I have been going to Summer League since 2010 and I have never seen a crowd this large and heard so much noise.
Summer League crowd, y'all. pic.twitter.com/AeJ3TjrcyO
— Rey-Rey (@TheNoLookPass) July 11, 2015
They started opening up the upper deck to let in some more people. And I heard from another that there were more Laker fans in the Cox Pavilion (the gym across the way where another Summer League game is being played) just looking for this contest. It was insane and it was like we were in Staples Center, only without an organist. The Wolves would beat the Lakers, however, to the tune of 81-68.
On to the players, Jordan Clarkson looked awesome out there. At times, he looked dominant. He scored 23 points off 8 of 17 shooting. Clarkson mentioned that “stuff was starting to come easy and slow down” for him. He seemed very comfortable taking every open shot given to him from the midrange to the three (where he did shoot a not-so-good two for seven). But he finished well and was excellent off the ball. I noted that Jordan’s just at that level where he probably should sit out the rest of Summer League but I wouldn’t be opposed to him getting more time with D’Angelo Russell on the backcourt.
Speaking of Russell, he finished with eight points, five rebounds, and six assists. He noted that “the team was trying to do a little too much instead of settling down.” Russell was definitely guilty of that as he turned the ball over five times. But that’s normal for a team basically playing for the first time in an NBA setting. Russell also noted that he made a “lot of mental mistakes” and mentioned “he was sleeping a little bit on defense.” When pressed further about the mistakes, he mentioned about guys going backdoor and ball-watching on defense. I like that he owned up to those mental mistakes and I think that says a lot about him; Russell wants to be good at his job. No, he wants to be GREAT at it.
As for Julius Randle, it showed that he hasn’t played a game in a long time. According to Coach Mark Madsen, Randle had a limited time of 20 minutes on the court (he played 20:40). Julius definitely felt rusty but he did get it going towards the end (which he also mentioned himself), finishing with 11 points. He didn’t finish well and his jumper wasn’t there but it seemed like he got to the paint at will. It is his first game back so we should be a little forgiving. Randle also noted that he didn’t expect the crowd to be so crazy and that it reminded him of his Kentucky days.
Coach Madsen pointed out that the team had too many turnovers (20), that the defensive rotations weren’t there, and they didn’t box out enough (though the Wolves only outrebounded the Lakers by one). The Lakers were outscored by the Wolves, 25-12, in the fourth quarter in an exciting game that was close for the first three quarters.
The crowd got their money’s worth in a much-hyped Summer League match-up. But the fans should be excited with this young core. Hopefully, we can see more positive things out of this talented Summer League squad. And let’s hope so because this is pretty much most of the main core we’ll see in the regular season.
Chris J says
He didn’t finish well and his jumper wasn’t there but it seemed like he got to the paint at will.
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My thoughts exactly on Randle. His first step, particularly going right, was phenomenal on multiple plays, but aside from the one time he went baseline and got a dunk, the shots reminded me of the old Chick-ism: “Million-dollar move and a nickel finish.”
Russell had his hiccups, but he seems able to get where he wants to go, and I really like his court vision. Clarkson looked fantastic. It’s only one game in July, but it’s nice to feel invested in the players progress again, as opposed to the last two seasons where there was no reason to with the likes of Lin, Boozer and the other space-eaters who were professional but not otherwise tied to the franchise beyond a brief time.
Really three seasons, actually, as the whole Dwight-Nash fiasco really soured me on 2012-13. Other than watching Kobe do Kobe things to get them into the playoffs in ’13, this team’s been more unenjoyable than fun for too long. Not anymore.
LordMo says
It was fun to see the new faces on the court. Clarkson looked good but let us keep in mind the competition. For him consistent improvement of his outside game is key. The kid is reminding me of a bigger version of Rondo with that speed and floor generalship.
However, I do worry about the Lakers backcourt because we can keep saying it but it is too early to tell if Clarkson and Russell can play together. Both are ball dominant guards and PG’s not 2’s and then you throw Kobe in…yikes!
Russell – Nice game will definitely need to work on his defense … he is not an elite athlete and the west is full of them at PG. Extremely offensively gifted and has kind of some herky jerky to his game…crafty as J Rose put it. He will have to continue to develop as much in his head as physically. For him it will be knowledge and anticipation….seeing it before everyone does!
Randle had flashes remember he is a rookie still also! He is going to be ok…just work on your game and quit trying to dribble coast to coast!
Nance…Check the hustle points baby!
Brown – Right demeanor for a rotation player nice game…just needs time.
Upshaw…Keep him already better than Sacre!
T. Black…Tough! I want him with me in the alley!
Kudos to Coach B Scott … he is handling this young team perfectly so far. His demeanor is perfect for the young guys to learn. He he can impart the sense of Laker Pride that will be needed going forward. Going to be some tough times ahead Lakerdom but we will get back to the top of the mountain!
Stu Arsht says
I liked Russell court vision and decision making ability. He had no hesitation if someone else is more open they get the ball for the shot.
J C says
Enjoyed catching the game at T&M w Craig and Reed (a clever alias).
Clarkson’s development is extremely promising. This game was against summer league talent, of course, but reports of his off-season work ethic were clearly evident. I’ve reluctantly boarded the Clarkson bandwagon.
Very impressed with the smooth factor of Russell’s game. For a 19-year old with the weight of a franchise on his shoulders, he was poised and confident. He also showed a willingness to defer to Clarkson in the second half, a trend I for one will be watching, since IMO Russell has the smoother stroke.
Randle’s first half smacked of rust but later he flashes of brilliance as well, including a late-game drive and slam that rocked Thomas and Mack Center. My advice to Julius: focus on doing more dirty work: we’re going to need you on the boards.
Upshaw is an awkward-looking pterodactyl of a man. He looks 19 like I look 29. And in fact he did not impress at all — until — late in the game, within a 30-second span, he had two spectacular blocks, at least one of which was on a Towns offering. In that moment he showed his towering Upside (hehe) in a flash. My compatriots and I laughingly shouted, ‘He just made the team!’ And so it was: apparently he signed a contract late last night. Another solid pickup for the Lake Show. Time will tell if he can compete for minutes with the “beloved” Sacre.
On the Minny side, Towns surprised as a willing and deft passer out of the double-team.
But the night belonged to Zack Lavine. What’s not to love about this guy? Hops out of the gym, gangly and athletic and draining 3s from deeeeep. Good for him.
Familiar finish for the Lakers on the losing side of the final score but the good news is: entertainment is back — along with the H word: Hope.
Reed, if you’re reading this, I hope you and Mitchell had a satisfying night. It appears he is going to need some extra comforting once the roster is finalized.
Nick says
Off topic, but I wonder what Joel Embiid’s value in the trade market is right now – especially since drafting Okafor? Who knows if this guy will ever get back to where he was coming out of college.
mindcrime says
Nick
Zero. Embiid is probably going to miss the season and have another surgery.
Ryan P says
I would say embiid has no trade value until he can at least play an NBA game.
What I saw of the game, it looks like we have some keepers. Clarkson looks great especially if he really did extend his range.
Russell looks a little shaky, but give him time. Randle looked rusty. Upshaw needs to get in game shape. Nance is a great energy guy. Didn’t see Brown.
tfisher says
It would be professional malpractice to use any assets on Embiid at this point. The kid might never be able to suit up for an NBA game, and even if he does it’s getting to the point where you question the impact of multiple years of not playing is going to have on his development.
Ed says
The addition of Hibbert and Bass will really help Upshaw and Randle in all facets of the game. I`ve wondered why the Lakers don`t have a full time shooting coach. Randle in particular would benefit by getting a little more arc on his shots and FT`s. Now that he`s done with rehab,and can practice full court, I expect him to start showing the versatility in his game.. I think they would probably shut JC down now if J Brown was available to take the minutes.