The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a win on Friday night and the news and rumors are ramping up.
Check out the latest buzz below.
Sager Tells Kobe to Keep Shooting
Kobe Bryant’s volume of shots this year has earned a number of critics, but others say he should keep doing what he’s doing--including TNT’s Craig Sager.
The sideline reporter, who is recovering from leukemia, said in a new article that Kobe should keep shooting.
“Outside of the sports world the tales of overcoming failure and achieving greatness are abundant. Entrepreneur Ted Turner was told CNN was not an accredited organization and never would be; retailer F.W. Woolworth was let go at the dry goods store for having no sense of customers; manufacturer Henry Ford went broke five times; and visionary Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for lack of ideas,” Sager said.
“While there are some who find Kobe’s record for misses an embarrassment and fodder to criticize him, I believe Kobe when he says he hasn’t given it a second thought. And as Kobe prepares for his next game and his next shot with physical conditioning and conscious planning unsurpassed in the game today, I can say only this: Keep on shooting.”
Bryant has averaged about 24 shots per game, but is on pace for his worst career shooting percentage if it stays at 37.9 percent.
Bryant is averaging 26.4 points along with 5.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 35.7 minutes.
Kobe went for a different role in the first half of the recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, passing a lot more and helping the Lakers to a four-point lead at halftime. However, the Lakers ultimately fell 99-93.
“Kobe Bryant distributing and being a facilitator for them early, that helped them,” Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley told Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters.
Lin Wishes Fans Happy Thanksgiving
Jeremy Lin took some time to post a message to fans on his website, wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving.
“Even though we don’t have a great record right now, our team has been playing better of late. Something clicked when we got back to back road wins against two playoff teams and we’re starting to see what we’re capable of. It’s all a process and a journey but I believe our team has more room for improvement than the average team because we have a new coach and many new players,” he said.
“Everyone’s been working hard and it’s early in the season so we hope we can turn things around on the basketball court and go on a winning streak. As always, I really appreciate the fact that you guys support me and the Lakers!”
Lin also said that he’s been getting settled into Los Angeles comfortably, spending a lot of time with family and friends on non-game days, playing board games and relaxing.
“Family and friends have been trickling in town especially as the games are really getting underway so I’ve spent some time housing people I’m really close to. It’s always refreshing to see them because it prevents me from thinking about basketball 24/7,” he said.
Lin said he’s been cooking a lot lately, and revealed he recently made a buffalo burger.
“Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Cant wait to eat some delicious food with my family!!” he concluded.
Hill Proving Himself as Lakers’ No. 2 Option
Jordan Hill has developed into the team’s number 2 option, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Hill was predicted to be behind a number of players before the season in terms of scoring options, including Julius Randle, Carlos Boozer, and Jeremy Lin.
“Hill has established himself as the Lakers’ second-most important player after Kobe Bryant, recently ending a career-high run of six consecutive double-doubles in a season devoid of overall Lakers happiness,” the Times noted, also noting how Denver Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said he was game-planning for Hill before the recent game against the Lakers.
Hill leads the league in offensive rebounds (4.3 per game) and has stellar averages of 13.7 points and 9.8 total rebounds.
“I’m just relentless on the glass. I feel like nobody can get me off it,” Hill said. “I feel like I can score at will. I’ve just got to keep it going.”
“I got the minutes. This is what I’ve been waiting for,” Hill said. “I knew once I got the minutes I was going to progress and show them what they bought.”
Hill also said that former coach Mike D'Antoni wanted him to stay in the post, but new coach Byron Scott has allowed him to develop his game, including utilizing his mid-range jumper.
Clark May be Signed, Henry Likely Cut
If the Lakers sign Earl Clark, wo has been scoring nearly 30 points a game in the D-League, then Xavier Henry may find himself cut.
Clark and the Lakers are working on a one-year deal, Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this week.
“The eventual finalization of a deal could bring Clark back to the Lakers in the next few days, sources said.”
Clark started 36 games for the Lakers in the 2012-13 season.
But Mike Bresnahan of the Times says that someone needs to be cut to make room for Clark, and that could very well be Henry.
If cut, Henry would still get the $1.1 million that’s guaranteed in his contract for this season.
Clark will be looking to prove something, he told Basketball Insiders during the summer.
“I feel like I’ve shown people over and over [what I can do]. I had to prove myself. I’ve been coached by many different coaches and survived. I went to different teams and didn’t burn any bridges; it’s hard to do that in this league. Now, I’m definitely looking for minutes – an opportunity to get out there and play my game,” he said.
“Over and over, I’ve survived and once they put me out there, I do my job. That’s all I can say; that’s all I can live for. Whichever teams calls my name and gives me that opportunity, I’m going to be ready to play.”
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