The added coverage is just another extension of Time Warner’s Sports’ relationship with the Buss family and the Lakers organization. Along with the coverage of the D-Fenders games, the network will also give behind the scenes access of the L.A. D-Fenders. This segment will be featured on the Lakers weekly documentary series “Backstage: Lakers.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Time Warner Cable SportsNet this season,” said Joey Buss, President/CEO of the D-Fenders. “This is an opportunity for our fans, Lakers fans and basketball fans to develop a connection with top D-Fenders prospects as well as Lakers assignment players, both of which are instrumental to the future of the Lakers and NBA.”
The Lakers have had many players from the D-League added to their roster including former/current Lakers Darius Johnson-Odom, Robert Sacre and Darius Morris.
“The combination of Lakers and D-Fenders games and content on Time Warner Cable SportsNet will give Southern California sports fans a more comprehensive viewing experience,” said Mark Shuken, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TWC Sports Regional Networks. “We’re excited to work with the D-Fenders to televise their games this season.”
The Lakers have also appointed former Laker and three-time NBA champion A.C. Green and analyst Steve Quis as the broadcasters for the games. They will be breaking down the D-Fenders games, and giving fans play-by-play access. Green won all three of his championships with L.A. bringing home the trophy in 1987,1988 and 2000. His successful basketball career and extensive understanding of the game and the Lakers, which spans for almost three decades, will give D-Fenders fans just the analysis they’ve craved.
Quis, has over 20 years of sports broadcasting experience and will compliment Green and the D-Fenders very well. They both will analyze and track any and all potential NBA prospects as they develop throughout the season. Quis has called games for the L.A. Angels of Anaheim, Pac-12 baseball and the 2012 CIF Basketball Championships. He has also been a part of multiple broadcasts on Time Warner Cable SportsNet this past fall.
The D-Fenders (4-4) are the first franchise in D-League History to be owned by an NBA Team. They opened their sixth season in November under new head coach and former NBA player Reggie Theus. The D-Fenders are seen as the top producer of NBA prospects. In just six years, the D-Fenders have had 11 NBA Call-Ups and developed 11 Lakers assignment players since 2006. Recently, former D-Fender, Gerald Green was called up to the NBA and is now playing with the Indiana Pacers, bringing fans to their feet with his multiple high-flying dunks.
After a slow start the D-Fenders look to keep their winning streak going as they take on the Idaho Stampede on Saturday, at the Lakers official training facility in El Segundo. This will also be the first game aired on Time Warner Cable SportsNet. The game will be shown on Sunday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m.
The following games will also be covered on Time Warner SportsNet:
Game date: Opponent: Air Time:
Sat. Dec. 22 Idaho at D-Fenders Sun. Dec. 23, 3 p.m. PST
Sat. Jan. 5 Sioux Falls at D-Fenders Sun. Jan. 6, 3 p.m. PST
Sat. Jan. 12 Bakersfield at D-Fenders Sun. Jan. 13, 3 p.m. PST
Sat. Jan. 19 Fort Wayne at D-Fenders Sun. Jan. 20, 3 p.m. PST
Wed. Feb. 13 Reno at D-Fenders Thu. Feb. 14, 8 p.m. PST & Sun. Feb. 17, 3 p.m. PST
Sat. Mar. 2 Bakersfield at D-Fenders Sun. Mar. 3, 3 p.m. PST
Wed. Mar. 6 Texas at D-Fenders Thu. Mar. 7, 8 p.m. PST & Sun. Mar. 10, 8 p.m. PST
Sat. Mar. 9 Austin at D-Fenders Sun. Mar. 10, 4 p.m. PST
Wed. March 20 Idaho at D-Fenders Thu. Mar. 21, 8 p.m. PST & Sun. Mar. 24, 1 p.m. PST
Sat. Mar. 23 Bakersfield at D-Fenders Sun. Mar. 24, 3 p.m. PST
Wed. Apr. 3 Canton at D-Fenders Thu. Apr. 4, 8 p.m. PST & Sun. Apr. 7, 3 p.m. PST