Oct 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) falls into the front row of fans during a preseason exhibition basketball game against Maccabi Haifa at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
With the preseason finally underway, the Twittersphere is abuzz with Lakers’ rumors and interesting facts.
The Lakers are 1-3 but put up an excellent performance last night against Maccabi Haifa, dominating them 126-83.
That said, last week was a goldmine for Lakers Tweets. Here are some of the best Tweets of the week.
Next: Kobe Bryant on Julius Randle
Kobe Bryant on Julius Randle
Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and forward Julius Randle (30) react during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Kobe called Julius Randle "Lamar Odom in Zach Randolph's body."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2015
Kobe Bryant‘s description of Julius Randle has gained a lot of steam in recent days, and for good reason.
In his first few games Randle looks like exactly that — a ball handling point-forward in a legitimate power forward’s body. Though Lamar Odom‘s most recent off court struggles can often cloud what he accomplished on the court, the comparison is spot on.
This year is going to be a lot of fun. pic.twitter.com/EEKaTtjkhU
— Lake Show Life (@TheLakeShowLife) October 9, 2015
Another player that could be thrown into the mix is Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley.
Barkley frequently pulled down defensive rebounds, or ripped steals away from opponents, then proceeded to dribble the ball gracefully down the court, only to throw down a powerful slam at the other end.
Though these are big names to live up to, Randle is more than ready for the task at hand.
Next: Nick Young's Winning Percentage
Nick Young’s Winning Percentage
Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) in the second half of the game at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Young has lost 67.2 percent of the games he's played in his eight-year NBA career.
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) October 6, 2015
According to Hoopshype, the winning percentage for Nick Young‘s teams is just above 30%. If applied to an 82 game season that would result in a 27 win season — the Lakers were 21-61 last year.
Though Young’s attitude both on, and off, the court have been a complete turnaround from seasons past, fans can only hope that this will mean a turnaround in win percentage as well.
Next: D'Angelo Russell on Assisting Teammates
D’Angelo Russell on Assisting Teammates
D’Angelo Russell: "If you’re open, I’m going to get it to you. Half the time, you won’t know you’re open."
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) October 12, 2015
Last night, D’Angelo Russell came off the bench and had 11 assists in 18 minutes, with a +30 plus or minus rating.
“+/- denotes team’s net points while the player is on the court.”
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Earlier in the week, the question was asked whether bringing Russell off the bench with the second unit would benefit the Lakers, and through a one game sample size, that seems to be the case.
Though eventually, when Russell gets healthy, he will assuredly be reinserted into the starting lineup, it was interesting to see the success the Lakers had yesterday with him leading the second unit.
Russell is a smart player, who makes the best of every opportunity he is given, and that was proven last night.
Next: Kobe Finally Spotting Up
Kobe Finally Spotting Up
Ripping twine https://t.co/yoqMhtTNM9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 11, 2015
Last night was undoubtedly Bryant’s best game of the preseason, putting up 21 points, on 6-10 shooting in only 18 minutes of play.
This was due in part to the fact that Bryant was never required to be the primary ball handler, and instead relied on spot ups to get the majority of his points.
More from Lake Show Life
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- Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest Lakers vs Warriors update
- Can Darvin Ham put all of the Lakers puzzle pieces together?
- Lakers news: Darvin Ham knows his fifth starter, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino praise
- Michael Malone’s painfully ironic comment has Lakers fans heated
Though some have questioned whether Bryant will accept taking a reduced role, he’s slowly proven that he’s willing to defer, at least to some extent, to the younger guys.
Twenty year veteran Kobe Bryant continues to surprise and is hell bent on demonstrating that old dogs can learn new tricks.
What were some of your favorite Lakers Tweets from last week?
Let us know in the comments below!