It’s been one preseason game. One.
But I’m convinced, the LakeShow is back and may be better than ever.
On the more analytical side, it only took one preseason game to show me that this Lakers team can be special and potentially be the NBA’s best ball-sharing team. Even with the small sample size, seeing the ball movement and effective play of the new starting core has me convinced that the Lakers will be a very fun team to watch this upcoming season.
Lonzo Ball and the Ball-Movers
Let’s be real, fancy dunks and deep three-pointers are incredibly entertaining, but very few feats can match the satisfaction of watching an amazing pass go as planned. How many professional basketball players can dunk? Like 98% of them? The number of players who have amazing court vision is far fewer. Three of the NBA’s most efficient court generals are now are on the same team, and two of them were active for the pre-season exhibition vs. Denver, and the results were obvious.
With Rajon Rondo and LeBron James on the court together, defenders now have to worry about two amazing playmakers who can consistently punish them with their high basketball IQs. Although Lonzo Ball, arguably the NBA’s youngest passing wizard, is currently out with injury, he’ll add one more source of passing and fancy assists to this already efficient team.
Players have already lined up to be the benefactor of this passing clinic. Brandon Ingram (who has shown huge strides, by the way) got his fair share of easy buckets despite his lack of strength against a strong Nuggets frontcourt. Ivica Zubac (who even is that?) got some easy looks off of the deadly Rondo pick-and-roll. Kyle Kuzma enjoyed his teammates’ outlet passes for easy layups and three-pointers. Although this preseason game was just a taste of the LakeShow to come, I think it’s a great sign for this aggressive style of team basketball from the Lakers this early.
Oh, it’s like THAT JaVale?
JaVale McGee, ladies in gentlemen, is large and bouncy. He can also hold a basketball. Are those he simplest three components to be an NBA Center? JaVale McGee believes so, as his 20-point game with minimal playing time was highlighted by a series of insane dunks and impossible finishes. His large frame and build make him difficult to stop on his explosions to the basket, and his added vertical allows him to soar over 7′ centers.
He’s efficient off the pick-and-roll, which is perfect for the Rondo-Ball duo’s game preference. This was an aggressive showing by JaVale and proof that he’s here to hold his own.
Wanna talk basketball? Hit up my Twitter: @JDavidsenPS