The Grizzlies recently played the “extreme small ball” tactical style, with incisive offense and defense transitions, one-on-one, basic pick-and-roll unstoppable, the Grizzlies beat the Lakers and then defeated the Warriors, and the Grizzlies’ 22-year-old guard Ja Morant performed like the annual MVP and Super star.
The NBA’s so-called “small ball” style of play and tactical style is not just about placing a small lineup, using more pick-and-rolls, screens, passing and running to create space and create more dislocation and fast break opportunities. Talking about small balls, understanding small balls, and knowing small balls, the vast majority of fans really do not understand and have difficulty understanding, or even not interested.
Basketball is basketball, you can play it any way you want, but you need to play it brilliantly, beautifully and charmingly, the game process and content are exciting, the tension of the game, the teamwork and the performance of the stars must be satisfying, and the viewing and competition are fierce. This is what fans love.
The Lakers are still in a mess on both ends of the offense and defense. “AD” Anthony Davis has been injured for more than 15 games. Russell Westbrook exists, must start, and has a lot of ball power, forcing the Lakers to put a “small ball” lineup and let “Old James” LeBron James played center and sent 198-centimeter Stanley Johnson to the starter as a hard labor.
Lakers coach Frank Vogel solemnly announced that once AD returns from injury, he will play center more time, and the Lakers will still put on a “small” lineup. The two centers Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan will still play according to different opponents and games. Zhan will play “point center”.
It’s not difficult for Frank Vogel to set the tone for the Lakers, because the Lakers’ success in winning the championship in 2020 relies on AD playing a center, and Lao Zhan playing a point center such a “small ball” lineup. There are two “Warcraft” Dwight Howard playoff series. The battle combination will not go up at all, and the other two series can only be placed in the rotation lineup and play the role of Warcraft.
Lao Zhan plays “pointing center”, what is the concept and logic of this?
The most direct answer is: efficiency + space + rhythm, because Lao Zhan controls the ball and controls the rhythm of the game. When AD can play a role and restraint in the interior and in the penalty area, Lao Zhan controls the audience. Once AD exits to rest, Lao Zhan goes inside, A full-scale attack in the penalty area drives the rhythm of the game and connects teammates.
But another happy trouble for the Lakers this year is that there is a big three-dimensional star Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. He has to start, has a tactical role and a lot of ball rights. Lao Zhan and AD have to give him a little courtesy. The Lakers team needs to learn To integrate more into Russell Westbrook in addition to James and AD, this is a greater challenge and difficulty for the Lakers in coaching, scheduling, and play.
Russell Westbrook can only play his own basketball, can’t play the right basketball and balance the team, he even has to occupy a lot of ball and tactical roles, which is a big problem.
In the concept of team basketball, everyone must understand their tactical role and play their strengths. Russell Westbrook’s performance in the Lakers this year is not bad (19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists per game), but his existence and play style, COSCO. Too bad jump shots, too many turnovers, often making incorrect decisions, and failing to help the Lakers and teammates make a better team.
Lao Zhan + AD is already very familiar with how to play the best small ball tactics, give full play to the biggest advantages of the lineup and individuals, and achieve the best team. The Lakers’ championship in 2020 has proved that this system is feasible.Now the Lakers have to figure out a way
Let Russell Westbroook integrate into the team, add points to the team and teammates, and become a positive force for the team. Lao Zhan, Frank Vogel, and AD are all great. While Russell Westbrook insists on being himself, Lakers coach Frank Vogel can only pin his hopes on cohesion + integration of the team on the idea of James playing “pointing center”.
James plays a point center, and the Lakers still focus on a small-ball lineup. AD must show the greatest threat in interior defense, rebounding, and offensive scoring. James’ possession creates more space and chances for the Lakers, allowing Russell Westbrook to become the best player. Competent role players, perfect points for teammates and teams, this is the “impossible task” that the Lakers must complete before the playoffs.
NBA leads the world of basketball, creating various major trends and tactical mainstreams for international basketball, and even extremely challenging traditional basketball concepts, peaking more tactical play styles and role positioning.
Lao Zhan is good at playing “pointing center”. The Lakers need AD to play the biggest role in attack and defense in the interior and in the penalty area. This is also the last magic weapon for the Lakers to become a championship contender again.
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