Los Angeles Lakers Preseason: The Lakers Run It Back Against Denver!

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on September 30, 2018 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on September 30, 2018 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

3. Will the backcourt score?

The Los Angeles Lakers had better find a way to get points from the backcourt or they are in a ton of trouble! Rondo had 11 assists and seven rebounds, but he had two points. What’s even worse, he only took three shots. You say…so?

Eventually, teams are going to pack it in the paint and demand Rondo (and eventually Ball) to consistently hit the jumper. That’s the NBA folks. Whatever this positionless basketball the Lakers are selling will not work if everyone is not contributing on the offensive end. Good teams will isolate these guys and take advantage if they don’t look at the basket.

As for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope…two points and four fouls in 21 minutes. Other than that, let’s see…well let me put it this way…close your eyes, what do you see? Nothing? Well, that’s what Caldwell-Pope gave you. If you think about it, if you’re honest, you can’t remember him shooting the free throws.

Umm…it bears repeating if the starting backcourt can only get four points combined…

Just sayin’…