Author: Eric Williams

Is Russell Westbrook Off The Bench The Solution?

Following Wednesday night’s thrilling performance against Western Conference rivals the New Orleans Pelicans, the purple and gold won their second straight game. It appears that bringing former MVP Russell Westbrook off the bench as a 6th man is the solution to the team’s success.

While it’s still too early in the season to tell, as of right now it seems to finally work… it just took a matter of a few games to get the ball rolling.

Editor’s note: The Lakers have dropped two games in a row since this article was written

Russell Westbrook has been showing out lately off the bench

Despite his early season struggles, such as a 0-6 three-point shooting performance against the Los Angeles Clippers. This all changed during their game against the Denver Nuggets, where he fully embraced his role, flirting with a triple-double with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. These heroics contributed to the team’s first victory.

Not to be outdone in their second victory, he continued to play the role of second unit leader, finishing with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. It’s clear that when he’s laser-focused on this role, it has a positive impact on the game.

Now he gets to lead a unit that includes young talent such as Austin Reeves and fan favorite Matt Ryan.

Russ for 6th Man of The Year?

While it is never too early to begin a campaign for an award, why not advocate for Westbrook to win the 6th Man of The Year Award? If he continues to play at this level, he should earn his share of votes.

He could be joining an illustrious group of players who have won both MVP and Sixth Man of the Year awards, including James Harden and Bill Walton. Darvin Ham is one person who has already started the conversation. And once you have the belief of your coach, the sky is the limit for you.

Don’t be surprised if he keeps doing this. If you see him adding more trophies to his collection, you know the hype train is on. Cast your votes now.

Lakers Post Summer League Power Rankings

Lakers forward Cole Swider dominated Summer League play
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Last week, the Lakers concluded their NBA Summer League play with a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. A lot of players stood out significantly and deserve not only a camp invite, but also a chance to play on the main roster when they are ready. After re-watching their games and analyzing my rankings.

4) Jay Huff

Despite not playing in many games owing to health and safety protocols, Huff demonstrated in the games he did play that he has been working hard on his game throughout his time with their G-league team, the South Bay Lakers. The former Virginia big man showed off his ability to spread the floor by hitting three-pointers, attacking the rim, and blocking shots.

With him already on the roster, he deserves a few call-ups as the season progresses, whether it’s due to an injury at the center position or simply to give the young player some playing time.

3) Max Christie

The Lakers’ second-round draft pick this year Christie came into his own during his summer league season. He showcased great defense and that he’s not afraid to shoot when open. While his three-pointers and mid-range shots will take some time to fall, it is only a matter of time. Because he is only 19 years old, he has all the time in the world to develop his game to the NBA level. With a great coaching staff and teammates surrounding him, the sky is the limit for the former Spartan.

Simply put, Christie will be an important part of the Lakers’ future in the post-LeBron era, along with a few of his summer league teammates.

2) Scottie Pippen Jr

With that last name, he doesn’t need an introduction. The son of the former Chicago Bulls star set the summer league on fire, scoring for himself, creating for others, and pick-pocketing his opponent for a steal. He had no fear, as he often took over games in order to earn that W for his team.

While he did join the organization as an undrafted free agent, let’s hope he receives more than just a camp invite and a two-way deal. The Lakers’ coaching staff may have another hidden talent on their hands, which might be crucial in winning a championship in the future.

1) Cole Swider

The draft’s self-proclaimed best shooter stood up to his billing, knocking down huge shot after huge shot, regardless of who was in front of him. He scored 21 points and made five three-pointers in the Lakers’ victory over the Pelicans. Defenders must not have read the scouting report because they kept leaving him wide open. And he punished them.

He had another outstanding showing, which begs the question of how an outstanding shooter like Swider did not have his name called on draft night. For whatever reason, he didn’t, and the Lakers were ready to snatch him up. Now front offices across the league will have to pay for it.

The Lakers even granted him a two-year, two-way contract, demonstrating that they not only believe in him, but also have huge ambitions for him. One thing is certain: the core of Pippen, Christie, and Swider will be terrific for the purple and gold’s future.

Carmelo Hayes: Why NXT 2.0 has WWE’s Next Star

NXT wrestling superstar Carmelo Hayes
Photo Credit: WWE

As WWE has quickly built its stars for the future by launching talent who will someday become main eventer’s through their developmental brand NXT. With the rebranding of the old black and gold brand to the new NXT 2.0, they have recently created a significant deal of talent from top to bottom. Carmelo Hayes, the current NXT North American Champion, is one of the guys with star written all over him. A superb in-ring performer who matches his mic skills.

When Melo Shoot He Don’t Miss

That famous catchphrase of his is the absolute truth, and he delivers in every single match he’s in . While also paired with Trick Williams, these two have a terrific chemistry and constantly hype each other up. Hayes began his path to early popularity in The NXT Breakout Tournament, which was created around newly signed talent.

Hayes won the event, earning him a future championship opportunity. He went after the North American Title, which he won in an upset. From there, he rode a big wave of momentum, knocking down multiple contenders in title defenses. He even defeated Diamond Mine leader Roderick Strong to unify the North American and Crusierweight titles.

He’s quickly become a fan favorite and someone you can root for. He has everything you might want in the potential future face of your company. He proved his particular talent once more tonight, putting on one of the best matches of his early WWE career against another future star, Cameron Grimes, winning back his North American title and becoming a two-time champion.

An Extremely Bright Future

The 27-year-old star is still in his prime, and with the right people around him, he has the potential to be the company’s next core of guys. Hayes is the complete package, and is simply overflowing with potential. His excellent vocal abilities on the microphone during a promo, his drip, and, of course, his incredible wrestling abilities.

Simply put, Carmelo Hayes is more than built for his future ahead.

Lakers Top 3 Free Agency Targets

We are just hours into free agency and the Los Angeles Lakers are anxious to enhance their squad at every level. Due to their limited spending, there are only a few players they can pursue, but as a storied franchise, the Lakers are always able to acquire tremendous quality for a low price. Here are their top three players to target once free agency officially begins.

3) Victor Oladipo- SG

Following a season in which he saw little playing time due to injuries, Oladipo might experience a career resurgence playing alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles. Because he is a two-player, he would fit right in with what their head coach is looking for. Prior to his injury, he was a 20-point-per-game player who was named to the All-NBA Defense Team. If the organization is able to sign him to a veteran minimum contract, his performance on the court will trump the value of his contract.

2) Gary Harris- SG

During Harris‘ early years in Denver, there was a lot of talk about how good the backcourt tandem of him and Jamal Murray would be. While he was excellent in his own right, he was later traded to the Orlando Magic. Due to the infusion of a younger incoming core, he averaged 10 points per game in his last season in Orlando. He’s still relatively young at 27, it’s still time for him to exhibit the same talent that he did in Denver. Regardless of the kind of deal he’d be offered, he’d fit the squad well due to his spacing and ability to shoot from three.

1) Mo Bamba- C

If there was one thing the Lakers really needed, it was help at the center position. With Anthony Davis injured and a revolving door at center, the former Orlando center would swiftly fill that void. The previous top ten pick in the 2018 draft failed to live up to expectations, averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds throughout his time with the team.

While Wendell Carter Jr.’s accession could have played a role, with their recent acquisition of picking Paolo Panchero first overall in this year’s draft, the writing was on the wall for him. Bamba’s talent was only concealed due to playing for a weak organization that underutilized his talent. Towards the conclusion of the season he demonstrated his tremendous defense as a shot-blocker. He also clearly exhibited his ability to shoot from long range. ​​You pair him with Anthony Davis and you have one of the best defensive front-court duos in the league.

Bamba would be the ideal big man in the Lakers’ new system, and his talents could finally be used properly. Not to mention the Lakers have a long history with Orlando’s centers, who always perform well when they are in purple and gold.

Lakers Draft Prospects: The Finals Power Rankings

As the NBA draft approaches in less than twenty-four hours, the team has worked out a large number of possible prospects. Some have even returned for a second workout. With a view to the future, these are the top four best prospect suitors for the Lakers.

4)Terell Brown Jr – Washington, Guard

Brown Jr. is a true two-way player who would significantly improve the Lakers’ depth at point guard. He is a hound on defense who scores and makes his teammates look good because of his excellent playmaking abilities. Brown Jr. should be high on The Lakers prospects draft board, as new head coach Darvin Ham wants his players to be versatile and give their best on both sides of the ball.

3) Johnny Juzang- Guard, UCLA

Juzang, a former UCLA Bruin, would not have to relocate if picked by his hometown Lakers. He is a high-level scorer who will rapidly become a fan favorite due to his ability to score. He would give instant scoring off the bench, which the squad desperately needs. It would be a special sight to see him off the bench with Austin Reeves and Stanley Johnson. With the addition of new coaching staff member Schyler Rimmer, who specializes in shooting, his career will take the next step.

2) Jabari Walker- Forward, Colorado

Walker, a big body, two-way player who can grab rebounds in bunches, would be one of the keys to the Lakers’ future if the Lakers front office is able to secure him. Walker has the potential to develop under the Lakers coaching staff, who understand how to bring out the best in young players, and he might be a key player for the Lakers in the post-LeBron future. He would contribute everything the squad requires, as a hardworking player who works hard on both sides and is eager to progress and learn.

1)Cole Swider- Forward, Syracuse

Swider, has wowed Lakers scouts so much that he has landed a second workout with the team this week. During his time with the Orange, he was a product of Jim Boeheim’s high-level scoring attack. He made 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts. Swider is the definition of a walking bucket, as he can score from everywhere on the court. His ability to make big shots would impress fans. With the Lakers giving him a second look, it appears like he will be one of the prospects wearing purple and gold very soon.