The Lakers‘ success has helped to mask their defensive deficiencies, but they’ve been a concern all season long, writes Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times (subscription required). Even though L.A. is off to a 17-7 start, the team ranks 18th in the league in points surrendered at 116.8 per game, 22nd in opponents’ field goal percentage at 48.1% and 27th in opponents’ … [Read more...] about Lakers Notes: Vanderbilt, Reaves, Smart, Buss Brothers
Stein’s Latest: Antetokounmpo, Lakers, Porzingis, Johnson, Spencer
Not much has changed on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade front, Marc Stein writes in his latest article for the Stein Line (subscriber link), though there are indications of which teams may or may not become players should the Bucks, who lost by 45 points to the Nets on Sunday, make him available. Stein writes that while teams are waiting for indications from Milwaukee that they … [Read more...] about Stein’s Latest: Antetokounmpo, Lakers, Porzingis, Johnson, Spencer
Clippers Announce They’re ‘Parting Ways’ With Chris Paul
11:13 am: Paul clashed with members of the Clippers’ organization as a result of his leadership style, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter link), who hears from sources that the team felt the veteran point guard had become “disruptive” in his efforts to vocally hold players, coaches, and front office members accountable. Former Clippers guard Lou Williams made similar … [Read more...] about Clippers Announce They’re ‘Parting Ways’ With Chris Paul
Harden, Leonard ‘Shocked’ By Clippers’ Split With CP3
Clippers stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard learned of the team’s split with Chris Paul via social media and told reporters on Wednesday that the news came as a surprise, according to reports from Joe Vardon of The Athletic and Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world,” Harden said after the Clippers’ win over Atlanta. “Definitely … [Read more...] about Harden, Leonard ‘Shocked’ By Clippers’ Split With CP3
Lakers Notes: Jones, Defense, LeBron, Smart
Pelicans wing Herbert Jones is the player most frequently mentioned by rival scouts and executives as a potential in-season trade target for the Lakers, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. However, despite rumors that New Orleans is more open to fielding calls on Jones than in the past, sources tell Woike that New Orleans isn’t particularly interested in moving the … [Read more...] about Lakers Notes: Jones, Defense, LeBron, Smart