The Swag is Back in LA; Nick Young Returns and the Lakers Win

Happy 100 Chick Hearn

There are so many brilliant things about this game against the Hawks on a night when Chick Hearn's memory was celebrated on his 100th birthday at Staples Center for "Chick Hearn Night," 11/27/16

For Starters:

Thomas Robinson earned himself a start as a result of his inspired play and ten rebounds in the last game.  He played the same, 15 minutes, and put up 9 points and 8 rebounds.

"It's nice to reward people that come into work everyday and work really hard and don't get the same opportunities as other players." _Coach Luke on T-Rob

Jose Calderon playing controlled basketball, filling in for D'Angelo Russell, and NOT turning the ball over for 4 assists and 9 points

Nick Young came back from his toe injury and did what Swag El does.  Hitting the 3 ball at 80% (4 of 5) for 17 points including his, dare I say "patented," four-point play.  Swaggy D got a steal as well.

The OTHER starters (bench mob):

"The energy the second unit brought on the defensive end in the second quarter I think changed the outcome of that game..it's what we've been preaching all year but it's the first time we saw all five guys talking.."_Coach Luke

Larry Nance Jr with a double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds.

Tarik Black had 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

"We give ourselves up for each other. We sacrifice for each other, you can see it on the court.  Open man gets the shot, we play defense for each other, you can see it on the team. We smile together, we laugh together, we love each other in this locker room."_T Black

Lou and JC led the team in scoring with 21 and 18 respectively. Bonus: JC wore a kilt in a post-game interview he shared with Larry.

"They have been one of the best groups of five, starters or benches, all season long in the NBA all season." _Coach Luke

A Lakers Win, A sweep of Dwight Howard and the Hawks on the season series,Tacos for ALL in Attendance and this game was put "in the fridge" all of which were rare commodities if happened at all last season.

"We all BELIEVE in each other" _Nick Young

Happy birthday, Chick. 🎙 pic.twitter.com/3poSzW8yhq

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 28, 2016

 The SWAG IS BACK

With the lack of productivity for the Lakers will players like Thomas Robinson continue to shine?

Luol Deng is a solid veteran and solid guy.  14th season.  A two-time all-star.  A guy the Lakers have sought before and end up getting "now" on a young team with perhaps multiple budding all-stars.

Was Deng an insurance policy?  A mentor to the young Lakers? Was he acquired 3 or 4 years later than ideal considering his NBA age? 

He certainly reaped full benefit and reward of the Lakers not fetching an upper tier NBA Free Agent, yet again, so they opted to pay Deng the $18 or so Million over the next four years.

Recently, in an interview with Mike Bresnahan, Deng said,

"I have never been a volume guy.  My role on this team is something different for me.  It is something I am not used to.  I need more minutes to produce."

Deng ended last season with Miami averaging  12.3 points and 6.0 REB, just slight fractions above his rookie season in 2004-5.  Deng played 32.4 minutes per game last season.

This season, Deng is playing 24.2 minutes per game with averages of 6.6 and 5.4.

So, stars seemed to align with Luol's wishes as three Lakers were "out" in the last contest with Golden State:   D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Nick Young.  With all that fire power out this meant that not only did other guys have to step up but that there might be increased opportunity for players like Deng.

Unfortunately, Deng looked lethargic.  He played 22 minutes, had 4 points on 2-9 shooting, Had 4 REB, and 4 Assists.

Whether it was his overall "play" or effort that saw him (Deng) sit more in the second half or Coach Walton wanting to give more reps to other guys, we saw Thomas Robinson capture 15 minutes of PT.  Walton may have been rewarding Robinson for HIS effort.  He brought energy and hustle (as he generally does) that no one on the Lakers was providing.

Robinson ended up with 6 points (3-8 FG), 10 REB (3 OFF), 1 block and 1 steal.

If we are playing "money ball:"

     Thomas Robinson 2016-17: $1,050,961.

     Luol Deng 2016-17: $18,000,000.

Thomas Robinson forced the Lakers this season to make the tough decision to drop players like draft pick Anthony Brown

So, on a (young) Team where guys like Huertas, Tarik Black, Larry Nance and now Thomas Robinson make the most of their limited minutes, why is it that Deng, seemingly, cannot?  Even Jose Calderon who's playing time is few and far, maximizes his efforts in his very limited role and he is a veteran like Luol.

Deng's Contract is for FOUR YEARS at $72 Million with no options.

Trade Rumors (there always IS in LA LA Land):

There might be "rumblings" of a trade but the $18M with limited productivity, should this persist, will make it difficult to "move the contract."

Look for teams wanting one of the young studs in order for the Lakers to "get out" of the deal.

And, the Lakers will more than likely have to absorb another team's perceivably "bad contract"

Until then...

If Deng keeps playing and "producing" like he has, we will be seeing more frustration from him like we did last game when he was on the bench.

Nick Young Steals Show; Hits Game-Winner for Lakers

I'll never forget Nick Young saying,

"I'm the new Kobe position.  I'm the new Kobe."

Nick Young knows  there will never be another Kobe, but several Lakers will have their Mamba Moments.  Young had one last night. Photo Cred: Soobum Im

Young would probably admit that no one in Los Angeles, perhaps for a very long time or ever, will live up to that standard that the Laker Guard alluded to during the D'Antoni Years.

Young has also said things like, "no one in the world can guard me one-on-one.."  This is true.  Nick Young is a weapon.  When he is on there is not a whole lot one can do about it.  Of course, one can say this about a lot of "shooters" in the NBA.  But, Nick Young has a side-step shot coming out of a rhythmic back-and-forth dribble that really makes his shot indefensible.

And, unlike last season, Nick Young is "getting his shot."  After putting up a career-high point-per-game average in 2013-14 of 17.9, Young regressed under Head Coach Byron Scott the last two seasons ( 13.4 and 7.3 ppg).

In fact Byron Scott benched Nick Young on numerous occasions last season (2015-16).  Young played in his lowest minutes per game

since his rookie campaign (2007-08) and put up his fewest attempts per contest since then as well.

Yes, Nick Young has been with the ball-club under the "worst" Coaches, record-wise, the Laker Organization has ever seen and I am sure this was not what he had in mind when he signed here.  So, he should "get his shot."

Nick Young, Getting His Shot This Season:

Nick Young drains the game-winning three againat OKC

After Career Low Numbers since his Rookie Season in 2007-08, Nick Young has been given a Golden Opportunity and is flourishing again under Head Coach Luke Walton.
Minutes Played 2015-2016: 19.1                  Minutes Played 2016-17:  27.1

Games Started 2015-16:  2 GS /54 GP    Games Started 2016-17:  15/15

Points/REB/Assists 2015-16: 7.3/1.8/.6     Points/REB/Assists 16-17: 14.3/2.7/1.3

Young's 2.7 Rebounds per game is the highest of his career.  He is also posting, thus far in the "Young Season," a career high 93.9% Free Throw Percentage.

His 46% from the floor is also a career-best mark.  Yes, under Luke Walton, Nick Young has his Swag back and his numbers show it.  Luke has him rebounding, playing defense and has him confident in his shot again.

Last night in the Win over OKC Coach Luke kept Young in, out of all the starters, because of the defense he was playing on Russell Westbrook.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Young has bought-in and has been playing perhaps the best defense of his career (something Byron Scott could NOT do).  Young's size actually bothered Westbrook.  There is no STOPPING Russell but to bother him or slow him on occasion is anything anyone can ask for.

The Thunder did "win" on the glass for this second meeting but no one reached double digits and put-backs were limited.  Westbrook led the team with 8 boards.

There were SIX LAKERS in double figures scoring.  Nick Young ended the night with 17 points, 2 REB, 1 Assist, on 6-12 FG and 4-7 from behind-the-arc.  Young also added a team-leading TWO BLOCKED SHOTS along with Tarik Black and Timofey Mozgov.

Black, another player "banished by Byron" last season is also getting his opportunity to shine this season for the Lakers.  One could easily point to the fact that Nick Young and Tarik Black are finally getting utilized correctly as some reasons why these Lakers are improved.  Black and Calderon lead the team with 6 Rebounds.

Calderon?  Yes, Calderon.  Jose filled in nicely after a shaky start of some bumbling turnovers and broken ankles as Westbrook flew by.  He ended up stepping UP and knocking DOWN Four of his Five Field Goals.  All of them Threes.

Great Team Effort on a night where the Lakers were without their starting Point Guard, D'Angelo Russell.  That's ok, Young had the "Ice in his Veins" that the Team needed for the dub.

Young, and others on the squad, thought that Young deserved a "steal" in the stat column.

It is Nice to see Nick Shine after what he has had to endure the last three seasons.

Lakers Win 111-109 over the Thunder; Face GSW Tonight in Oakland

Will the Lakers REBOUND? Lakers True Test begins Tonight vs OKC

   Jimmy Butler wasn't scared and neither will a Russell of another ilk, Westbrook, coming to "his house" in Los Angeles. RUSS will no doubt be bringing rings of fire with him to only add to his gaudy numbers against these Lakers. 

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

In their first meeting, which was an LA Loss back on October 30, 2016,  Westbrook hung a "Kareem" on them with "33" pts.  He also went "trip-dub" adding 16 Assists and 11 Rebounds.

   This facet of the game, REBOUNDING, will be key in their re-match.  Rebounds,

Lakers get Bullied on the Glass. Lose to Chicago.

BULLS TOO MUCH ON THE GLASS FOR LOS ANGELES as the YOUNG LAKERS Take a Hit on their Home Court:

The Los Angeles Lakers Power Forwards may have said it best Sunday night after the loss to the visiting Chicago Bulls:

"We Got Bullied on the Glass." _ Larry Nance Jr.

Junior had a career-high 18 points, many of which were of high-fly variety, as he grabbed oop passes and put-backs for dunks. 

18 on the clock and 18 Points for Nance Jr (Career High)

"We didn't guard anybody tonight...Coach said we can shoot the ball real well, we just didn't guard anybody.. Jimmy went crazy" _Julius Randle

"Jimmy Went Crazy," Indeed:

Jimmy Buckets went to the line on four occasions alone in the first quarter.  He was 7 of 8 for a total of 14 points to end the quarter. The ridiculously hot hand of Lou Williams kept the Lakers close. Lou's inspired play included a clutch buzzer-beating three to end the first quarter tied with Chicago.  Lou went cray as well: 25 points, 8-14 FG, 5-6 3pt, 4-6 Fts.

Highlights of A Nance Jr Dunk and Lou's buzzer-beating 3




The Bulls "JB" ended the game with 40 on 14 of 23 shooting (only 1 attempted 3) and 12-14 from the charity stripe.  The Bulls were 20/28 as compared to the Lakers 15/21 from the line.

"We set the tone with our Fouls.." _Luke Walton


Butler was aggressive early going right at D'Angelo Russell and his "wounded knee."  D'Angelo was attempting to "play through" the sore knee he woke up to Friday that prevented him from playing then.  

"This is what separates great players from the rest." _ Antawn Jamison

"You're going to have nagging injuries.  You might have some tendinitits or something, but at some point you're gonna have to learn to play through it."_James Worthy

Russell may have thought he was doing the team a "service" by playing through the injury but in reality this may have been one of the biggest mistakes of the game.  In fairness to the young guard, no one on the Lakers was slowing Butler down.  

"D'AngeRUSS" was 3-11 FG, 2-9 3pt.  

Clarkson was 1-12 FG, 1-3 from 3.

And, as a Team, the Lakers were giving up way too many second chance points.  They got out-rebounded by the Bulls 56-37.  Many of those "rebounds" were "Fifty-Fifty" Balls the Lakers had chances to grab but were either out of position or lacked the effort to capture. 

Surprising Stat of the Game:  

TURNOVERS.  The Lakers had 10 versus 16 by the Bulls

This IS a young team and this IS a process.  But, like any young team and as Coach Walton has been preaching since the Summer, "it ALL starts with defense."

There were glimpses of "pretty basketball" however..



Lower body, ie "leg workouts" like lunge work will not only strengthen any problematic knees they will help with the jumpers and all around defense.  The individual is going to have to put the effort in to be great however.

This young season's perhaps most difficult test is upcoming.  With two losses in a row, on their home court to boot, and OKC coming to the house it will be interesting to see how ALL these Lakers respond.

Los Angeles DFenders Spoil D-League Debut in spite of Diamond Stone Shining

D-FENDERS back-on-track;  WIN at Home over Warriors

Josh Magette (9) goes by in a blur while former Lakers Asst Coach Paul Pressey's Son, Phil, Defends.  Ferrakohn Hill (17), Diamond Stone (1), Cam Jones (9) for Warriors and Travis Wear (background) for LADFenders also pictured

Josh Magette does what He Does. He captured yet another Double-Double with 19 Points and 17 Assists in the Los Angeles D-Fenders Win Over the visiting Santa Cruz Warriors, 134-109.  Dude is averaging a "dub-dub" at about 12 points and 10 assists per contest.

The Other Dubs, from Santa Cruz, received a nice little "drop-in" from the Los Angeles Clippers.
  

OFFICIAL: The @LAClippers today assigned Diamond Stone to the Santa Cruz Warriors, pursuant to the Flexible Assignment Rule.

— Santa Cruz Warriors (@DLeagueWarriors) November 20, 2016

Draft Selection Number 40, Diamond Stone (Maryland U) was in uni for the "Sea Dubs" Saturday Night for the D-League squad from NoCal.  Stone was drafted by the Pelicans at 40 in the 2016 NBA Draft but traded to the Clippers for pick number 39.  He has not played much for LAC (14 total minutes played).

One of the reasons this past draft will show as being "richer" than what most pundits rated it at will be players like Diamond Stone.  Stone was consistently projected TOP 20 in many (early) Mock Drafts last season.  This should also illustrate how inaccurate and invalid ANY early season Mock Drafts actually are.  Dear Chad Ford... 

The Skinny on Stone's Showing: 

He did pretty well.  He Did what he had to do.

 He did what he is supposed to do.  In Spite of a Losing Effort from Team Santa Cruz, Stone made the best of his reps and consistently dropped in the outside shot including 2-of-4 from three point range.  His outside shot and face-up game looked really good technically.  He also played big with a nice balance on the boards: 5 DREBs and 4 OREBS for 9 overall.  I want to see this number higher in D-League games however.  The 2 blocks were a nice addition to his Team-High 31 points. 

 This was the expectation for the Debut of the Lakers young Big, Ivica Zubac on Thursday (11/17/16).  I read, BTW, that 

he (Zubac) said the 

D-League was "less physical."  

Really Zubac?  The opposing team's GUARD at 6-o tall got as many boards (13) as Zoob had points.  Ivica had three rebounds.  Additionally, Zubac got Man-handled by Joshua Smith and other much smaller players on the visting Rio Grande Vipers.  Dude needs to "DEVELOP" the physical side of the NBA desperately.  

That Being Said, it will be guys like Stone and Zubac we will eventually be talking about as being perhaps the two "best bigs" of the 2016 draft and they were selected "40" and "32" respectively.  I  anticipate that when Zubac matures he may be the "very best Big" overall.  However,they BOTH need to sharpen parts of their game and they both need reps.  

Therein lies the beauty of "The D."

Mitch and CO Scouted Stone but opted to Draft Zubac.  Personally, I love Zublocka, but in comparison to the debut of these two "draft picks," the CLEAR edge is to the sharper Stone.  It will be fun to watch these two Develop and emerge.

Oh yeah, Vander did what Vander Does as well: 28 Points, 10-15 FG, 2-3 3 Pt, 6 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 STls.  Vander Blue was a PLUS THIRTY-ONE.  Magette led with a PLUS 32.

Travis Wear, who played sparingly (20 mins) simply because of the eventual lead that LA achieved, dropped in 23 Points on 5-7 from Three Point Range.  Incidentally, Wear is the Starting Center.  Wear added 7 Boards.  Wear's PT was limited also in the previous game because of Ivica Zubac.  In addition to Blue, Magette and Wear, the D-Fenders have other NBA-Ready Talent in Justin Harper and Roscoe Smith. Harp had another solid effort with 19 pts, 8 Rebs.  Roscoe, 1 of SEVEN D-Fenders in "dubs" had 15 and 8.  All Five of these put these efforts and numbers up consistently.

Harper (#23) Is Looking Leaner, Stronger and Better than he did last year when he received a Call-UP from the Detroit Pistons.

New Additions, David Foster (Jersey No. 50) who Did Not Play (DNP) last game because Zubac was assigned, David Nwaba (11), Julian Jacobs (5), and Troy Devries (7)ALL had decent contributions as well in the Victory.  

Nwaba, particularly for me, is REALLY standing out.  His effort, hustle, energy athleticism and determination shine through so far on a consistent basis.  This can also be applied to Jacobs. Nwaba had 10 Points, 9 Boards and was second on the Team to Foster's FIVE BLOCKS.  I want to see THIS every game.  I don't like BIGS that do NOT take full advantage of their size.  Many (BIGS) make themselves smaller by not having their hands UP and crouching down ( see Roy Hibbert Every Laker Game in 2016).  When Foster's          Hands Are UP, Good Things happen = FIVE BLOCKS.

Phil Pressey (26) and Mykal Thompson (15) for NoCal BOTH have ties to SoCal.  Pressey is the Son of former Lakers Assistant, Paul.  Phil had 21 Points and 8 assists.  FAST. Mychel, son  of World Champion Laker and current Laker Broadcaster Mychal Thompson, had 7 points and 3 rebounds.

I feel like something is missing...

OH YEAH...

Recap of Los Angeles DFENDER's DEBUT for Ivica Zubac

Too Much Venom from the Rio Grande Vipers as Ivica Zubac debuts in El Segundo while Laker teammates show up for support. (From THE DFENDER blog)

Ivica fouled out and was on ice with 4:55 left in the game

    Ivica Zubac donned jersey number 33 for his DFender Debut Thursday night in front of the home crowd.  "33" no doubt inspired by whom he patterns his "hook shot" after, tha Cap'n, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.  Much like his Laker debut, November 2nd against the Atlanta Hawks, Zoob hit his first two shots which were the first four points for the team.

We have your BAC, Zoob. Pick No 32 Wore Jersey 33

    Everything was going according to plan and Zubac did not disappoint in front of a crowd which included Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton, teammates D'Angelo Russel and Larry Nance Jr. and General Manager Mitch Kupchak who sat courstide.  The game looked like it was in cruise control at the 7:30 Time Out (1st Qtr) mark as Gold led 16-6.

    The Vipers started a slow comeback, Zubac leaves the game with two fouls at the 5:47 mark and the Vipers led at the end of the Quarter, 31-30.  The DFenders were close a couple of times and even hovered around a 3 or four point lead but the Vipers had too much firepower. 

 PAC-12 standout Gary Payton Jr went undrafted

 The Viper Room:

Isaiah Taylor (Texas U) 31 pts and Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga) 26 pts, combined for 57 points, 21-43 FG, 6-17 3pt. 

Gary Payton Jr., who also went undrafted, was ALL over the court wreaking havoc and added 12 pts and 13 boards. 10 more than the DFenders starting Center (Zubac).  Speaking of Rebounds?  The League-Leader, Chinanu Onuaku, grabbed 22 which will also add to his 15.7 Rebounds Per Game tally.  Hello D-Fense? What? Oh, no one home?  Yep, with the foul trouble of Zubac and a DNP for 7 foot 3 David Foster the Vipers seemed to have their way and "bull over" the home team after a flat first six minutes of the game.

Remember me El Segundo? I'm Joshua Smith former Bruin

 Speaking of Bull-ies..Remember Joshua, don't call me Josh, Smith?  Former McDonald's High School "All-American?"  Former Bruin?  Former Hoya? Yes, the 6-10, overweight, out-of-shape, lethargic "Joshua Smith."  The Vipers have him listed at "300 pounds"  but much like getting an "8" aka "snowman" in golf I believe that number is a bit "light."  Smith "bulled" Zubac over a handful of times, antagonizing and taunting the "draft pick."  He toyed with Zubac and even coaxed him to an offensive foul that led Zubac straight to the bench.

So, Zoob, while you are in "the D," use it for what it is intended.  To "Develop."  And you are going to need to develop a "thicker skin."  Your skill and game are far superior to many of the opposing Centers.  But, many of these guys went undrafted and will have a chip on the shoulder.  In the case of Joshua Smith they might have too many "chocolate chips" in their bellies.  The combination, "Draft Pick," will make for a Target on your back and these guys will look for EVERY opportunity to dunk on you, push you around and taunt you. We saw this in Lakers Summer.

In other words, work on your toughness.  Not to say you aren't "tough."  But this game in the U.S. is FAR different than in Europe.  When you are in New York, head over to Rucker Park.  In Los Angeles head over to Venice or Compton.  You have the skill, the turn-arounds, and the bank-shots.  So, learn the "smack" game.  How not to get smacked around and how to run it (verbal smack) on the court...

No matter what, ...

WE, FANS, GOT YOUR BACK ZOOB

Speaking of backs, Josh Magette, Vander Blue, Justin Harper and Roscoe Smith are all back for the DFenders this season.  Number 9 had another double-double (16 pts, 13 assists) in the loss vs. the Vipers Thursday Night.  He seems to be able to run the floor and find people no matter who is on his squad.  Having been an invitee this past summer for the Nets, the DFenders have several "cusp" players including all of the aformentioned and new addition Travis Wear.

Laker FAM

WINNING: THE DFENDERS WIN THEIR OPENER AND THE LAKERS START

BOTH THE LAKERS AND DFENDERS WON THEIR OPENERS THIS SEASON

THEY SAY IT CHANGES EVERYTHING. 

WITH KOBE BRYANT NOW GONE FROM LAKER LAND AS A PLAYER, A LEGACY BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY IS NOW LEFT BEHIND.  A NEW IDENTITY IS BEGINNING TO EMERGE AS WE SEE PLAYERS LIKE LAKER FORWARD JULIUS RANDLE STEP INTO THE SHOES THAT KOBE LEFT BEHIND.  WE MAY HAVE ALL LOST THE BLACK MAMBA BUT PERHAPS THERE ARE BITS AND PIECES OF HIM INTERWOVEN AMONGST THE YOUNG LAKER SQUAD.

TEAM.

YOU NEED TO BE ONE.

YOU NEED TO PLAY AS ONE.

IN ORDER TO WIN.

THE NEW "KOBE" IN LA, DFENDERS HEAD COACH COBY KARL, HAD HIS TEAM PLAYING AS "ONE" FRIDAY NIGHT AS THE DFENDERS GOT THE VICTORY IN THE SEASON OPENER AGAINST THE IOWA ENERGY.

THE FINAL SCORE WAS 127-98

NICE TO SEE FAMILIAR FACES IN THE RETURN PLAYERS AND SOME NEW BLOOD WHO INFUSED SOME GREAT ENERGY AND ATHLETICISM IN THE WIN.

GRANTED IT WAS OPENING NIGHT WHICH BRINGS A UNIQUE ENERGY UNTO ITSELF, IT JUST SEEMS THAT THE MOOD "AROUND CAMPUS" IS MUCH DIFFERENT.

IT HELPS THAT THE LAKERS ARE 5-4 GOING INTO THIS AFTERNOON'S MATCHUP AGAINST NEW ORLEANS.

IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO SLOW DOWN TRAVIS WEAR AND THESE D-FENDERS THIS SEASON

THE FANS WERE EXCITED, THE PLAYERS WERE PUMPED UP, AND THE LAKER GIRLS ARE, AS ALWAYS, WINNING!

SQUAD

Lakers are .500: A re-cap of the 3-3 start, Jim Buss might be right and the Phoenix Suns Tonight

     Well this "that season" for the Lakers.  This is the so called year that Jim Buss was referring to when he said that if the Lakers were not in contention in three or four years that he would step down.  This chatter started to change a bit last year during the Lakers all-time worst season.

D'Angelo Russell (1), one of the rewards of the Lakers past dismal seasons showing he does have "Ice in his veins."

Speaking of (worst seasons and such..)

     It is interesting to see, hear and read all the so-called pundits, experts and analysts that rank players and teams in the preseason.  I believe the consensus was that the Lakers would finish last in the Western Conference this season. Uhhhhh.... what?  Where were YOU LAST SEASON?!

Many, if not all of us, believed the Lakers would "better" their record last season from the 21 wins of 2014-15 right?  Well, the Lakers had another one of those "top 3 protected" picks that they did not have a chance at unless they were amongst the last rungs of the NBA ladder.


 The Lakers were BETTER than their 21 win AND their 17 win records indicate in my opinion.  
But, in the words of a long-time Lakers Season Ticket Holder I sat next to last season vs Memphis at Staples (1 of the few games Kobe "sat out"),

"We Want the Pick.."

The Lakers GOT THEIR PICK in Brandon Ingram (14) shown here firing one off in Lakers Summer

     Soooo, say or think what you want but A) there were at least 13 games of horrible coaching with respect to line-up moves and situations and B) T....t...t...t...Taaaaank syndrome seemed to set in every now and again so that the race to the bottom remained in tact.  One of the bottom dwellers last season is the team the Lakers face tonight (6:30 pm PST), the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers "edged" Phoenix and the Celtics out for number 2 and went with Ingram.  The Suns took Dragan Bender, a 7'1 ish shooting guard at number 4.  You heard me.  

The reason why Bender "handles the ball so well" is because he has played a lot of point guard.  And, dude likes to shoot from the perimeter.  Not to say he has no inside game to speak of but he looks to be most suited and comfortable at guard and this is where the Suns played him during the summer where we saw him guarding wing players like Jaylen Brown.

Dragan Bender (35) "guards" Jaylen Brown (9), 2016 picks 4 and 3 respectively.  At 7'1" Bender is a perimeter player.

      The Suns are "guard heavy" and one of those guards is perhaps the best shooter of the 2015 draft, Devin Booker.  Booker is averaging 19.8 thus far.  Eric Bledsoe, who the Suns acquired* in an off-season trade in 2013, is at 17.2 and Brandon Knight is averaging 13.2 points and leads the team with 5 assists.  Knight was acquired in another three team deal* in the 2015 off-season.

Devin Booker (1) might be the best shooter of the 2015 draft, taken 13th.  Let's see what D'Angelo and the Lakers D says

     These guards are all good and they are all fast.  Their second-round draft pick, Tyler Ulis (Kentucky), AND their top pick (Bender) are not really seeing the floor thus far.  The Lakers had their chance at Ulis but went with Zubac instead at number 32.  And, what a pick. 



The caveat for Zubac this season will be

Ivica Zubac: Second Round Gold again for Lakers

opportunity as the Lakers have a pretty full deck.  Look to possibly see Zubac pull "Clarkson-Like" double- duty with the DFenders and Lakers this season.  That being said, once Ivica has the right opportunity, ie "PT" Playing Time we may see that the Lakers scored the best big in the last draft.  He is a skilled big and a ball-hawk defender that in time will tally the blocks for the purple and gold.


Lakers 3-3 Roller-Coaster Re-Cap:

After game one (a Lakers Victory):  The Lakers will go 82-0!

After going 1 and 3 (prior to the Atlanta Game) "If they don't win tonight, I don't know WHEN they will get another "double u."

After beating Atlanta and GSW to go 3-3:

The Lakers will win the championship in 2017!

Well, if that last remark is true or if the Lakers are in contention this season that would make Jim Buss correct and safe in his position of management.  Bitter-Sweet?

So, I like the Lakers in tonight's matchup and not because they have played well all season, nor because they have beaten the A-T-L and GS dubs in the last two, but because their roster is a better roster than the Suns.

This is home turf and Luke Walton has his young team focused and poised on D-Fending Staples.  

Tonight will be a great test of the defense and maturity of the Lakers.

But, who is going to guard Randle?

 And as far as Jim Buss is concerned?  

At some point is there credit where credit is due?

Ingram (14), Nance Jr. (7) and Russell (1) all seem to be shining bright and so does Lakers Brass