Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ matchup with the Milwaukee
Bucks.
1) Randle continues to thrive in role At the beginning of the season, there
was plenty of speculation regarding whether Julius Randle would embrace his task
of coming off the bench. So far, the fourth-year pro has surpassed expectations.
Randle has been a two-way revelation for the Lakers off the pine. Through 12
games, he has gotten whatever he wants in the paint against backup big men, and
shown great defensive quickness and footwork when switched onto opposing guards.
Though the Lakers lost their first two games of the current road trip, Randle
has put in some good work, with 16 points and 12 rebounds against Boston and
11/9 versus Washington.
Given the opportunity, Randle is a walking (actually, sprinting) bucket, as his
60.7 field goal percentage ranks sixth in the NBA.
With his new role, Randle’s shooting struggles (just 7-of-29 on jumpers) have
less of an impact on his all-around game.
Defenses can’t force him to shoot because they can’t keep him away from the
hoop, as his combination of size, speed and a devastating spin move have him
shooting a blistering 47-of-59 in the restricted area (79.7 percent).
Julius with the steal on one end, and the slam on the other #LakeShow (:
@SpectrumSN, @spectdeportes, & ESPN) pic.twitter.com/xJ2BXcwS0U
2) Rookies are going through some growing pains The Lakers are looking to
get some more accuracy from their rookie class, which has played well as a whole
this season.
In particularly, Los Angeles is in need of shooting, as the young guys have
struggled to splash recently.
The most obvious example is Lonzo Ball, whose 29.2 field goal percentage has
been the topic of national conversation.
While Ball’s jumper has clearly been off, head coach Luke Walton has been
pleased with the second-overall pick’s play, saying that he makes his teammates
better with his pace of play, passing, rebounding and defense.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma has been a model of efficiency, using his advanced
footwork and fast driving to rank among the NBA’s top 10 in two-point percentage
(62.4). However, even Kuzma is looking to snap out of a funk, having shot
8-of-24 with eight turnovers and eight fouls in the first two games of the trip.
And Josh Hart has played rotation-worthy defense every time that he has checked
in this year. However, the First Team All-American has missed all of his last 12
attempts. But Hart was so accurate to begin the season (hitting nine of his
first 14 shots) that it seems like a simple slump for the 3 and D prospect.
Lonzo and Kuzma running the pick and roll to perfection #LakeShow (: @SpectrumSN
& @spectdeportes) pic.twitter.com/KdUv4YlDGQ
3) Giannis has ascended past the level of “freak” Just 22 years old, Giannis
Antetokounmpo is already an MVP candidate and leading the NBA in scoring with
31.5 points per game.
Perhaps most impressively, the reigning Most Improved Player is putting up his
massive average despite the absence of a reliable jumper. His absurd length
allows him to stride to the hoop at fast-break speed, even in half-court play,
which has led to a league-best 20.9 points in the paint.
“The Greek Freak” has also been efficient, ranking ninth in field goal
percentage (59.1) and 10th in made free throws (6.0).
On the other end, he somehow still has the energy for All-Defensive-caliber
play, most notably swatting four shots in each of his last three games.
Antetokounmpo has also found an early connection with the newest Buck, Eric
Bledsoe, who debuted in last night’s win over San Antonio. A good slasher in his
own right, Bledsoe should be a boost to a Milwaukee offense that has relied
heavily on Giannis.
Injury Report Lakers: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left hip strain) is probable.
Andrew Bogut (back tightness) is questionable. Larry Nance Jr. (fractured second
metacarpal, left hand) is out. Bucks: Mirza Teletovic (left knee soreness) is
doubtful. Jabari Parker (post-surgery, left knee) is out.
Tip-Off: 5:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes Radio: 710
ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: Gold Location: BMO Harris Bradley Center — Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
Blowin’ in Milwaukee #LakeShow
A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Nov 10, 2017 at 10:49am PST
Player: Lonzo Ball
Player: Josh Hart
Player: Kyle Kuzma
Player: Julius Randle
Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Media Content: http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/171111-lakers-bucks-preview
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Kyle
Kuzma, Julius Randle, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks
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