Welcome Mr. Vargas: Eloy Vargas to debut for the DFenders ?

Mr. Vargas is originally from the Dominican

THE Lakers, seemingly, like Eloy Vargas.  In fact, they tried to sign him recently but due to "International Rules" they weren't able to.  Enter the DFenders.  Vargas had just signed a contract with Puerto Rico but the organization (Lakers) still wanted him so they requested that he participate in this year's NBA D-League Draft.  The DFenders took him with their First Pick at No. 17 overall.  Word is that the Iowa Stampede wanted to select him at number seven but Eloy felt obligated to the Lakers organization for bringing him back to the U.S and politely let Iowa know that.

 THE "6'11" Forward/Center from Kentucky SHOULD be making his debut tonight in EL SEGUNDO as the DFenders take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at 7pm.

Mr. Vargas had to sit out one more game, again related to rules, regulations and his Visa.  It was thought that Mr. Vargas would be available to play last game.

Vargas did not get many minutes at the University of Kentucky but since has shown nice agility for his size, especially his ability to recover on defense and use his length in rebounding and blocking shots.

The DFenders need some help on the front line.  Roscoe Smith, who at 6-8 is averaging a nice double-double of 17.5 POINTS and 16.5 BOARDS cannot do it alone up front.  Smith, who was the Lakers NBA Summer League Squad, is looking good thus far and making a statement about his NBA readiness.

Travis Hyman, the seven-foot Center, is entering his third campaign with the DFenders.   His minutes (15.0) per game are down slightly from last year's average of 18.9 yet he is still pulling down 6 Boards per contest.  It has ONLY been two games and he has gotten into foul trouble so we shall see how Hyman progresses throughout the season.  He added weight this off season, 10-15 pounds, and also worked heavily on his shot.  Last year, Hyman didn't get that involved in a "D'Antoni-schemed" offense that relied more on players like Brandon Costner and James Southerland.  Costner, a 6-10 Forward, averaged 14.5 points 6 Rebounds last season while Southerland, who joined the Pelicans at the end of last season averaged 14.7 Points and 6.5 Boards.  Those players are gone.

With guards like Manny Harris, newly acquired Vander Blue and Josiah Turner it will be nice to have another Big that can board and move.

So,

La bienvenida a

 Los Angeles

Señor Vargas

Welcome!

Lakers make impact for DFenders

     Familiar faces to Lakers Fans were present Saturday night at Toyota Sports Center as the Los Angeles D-Fenders took on the Texas Legends.

The Legends had one of those "familiar faces" as Nick Van Exel donned the suit and tie along with his title as an assistant coach.

Other faces, as announced mid-afternoon Saturday, were Lakers Xavier Henry and Jordan Clarkson.

Henry took Player of the Game w 33 points Saturday Night

Their teammate, Jordan Hill, sat nearby and looked on as Henry walked away with "Player of the Game" honors: 33 points on 12-20 FG shooting, 3-6 3pt FG, 6-7 FT, 4 Rbnd 1 A, 1 Stl in 36 minutes.  Clarkson also played well.  In 37 minutes his line reads: 28 pts on 8-20 FG, 2-4 3pt FG, 10-10 FT, 5 Rbnd, and 5 Assists.  The normal tough guard tandem for the D-Fenders, Manny Harris and Vander Blue didn't necessarily get the same "looks" and touches as the focus was primarily on the young Lakers that joined them for the night.  The DFenders took the loss, 130-108, versus a very tough Legends team who shot the ball very well (54%) Saturday night.



The Lakers used the D-League a lot last season.  Whether it was having guys, like Ryan Kelly and Elias Harris, "play down" at the start of the season for minutes and reps., or bumping guys up like Manny Harris because of the team's injury woes, the DFenders played a vital role.

This season looks to be similar.

One thing is certainly true: if the Lakers had any questions whatsoever about Jordan Clarkson and the idea of increasing his minutes, especially with Wayne Ellington absent, those questions should have been answered.

Let's also hope that the repetitions helped Xavier's confidence as he has seemed a bit rusty since coming back to the Lakers.

It's ALWAYS nice to see the the Laker Girls and to walk away with some FREE TACOS!

#GoLakers

#GoDFenders