I'll have more in my game observations later today...but despite up & down moments the Lakers scored 128 per 100 against a very good Clippers defense that put clamps on three Western Conference contenders in prior 4 games.

...more hustle

…and why it was such a glaring contrast when Adou Thiero and Chris Mañon made several hustle plays when they got their opportunity in the fourth quarter.

My thoughts from Lakers–Spurs observations, watching the four most recent additions to the roster...Kobe Bufkin, Luke Kennard, Drew Timme and Nick Smith Jr.👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-obs...

In my game notes I wrote about Luke Kennard's 0.5 decision making & passing as an overlooked missing piece that other Lakers shooters Hachimura, Vincent, and Knecht have lacked👇

Most lob dunks this season: 1. Lakers 104 2. Spurs 82 3. Blazers. 75 Lakers had 8 last night against the Wizards, most of any team in one game this season. Lob city is in LA 2.0👇

Luka Dončić made 8 threes last night vs Bulls. Most he made this season. Interestingly, this matched his previous high as a Laker, also against Chicago on March 22 last year. His career high is 9, he did twice as a Maverick, against Rockets in 2024 and Nets in 2023.

A trend I wrote about in my game observations: Lakers turnaround in transition, where they were getting killed earlier in the year by fast, athletic teams...to now consistently outscoring even fastest teams like Bulls in transition👇

Lakers now with the best net rating in the fourth quarter after another late comeback last night against the Mavericks.

Here's Clippers rotation from my preview. Kawhi who was upgraded to questionable, is quietly having one of his best season averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game on elite 50, 40, 90 shooting splits.

A highlight from the observations about pace: Lakers have been much better in transition lately with positive fast-break points margin in each of their last 6 games, including a 25–7 edge last night (more context in the column).

After last night, Luka Donćić is now shooting: - 37% from 3 over his last 10 games -41% over his last 8 games -47% over his last 5 games Here is his career 10-game 3P% rolling average:

Lakers-Raptors observations dispatched! About JJ flipping the game with zone, Ayton dominating against another small team inside, Vando thriving as a chaos agent in zone, and unique skillset of Drew Timme👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-obs...

I had this chart for Western Conference trends in my column today. What stands out to you? To me it's how Timberwolves keep trending up on both ends...

Today’s observations, full menu below 👇

Lakers-Hawks observations dispatched! Notes on a balanced, ball-moving, hot-shooting night. LeBron’s 30/10/9, Ayton re-asserting himself on the glass...and this super-fun Luka heater in the second quarter. More here👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-obs...

Among other things I also wrote about Jaxson Hayes as the unsung hero...playing a key role at Lakers collectively stopping Zubac. And as a playmaker in 4-on-3 in the 4th quarter👇

Lakers surprised with their 7–3 start, and the 10-game mark means it’s time for my first deep dive into key storylines so far. 8 points, all backed by the data I’ve been tracking and parsing since the start of the season👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-10-...

New Lakers–Blazers observations just dispatched to mailboxes. Wrote about a culture-setting win,Nick Smith Jr., Ayton’s 29/10/3 revenge, finding space behind Blazers press, Bronny’s playmaking. And another Marcus Smart loose-ball dive that inspired Jake LaRavia to do the same👇

New Lakers–Heat observations just dispatched to mailboxes. I wrote how Jake LaRavia keeps proving that running, cutting, and constant motion are skills...intuition, feel and a motor that never stops.

Lakers–Grizzlies observations dispatched to mailboxes. Link and quick notes in the first comment. Among many positives & improving vibes I wrote about this play by Marcus Smart that changed the game and set the bar for the Lakers’ effort after JJ challenged them at halftime👇

The look on Luka’s new teammates when he is making horse shots in the middle of the game

Yesterday I did a deep-dive titled The Luka Effect: The Inevitable Transformation of the Lakers' Offense...wrote in detail about Lakers playing tons of 4-on-3 basketball. Here is the updated chart with last night's data

With no Jokić, no Murray the Nuggets started with wing heavy, switch D vs Luka with Braun, Gordon, Watson, MPJ to make it harder for him to score. Luka scoring on drives in ISOs vs most early + making his step-back 3 forced Malone to send doubles & traps after just 4 minutes.

Luka talked about JJ Redick today...how his mind and how he sees basketball is amazing. He specifically mentioned these two ATO plays and the lob they got out of their Horns Chin Rip Away action. Although I would say that his deliveries had something to do with it ;)

So these 5 plays happened in last couple of games. Only 1, the first was called a foul...

So, the Mavs won a game they probably should’ve lost. The Lakers lost a game they definitely should’ve won. But at least I finally got the @deanolytics.bsky.social book I’ve been waiting for since October...

Nets will be without top scorer, top usage player Cam Thomas. They lost 7 in a row. Nets are also the worst offense in the NBA since Jan 1st (DFS - DLo swap). DLo, Cam Johnson are two remaining scoring/advantage creating options on offense.

Lakers-Nets tonight I assume Luka (questionable) plays. No LeBron, Rui, Hayes, DFS. So down 3 starters, 1 key sub, and most of size. So, extended minutes for Vando, Knecth, Goodwin, Jamison and I guess Milton. Lakers will have to play much smaller, but Nets not a big team.

How any NBA executive could watch this game—or any of last year’s playoffs—and still believe a big man is more valuable than an elite ball-handler and playmaker defies all logic. Best self-shot creators last 3 seasons. Luka, Brunson, LeBron, Reaves all played last night👇