[MopgrassParticipant]

Finally, the guy looked great out there. They always talk how good he looks in practice. I saw him in summer league and preseason last year and summer this year. But tonight, I finally got to see that his game is going to translate in the NBA. He still needs to knock down that midrange shot. For some reason, the Jazz didn’t play off him and he kept capitalizing.

He’s going to be the key for their season and they should run a lot of offense through him. The Lakers played best today when that happened. But he was tenacious, looked surprisingly helpful/good on defense next to Hibbert, ran some fast breaks, took some good shots, made some nice moves, and had some great passes. A few more games like this and maybe people will remember why he was so hyped a few years back.

Side Notes:
1) Kobe is playing without the ball in his hands. Seriously, Kobe. Wow. We’ll see if that continues.
2) Still no Robert Upshaw in the game. Bummer.

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 He looked good tonight.  I think the biggest thing he needs to work on is getting a consistent mid-range jumpshot.  He likes to face up and take his man off the dribble but right now the defender can sag off a little bit because he’s not a great mid range shooter at this point. Also working on finishing with his right hand would help.  Those things would really open up his game offensively.  

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 He looked good tonight.  I think the biggest thing he needs to work on is getting a consistent mid-range jumpshot.  He likes to face up and take his man off the dribble but right now the defender can sag off a little bit because he’s not a great mid range shooter at this point. Also working on finishing with his right hand would help.  Those things would really open up his game offensively.  

[saladdaysParticipant]

Like you said, I was definitely surprised by the hustle he showed on the defensive end and while rebounding. That play where he switched on the Utah guard on defense, stole the ball and took it to the other end for a slam was nice. From what his teammates are saying, seems like he works really hard and I’m sure his midrange game will come around soon enough. Right now, it looks like he’s not too confident in his jumper so when he puts one up, it looks like he’s forcing it which causes him to miss.

Was also surprised by how efficient Kobe was, playing off the ball as you pointed out. His patented turnaround j still serves him extremely well after all these years. He is a liability on the defensive end and gambles for steals way too often, which usually leads to easy buckets for the other team, but I was definitely encouraged by the defensive effort of the team overall last night. Hibbert as our defensive anchor is doing wonders for a team that looked lost on defense all last season. Randle, as mentioned before, is using his quick feet and hustle to simply outwork his opponents. Clarkson, with his athleticism and length, and Russell (length) have the potential to be solid wing defenders. Nance was pure energy out there last night as well. Excited to see him and Anthony Brown develop over the course of the season as well. Hopefully we get to see what Upshaw can do on defense as well this preseason…the guy’s just huge.

 I’m really excited for the Lakers team this year. Even if this season ends up being a losing one, there are still a lot of reasons to watch, if only to see the younger guys develop in Kobe’s (possibly) last year.

[saladdaysParticipant]

Like you said, I was definitely surprised by the hustle he showed on the defensive end and while rebounding. That play where he switched on the Utah guard on defense, stole the ball and took it to the other end for a slam was nice. From what his teammates are saying, seems like he works really hard and I’m sure his midrange game will come around soon enough. Right now, it looks like he’s not too confident in his jumper so when he puts one up, it looks like he’s forcing it which causes him to miss.

Was also surprised by how efficient Kobe was, playing off the ball as you pointed out. His patented turnaround j still serves him extremely well after all these years. He is a liability on the defensive end and gambles for steals way too often, which usually leads to easy buckets for the other team, but I was definitely encouraged by the defensive effort of the team overall last night. Hibbert as our defensive anchor is doing wonders for a team that looked lost on defense all last season. Randle, as mentioned before, is using his quick feet and hustle to simply outwork his opponents. Clarkson, with his athleticism and length, and Russell (length) have the potential to be solid wing defenders. Nance was pure energy out there last night as well. Excited to see him and Anthony Brown develop over the course of the season as well. Hopefully we get to see what Upshaw can do on defense as well this preseason…the guy’s just huge.

 I’m really excited for the Lakers team this year. Even if this season ends up being a losing one, there are still a lot of reasons to watch, if only to see the younger guys develop in Kobe’s (possibly) last year.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Randle played well.  He moves so fast and is so strong you can watch people just bounce off of him.  It’s pretty remarkable for a 20 year old.  Definitely needs to keep working on that mid range jumper which is just repetition at this point.  He tends to twist his body as he shoots, he will learn to square up and it will make him more effective.

Other little notes.  

Obviously Russell getting hurt.  Tried to get in Goberts way for some reason which doesn’t seem like it’s ever a good idea.  Hopefully he is alright and can play Thursday.

Hibbert – Loved seeing him be so aggressive in a pre season game.  It was quite hilarious at times.  

B Scott – Let Hibbert play for 30 minutes, including a crazy long stretch during the 3rd and 4th quarters.  Why?  Who knows, it’s B Scott.  Also played Sacre as opposed to Upshaw?  Why?  Who knows… we are already aware of what Sacre can, or more accurately can’t do.  Scott should be giving Upshaw those minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

I thought the same exact thing when Sacre came in: why? They’re going to be in serious trouble every time Hibbert leaves the court.

Sacre is a warm body who knows where he’s supposed to be on he court. He’s not terrible at anything, but not above average in anything. I appreciate how hard Tarik Black works,. He can hold position, but he won’t be protecting any rims. Frankly, they really need what Upshaw does.

I can only speculate one of the following is why he isn’t being used…
A) Scott already thinks there are already too many rookies
B) Upshaw is still on some Laker probation
C) He did something to upset Scott
D) He hasn’t learned the plays
E) He’s always out of position
F) He isn’t in shape
G) He isn’t in the Laker’s plans

I hope it’s H) Byron Scott has neglected to really take a look at him and will like what he sees when he plays in a game.

[MopgrassParticipant]

I thought the same exact thing when Sacre came in: why? They’re going to be in serious trouble every time Hibbert leaves the court.

Sacre is a warm body who knows where he’s supposed to be on he court. He’s not terrible at anything, but not above average in anything. I appreciate how hard Tarik Black works,. He can hold position, but he won’t be protecting any rims. Frankly, they really need what Upshaw does.

I can only speculate one of the following is why he isn’t being used…
A) Scott already thinks there are already too many rookies
B) Upshaw is still on some Laker probation
C) He did something to upset Scott
D) He hasn’t learned the plays
E) He’s always out of position
F) He isn’t in shape
G) He isn’t in the Laker’s plans

I hope it’s H) Byron Scott has neglected to really take a look at him and will like what he sees when he plays in a game.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Randle played well.  He moves so fast and is so strong you can watch people just bounce off of him.  It’s pretty remarkable for a 20 year old.  Definitely needs to keep working on that mid range jumper which is just repetition at this point.  He tends to twist his body as he shoots, he will learn to square up and it will make him more effective.

Other little notes.  

Obviously Russell getting hurt.  Tried to get in Goberts way for some reason which doesn’t seem like it’s ever a good idea.  Hopefully he is alright and can play Thursday.

Hibbert – Loved seeing him be so aggressive in a pre season game.  It was quite hilarious at times.  

B Scott – Let Hibbert play for 30 minutes, including a crazy long stretch during the 3rd and 4th quarters.  Why?  Who knows, it’s B Scott.  Also played Sacre as opposed to Upshaw?  Why?  Who knows… we are already aware of what Sacre can, or more accurately can’t do.  Scott should be giving Upshaw those minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

Randle straight up killed Cooley and other Jazz big men on isolations. Awesome blend of agility and strength. I just think he should be a little more in control with his shots. When you’re against a guy like Davis, he won’t get those own offensive rebounds he relies on a lot. 

Also, Randle reminds me so much of Terrence Jones. Just the way they drive to the hoop is so alike. 

 

[EspressoParticipant]

You know how many negs i got for comparing Randle to Terrence Jones before Randle even played college? I would say over 50.

My comparisons always get heavily dogged and then happen to come true. I also got like 50 negs for comparing westbrook to ai 

 

[EspressoParticipant]

You know how many negs i got for comparing Randle to Terrence Jones before Randle even played college? I would say over 50.

My comparisons always get heavily dogged and then happen to come true. I also got like 50 negs for comparing westbrook to ai 

 

[EspressoParticipant]

You know how many negs i got for comparing Randle to Terrence Jones before Randle even played college? I would say over 50.

My comparisons always get heavily dogged and then happen to come true. I also got like 50 negs for comparing westbrook to ai 

 

[EspressoParticipant]

You know how many negs i got for comparing Randle to Terrence Jones before Randle even played college? I would say over 50.

My comparisons always get heavily dogged and then happen to come true. I also got like 50 negs for comparing westbrook to ai 

 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

Randle straight up killed Cooley and other Jazz big men on isolations. Awesome blend of agility and strength. I just think he should be a little more in control with his shots. When you’re against a guy like Davis, he won’t get those own offensive rebounds he relies on a lot. 

Also, Randle reminds me so much of Terrence Jones. Just the way they drive to the hoop is so alike. 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

yeah last night to me was his best showing as a pro….he seemed more focused and played with confidence on both ends..

lakers great and hall of famer james worthy, who is on the coaching staff has been working with randle..he said randle has the talent to be special…

im impressed by what i saw in the lakers last night…i dont think they’ll make the playoffs…,but they’ll be so much better than last season..maybe 38 to 45 wins…

 i still believe they need to add a veteran pg until russell finds his way..

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

yeah last night to me was his best showing as a pro….he seemed more focused and played with confidence on both ends..

lakers great and hall of famer james worthy, who is on the coaching staff has been working with randle..he said randle has the talent to be special…

im impressed by what i saw in the lakers last night…i dont think they’ll make the playoffs…,but they’ll be so much better than last season..maybe 38 to 45 wins…

 i still believe they need to add a veteran pg until russell finds his way..

[llperez]

 randle’s body looks much improved. he was the star of the game last night for the lakers. I also think metta is going to get one of the roster spots as well as he looked real good. 

[llperez]

 randle’s body looks much improved. he was the star of the game last night for the lakers. I also think metta is going to get one of the roster spots as well as he looked real good. 

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

 I strongly doubt Kobe keeps playing off the ball. I hope he does, but 15-years of his 20-year carreer suggest otherwise.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

 I strongly doubt Kobe keeps playing off the ball. I hope he does, but 15-years of his 20-year carreer suggest otherwise.

[Author]

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