The Los Angeles Lakers continue to display an erratic showing, although the team has won their first back-to-back games recently and that doesn't come with sarcasm.
But onto the real deal, the Lakers will have to address some recent developments. One has to do with the relegation of Julius Randle to the bench. Byron Scott says that the move was purely experimental and seeing how Randle's production has dipped, the sophomore could be elevated back to the starting position soon.
Well and good, but where does that place Larry Nance Jr.?
Nance has been consistent so far and reliable. So will Scott take that away from the 6-foot-7-inch rookie?
A likely scenario would be to see Nance and Randle playing together, meaning they will have to adjust to whatever forward position that they end up playing.
If that is the case, where does it leave the retiring Kobe Bryant?
Scott has kept playing Bryant in what is seen as a move of respect. But would losing games be worth that respect rather than starting out the evolution of their young talents?
Sadly, the Lakers don't seem to be in any clear direction. Scott says everything is going accordingly, but the fact remains that he is torn between giving Bryant a proper send-off and allowing his young guns to blossom.
Bryant could be better coming off the bench and playing scrap minutes, although Scott doesn't have to worry about that thus far because the "Black Mamba" has been sitting out due to a shoulder injury.
Scott continues to get the support of management and will likely stay there until the season ends. But the story could be different next year. If the Lakers continue to falter under Scott, he may just be (finally) given the pink slip. Sadly, that is how long Laker fans will have to wait before some sense of direction sets in.
