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

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.

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

DFenders AND Lakers BOTH take Losses Friday Night

   

Manny Harris had an off night shooting at 6-19 from the field for 14 Points

Manny Harris, Los Angeles DFenders, was well off of his averages, of (now) 25.9 on 48% shooting but Vander Blue (7-10 FG) and Josiah Turner (4-8) had nice, efficient games.

  One problem is that JT isn't getting the PT.  

Keith Appling seems to be gobbling up PT minutes from Turner even though the pace, flow and production appear better with JT.

Joe Alexander, #19, Destroyed the DFenders inside and out: 14-22 FG, 6-8 FT for 34 points, 9 Boards, 3 Blocks.  Was he auditioning in front of Jerry West?

The DFenders, much like the Lakers, are giving up too many easy buckets.  A lot of which are occurring at the rim or on second-chance points.  The team is lacking a key fundamental in rebounding and that is in blocking out the opponent.  If you spend enough time watching D-League games, you will see the reasons WHY players are "in THE D."  Joe Alexander, a former number 8 pick in the draft, is trying to get back to "THE LEAGUE."  He was scoring with such ease in stretches that one would have though the Coach (Hubbard) for the DFenders might have simply task his team to allow anyone BUT Alexander to score last night.  THAT is something we did NOT see. 

The Laker Girls keeping Spirits UP...for now

The Teams are struggling in the Lakers organization but the Laker Girls keep on giving their All.  And, in times like this, it could not be anymore valuable.

Phil Hubbard Can't seem to find continuity

With Bigs like Eloy Vargas and Travis Hyman playing 21 and 15 minutes per game, for the DFenders, and guards like Josiah Turner not getting minutes (19.9) this team may continue to struggle.  It seems as though Coach Phil Hubbard's substitution patterns are effecting the guys AND the flow of the game.  Travis is a solid 7-footer that CAN defend the rim.  He is susceptible to fouls but he can really anchor the interior D.  Newly added Eloy Vargas, another 7-footer, has terrific lateral movement and can also defend the bucket (see 5 blocks in his first game).  The DFenders have a GLARING issue, as do the Lakers, and it's called, "Defense.". Ironic?  Joe Alexander, in this game, and other players prior, are getting to the rim at will.  I hope we see a change for the better soon as it is difficult to watch a team called "the DFenders" who are NOT D-Fending well at all.  DO players start playing with more effort?  Do different players on the squad deserve more Playing Time?  It it would appear that change, of some kind, is imminent.

  In JUST 17 minutes of playing time, "JT" was 4-8 FG for 8 points and looked good defensively AND blowing by people.

One thing about Josiah: he can blow by people and get to the rim with EASE.  He has a shift and a hesitation that you do not find everyday, yet his skill set sits idly on the sideline for COACH Phil.

Jerry West has the Golden Touch, again, up North.  His "Midas" ways paying dividends to the GSW organization.

The Lakers have not been the same since the passing of Dr. Jerry Buss and they have also missed THIS Jerry since HIS departure.

The DFenders are still looking for win number 2 (1-8), meanwhile, the Lakers lost to the Celtics 113-96 and are now 5-15.