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!
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 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! (Check your state for availability)
Don’t forget to Subscribe to our shows and leave us that 5-Star Review with your questions on Apple Podcasts or e-mail us at lakersfastbreak@yahoo.com!
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!
Gerald rocking his Alex Caruso look! Good stuff. What a game by THT!!!
I also have that Laker holiday hat. A classic.
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
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,
Always fun to back and forth about our WINNERS! Basking babeeeeee!
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.
Thanks for the correction, Gerald. Bottom line, both are great assets that I hope the Lakers keep.