Aloha,
The Laker kids had another blow out win over the Warriors 100 to 77. There were contributions from a lot of different players.
One thing I can’t understand is why the NBA does not have a true minor league like baseball. I’m sure it’s all about the small market but it’s not fair for teams that spend more on scouting and development. These teams can find hidden gems and develop them, and then watch other teams pick them off.
Huff is really looking like a keeper, but our two ways, Pippin and Swider are as well. We will need to keep 2 roster spots open for a potential Kyrie trade. Unless we find a 2 for one trade Huff will be fair game down the road.
Even expanding the number of two ways to four or five players would be helpful. As it is with the salary cap rules that favor the small markets, the G league does as well.
Great points, Michael. The league need to evolve by increasing the number of two-way players on route to allowing the team to control all the players on their G-League team.
I can’t remember the last time I enjoy watching the Laker’s summer league play. Probably that year Kuzma and the boys went on a rampage and played like men among boys. This Lakers’ summer league squad is loaded. The front office has some very difficult decisions to make. No doubt. Also, just like I suggested during the pandemic hardships last season, Jay Huff should be given a roster spot. McClung? He is that good. I mean, I could go on and on. This Lakers squad is very impressive. They play defense and can shoot too.
“These teams can find hidden gems and develop them, and then watch other teams pick them off.”
That is exactly what I never understood. That needs to change for the sake of fairness and make retention of your own players a reward.
I think a couple of things affect the G-League to NBA pathway. #1 it’s still a relatively new development kn terms of the CBA, it’ll take time for there to be an easier and quicker pipeline between the two. #2 not every team has a G league team, its not mandatory and thats why the league created the non affiliated G-league team (The Ignite, I believe…).I think they will soon, potentially in the next CBA. #3 Coaches may not be all that excited throwing a guy out there who hasnt practiced with the team, been a part of film sessions or knows the habits and tendencies of the other players on the team. Lastly, and this is a pessimistic way of looking atvghjngs,nobody wants to see some two-way guy take out a well paid superstar and make them miss time. It gets bad enough when a vet minimum or some such player does. Having said that I think they will look to add more mechanisms for more two way guys to get PT.