The newest Lakers addition, athletic veteran wing Ben McLemore, brings competent perimeter defense to the club, but more than that, his three-point shooting will fulfill a need for Los Angeles, writes Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was effusive in his praise for the new reserve: “Ben instantly elevates our ability to knock down 3s on the backside when double teams come and we can play the drive-and-kick game that the modern NBA is made on. So we’re thrilled about his addition and looking forward to getting him into some minutes and into our program.”
The latest Laker is a career 36.3% three-point shooter on 4.0 attempts per game. This season with the rebuilding Rockets, he converted a somewhat below-average 33.1% of his 5.2 long-range looks per contest. Last season, with Houston in the thick of a playoff hunt, McLemore was connecting on 40% of his 6.4 deep looks a night.
There’s more out of California:
- Clippers All-Star forward Paul George conveyed his excitement for the club’s newest backup center, former four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “He’s still one of the most skilled bigs in the league,” George raved. Cousins discussed his focus on his fitness in striving to remain in the NBA following a string of major lower body injuries. “I’ve put an incredible amount of work to get to this place,” Cousins said. “I’m in probably the best shape I’ve been in my entire career.”
- New Kings center Damian Jones, inked to a 10-day deal with the team, has observed similarities between Sacramento’s plays and those of his former team in Golden State, tweets Jason Jones of The Athletic. Kings head coach Luke Walton was an assistant coach on the Warriors bench before departing for his first head coaching opportunity with the Lakers.
- Recently-demoted Lakers center Marc Gasol made a strong case for continued rotation minutes when he stepped in for new starting center Andre Drummond recently, writes Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. Gasol appeared to be more positive about his reduced role in Los Angeles alongside Drummond. “No matter if it’s five minutes, 10 minutes, if it’s whatever position — if it’s some nights, I might not play,” Gasol acknowledged. “It’s been a process for me to reassess this situation a little bit, but like I said, I’m fully committed to this team. So, whatever is thrown at me, I’ll be ready.” Previously, Gasol had expressed frustration with the move. With Drummond now back, Gasol did not play at all in tonight’s 110-104 loss to the Heat.
I suppose a merely competent perimeter defender that’s shooting 33% from three this season is needed on a team that features players like Harrell and Kuzma.
Remember how you said how terrible Chris Paul was when they traded him for Westbrook? Amongst many other outlandish statements. In conclusion, nobody takes anything you say seriously.
His comments were/are good entertainment tho idk who he’s going to make his new username after this season wall could/should be gone by trade or release/buyout
I still think the Lakers are just trying to make sure Gasol is healthy for the playoffs b/c they know he is better than Drummond
A better passer and coach.
He can teach the other Lakers how to use their height in passing.
That should be Gasol’s playoff contribution.
If Cousins is in the best shape of his life he really has not recovered from his injuries.
Wry. :]
I was thinking he’s said that before.
Lakers will need both of them for playoffs. Gasol has avg less than 20 mins a gm for the yr. that leaves 28 mins. Lakers will go with their small ball lineup a lot. It worked for them last yr. But you still have to be able to match up. McGee and Howard anchored their D last yr. They were a top defensive team. Howard avg 19 mins, McGee 16.6 mins. And they avg even less in the playoffs. You win by matching up. Either you force other team to match up to you. Or you matchup to them. So you gotta have the depth to match up. Lakers need and want the depth to be ready and prepared. Drummond was a good piece to add.
They need LeBron and Davis for the playoffs, but neither Gasol nor Drummond will get that many minutes because AD will be playing mostly at center. Assuming they manage to reach the playoffs, which isn’t a given.
Just look at the Warriors when they used to make the playoffs. They benched Bogut in favor of Iggy and had Draymond playing center instead.
Teams tend to use a lot more small ball once the regular season is over.
Just stop it robohoustonh8er!!!
It is impossible in the weak west for the LAL to not make it into the playoffs, just not possible, stop with the h8, you come across as a ridiculous human being!!!
The weak west are you high? The west is much stronger than the east.
Why would Gasol be upset he only can play 20 minutes a game max? He played poorly before Drummond got there. I like Marc, but if he is upset he is being really foolish since Drummond helps get you closer to a ring and for the Lakers that is all that matters.