NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Miscommunication Unacceptable Error From Byron Scott, Los Angeles Lakers

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By @IanClarkMcEwan

Byron Scott Press Conference

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling through a difficult 2014-2015 season, and the prevailing reason is a roster deficient of talent and chemistry. This alone, however, doesn’t thoroughly explain why the Lakers have been so bad this season. After a loss to the Memphis Grizzlieson Friday, we got a good look at another reason – poor communication.

Down a point with 25 seconds left and about a second separating the game clock and shot clock, head coach Byron Scott instructed point guard Jeremy Lin to wait until about 10 seconds remained on the game clock to foul the ball handler, forcing free throws to extend the game. Instead, Kobe Bryant can be seen yelling at Lin to foul earlier, running up from the baseline to commit the foul with about 12 seconds left. Mike Conley made the two free throws, and the Lakers were unable to take the lead or force overtime.

While the timing of the foul is insignificant, what is not insignificant is that after the game, Scott acknowledged that Lin, Bryant and the head coach were not all on the same page. This is especially concerning when one considers the backcourt is typically the personification of the coach’s will. As in, when the coach decides what he wants done, the guards are the first to know, spread the word and execute. It’s the reason it is far more common to see former point guards take the reigns as head coaches following their playing careers than it is forwards and centers.

Regardless of the logic behind Scott’s decision to wait to foul, it is vital that all five players on the floor be on the same page. That wasn’t the case tonight, and while the Lakers are simply competing for pride at this point, their long term aims are always on an NBA championship, and mistakes like the one made tonight will not get it done.

Ian McEwan is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @IanClarkMcEwan,“Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. He is not the British author.

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