#LAtoLA : Wondering WHY there is NOT more LA on the current Lakers Roster

#LAtoLA ?

the fans, former players, and celebrities certainly thought this was the case ..

the hashtag was created and no sooner than seeing Adam Levine beg and plea, LA was out and not a peep even from a Flea.

Aldridge opted to play with a "different" HOF player and team primed NOW for another RING

LOVE was not in the air either for LA.

love you more https://t.co/dDE9BvTZbK

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 20, 2015

This left people wondering.. questioning.. challenging the front office for the Lakers.

Soon, we had to be reminded that Jim Buss would step down in three years if the Lakers were not back into contention.

Why?

Why is it our business whether owner and executive of basketball operations, Jim Buss, steps down or not?  It really ISN'T.  Yet, we, fans have made it so.

The reality is simply that players like Love and Aldridge are good enough where EVERYONE wants them and their own team can offer the most amount of money to retain them.  Cleveland gave the Champs a helluva good run in the finals and that was without Kyrie and Love.  The CAVS stand the best chance of any team in the NBA of returning to the Finals.  Aldridge?  He said earlier in the season that he wanted to retire as the best Portland Trailblazer ever.

"I want to be the best Blazer- ever." _ Lamarcus Aldridge 

(THAT's what "HE" said)

WE know that won't happen now.   He COULD now end up the third, fourth or maybe seventh best SPUR ever but he will probably have a ring or two.  Portland WAS right on the cusp of breaking through to the Finals but they were hit with some misfortune along the way.  And, they have one of the best owners in sports today, Mr. Paul Allen.

Players like these are not likely to play for a team that is in desperate need for that next player to inherit the "throne," so-to-speak, from Kobe Bryant.  Does anyone want THAT?  Does a player like that want to hear Kobe Mouth?

And, does a player of that caliber want to come to a franchise that is re-building from pain, misfortune and bad mistakes.

The Lakers current fortune lay with Young talent found in the draft and the "D."

Time will tell how this young collection will pan out.  

As long as there is a draft there will always be busts, and diamonds in the rough that go un-drafted or are buried deep into the second.

The Lakers have had a knack for finding those diamonds.  The most recent being last year's second round pick, Jordan Clarkson.

Personally, I was ecstatic when that news was released on Draft Day.  The only pick the Lakers had was the number 7 and they drafted Julius Randle.  The franchise needed more so they send over 1.8M to the Wizards for the rights to Jordan Clarkson.  They were so high on him they were willing to spend MORE than his first two year's worth of salary just to land him.

Clarkson played well his junior year of school at Missouri.  He, along with now backcourt mate, Jabari Brown and Earnest Ross combined for about 60 points per game.

I was impressed by Clarkson, and Missouri, when they faced off in December (12/7/2013) against UCLA.  UCLA was led by Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams, Norman Powell and Zach LaVine all of whom have now been drafted into the NBA.  The lowest selection for the Bruins?  Norman Powell who went number "46" to Toronto this year (2015).  Didn't Clarkson go 46 in 2014? 



He (Powell) is having a stellar Summer (Vegas) averaging 18.3 ppg , 4.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.5 steals, and, uh, 1.5 blocks per game

He was available for the Lakers at 34.  A four year player out of UCLA, Powell led his team in scoring on a team that divvied the ball between Bryce Alford, Kevon Looney, himself and the rest of the squad.  Dude always kept himself in shape and became known as a tough minded defensive player.  BScott 2.0 ?  I can't believe they passed on him.

Looney, who was slated in most mock drafts all year somewhere between 9 and 20 was available at 27 for the Lakers they went instead with Nance.  Looney averaged 11.6 ppg and 9.2 boards landing himself on the Freshman ALL Pac-12 team

AND , well ...

NOT Okafor was drafted at number 2.

My draft picks for 2015: Okafor, Looney, Powell

2014:

LaVine / Clarkson

I loved Randle.  He was tearing it up for Kentucky and looked like a man amongst boys.  Randle was a guy that was discussed in the top 4 for most of the NCAA season and was making a case at #1 there as the Tournament began.  The other "top 3:" Wiggins, Parker and Embiid.  Embiid and Randle slipped a bit due to injury issues.  Embiid dropped from number 1 to number 3 and Randle fell into the hands of the Lakers.  Good player.  And, I was high on him.

But.. 

SpaceJam's Ceiling seemed to be HIGHER than most

The Lakers kept it "somewhat" safe choosing the 6-9 forward from Kentucky in spite of the fact that LaVine's stock was climbing higher and faster than anyone in the NBA Combine and his workouts for the Lakers were off the charts.  I thought they should have gone with the guard from UC- LA and wrote about it here.

LaVine went 13, just like young Kobe.  And, he (now) wears jersey number 8.  Just like young Kobe.  And when the T-Wolves faced off against the Lakers in Staples Center on November 28, 2014?

Career high 28 points for LaVine in 26 Minutes. 11-14 FGs, 2-2  3pt, 4-4 Ft, 1 board, 5 assists

This year, the Lakers DID go with the Guard when MOST probably would have gone with the 7-0 footer from Duke. D'Angelo Russell of Ohio State who averaged 19/5/5.  In the 2014 Draft Kyle Anderson went number 30.  He averaged 15/9/6.5 and he just captured MVP honors in the NBA Summer League in Vegas with a scoring average of 22 and has led his team to the Summer League Championship Game.

 My Roster looks different and ALL these guys were available:

LaVine, Clarkson, Okafor, Looney and Powell (my squad)

vs

Randle, Clarkson, Russell, Nance Jr, and Anthony Brown (Lakers)

Summer league stats:

Looney: 19.7 mpg, 9.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 41% FG, 1 apg, .5 spg, 1bpg

Nance Jr: 19.4 mpg, 5.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 33%, 0 apg, .4 spg, .4 bpg

Randle: 20.5 mpg, 11.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 39% FG, 1.3 apg, 1 spg, .8 bpg

Looney, although was not the leading scorer for the Bruins last season was the MAN on more than one occasion.  Alford and Powell were one of the best guard tandems in NCAA and the nation got to see a glimpse of THAT in the tourney.

Is that Anthony Brown too?

Looney has game.  You could see it from the start.  A complete player.  Very versatile.  In my opinion, when you "jump" the board for a player like Nance you are putting your "balls" out there.  Lakers Brass did.  

I think they should have showed these balls LAST season by drafting LaVine over Randle.

But, by taking Randle, Russell and Nance over players like LaVine, Okafor and Looney you are setting yourself apart.

Good, Bad, or indifferent, the Lakers Management have put "their" stamp on this youth movement.  The question is, is IT the right one?

It is always difficult to tell.  No one has a crystal ball.  The Lakers have been fortunate with other "diamonds in the rough" by capturing un-drafted rookie Jabari Brown and Tarik Black last season.  One could easily argue that the best players (again) in #LakersSummer are either late-round (Clarkson) or un-drafted players (Black/Brown).

They have another un-drafted gem, perhaps, in Robert Upshaw...

Landing Upshaw as un-drafted rookie on a non-guaranteed deal is a nice
 pick-up

Can't have it ALL (dridge), I guess.

But, as Lakers Fans we have become accustomed to it.  Having it ALL...

We've been spoiled over the years and want nothing more for this young core to succeed beyond expectations.  We, FANS, might just have to temper those expectations...

A Lot

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...

NBA Summer League: Opening Wrap-Up in Vegas

    The #NBASummerLeague kicked off in Las Vegas on Friday, July 11, 2014 and clearly there was quite a buzz surrounding Cox Pavilion as the day drew closer to 3:30pm.  The time designated for a matchup between #1 pick Andrew Wiggins and #2 Jabari Parker (Cavs v Bucks).

Jordan Clarkson looked good

Upon arrival to the venue(s) it was quickly learned that tickets were not available.  This was a surprise to many and quickly the exterior "tent" filled up with some disappointed fans that either wanted to see the Lakers finish up or see the #1 v #2 game.  Alternative measures went quickly into action.  I went quickly online and "Bob" went to the front door to inquire about the idea of getting in.  A fan was found to be leaving, that was not coming back to the Arena, and a "ticket" was secured!  

    There was one fan in particular that had just flown in from Baltimore, Maryland who, needless to say, was surprised that the event was sold out.  He also lucked out and made it in.

Did Wiggins/ Jabari meet expectations?

    So, we enter the arena as the Lakers were finishing up half 2.  It was FULL!  I ran into Thomas Scott, Byron Scott's son, who coaches the Los Angeles D-Fenders and asked him who he thought did well for the Lakers in the first half.  No words were spoken.  His look said it all.  There were already people standing around the upper areas behind the top row of either side of the stadium.  We ended up finding one of those spots and THOSE filled up too.  We made it through the tip off and several minutes into the game, when a "yellow-jaket," aka "security usher" escorted approximately 100-150 people or more out of the Pavilion.  Quickly, the mood changed as people were now fully aware that they would not be able to see Wiggins/Parker.  

There were definitely some fans that were pretty upset by either getting escorted from the game or not making it in AT ALL after paying for their ticket.  Can you say "Refund?"

Paul Allen was here!

I asked Warren LeGarie, who created the NBA Summer League, if he had ever run into an over-populated venue like that before.  He said it was similar when Jeremy Lin played (2010).  Mr. LeGarie introduced me to Paul Allen, owner of the Portland Trailblazers.  He asked me how I was enjoying myself.  I grinned ear-to-ear.  He said that it is their goal to create the ultimate FAN experience.  I think they achieved that goal!

We moseyed on over to Thomas & Mack for GSW v Cha.

At 5-7" Kiwi stands tall on Defense

Josh Davis, for Charlotte, really impressed with his overall activity on both ends of the floor.  In 29 minues he had 14 pts, on 6-8 FG, had 16 RBs, 1 St and 1 Blk.  Meanwhile, Lottery pick Noah Vonleh looked like a child amongst men as his footwork and hands were absolutely horrible.  The stat line validates: 32 min, 0 pts, 0-13 FG, 6RB, 3Blk, 5PF, 3 TO.

Kiwi Gardner may only have seen just over 3 minutes of play but he held the game's leading scorer to nil during that stretch.  Mr. Gardner displayed some of the best defense of any guard in the Summer League.

In other NEWS:

It was tough seeing these two former Lakers elsewhere

Shabazz was fun to watch but does he have consistent game?

How is Jeanie, Phil?

LaVine may end up being on VINE more than anyone w his spectacular dunks.  Dee Bost is guarding the young guard out of UCLA here

Photos and Story_ @CBigUpps

Lakers Lucky Number 7

     We asked for it:    

Luck

     When it was announced that Big Game James Worthy, or J Dub 42, would be at the draft lottery to represent Los Angeles the fans all celebrated and asked,  "Bring us some luck Big Game!"  Well, typically, nothing is luckier than SEVEN.  However, the Lakers, were probably hopeful to come back with a different result: THREE.  They did not.  The talk-shows went berzerk.  Fans were ready to jump off a cliff. A cow jumped over the moon.  What?  Why?  What is Sooo "Turrible "(insert Charles Barkley impersonation) about number 7?

     Well, according to channels like, XYQZ, I mean "ESPN LA," The Lakers HAD to have number three and that Coach D'Antoni screwed them out of the top 3 because the team won the last two games. Huh?  This draft has gobs of talent in it.  I would be envious if I was a competing GM knowing that teams like Boston and Minnesota have multiple picks.  It should be very interesting to watch it play out and there's a great chance that we see a lot of movement because of the depth.

     It has also been interesting to see and hear what had been a very definitive top 4 in this year's NBA Draft.  In no particular order: Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, and Randle (for awhile).  This has also changed.  Dante Exum, which many Lakers Fans were hopeful would drop to number 7 is now hovering in the top 3.  Injuries to Embiid and Randle have changed their fates but by how much?  Embiid has slipped from a potential Number One to...well, who knows.  One thing is certain: no one wants to be responsible for another Greg Oden on their roster.  Julius Randle has also slipped a tad.  So, along with players like Aaron Gordon (U of A) and Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart, the Lakers may be looking at a Randle and Embiid at Seven as well.  Luck?  The Lakers definitely like Joel Embiid, but if he falls to seven will they take the chance? 

      The Lakers just came off their worst season in LA franchise history with the most number of injuries...ever.  Is it wise to select a player that could miss half of the season?  Randle was a beast in the NCAA Tourney, but he has a foot problem now.  And unless he is the next Karl Malone, move on; the Lakers can aggressively pursue retaining Jordan Hill to ensure a double double PF in their lineup.  


     Aaron Gordon?  Long, athletic, energy, good defense.. is he a power forward or a small forward? THAT is the NBA question.  Marcus Smart might crack the top 5 as the "best Point Guard" in the draft.  A solid player that is a bigger play-making guard.  Some people like McDermott and others like Noah Vonleh who might also be available at number 7.

     The best player available versus need approaches:  We do know one thing: The Lakers NEED players (they currently have 3 rostered players with a team option on a fourth).

     The Spurs won the Larry O'Brien Trophy becoming world champions once again and they could end up drafting UCLA's Zach Lavine with the 30th selection on Thursday June 26, 2014.  Keep Reading. It was actually well before the Spurs grabbed the NBA's top team honor that Mr. Lavine declared himself for the NBA.  We didn't know then that the Spurs would win the championship, although most knew they had a great shot.

     It was in one of the very early Mock Drafts where I had seen Zach LaVine projected at number 30- San Antonio Spurs.  I remember remarking to a friend, "The San Antonio Spurs are probably going to win the championship...they are certainly one of THE top teams.. and now they could end up with a highly skilled player like LaVine?!!!  WOW! That's how good this draft is!"   To take that a step farther, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Aaron Gordon's teammate and leader of the Wildcats squad, Nick Johnson, was projected early second round.

     Since then, the Lakers parted ways with Coach D'Antoni (pause: Celebrate), San Antonio took care of business, the Purple and Gold wound up with the seventh overall pick and LaVine keeps climbing the charts.

The question is, How high will he climb?






 He climbed to almost 4 feet(46") in El Segundo in one of his workouts with the Lakers and
 in the NBA combine, Zach Lavine posted these numbers:

"LaVine finished in the top five in each category that tested strength and agility drills at the NBA Combine: lane agility time (10.42 seconds, first), shuttle run (2.80 seconds, second), three quarter sprint (3.19 seconds, eighth), standing vertical jump (33.5 inches, fourth) and max vertical leap (41.5 inches, fourth)." ^source http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/14draftprofile_lavine




The Bruins have had a nice run, in recent years, with players entering the NBA draft and being very successful.  There are three Bruins in this year's draft and they could all go in the top 20-25.  Kyle Anderson is intriguing as a 6-9 PG, however, I did not like that he gave up in the last two minutes v FLA in the tournament.  Anderson was subject to discplinary action on several occasions during the year as well so this might play a part as to why he slips a little in the draft.  Jordan Adams had been the team's top scorer and has really solid all around game.  So, LaVine was really a third or fourth option that came in off the bench and played in the Bruins 2-3 zone defense.  With a 6-8" wing span, this kid can cover some ground.  He has quicks, athleticism and MAD hops.. Sound like another Bruin?  Perhaps not the wingspan, but the other attributes remind one of Russel Westbrook, who LaVine says is one of three guards that he patterns himself after.  Remember, Westbrook came back for his sophomore season.  You could definitely see the drive, grit, determination, skill and athleticism but he just did not get the playing time or opportunity.  

This is a familiar story with LaVine.  He played a lot more than Westbrook did as a freshman but LaVine made it clear that he did not like how he was used and bolted to the NBA.  Don't let the 9.4 , 2.5, and 1.8 fool you.  He only took 7.8 shots per game and shot 44%  His range and quick outside shot seem better to me than Westbrook's at the same time.  This is a long, lean, athletic combo guard with handles and skills.  

LUCKY LAVINE ?

We shall see...

On a side note: it would be ironic that "the Vine" would come in and take the NBA social media  #TBT  of the year, Kendall Marshall's, job from him.  KButter Loves him some Vine productions...

oh, and, that Pac-12 Player of the year?  Nick Johnson could jump from the projected 54th spot, +/- and LAND squarely in S.A.  Another solid, solid player WILL be available for the reigning champions.

Also, bare in mind that there may be a bust in the top 10 and there is a great chance at players drafted in the latter first  round AND through the second that will be better than some in the top 10/ top 15...

For the Lakers, this is just another step in the "purple n gold" dominoes.  A piece, or a play, that has to fall before progressing into Free Agency. 

1)  Extending Mitch

2) Firing D'Antoni (I mean, make D'Antoni resign)

3) Draft Day - Pick #7: Trade?  Keep?

4) Coach

5) FAs