The Mayo, not Mustard, is off the hot dog: OJ Mayo Banned from the NBA and the insanity of NBA Free Agency

    This OJ, Mayo, might be moving slower today than a "slow white Bronco" carrying an OJ of a different last name some 20 years ago.  Speaking of a slow white Bronco, we will get to Peyton Manning shortly. 

OJ Mayo is Banned from the NBA

       Mayo came to a school that seemingly will forever be known as a "football school." Yet, somehow, USC pulled 1 of the two biggest names and brightest stars the nation had to offer that year (2007-8) coming out of High School.  That reminds me, how did Ben Simmons arrive at LSU?  Shaquille O'Neal recently told "us" that he (Shaq) went to LSU because, "they paid the most.  Don't worry the statute of limitations has worn off." 




  The other, Kevin Love, arrived in Westwood and the 
USC UCLA rivalry had some of its greatest basketball talent AND moments.

Mayo arrived at USC under some controversy, and scrutiny grew as the season progressed.  Questions about his age, money and gifts continued.  We all learned AFTER Mayo left there was at least money and gifts involved and USC was sanctioned as a result.

Perhaps what happened July 1, 2016 was some sort of karma.  Mayo might well be serving and paying the penance for what he was a part of back in 2007 when he escaped college without incident to make millions in the NBA.  That is now over for the next two years due to Mayo's violation of the NBA's Anti-Drug Policy.

The penance?  Banned from the NBA for two years AND reinstatement is not a guarantee.

Laker Fans might remember Robert Upshaw last season?  The un-drafted Center out of Fresno State via Washington.  A seven footer with all sorts of UPside yet fell away to the downside by also violating the same NBA anti-drug policy while playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders.  Being as how Upshaw was in the process of making it to the NBA he may not ever get a chance to get back in.  Mayo?  We shall see.  These are two examples of harsh-realities in what May-O May NOT be a microcosm of society, given the nature of the current dollars being tossed around in this NBA Free Agency Period. Especially, when combined with a current society that yields things like pill-popping housewives in places like Newport Beach, California and young kids everywhere becoming macchiato-addicted, attention-starved maniacs that later replace their macchiatos with methamphetamine (a substance listed in the NBA Anti-Drug policy).

Do you know of another job where you can make 25 times more money from one year to the next?  What is 25 times greater than $857,615.00?  22 Million.  THAT is what Hassan Whiteside will be making in year one of his four-year $97,900,000.00 Guaranteed Deal he just signed with the Heat.  Chew on that for a moment.

Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons) signed a comparable deal, albeit a larger total contract (130 M) where he will average 26 Million per season.  Drummond was previously making about 3 M per season so his jump was not as significant as Whiteside's.  Both have had their share of technical fouls, which is pretty usual, but Whiteside has had ejections with "kicking" and "fighting" on his NBA Record.

SO..

What happens when a guy that has been scrapping and clawing to get into and hang on in the NBA becomes one of the biggest Free Agent signings and has perhaps the most significant increases in "salary" in NBA History?

Jordan Clarkson went from the eight hundred thousand slot to about 13 Million per.  Kent Bazemore, who had a brief stint in LA, went from two million to 17.5 Million (average, per season).

We are seeing more significant "jumps" in salary due to the team salary cap increasing by an estimated 31% (from 72 Million to approximately 94 Million).

Did millions of dollars play a part in OJ Mayo's case?  Was his destiny already foreshadowed by his tarnished past of corruption with NCAA violations?  Maybe.  Maybe not.

This is where what is "between the ears" and upbringing will start to matter more and more as NBA franchises toss dollars around moreso than the USC boosters did that year to land Mayo in basketball and Reggie Bush in football.

Corruption is ever-present.  And, with increased dollars not only comes increased obligation and responsibility but also a greater propensity for corruption of any and all kinds to creep in.

Remember Ryan Leaf?  He was the second pick in the NFL Draft in 1998.  Peyton Manning was number one.

Ryan Leaf given multiple chances

 Leaf definitely had more chatter regarding his physical attributes at that time but he had questions about his "head" coming out of high school and college.  With Leaf adding twenty pounds before tryouts and Manning exceeding expectations on arm strength drills it made it easy for the Colts to draft Peyton with confidence.  Leaf goes to the San Diego Chargers and wrecks faster than the Amtrak Surfliner ride down the Pacific Coast.  Again, was this related to having millions or was the writing on the wall due to what is "between the ears?"  Something tells me we will begin to SEE the differences in Drummond vs. Whiteside much like we did in Manning vs. Leaf.

We are talking about being human as well.

Most people, when capturing an extra bonus or making a little extra during a regular pay period, might buy an extra nice pair of shoes or buy an extra cocktail at the bar.

Athletes?  Entertainers?  Drug problems, alcoholism and bankruptcies are, unfortunately, fairly prominent.

How many of "these guys" that are making these significant salary jumps will be singing "my Maserati drives 185" while actually driving 185 somewhere in Florida? Perhaps Biggie Smalls Hypnotize is more appropriate: "Escargot, my car go, 160, swiftly.." But, enough about Yasiel Puig...



These guys are ALL human.  And, as humans, we all make mistakes and failure of some kind IS imminent.  What is the price?

Mayo is now gone from the NBA where he had just earned 24 Million Dollars over the past 3 seasons and was up for a new contract in this crazy new world created by the CAP increase and owners' willingness to "make it rain" on the NBA's best and brightest.  Mayo may have cost himself an "easy" 70 Million Dollar Total Contract that folks like a Bazemore and a Dwight Howard just received (different total years of course).

Are we watching a bad Hollywood movie?  We already have.  Robert Downey Jr is an addict.  He has told us so and has claimed that he has been since the tender age of EIGHT.  He has had multiple relapses and convictions.  In June (1996) Downey was found with cocaine, heroin and a pistol in his car and was convicted on felony drug possession.  He served 1 year and three months.  Governor Jerry Brown pardoned Downey and thank GOD Jer had the foresight to NOT take "Iron Man" away from us because Downey is slated to make 200 Million Dollars on the next Avengers Film.  REPEAT: DOWNEY TO MAKE TWO HUNDRED MILLION on next AVENGERS film (look for human failure of an addict being given millions of dollars coming to a "real" theater near you..)

Perhaps the NBA should oversee the "Hollywood Anti-Drug Policy?" (ahem)

As crazy as this NBA Free Agency is, it pales in comparison to what the Hollywood "free agency" scene is.  Sports IS entertainment and the self-proclaimed "largest sports network in the world" is not only owned by Mickey Mouse Inc., it also starts with the letter "E" for Entertainment.

Based on the logic of this NBA free agency, combined with the life and times of a Robert Downey Jr., we should see more "cocaine" abuse from Mayo followed by a book deal and then a $250 million dollar (over 5 years) NBA deal in 2020.  So, things are looking up.

Someone, please.. STOP the insanity. What? Skip Bayless signed for HOW MUCH?  With FOX?

(I have to go..)

Iron Man, and drug addict, Robert Downey Jr to make around 200M on next Avengers film (source); mind blown?

NBA CALL UPS: Should the LAKERS call upon the D-Fenders?

Jimmer Fredette will be signed to at least one 10-day Contract by his mother team, the New York Knicks, on Monday.

Game ready! Go D-Fenders! -Lauren #LGLivin pic.twitter.com/gcKBdHi4Pg

— Laker Girls (@LakerGirls) February 19, 2016

CONGRATS!

Callups happen a lot and the Lakers have certainly utilized their D-League squad, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, as a source for talent.

There is AT LEAST 7 Players on the Current D-Fenders Roster that SHOULD be in the Show

This season, however, the D-Fenders have been used as more of a "training program" for players like Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black and Anthony Brown to get some run and reps as compared to sitting on the bench with the Varsity brethren.

Jordan Clarkson, last season, spent ample time playing with the D-Fenders before he ultimately solidified himself as a Lakers starter, especially with the team's injury woes.

What about the other D-Fenders?  Unless a player has a contract with a team, like Anthony Brown does with the Lakers, they are all free agents.  So, just because a player is on the "D-Fenders" does not mean that player may ONLY play for the Lakers.

The Lakers called up Dwight Buycks last season from the Oklahoma City Blue (D-League team of OKC Thunder) AHEAD of their BLUE, Vander Blue.

Buycks went down with a foot injury and Vander was called up for the last two games of the season.  Vander ended up receiving an offer from the Lakers but somehow managed to show up in BULLS' gear during NBA SUMMER to then have NO DEAL.  He has been playing this season with the D-Fenders and is an aggressive player going to the rim or around the perimeter and generally fills up a stat sheet:

25.6 ppg (2nd), 5.2 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.0 spg

Robert Upshaw:  Upshaw hit the scene in Vegas with quite the buzz amongst the record-breaking fans that were ALREADY buzzing due to the shiny new toys of the Lakers: Russell, Nance, Randle (back healthy)...But, Upshaw was waived by the Lakers and has struggled to see the floor.  A lot of that has to do with the PT of Lakers like Black and Kelly when they have been assigned.  

Upshaw did not look healthy recently and apparently came off two weeks of some viral infection (this had NOT been confirmed by anyone but "reported" by many on the so-called "inside").  He is getting healthier and stronger but he was looking way to "rail thin" to be attempting to ball with the big boys in the NBA right NOW.

*UPDATE (3-9-16) Saw Upshaw Saturday night vs. Texas Legends (3/6/16).  He looked good.  Upshaw has a nice touch on his shot and 4-8 for 8 pts in 10 minutes.

Josh Magette:  No, not the long lost "brother from another mother" to former Duke and LA Clippers Star, Corey Magette (rhymes with Spaghetti).  Josh, not YOUR JET, but "Ma-JET" who played for the D-Fenders in 2013-2014 came back to the team this season after playing overseas 1 year.  

Magette HAD been leading the League in steals with 2.5 but stands one tenth behind the current leader who has played in 11 fewer games.

He puts in 10 points, 4.6 boards and leads the league in ASSISTS at 8.6.  Magette is a great floor general that sacrifices his body and self for the team.

How about a name more unfamiliar?

This is the Fourth Season as A D-Fender and 8th in the D, for Andre Ingram...

Known as a solid, lock-down defensive player, Dre became the NBA D-League's ALL-TIME leader in 3 point baskets made in the NBA D-league. 

99 for 3!! Congrats Dre!! All time in 3s made 👌 https://t.co/42LPQrDCoK

— Vander Blue (@veezy_SQ) February 5, 2016

 He is right at 50% LEADING THE LEAGUE in three point shooting on 2.32 (makes) of 4.65 (attempts).  



He will get you a couple-a boards and assists, 8 or 10 points and a steal each game.


this happened as well..




Ingram went against newest, ahem, NBA CAll-UP Jimmer Fredette in the NBA D-League 3 point contest... and WON!!!

Fredette will be with the Knicks next Monday and will presumably ride out the remainder of the season, because, "why not?"

IN many ways Ingram might "deserve" this opportunity more than most perhaps in the League.  He is a veteran.  He has respect.  Ask his teammates.

 IF these LAKERS REALLY want to go "Twenty and Seven" down-the-stretch, as Metta WORLD PEACE SAID on Thursday,  they could use any ONE of these guys.

BUT, with Ingram I add veteran stability and leadership that will ONLY benefit the younger players.

He can personally mentor young Anthony Brown on being a defensive stopper.

And he ONLY helps your team.  Andre Ingram is the type of player that will never hurt you.  Mistakes do happen, but Ingram makes it up right away.  If you want DEFENSE?  Intensity? And, the guy who just beat out JIMMER FREDETTE in the three point contest then please call HQ in El Segundo,

When your teammate makes a league-record 39-of-50 shots to win the 3-Point Contest >>> pic.twitter.com/cBEhiowvQw

— L.A. D-Fenders (@DFenders) February 18, 2016

muchas gracias !

Shoutout my teammate Andre Ingram for bringing home the Trophy for the 3Pt Contest!! @DFenders that's 99!!! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/rFpPGlBomk

— Justin Harper (@Tru_Harp32) February 14, 2016

Congratulations to Andre Ingram

Other notables: Ryan Gomes has been nothing but a solid pro and Justin Harper has been playing really good ball as well for LA.

UPDATE* (3/9/16): Glad I mentioned Harper.  I regret not saying THIS which applies to Gomes and Jeff Ayres (new D-Fenders' acquisition):

Solid player.  Won't hurt you.  An absolute pro.

Jeff Ayres was acquired on Thursday (3/4/16) and put up 16 points and 10 rebounds in his debut with LA.

BTW...he's Baaaaaack...

Jabari Brown played in his SECOND game with the D-Fenders on Saturday (3/6/16).  He had a bit of an "off" shooting night putting in 15 pts

Too Many Options Not Enough Time? Lakers lose Season Opener to T'Wolves

Byron Scott went on record recently to say that he was still contemplating whether D'Angelo Russell would be starting (this past) Wednesday night vs the Minnesota T'Wolves.  Since then, we know that Mr. Russell did start:

4 Pts, 2 Ast, 3 Boards, 3 TOs in 25 Minutes

That kind of stat line doesn't necessarily make ANYONE happy and, no doubt, Russell would like to have that one back for personal reasons.  Perhaps the emphasis and focus should be MORE on the reasons WHY he should want this one back from a team perspective.

I am and have been "reserved" on Russell since draft night when the Lakers went bit-o-surprise with the pull of the Rabbit, not the Hare, out of the proverbial hat.

I both wonder and worry about this kid and I don't mean ANY disrespect.  D'Angelo is a man, no doubt, but he is young and inexperienced.  

Es lo Que es.  

And, by that I mean, there is no amount of experience you can muster that will prepare you for being the highest draft selection for this esteemed franchise since James Worthy went #1 back in 1982.

Let me phrase that in a different way:

D'Angelo Russell is the highest draft pick the Lakers have selected in 27 years.  

He has the attitude, demeanor and I believe is quoted as saying he thought he should have gone #1 overall (context.)  I get it.  The competitor within believes you ARE the best.  However, all players, including the GREAT Kobe Bryant take time to develop and Gelo is still wearing training wheels on a vehicle that has a lot of fast-moving and interchangeable parts.  If he is able to reel it back, walk humbly, let the game come to him and focus more on the desperately needed play-making attributes of HIS and He will be just fine.  If he comes off the bench: fine.  If he starts: fine.  It doesn't REALLY matter except from the simple stance of allowing the player to be in the best position for success as ANY top business professional would want for their respective team.  He needs reps and he NEEDS to be on the floor.  What he DOESN'T need is to concern himself with being anything than what he is: a 19 year old kid out of Ohio State that can ball.  And, oh yeah, ahem, STAY AWAY FROM TWITTER.  In fact, D'Angelo, just stay away from social media in general.  I realize this might be a huge challenge for a millennial.   

S/Os #Kanye2020: 

"We're Millennials BRO!"

The Lakers have won NINE Titles over that span of 27 years since J Dub went #1.  That is ONE NBA RING every THREE YEARS.  That reminds me, does Charles Barkley have an NBA Championship?   RING? 

"SCOREBOARD!"

Lakers: #16RINGS  Charles Barkley: NIL

Moving On...

In fairness to D'Angelo regarding his game 1 "stat line":

" Five players had more than Russell’s 36 touches, including reserve power forward Ryan Kelly (39), who played five fewer minutes than the rookie." _Lakers.com

I don't want to ever have to read information like this again for two reasons:

1) Ryan Kelly should never have more touches than Russell

2) Ryan Kelly should never have touches... Period

Too Harsh?

Kelly was 1 player in the second-to-last preseason game that was in the melee versus the Portland Trailblazers that led to an eventual win.  Most might remember that Ryan Kelly had this game-winning moment for the purple and gold.

My view of @RyanKelly34 game-winning dunk last night. Was a dream come true to watch the @Lakers at @STAPLESCenter pic.twitter.com/hiSXd9OTMx

— Robbie Priddle (@RobbiePriddle) October 20, 2015

Ryan Kelly might have actually saved his job (for the moment) with that play.  It was a great moment, however, for Kelly AND his teammates as he flew down the lane with the grace of a gazelle (everything is relative) before jamming home the game winning dunk.

However, prior to that wonderful moment of redemption which was desperately needed for self preservation, Mr. Kelly had been a part of watching the Blazers drop in a quick 5 points to tie the game.

Chris Kaman had grabbed a rebound off a miss and Ryan Kelly simply turned and faced the goal like a ten year old rec ball player that hasn't grasped the concept of blocking out. Kaman cruised to the basket, with not even a sniff from Kelly who was guarding him, swooped up the miss and dropped in a deuce.

Kelly then grabs the ball out of bounds, somewhat lethargically, and in-bounds the ball to a D'Angelo that was pushed to the edge by Portland's jock-riding D as the final ticks on the clock shined bright over the

                 "94 by 50 hunk of wood." _chick

Kelly NEVER looked Russell off and he NEVER saw anything but Russell.  That just left Portland to force the opposition's point guard to one of the worst spots you can be: the sideline.  D'Angelo bobbles, Portland retrieves, Kelly stands in the middle ... and a three comes raining down to tie the game.  This was fundamentally bad basketball all around and, quite frankly, probably got pushed to the wayside as a result of the Ryan Kelly version of " Jumpman23 "flying from the free throw line.  The ONLY differences are that it wasn't Michael Jordan and that it was from two feet out.  Other than those TWO differences they were the same DUNKS.

This is AIR "Jor-DAN," NOT to be CON-FU-SED with Air "Kelly"

Should Kelly or any other LAKER play poor fundamental basketball at all, especially on a consistent basis then, yes, I stand firm on the aforementioned stance:

" 2) Ryan Kelly should never have touches... Period" 

This could be anyone on the team at any given time for this reason: The Lakers need EVERY mathematical edge, or advantage, they can conjure up to put themselves in the best possible position to win.  Let's be REAL.  Get past our noses and realize how difficult the West is and continues to be.  This is old hat. If I am building the future NOW with such expectations on a squad that starts THREE very young players I have no time AND ZERO TOLERANCE for "experimenting" OR being so stubborn to avoid certain situations OR player combos whether it relate to philosophy or lineage.  BS is blessed with young talent this season.  No Doubt, when the D-League gets started here in a minute ( D-League Draft this Saturday) both Anthony Brown and Nance II should be back-and-forth between Varsity and JV like JC did for half of last NBA season.  They will join training camp invitee Robert Upshaw.  The D-Fenders are looking at rolling out lineups looking like:

Manny "Michigan Mamba" Harris

Vander Blue (by YOU)

Anthony Brown

Larry 2

Big UpShaw

SEE them while you can.  Some were fortunate to see Xavier, JC, Manny, Bari, and Vander last season for a bit.  THIS is Exciting but also frightening.  Just in time for Halloween I suppose.  Arguably and especially considering certain situations or subs that both Anthony Brown AND Nance II have shown enough to say that they ARE better then those handful of Lakers "ahead of them" on the bench.  Concurrent with a "Hind-Sight's Glance" what would having Jabari Brown on the roster in lieu of Kelly.  Their Guard options are thin overall and if J. Brown is on Roster is it he, Nance II, OR A. Brown that gets minutes in

Game 1 v T'Wolves ??

Personally, I would have sent either one (A. Brown / Nance II) and/OR Both starting with the third quarter (provided they have health).   The Lakers CAN force the behavior or action by increasing/ decreasing size/ length/ skill/ etc by the various combinations and B'rid players they have.  Does it REALLY matter that we are calling Kobe Bryant a Forward or a Guard?  A "2" OR a "3?"  JC? D'Angelo? LOU? Swaggy? Marcelo? OK, so now take any 4 of those and add Randle at the 5.  

THIS MUST HAPPEN! (is that too direct?)

But THAT did NOT happen.  What happened instead was Ryan Kelly picked up 20+ minutes, a bulk of which were in the 4th quarter.  When did the Lakers begin handing their lead OVER? Hold on... oh yeah, it says right here:

" Approximately 2:39 left in the third quarter when Ryan Kelly was inserted" _ SiriDOESGoogle (so it ain't thaat precise like my spellin)

Kelly closed the quarter out.  REPEAT.  Ryan "not 1 of the best 5 players in a Laker uniform" Kelly closed out a tight game that the Lakers end up losing by ONE.

This one is on COACH 

(listen to Byron Scott's post-game interview here)

Es lo que es

mas y meno

Incidentally: #Randle4ROY

is he eligible?

Did you know? Vander Blue had an offer of approximately $1M to play for the Lakers 2015-16?  Next thing you see Blue wearing RED for the BULLS in #NBASUMMER. HUH?
Blue will be back for the D-Fenders (oooops)

Also:

Looking to correct Google after typing "top Ten NBA Players to NEVER WIN NBA Championship" and seeing THIS

                                                  

#BarkleyIsAClown


I do know, since he is ON THIS list, Charles Barkley is at least 1 of NBA's TOP 50 players to NEVER win an NBA Title. Does HE deserve "Top 10 Consideration?" 

With FANS like FLEA who needs enemies ?

DO WE NEED TO THANK "FLEA?"

Dear @Lakers if you want me to go represent for the lottery I will. I assure 1st or 2nd pick.

— Flea (@flea333) April 19, 2015

I think LA did just fine with sending their Head Coach, Mr. Byron Scott, which was followed up by drafting D'Angelo Russell.

Celebrity, like it or not, has a certain influence over individuals; in marketing and in the media.  Especially in such a quick-hitting world where we now reside.

Twitter might be the fastest moving media mayhem and Laker Nation controls it, seemingly, on ANY given game-night.

With over 4.41 Million Twitter Followers, the Los Angeles Lakers have the most of ANY sports franchise.

This can be good.  And, this can be bad..REALLY, REALLY BAD.  

Dear Jim buss. Please fire yourself. You are doing serious damage to the @Lakers franchise. The fans have had enough.

— Flea (@flea333) November 17, 2014

Many people, no doubt, share the same feeling and sentiments about a lot of different things.  Flea expressed himself, and many people agreed.

There are even former Laker Greats that have been "demonstrative" on Twitter.




WE have all seen or heard Magic Johnson rip into Jim Buss.

The drama..the saga


                      they continue in the City of Angels

In the meantime, maybe we should choose our words more wisely and be mindful of how certain things can influence people.




NOTES and THOUGHTS on the Lakers:

Russell and Randle are going to have down moments.  They will fail.  BUT, they will also have many moments of success and flashes of brilliance. Temper Expectations.

I look forward to seeing how THIS Kobe Bryant relates to THIS team.  

Does Kobe relish in the role of the wise-one?  A chance to influence this young and talented group with his will and philosophy ? Pass the Torch

As much excitement as Nance Jr. brings, he and Anthony Brown don't find places to stay with the big squad unless there are moves, injuries or BScott wants to have "that" specialist on the bench.  Both NEED development and the Lakers have a great system in place.  They use it as it is intended.  Look for heavy ACTION from these two in "the D."

Robert Upshaw, unless the Lakers' Needs press, should also find himself squared up on the D-Fenders at some point.

Bari and JC will be fun to watch and really impact the team if both given the opportunity. (and they SHOULD have that chance)

Newcomers: Bass, Sweet Lou  ? They are coming here for a reason.  Solid veterans that can hopefully catch a mustard-filled pass from Gelo

Going Out? The Lakers have stockpiled a bunch of dudes that do the same thing.  They definitely have MORE to choose from this season, in terms of "valuable assets," but will this mean the end of the road in LAL for a player like Swaggy P... I think so..

The majority of the minutes in the Summer League went to five primary guys: Randle, Russell, Bari, Clarkson and Black.  They will all have spots and will be counted on.  By itself, this is a NICE little squad.  I would NOT want to face these guys in practice...whatchoo gat buttercup?"



Speaking of Buttercups...

Roy Hibbert is a Laker.  Well " @hoya2aPacer will have to change his twitter handle. Awkward?

Hibbert is welcome to LA who have had some of the worst defensive numbers in the NBA the past two seasons including giving up buckets in tight = BIG ZERO in the middle.  Hibbert changes that.  The Lakers have another Hibbert-type defender and player in Upshaw.  Let's hope he develops and does NOT relate to the Hibbert Head Issues..

Verdict is STILL out on both these guys but the low-risk here has BIGtime reward and the Lakers, literally, have nothing to lose.

Sucks to be Ty Lawson..or DOES it?

..and the Lakers.  The Lakers were among several NBA team looking to hire dude who just got his second Dewey in the past 6 months.

Thank you, Houston, for stepping up to make sure the Lakers didn't get ALL of the guys looking for second and ... "fifth" chances.

Ty Lawson saw THIS ad for Houston and narrowed his Focus.  Los Angeles NEVER had a chance!

especially for alcohol levels...

CHEERS

Lakers Brass Balls on display in NBA Summer League Action

Lakers( Brass') Balls landed  D'Angelo Russell with the number two overall selection 

There's a lot of hardware in Laker Land.

#16Rings

And, whether it be the hardware, Kobe Bryant, Laker Lore or the excitement around #2, who dons jersey number 1 in the purple and gold, there was quite a buzz Friday, July 10 as the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada kicked off.

In last year's opening day game that featured #1 v #2 (Wiggins v Parker) in Cox Pavilion which lists a capacity of 2500 versus having that and other top games in Thomas & Mack, which lists capacity at over 19,000.00

THIS did NOT go over well last season as hundreds of people were turned away or asked to leave Cox Pavilion in spite of having a ticket.  THAT did not happen this year.  The game featuring #1 v #2 (Towns/Russell) was the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers at 5:30 Pacific (the only time zone that matters).  SAC town and Toronto were playing before the Lakers and the arena was already packed around their half-time.  Attendance was reported at 12,500, a record attendance figure for the NBA Summer League.

 THIS wasn't the only change this Summer League.  There is a Changing of the Guard for the Lakers.  Last year's squad featured, ahem, Kendall Marshall.  This year's squad is being led by D'Angelo Russell and the man who was just that for the Lakers Summer Squad AND the lone bright spot during the regular season, Jordan Clarkson.

The crowd was anxious to see the Lakers top pick from THIS draft and last (Randle) and they both seemed pumped to perform.

Perhaps nerves and adrenaline got the better of them as the duo of Randle and Russell failed in comparison to Clarkson and Black, another returner from last year's Lakers.  

Russell threw up an air ball on an early shot attempt but as the game progressed he settled down somewhat.  He does run and see the floor exceptionally well.  Randle seemed tight, rusty, and maybe reluctant until late in the second half when he juked Adreian Payne and went baseline for a monster two-handed jam

1 board is just NOT acceptable from Randle and he knows that: 11 pts, 1 Board, 4 TOs

This game seemed to be ALL about the "eye candy" of the to top picks, yet became a game where LaVine and Clarkson were going toe-to-toe.

LaVine hit consecutive threes, from deep, in the first half and seemed un-guardable AT TIMES.  He was.  There were NUMEROUS times when the opposition's best player, a player who was draining treys (4-8) finishing with 24 points was actually NOT being defended by ANYONE.. at ALL.  Horrible. 

I like LaVine.  A lot.  In fact, I thought the "balls" part last year was to look past the BIGS and take a risk on the shiny, springy, tenacious combo guard from U-C-L-A.  Don't get me wrong, I like Randle.  In fact, I thought he should have gone 1-3 before he got his injury going into the draft.  Meanwhile, LaVine's combine numbers were insane and he was steadfastly climbing the draft board charts faster than his ridiculous vert.  One thing is definite: LaVine had a better rookie season LAST YEAR than Randle.  Randle did look BEAST and had moments but it was Tarik Black that was holding it down for the Lakers inside.  Black finished with 9 points and 13 Boards (5 OFF).

Some say that "Towns' dominated."  Really?  Honestly, Towns' play seemed lethargic.  He ended up with 12 but that was a very quiet 12 (4-10 FG, 4-5 FT) and 3 boards.  Towns had opportunities to capitalize in certain situations but fell flat.  Russell did as well.  I think everyone expected MORE from ONE and TWO.  Russell had 8 pts (3-8 FG, 1-3 3pt), 5 Boards, 6 Assists and 5 TurnOvers.  I do like the "complete" line that Russell can get night in and night out.  I LOVE his court awareness, vision and passing.  I HATE the turnovers.  With ALL of the excitement around the Lakers and Russell I think it is important to temper expectations on Russell.  A lot is riding on this young mans shoulders. 

 He (Russell)WILL have brilliant moments.  BUT, he will also have moments of failure.

The growing PAINS will be there for Russell and the rest of the YOUNG Lakers.  However, Mr. Consistency, the young Jordan Clarkson will be there.  He was there on Friday and although LaVine's line edged out JC , this second-round pick continues to validate his presence in the NBA and making the argument that HE could have very well been a top 15 pick last season.

Lakers Brass got Balls: The Lakers ONLY had pick #7 but sent $1.8M to the Wizards last season to acquire #46 and draft Jordan Clarkson.

"Other" Game NOTES: 

 Two players looking for spots that did well for the T-Wolves were Lorenzo Brown and Adreian Payne

Lorenzo finished with a sweet line: 6-9 FG, 1-2 3pt, 3 As, 3 Stl, 17 pts

Payne DID look awkward at times, mostly at stretch 4 launching threes in the Wolves offense and he did get schooled by Randle hear and there, but never gave up and had 10 points and 8 rebounds in helping Towns up front.

Another Brown or two and a Blue (where are YOU?)...

Anthony Brown started and also seemed a bit pumped.  Once that wore off he drained a nice trey going 1-4 from deep, 4-8 overall for 9 points.  His stroke looks niiice and his misses were right on the bucket_ good rotation.

Jabari (Brown) was NOT present due to an EYE injury.  Vander , "You're my Boy.." Blue was also NOT present.  Blue had a qualifying offer of $1.2M on the table from the Lakers but was in uniform "elsewhere" for the Bulls this Summer League.

Blue joined the squad from the D-Fenders last season after Dwight Buycks, another Gatorade Call-Up, got injured.  Buycks was invited to the Lakers Summer.   He showed PLENTY of SPEED but not much else in game one over 19 minutes of action.

The Lakers other draft pick, of their three, didn't get much time in game one but showed what he WILL bring: quickness, athleticism and defense.  

Robert UPshaw, Big Upshaw: Dude is BIG.

He had three blocks in 12 minutes and with each one he got nice ovations.  The buzz and excitement is THERE for the Big Fella, but he had mental lapses during the game and his positioning on setting screens is absolutely minor league material.  This is the BIG LEAGUES, and although he has the size, the question is does he have the head and the aptitude.

Upshaw shows great potential

Opening Game PICS

Julius Randle greeting #3 pick in 2014, Joel Embiid, Embiid could miss another season

Harden created some buzz in the arena

Hey Steve...How's Mr. Jerry West? _ Mitch Kupchak

Mitch, Byron, Jim Buss, Glen Cararro (DFenders management) and Rick Fox were in attendance watching the Lakers open 

#LakersSummer

Space JAM Sequence.. T-Minus...

Pictures:

Header_ Lakers.com

Jordan_ google it

Zach LaVine sequence from the second tier, behin-the-basket capture(s) : @Victoria's Art 247 Twitter

I took the other ones...