The casual NBA fan probably had never even heard of Ramon Sessions, and understandably so. After spending the first two years of his career with the lowly Bucks, he spent one season in Minnesota, before finding himself as the backup on the post-Lebron James Cavaliers. Since the Cavs then took Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick in the offseason Sessions found himself coming off the bench yet again. Even with limited minutes he was able to leave an impact on most games, especially in terms of distributing, with an average of 10.2 assists per 48 minutes. To make this number more understandable, let's compare that number to those of All-Stars Derrick Rose (10.7) and Deron Williams (10.6). As you can see on a per minute basis Sessions can distribute the ball with the best of them. What may be even more telling is Sessions' numbers when given the opportunity to start this season. In four games as a starter this season he is averaging 17.8 points to go along with 11 assists per game. As a part of the Lakers he will not need to score this much but it will be very helpful to have someone beside Kobe in the backcourt who is capable of taking over the game both as a distributor and scorer, seeing as the 37 year old Derek Fisher just wasn't getting it done for them (5.8 points and 3.3 assists per game).
Even more important than Sessions's offensive contributions will be his efforts on the defensive end of the court. Point guards have become the dominating position in the NBA and there has been an influx of young and very athletic PGs the past few years (Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, John Wall, Ty Lawson etc.). In his older age Fisher found himself unable to stop these athletes which really gave the Lakers problems, especially in the playoffs. Two years ago, second year point guard Russell Westbrook had his coming out party in the thrilling first round matchup of the 1 seed Lakers against the 8 seed Thunder. In the six game series Westbrook averaged 20.5 points per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, a noticeable increase from this regular season numbers (16.1 ppg and 41.8 FG%). The Lakers were able to survive that series and go on the win the Championship, but there definitely seemed to be some writing on the wall.
Last year in the playoffs is when their inability to defend point guards finally caught up to them. In the first round the Lakers were given a scare being taken to six games by the Hornets who were being carried by the play of Chris Paul after losing their former All-Star David West. Paul lit up the Lakers, getting one triple double (27 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds) and averaging 22 ppg, 11.5 apg, and 6.7 rpg, while shooting 54.5% from the field. They were able to survive this offensive onslaught only to get swept in the next round, in large part because of their inability to defend the Mavericks' backup point guard J.J. Barea. In only 18 minutes per game, Barea had 11.5 points and 5.5 assists per game. These numbers seem underwhelming but on a per 48 minute basis these numbers are elite (14.7 assists and 30.7 points per 48 minutes).
After years of getting torched by quick point guards the Lakers finally brought in a guy like Sessions, a young speedy guy who is a solid defender and will be able to prevent them from constantly having their defense torn apart by opposing point guards. Can he stop guys like Westbrook or Rose or Paul? No. But can he contain them much better than Fisher? Without a doubt. When you combine that with two 7-footers in the paint (Andrew Bynum and Pao Gasol) and the iron will to win of Kobe Bryant, it is impossible to count the Lakers out as a legitimate contender for the NBA Championship. This doesn't mean that they all of a sudden jump to my favorite team to win it all or even win the Western Conference, but what is does do is cover up their biggest weakness making them an even more formidable opponent for anyone in the NBA. Once you get Kobe in a 7 game series anything can happen, and with a guy like Ramon Sessions running the point, the Lakers are undeniably a championship contender.
The Lakers still have a lot of questions: Is Kobe too old? Is Sessions experienced enough to lead the team in a playoff atmosphere? Can Bynum stay healthy? Kobe is 33, but with all the miles he's put in, his player age is older than that. As you noted, Sessions has spent a good portion of his career as a backup. Bynum has a history of injuries. This move is an improvement no doubt, but they still aren't the favorites in the west.
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly. Thunder are favorites in the west for me. The lakers do have a lot of questions. Like everything you mentioned and theyre very questionable bench. My point that I was trying to make is that before this trade, I didn't even think about the lakers when I was thinking of possible finals matchups. But now I think they have a legit shot. Only because the west is so wide open this year. Like even the Thunder have shown some inconsistencies since the All-Star break and they also have no post up game which can be a problem in the playoffs. So do I think the Lakers are better? No. But in a seven game series do they have a chance to win? No doubt. And as for Sessions being able to lead them, I don't think he needs to. Kobe is a great leader and Pao knows he needs to step his leadership up. As for running the point though, I think he has the perfect mentality for being in LA from what I've seen of him throughout his career. And as his first few games in LA have suggested he can handle the spotlight. I know postseason is very different and he's only been there a few games, but in my opinion he'll be able to handle himself.
DeleteI believe the Spurs need some consideration for being contenders. They are closing in on the best record, just two games in the loss column behind the Thunder.For a starting point i like their experiment and i think Popocihh is doing a great job managing the team during this hectic season.He is using Ginobli magnificently, getting him back to his level and even stronger for the playoffs. I really like the additions of Stephen Jackson,Boris Diaw, and another point guard i can't think of his name. I am sad to see my boy Ricahrd Jefferson have to leave. Those additions make their roster even more deeper and dynamic. Also i like their young talents of Leonard and Splitter. Tony Parker what can i say, hes a beast and needs to seriously be considered in MVP talks. Lastly Timmy won of the best all time and in opinion still has what it takes to lead his team in the playoffs. With all that being said the Spurs are my hands down pick winning it all.
ReplyDeleteI will never count out the Spurs either. They are one of the most experienced teams with the best coach in the league. And they also have lots of young talent mixed in. Splitter and Blair are solid, and I love what Leonard is doing. They have a legitimate chance to make a run to the championship. My main concern with them is health. I think for a championship they will need Ginobili and he's had trouble staying healthy his entire career. But I agree Kyle never count the Spurs out.
DeleteI think you meant to say Popobitch, kyle. Also, you have a remarkable ability to fumble english grammar as well as spelling. With that being said, if we are going to move into espousing our finals predictions, i must say the Sixers are looking like mighty strong contenders. Recent struggles aside, they can match up with anybody with their combination of speed and athleticism. Jrue Holiday is just outstanding, and Sweet Lou for two absolutely must be in the discussion for sixth man of the year. Spencer Hawes is a budding big man superstar, as long as Iguodala can get it through his head than he is a dunker and defender and nothing else we will be fine. Also, thad "fabolous young" is a remarkable talent. Obviously, Craig Brackins, Nik Vucevic, and Lavoy Allen must be considered top contenders to form the next "big three" after lebrick is forced to retire due to mulitple injuries stemming from incessant choking. of course, i kid about vucevic, allen, and brackins, but not lebrick.
ReplyDeleteanyway, the sixers will hit their stride when it matters most, and they will slice and dice their way through the eastern conference playoffs, where they will meet the thunder and/or perhaps the spurs, as kyle believes. the western conference champ, whoever they may be, will stand no chance against the young sixers, who know no fear!
this comment may have taken a facetious tone, but i am dead serious about the sixers winning it all and the fact that iguodala needs to never shoot the goddamn ball ever again. Also, he should never handle the ball like he's the point guard or something, that's all jrue "why does he spell his name like that" holiday.
I like your enthusiasm for your team Owen, however I'm afraid you're overlooking a couple of factors. Yes the Sixers have an outstanding defense which gives them a chance to beat any team on any given night. And I agree that Jrue Holiday is much better than his stats suggest because Iggy takes away from his playmaking chances. Lou Will would be sixth man of the year if it weren't for the fact that James Harden (who should be a starter) is coming off the bench. Thadeus Young has also been very impressive this year along with Hawes (when healthy). You need to go a little easier on Iggy, he's having a great year for the most part and does a little bit of everything for the team. He does need to realize he isn't a great shooter, so I agree with that, but try not to be drinking that Haterade. You also failed to mention the Sixers X-Factor, Evan Turner. He has shown flashes this year of that potential that made him the second overall pick and former college player of the year. He needs to step up for them to have a legit shot. That being said, I'm sorry to tell you that I respectfully disagree with you, because this is not the year the Sixers will win the championship. They won't even make the finals. They won't even win two playoff series. Unfortunately since their only advantage is defense, thats negated by the fact that the other teams they will face in the playoffs have great defense as well. The issue with that is they won't be able to get out into the open court nearly as much. For example if you watch the Bulls you will see that their transition defense is impecable. They give up so few fast break points. Then that leaves them needing to score in the halfcourt which is where they struggle. They are 22nd in the league in scoring and don't have a guy that can simply take over. Lou Will has shown major clutch gene throughout the past few seasons, but he also is one of the most hot and cold shooters. So I don't think they have anyone who can take over offensively in the halfcourt when they need a bucket. Another concerning stat is that the Sixers are only 10-18 against teams that are above .500. So I'm sorry to tell you that although they will not be an easy out in the playoffs, they aren't going to win it all.
DeleteJust to make sure this is clear I want to repeat myself that I am not picking the Lakers as the favorite to win the Championship. I don't think they are going to win. I simply believe that Ramon Sessions is an underrated asset that will thrive in L.A. and makes the Lakers at least in the conversation for championship contention.
ReplyDelete