Lakers Fast Break

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Lakers Fast Break- Preseason Game Two Wrap Up with the Lakerholics!

December 13, 2020

We recap the Lakers’ 131-106 victory over the LA Clippers in game two of the preseason with LakerTom and Sean Grice aka MagicMan from lakerholics.com! We go into depth on the impressive performance of Talen Horton-Tucker, and what is his value to the team so early in his career compared to Alex Caruso. Plus the guys talk about the arrival to the offense for Marc Gasol, Kyle Kuzma’s steady play, and just how good this team looks so far as we inch close to the regular season. For the best in daily fantasy sports betting, check out ThriveFantasy, the leader for Daily Fantasy Sports for the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, and E-Sports Player Props! Use the promo code LFB when you sign up today and you will receive an instant deposit match up to $50 on your first deposit of $20 or more! Download ThriveFantasy on the App Store or Play Store or by visiting their website www.thrivefantasy.com. Sign up and #PropUp today!

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Presented by our friends at ThriveFantasy, NBA Draft Junkies, lakerholics.com, Pop Culture Cosmos, Zero Cool Films, the novel Congratulations, You Suck (available for purchase HERE), and Retro City Games!

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6 Comments

Jamie Sweet
5 years, 2 months ago

Gerald rocking his Alex Caruso look! Good stuff. What a game by THT!!!
- Jamie Sweet
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  I also have that Laker holiday hat. A classic.
Jamie Sweet
5 years, 2 months ago

Some thoughts on the podcast. LakerTom has replaced Kuzma with Caruso as “The Laker He Can’t Wait to Trade” and, like the multitude of Kuzma trades, those won’t happen either. While Alex and the Lakers will face an interesting next summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent there is little doubt that there is a pretty short list of players that he would be included in a trade for. I’ll leave it right there.

One thing i 100% agree with is that Vogel chose a group of guys for the game and went with them.I think we’ll see this kind of approach for the first 2 or 3 months of the season. This was not random, this was by design. I’d bet that he’s prepping for something more akin to a pitching rotation in baseball where you match up guys based on fit. So if someone is injured, tired, or whatever, they’ll sit for a game or two. This will be his version of load management while also showcasing the younger, cheaper talent.

In some ways I was glad I missed this one, I didn’t have to listen live to a half hour of Caruso bashing… THT had one good game and LT is already proclaiming him nigh untouchable. Caruso started in the NBA Finals, has the best +/- of any on-court partner LeBron James has ever played and, perhaps most importantly, he understands his role. THT excelled in a role he does not actually have on this team. Caruso thrives in the role he has and he thrives in it consistently. So, while THT had a nice game I still value Caruso more in regards to being able to impact the game at a high level in the role he truly has earned. THT ain’t there yet. He’s Kuzma year 1, in my opinion. Can show some flash and skill in a preseason game or on a team with low to zero expectations but what can he do in 15-20 mpg waiting for LeBron or AD to make a move? Can he do it consistently? Can he improve on defense to the point that he lives up to the hype of his physical stats? Those are questions I expect we’ll have answers to over the course of the season because Talen has assuredly earned a back up role on the squad.

To all the realists out there, I see you. lol
- LakerTom
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  LOL. Too bad you missed this one, Jamie. Had a lot of fun picking on Gerald, who’s always a good guy and great sport. But I just can’t resist going Glass Too Full when he pours water in the drain to make the glass half empty. Right now, I actually don’t want to trade anybody. The only trade I might be interested in at the trade deadline would be for a modern center like Myles Turner. Despite my teasing Gerald, I love AC and don’t want to trade him or Kuzma.
  
  Glad you loved my take on the Frank Vogel possible previewing how the Lakers are going to handle the problems of a deep roster, load management, and Covid-19 interruptions. I’m actually in the middle of writing an article on that topic as I think it’s an inspired way to deal with all three problems. It not only gives LeBron and AD and every players valuable rest time in a compressed season without any real offseason but also allows players to get in rhythm and play starter quality minutes. I’m hoping it’s the plan for every game. We have the perfect roster and reason to do it.
  
  Sorry about the Caruso bashing. I’ve always rebelling against people overhyping players and, as much as I love and appreciate Alex, the GOAT and untradable stuff just triggers a reverse reaction in me that wants to go the other way. THT’s performance just gave me the perfect foil to thrust back against the Caruso over hype.
  
  However, the facts that Talen is just 20, is a Klutch client, will be a restricted free agent, and has a bigger upside does give him a better chance of sticking with the Lakers long term than AC. Bottom line, I think both will stay Lakers notwithstanding a trade for Giannis or a true third superstar, which frankly I’m not thinking we have to do for this to turn into a dynasty.
  
  At any rate, first class answer defending Alex and questioning Talen, Jamie. Nothing I don’t agree with although you’re still looking through overly purple and gold tinted glasses when it comes to AC. In the long run, I’d still put my money on THT,
  - Lakers Fast Break
    5 years, 2 months ago
    
    Tom, it was Sean who was adamant about not trading Caruso. I had agreed with your assessment that THT is more valuable to keep at this time. If you are able to lock up both on contracts for long term that’s great. But I feel ultimately Caruso will test the waters and might get quite a few bidders for his services.
    - LakerTom
      5 years, 2 months ago
      
      Thanks for the correction, Gerald. Bottom line, both are great assets that I hope the Lakers keep.

LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

Great podcast and glad to have Lee Robinson AKA LRob join the podcast team as we celebrate a rousing Lakers blowout over the Minnesota Timberwolves127-91. Join Gerald, LRob, Magicman, and me as we revel in the win, Marc Gasol’s great game, and how good the Lakers are looking on a day when the Clippers embarrassed themselves, the Bucks lost to the Knicks, and the Celtics, 76ers, and Nets all fell back to earth.
- Lakers Fast Break
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  Great having you on Lee and I hope you come back on as much as possible. JaVale McGee leading the Cavaliers to a 3-0 record. Coincidence LakerTom?
  - LakerTom
    5 years, 2 months ago
    
    LOL. Wishing nothing but the best for JaVale and the Cavs. Love that he’s looking to grow his game by taking some threes. Ben Simmons should follow his lead.
LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

It was a blast having you on, Lee. Blog needs more LRob for sure. Welcome wagon’s there for whenever you can stay up late to join us.

LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

Man, the GHE crew mercilessly damping on Marc Gasol after just two games, torching THT for horrible defense, doubting Lakers’ commitment to defense, and generally fullfilling their role as Lakers’ Christmas Grinches. All after a scintillating win. Always looking for the dark clouds on sunny days.

Fortunately, they’ll eat those words by the middle of the season and need to check the stats before talking as THT has the second best defensive rating on the team at 92.7. LOL. Will have to be sure I’m there from the start to keep these guys from emptying everybody’s half full glasses.
- Lakers Fast Break
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  Tom, again I will have to correct you. I never stated anything in relation to THT’s defense. As DJ2KB24 stated, he did not have enough time on the floor to really contribute much of anything on either end of the floor. I DID indicate my hopes (and agreed with your statements) that the Lakers would use this part of the season to develop THT and put him out on the floor for extended minutes and see what he may be able to contribute later on. I also have a right to be concerned about Gasol considering he has more personal fouls than points right now. I agree with Jamie that 15-20 games in we will have a better idea of what Marc can contribute but even if he can score 5-10 points a game and continue his rebounding levels that should be good enough to keep him in the rotation. With the team defense, it’s early and it is clear they are not focused yet on that side of the court. As long as they can turn it on when its most important (the playoffs) that’s fine, but early on in the season I am not expecting the team defensive numbers we saw from the start last season. And finally Tom, and I ask this respectfully, please refrain from the GHE conversation as it has already become old and to not lump what Jamie, Sean, or myself say individually into a blanket statement for all of us.

LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

Always seems to be normal for a championship team to have a ring ceremony before a game and then get off to a slow start and lose the game. Lakers were obviously slow out of the gate giving the Clippers a 22-point first quarter lead, which they valiantly eliminated with an excellent second quarter. But like often happens when a team has to exert so much energy to come back, the ran out of gas the last few minutes of the third quarter as the Clippers took control by 10 and a rod hot PG kept them at bay the rest of the game. Chalk the loss up to the ring ceremony and an early season where the team is still in preseason form.

LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

Great job and a mountain of work putting this together, Gerald. It’s truly another terrific medley of the best of the Lakers Fast Break podcasts. So many great moments to re-enjoy for those of us who participated or heard them and an early Christmas present for those who haven’t. Please give it a listen and a five star review on Apple. Thanks, Gerald. One of the best podcasters in the Lakers’ universe. Bravo!
- Lakers Fast Break
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  Thanks so much for the kind words Tom and we’ll see you post-game on Friday. Enjoy your Christmas!
  - LakerTom
    5 years, 2 months ago
    
    You, your wife and girls also have a great Christmas, Gerald. Terrific job of editing. And what a season to remember. Lakers Fast Break’s first year will always be a classic and this 3rd Best of version will be a great way to rejoice and recall the Lakers 17th championship. Let’s do it again this season for the 18th championship. Bookend podcast seasons.
    - Lakers Fast Break
      5 years, 2 months ago
      
      Thanks so much LakerTom. And here’s hoping Luka won’t be the Grinch on Friday.
Jamie Sweet
5 years, 2 months ago

Awesome stuff Gerald and so many fun discussions about the subject we all obsesses over! Thanks to everyone who contributed and to those who take the time to listen and interact with us!
- Lakers Fast Break
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  My thoughts exactly. Best wishes to you and the family Jamie this Christmas. Hope you are feeling better and can join us Xmas post-game!

Jamie Sweet
5 years, 2 months ago

A vibrant and spirited debate where there was a lot of agreement, as well. As always thanks Gerald for moderating and inviting us all to be a part of the fun!
- LakerTom
  5 years, 2 months ago
  
  Gerald is the host extraordinaire of Lakers Fast Break Podcasts although at times I almost fee sorry for him trying to herd the bunch of cats we can become during some podcasts. Thanks, Gerald. You get five gold stars. I was in a very fiery mood.

LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

Good podcast by Gerald and me talking about the Lakers third straight preseason win, LeBron and AD’s debut, the THT and KK show, and who’s disappointed and who’s surprised so far.

Join us for some fun Lakers celebrating. Think you’ll enjoy the banter and appreciate the analysis. One more warmup game before the real action commences next Tuesday. Go Lakers.

Also, give a listen to the other great podcasts that Gerald dropped the last couple of days. Great preview of the NBA season with Rafael and excellent discussion of the Giannis spermax with Dom and Chris from Dom-Ination Sports Nation.

Jamie Sweet
5 years, 2 months ago

Sorry i couldn’t make it gents, had a long day and didn’t get around to catching the game until after 9. I thought that the young Lakers did well, we played solid defense throughout (at times it looked like an NBA game that mattered) and the kids did well in crunch time. Preseason, nothing will change in terms of role or rotation because of it and my personal best takeaway was how THT has been able to play the game at a pace that is beneficial to him./. Just needs to finish a little better or seek out more contact and get to the line.
LakerTom
5 years, 2 months ago

Another battle between the GHF (Glass Half Full) and GHE factions of Lakerholics over whether the Lakers extended their lead over the rest of the NBA during the offseason and whether THT is legit. You can guess who was on which side.

LakerTom
5 years, 3 months ago

i thought this was a great podcast other than Sean getting sick. Gerald and I had some great discussions about the Lakers extending LeBron and AD, Kyle Kuzma’s future with the Lakers, and how Harrell and Gasol will change the center position.
Lakers Fast Break
5 years, 3 months ago

Just thankful Sean is feeling better.

Jamie Sweet
5 years, 3 months ago

It’s honestly really hard to gauge this trade because we haven’t seen John Wall on a professional basketball court in 2 years. So, from that point of view, I would say the Wizards won the trade going away. They got the healthier player. Having said that, Wall and Harden are kind of a stellar fit if John is anything back to his old self (no guarantee given the injuries he’s sustained on that one).

Russ and Beal will be as good of a fit as Russ and James were, not perfect but totally workable. Wall isn’t an elite three point shooter so he’s not going to open up the floor for James to attack but will benefit from sharing the floor with Harden as it may help his game. If Houston sinks early the pressure to trade Harden, and possibly even John Wall, will escalate. Not sure how many expiring contracts they can dredge up to make that a viable rebuild option…lotta cash that may end up having to be moved.
- Lakers Fast Break
  5 years, 3 months ago
  
  I don’t see the Rockets trading Harden until closer to the Trade Deadline if the team is not performing well or if James is continuously not pleased with the direction of the organization.

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