<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lakers-news-jared-dudley-recruits-former-teammate-to-run-it-back-with-los-angeles.jpg"></figure><h1>Jared Dudley recruits former teammate to run it back with Lakers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-07-24T08:30:44-07:00">July 24th, 8:30am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-07-24T15:49:22-07:00">July 24th, 3:49pm</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018763751455" rel="facebook">Mico Ong</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason was cut short by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs, they are back to the drawing board. Forward Jared Dudley has even started recruiting his former teammate Dwight Howard. Dudley kicked off his campaign online by commenting on Dwight Howard’s<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRsh2FmHwuT/"> Instagram post</a>.</p><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/gc2pmw8x73d71.jpg"></figure><p>Dwight Howard was a key piece of Los Angeles’ 2020 championship squad. Howard gave the Lakers a formidable figure in the middle whenever Anthony Davis took a breather. He was also the team’s enforcer as he drained the opposing centers’ energy whenever he goes against them. During the 2020 playoffs, <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-nuggets-game-4-postgame-column">Howard</a> gave Denver Nuggets center and superstar Nikola Jokic a hard time by playing physical defense against him. Howard got under the skin of the Serbian big man.</p><p>Offensively, Howard’s role was way different than what he usually did during his prime. In Los Angeles, he played the role of a rim-running athletic big, who was a constant LeBron James alley-oop target. Dwight’s LA story is all about redemption, as he redeemed himself after a failed stint in Hollywood that was mostly defined by his controversial clashes with Kobe Bryant.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sixers-dwight-howard-calls-out-ben-simmons-haters/" rel="noopener">Dwight Howard</a> signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a veteran’s minimum contract after a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-the-miscommunication-that-cost-la-dwight-howard/" rel="noopener">miscommunication</a> with the Lakers’ front office during last year’s offseason. Howard’s presence was sorely missed by Los Angeles as Andre Drummond, a last-minute buyout pick up had an underwhelming run with the Lakers.</p><p>Could the Purple and Gold and Dwight Howard reunite for the third time?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jared Dudley recruits former teammate to run it back with Lakers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jared-Dudley-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Devin-Booker-Lakers-Suns-Bucks-NBA-Finals.jpg"></figure><h1>Jared Dudley hilariously hints at taking credit for rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-07-20T20:52:28-07:00">July 20th, 8:52pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-07-20T20:54:28-07:00">July 20th, 8:54pm</time><address><a>Paolo Mariano</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>There are only two types of people in the world: Those who hate Jared Dudley and those who love Jared Dudley.</p><p>The Los Angeles Lakers forward has been <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nba/players/jared-dudley/9b6308e9/stats">in the NBA for years now</a>, finally taking home a championship last season. The Lakers have been out of contention since the first round after they got booted out by the Phoenix Suns. But still, Dudley’s presence has been felt throughout the NBA Finals.</p><p>Or at least that’s what he likes to think.</p><p>Brooklyn Nets reporter Billy Reinhardt pointed out that Dudley has played with key guys in the NBA Finals, including the Milwaukee Bucks’ pair of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton and the Suns’ backcourt duo of Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Dudley, however, also noted that he also played with PJ Tucker.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="sv">And PJ!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/7obXOpTeZC" target="_blank">https://t.co/7obXOpTeZC</a></p><p>— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1417686207656386560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 21, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Did the 36-year-old Dudley, who has played for seven teams in 15 seasons, just take credit for the resurgence of these players? Knowing his fun-loving character, it’s not implausible. But of course, it’s all in good fun.</p><p>But there’s also truth in it. Dudley indeed mentored Giannis during his early days in the NBA when he was with the Bucks in the 2014-2015 season (via <a href="https://www.basketballinsiders.com/jared-dudley-on-veteran-mentorship/">Basketball Insiders</a>), and he did have an impact on the eventual two-time MVP.</p><blockquote>“I think the year I left, Giannis said that he missed me in the game huddle adjustments I used to tell him.”</blockquote><p>Dudley, who returned with the Suns in the 2016-2017 season also took Booker under his wing, hanging out with the then-rookie frequently to help him transition to the rigors of the NBA.</p><p>We stan Jared Dudley!</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jared Dudley hilariously hints at taking credit for rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/bucks-news-giannis-antetokounmpos-secret-to-becoming-the-new-shaq-per-jared-dudley.jpg"></figure><h1>Giannis Antetokounmpo’s secret to becoming the ‘new Shaq,’ per ex-Bucks forward Jared Dudley</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-07-19T19:59:09-07:00">July 19th, 7:59pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-07-19T19:59:09-07:00">July 19th, 7:59pm</time><address><a>Angelo Guinhawa</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Jared Dudley was on the Milwaukee Bucks <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nba/milwaukee-bucks/roster" rel="noopener">roster</a> during the 2014-15 season, and he saw firsthand how Giannis Antetokounmpo worked hard to become the superstar he is today.</p><p>According to Dudley, he knew Antetokounmpo would be an All-Star player. However, he was absolutely surprised to see him become an MVP so soon and even compete for a championship at just 26 years old. For the Los Angeles Lakers forward, it’s a testament to the work ethic of the Bucks forward and the work he has put in.</p><p>In his appearance on JJ Reddick’s <a href="https://twitter.com/OldManAndThree/status/1417160408117518336" rel="noopener">The Old Man &amp; The Three podcast</a>, Dudley shared how he saw the Greek Freak show that desire to become the “next Shaq” and just dominate with his body and insane athleticism.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">From today’s bonus EP. Here’s <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@JaredDudley619</a> on GIANNIS. <a href="https://twitter.com/jj_redick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@jj_redick</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/talter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@talter</a> <a href="https://t.co/RREcJCDTgd" target="_blank">https://t.co/RREcJCDTgd</a> <a href="https://t.co/jRSmcy4XMW" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/jRSmcy4XMW</a></p><p>— TheOldMan&amp;TheThree (@OldManAndThree) <a href="https://twitter.com/OldManAndThree/status/1417160408117518336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 19, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Giannis Antetokounmpo, drafted 13th overall in 2013, was deemed a project when he entered the NBA. He has the raw tools to thrive in the NBA, but it was unknown at the time if he can live up to his potential. He averaged just 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in his rookie season with the Bucks.</p><p><i><b>*Watch Game 6 of the NBA Finals LIVE with <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/nba/?irad=356361&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener noreferrer">fuboTV (click for free trial)</a>*</b></i></p><p>Sure enough, Antetokounmpo exceeded all the expectations on him as he transformed into a two-time MVP and a Defense Player of the Year winner. While he still has a lot of room to grow, what he has shown so far is his willingness to learn and desire to be better every single day.</p><p>As Jared Dudley said it, his work ethic is just admirable.</p><p>Giannis and the Bucks now have the chance to clinch the Larry O’Brien trophy in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, and if there’s one thing we can expect, it’s Antetokounmpo going all-out.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s secret to becoming the ‘new Shaq,’ per ex-Bucks forward Jared Dudley

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Devin-Booker-Suns-Kendall-Jenner-Jared-Dudley.jpeg"></figure><h1>Lakers’ Jared Dudley goes off on true reason Suns’ Devin Booker is so good</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-07-19T15:30:07-07:00">July 19th, 3:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-07-19T15:30:07-07:00">July 19th, 3:30pm</time><address><a>Michael Corvo</a>Los Angeles Lakers beat reporter and writer for ClutchPoints. Aspiring Shane Falco. NYC native, LA resident, USC grad. Tennis Fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Devin Booker has taken his game up more than a few levels since he and Jared Dudley were teammates with the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nba/phoenix-suns">Phoenix Suns</a>. Not surprisingly, the outspoken <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> free-agent-to-be has a host of theories as to what’s enabled Booker to become an NBA superstar.</p><p>During an appearance on J.J. Redick’s “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qirzmOlyhbI&amp;t=1728s">The Old Man and the Three</a>” podcast on Monday, Dudley listed a series of contributing factors to Booker’s improvement, including his physical transformation, his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-kendall-jenners-5-word-reaction-to-watching-devin-booker-in-the-nba-finals/">relationship with Kendall Jenner</a>, and his improved passing.</p><blockquote>“Booker always was super-talented: Footwork-wise, work ethic, had it all in him, had the swagger,” Dudley said. “He became such a better student of the game, of studying film. If you look at his body now, he now finally has cuts in his body, got serious with his nutrition … In a way, I think him having a girlfriend has helped him. Helped him stay more focused, less out in the nightlife.</blockquote><blockquote>“It was his passing ability that was poor,” Dudley added. “He could shoot the ball. The whole <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-video-devin-booker-gets-pissed-after-being-double-teamed-open-gym-joakim-noah-reacts/">big viral video of doubling him during summertime</a>, you remember when Joakim Noah doubled? … Nah, like, you’re going to be doubled … For him to become a better passer and getting his first triple-double…I knew <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-jared-dudley-predicts-devin-booker-will-be-an-all-star-after-40-point-effort-win-over-sixers/">he was going to be an All-Star player</a>, but I just think he took the next step with his body. He’s in phenomenal, phenomenal shape. He’s cut up. The first thing I saw was, looking at his face, I could see his cheekbones. He’s been with the Kardashians, I didn’t know if he had surgery or he lost some weight.”</blockquote><p>Booker averaged 3.5 assists per 36 minutes during the two seasons (2016-17) he played with Dudley. His dimes were down this season due to the addition of Chris Paul, but he increased his assists per 36 to 7.0 and 6.5 in 2018-9 and 2019-20, respectively.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@JaredDudley619</a> on BOOK. One of the best teammates around. <a href="https://twitter.com/jj_redick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@jj_redick</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/talter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@talter</a> <a href="https://t.co/nXxALe4ySE" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/nXxALe4ySE</a></p><p>— TheOldMan&amp;TheThree (@OldManAndThree) <a href="https://twitter.com/OldManAndThree/status/1417180740274503684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 19, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Due to his midrange prowess and the work ethic that Dudley is alluding to, Booker’s game has been <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/3-ways-devin-booker-is-exactly-like-kobe-bryant/">frequently compared</a> to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, especially during the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals. However, Booker — a mentee of Kobe’s — <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-devin-booker-sounds-off-kobe-bryant-comparisons/">rejected that notion</a> during a spot on ESPN’s “The Jump.”</p><blockquote>“I know it’s something that everybody has going on right now. I didn’t make that comparison myself. I’ll just leave it at what he’s done for me as a mentor and the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-devin-booker-fulfills-kobes-challenge-with-legendary-record/">advice that he’s left me with</a>. I try to take bits and pieces of his mentality and approach. But I should never be compared to Kobe Bryant.”</blockquote><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I should never be compared to Kobe Bryant." </p><p>—Devin Booker <a href="https://t.co/hcXFSPLScm" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/hcXFSPLScm</a></p><p>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1417219186938548231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 19, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>In the same chat with Redick, Dudley broke down his singular value to the Lakers locker room, which, in his words, manifests in practice, the film room, and at the gambling table (“camaraderie”).</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">a crucial presence in the Lakers film room and at the gambling table, per Jared Dudley <a href="https://t.co/QYpg2l2kqw" target="_blank">https://t.co/QYpg2l2kqw</a></p><p>— michael corvo (@_michaelcorvo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1417233996686237699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 19, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Dudley, 36, is one of the 10 players who the Lakers have to decide on re-signing. Considering his lack of playing time and the Lakers’ <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-10-things-you-should-wonder-about-the-offseason/">tight cap situation</a>, they have to determine whether Dudley’s locker room contributions are worthy of an active roster spot (a la Udonis Haslem). The Lakers could retain Dudley in a non-player role — perhaps as a special assistant coach or front office consultant.</p><p>Dudley has developed tight relationships with LeBron James and Anthony Davis during his tenure in Los Angeles. When asked at exit interviews whether he planned to return to the Lakers, Dudley had a confident outlook: “<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heres-what-every-lakers-free-agent-said-about-the-future-after-exit-interviews/">1,000 percent</a>.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"1,000%. They need me like I need them. Come on, man."</p><p>Jared Dudley when asked if he'll be back and if the Lakers will have him.</p><p>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@_michaelcorvo_</a>) <a href="https://t.co/M2pcPhxG3C" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/M2pcPhxG3C</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1400922570745008132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">June 4, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns will have an opportunity to force Game 7 on Tuesday in Milwaukee.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lakers’ Jared Dudley goes off on true reason Suns’ Devin Booker is so good

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lakers-dennis-schroder-jared-dudley-andre-drummond-talen-horton-tucker-alex-caruso.jpeg"></figure><h1>Jared Dudley wants to free Alex Caruso and other Lakers free agent shenanigans</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-07-08T13:03:36-07:00">July 8th, 1:03pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-07-08T13:05:45-07:00">July 8th, 1:05pm</time><address><a>Michael Corvo</a>Los Angeles Lakers beat reporter and writer for ClutchPoints. Aspiring Shane Falco. NYC native, LA resident, USC grad. Tennis Fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>In general, things have been mostly quiet on the Los Angeles Lakers front since their season ended on June 3.</p><p>Undoubtedly, the news cycle will ramp up as the 2021 NBA Draft (the Lakers pick No. 22), free agency, and Summer League commence in a matter of weeks. The Lakers have about half a roster’s <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heres-what-every-lakers-free-agent-said-about-the-future-after-exit-interviews/">worth of free agents</a> and are sniffing the luxury tax before entertaining re-signing any of them. They <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-10-things-you-should-wonder-about-the-offseason/">need to find a way to improve</a> the shooting and athleticism (and health) around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.</p><p>It’s been low-key, but not silent in Lakers World. LeBron James has been particularly visible <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-reveals-greatest-thing-about-space-jam-a-new-legacy/">amid Space Jam: A New Legacy promotion</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lebron-james-confronts-announcer-for-claiming-bronny-gets-calls-because-of-him/">Sierra Canyon hoops</a>. Marc Gasol is readying for the Tokyo Olympics. Kyle Kuzma is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kuz/">living big</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-kyle-kuzma-makes-bold-claim-on-his-all-star-chances/">talking bigger</a>. On a completely different note, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-kentavious-caldwell-pope-armed-robbery-possibly-linked-to-la-crime-syndicate/">scarily accosted</a> by a possible crime syndicate. All these players are under contract for 2021-22.</p><p>Beyond the active roster, the Lakers are <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-la-makes-first-big-move-of-offseason-to-help-lebron-james-anthony-davis/">changing head trainers</a>. David Fizdale will <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/30/lakers-expected-to-hire-david-fizdale-to-replace-jason-kidd-on-coaching-staff/">reportedly</a> take Jason Kidd’s place on Frank Vogel’s staff. <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/26/report-aegs-philip-anschutz-to-sell-lakers-stake-to-dodgers-owners/">30 percent of the franchise was sold</a>. The Lakers are <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/the-lakers-worked-out-six-2021-nba-draft-prospects-who-are-they/">hosting draft prospects</a>. Magic Johnson is back <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/a-history-of-magic-johnsons-absurd-summer-yacht-vacations/">on a superyacht in Europe</a>. A Hollywood production mining Lakers IP is seemingly <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/netflix-orders-comedy-series-based-on-los-angeles-lakers/">announced</a> every few weeks.</p><p>But what about the Lakers impending free agents, who are weeks away from paydays and possibly career-altering decisions? Without speculating (yet), let’s simply round up what some of the Lakers’ key FAs have been getting up to.</p><h2><b>Andre Drummond</b></h2><p>Drummond was signed in March with an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/the-promise-that-secured-andre-drummond-signing-with-lakers-revealed/">over-the-table agreement</a> that he would immediately be ensconced as the starting center. He proceeded to start all 31 games he played in Los Angeles. That was, until Game 6 of the first round when he received a DNP with the season on the brink.</p><p>Drummond appeared peeved at his inconsistent playing time throughout the series. However, he held back on venting his frustration, besides a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-andre-drummond-posts-cryptic-tweet-before-game-6-vs-suns/">cryptic tweet</a> prior to Game 6. Evidently, he’s feeling a bit more open since then.</p><p>On Tuesday, Drummond seemed to throw shade at Vogel via IG comment, blaming the coach for his underwhelming production.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Free agent Andre Drummond seems to be taking a shot at Lakers coach Frank Vogel here <a href="https://t.co/uKLY9p8E2w" target="_blank">https://t.co/uKLY9p8E2w</a></p><p>— michael corvo (@_michaelcorvo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1412538817706397699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 6, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Drummond kept the social media trolling going.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">I got you bro🙏🏽😂 <a href="https://t.co/H6nJ3ZpwZd" target="_blank">https://t.co/H6nJ3ZpwZd</a></p><p>— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndreDrummond/status/1412559406294732802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 6, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">😂😂😂 I love the internet </p><p>Thank you for keeping me entertained this afternoon 🙏🏽😂</p><p>— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndreDrummond/status/1412562887466373124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 7, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p> </p><p>Drummond has also spent the week <a href="https://twitter.com/AndreDrummond/status/1412553884778725377">promoting</a> his decidedly Lakers-themed NFT, which includes an IRL fan experience next season.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andre Drummond’s Showtime NFT might be a tad awkward if he doesn’t re-sign with the Lakers <a href="https://t.co/6i4onQLjx0" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/6i4onQLjx0</a></p><p>— michael corvo (@_michaelcorvo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1412842506887237637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 7, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>At exit interviews, the 27-year cold indicated his desire to return, though <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1400929211687129088">quickly retreated</a> when pressed. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, Drummond’s onetime agent, spoke highly of his character and contributions, as did Vogel.</p><p>Drummond is seeking upwards of $15 million per season, though his up-and-down stint in L.A. may render that unobtainable. To remain a Laker, The Big Penguin would need to accept a Big Paycut, possibly a veteran’s minimum or exception. According to his IG comment last month, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-andre-drummonds-ig-response-hints-at-free-agency-contract-demands/">that doesn’t seem in the cards</a>. This should get interesting.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"LAKERS" still in the bio…for now <a href="https://t.co/COiCnkZ6lK" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/COiCnkZ6lK</a></p><p>— michael corvo (@_michaelcorvo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1412562066993565696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 7, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><h2><b>Talen Horton-Tucker</b></h2><p>THT, on the other hand, could be in line for a massive raise — possibly even a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-rumors-x-factor-in-la-trade-pursuit-of-blazers-damian-lillard/">back-loaded maximum contract</a>.</p><p>Smartly, the 20-year old (who is repped by Klutch) has been employing the classic <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-talen-horton-tuckers-offseason-move-could-2022-title-bid/">summer workout videos</a> PR strategy to boost his value.</p><p>In addition to clips of <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-talen-horton-tucker-posts-insane-workout-routine-ahead-of-big-payday/">straight gains</a>, THT posted a video showing him working on his jump shot — his most important area for improvement.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">THT working on his jumpshot with Lethal Shooter! <a href="https://twitter.com/Thortontucker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@Thortontucker</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/LethalShooter__?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@LethalShooter__</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0ZElvenZb" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/r0ZElvenZb</a></p><p>— Cancun LakersvsHaters (@LakersvHaters) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakersvHaters/status/1410087717304631298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">June 30, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Horton-Tucker also teamed up with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-talen-horton-tucker-teaming-up-with-j-cole-for-offseason-workouts/">former Rwanda Patriot role player J. Cole</a> and Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy for some offseason training.</p><h2><b>Dennis Schroder</b></h2><p>Schroder, per his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-dennis-schroder-makes-strong-statement-on-future-with-la/">consistent message</a>, wants to return to Los Angeles, make<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-rumors-dennis-schroders-eye-popping-asking-price-revealed/"> $100 million+</a>, and explore unrestricted free agency. It’s unclear how high the Lakers will come up, but they certainly would bring him back at the right price, rather than losing him for nothing (a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/can-lakers-put-3rd-star-around-lebron-james-and-anthony-davis/">sign-and-trade</a> is possible if he agreed to forego UFA).</p><p>On July 4, Schroder uploaded a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sewtDz74cGA&amp;t=7s">vlog</a> showing him (in Lakers gear) getting up shots at the Lakers practice facility and having a delightful mid-summer catch-up with Anthony Davis.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Schroder in the gym working 👀</p><p>Do you want to see Schroder back next year?</p><p>📽: <a href="https://twitter.com/LakersvHaters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@LakersvHaters</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakeshow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#Lakeshow</a> <a href="https://t.co/BuZlqKYEK6" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/BuZlqKYEK6</a></p><p>— SHOWTIMEFORUM (@showtime_forum) <a href="https://twitter.com/showtime_forum/status/1411778219032776704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 4, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">AD: "That baby about to come out"<br>Dennis: "Oh, for real? That's tuff." <a href="https://t.co/wvXRTIgIhe" target="_blank">https://t.co/wvXRTIgIhe</a></p><p>— michael corvo (@_michaelcorvo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1412187635917987840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 5, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>He also made news last week, when, after initially opting out of the Tokyo Olympics due to his pending free agency, he changed his mind<b>,</b> adding <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-dennis-schroder-may-take-bold-risk-ahead-of-much-hyped-free-agency/">last-minute complications</a> for the national team. (If he does join, it’ll be as an injury replacement.)</p><h2><b>Alex Caruso</b></h2><p>In June, Caruso — a UFA on the verge of his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-could-cause-lakers-to-splurge-on-alex-caruso-in-free-agency/">first lucrative NBA contract</a> — was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-alex-caruso-arrested-for-weed-possession-in-san-antonio-per-jail-records/">arrested</a> for having a grinder of weed in Texas, further endearing him to Lakers fans and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-hilarious-reaction-to-alex-carusos-arrest/">LeBron</a>. Fortunately, he seems to be <a href="https://twitter.com/Como_te_llamaz/status/1411057962869682176">doing just fine</a>:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="und">⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/ACFresh21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@ACFresh21</a>⁩ 😎☀️🛥 <a href="https://t.co/a0ZzjjQSqR" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/a0ZzjjQSqR</a></p><p>— michael corvo (@_michaelcorvo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_michaelcorvo_/status/1411030828080041986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 2, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p><b>Jared Dudley</b> — on a nice <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1408930708987469824">Eurotrip</a> himself — loved to see it.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤣 at Jared Dudley’s comment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeCaruso?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#FreeCaruso</a> <a href="https://t.co/qKOBQUpn3H" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/qKOBQUpn3H</a></p><p>— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) <a href="https://twitter.com/damanr/status/1412215383612813312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">July 6, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>The key takeaway from all of this? Enjoy your summer!</p><p>NBA free agency begins on August 2nd. See you there.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jared Dudley wants to free Alex Caruso and other Lakers free agent shenanigans

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Jared Dudley

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2020 NBA Champ

2019-20 NBA Champ

Charlotte Hornets

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https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1417684461697658880/

https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1416484899565957120/

Best Pizza in LA??? I’m close Venice right now!

https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1414004773553164296/

Want to thank everybody for I’ll the bday wishes!!! This has been one of the best years of my life! From pandemic to NBA champion with the lakers! I’ll I wanted as a kid was make it to the nba! I made it! 

https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1411075409119154181/

https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1410721474705506312/

https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1409993782943129602/

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Overseas Tour starts now 👀 Mykonos! Belgrade! Romania! Nothing better in the World then traveling...

https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1407798396807569409/

Looking to add another country on my European Tour vacation next week ... Any suggestions? What countries are fully opened ???

2020-21 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
0.5	1.8	0.4	0.1	0.1

2020-21 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
0.5	1.8	0.4	0.1	0.1

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