The NBA has decided to showcase the defending champs overseas as they now head to Barcelona, Spain to face FC Barcelona.
Considering that it’s only preseason, the big stars for the Lakers are limited.
London was uncontrollably disastified with the fact that Kobe Bryant was limited to just 6 minutes in the Timberwolves game at the OC Arena as he’s still recovering from knee surgery this past off-season. He stated that he’s ‘about 60 percent’.
The Lakers, however, did suffer a loss to the Timberwolves on Monday, 111-92.
Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown lead the Lakers with 17 and 13 points, respectively.
Michael Beasely, one of Minnesota’s newest acquisition, logged 21 points against the 2-time defending champs. Martell Webster also put up a 20-plus point performance, finishing with 24.
Although it’s just a friendy exhibition game, the Lakers still want to make sure that the new players on the team are getting settled into the complex triangle offense.
Playing FC Barcelona can help L.A. play around with the line ups to see what gives them an edge on a more fast-paced team; or maybe even a small team. The Lakers may have Steve Blake play a bulk of the minutes and rest Derek Fisher for close games, this season.
I’m interested to see how Matt Barnes impacts the Lakers offensively. He’s been well-documented as a perimieter defender.
But as great as L.A. is defensively, it’s important for them to get a rhythm going on the O-side when Kobe’s on the bench.
I’m also looking at the rookies Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracrter.
Caracter grabbed 9 rebounds on Monday, but went 1-8 from the field. Caracter showed aggression on offense and great footwork in the post. I expect this to pick up throughout preseason and into the regular season as well.
In fact, this will be Ebanks and Caracter’s best chance to make it into the rotation with some a performance, today.
Lakers vs. FC Barcelona
Thursday, October 11 – 11:30 AM PST
TV: KCAL/NBA TV
Radio: 710/1330 AM ESPN Radio