Lakers Searching for Answers

It’s game time, Lakers fans, but it looks like the team still needs a bit more time in the oven before they’re fully cooked. The preseason is ticking away, and with just one week left before the real deal, there are still some question marks hovering over L.A. In their fourth preseason game, a showdown against Stephen Curry and the Warriors, the Lakers definitely showed signs of a team with a plan. Execution, though? That’s a different story.

Under new coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are clearly trying to shift their identity. Last season, they were second to last in three-point attempts, but this year they seem determined to let those triples fly. Unfortunately, the results aren’t there yet, shooting 27.5% from deep won’t cut it, especially against a team like the Warriors.

Missing 29 of 40 threes is a recipe for trouble when you’re up against a shooter like Steph, even without Klay Thompson, who’s now in Dallas. In the 111-98 loss, the Lakers struggled to find consistency on offense and discipline on defense. It’s all part of the growing pains, but they better speed up that growth with the opener fast approaching.

Paul George Out, but Not Down

After an injury scare, Paul George’s knee has been diagnosed with just a bone bruise, no structural damage, thank goodness. George tweaked his knee in Monday’s game against the Hawks, and while it’s not ideal, it’s not catastrophic. He’ll be re-evaluated in a week, but this marks a significant checkpoint for a player who’s no stranger to injuries.

The Sixers, already resting Joel Embiid for preseason knee management, are playing it safe with their stars. George’s 76-game run last season was a bright spot in his career, considering it was his highest total since 2018-19. The goal for Philly is to keep everyone healthy as the games that matter draw closer.

The Sixers open their season on October 23, and they’ll need George and Embiid ready to roll if they want to make waves.

Knicks’ Injury Woes Continue

The New York Knicks managed to grab a preseason win against the Hornets on Tuesday, but the victory came with a painful price.

Landry Shamet, a crucial perimeter shooter the Knicks were banking on, suffered a right shoulder injury while defending Moussa Diabate.

Shamet went straight to the locker room, and things don’t look good for his hopes of making the regular-season roster. Coach Tom Thibodeau had been singing Shamet’s praises all preseason, and with Donte DiVincenzo shipped to Minnesota, Shamet was poised for a key rotation spot.

Now, the Knicks have some tough decisions. If Shamet's injury turns out to be severe, the team might cut him loose, incurring only a $15,000 cap hit. That would free them to sign a veteran minimum player or convert a two-way player to a standard contract. Alternatively, they could keep Shamet on the roster and let him rehab, but that would leave them shorthanded off the bench.

Grizzlies Bet Big on Scotty Pippen Jr.

Things are looking up for Scotty Pippen Jr. The Grizzlies announced Tuesday that Pippen has signed a multiyear standard NBA contract after impressing the team with his preseason play.

Pippen Jr.’s basketball journey has been full of twists. After going undrafted in 2022, he spent his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Lakers. Though he only played six games in L.A., the Grizzlies took notice, signing him midseason. In 21 games for Memphis, Pippen averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, showing the poise and skill of someone who belongs in the league.

Pippen now fills the backup guard role behind Morant and Marcus Smart, a critical spot made even more important by Derrick Rose's retirement. With one roster spot left, it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies fill it as they finalize their team for the season opener.

Bickerstaff Instills Old-School Mentality for Pistons

While NBA teams are loosening up dress codes, Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff is taking the opposite approach. He’s banned players from wearing their hoods up during practice, channeling an old-school mindset passed down from his father.

"If you’re not going to wear it during the game, you shouldn’t wear it in practice,” Bickerstaff explained. “You practice how you play — no hoods, no jewelry."

This might seem like a small tweak, but for a Pistons squad coming off back-to-back seasons at the bottom of the standings (including a 28-game record breaking losing streak last year), culture changes like these are what Bickerstaff believes will help Detroit turn the corner. The question is: Will this no-hood policy translate to more wins?

Who Will Strike First in Game 3?

The WNBA Finals are heating up! It’s now a best-of-three showdown as the WNBA Finals shift to Game 3 in Minneapolis. The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx are tied at 1-1 after two nail-biting contests, with each team excelling at different moments.

The Liberty have dominated the first five minutes of both games, building double-digit leads. But when it comes to the final five minutes, it’s been a toss-up. That split has led to a tied series, setting the stage for a fierce Game 3 at the Target Center.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve had a clear message for her team: “Execute the hell out of this stuff. Value it. Don’t wait. Don’t wait and let someone else strike first. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Reeve wants her squad to come out strong and execute with urgency. They’re aiming to strike first on their home court tonight. Who will come out on top in Game 3?

Breanna Stewart Speaks Out Against Hate

After Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart revealed that her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, received a disturbing email that was both homophobic and threatening.

Stewart confirmed Tuesday that the couple reported the email to the police and have since taken steps to ensure their family’s safety. Marta’s email was publicly available on her Instagram, but it has since been removed.

“We made the team and league aware,” Stewart shared. "With the spotlight of being in the finals, they said it made the most sense to put in a report." Stewart did not go into detail about the email’s contents but used the moment to speak out against hateful fan behavior.

This incident follows a concerning pattern of online hate directed at WNBA players, with Connecticut Sun’s DiJonai Carrington also recently sharing a racist email she received during the playoffs. Players across the league are speaking up about the ongoing racism, homophobia, and threats they’ve been experiencing this season.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team