Gone Swimming, the Lakers Talent Pool...

Splash!

Unfortunately, as it relates to basketball, this term is steadfastly becoming almost solely identifiable with Golden State Warriors' Guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.  The Warriors also HAD SPLASH 2.0 in their system when they had Seth and Mychel on their D-League Squad last season (the Santa Cruz Warriors)


The Lakers have had their fare share of talented players on their D-League squad, the Los Angeles D-Fenders.   It appeared as though it was only a matter of time before a player from "the D" was called up which did not necessarily mean from the D-Fenders.  They did, however, go right to the #purpleandgold and sign Jabari Brown to a ten-day contract (March 10, 2015).  

Mr. Brown made his own Splash felt by game four with the DFenders (November 21, 2014) : 30 Points on 9-17 shooting, 5-7 three pt FGs, and 7-7 from the line in 28 minutes of play.  THIS was happening with Manny Harris on the floor (who scored 32 that night).  Manny Harris donned the Lakers Jersey last season after becoming the "top D-League Prospect" and averaging around 31 points.  Harris played out his consecutive ten-day contracts with the Lakers (last season) and when they opted NOT to sign him he then left very soon to play ball in Turkey.  Manny was not going to wait that long THIS time and decided to leave earlier this season.  Enter Mr. Opportunity.  The DFenders have a variety of capable players at ALL positions.  And, in spite of yet another injury-plagued season for the Lakers, they were ONLY able to get Brown by way of being eligible for the NBA's "hardship exception."


" In these cases, a team must have four players who have missed at least three straight games because of injury or illness. Should the Commissioner’s Office determine, using an independent doctor if it so chooses, that all four of those players will continue to be unable to play, the team may acquire an extra player. The commissioner can grant additional extra roster spots to the team should he deem that conditions warrant it." ^

Brown, who has seen his former Mizzou backcourt mate Jordan Clarkson a few times this season with the DFenders, joined the big squad but did not play.  

Meanwhile, talented players like Roscoe Smith, Vander Blue, Josiah Turner, Jamaal Franklin and others still make up the DFenders but cannot be called-up by the Lakers because of a maxed-out 
roster.  

Roscoe (14) and Jabari (7) have been consistently good ALL season

There were other opportunities for the Lakers to make moves by utilizing the injury exceptions for both Steve Nash and Julius Randle, but they did not.  And, we have THIS in regards to Steve Nash..



One (so-called) Man's Opinion:

Couldn't resist.

Jabari came in and looked very determined.  From the outset of the season he performed well.  In spite of the fact that the DFenders seemed to lack cohesion for the better part of the first part of this season.  Jabari Brown and Roscoe Smith both have played consistent ball and have played effectively AND efficiently.  Personally, I love seeing players in "the D" that are really making an effort to hone their game within the construct of the team and the game.  At times, we often see "self" before TEAM, especially in the D.  Maintaining consistency in effectiveness but moreso efficiency is something that I feel is vital for the now minor-league players to focus on.  Although, at times, things might be difficult doing it everyday, working on the game, being the game... in hopes that you might get signed by an NBA squad.  Well, this is another step towards THAT, Mr. Brown.  Congratulations on this moment and may you succeed in the NBA ! 

A LOT of TALENT in this ONE: 12-7-13

 The Lakers could have easily signed Mr. Smith OR Jamaal Franklin, who has played extremely well since being acquired by the DFenders this season.  But, this kid shows heart, hustle, determination, speed and skill while maintaining a good attitude and shows that his decision making is also on point.  Sound Familiar?  It will be fun to see Clarkson AND Brown reunited and playing QUALITY together should that opportunity present itself.  Kudos to you, Lakers, for rewarding your best and most consistent player this season in the D!  He deserves the chance.  And, keep on filling that pool!












DFenders News:

March 11, 2015

DFenders Aqcuire Dexter Strickland.

Strickland: North Carolina STATS

Personally, I would follow the Lakers lead in re-uniting backcourt mates and grab Kiwi Garder from the Santa Cruz Warriors.  Replace one former "Soldier" (Brown) with another?  Kiwi and could provide a spark for not just the team but JT as well. (see Oakland "Soldiers")


Sources:

^Hoops Rumors Glossary: Hardship by Chuck Myron, November 28, 2014