The Lakers didn’t have their “big three” available for their second preseason contest, a 111-103 loss to Golden State. It was an improvement from their 22-point loss to Phoenix. With Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves sitting out, Gabe Vincent led the way with 16 points and five assists.
“We came with more intention,” Vincent said, per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times. “We were more focused. Obviously it’s different with those three not playing. They’re a huge part of our team and everything that we do. But next man up.”
We have more on the Lakers:
- They were outscored by 25 points by Golden State with Deandre Ayton on the court but it’s going to take time for the Lakers to incorporate his skills, Law Murray of The Athletic writes. Murray notes Ayton is going to be very dependent on his play-makers to get him shots, unlike Anthony Davis. He’s not going to get a lot of touches to create shots for others or spread the floor with outside shooting, but it’s not time to panic about Ayton’s ability to help the team, Murray adds.
- Jake LaRavia contributed 10 points and three assists against the Warriors and said he’s “already pretty comfortable with the role that I have” with his new team, Dave McMenamin of ESPN tweets. LaRavia left the Kings and signed a two-year deal with the Lakers at the start of free agency.
- Marcus Smart participated in the live play portions of practice on Tuesday, per coach JJ Redick, Khobi Price of the Orange County Register tweets. Smart has been limited in camp due to Achilles tendinopathy. “He looked great. He was moving great,” forward Jarred Vanderbilt said, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. “But like I said, his main power is that he’s vocal. So being able to help the guys. Communicate, that’s a big part of defense also. Being physical is one of them, but also being vocal, being able to communicate. I think he does both at a very high level. So, he can definitely help us on that end of the floor.” Smart signed with the Lakers after getting bought out by Washington.
Next year the Lakers will look a lot different. Seems like the Lakers are going to make next year’s team JJ team. they will rebuild around Luka.
But how did Bronny go, lols.
About as well as any other 2nd year late 2nd round pick would go.Pitiful hating on a kid.Smh
Except for the media coverage and hype. Dude makes one basket in summer league and it’s all over ESPN.
And you hold that against him?
Bloodsox….like Daddy, you aren’t allowed to pick his game apart either, lols.
I think Smart can play next to Luka. Means Reaves is expendable. And Knecht can back both them up. Luka and Reaves is not a good match defensively. Grimes is also a player who can match well with Luka. He’s a FA next year with a fair price.
Smart has little to offer at this point in his career. The Lakers took a chance that he might recover, but 54 games in the last 2 seasons shows that’s unlikely and shooting under 35% from three and career low def rtg of 119 with the Wizards makes him a terrible fit.
People keep proposing the Lakers trade Reaves, but Lakers fans know that’s not going to happen.
LaRavia left Sacramento, not Memphis.
Why did the Kings let him go? His contract is not much and he is a good bench player.
The CBA. I believe Sac was limited to about 5 mil annually on an extension because of the language in the deal they inherited from Memphis. Something about Memphis declining his option prior to trading him.
Sounds liek teh same problem teh warriors had on resigning Donte where they were handcuffed on the amount to offer him.
From what I recall that situation was because they didn’t have his bird rights because he signed on the MLE. Same result though that they couldn’t offer him more than a 20% raise on his former deal.
Not sure how the bird rights thing happened with LaRavia since he was acquired from the team that drafted him. Like I said I think it had something to do with Memphis turning down his option before he was shipped out