Byron Scott hinted in near certain terms that the Lakers’ lineup would have changes coming its way ahead of the Lakers hosting the Raptors on Nov. 30, 2014
The Toronto Raptors have as many wins as the Los Angeles Lakers have losses.
The Lakers are the worst team in the Western Conference, and the Toronto Raptors are the best team in the Eastern Conference. However, the Lakers face the Raptors following a rare loss.
In the process of losing by four points to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, the Raptors also lost star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan to a torn left adductor tendon in the game. The Compton native led Toronto in scoring with 19.4 points per game, so he will be sorely missed.
"I feel sorry for the young man because he's a hell of a basketball player," Lakers coach Byron Scott said after hearing the news on Saturday.
Fresh off a loss and missing their top scorer, the Raptors hobble into Staples Center to play a team that has only won once in nine homes games. Even without arguably their best player, the Raptors have to be heavy favorites because the Lakers have been unable to display any spine on their home court.
Sunday morning, Scott said changes were on the horizon.
"I'm much more aware in my mind that I'm going to be making some changes," the coach admitted. "I said (to guys yesterday), 'I think the game gets in your way sometimes. You're already thinking what you're going to do after the game.' And that's a big problem...the lack of focus there was so obvious."
Scott continued, "I'm also starting to think about how short the leash is getting and when is the appropriate time to make those changes. Because, like I said, in my mind right now, it's going to happen."
The coach confirmed that he did not anticipate making the changes for Sunday night's game against the Raptors, but his patience was wearing extremely thin.
"I've always been patient for some reason," Scott said. "I always say, 'It's a little bit like Novocaine: just give it some time. It'll start working. Just like Novocaine, it wears off too.' So does your patience."
If the Lakers come out with the same lack of focus they displayed in Friday night’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the game could get ugly. Toronto is an elite team tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the best record in the NBA.
If the Lakers come out with focus and intensity, fans may be reaching for their own supply of Novocaine on Sunday night.
The Lakers and Raptors get started at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Notes: Scott said he spoke to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak about bringing in a new player due to the numerous injuries, but the two decided to wait another week, as the team will hit the road on Monday and not have practice time to integrate a new body.
