Maybe both the Lakers’ preseason wins will have asterisks next to them. After beating a non-NBA team for their first W, the Lakers beat the Warriors 85-70, but in a shortened game when the refs and both head coaches decided to call the game after wet floor conditions caused multiple players to slip and fall over the course of the game. Player safety is still king and, while unfortunate to the fans who showed up, ending the contest was the right move.
The game itself offered some good moments for the Lakers, however. And while the Warriors by no means whole — Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, and Andrew Bogut all sat out — Steph Curry still had a fantastic game and offered a nice counter to the good the Lakers were able to accomplish. All in all, then, the fans who went to the game might not be happy about the ending — even with an ability to get a refund — but the game still offered plenty of entertainment for the time it lasted and gave us a couple of other evaluation points on some players.
On to the notes…
*As noted in the preview, I was looking forward to the Julius Randle/Draymond Green match up and it did not disappoint. Well, at least if you’re a Randle fan. The 2nd year forward seemed extra motivated to go up against Green, taking it to him at every opportunity. Randle only played the first quarter, but had 14 points on 4-8 shooting (6-7 from the FT line) and 3 rebounds. On one play in particular, Randle got the ball way above the three point line and drove right at Green, crossing over from left to right, getting by Green, and then getting fouled at the rim. He didn’t make the shot, but the intention was clear. As were his words after the play when he mouthed “he can’t guard me”. For one night, at least, Randle was right.
*Marcel Huertas made his preseason debut and he made it a memorable one. After airballing his first shot from the field, Marcelinho quickly found his bearings and looked like the “Brazilian Nash” he’s been called over the course of his career. He hit two running, one legged jumpers along the baseline to score his 4 points and dished out 6 assists too. His dimes were especially impressive, many of them the type of reads only guards with tremendous feel can make. A sampling:
https://vine.co/v/e9MVHd3PAAt
He only played a quarter, but after his play I don’t see how Huertas gets cut. His presence slots the rest of the players on the 2nd unit correctly and the team’s depth at PG is just too shallow without him.
*Larry Nance Jr. ended Festus Ezeli with a monster dunk. Who’s going to write the obituary?
https://vine.co/v/e9OZmi77XiK
*D’Angelo Russell landed lock-legged on an offensive rebound attempt and came up limping afterward. He stayed in the game, but did look a bit gimpy afterwards.
*Speaking of Russell, he again played a lot off the ball even though he started at point guard. He also didn’t shoot too well, making only 1 of his 6 shots (and both of his FT’s). One thing I do want to see more from Russell is coming off screens with more purpose. When he comes off picks he almost always looks to keep his man on his hip rather than trying to burst into open space. If he tried to do more of the latter, he’d probably find himself with more space and more of the floor would open up for him.
*Jordan Clarkson, on the other hand, looked great as a shoot first guard and did well as a ball handler to start possessions when looking for his own. He finished with 17 points on 7-9 shooting and looked under control all night. What he did not have, however, was an assist. This isn’t a big deal per se, but I found it interesting especially after the last game where he was similarly hunting for his own shot.
Barath says
The lakers have to cut at least four players by Monday oct 26th. Who gets cut and who makes it ?
http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/los-angeles-lakers-need-to-cut-at-least-four-players-101615
seems to be tipping MWP over Holmes, Huertas over jabari brown & Frazier and Sacre over to make it, with Michael Frazier also out
Today’s game provides ammo for Huertas backers.
Michael says
Glad to hear that individuals are shining. Can someone fill me in on how well the team played defense?
Kareeme says
Michael,
Our perimeter defense is porous, especially the guards coming off-ball picks. Clarkson had two nearly consecutive terrible defensive possessions with Brandon Rush taking it straight to the rim, once on a rub off and another time with a straight crossover. And apparently all of the guards didn’t get the memo that you have to chase Curry off the 3-point line (and he still may merc you). Clarkson in particular gave Curry way too much space to get his perimeter shot off.
Mark Sigal says
The Lakers looked great tonight. There, I said it.
I watched the game on NBA TV, and you could see two things that you did not see for the last few years. Talent, and an enjoyable style of play.
Randle is a stud. To see him operate with the ball at a pretty high skill level, with energy and confidence, to boot, has been a great thing to see this pre-season. Tonight was the cherry on top, but it’s increasingly been like this.
Russell got limited minutes, but showed hops. His one basket was a really nice play. Clarkson is even better than last year. Nance showed skill and ferocity. He’s a keeper, definitely. Huertas is a real find; Magic like style of play. Had six assists in twelve minutes, and if he can stay healthy is the real deal. The second unit could be special.
Lou Williams did not play much, if at all, which was no loss, as the ball was moving well, and he looks for his shot a bit much. Scare was the curse of Kwame Brown tonight. Stone hands.
LKK says
I saw some very encouraging signs last night from Huertas, Clarkson, Upshaw, Nance and Randle. Frazier also looked good, but I fear he’ll be a casualty of the numbers. I do think he has a future in the league.
JR really took it at Green. Quite an impressive showing against a player that received a ton of votes for DPOY. The fierceness and swagger that Randle displayed were a welcome sight. Finally, the Lakers have a player to go after the Griffins and Greens of the Western Conference. Perhaps a byproduct of the MWP effect.
Speaking of Metta, as much as I respect him, I feel that Nance makes him redundant on the roster. Needless to say, the upcoming cuts are going to be very interesting and will be polarizing as fans root for their favorites to make the team.
LKK says
This team really seems to be set up to use Kobe properly in terms of minutes played. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see a full and productive season from the Mamba. One in which he allows the future to begin. I’m of the belief that the team can make a bit of a leap forward. I definitely think there are enough pieces to have an interesting and competitive season.
Busboys4me says
They shared the ball when necessary (except for MWP), they were more fluid offensively and the second unit looked much better. Huertas may be the key to the second unit. I like Frazier as the third point (good defense and shot), but Jabari looks very good offensively (no defense though).
Upshaw won’t make the squad, Kelly shouldn’t but he will, and MWP still can’t shoot. I would love MWP as a mentor/coach and only signed if needed later (don’t take a kid’s place). I still need to see Holmes again and the other Brown is a project. Nance gets the nod for the dunk and the 3-pointer.
steve0319 says
I’m in favor of turning MWP into a some type of defensive coach/consultant vs using a roster spot on him. He’s creating iso’s out there and not being so productive. We don’t need that.
J C says
The question has been asked and answered but:
Doesn’t the team have the ability to retain the rights to two players (in addition to the 15 roster spots) by having them under contract and assigning them to the D League or putting them on the injured reserve?
In college they call it red-shirting.
It would be much easier to cut two of these guys than four of them.
Holmes and Frazier are both talented but seem to bring up the rear of this group.
I’d say those two get cut and if Upshaw and J Brown are the next two but if we can retain their rights and stash them somewhere that would be ideal.
It’s hard not to be optimistic about the team after a win like last night’s, even if was only 3 quarters.
By the way-
Anyone else remember a game last year when Kobe didn’t play and the team suddenly acted like their wicked stepmother had been vanquished and they won a game handily?
Ssshhhhh. I didn’t say it.
Anonymous says
Yes, the Lakers looked good last night but just like against Macabi, the opposition didn’t put up much of a fight. The Warriors didn’t play their front line players many minutes.
The win gave the Lakers a better pre-season record but in my mind they still haven’t beaten anyone yet.
Kareem says
Anonymous,
This team isn’t competing for a playoff spot. They’re developing a young core while making a case for free agents next year. And it’s preseason. Can’t please everyone, can we.
KevTheBold says
Did anyone truly watch Upshaw’s performance?
I read that article regarding the cuts, and with regards to Upshaw, it was totally illogical.
It starts off admitting Upshaw’s higher upside over Sacre, then goes on about Upshaw’s past as a reason cut him.
Why give a man a 2nd chance to turn his life around, then after he works hard, proves himself,.. cut him anyway, for the reasons from his past?
Upshaw has the potential to be the best center in the NBA, and if our staff is either too blind or biased to see it, some other team most definitely will.
I for one, would much rather see him play for us, with gratitude and fierce loyalty, than against us, with anger and revenge on his mind.
Let’s hope that logic prevails, and history writes that the 2015 Lakers, not only landed the most gifted PG in a generation, but the most dominant big man, to start a new dynasty.
Mark Sigal says
Agreed with the last comment. If you actually saw the game, Sacre was a zero. Upshaw got a great block where he kept it inbounds, ran the floor and was a different player physically than in summer.
Kelly played well, too.
Inspired game last night. Lakers will have some tough decisions on cuts.
Anonymous says
Kev … Um…wow. Upshaw as the best center in the NBA. OK…sure why not.
I think he will make the team but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here.
steve0319 says
My thoughts on cuts:
Holmes: redundancy with 6-9 power dudes, retain for D-league
Frazier: redundancy at 2. Lacks experience, retain for D-league
MWP: hire as asst coach
Sacre: cut. He is a bg body but not a shot blocker anyway. Black can do everything and better
KevTheBold says
Anonymous,.. I’m talking potential, which his college stats justify.
Call me an optimist.
A label I wear proudly.
LKK says
I would really like to see Upshaw make the team. Kev the Bold makes some very valid points concerning him. If it’s a choice between Sacre and Upshaw, I’m in favor of the upside of Upshaw. I would roll the dice on him. The Lakers are at the point where they need to catch some lightning in a bottle in order to effect a quick turnaround. Sacre isn’t that guy.
Alex says
I think steve0319 nailed it. It’s the best roster plan, and the most likely.
Patrick Lanigan says
Upshaw being cut is one of the more preposterous predictions I’ve read here. Upshaw will make this roster.
Kimberly says
Hi all,
Have to admit. While Metta didn’t look the smoothest out there, I’d still rather have him as a teammate than an assistant coach. Just think there are the intangibles that he can bring as the former that would not in the latter position.
I understand the need to keep as many talented players to develop- especially because we don’t want to risk anyone getting poached while in D-league- but I just read on hoopshype that there’s over 600 players currently signed with teams. That essentially atleast 150 players are gonna get cut. This makes poaching seem less likely.
Kimberly says
Hey all,
I’m on the side that thinks the cuts will be a difficult decision. A lot of promise with all the players. That said, I can’t help but want Metta to stick as a teammate. There are so many intangibles he would bring as a player that he wouldn’t be able to as part of the coaching staff.
Also, there’s a couple of articles on hoopshype that reports how there are over 600 players currently under contract, and how atleast 150 players are going to have to be cut before deadline. That said, it seems there isn’t as big of a perceived risk of poaching as have been mentioned in respect to the concerns or waiving some of our young talent like holmes and frazier.
bleedpurplegold says
If every player cut will play for the d-fenders, my prediction is that this team will be a monster next season in the d league
With that being said, how about metta as part of our d-league team while still practicing with the first unit. That way we can keep his influence in house while metta is still being able to be around the nba and we could call him up if needed. I am sure he would be willing to sign on such a deal if granted a clause to leave early if some nba team wants to pick him up.
Glad huertas turned out what i thought he would be. Definately a keeper with the kind of vision and leadership i told you he has.
RG says
Some general roster related thoughts:
I definitely vote for Upshaw. 100%. I think with a disciplinarian like Byron Scott and the strict leadership of Kobe and Metta, Upshaw will pull through in the long run if he sticks to the roster for a full season. He can at the very least be a solid backup C in this league fairly soon, and for his upside I see a combination of Javale McGee (the good version) & Marcus Camby.
I love the influence and swagger of Metta rubbing off on the young kids in the team. If there’s any way to keep him in the roster, even if he plays just spot mins here and there, I’d keep him. I know it’s a valuable roster spot and he could be just retained as an assistant coach/consultant. I’m torn.
CUT SACRE!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!! I’M BEGGING YOU LAKERS F.O.!!!!
Frazier, Holmes and Jabari Brown feels a little redundant at this point. Wouldn’t mind cutting all three.
Definitely keep Marcelo Huertas. Dude’s a baller. No doubt. Great luxury to have to man the 2nd unit.
I like Ryan Kelly’s skill set. But he reminds me of a poor man’s Mike Dunleavy Jr. And I don’t even think Kelly can play the 3 as effectively as Dunleavy Jr. But perhaps Kelly will develop more as a versatile stretch 4 (and the occasional 3) who can shoot, pass and be a glue guy type player, a la Luke Walton.
I’m a fan of Tariq Black. I’ve seen him live a couple of times. Dude can hustle. And he is a beast on the board and around the rim. Could become (perhaps already is) an excellent backup C.
And seriously, let’s please figure out a way to give Sacre a nice hug (along with some money) for the memories and ask him to take a hike. I would much rather have Tariq Black and Upshaw backing up Hibbert any day.
There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Go Lakers.
Craig W. says
What people are worried about is cutting Upshaw, not so much Holmes or Frazier. Upshaw is a unique talent in a league that is going smaller. Someone like Memphis would love to get their hands on the next really good ‘back to the basket’ center – there aren’t many others around; never mind good ones.
Vasheed says
I think Craig W. got this right. The idea of sending Upshaw to the D-League isn’t very good. The odds are high he would be poached if sent there. I do believe it comes down to choosing between Sacre and Upshaw. I don’t think Sacre’s value is zero but, I think Upshaw is obviously far more talented.
On the other hand stashing Holmes and Frazier in the D-League are likely good moves for later on in the season.
J C says
Once a player is assigned to the D league do we lose his rights, even if the player is under contract?
I’d prefer Upshaw over Sacre.
In fact I’d prefer an empty roster spot over Sacre.
lil pau says
Hello all:
I can’t go to tonight’s game against the Trailblazers at Staples. Since it’s preseason, I’m selling my tix at 2 for 1! Tickets are in Sec 205, row 2. Both tickets combined price is $94 ($47 each). If interested, please email me at kb9kb9kb9@aol.com. Face value is $94 EACH, which is what I paid as a season ticket holder.
Thanks,
LP
Warren Wee Lim says
Good game by Huertas. It was the kind of opportunity he needed to show he could be in the league and that he’d be better than Prigioni. He’s “just” 32 after all. And he more or less cemented his role as the team’s primary backup PG. #brazilianSteveNash
For 5 games in the pre-season, these are my predictions as to who makes it (and who doesn’t)
1: Russell, Huertas,
2: Clarkson, Williams
3: Bryant, Young, A. Brown
4: Randle, Kelly, Nance Jr.
5: Hibbert, Bass,
I originally have Kelly cut, but we kinda need that Stretch-y PF of his mold although he isn’t really that good. Plus, he’s had 2 good games in pre-season if that’s any indication.
Bass is placed as a backup C because that was the spot he filled in pre-season. Seemed to do quite decently too.
After those 12, its just a toss-up now. The guys left either have potential, or some sort of qualitative presence.
1: Michael Frazier
2: Jabari Brown
3: Metta World Peace
4; Jonathan Holmes
5: Robert Sacre / Tarik Black / Robert Upshaw
We do need guards, but we’ve slotted Kobe at the 3, when he’s really a 2. So you can make a case that the influence MWP brings to the locker room, to aid Randle and the younger guys is invaluable.
If its true that Holmes and Frazier can be stashed in the DL then we have the trio of centers left for us to choose from, and would have to cut the other 2.
Tarik Black’s had good “reliable” moments and its going up against Upshaw’s instability and potential.
I think Sacre’s full deal was picked up to assure his pay, so the cut isn’t as tough as it would be. After all, he’s minimal investment.
Using the same logic, Black is too, but I sense he has more to offer now than Upshaw, which makes it really tough. I’m choosing Tarik over Upshaw despite that Tarik is minimal investment himself.
Craig W. says
We can cut a younger player and sign him to a D-League contract, but any other club can call him up. If we keep the player on our roster, then we can also assign him to the D-League, but he is still Laker property and no other club can sign him – he just counts against our 15-man roster, however.
P. Ami says
I think we are taking it a little far to suggest Upshaw can be the best center in the league. I can be a butterfly, I suppose, but its not likely. I think it is perfectly acceptable to think that Upshaw can bring DeAndre Jordan type play at the center position. Like DeAndre, Upshaw is athletic and has great blocking instincts. I would like to see Upshaw rely on his footwork and stick his body on someone for rebounds. I would like to see him continue to get stronger so he can hold his ground on the block. Jordan still has issues as a pick and roll defender which I think Upshaw can solve pretty quickly if he takes to some good coaching. If Upshaw gets his footwork right, learns NBA defensive strategy and decides to be physical, he can be a HUGE asset to the Lakers. Any offense beyond put-backs and lobs will be the tastiest gravy. On the other hand, if he stays with us and becomes the best center in the league, I will gladly grow wings and bumble about with the monarchs and the skippers.
matt says
Did jrandle say he cant guard me. Side note if russell went to denver do you think he’d average 20 points.. also are they going to cut metta…we looked good… is nance a role player or d league starter…Warriors were missing 3 starters and we were missing 2 ball stoppers j/k …kobe is the greatest
matt says
Oh yeah i change my mind on upshaw. Love the pump fake to driving dunk, then the awesome block… who the f, needs dwipe coward we got upgrade