Um, yeah, that was something all right. 33 points, 11 of 17, what was it like 10 boards too, 4 steals and some assists? There were so many insane plays from THT tonight. It was all about him and Gasol. Their connection was fantastic. But yeah, the back to back steals, the step back three, that no look flip shot over his back on the put back. OH MY!!
He's taking the whole Vogel "be a star in your role" quip literally... Coach: Hey kid I need you fill LeBron's role tonight... THT: 'k...
So hyped at the moment. We got us a diamond. Every time I hear the TNT nickname, I think of this little scene from Joaquin Phoenix, which also has Sean Penn (lead actor) and Claire Danes from the helm of Oliver Stone (U Turn). Content warning minor swearing (SOB is said fully) and of course
I said over a year ago he is a mini-Draymond. A real play maker and can use those long arms to defend many positions. When I suggested he get run in the playoffs some of y’all strenuously disagreed. Then Vogel let him play.... This is not “I told you so.” It is “dang boy...I thought you were good.” Yep.
Well, there are many comparison that can be made - a poor man's Wade, for example. To me, there's some Eric Gordon there as well.
Only a Laker playing a preseason game can become a star overnight. If you needed any evidence of how big the Lakers are, you are seeing it now. People are going nuts over this guy.
So difficult to say who THT plays like. Every game, he shows us something we didn't know he was capable of. He has a beautiful spin to the basket like LeBron does. He's got some very nice handles. He's an absolute tank of a player. Crazy wingspan. Large hands. This guy might be one of those physical freaks of nature. You can't outpower him, he's quick as hell, hustles for every play. How the hell did the Lakers ever luck up on this? Granted, it's just two preseason games but the guy has the right mindset and a very mature game for a player his age. I predicted that he is a better young asset than Kuz and it's looking evident right now. I thought he reminded me of PJ Tucker but then he comes out and starts showing a nice repertoire of scoring capability that PJ Tucker can't dream of doing. He still reminds me a lot of Iguodala - someone who can do everything at a very good level. Lakers are so stacked so I don't know where the minutes are coming from. Bron Davis Gasol KCP Schroder Caruso Montrezl Kuzma Tucker Matthews Morris Every player can give you 20-25 minutes...
Our scouting department and FO brain trust is amazing. Look at what they have done with their picks last 6 or more years and how many are successful - very good - rising stars in the league. Would love to know who first spotted THT and made a big push for him. Who was left available until pick 46.
So true re: the minutes, BangBoomPow. That's my favorite part of this offseason's moves. The guards should all be splitting minutes like that (though you still have to give some to THT too based on how great he's playing!). Gasol and Trez should split minutes. Lebron and AD should realistically be able to get away with 30 and 35 respectively and you have plenty of help to step in for what's left (Kuz at 18 and Morris for 13). Hopefully we stay healthy because this is such a dynamic squad and should be a lot of fun to watch. I have no analogue for THT's game. He's unique. The closest comparison I can make is someone like Zach Randolph because of those long arms, but of course he's a guard not a forward and doesn't play like Z-Bo. I'm looking forward to his development because at 20 years old he is already showing us so much.
Outside of Lonzo because they should have drafted Tatum but fell into the Lonzo hype, the Lakers scouting department is one of the best. I mean, even Mo Wagner who they drafted is looking pretty good.
Maybe Phil Handy has a big role in Talen’s rapid improvement? Has a diamond in the rough with the physical tools and size combination who has a great attitude, tremendous confidence and is a hard worker.
Our scouting department did such a wonderful job during the down years. I sometimes play 2K with an entire roster of the young guys and its a lot of fun. We drafted well enough to field a competent full man team.
Efficient, poised, crafty, effortless. 30 points against the “should be champions”? He’s very advanced for his age and has a bright future. Another huge score for our drafting team and G League. looks like he can be a 20 pt scorer without many plays being run for him too. Need a guy like that who can excel with (2) 25 ppg scorers on the team already