Steph! Durant! Draymond! Klay!
Wait. No. None of them. Sorry.
The Lakers play the Warriors tonight in Las Vegas and will play an interesting mix of young guys and veterans the defending world champs (oh that’s right they blew a 3-1 lead) Dubs will throw out there. You might even recognize a few names — including former Laker Xavier Henry.
But we’re not really worried about those guys, are we? No, tonight I’ll be watching the Lakers’ young guys very closely. These guys are 2-0 and had a nice comeback win against the 76ers on Saturday. That game saw some tired legs and good pressure defense bother the Lakers, so here’s hoping tonight they have recovered some and can put forth a cleaner game.
With that, a few other things I will be watching for:
- Can Brandon Ingram bounce back? Against Philly Ingram didn’t have his best showing, missing some shots and sort of floating around for long stretches. After his strong opener, I’m hoping he reverts to Friday’s form rather than having a repeat performance from Saturday. I’ll especially be watching how he works coming off picks and if he can continue to create off the dribble for himself and teammates. I’d also like to see improved effort on the glass so he can grab and go more.
- Speaking of grab and go, I’m looking for more of the same from Larry Nance. The 2nd year player has had a nice showing to start summer league and I’m interested in seeing him continue to push the ball, take open jumpers with confidence, and defend with vigor. A highlight dunk would also be nice. That’s not too much to ask for is it?
- D’Angelo Russell has played well, but even more important has been a good leader out there. I’d like to see that continue. I’d also like to see less turnovers, though that’s not so important to me at this point. Making mistakes is totally okay in this environment, as long as they are ones of aggression. Him driving the ball and losing it every now and then or forcing a few passes isn’t something I’m going to get worked up over.
- More Zubac, please. I like this kid. I like how he moves, I like how his offensive skill, I like how he wants to defend the rim.
- Beyond these core four guys, I’m interested in seeing how the schemes work on both sides of the court. Is the ball moving? Are guys talking defensively? How sharp are the cuts? How solid are the screens? While I’ll never get too concerned over execution in this environment, these guys starting to understand the nuances and doing the little things better is always good.
- I am intrigued by Zach Auguste. I like his energy and bounce. I like how he attacks the ball on the glass. I like how he sets screens and how he rolls hard to the rim. There’s a numbers crunch on the main roster and I doubt he makes the team, but I would welcome a longer look in training camp if he continues to play how he has so far.
Lastly, I mentioned this the other day, but I really enjoy Jesse Mermuys and how he’s handling this group. The tenor he takes in interviews and the points he emphasizes all point to a guy who understands player development and how to get guys on the right path towards becoming better. It’s really great to have him managing the young guys this year.
Shaunis007 says
if henry looks good that could be a great option, i mean he was great until he tore his achilles
matt24 says
Moustapha
matt24 says
#33 on the warriors is 7 foot 6
30twhite40 says
D’Angelo Russell with a nice first half, gaining confidence. Hope this continues next season.
MT87 says
I’m stoked we picked up Zubac in the second round. What a steal!
jetjaz says
dribble dribble dribble, where’s the warrior style passing. i swear kobe is back on the floor
Joel_ says
I love this Zubac kid!
30twhite40 says
Zubac will be a crowd favorite next season.
CHearn says
For all the detractors and discordant opinions regarding
Kobe’s presence in the locker room for his 20th season it appears
that D’Angelo has patterned his approach to the game from none other than the
Mamba. Russell’s on and off court
demeanor exudes the gravity of what it means to don the Los Angeles Lakers
uniform. I’m enjoying viewing his transformation
and performance. In games 1 and 2 he his
defensive intensity was not on a level that will catapult him into the upper
echelon of elite guard’s in this league.
On one possession in game 2 after scoring the go ahead basket with
seconds remaining in the game, DAR played lackadaisically on defense and allowed
T. J. McConnell to drive to the bucket for the go-ahead basket. DAR started screaming at Nance for not
rotating over to mask his error. Of
course, DAR recouped that mistake when he shot a cold blooded Mamba three-point
shot (ice water in his veins) to win the game.
In game 3 his defense intensified regardless the opponent or
player’s on the court wearing purple and gold.
That represents an acknowledgment and remedy of his responsibility as the
presumptive leader of this team. Which
is very encouraging.
ZUBAC “The Zoo” it’s going to be fun watching him guard the paint.