Danny Green still can't make a shot, going 0-for-5 from the field, 0-for-3 from 3s in the first half.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) August 21, 2020
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Lakers up 8
Not sure what Avery is thinking unless his agent has a deal already. Would simplify finances for Lakers and make it easier to bring back Rondo and KCP with raises and still use the full $9.3M non-taxpayer MLE for somebody.
Lakers tip-off vs. Portland in less than an hour
Lakers tip-off vs. Portland in less than an hour. Here’s my thoughts on game 2: https://t.co/2SFfIPUs08
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) August 21, 2020
On this same note, it’s nearly time for Vogel to make a starting lineup change. In fact, some would convincingly argue that time has passed. In last year’s Finals, Nick Nurse decided he was going to replace Danny Green in the starting lineup in each 2nd half with Fred VanVleet. FVV was his best primary defender on Steph Curry and his offensive shot creation was valuable against a switching Warriors defense. That move paid off wonderfully and Nurse rode VanVleet to heavy minutes in each of the final 5 games to help win a championship.
Vogel is likely facing a similar decision with one of KCP, JaVale, or both. Caruso is the Lakers best primary defender vs. Dame while Kuzma is a more versatile defender whose shot-making and floor spacing can help open the floor for Bron and Davis. Both Caruso and Kuz played heavy minutes in game 1, but more minutes with Bron and AD would be beneficial to the Lakers. Vogel would be wise to keep a very close eye on how his starters perform and be ready to make a change. It’s hard to continue to dig yourself out of the hole in a playoff.
Waiters & Caruso have an ORtg of 121.4 & a Def Rtg of 90.7
The sample size in the bubble is small, but I think it's telling that the top duo that could see playoff minutes together for the Lakers is Waiters & Caruso, who have an ORtg of 121.4 & a Def Rtg of 90.7. That's not sustainable but their skill sets do compliment each other well.
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) August 20, 2020
Vogel sticks with same lineup. Rondo won’t play.
LeBron, KCP, Green, AD and McGee will start again in Game 2. Rajon Rondo will remain inactive tonight. “He’s gotta get his legs under him,” said Vogel.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) August 20, 2020