very good. The ball doesn't move. We don't do a lot of things that we should be doing, and we gotta figure that out. Again, a little bit (should improve) when we get everybody back. But at the same time, we gotta get better than 77 points (against the Pacers). I mean, that's kind of ridiculous.”
D’Antoni’s system relies on a strong point guard, something that is totally opposite of Phil Jackson’s triangle offence. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace are all used to that philosophy, and with Steve Nash out of the scenario due to injury, it is only natural that they will struggle to come to terms with the run and gun style of play that D’Antoni demands.
They have been trying their heart out, no doubt, but there is still a clear daylight between where they are and where they should be. Part of the problem was highlighted by D’Antoni;
"Like any coach that comes into a new situation, you gotta break habits without a training camp. Not bad habits. It's just different habits. We want to play a different way. It takes a while. It's like when you start a new golf swing. The first couple times out, you feel pretty good and you're like, 'Oh, boy! This is great!' And by the fifth time out, you're going, 'Oh, man!' You gotta work through it."
He however knew the situation before he took the job, the objective of which was made clear from day one - help the Lakers win the championship this season. He now needs to inculcate his philosophy to the Lakers as quickly as possible and start producing results. Because if he does not, you never know, the Lakers might consider firing him as well.
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