Lakers in the News 10/05/15 - 10/11/15: Lakers Vs. Maccabi Hafia Preview: L.A. Looks To End Three Game Losing Streak
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:19 am    Post subject:

Lou Williams not sore at Raptors, welcomes his chance with Lakers
by Bill Oram - ocregister.com

He was always the first off the Raptors bench, but was last on their list of target free agents.

Or Lou Williams certainly felt that way. He was named the Sixth of Man of the Year after a career season, but when it came time to improve their roster, the Raptors decided to part ways with the explosive scorer.

“That was weird,” Williams said before leading the Lakers with 19 points in a 105-97 loss to Toronto. “I’ve probably never seen that happen before.”

The Raptors’ decision to look for help elsewhere, however, paved the way for Williams to sign a three-year, $21 million contract with the Lakers.

He said he spent the day texting with Amir Johnson, and was excited to see Kyle Lowry and DeMarre Carroll, with whom he played during an earlier stop in Atlanta.

Other than that, the 28-year-old didn’t make much of playing against his former team. It was a preseason affair, and he didn’t feel he had anything left to prove.

“I think they pretty much know who I am,” Williams said. “They should know. But no, not tonight, I think tonight is about us getting better and for us to continue to build.”

His offensive performance against the Raptors was so typical that it flew under the radar compared to those of Julius Randle and Kobe Bryant.

Randle logged his second straight impressive game, finishing with 17 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-686771-ocregister-writer.html
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:21 am    Post subject:

Game Recap: Lakers Drop 3rd Straight Preseason Game With Loss To Raptors
by lakersnation.com

The Los Angeles Lakers (0-2) looked to bounce back after dropping both games in Hawaii, as they returned to the mainland Thursday night to square off against the Toronto Raptors (1-1) at nearby Citizens Bank Arena.

Although they came up short in a nail-biting 117-114 loss to the Utah Jazz in overtime, Laker fans were enticed by a team that showed passion and energy along with a few dazzling plays. A fired up front court in Julius Randle and Roy Hibbert helped combat the the Jazz’s highly efficient guard play.

With D’Angelo Russell out with a bruised glute, the Lakers would need the solid play of their big men to continue as they attempt to finish out the game strong and come away with their first preseason victory.

http://www.lakersnation.com/game-recap-lakers-drop-3rd-straight-preseason-game-with-loss-to-raptors/2015/10/08/
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:22 am    Post subject:

Video: Kobe On Julius Randle - 'He Can Do Everything'
by lakersnation.com
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:23 am    Post subject:

Video: Robert Upshaw After His Lakers Preason Debut
by lakersnation.com
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:24 am    Post subject:

Video: Byron Scott On Robert Upshaw's Debut, Kobe's Minutes
by lakersnation.com
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 6:20 am    Post subject:

Lakers' Julius Randle 'is getting a lot of things right'
by Lance Pugmire - latimes.com

Julius Randle protected and corralled the ball by dribbling behind his back, looked to his right and flipped a left-handed pass to Kobe Bryant, who swished a three-pointer.

The inspired play Thursday iced Randle's second impressive exhibition game as he returns from a rookie season scrapped by a fractured right leg.

Randle scored 17 points with five rebounds and three assists in the Lakers' return game from Hawaii, a 105-97 loss to the Toronto Raptors at Ontario, Calif.

"Making easy, simple plays, trusting everything I worked on in the summer. I was just staying confident," Randle said.

The forward committed three fouls in the first 5 minutes 43 seconds, then surged back to score 11 second-quarter points in 7:17 of playing time, an impressive follow-up to his 16-point performance Tuesday against the Utah Jazz in Hawaii.

Randle connected on two turnaround jumpers and also drove to the basket impressively in the second.

"I just had to keep my hands up," Randle said. "Second quarter, I was more in control of my drives and my defense. I tried to stay solid."

Lakers Coach Byron Scott said he's "very happy" with the way Randle is playing and competing.

"He's getting a lot of things right on both ends of the floor," Scott said. "He's a worker. He has a lot of ability to do a lot of different things on the basketball court and we're starting to see those things."

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-raptors-20151009-story.html
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 6:23 am    Post subject:

Why D'Angelo Russell's absence is bad for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers
by Bill Oram - ocregister.com

Given the way injuries have plagued the Lakers the past few years, the Lakers hope this isn’t a matter they need to spend much time worrying about. But D’Angelo Russell’s bruised glute gives us a chance to examine the question:

What does it really mean for Kobe Bryant when Russell – or, for that matter, Jordan Clarkson – is unable to play?

Prior to the Lakers 105-97 loss to the Toronto Raptors at Citizens Business Bank Arena, Byron Scott was asked how Russell’s absence – a precaution while he heals – would change things for the Lakers.

“It doesn’t,” he said.

Whether Bryant or Nick Young, who was called into action, was technically the small forward or shooting guard “doesn’t matter,” Scott said.

But that’s not entirely true. Or at the very least, it merits further study (not a numbers-based breakdown, although I’m sure there is one to be done).

http://www.ocregister.com/lakers/bryant-686783-kobe-lakers.html
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 8:35 am    Post subject:

Upshaw is focused on reaching his defensive potential with the Lakers
by Drew Garrison - silverscreenandroll.com

The Los Angeles Lakers couldn't notch their first victory in their return to California, but it's all about taking baby steps through the long process that lies ahead. That might be the best way to describe Robert Upshaw's current place in his journey to the NBA, finally getting his feet onto the hardwood for the first time this preseason.

It only took a few seconds for him to rock the rim with a welcoming dunk. Moments later, he drained the same baseline turnaround jumper he proved capable of hitting during Summer League. Scoring isn't what Upshaw wants to define him as a player though, and he was clear about his focus on defense following his first game in a Lakers jersey.

"I feel like my job out there is to anchor the defense. Let the guards know the screen is coming and talk to them. Block shots. Rotate. Do everything I need to do defensively to help this team win," Upshaw said following his debut. Does that mean he wants to do his best to replicate what Roy HIbbert brings to the team? '

"Definitely."

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/10/9/9485963/la-lakers-robert-upshaw-preseason-analysis
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 1:09 pm    Post subject:

Trevor Booker Suspended 1 Game for Taking Swing at Roy Hibbert
by Matt Fitzgerald - bleacherreport.com

Utah Jazz power forward Trevor Booker has been suspended one game after attempting to hit Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert in the face during Tuesday's preseason game between the two teams.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported the news of Booker's brief ban on Thursday, and the league confirmed the punishment on Friday. The 27-year-old was ejected for his actions in Tuesday's game after an altercation with Hibbert with 7:14 remaining the third quarter.

Given how aggressively Booker went after Hibbert, he's fortunate to only incur a one-game suspension—and to not have made clean contact with Hibbert's face.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2577407-trevor-booker-suspended-1-game-for-taking-swing-at-roy-hibbert
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 8:48 pm    Post subject:

Kobe wants the Lakers to play better defense
by Lance Pugmire - latimes.com

Nobody understands the standards of Lakers basketball better than Kobe Bryant.

So as enthused as he and others are by the glimpses of talent flashed by Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell, the veteran shifted the focus to "the other end," meaning defense.

Bryant watched Thursday night as Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry exposed some Lakers flaws by burying four open three-pointers and knifing through the key en route to a 25-point night and a 105-97 victory in Ontario, Calif.

"Whether guys are jelling emotionally or not, I don't care. At this point, we've got to execute," Bryant told reporters after the Raptors received 18 points apiece from aggressive guard Cory Joseph and physical forward DeMarre Carroll.

"A lot of [defense] is experience, timing, knowing the other team … Staying in front of the ball, that's really important to us — close-out defense."

Lakers Coach Byron Scott made the defensive slips the focus of his postgame talk before giving the team Friday off in advance of its 6:30 p.m. Sunday exhibition against Maccabi Haifa at Staples Center.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20151010-story.html
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 8:52 pm    Post subject:

Lakers deciding if center Robert Upshaw fits into regular season plans
by Bill Oram - ocregister.com

On an NFL roster, they say no player is more popular than the backup quarterback. For the Lakers, it might just be the fourth-string center.

OK, so Kobe Bryant, D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle would all have something to say in a popularity contest. But when it comes to those farther down Byron Scott’s bench, none seems to have captured the imagination of the fanbase quite like Robert Upshaw.

Yes, he’s the troubled guy who was kicked off teams at Fresno State and the University of Washington. But he’s also a shot-blocker in the truest sense, a 7-footer with a 9-foot, 5-inch standing reach.

He showed that in his debut Thursday, a 105-97 Lakers loss to Toronto in Ontario, recording two blocks – as well as one goaltending violation – in 25 minutes.

He also tallied 6 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and a turnover.

“He was OK,” Scott said. “He made a ton of mistakes on both ends of the floor, but that’s probably to be expected his first game.”

Upshaw presents a quandary for the Lakers, and what they decide to do with him could prove telling in their motivations for this season.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-686866-center-deciding.html
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:31 pm    Post subject:

lakersfreak wrote:
Lakers deciding if center Robert Upshaw fits into regular season plans
by Bill Oram - ocregister.com

Quoting from the article (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-686866-center-deciding.html):

The Lakers' first 12 players are as good as set. But they have a number of candidates to fill out the before hitting the league maximum of 15 players.

Realistically, six players are competing for the final three roster spots: Ryan Kelly, Metta World Peace, Jabari Brown, Sacre, Black and Upshaw.

Rookies Jonathan Holmes and Michael Frazier are also in training camp, but would need to impress mightily to jump over the others vying for roster spots.

Oram has miscounted. 12+6+2=20. The Lakers only have nineteen players in camp.

Eleven players not mentioned by Oram (which he thinks is "set"): Hibbert, Randle, Bass, Nance, Kobe, Young, A. Brown, Clarkson, Williams, Russell, Huartes

Adding in the eight mentioned (Kelly, Peace, J. Brown, Sacre, Black, Upshaw, Frazier and Holmes), which he says are vying for three spots, is the entire current roster. Assuming Oram is right about his group of eleven (not twelve), they are vying for four spots (not three).
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 5:57 am    Post subject:

Julius Randle’s Preseason Play has Garnered Attention From Teammates
by Bradford Evans - h4-entertainment.com

Preseason is the time of year when many overreact to poor performances or great ones. Julius Randle is one player that has been under the magnifying glass during the first three preseason games. If preseason is anything to measure the entirety of a career on, the former Kentucky power forward will have an extremely fruitful career.

However, a few preseason games, and a few minutes against the Houston Rockets last year is too small of a sample size to determine exactly what Randle is capable of. The upcoming season will pretty much be Randle’s rookie season, and Laker fans will expect him to grow into a premier player.

The last two games, Julius Randle has looked like he will become that premier player. In the second game against the Jazz, the forward scored 16 points, collected five rebounds, and dished out three assists. In last night’s game against the Raptors, he posted a stat line of 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Randle’s field goal percentage the past two games has been extremely good. Against the Jazz Randle shot 58% from the field, and in last night’s game, Randle made 70% of his field goals.

One of Randle’s major strengths is the physicality that he possesses. Against the Jazz Randle was able to establish himself on the block. The young forward often imposed his will on those defending him by assuring that he received the ball exactly where he wanted.

http://www.h4-entertainment.com/2015/10/julius-randles-preseason-play-has-garnered-attention-from-teammates/
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 6:06 am    Post subject:

Kobe On Julius Randle: ‘He Can Do Everything’
by Dan Duangdao - lakersnation.com

After returning home from training camp in Hawaii, the Los Angeles Lakers lost their third consecutive game to the Toronto Raptors in the 2015-16 NBA preseason. While the last two games were decided late in the fourth quarter without their starters, Julius Randle’s play has gotten the attention of the coaching staff and his teammates.

In the loss to the Raptors, Randle had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes. After another strong performance, Kobe Bryant had high praise for his second-year teammate:

http://www.lakersnation.com/kobe-bryant-on-julius-randle-he-can-do-everything/2015/10/09/
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 6:08 am    Post subject:

Robert Upshaw On What He Needs To Prove In Preseason
by Dan Duangdao - lakersnation.com

After not playing the first two preseason games in Hawaii, undrafted rookie center Robert Upshaw finally got his opportunity against the Toronto Raptors in Ontario, CA. In 25 minutes of action, Upshaw had six points, three rebounds and two blocks.

Following his debut, Upshaw was asked what he needs to prove during preseason in order to make the team’s opening night roster via LakersNation.com reporter Serena Winters:

http://www.lakersnation.com/lakers-news-robert-upshaw-on-what-he-needs-to-prove-in-preseason/2015/10/09/
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 7:04 am    Post subject:

How much can the Lakers improve on defense?
by Mark Medina - dailynews.com

The stern coach marched into the Lakers’ practice, preaching and teaching one thing that he believed would significantly alter their rebuilding fortunes.

Defense.

But none of that translated into results.

The Lakers not only finished last season with a 21-61 record, their worst mark in the franchise’s 67-year-old history, but after envisioning his team could rank at least 15th in total defense, Byron Scott oversaw the Lakers finishing 29th out of 30 NBA teams in points allowed (105.3) and defensive field-goal percentage (46.6) and 26th in fast-break points allowed (15.1).

“We will be a much better defensive team. Look, we can only drop one more (spot),” Scott joked. “We can’t get much lower than where we were last year, so I think we’re going to definitely improve.”

Last season’s Lakers team missed an NBA record 339 games because of injuries. The team also featured an unproven roster that lacked any players with defensive credentials.

This year, the Lakers acquired 7-foot-2, 270-pound center Roy Hibbert from Indiana. Hibbert is a two-time All-Star and former member of the NBA’s All-Defensive second team.

“We can be top five in defensive efficiency,” Hibbert said. “But it’s going to take hard work, commitment and sacrifice.”

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151009/how-much-can-the-lakers-improve-on-defense
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 2:57 pm    Post subject:

Huertas, Russell Nearing Returns
by Mike Trudell - nba.com

What the Lakers have lacked the most in their first three preseason games has been playmaking from the point guard position, but that’s no surprise, given the minor injuries to D’Angelo Russell (sore glute) and Marcelo Huertas (hamstring strain).

The Brazilian veteran has yet to play in a game, while Russell missed nearly all of the second game in Hawaii in addition to Thursday’s contest in Ontario.

Will the Lakers get a point guard back for Sunday’s contest against Israeli power Maccabi Haifa?

“We’ll see,” said coach Byron Scott. “I’ll talk to Gary Vitti and see how (Russell and Huertas) feels tomorrow (after) a regular shootaround day, so we’ll get up and down the floor and see how (they) reacts to that … Right now I’d say doubtful, but tomorrow we’ll go through our regular routine as far as getting ready for the game and see how those guys feel.”

http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/151008huertas_russell
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 7:44 pm    Post subject:

Huertas ready for rookie debut at 32
by Janis Carr - ocregister.com

At 32 years old, point guard Marcelo Huertas is still a rookie of sorts.

Sure, he’s played in thousands of professional basketball games for various European teams, including the powerhouse FC Barcelona, and his native Brazilian National squad. But never has he bounced a basketball in a game on American soil.

Until now. Huertas could make his NBA debut Sundaywhen the Lakers face Maccabi Haifa in their fourth preseason game at Staples Center.

“Basketball here is a little different from what I’ve been used to my whole career playing overseas,” Huertas said after Saturday’s light practice. “It’s much more physical, explosive, aggressive.

“Players are faster, super talented (with the) ability to score. Everyone is able to put numbers on the scoreboard. That’s the main difference. In Europe, everything is much more settled down and organized. Teams have good structure. You take care of the ball really well and try to play inside of a system.”

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/huertas-687004-lakers-rookie.html
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 7:47 pm    Post subject:

Sentiment mixed on how Kobe will do in his 20th season with Lakers
by Mark Medina - dailynews.com

The smile widened on Kobe Bryant’s face. He just processed a question that leaves both his supporters and critics expressing uncertainty.

What does the Lakers’ star believe he can accomplish in his 20th and perhaps final NBA season after experiencing three season-ending injuries in consecutive seasons?

“Be average,” Bryant said, sarcastically.

After his interview ended, a reporter asked Bryant to clarify, prompting him to reference ESPN’s preseason player rankings that were not even released yet.

“I’ll try to be the 93rd-best player in the league,” Bryant said. “I’ll be average.”

Bryant obviously expects more after winning five NBA championships and climbing to third place on the league’s all-time scoring list. The Lakers would want more too from Bryant, who will make $25 million during the 2015-16 season. But an informal sample from those around the league, including Bryant’s coach at Lower Merion High School, provide a more nuanced picture.

What are your expectations of Kobe Bryant during the 2015-16 season?

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151010/sentiment-mixed-on-how-kobe-bryant-will-do-in-his-20th-season-with-lakers
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 7:53 pm    Post subject:

Metta World Peace laments the lack of toughness in the NBA
by Eric Pincus - latimes.com

The Lakers have missed Metta World Peace in recent years, not just for his skill on defense, but for his often unfiltered worldview.

After the team's light practice Saturday, World Peace gave his take on today's NBA.

"I remember I came into the NBA in 1999, the game was a little bit more rough. The game now is more for kids. It's not really a man's game anymore," World Peace said. "The parents are really protective of their children. They cry to their AAU coaches. They cry to the refs, 'That's a foul. That's a foul.'

"Sometimes I wish those parents would just stay home, don't come to the game, and now translated, these same AAU kids whose parents came to the game, 'That's a foul.' These kids are in the NBA. So now we have a problem. You've got a bunch of babies professionally around the world."

World Peace wasn't quite done.

"It's no longer a man's game," he said. "It's a baby's game. There's softies everywhere. Everybody's soft. Nobody's hard no more. So, you just deal with it, you adjust and that's it."

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20151011-story.html
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 7:55 pm    Post subject:

Byron Scott curious to see Marcelo Huertas' impact in a game
by Eric Pincus - latimes.com

Coach Byron Scott has gotten a look at 18 of 19 Lakers in preseason action.

That leaves international veteran (and NBA rookie) Marcelo Huertas, who has been sidelined because of a hamstring strain.

"In the scrimmages that we had, he was very good," Scott said after practice Saturday. "He's a true point guard that looks to pass that ball. I'm very curious to see how he plays in a real, live basketball game."

Huertas said he doesn't expect to be held out much longer.

"It's better. It's not 100% still, but there's a chance I'll play tomorrow," he said of his injury. "It doesn't hurt at all, it just scared me a little bit. To force it if it's not 100%, and get a bigger injury and be out for a two or three weeks, it's not worth it.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-byron-scott-curious-marcelo-huertas-impact-20151010-story.html
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:49 pm    Post subject:

Despite Laker fans’ fears, D’Angelo Russell can’t be a bust in preseason
by Mark Heisler - dailynews.com

Don’t worry, be happy: No, D’Angelo Russell isn’t a bust yet.

The preseason used to be a relaxed time, even if NBA players have to trek off to far-flung regions like the Lakers in Hawaii, or to foreign lands like the Clippers in China, possibly on the theory that they’ll soon be worn down anyway so what can another 10,000-20,000 miles hurt?

Nothing counts until Opening Night ... or, at least, it didn’t used to.

In Lakerdom where yearning, desperation and panic run neck and neck, there’s already concern about Russell.

Of course, his career now consists of five summer league games (one of which was great) and two in preseason or, in other words, no NBA games.

Yes, he has issues. As summer league showed (and the Lakers already knew), he’s not an elite athlete and the speed of the game threw him.

He had minor injuries in Hawaii, a problem, however temporary, for a young player trying to get his feet under him.

Russell actually doesn’t have issues, plural but an issue, singular:

He hasn’t shot well, which is what he does best.

His playmaking ability is fine but by itself wouldn’t have gotten him drafted No. 2 overall.

That plus his shooting — 41 percent on threes as an Ohio State freshman—made him special. Without his shot, he’s an ordinary NBA player who can really pass, kind of a Luke Walton of the point guards.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151010/heisler-despite-laker-fans-fears-dangelo-russell-cant-be-a-bust-in-preseason
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 6:15 am    Post subject:

Lakers’ Russell, Bass, Huertas considered doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. Maccabi Haifa
by Mark Medina - dailynews.com

All three players completed practice on Saturday without any noticeable limitations.

But the Lakers have listed rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell, veteran point guard Marcelo Huertas and power forward Brandon Bass as doubtful to play in Sunday’s game against Maccabi Haifa at Staples Center.

Russell has nursed a bruised glute since taking a hard fall in Tuesday’s game against Utah, while Bass bruised his left knee after taking another fall in the same game. Huertas strained his right hamstring since practice last Saturday, forcing him to miss all three of the Lakers’ first three exhibition games. The 32-year-old Brazilian native spent part of his absence traveling to Vancouver to retrieve a work visa.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151010/lakers-russell-bass-huertas-considered-doubtful-for-sundays-game-vs-maccabi-haifa
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 7:42 am    Post subject:

Maccabi Haifa vs Los Angeles Lakers Preseason Preview
by Vahan Shakhpazyan - vavel.com

Do pre-season wins mean anything? If you ask the 0-3 Los Angeles Lakers, they would probably say, “No.” What matters most to this team is the progression of their young talent, the overall play of their new additions, and the effectiveness of the aging Kobe Bryant.

So far, everything is looking good on that end of things, as Julius Randle is starting to find his rhythm and confidence, Jordan Clarkson is continuing his fine play, Lou Williams is leading the scoring charge each game, Roy Hibbert is playing with a chip on his shoulder, and Kobe Bryant is slowly regaining his touch.

The preseason is essentially designed for coaches to evaluate their players, and that’s exactly what Byron Scott and his coaching staff is looking to do, ignoring the losses.

Lakers’ Sunday night opponent will be a non-NBA team, Maccabi Haifa, an Israeli basketball club. Thus far, the Lakers have taken beatings from the Utah Jazz twice and the Toronto Raptors, but they have a great chance to snatch their first win against a squad that has yet to beat an NBA team in the preseason, going 0-11.

http://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/552099-maccabi-haifa-vs-los-angeles-lakers-preseason-preview.html
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lakersfreak
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 3:05 pm    Post subject:

Orange County native Anthony Brown to start for Lakers on Sunday at Staples Center
by Bill Oram - ocregister.com

Fountain Valley native Anthony Brown said it was a dream come true to be drafted by the Lakers.

Now, he’ll be a starter in his first game at Staples Center.

Granted, it’s the preseason. But, coach Byron Scott announced Sunday morning that the former Ocean View High School star would start against Maccabi Haifa, from Israel, in place of D’Angelo Russell.

Russell will miss his second straight game due to a strained glute, Scott said.

Brown will start alongside Kobe Bryant, Jordan Clarkson, Roy Hibbert and Julius Randle.

http://www.ocregister.com/lakers/ocean-687068-angeles-staples.html
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