The Los Angeles Lakers continue to spiral down in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and for the rest of the current season with the franchise likely to end up once again in the bottom of the heap.
Despite seemingly showing promise before the season, the Lakers have hardly shown any improvement from the previous two season, if not fared worse. Compounding their woes as well is the impending retirement of Kobe Bryant which leaves head coach Byron Scott with no choice but to work on his young crew.
Scott hasn't exactly been the motivator that other coaches are gifted with but despite that, management is allegedly siding with him for now.
Well, the reason for now is obvious. He has a core of young players and such is seen as his escape clause. It does, however, beg to ask the question on if Scott is overlooking the potential of his D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and even Jordan Clarkson.
And the trio could be adding one more next year in the person of Ben Simmons of LSU, a 6-foot-10-inch forward who is being likened to Laker great Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
For his height, Simmons has shown his handles. He can dribble well and knows how to take it strong to the hoop. But he is lacking a jump shot which calls to mind the similar problem Julius Randle has.
With the promising player likely to join the NBA draft next season, the Lakers have good odds of winning the NBA lottery and likely get him into their fold.
Assuming the Lakers do, will Scott employ the same approach he's using on his current crop on Simmons?
If so, that would be another wasted talent. Being a shooter during his playing days, Scott is someone who can aid Simmons develop a jump shot. But being a head coach, it is likely that Scott will be content barking from the bench rather than actually overseeing Simmons.
So would it be worth to get Simmons? Definitely! But as far as guidance is concerned, Simmons will be in the same case as Russell and Randle — unlikely to develop and get a lot of heat.
