Digginbasketball (substack by Iztok Franko)

Digginbasketball on Substack. Basketball analysis by @iztok_franko
Lakers, Luka and other NBA analysis

[Digginbasketball (substack by Iztok Franko) @digginbasket]

Since I got my original @iztok_franko account back, I renamed/dedicated this one to Digginbasketball.

For all who followed me here thanks for your support!
Iztok

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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 ☕️👇
https://t.co/9KeimUmU7H

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/Fs84HH75kx

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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?👇
https://t.co/LR95HojOaZ

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/By4MbMRqBK

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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?
https://t.co/8Bhuj4zBJ8

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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!
https://t.co/JYqzlpUh4d

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

What started as a few first thoughts on Ziaire Williams turned into a full data deep dive on his defense, shooting profile, rim finishing, and fit with the Lakers.

Plus: Reaves discount, updated rotation chart, and why the Lakers may not be finished yet👇
https://t.co/LqkUGo4sRo

[Digginbasketball (substack by Iztok Franko) @digginbasket]

@LukaUpdates @Shorty_5inches This was something I heard from couple of NBA people close to situation. Not necessarily Luka's cirlce.

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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 team has me dreaming a little.
https://t.co/UPvQC9zfmG

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/4wjgrlTwqr

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/Mvs6qzXjEJ

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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.
https://t.co/5f4NyVUg9H

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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.
https://t.co/9F3QDNOBK9

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/oYgedzgJ0m

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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.
https://t.co/uemEExdw0D

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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?
https://t.co/WOJHKKuVjf

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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 ⬇️
https://t.co/fEnanEwcTb

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/ko8aY2Xrhw

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

What started as me picking @CanyonDriver 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👇
https://t.co/nYi2Rsiw6j

[Iztok Franko @iztok_franko]

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👇
https://t.co/SYh7cUgcyR