Ivica Zubac and the Los Angeles D-Fenders hold ON in double OT for the win as Jeanie Buss cheers them on

Ivica Zubac stays "in the game" by not fouling; pulled late due to Suns' Surge

Ivica Zubac (33) Seems to have his hands UP on OFFENSE a lot

While the Lakers took on the Warriors in Oakland (11-23-16), the D-Fenders had a battle on their home court.  The game appeared to be in cruise control as the Lakers NBA D-League squad was up by 31 with 1:48 in the second quarter.  A Sun run, including several buckets by Elijah Millsap, made it 73-51 at halftime.  Millsap, brother of Paul, did everything he could against his former club.  He ended the contest with 35 pts, 4 REB, 5 Assists, 4 steals in 51 minutes.

Askia (not related to Devin) Booker also added 35 points and 10 assists.  Booker and Millsap were a combined 27-52 FG and 6-17 3 pt.  Those 17 Attempts were a big reason why the NAZ, Northern Arizona, Suns ended with 33 attempts from behind-the-arc.  The LA Coaches were surprised at this considering that NAZ is second-lowest in the league with 20 attempts per contest.

Coach Tyrone Ellis challenged his team in the first half,

"At what point will we man up and stop pointing fingers, stop complaining to the refs, and stop feeling sorry for ourselves."  Source: Brian Bergner

You could see the energy transfer and build with the Suns.  With each timeout they became louder, more focused and more determined.

Enjoying the @DFenders game. #Dfenders with a 22 point halftime lead. #Lakers developing future. #elsegundo pic.twitter.com/q1DEUYK5hT

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) November 24, 2016

 

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles D-Fenders let another team come back on them.  Maybe Jeanie made them nervous?

IN the fourth quarter, Zubac re-enters the game at the 5:54 mark and the team is up 106-97.  The SUNS made a surge at 4:12 with a layup making the score 102-108 LA.   Ivica Zubac is taken out of the game by Coach Karl at 2:49 after witnessing porous defense in the key and around-the-rim which allowed the Suns to get 8 straight points in the paint.  Zubac leaves the game with the score 110-108.

You can read more about the GAME STORY, etc. by CLICKING HERE.

Ivica (33) seems to take Center Stage; Meanwhile Millsapp (7) had 35 points and D-Fender newcomer David Nwaba (11) bringing energy each game had 19 points, 11 REB and 2 blocks

SIDE NOTES:

Travis Wear sat out due to concussion from previous game as was not available

David Foster who "DNP" in Zubac's debut played 5 minutes

Distribution of Wealth: 8 of the 9 D-Fenders that played, scored in double figures with the Team's Leading Scorer, Vander Blue, dropping in 26.

Zublock Nation? Roscoe Smith and David Nwaba each had two blocks to lead the team.  Zubac had 1.

D-Fenders WIN at home in Double OT.  Start Season 4-1

Diamond Stone Shines but Travis Wears Out Warriors

D-FENDERS back-on-track;  WIN at Home over Warriors

Josh Magette (9) goes by in a blur while former Lakers Asst Coach Paul Pressey's Son, Phil, Defends.  Ferrakohn Hill (17), Diamond Stone (1), Cam Jones (9) for Warriors and Travis Wear (background) for LADFenders also pictured

Josh Magette does what He Does. He captured yet another Double-Double with 19 Points and 17 Assists in the Los Angeles D-Fenders Win Over the visiting Santa Cruz Warriors, 134-109.  Dude is averaging a "dub-dub" at about 12 points and 10 assists per contest.

The Other Dubs, from Santa Cruz, received a nice little "drop-in" from the Los Angeles Clippers.
  

OFFICIAL: The @LAClippers today assigned Diamond Stone to the Santa Cruz Warriors, pursuant to the Flexible Assignment Rule.

— Santa Cruz Warriors (@DLeagueWarriors) November 20, 2016

Draft Selection Number 40, Diamond Stone (Maryland U) was in uni for the "Sea Dubs" Saturday Night for the D-League squad from NoCal.  Stone was drafted by the Pelicans at 40 in the 2016 NBA Draft but traded to the Clippers for pick number 39.  He has not played much for LAC (14 total minutes played).

One of the reasons this past draft will show as being "richer" than what most pundits rated it at will be players like Diamond Stone.  Stone was consistently projected TOP 20 in many (early) Mock Drafts last season.  This should also illustrate how inaccurate and invalid ANY early season Mock Drafts actually are.  Dear Chad Ford... 

The Skinny on Stone's Showing: 

He did pretty well.  He Did what he had to do.

 He did what he is supposed to do.  In Spite of a Losing Effort from Team Santa Cruz, Stone made the best of his reps and consistently dropped in the outside shot including 2-of-4 from three point range.  His outside shot and face-up game looked really good technically.  He also played big with a nice balance on the boards: 5 DREBs and 4 OREBS for 9 overall.  I want to see this number higher in D-League games however.  The 2 blocks were a nice addition to his Team-High 31 points. 

 This was the expectation for the Debut of the Lakers young Big, Ivica Zubac on Thursday (11/17/16).  I read, BTW, that 

he (Zubac) said the 

D-League was "less physical."  

Really Zubac?  The opposing team's GUARD at 6-o tall got as many boards (13) as Zoob had points.  Ivica had three rebounds.  Additionally, Zubac got Man-handled by Joshua Smith and other much smaller players on the visting Rio Grande Vipers.  Dude needs to "DEVELOP" the physical side of the NBA desperately.  

That Being Said, it will be guys like Stone and Zubac we will eventually be talking about as being perhaps the two "best bigs" of the 2016 draft and they were selected "40" and "32" respectively.  I  anticipate that when Zubac matures he may be the "very best Big" overall.  However,they BOTH need to sharpen parts of their game and they both need reps.  

Therein lies the beauty of "The D."

Mitch and CO Scouted Stone but opted to Draft Zubac.  Personally, I love Zublocka, but in comparison to the debut of these two "draft picks," the CLEAR edge is to the sharper Stone.  It will be fun to watch these two Develop and emerge.

Oh yeah, Vander did what Vander Does as well: 28 Points, 10-15 FG, 2-3 3 Pt, 6 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 STls.  Vander Blue was a PLUS THIRTY-ONE.  Magette led with a PLUS 32.

Travis Wear, who played sparingly (20 mins) simply because of the eventual lead that LA achieved, dropped in 23 Points on 5-7 from Three Point Range.  Incidentally, Wear is the Starting Center.  Wear added 7 Boards.  Wear's PT was limited also in the previous game because of Ivica Zubac.  In addition to Blue, Magette and Wear, the D-Fenders have other NBA-Ready Talent in Justin Harper and Roscoe Smith. Harp had another solid effort with 19 pts, 8 Rebs.  Roscoe, 1 of SEVEN D-Fenders in "dubs" had 15 and 8.  All Five of these put these efforts and numbers up consistently.

Harper (#23) Is Looking Leaner, Stronger and Better than he did last year when he received a Call-UP from the Detroit Pistons.

New Additions, David Foster (Jersey No. 50) who Did Not Play (DNP) last game because Zubac was assigned, David Nwaba (11), Julian Jacobs (5), and Troy Devries (7)ALL had decent contributions as well in the Victory.  

Nwaba, particularly for me, is REALLY standing out.  His effort, hustle, energy athleticism and determination shine through so far on a consistent basis.  This can also be applied to Jacobs. Nwaba had 10 Points, 9 Boards and was second on the Team to Foster's FIVE BLOCKS.  I want to see THIS every game.  I don't like BIGS that do NOT take full advantage of their size.  Many (BIGS) make themselves smaller by not having their hands UP and crouching down ( see Roy Hibbert Every Laker Game in 2016).  When Foster's          Hands Are UP, Good Things happen = FIVE BLOCKS.

Phil Pressey (26) and Mykal Thompson (15) for NoCal BOTH have ties to SoCal.  Pressey is the Son of former Lakers Assistant, Paul.  Phil had 21 Points and 8 assists.  FAST. Mychel, son  of World Champion Laker and current Laker Broadcaster Mychal Thompson, had 7 points and 3 rebounds.

I feel like something is missing...

OH YEAH...

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

Buy some Books, Don't Chew the Edges: Dwight Buycks Laker Guard

It was a bit surprising when the Los Angeles Lakers decided to sign Dwight Buycks to an NBA 10-day contract.  BY now, Lakers fans are very familiar with Jabari Brown.  And, perhaps, many know that he started the season with the Los Angeles DFenders.  Jabari had been the most consistent player on the squad and the team's leading scorer.  Some might have said that Vander Blue was also worthy of that same "Gatorade Call Up" that Brown received.  SO, some would suggest that BLUE would be called up after BROWN, should that opportunity arise.

Well, the Lakers liked a BLUE, However, it was the Guard for the Oklahoma City BLUE instead.  The LAKERS clearly liked what they saw in Dwight Buycks (BIKES), who had just finished displaying his talents in El Segundo in one of the final home games of the season for the purple and gold D-Fenders.

Buycks making the best of his NBA Call-Up

Buycks did well.  Very well.  He had to though.  Because of the hair. 

I had to explain two very important rules of roundball:

1) If you show up on the court and you are wearing "crazy" shoes, you better be able to play

2)  If you show up with hair like THAT (faux hawk), you BETTER be able to play

He can.

Lakers fans are now seeing why Lakers Brass made this decision.  Blue, after all, had been on a tear in the D-League.  In fact, he made the Fort Wayne Mad Ants look silly trying to guard him in the last two home games for the D-Fenders.  

Buycks STILL got the call.

And...



He, too, is making people look silly guarding him.

D-League Highlights of D Buycks : YIKES, D BIKES

Lakers be stockpiling them guards...

Lakers win in OT and the DFenders match with a win vs OKC BLUE

Blue vs Blue?

The match between the Los Angeles DFenders and the Oklahoma City Blue seemed that way at times as Vander Blue, especially in the second quarter, drove by anyone trying to guard him and finished at the rim or with short pull-up jumpers.  His 9 first half points "seemed" like twice that as he was scoring with determination and ease.  He finished with 27 on 10-19 FGs.  NBA Scouts have been watching him closely as of late and despite what the NBA D-League "Prospect List" says, with BLUE being #8, he is arguably the top player in the league.  Jamaal Franklin, who got bumped to #2 on "that" list finished with a nice Trip Dub of  11, 12, and 10.  Regulation ended with the teams knotted at 97 and the DFenders were LUCKY to get the dub: 106-105.

(Vander) Blue, blew by the (OKC) Blue

My name is Blue, Blue By YOU: Vander Blue has been on a tear for the D-Fenders

"My name is Blue..Blue Bayou (by you)."

I'm not sure if this is the sort of hardwood smack that Vander Blue of the Los Angeles DFenders runs as he is Blowing By HIS Defenders, but lately Mr. Blue has been on a tear averaging 33 points per game in the last five games since Jabari Brown's departure to the Lakers   (prior to the DFenders gm 3/25/15)

Vander Blue patiently awaiting that NBA callup

Fans of the DFenders were excited to see them bring in one of last year's top prospects in "the D."  Vander was one of the best all-around guards.

Manny Harris came back.

Josiah Turner, gone but NOT forgotten Soldier..

Josiah Turner, of the Los Angeles DFenders, got released Monday, March 16, 2015.  Fans of the DFenders could probably see that was coming.

Josiah Turner has made a career out of jukes and kicks

Manny Harris, the D-League's top prospect for much of last season and Laker for consecutive 10-day contracts (last season) decided to not hang around much this year.  Jabari Brown, just fresh off signing another 10-day contract with the Big Squad, was a new addition going into this season for the DFenders, Vander Blue had been added as well, Jordan Clarkson was "playing down" a handful of times earlier this year and other guards, like Keith Appling were ALSO pulling minutes away from JT.

The first time I saw "JT" play was last season and I was impressed.

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."

Mychel Thompson "Rains" Supreme, DFenders Fall

       Mychel Thompson was on fire Sunday night in El Segundo, particularly in the third period of play when he went back-to-back threes in a matter of 30 seconds and scored an additional two-point bucket to score 8 points in about a minute-and-a-half of play.  Bingo Bango... BooYa!  Perhaps MT was inspired by the "alleged" comments of DFenders' Coach Phil Hubbard when he remarked that there were "no shooters" on the floor.  Meanwhile, MT WAS ON THE FLOOR.. it was the third period.. he scored 16 of his game-high 30 on 12-16 shooting from the floor, 5-8 from three, three steals, 4 boards, 4 assists, and, uh.. err... ONE-for-FIVE FTs ?! C'Mon MT! J/K The "FTs" were the only flaw in his game as the young Thompson was simply nails all over the floor and he was hitting deep balls with tremendous lift on his jumper.  Strong Game from the SoCal-er Gone NoCal, Indeed.

Everyone watched as MT drained Threes from Deep

D-Fenders Win THIRD in a row, set single game scoring record with 175 !

The DFenders set a single-game scoring record with 175 Points in win over the Reno BigHorns Saturday Night (12-20-14).  In the D-Fenders previous game, the starting guards (3) combined for 65.  In this record-breaking contest the three starting guards combined for 87! Manny Harris went for 39/10/13 on the trip dub, Vander Blue had another NICE game with 26 pts., and Keith Appling gets that "high efficiency" award from Blue with 22 points on 8-10 FG, 3-4 3FG, and 3-4 FT.  Jabari Brown came off the bench for 28 pts to make the 4 guards go for 115 of the team's 175 (66% of the pt total). #Ridic

I take Vander ALL DAY

Vander Blue is playing ball at a high level right now and the D-Fenders are winning games.  Coincidence?  Blue follows up last game's "high efficiency" of 22 points on 9-11 FG, 1-1 3pt, 3-3 FT, with: 26 points on 10-16 FG, 1-2 3pt, 5-6 FT, 4 Bds, led the team with 12 Assists and had only 3 Turnovers.  Blue needs to be productive for this team to succeed.  He has been of late but he, and the team, struggled through the first handful of games.  Blue was one of the best all-around guards last season in "the D," and this year is no different.  His current stats (13.9, 4.5, 3.8) may not tell the complete story as the season is still young, but it does speak to his all-around game.  The team is on a nice little win-streak (3) and Vander has scored 73 points during this stretch.  Currently not listed in the NBA D-League's "Top 30 prospects," Vander is sure to land on this list soon enough if he keeps up his level of play.  Meanwhile, Brady Heslip, #9 on the "Prospect Watch" list with a 28.3 ppg avg went 8-22 FG, 7-19 3 pt and 1-2 FT.  That stat line tells "his" story.  CLEARLY a specialist.  Teams need that.  But, if you are looking for all-around game I take Vander ALL day.  Of course, I have bias.. #GoDFenders

D-Fenders Starting Guard Trio go for 65 of Team's 122

The Starting Guard Trio for the Los Angeles D-Fenders combined for 65 in the team's victory 122-120 over the Sioux Falls SkyForce Thursday Night (12-18-14):  Manny Harris (20), Vander Blue (22) and Laker Jordan Clarkson (23)  .  Vander Blue had a ridiculous game on 9-11 FGs, 1-1 3FG, and 3-3 FTs for 22 points.

Some Pics from the game:

Jabari Brown came off the bench for another 20 

AC greeted a group of kids that received some gifts at halftime

Blake and the Laker Girls were on point

Jordan Clarkson went 23/7/7

Manny being Manny : 20pts, 13 BDS, 4As

Roscoe Smith is a double-double MACHINE, had 19/15

Former UCLA Forward, Alfred Aboya, debuted with 4 pts, 3 BDS in 6 mins

Ater Majok with 3 more blocks, looked good on D and around the rim on follow-ups.  Good to see the hustle from this kid.

Other notes: Aboya was acquired earlier in the day, Thursday 12-18-14.  The D-Fenders waived Jamario Moon.

Photos by: Victoria Bertolino