Even in summer league the 2nd night of a back to back matters. The Lakers dealt with some heavy legs and strong ball pressure from the 76ers and looked the part of a team struggling. After having everything work out for them against the Pelicans on Friday, Saturday brought a slog of a game which looked very much like a contest the Lakers would not win.
Until, well, they did.
Keyed by a run where Larry Nance Jr. was a major force, the game came down to the final possessions and offered a sequence that had the entire building buzzing.
What a wild finish to @Sixers/@Lakers at the @NBASummerLeague! #ICEinHisVeinshttps://t.co/LDogSoPVxt
— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2016
Yes, D’Angelo Russell still has ice in his veins.
Afterwards Jesse Mermuys commented that Russell “has the chance to be great” and said they had to do everything they could as a coaching staff and organization to help him get there. The comments were important and took on a different tone than so many of the post-game scrums from a season ago.
And while this is only summer league, it’s good to see a new attitude yet a re-emphasis and focus on developing the young players. That statement alone seems contradictory, doesn’t it? Yet, coming off a season where comments about wins and losses rather than development often took center stage, this really is a new world where it truly seems like this is more than lip-service.
In the end, though, Russell’s shot made mostly forgettable night quite memorable. And while there is still a long way to go and much to learn and get better at, the ultimate takeaway is that, at least so far this summer, basketball is shaping up to be fun again.
matt24 says
Good thing we won I was actually feeling like I was gonna be sad if we lost, a summer league game.
_Craig W says
I don’t think many would argue if I called this the Larry Nance game.
Every team needs a Swiss Army Knife. The question is whether or not that knife should be among the starters, or at least until Ingram gets cracking. Really looking forward to training camp.
Joe Kerr says
So I’m very concerned over Russell’s defense. There were multiple instances where the opposing player drove the ball right past Russell for easy shots at the rim. Then there were the times where Russell let his man beat him backdoor. This is summer league. Russell is playing against d leaguers and rookies. How is he going to look playing against real NBA competition? Oh wait, we saw that last year when he was torched again and again every game.
I mean, Luke and the assistant coaches seriously got their work cut out for them. Russell needs serious help if he wants to even be an average defender.
Busboys4me says
The Lakers haven’t inked Ingram or signed Bass. I hope they aren’t considering Russ. Though he had an off game, Ingram along with Nance and Zubac work well together defensively.
John Citizen says
This guy, Jesse Mermuys, great pick up.
K_dubb says
Joe Kerr He did play the entire second half and probably 75-80% of the game overall (minimal timeouts also).
I have my concerns as well, but given the circumstances it was good to see Russell come up with play after play in the 4th when you could clearly tell he was gassed.
RobertBass says
Hes not a sf he is high energy off the bench no need to mess with that
matt24 says
Zac auguste is a good player, he played well, they compared him to jordan hill
MT87 says
_Craig W Nance had blocks and steals all over the place and even hit a 3. Randle is going to need to show more than just downhill speed this year or he is going to lose his starting spot pretty quickly.
KenOak says
DLO had a pretty bad game up until he didn’t. As others have posted I am a little worried about his defense, but he is a star on offense. And Larry Nance Jr? I love everything about this kid. His two dunks turned the game around along with his defense and all-around hustle. He picked Simmons pocket clean a couple times and had some demoralizing blocks.
Depending on which way the starting line-ups go this team has the potential to have 4 or maybe even 5 guys that can rebound and then push the ball. That can put tremendous pressure on the opposing team *if* the Lakers can hold their own on defense.
That August kid is an interesting prospect. I’m not sure if we have space for him, but he brings energy.
Zublocka has some promise, but he needs a lot of work. Definitely needs to get stronger. He could be the steal of the century if he hits his ceiling. Or, is LNJ the steal of the century? Fun game for the last 5 minutes or so!
Minor Threatt says
I like Auguste as well. He might be redundant on this roster — I think I’d like to see if they could scrounge up a real 3-and-D guy, or at least just a D-first wing, for the last roster spot — but I’ve seen enough already to prefer Auguste to Sacre.
matt24 says
Are these players still unsigned I’m not sure? Meyers leonard (who tore up his shoulder) still waiting on a qualifying offer of 4 million, and montiejunes could not pass a physical in an attempted trade, also dion waiters and ty lawson.
It’s interesting?
FrankTalkLA says
Lol. He’s a better defender than Steph Curry and James Harden right now. Before the inevitable improvments.
FrankTalkLA says
He is a better defender than Steph Curry and James Harden right now. At 20.
Pbz06 says
Exactly. Complaining about a 20 year old’s defense in the NBA is a little too soon. This is year 1 of the rebuild. We just need to see progress, not perfect players and perfect roster construction. That is futile exercise.
Russell is still one of the younger guys in summer and league 😉
I’m just happy right now that the vibes are positive and everyone genuinely likes each other. You can see it on the bench and in post game. Including coaching.
Such a breath of fresh air compared to last year.
I doubt Byron Scott finds another gig as a head coach.
RobertBass says
I don’t think its that simple I don’t think they want to loose nance and his energy off the bench his best spot is off the bench bringing that energy
KevTheBold says
D’Angelo’s 6 points in several seconds, with the game on the line pressure weighing on his shoulders, is very Kobe like, and I am so thankful that we have that rare ability on our team.
As for his defense,..let’s keep in mind that he just finished his rookie season, and under a warped situation where no one was playing defense, and with a coach that was unable to communicate with this younger generation.
However, I saw much better defense in game 1 for the whole team, including D’Angelo, so I’m not concerned to the point where I will dismiss the brilliance he’s shown us.
Let’s not forget that he’s only just learning from these new coaches. It’s summer league for heaven’s sake.
Also understand that Curry had a weakness on defense until very recently, so we should not be so quick to panic.
Worst case, how many players excel at all aspects of the game?
If I had to choose, I would pick star offence over star defense any day, as the name of the game is putting the rock in the hole.
Alexander_ says
KevTheBold Exactly. If you are an elite scorer and passer but mediocre defender, you’ll be fine. Magic was not a particularly good defender either and had a decent career for us. Undoubtedly, DAR will get better, as well as our team defense will get better.
Alexander_ says
Joe Kerr I think it’s the other way. DAR is less inclined to go anywhere near full thrust on defense, when SL is glorified pickup bball/practice, the games don’t count, and what he and the coaching staff are focusing on is him leading and orchestrating the offense.
LT Mitchell says
Luke is going to have some tough decisions at the PF spot.
If Nance can continue to show improvement on his outside shot, he is a better fit than Randal in a GS style offense, and more versatile defensively. That hesitation he had last year to shoot the open shot seems to be gone. His ability to spread the floor would also give DAR better post up opportunities as well.
I had Deng on my fantasy team last year and watched him all season. As a SF, he looked old, slow and washed up. I almost dropped him several times. He is not the athlete he once was. When he shifted to PF, he suddenly had a speed advantage and was able to penetrate. Opposing PFs gave him more space to shoot, and he thrived. I think Deng should get the bulk of his minutes at PF (although that likely won’t happen).
Ingram is a SF, but I think he has the length and the ability to help defensively to be an occasional small ball PF.
Hopefully Randal improved his outside shooting this summer because a Mosgov/Randal front court is going to be a real drag on the offense in terms of spacing. I can’t see Randall’s skills being maximized on this team. What the Lakers need most is a guard who can defend and spread the floor, and be versatile enough to play SF. If that kind of player is available, I think Randal should be moved.
LT Mitchell says
His defense wouldn’t be as big of an issue if the team had other guards who could defend. Curry has Klay. Harden has Beverly, Nash had Raja and Marion. DAR, on the other hand, has Clarkson, Calderon, Lou, and Huertas.
Alexander_ says
MT87 _Craig W The FO thinks very highly of Randle, and we should trust their judgement. He’s a 21 yo who lost a year, has played only one year, and still was an automatic double double a a de facto rookie in a league of men. He’s not long, but a 7′ wingspan is enough to go with his ungodly strength. He’s also coachable and a hard worker. By the end of the season we’ll know more – if he’s destined to be a quality starter or a future all star. But backup no way, he’s better than that.
Not to take anything away from LNJ, whose badass play will earn him quality minutes in a much more competitive rotation this year, and we’ll probably see a little of him at 3, too.
MT87 says
RobertBass I feel that unless Randle can stretch the floor better he might be better coming off the bench. Jr’s game meshes better with the starters as an athletic roller who can hit the three and defend.
KevTheBold says
LT Mitchell
You’re right. They need to address the issue from a team standpoint.
Fortunately, this being the first year of the rebuild, we have time to iron this out before we are ready to seriously compete.
smokedaddy says
Tho he should definitely improve with better effort and technique, I think DAR will always have trouble with quick, strong opposing point guards. He’s just not that quick or explosive. That doesn’t mean he can’t be better and a positive contributor on D tho. With his long arms and great feel for the game he’s already getting steals and deflections. He should actually be pretty good guarding taller points without an elite handle or some SGs. And, keep in mind there’s no way a smaller PG is going to handle him, either in contesting his outside shots and floaters or when he plays in the post. .
My main concern last night, esp the 1st quarter was his turnovers. Just a lot of ill considered, less than crisp passes and kind of loose handle. So, to me these 1st 2 games have been a mixed bag for DR. What I love are his intensity, work ethic, compliments of teamates, and willingness to take coaching. He’s not getting distracted by the off the court BS which has not really been fairly or completely reported on btw
Devean George Forever says
That D’Angelo game winner looked very James Harden-like
MT87 says
Alexander_ MT87 _Craig W I love Randle and I think he has a ton of potential but my concern is with fit within a pace and space system. If he can develop a consistent 3pt shot he totally becomes an all-star in my mind and Nance can suck up minutes at the 3 and the 4 anytime.
If Randle’s shot isn’t there though the Lakers are going to need to find a way to improve spacing. Randle is never going to be a high level finisher against a defense that can lay five feet off of him. We need a shooter at either the 4 or the 5 to open up the court. Whoever can do that should get the start in my mind.
Nance is a better player than the spot he got drafted in. He hustles, plays pretty good D, is developing a 3pt shot, finishes at the hoop in the P&R and on the break, and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. He is a great guy to come off the bench but no doubt he can start.
Randle on the other hand might actually be better coming off the bench where he can be more of a focal point while attacking defenses that aren’t as long or as talented. Again, if he becomes a reliable 3pt shooter it won’t matter as he can attack closeouts all day long but until then he stops the ball and cramps our spacing.
Minor Threatt says
I agree with this. As much as I like Randle, he might be the odd man out of the rotation if he hasn’t corrected his weaknesses. Add his RFA approaching and this year — especially the first half — is critical for his future as a Laker, young as he is.
BruddogTecmo says
Ben Simmons passing already looks next level good. His passing is what I thought D’Lo’s passing would be like.
FredP says
Russell’s game should improve immensely with more court time this year. His shortcomings are due to lack of experience and practice as much as ability. Nance is showing the same game he had at Wyoming when he was their best player. It is great to see how much more confident he is and that should continue into next season.
new rr says
matt24
Leonard is staying with Portland for 4/41.
new rr says
matt24
Also, Portland matched on Allan Crabbe–4/75.
Kareemez says
KevTheBold LT Mitchell Russell was particularly bad on defense last night, not keeping up with his assignment, ball watching, and slow to get into a defensive stance. This is definitely something to watch in the coming games and for next season.
Still, I think that patience is in order. Defense is typically one of the last qualities to develop in star players. Curry and Harden come to mind, but the same was the case with LeBron and Durant. I remember that after the 2008 Olympics, LeBron came back a considerably improved defender, citing Kobe as an inspiration. I remember something similar with Durant in 2012. Both players were several years into their careers before they were considered plus defenders.
Team defense is the game. But we have a lot of young players, and eventually some of them will develop defensive chops. We need patience for all of them (not just Russell).
Joe Kerr says
Kareemez KevTheBold LT Mitchell Both Curry and Harden are still average to below average defenders. If these are the examples given, I’m not exactly enthused with the prospect for much improvement from Russell.
_ Robert _ says
Great start to Summer League. Very entertaining and good spurts from youngsters.
Chemistry: Looks decent amongst the youngsters. I am worried about how Lou will impact this. Another reason to get rid of him (and Nick of course).
Power Forward: As per discussion below – playing time could be an issue, which just leads back to our overpayment in FA. Why would we overpay for a guy to create a log jam, which might result in adios for one of our youngsters?
Kareemez says
Joe Kerr Kareemez KevTheBold LT Mitchell Curry and Harden are statistically average defenders and plus rebounders for their positions. Surely, Harden’s penchant to taking plays off completely does not help his case. To boot, according to Defensive +/-, Curry performs marginally below Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul, two point guards that are not considered poor defenders.
Don’t get me wrong, it would be great if Russel became a solid two way guard; but recognize that those are few and far between in the NBA. All this is to say that I would be very satisfied if Russell develops into an average defender and a solid to great offensive player.
Kareemez says
_ Robert _ I am with you on Lou, especially with the word that he’s not down with Russell. Time to ship him for a SG/SF combo?
Regarding the logjam at forward, I think we’re going to be playing small ball 50% of the time with this roster. Black may get even less PT than we initially thought, especially if Randle is asked to play small ball center in a lineup of Randle/Deng/Ingram/Clarkson/Russell.
EuropeanLaker says
What a game winner from Russel. And I also liked his comments in the interview right after his game winner where he addressed the “horrible turnovers” he had, that he “played terrible” and he credited his teammates for getting him through that. That sounds very mature to me. There also seems to b some good chemistry.
Oh and Larry seems to be the next president of the United States. Right after he became MVP.
matt24 says
I believe 76ers started 3 guards and 2 forwards, and continued that way most of the game, that’s likely why zubac couldn’t keep up, simmons kept trying to switch to get away from nance, then when they replaced zubac for auguste the game started to change, nance v simmons was a great matchup, if simmons could shoot the game wouldn’t have been close, he can’t even shoot free throws and he’s a drive to the basket guy. I was disappointed that okafor didn’t play, would’ve been nice to see zubac guard him.
jetjaz says
what is nick young doing this summer to improve his game, drew league??
bluehill says
matt24 I think this provides some idea of the flexibility the current line up gives us – smaller and more mobile or bigger and more imposing. Sure the current roster has some gaps and/or inexperience, but we have young players with potential at every position IMO. If these guys stay together for a few years, they could develop into a cohesive and flexible core that can matchup with GSW-style smaller lineups or OKC-style bigger lineups.
mattal says
Which makes the massive overpayment for Mozgov even more of a head scratcher.
Busboys4me says
He sulked last year when benched…He may need to be traded…
Busboys4me says
Randle will not take to coming off the bench. IMO, he is just too one-dimensional. Fake right spin left, dribble left, left handed to the basket (worse than LO). No mid-range or outside and NO D. He may be a double-double machine but, he has to have the ball to do it. He souls have played summer league to get an idea on how he fits, but he didn’t.
lalaker14 says
Ice Mamba!!
LAKER4LIFE says
Last year it was JC who had a buzzer beater. Played consistently. Had good 2nd season Now a full pledge Laker. Now it’s D Angelos turn for a very exciting buzzer beater. 76er’s thought they got it only to be stunned 1.8 second later. Truly a mark of a Superstar player. We’ll see and will be patient. Very promising future for the Franchise.