Here is what you need to know before the Lakers finish their home stand against
the Chicago Bulls.
1) Ball is after the boards Associate head coach Brian Shaw offered Lonzo
Ball a theory that seems to be true: The rookie point guard is more effective
overall when he is focused on crashing the glass.
In three games with double-digit rebounds, Ball is currently averaging 20
points, 13 boards, 11 assists and two blocks, while shooting 46 percent from the
field and 44 percent on 3-pointers.
Yes, it’s a small sample size, but when Lonzo attacks the boards, he averages a
20-point triple-double on an efficient shooting clip.
Rebounding lets Ball get himself into more of a rhythm since the ball is in his
hands to start a possession. Plus, it allows him to show off his trademark
skill: playmaking on fast-breaks.
Ball’s rebounding was essential in his triple-double performance during Sunday’s
win over Denver, as his 16 boards were the most by a rookie guard in 17 years.
Look for the 6-foot-6 point guard to hit the glass some more against the Bulls.
The Lakers thrived in transition last night, as Lonzo Ball crashed the glass,
pushed the pace and set up teammates. https://t.co/Y3vmad3H9h
pic.twitter.com/YqgxFJuKyk
2) Lakers are looking to fire up the offense again Ball’s rebounding may
have been the spark for the Lakers’ 127 points against the Nuggets, but team
ball movement was the fuel.
The purple and gold did an excellent job moving the ball around, totaling 321
passes on the night — 45 more than their season average. The result was a
season-best 36 assists and plenty of quality shot attempts.
Julius Randle was instrumental to this extra passing, both on the giving and
receiving ends.
Randle poured in a season-high 24 points by hustling down the court in
transition and getting deep positioning on post-ups, while mixing in some
off-ball cuts and a 3-pointer.
Ten of his 11 baskets came with an assist attached. Meanwhile, he dished out
five dimes of his own (also his most for the year).
Nice pass by Julius finds Kuzma crashing to the basket #LakeShow (: @SpectrumSN
& @spectdeportes) pic.twitter.com/D1FJxwbIBm
3) This is Lopez Bowl XVII Brook Lopez continues his sibling rivalry with
twin brother Robin, as the two face each other for the 17th time in their NBA
careers.
Robin owns a 9-7 record against his older (by a minute) brother, but Brook
always seems to step up his game for a family reunion.
Brook is averaging 20.8 points in games against Robin’s teams, including three
outbursts of 30-plus. The (slightly) younger Lopez is averaging 10.0 points.
Brook also has some momentum behind him, having scored 21 points on 9-of-14
shooting in that win over the Nuggets.
Injury Report Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (fractured second metacarpal, left hand)
is out. Bulls: Zach LaVine (left ACL), Cameron Payne (right foot), Nikola
Mirotic (maxillary fractures) and David Nwaba (right ankle sprain) are out.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes in L.A. NBA
TV nationally Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: Gold Location: STAPLES Center
— Los Angeles, California
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
Brookie! #LakeShow
A post shared by Lakers Scene (@lakersscene) on Nov 19, 2017 at 8:13pm PST
Player: Lonzo Ball
Player: Brook Lopez
Player: Julius Randle
Player: Robin Lopez
Media Content: http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/171121-lakers-bulls-preview
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez, Julius
Randle, Robin Lopez, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers
Media Thumbnail:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/lakers/sites/default/files/171120-pre.jpg
Taxonomy: 3 Things to Know
Story Link: http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/171121-lakers-bulls-preview
