Andy Kamenetzky here, the host of the daily Locked On Lakers podcast, with your daily Locked On Lakers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Lakers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
LeBron James Has 3rd Straight Triple-Double, Leads Lakers to 128-123 Comeback Win Vs. Memphis
Nov 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks the ball during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Ordinarily, when the Lakers blow a 15-point lead to a shorthanded squad like the Memphis Grizzlies, playing without two of its three best players (Ja Morant, Desmond Bane), even if they come back and win (which they did) it still leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Take care of business, stay focused, and the comeback isn’t needed.
And to some degree, that applies to Wednesday’s game. The Lakers, without question, lost focus defensively after a great start and not only let Memphis get back into the game, but take a 9-point lead.
But this game was a little different. To make the comeback, the Lakers had to dig deep and get resourceful. When Anthony Davis landed in foul trouble, it limited his effectiveness, and also drove home how small the Lakers are, with Christian Koloko the only other available center other than Davis. They used a masterful effort from LeBron James (a third straight triple-double) and the most impactful game Dalton Knecht has played as a pro.
It’s not a formula the Lakers should try to replicate. In some ways the Lakers didn’t deserve to win. But this wasn’t a matter of trying, then not trying, then trying again. It was a lot harder, and potentially more valuable, than that.
—BK
Overheard On This Episode...
1. “The Lakers win 128, 123 over the Grizzlies was dramatic. There was a tremendous amount to like then a tremendous amount dislike. But the things to dislike in the middle created the environment for all the things to like at the end.”
2. “We’ve been waiting for one of these moments really, where Knecht would impact a game with his shooting, change the offense, change the rhythm of a game in the way that three point shooters can. This was that game.”
3. “It’s just amazing to watch someone when you see not just the athletic skill but the mind that is fueling it.”
4. “Anthony Davis, who I want to make sure we point out at the end, really managed to have some nice screw all y’all moments down the stretch, but he struggled in this game a lot with the physicality of Jaren Jackson, Jr.”
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), and I predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (NY Times, Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep!
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Last Night, Subscription required)
Injury The Lakers will miss Jaxson Hayes for at least 1-2 weeks due to an ankle injury. This is a tough blow to their rotation. More details on his injury. (Daily News)
Fans Purple and Gold forever. The Lakers unveiled their City Edition jerseys for this season. (NBA.com)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
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LeBron James Has 3rd Straight Triple-Double, Leads Lakers to 128-123 Comeback Win Vs. Memphis Definitionally, everything LeBron James does at this point in his career is historic, because nobody in NBA history has ever, at age 39, done what James is doing. But that doesn’t mean all the history is created equal. James came through on Wednesday with another triple-double (his third straight) on a night the Lakers really needed him.
Anthony Davis Will Play Wednesday, But Christian Wood Is Out Another Month (at Least) The Lakers got some good injury news on Tuesday. Anthony Davis, poked in the eye during Sunday’s win over Toronto, is fine (or fine enough) and will play. Without goggles, because he just hates them, apparently. But he’ll play. Meanwhile, the news wasn’t so good for Christian Wood.
After 10 Games, What Do We Know About the Lakers? The Lakers have played 10 games. At 6-4, the overall record is solid enough. They’re keeping up in a brutal Western Conference where 11 teams are .500 or better, and a 12th (San Antonio) is just one game under. (By comparison, the 3rd seed in the East is Indiana, at 5-5.) So what do we know about the team at this point?
