The Lakers D-League team, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, open up their season tomorrow at 2:30 against the Utah Flash.
The D-Fenders recently set their opening day roster of 10 by cutting former UCLA guard Brian Morrison and Laker training camp invitee Andre Patterson. But that roster might get a couple additions in the form of some Lakers rookies.
D-League rules dictate that first and second year players on NBA rosters are eligible to be sent to their team’s D-League affiliates. This means that of the current Lakers, Jordan Farmar, Javaris Crittenton, and Coby Karl are eligible for assignment.
Farmar spent time with the D-Fenders last season when he wasn’t getting much playing time in the Lakers rotation. Farmar ended the season as the Lakers starting point guard and has solidified himself as a key backup to Derek Fisher. Jordan is currently averaging more than 10 points in 21 minutes per game and doesn’t look to be destined for anything less than the starting point guard spot spot on the Sophmore team at All-Star Weekend.
Crittenton and Karl are a different matter. Both have played sparingly in the Lakers first 12 games and could benefit from the extra playing time.
Continue reading ‘D-Fender Possibilities’
The Lakers took to the road Tuesday and achieved a similar result: a resounding victory. The Lakers obviously saved some energy from their mandhandling of the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night as they blew out the Indiana Pacers 134-114 and established a team season high in points in the process. Eight Lakers scored in double figures, led by Kobe Byant’s 32 points in only 31 minutes and Andrew Bynum’s 17 points and 10 rebounds. Bynum also excelled on the defensive end, shutting down the Pacers Jermaine O’Neal while blocking four shots. Jordan Farmar played his second straight outstanding game, scoring a career high 18 points for L.A.
The Lakers “bench mob” was at it again Tuesday, chipping in a healthy 53 points. Even seldom used Coby Karl got in on the action, scoring his first two NBA points. In all, eight Lakers reached double figures including all five Lakers starters and three men off the bench.
Ronny Turiaf returned from injury to play 17 minutes, scoring one point. The Lakers will need him to contribute more in the next two games with Kwame Brown out indefinitely.
Recently traded forward Brian Cook, apparently unable to catch a flight out of Indianapolis, showed up at the game to say goodbye to his Lakers teammates, sitting behind the Lakers bench. Although Kobe acknowledged that the news was difficult for the team to accept, he said the time to mourn was after the game. Judging by the final score, it looks like the Lakers kept their focus just fine.
Coby #11 had the early lead in the on-going Kobe-on-Coby battle as he received well wishing from the home crowd just minutes after Kobe #24 heard the boo birds as he was being introduced to the capacity crowd at the STAPLES Center on opening night. But while the old saying “winning cures all” is almost always true, “dropping 45″ comes off as usually true and Coby #11 was back as second fiddle (Karl dressed instead of first round pick Javaris Crittenton as Jackson preferred his length).
The much ballyhooed booing that is being tossed around in the press today (not only did I have to hear Colleen Dominguez ask the same question 10 different ways, but I had the pleasure of listening to her recount the story on ESPN Radio this morning) lasted literally two sequences before giving way to guarded cheers and not long after that the standard “M-V-P” chants.
Yes the boos from the home crowd were shocking based on the love that the Laker Faithful have always shown Bryant through his darkest hours, but they were short lived. Even the most adamant objector would have a tough time booing a guy that goes for 45 points and 8 boards.
More important than the crowds reaction to a single player is that the Lakers are now 0-1 on the season. While that’s the only number that really matters you can get all your statistical breakdown goodness from the boys over at Forum Blue & Gold. The numbers shed an unflattering light on the second unit that played so well together in the pre-season. Their inspired play in the exhibition season can be attributed to the line changes that Phil was making. The substituion pattern that works in the pre-season (and the NHL) brought them great success, but isn’t a reality during the regular season. This unit needs to have a better performance for the Lakers to go anywhere this year.
Other Tidbits
Magic Johnson weighed in with some comments on the situation while in studio with the TNT crew, throwing out comments like “Deng”. ESPN’s Marc Stein was also at the game and talks about Magic and the general confusion of the situation.
Beginning of the end?
Phil’s still taking his time deciding if he wants to come back next year.
