Tag: Lakers

Snapshot: A look back at Lamar Odom, the electric playmaker

Former Lakers player Lamar Odom is one of the most unique players in NBA history.

Lamar Odom was impossible to put into a box as a basketball player, and that’s what made him fun to watch.

He could push the ball up the floor and pass well both in transition and in the halfcourt. Using his 6-foot-10 frame, he could blow past people with his crafty handles. In a sense, Odom was ahead of his time when he stepped on the floor.

Though considered a forward, his skill set was more than the traditional facets of the position.

Odom was simply an electric playmaker who glided along the court, with his graceful step making him hard to stop, especially in transition.

Odom had his best years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he played with for seven seasons. While with the Lakers, Odom averaged 13.7 points per game, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He had a 14-year career, and he boasts career averages of 13.3 points per game, 8.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Though he wasn’t an All-Star, Odom won the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2010-11 season, his last with the Lakers. He scored 14.4 points per game and shot a career-high 38.2% from the 3-point line that season.

He was instrumental for the Lakers’ championships in 2009 and 2010, being a complementary scoring option behind the late Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Bryant is one of the best isolation scorers ever. But what made the Lakers a tough team during their championship runs was their effectiveness in all phases of offense: isolation, halfcourt and the fast break.

Odom was the captain of the break, and his stride and vision helped him thrive in fast-paced moments.

During the 2009 NBA Finals, Odom averaged 13.4 points per game and 7.8 rebounds. After the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in 2009, they defeated the Boston Celtics in 2010. Odom continued his solid play, averaging 7.6 points a game and 6.6 rebounds during that year’s Finals.

Odom played one more season with the Lakers after the 2010 title, and then he played his last two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers; Odom spent the first four seasons of his career with the Clippers.

Odom was essentially a point forward, with his predecessors being legends like Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen.

But even at 6-foot-9, Johnson was a point guard in the purest sense. Pippen was closer to Odom, but he still fit the mold of a traditional small forward more because he was a better scorer. Odom never averaged 20 or more points a game; Pippen has four such seasons in his career.

Now, big and long playmakers are the norm in the NBA. Ben Simmons, a lefty like Odom, is arguably the closest thing to the former Lakers player, with both players thriving the most in transition.

Regardless, Odom should be appreciated for his own unique skill set. He’s almost impossible to compare, and when he was on the floor, he always showed something different compared to his peers.

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Former Warriors’ guard Quinn Cook announces his first children’s book

Quinn Cook is revealing his “10 recipes to success” in his new children’s book, “The Cook Book.”

While the NBA season is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, a bevy of players across the league are finding new ways to fill their free time. Players have been getting creative on social media while playing video games and watching old highlights during the league’s hiatus.

However, former Warriors‘ guard Quinn Cook is taking a unique route while there are no games on the calendar until further notice. On Tuesday, Cook announced his first-ever children’s book. The Lakers’ guard’s text is cleverly titled “The Cook Book.”

Via @QCook323 on Twitter:

According to Cook, the book will reveal his “10 recipes to success.” After winning championships at the college and pro levels, it’s safe to say Cook has some experience in the field of success.

In 2015, Cook hung an NCAA Tournament championship banner in Cameron Indoor as a second-team All-American for the Duke Blue Devils. The G League All-Star later won a Larry O’Brien Trophy coming off the bench for the Warriors in 2018.

In his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cook is averaging 4.8 points and 1.1 assists in 10.8 minutes per game.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said Anthony Davis resembles his game

Anthony Davis recently earned high praise from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a Twitter Q+A session Abdul-Jabbar had Monday night.

A player earning praise from Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, is nothing to be glossed over.

A six-time champion and six-time MVP, Abdul-Jabbar is one of the three best players in league history. During a Monday night Twitter Q&A session, Abdul-Jabbar heaped praise on Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, one of the NBA’s most talented and multi-faceted players.

Abdul-Jabbar said Davis resembles his style of play the most, with the ability to shoot 3-pointers the one skill that separates the two players’ respective games. Abdul-Jabbar played 10 seasons before the 3-point shot was implemented in 1979, but he only took 18 3-pointers during his 20-year career.

Davis has averaged 1.5 threes per game for his career, and he’s shot a total 770 3-pointers. He’s shot at a 31.9% clip from deep during his career.

Aside from the 3-pointer, Davis’ post-up game is similar to Abdul-Jabbar’s. Of course, Abdul Jabbar is one of the best post players ever, with his sky hook being the most unstoppable shot in basketball history. While Davis isn’t on Abdul-Jabbar’s level, he is one of the most skilled post players of his generation.

The modern game is nearly devoid of post-ups, with most teams opting to shoot 3-pointers, get to the free throw line, or score easy layups and dunks.

According to NBA.com stats, only 10 teams run at least 10 post-ups per game. The Lakers rank second behind the Philadelphia 76ers in the category, boasting 14.5 post-ups a game this season. Davis ranks among the top three in the NBA for post-ups a game (9.0), right behind leaders Joel Embiid and LaMarcus Aldridge, who both average 9.7 post-ups.

Davis is scoring 4.7 points per game on post-ups this season, which also ranks behind Embiid and Aldridge.

Though he could score with ease, Abdul-Jabbar was also a force on defense. He protected the rim well, and he could come over from the weak side to help. According to NBA.com stats, Abdul-Jabbar ranks third all-time in blocks (3,189), right behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo.

Before the NBA season went on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Davis was a leading Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

He’s an instrumental part of the Lakers’ defense, which ranks first in blocks per game, sixth in opponent field goal percentage and third in opponent points per game. Davis is averaging 2.4 blocks this season, and he ranks seventh in contested shots per game (12.7).

Davis is one of the most skilled players of his era, and being in the prime of his career, he has a chance to continue building a legacy that Abdul-Jabbar and other legends can commend.

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Analyzing the top five 3-point shooters in Los Angeles Lakers history

Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher are two of the best 3-point shooters in Lakers history

The Los Angeles Lakers have some of the top 3-point shooters in NBA history, with three former players and one current ranking among the top 40 all-time for 3-pointers made.

The late Kobe Bryant, Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones are the three former players who rank within that group. LeBron James ranks 14th all-time in 3-pointers (1,860).

As one of the league’s most historic and successful franchises, the Lakers have 10 former or current players who’ve made at least 350 3-pointers with the franchise. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ranks 10th in franchise history with 397.

Here are the top five 3-point shooters in Lakers history. All stats are from Basketball Reference and NBA.com stats.

1. Kobe Bryant 

When Bryant stepped on the floor, he had nearly any shot imaginable in his arsenal. The turnaround fadeaway was his signature, but Bryant is a legend because of how he got a variety of shots off.

If his team was in a pinch, Bryant was trusted to score. Hitting 3-pointers was a part of that. He’s No. 1 in Lakers history for 3-pointers made (1,827). Bryant shot 32.9% from deep for his career, but he ranks 17th in league history for 3-pointers.

Bryant and James are the only former or current Lakers players who rank in the top 20 for all-time 3-pointers.

Bryant shot 21.6% of his field goals from the 3-point line during his career, as he also ranks first in Lakers history for 3-point field goal attempts (5,546).

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Stephon Marbury says LeBron James is not a ‘real Laker’

Marbury sounds off on LeBron James’ vow to ‘carry’ Kobe Bryant’s legacy.

Stephon Marbury has never been one to mince his words.

He wasn’t when he played in the NBA, he wasn’t when he left the NBA for the CBA and he hasn’t been since he retired from the CBA. He’s always spoken how he feels.

Marbury delivered an eyebrow-raising message on Complex’s Load Management podcast when he was asked how he felt about how people in and around the NBA were reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death.

Bryant was one of the most polarizing figures in NBA history and Marbury, his 1996 draft classmate, knows that. That’s why he said he’s so surprised people are reacting with almost universal reverence.

“I see so many people saying so many great things about Kobe and they hated Kobe and I’m like “hmm, this is interesting.

A few moments later in the podcast, Marbury called out LeBron James specifically for saying he’d be one of the players to carry on Bryant’s legacy in the NBA.

“You don’t need to go get guys like LeBron to go speak and talk about what they’re going to carry and all of that. He don’t need you to carry his legacy. His legacy is already his legacy. You don’t do that. Carry your own legacy. Keep it popping and going. You not no real Laker. The real Laker fans are real laker fans. And real Laker players. So when you hear these guys saying this type of stuff and doing these type of things, I’m wondering what is it for?”

Ouch. Those are pretty harsh words for James — especially with James being the one trying to bring comfort to Lakers fans.

Marbury clearly feels a close attachment to his former draft classmate. But he’s probably doing a bit too much here.

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Todd Gurley sat courtside with DeAndre Hopkins at Lakers game

Todd Gurley was with DeAndre Hopkins at the Lakers game last night.

Todd Gurley is back home in Los Angeles after doing a lot of traveling in recent weeks, which included a trip to Budapest with the American Football Without Barriers program and several stops in Europe along the way.

On Tuesday night, Gurley was courtside at the Lakers game for their narrow 104-102 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He was accompanied by Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, sitting along the baseline at the Staples Center.

In addition to Gurley and Hopkins, another NFL star was also in attendance. Odell Beckham Jr. was with Hopkins and Gurley at halftime as the three were on the court during the break.

Gurley has been a big supporter of the company Beyond Meat on social media, even investing in it during the early stages of its inception. He was wearing a Beyond Meat hat at the game, while Hopkins was also rocking a hoodie with the company’s logo.

It would seem both are ambassadors for the brand, or at the very least investors.

There’s no doubt Gurley has been enjoying his offseason, taking time off after a long and grueling season. He said as much in an interview with The Athletic, also adding that he’s trying to “take care of my business off the field.”

He’s not necessarily ready to get back into football mode just yet, though.

“Each offseason is different. For me, I take my time,” he said. “I’m all about longevity. Some people want to get right back into it in January. Some people wait until February, some wait until March.”

LeBron James shares support of Steph Curry during his return from injury

The basketball world missed Stephen Curry.

The basketball world missed Stephen Curry.

The two-time Most Valuable Player made his long-awaited return to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night against the Toronto Raptors after missing the previous four months due to a broken left hand.

In Curry’s return to the court, fellow stars around the league were watching. While LeBron James has had his battles with the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers’ MVP candidate reached out in support of Curry Thursday night.

James posted on social media he was happy to see Curry back in his “sanctuary.”

Via @KingJames on Twitter:

In Golden State’s 121-113 loss to the Raptors, Curry dropped 23 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the field and 3-of-12 from long distance. The Golden State point guard added seven assists and seven rebounds in 27 minutes in his first game since injuring his hand.

James and Curry will reunite across from each other for the first time this season when the Warriors travel to the Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 7.

Watch: Draymond Green ejected in second quarter vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Draymond Green was assessed two technical fouls against the Los Angeles Lakers, triggering an ejection in the second quarter of the game.

Draymond Green’s return to the Warriors after missing two games didn’t last long. Green was ejected with 5:45 remaining in the second quarter, ending his night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Golden State forward was battling with Lakers center Dwight Howard which led into an argument between Green and referee Tyler Ford. The official tagged Green with a technical foul.

On the next possession, Green got tangled up with Howard after a hard screen and was quickly assessed his second technical foul, triggering an ejection from the game. Green stormed off the court towards the Golden State locker room visibly upset.

 

The former Defensive Player of the Year ended his night with four assists, two points, a rebound, a steal and three turnovers in 10 minutes against the Lakers.

Green leads the NBA in ejections and is also tied for the lead in technicals at 14 with Houston’s Russell Westbrook. Green is only two technical fouls away before he receives a one-game suspension for reaching 16 on the season.

Injury Report: Dragan Bender to start with Andrew Wiggins out vs. Lakers

An upper-back spasm injury will force Andrew Wiggins to miss his first game as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

While the basketball world is waiting on a healthy recovery from Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors are dealing with other injuries on their roster.

Marquese Chriss missed the Warriors contest against the New Orleans Pelicans with a calf injury, yet was able to return against the Sacramento Kings. Draymond Green was absent for the past two games with a pelvic contusion, but is scheduled to play against the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, as Green and Chriss return, the Warriors will lose a different starter due to injury.

Andrew Wiggins will miss his first game as a member of the Warriors with upper back spasms.

Before the trade deadline with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wiggins missed eight games this season due to a thumb injury and an illness.

However, the Kansas Jayhawk product hasn’t missed many games since being drafted first overall in 2014. Leading up to the 2019-20 season, Wiggins has played over 80 games four times in his career.

Without Wiggins, the Warriors will start Dragan Bender alongside Green, Chriss, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee.

In two games with Golden State, Bender has totaled six points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Croatian forward has shot 2-of-7 from beyond the arc with the Warriors.

The 22-year-old began the 2019-20 season with the Milwaukee Bucks and did not make a start. Bender hasn’t started a game since he was a member of the Phoenix Suns in 2019.

On a 10-day contract, an opportunity to start could have an impact on Bender’s future with the Warriors.

Rajon Rondo has throwback game in win against Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo could be a key player in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Rajon Rondo is a master at controlling the pace of games, whether it be turning tough defense into easy buckets or simply making timely plays in the halfcourt.

As the Los Angeles Lakers’ backup point guard, Rondo must maintain the team’s production on both ends, especially offensively. Though he isn’t as consistent as he was earlier in his career, Rondo had a throwback game in the Lakers’ 114-112 win Sunday against the Boston Celtics.

He tallied a season-high five steals and dished five assists, along with scoring four points in 22 minutes off the bench.

Rondo has averaged 1.7 steals a game during his career, and Sunday’s game was the first time since March 2019 he had five or more steals, when he had six in a win against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Celtics arguably have the best collection of wings in the NBA, with Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward being some of the top players on the team.

The Lakers needed to secure the perimeter, and as their first line of defense, Rondo made defensive plays that helped the Lakers gain possession. The Lakers scored 20 points off turnovers, and they forced 17 turnovers. The Lakers rank third in points scored off turnovers (18.8), and they rank seventh in opponent’s turnovers (15.5).

Rondo’s effort and performance on defense shouldn’t be a surprise. A 14-year guard, Rondo ranked first in steals per game during the 2009-10 season. He’s ranked top five in steals two other times during his career, and he’s currently ranked seventh in steals among active players, per NBA.com.

This season Rondo has a defensive rating of 106.9, which isn’t as good compared to the standards he set early in the 2010s. While he was on the Celtics, Rondo was considered to be one of the best defensive point guards in the league, along with players such as Chris Paul.

During the 2010-11 season, Rondo had a defensive rating of 99.8; in the 2011-12 season he had a defensive rating of 97.9. When the Celtics won the championship in 2008, Rondo’s defensive rating was 97.1.

Rondo’s championship experience is going to bring the stability that will be necessary in the playoffs for the Lakers’ reserves.

His ability to control a game, whether it be slowing it down or speeding it up, is perhaps his best attribute. A premier floor general, Rondo has led the league in assists three times during his career. He’s averaging 5.3 assists per game this season.

With the playoff push ramping up in these next few weeks, if “playoff Rondo” can continue to emerge, that will bode well for the Lakers. Rondo has played some of his best basketball in the postseason.

In eight playoff appearances, Rondo has averaged double figures in scoring all but once, when he played with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2015 postseason. Rondo has also averaged 9.3 assists and 1.9 steals during the playoffs.

The Lakers will need as much firepower as possible in the playoffs, especially defensively. The Western Conference is filled with quality teams/ The Los Angeles Clippers have perhaps the most offensive scoring weapons in the league other than the Celtics. The Houston Rockets have a surging two-pronged attack in Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

But if Rondo can prove to be one of their key players, someone who has to be accounted for on both ends of the floor, the Lakers will have a good shot at the title.

The Lakers will play the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center on Tuesday to finish their three-game homestand.

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