Ivica Zubac Iced Early for the Los Angeles DFenders

Too Much Venom from the Rio Grande Vipers as Ivica Zubac debuts in El Segundo while Laker teammates show up for support.

Ivica fouled out and was on ice with 4:55 left in the game

    Ivica Zubac donned jersey number 33 for his DFender Debut Thursday night in front of the home crowd.  "33" no doubt inspired by whom he patterns his "hook shot" after, tha Cap'n, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Much like his Laker debut, November 2nd against the Atlanta Hawks, Zoob hit his first two shots which were the first four points for the team.

We have your BAC, Zoob. Pick No 32 Wore Jersey 33

    Everything was going according to plan and Zubac did not disappoint in front of a crowd which included Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton, teammates D'Angelo Russel and Larry Nance Jr. and General Manager Mitch Kupchak who sat courstide.  The game looked like it was in cruise control at the 7:30 Time Out (1st Qtr) mark as Gold led 16-6.

    The Vipers started a slow comeback, Zubac leaves the game with two fouls at the 5:47 mark and the Vipers led at the end of the Quarter, 31-30.  The DFenders were close a couple of times and even hovered around a 3 or four point lead but the Vipers had too much firepower. 

 PAC-12 standout Gary Payton Jr went undrafted

 The Viper Room:

Isaiah Taylor (Texas U) 31 pts and Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga) 26 pts, combined for 57 points, 21-43 FG, 6-17 3pt. 

Gary Payton Jr., who also went undrafted, was ALL over the court wreaking havoc and added 12 pts and 13 boards. 10 more than the DFenders starting Center (Zubac).  Speaking of Rebounds?  The League-Leader, Chinanu Onuaku, grabbed 22 which will also add to his 15.7 Rebounds Per Game tally.  Hello D-Fense? What? Oh, no one home?  Yep, with the foul trouble of Zubac and a DNP for 7 foot 3 David Foster the Vipers seemed to have their way and "bull over" the home team after a flat first six minutes of the game.

Remember me El Segundo? I'm Joshua Smith former Bruin

 Speaking of Bull-ies..Remember Joshua, don't call me Josh, Smith?  Former McDonald's High School "All-American?"  Former Bruin?  Former Hoya? Yes, the 6-10, overweight, out-of-shape, lethargic "Joshua Smith."  The Vipers have him listed at "300 pounds"  but much like getting an "8" aka "snowman" in golf I believe that number is a bit "light."  Smith "bulled" Zubac over a handful of times, antagonizing and taunting the "draft pick."  He toyed with Zubac and even coaxed him to an offensive foul that led Zubac straight to the bench.

So, Zoob, while you are in "the D," use it for what it is intended.  To "Develop."  And you are going to need to develop a "thicker skin."  Your skill and game are far superior to many of the opposing Centers.  But, many of these guys went undrafted and will have a chip on the shoulder.  In the case of Joshua Smith they might have too many "chocolate chips" in their bellies.  The combination, "Draft Pick," will make for a Target on your back and these guys will look for EVERY opportunity to dunk on you, push you around and taunt you. We saw this in Lakers Summer.

In other words, work on your toughness.  Not to say you aren't "tough."  But this game in the U.S. is FAR different than in Europe.  When you are in New York, head over to Rucker Park.  In Los Angeles head over to Venice or Compton.  You have the skill, the turn-arounds, and the bank-shots.  So, learn the "smack" game.  How not to get smacked around and how to run it (verbal smack) on the court...

No matter what, ...

WE, FANS, GOT YOUR BACK ZOOB

Speaking of backs, Josh Magette, Vander Blue, Justin Harper and Roscoe Smith are all back for the DFenders this season.  Number 9 had another double-double (16 pts, 13 assists) in the loss vs. the Vipers Thursday Night.  He seems to be able to run the floor and find people no matter who is on his squad.  Having been an invitee this past summer for the Nets, the DFenders have several "cusp" players including all of the aformentioned and new addition Travis Wear.

Laker FAM

NBA Callups: Are the Los Angeles Lakers using their own phone?

Jimmer Fredette will be signed to at least one 10-day Contract by his mother team, the New York Knicks, on Monday.

Game ready! Go D-Fenders! -Lauren #LGLivin pic.twitter.com/gcKBdHi4Pg

— Laker Girls (@LakerGirls) February 19, 2016

CONGRATS!

Callups happen a lot and the Lakers have certainly utilized their D-League squad, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, as a source for talent.

This season, however, the D-Fenders have been used as more of a "training program" for players like Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black and Anthony Brown to get some run and reps as compared to sitting on the bench with the Varsity brethren.

Jordan Clarkson, last season, spent ample time playing with the D-Fenders before he ultimately solidified himself as a Lakers starter, especially with the team's injury woes.

What about the other D-Fenders?  Unless a player has a contract with a team, like Anthony Brown does with the Lakers, they are all free agents.  So, just because a player is on the "D-Fenders" does not mean that player may ONLY play for the Lakers.

The Lakers called up Dwight Buycks last season from the Oklahoma City Blue (D-League team of OKC Thunder) AHEAD of their BLUE, Vander Blue.

Buycks went down with a foot injury and Vander was called up for the last two games of the season.  Vander ended up receiving an offer from the Lakers but somehow managed to show up in BULLS' gear during NBA SUMMER to then have NO DEAL.  He has been playing this season with the D-Fenders and is an aggressive player going to the rim or around the perimeter and generally fills up a stat sheet:

25.6 ppg (2nd), 5.2 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.0 spg

Robert Upshaw:  Upshaw hit the scene in Vegas with quite the buzz amongst the record-breaking fans that were ALREADY buzzing due to the shiny new toys of the Lakers: Russell, Nance, Randle (back healthy)...But, Upshaw was waived by the Lakers and has struggled to see the floor.  A lot of that has to do with the PT of Lakers like Black and Kelly when they have been assigned.  

Upshaw did not look healthy recently and apparently came off two weeks of some viral infection (this had NOT been confirmed by anyone but "reported" by many on the so-called "inside").  He is getting healthier and stronger but he was looking way to "rail thin" to be attempting to ball with the big boys in the NBA right NOW.

Josh Magette:  No, not the long lost "brother from another mother" to former Duke and LA Clippers Star, Corey Magette (rhymes with spaghetti).  Josh, not YOUR JET, but "Ma-JET" who played for the D-Fenders in 2013-2014 came back to the team this season after playing overseas 1 year.  

Magette HAD been leading the League in steals with 2.5 but stands one tenth behind the current leader who has played in 11 fewer games.

He puts in 10 points, 4.6 boards and leads the league in ASSISTS at 8.6.  Magette is a great floor general that sacrifices his body and self for the team.

How about a name more unfamiliar?

This is the Fourth Season as A D-Fender and 8th in the D, for Andre Ingram...

Known as a solid, lock-down defensive player, Dre became the NBA D-League's ALL-TIME leader in 3 point baskets made in the NBA D-league. 

99 for 3!! Congrats Dre!! All time in 3s made 👌 https://t.co/42LPQrDCoK

— Vander Blue (@veezy_SQ) February 5, 2016

A.I. is right at 50% LEADING THE LEAGUE in three point shooting on 2.32 (makes) of 4.65 (attempts).  

    He will get you a couple-a boards and           assists, 8 or 10 points and a steal each           game.


this happened as well..




Ingram went against newest, ahem, NBA CAll-UP Jimmer Fredette in the NBA D-League 3 point contest... and WON!!!

Fredette will be with the NY Knicks next Monday and will presumably ride out the remainder of the season, because, "why not?"

Fredette and Ingram advance to the Final Round of the #DLeagueThree contest- who ya got? pic.twitter.com/wRqrbdQ2MT

— NBA D-League (@nbadleague) February 13, 2016

IN many ways Ingram might "deserve" this opportunity more than most perhaps in the League.  He is a veteran.  He has respect.  Ask his teammates.

 IF these LAKERS REALLY want to go "Twenty and Seven" down-the-stretch, as Metta World Peace said in an interview Thursday,  they could use any ONE of these guys.

BUT, with Ingram you add veteran stability and leadership that will ONLY benefit the younger players.

He can personally mentor young Anthony Brown on being a defensive stopper.

And he ONLY helps your team.  Andre Ingram is the type of player that will never hurt you.  Mistakes do happen, but Ingram makes it up right away.  If you want DEFENSE?  Intensity? And, the guy who just beat out JIMMER FREDETTE in the three point contest then please call HQ in El Segundo,

When your teammate makes a league-record 39-of-50 shots to win the 3-Point Contest >>> pic.twitter.com/cBEhiowvQw

— L.A. D-Fenders (@DFenders) February 18, 2016

muchas gracias !

Shoutout my teammate Andre Ingram for bringing home the Trophy for the 3Pt Contest!! @DFenders that's 99!!! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/rFpPGlBomk

— Justin Harper (@Tru_Harp32) February 14, 2016

Congratulations to Andre Ingram

Other notables: Ryan Gomes has been nothing but a solid pro and Justin Harper has been playing really good ball as well for LA.

_chauncey

The Los Angeles D-Fenders WIN while Lakers Anthony Brown debuts with 22

The Los Angeles Lakers recently sent their second round pick, Anthony Brown to the D-Fenders to get some game action and the "young gun" played well in debut v Bakersfield Jam.

Brown averaged 14.8 pts for the Stanford Cardinal in 2014-15.  His three-point accuracy bettered his Field Goal percentage (44% to 42%).  Projected as a late first round pick, the Lakers opted to select Larry Nance Jr. with the number 27 and                            lucked out with Brown sliding to 34 overall.

During Lakers SUMMER it seemed likely that Brown, Nance and undrafted rookie Robert Upshaw would be spending time on the D-Fenders.  That IS until Upshaw got waived by the Lakers and Nance's performance has outshined many other Lakers thus far.  Because of the glaring failures of the Lakers it would seem that Nance has a place on the Varsity.  His strengths FILL those holes.  His role could easily grow in prominence as other (veterans) on the team lack what he HAS.

UPshaw cleared waivers and was signed (fortunately) by the D-Fenders and has been playing well, all-around, team and fundamentally correct basketball.

Anthony Brown hadn't seen a minute of play on the NBA hardwood until a recent blowout loss in Phx where he is credited for " MINS 2."  Gee, thanks COACH.

Brown debuted for the D-Fenders Tuesday against the Bakersfield Jam, in Bako, and this is what transpired:

8-17 FG, 3-10 3 pt, 3-3 FT, 3 Bd, 3 A , 2 Stl, 3 TO  in 37 mins

Donning jersey #14, A.Brown might have been missing #3 (Lakers) as there are many across his stat line;  the nicest one for me is the one before the seven in minutes played.

Kid needs REPS/ bout time_ RT"@DFenders: Anthony Brown checking in for LA. D-Fenders up 8-3"

— Chauncey (@gonzosports1) November 18, 2015

Arguably, there is a glaring NEED for Brown on the Lakers right now, like Nance.  The Lakers are currently ranked 21st in three point shooting percentage and we know where there are at "D-Fensively."  Brown could easily be used much like the "situAtional LEFTY" in Major League Baseball. If he is to be tested why not insert him into the game for 1-3 minutes at the end of a quarter with his primary responsiblity of guarding a player like Steph Curry.  Yes, I test HIM against the game's best.  It doesn't have to be literally Curry, but the opponent's TOP 1, 2, OR 3 position on the floor.  I need to SEE where HIS "D" is at..

He could also be used as a sharp-shooter in the same area of a quarter (bottom end for just a few minutes).  Eric Piatkowski started his career like this.

BUT, "down-town" NEEDS REPS and if he can keep getting them for the D-Fenders and have a chance to develop on the floor then let him "B."

My suggestion is to make a decision on Sacre OR Brown (waive/ assigned to D-Fenders) to allow Big Upshaw on the Lakers.  Brown can use the quality AND guaranteed playing time on the D-Fenders.  Upshaw is not getting BIG minutes, but , Seriously, quit yanking everyone's chain.  Put him on the squad and use him exactly how Owens does: 16-22 minutes.  He has all-around game.

 Josh Magette? .... who?

.@joshmagette had five takeaways tonight and is averaging a league-leading 4.66 steals per game

— L.A. D-Fenders (@DFenders) November 18, 2015

He did NOT have 12 assists like he did the previous game but he added another SEVEN with 9 points and 1 TurnOver.

Manny Being Manny:  Are we used to Manny Harris doing this?

11-23 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 8-8 FT, 5 bds, 4 As, 2 Stl in 44 mins

Check OUT ALL of the D-Fenders (Zach Andrews, Vander Blue, Justin Hawkins... HERE) GAME NEWS AND BOXSCORE OF THEIR 114-105 WIN OVER BAKERSFIELD

nice job all around

Call-UPshaw UP? The Los Angeles D-Fenders have plenty of talent to choose from

Robert Upshaw landed on the Los Angeles Lakers Roster as an UnDrafted Rookie out of Washington where he was leading the Nation in Blocks with over 4 per game (19 games played).


At around 7-0' tall Upshaw has gotten himself lighter and he is making the best of it.

IN the home opener against the Warriors (11/14/15), Upshaw looked good.  He is only on record with 2 blocks in THIS game; there were at least two others that should have gone in his favor.

Such an exciting opening night victory for the D-Fenders! 🏀 -Tiege #LGLivin pic.twitter.com/Pu7d86u2Mv

— Laker Girls (@LakerGirls) November 15, 2015

     Regardless of those numbers and his others in the way of ReBounding and Scoring this kid is looking good.  His lateral movement, help and recovery defense is on point.  He did seem to taper off, energy-wise, in the second.  Perhaps THIS is what scouts are looking at?  Does he stay mentally focused?  Motivated?  Any Way you slice it, you cannot teach height and this kid has done nothing but take positive strides towards becoming and NBA player, so what gives? 

 There is ALWAYS MORE TO THE STORY 

Upshaw's Debut Highlights

     Upshaw has all-around game:  He has a nice touch, he can handle, pass and he is performing better with certain "anxious" tendencies that I had seen @ LAKERS SUMMER with better body control of his screen-setting, for example.  He leads with his defensive presence and his energy.  One question is, Can his Energy hold UP?  

How many games does he play in "The D" before HE IS called UP? 

 The Lakers can easily move Anthony Brown to the D-Fenders and LET HIM GET REPS.  I mean, if YOU'RE NOT going to use him in situations for defensive or three-point shooting purposes by THIS point, send him down.  Then, the Lakers can retain all of the talent OR simply waive Sacre.  Sacre is SOLID.  He will land on another NBA team.

     UPshaw is hovering around 18 minutes of PT but that is mainly because this D-Fenders team is LoaDed with Talent that beGins with returning Lakers Manny Harris and Vander Blue.

Zach Andrews starts in the middle on this team that has also seen Michael Frazier and Malcom Thomas as "DNP-CD" status

The "DNP-CD" was also status hanging for former Laker Xavier Henry which brings me to this:

Go Ahead and give me Xavier, Manny, Vander, and Josh Magette who dished out a game high 12 assists and is a player that many around campus are speaking very HIGHLY of.  






Add Andrews, UpShaw, Thomas from the D-Fenders squad. And Orton, Elliot Williams and Darrington Hopson from the Warriors Organization.  

NOW, put those gents up against "BKN."  

"Brooklyn?" A friend said AFTER a disappointing loss by the Lakers to the Denver Nuggets.  "They have to beat Brooklyn, RIGHT!?"  Thankfully, the Lakers DID.  BUT, could they (Lakers) Beat their own D-League Squad?

How about a  one-on-one match-up of Josh Magette vs. D'Angelo Russell?  

 Hibbert vs Upshaw?  How about Manny showing young D'Angelo how to GET to the free throw line... AND MAKE THEM?

As of Friday (11/13/15), Russell is averaging 50% from the charity stripe on .4 of .8 attempts per game while Mudiay was 2.4 of 3.8.  

Many good things were being said about Magette Saturday Night by AC Green.  Green ALSO commented that Coach Owens said that Magette should be called up to the NBA as well.

     Magette is solid.  He had the 12 assists with 4 turnovers but some of those were player errors on the other end.  I don't care about turnovers so much unless they lead to direct points by the opposition.

He stays in motion, runs an offense superbly and is always looking for his teammates.

hey, Marcelo Huertas has an NBA Contract...

This young man (Magette) as well as Upshaw, Manny, Vander, et al. ALL deserve a shot.

Jimmer was called up before he hit the hardwood for a regular season game in "The D." 

Oh yeah, add him to that "D-League squad" that was forming earlier.

The 31st NBA Franchise IS...(?)

Meanwhile, here are your D-League Teams

D-LEAGUE PROSPECT WATCH