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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 3h

Even in a mostly meaningless preseason game, there are little fragments that might matter in the long run. I wrote about three from last night’s Lakers-Warriors game👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-war...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Preseason Observations: Game 2 @ Warriors

A night to forget. An Adou dunk to remember.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

After months of talking about a new Lakers identity, we finally got a first look. The motor was on from the get-go. If anything, Game 1 only added to the hype. My first preseason observations👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-kin...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Preseason Observations: Game 1 vs Kings

If anything, the first preseason game made me even more excited about these Lakers

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Gold Tinted Lens @lalbb.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Really fun exercise. Be interesting to see how we do on shooting, no matter what volume will be up 😂

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It took like two media sessions for Matisse Thybulle to become my favorite Lakers interview. Him talking about Walker Kessler’s defensive gravity and everyone else orbiting around it is the kind of insight that makes you think, and exactly the kind of basketball stuff I’m here for.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Turning the Lakers into a top-five offense was fairly easy in my simulations. Doing it on an NBA court may be slightly harder. A Four Factors model, some optimistic scenarios, and the basketball case behind them 👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-pat...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Lakers’ Path to a Top-Five Offense

From JJ Redick’s training camp clues to a four-factor model of best-case outcomes

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Ion Ugutz Madariaga @ionugutz.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A must-read, data based, analysis that is worth your time, specially if you’re a Laker fan.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

After Walker Kessler "we're gonna be a nasty defense'"comments, there's been even more talk about ceiling of Lakers D. So, I decided to unlock this data deep-dive trying to answer that question👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-def...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Other Side of the Lakers’ Ceiling

The offense should be among the NBA’s best. But could the defense improve too?

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Gold Tinted Lens @lalbb.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Great writeup, Mamu unlocks so many things for everyone. But I think Vando and Manu together in particular can be so effective, especially against second units where that chaos can really be amplified. Sexton, AR, Carr, Vando and Mamu in theory sounds so fun.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Media Day is peak “everyone looks great and happy” season, but the vibes around this new Lakers team feel different. What if... digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-med...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Media Day Notes

The YouTube notification buzzed: Lakers Media Day was starting.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

No NBA player blocked three points shots at a higher rate than Matisse Thybulle over the last 5 seasons. Not even close...

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The excitement around this new Lakers team feels real. You could hear it in almost everything Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick said yesterday. But with that excitement come real expectations. Deciphering their start-of-season media sessions👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-exc...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Excitement Is Real. With It Come Real Expectations

Deciphering Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick’s start-of-season media sessions

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I may have talked myself into Vando again. This time, Sandro Mamukelashvili is to blame. Why Mamu could unlock Vando and provide a blueprint for something even bigger👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/can-mamu-u...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Can Mamu Unlock Vando?

Why Sandro Mamukelashvili might be exactly the kind of big Jarred Vanderbilt needs

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

started by ranking the West’s best centers. Somehow, that turned into a week-long Walker Kessler vs. Donovan Clingan rabbit hole that occupied far more space in my brain than I’m willing to admit. The result: 5,000 words on the West’s centers👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/top-center...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Top Centers in the West, Ranked (2026–27 Edition)

The Lakers found their long-term big. Where does he rank among the West’s best centers?

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Laker Film Room podcast @lfrpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Thank you, Iztok!

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Joshua B. Hoe @joshuabhoe.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

If you don't watch the Lakers, it might not be as fun...But @iztokfranko.bsky.social is one of my favorite basketball writers, and you should read his stuff...Wish he was still writing about the Mavericks :) #MFFL

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

My annual way-too-early Western Conference predictions are here. A fun exercise that is sure to go wrong at some point, somewhere... digginbasketball.substack.com/p/2027-weste...

digginbasketball.substack.com

2026–27 Western Conference predictions and rankings

My annual way-too-early attempt to predict where the Lakers, Mavs, and everyone else will finish in another wild West race

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Preseason mailbag time! Answering your questions about the Lakers’ defensive schemes and lineup options, Luka’s legacy, MVP chances and longevity, and even the new-look Mavericks 👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/mailbag-la...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Preseason Mailbag

Answering your questions about Luka, the Lakers, and the Mavericks

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Of all the Lakers’ summer additions Ziaire Williams is the one who has occupied my mind the most recently. So, of course, I did what any normal person on vacation would do: an extensive film+data breakdown of his defense. From Greece with love 🇬🇷👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/ziaire-wil...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Just How Good Is Ziaire Williams on Defense?

What the film and data reveal about the Lakers’ biggest defensive unknown

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The Lakers will score. But can the Lakers’ defense actually get better? New deep dive into their defensive talent, playmaking, projected minutes, two key X-factors, and whether the Luka-Reaves pairing is really as problematic as many believe👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-def...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Other Side of the Lakers’ Ceiling

The offense should be among the NBA’s best. But could the defense improve too?

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Kuminga chose the Timberwolves. What now? Why Lakers next target may need to be a very different type of power forward, with a large sample of Luka-related lineup data supporting the idea 👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-kum...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Kuminga Isn’t Coming. Now What?

Jonathan Kuminga chose the Timberwolves. Should the Lakers now pursue a different type of power forward?

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

For five days, Luka Dončić’s two worlds collided. The Lakers came to Slovenia for basketball, bonding, and plenty of Hollywood spectacle. But the biggest gain may have been a deeper understanding of Luka’s world and the weight he carries. More here👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-slo...

digginbasketball.substack.com

I Feel Slovenia: When Worlds Collide

Five days in Luka’s world that could shape the Lakers’ next era

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

As promised, a follow-up to our @LFRPod podcast discussion...15 charts to support the conversation. The NBA has become the Motor League. Here’s what the data tells us about that shift and whether the rebuilt Lakers are better positioned to keep up 👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/nba-trends...

digginbasketball.substack.com

NBA Trends Series: The Motor League

Young, athletic, high-motor teams have taken over the NBA. Can the rebuilt Lakers keep up?

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jeanie ☽̶☾ @jeaniezk.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

editing today's lfrpod and the topic partly is how the new players can, as they play with motor, bend the offensive AND defensive ends to their advantage. thank you so much to @iztokfranko.bsky.social for joining the guys, i always love the conversations you all have.

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Laker Film Room podcast @lfrpod.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

New pod: Lakers Join the Motor League The guys are joined by @iztokfranko.bsky.social to discuss how the new Lakers players fit into some of the larger NBA trends & how this can complement Luka & Austin in ways that can translate to winning at the highest levels. 🎧: linktr.ee/LFRPOD

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The Lakers’ projected win total is sitting in the mid-40s. I think that’s too low. Why I feel the unorthodox, sometimes counterintuitive approach to their summer moves might actually work, and why I’m taking the over 👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-win...

digginbasketball.substack.com

A Case for Lakers Optimism

Why I believe this team should outperform most win-total projections

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The Lakers changed hands. Again. A new ownership group, another abrupt transition, and more uncertainty around Luka Dončić’s prime. My view of the complex game taking over the game we love, and where the Lakers go from here👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-sol...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Quo Vadis, Lakers?

What to make of another Lakers sale and the complex game being played above the game we love.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

It’s early August and no real NBA news which means it’s time for another way-too-long player deep dive. Videos, surprising data, and plenty of words on how Collin Sexton should fit into the Lakers’ new vision. Enjoy with a long cup of Monday ☕️👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/collin-sex...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Lakers Doubled Down on Guard Play and Paint Pressure

Why they signed Collin Sexton, how he fits the new vision, and whether he was the right choice.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I got so much love for my Walker Kessler and Mamu player profiles, so I tried to replicate the process with Quentin Grimes. One slight difference: this time, I already had past notes, data and film of his fit with Luka. And it’s encouraging👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/quentin-gr...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Quentin Grimes Is Back in a Familiar Role Alongside Luka Dončić

What did we learn from their time together in Dallas, and how does Grimes fit this new version of the Lakers?

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

After profiling the Lakers’ most logical signing, Walker Kessler, here’s deep-dive into their most surprising one. Why did Lakers invest $52 million in Mamu, can he deliver, and if so, in what role?👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/sandro-mam...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Can Sandro Mamukelashvili Take The Next Step?

The uniquely skilled big man was a niche basketball Twitter and analytics darling. Now, he’ll need to deliver under a much brighter spotlight.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Walker Kessler is the Lakers’ most fascinating wild card. So I wrote my longest player deep dive ever: 3,500 words, 15 full games, tons of data points, and one huge question👇 tinyurl.com/walker-kessl...

tinyurl.com

The Lakers Bet Their Future on Walker Kessler. How Good Can He Become?

A mega deep dive into the Lakers’ prized offseason acquisition.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Matisse Thybulle is one of the NBA’s best defensive playmakers. He’s also a polarizing player who was available for the minimum. How can both be true? digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-mat...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Summer Notes: A Matisse Thybulle Breakdown

Why the “Octopus” is both a great pickup and a more complicated player than his All-Defense reputation suggests.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The Lakers’ transformative offseason has given us plenty to analyze. Here’s a map of everything I've written so far and what we’ve learned about their new vision around Luka Dončić. Plus quick reader poll so I’d appreciate you sharing it or chiming in! digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-off...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Transformation: What We’ve Learned So Far, Plus What’s Next

And a quick reader poll to keep the rest of the summer as fun as possible.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

What started as a few first thoughts on Ziaire Williams turned into a full data deep dive on his defense, shooting profile, finishing, and fit with the Lakers. Plus: Reaves discount, updated rotation chart, and why the Lakers may not be finished yet👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-zia...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Summer Notes: A Ziaire Williams Breakdown

Plus, thoughts on the Austin Reaves discount, an updated rotation chart, and more.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

The Lakers can finally have nice (athletic) things. Thoughts from an incredibly fun Summer League game: - Carr's multi-level scoring flashes - Thiero's encouraging small steps - Mañon's relentless ball pressure Plus why this has me dreaming a little. digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-sum...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Summer Notes: Summer Dreaming

The Lakers can finally have nice (athletic) things.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Kevon Looney fills a need. But the more interesting story is what his signing says about the Lakers' offseason plan, their remaining flexibility, and whether they're building a different kind of team👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-kev...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: What Questions Does Kevon Looney Answer?

The Lakers finally add a center, but the offseason puzzle isn't complete.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Rui is off the board. Does that make Jonathan Kuminga the Lakers' clear Plan A? Plus why I still think the Lakers are two pieces short, and more thoughts on Cameron Carr and the rest of Summer League👇

tinyurl.com

Lakers Summer Notes: Rui, Cameron Carr and Other Thoughts

A couple of quiet days on the transaction front... but surely there's more to come, right?

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Cameron Carr needed one SL half to show why he's so intriguing. Movement shooting. Irrational confidence. NBA range. Plus more on the Ayton trade, Rui, Kuminga, the backup big market, and Adou Thiero. digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-sum...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Summer Notes: Deandre Ayton Trade and Cameron Carr's Explosive Debut

Plus observations from Summer League and what the Lakers could do next.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Four deals in 30 minutes. All-in investment(s) and a completely new direction for the Lakers. My first attempt to decipher the vision behind Rob Pelinka's boldest offseason yet. digginbasketball.substack.com/p/30-minutes...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: The 30 Minutes That Will Define the Luka Era

First impressions of the retrofitted Los Angeles Lakers.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Day 1 of free agency didn't bring a blockbuster Lakers signing. But it brought clarity. My recap of LeBron's decision, next round of the restricted free-agent dance, two Lakers signings on the horizon, Kennard's departure, and more👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-fre...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: Day 1 Begins With a Turning Point

The LeBron James era winds down as the Lakers' offseason shifts toward building around Luka Dončić.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Another eventful day before NBA free agency opens today. I tried to make sense with leverage plays coming from all sides. LeBron. Smart. Duren. Kuminga. The restricted chase. And why the biggest Lakers news yesterday may have been...no news. digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-off...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: Reading the Chessboard Before Free Agency Opens Today

Making sense of the latest news, the pieces moving around the league, and what it all means for the Lakers.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

One predictable domino has fallen. Now comes the uncertain part. What do the Austin Reaves extension, Draft, the moves the Lakers didn't make, and the next few days tell us about the Lakers' plans? digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-off...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: What's Next After the Austin Reaves Extension

One expected domino has fallen. Now come the more uncertain paths.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Lakers took another bet on one of the best athletes in the draft. Thiero: bulky, powerful, potential defensive disruptor. Carr: lean, long, leaper & movement shooter. Both lob threats. Both crazy intriguing. Full Carr+Day 1 draft thoughts ⬇️ digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-dra...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Draft Series: Cameron Carr First Thoughts

The Lakers traded up to add one of the draft's most intriguing athletes.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

The narratives changed. The expectations shouldn't. A column on the Lakers, Summer 2026, and why this offseason should still be judged against the promises that were made👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/the-summer...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Summer That Was Promised

The Lakers spent three transaction windows saying no. Now they need to start saying yes.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

What started as me picking @canyondriver.bsky.social brain about the Lakers draft somehow turned into a 4,300-word draft guide. Archetypes. Prospects. Scouting reports. Historical comps. Data. For the basketball junkies👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-dra...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Draft Series: Players and Archetypes for Pick No. 25

A detailed draft deep-dive in collaboration with Mike Garcia.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

One lesson from the NBA Finals: A heliocentric model can work. Jalen Brunson just proved it. For the Lakers the challenge isn't the star. It's finding the multidimensional supporting cast around him👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/the-mornin...

digginbasketball.substack.com

The Morning After

The final curtain on the 2025-26 season has fallen, and the Lakers should be taking notes.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Most arguments against a major reshuffle start and end with the Lakers not being able to find anyone better than LeBron this summer. Fair point. So I tried to build a few hypothetical pathways and roster scenarios if they decide to go down that road👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/post-lebro...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: If the LeBron Era Ends This Summer

Building hypothetical Lakers rosters for a post-LeBron future.

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

One thing stood out when I looked at the salary structure of teams across the league...the Lakers are missing the middle. 'Flexibility' gives them a chance to fill it this summer. Should they? Next deep-dive in my offseason series👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-sal...

digginbasketball.substack.com

Lakers Offseason Series: Salary Overview of NBA Top Teams

And what does Knicks success say about potential Lakers decisions this summer?

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Iztok Franko @iztokfranko.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Lakers' plan is to retrofit the roster around Luka. But LeBron James remains the biggest question mark. How do you balance respect for one era while building the next? My new column at digginbasketball👇 digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-leb...

digginbasketball.substack.com

When Does the Luka Era Actually Begin?

LeBron James is still here, still great, and still the focal point of the Lakers' offseason.

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Mike Garcia @canyondriver.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

So much fun to do!

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