Iztok Franko
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Iztok Franko
@iztokfranko.bsky.social
digginbasketball.substack.com | Data 📈📊 & 🏀 | hoops junkie | enthusiastic R learner | windsurfer | follow for Luka Dončić, Lakers, Mavs and NBA analysis
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I wrote about what will be forever know as The Nico Harrison trade. The most stunning move ever made by an NBA executive. Maybe it proves to be genius. Or complete ignorance.

And a couple of words on digginbasketball and my next steps for all asking...
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/the-nico-h...
The Nico Harrison Trade
I don't know where to begin... but I'll try
digginbasketball.substack.com
A game with all the elements of another trap game, but one the Lakers should do everything possible not to turn into one.

Also a Cup game in a group where every team but the Lakers is in crisis mode.

Rotations, rankings, all the usual notes👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/llakers-pr...
Lakers Game Preview: Game 13 @ Pelicans
Second Cup game, second chance to make this road trip a positive.
digginbasketball.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Lakers–Thunder observations just dispatched!

Among other things I wrote about Lakers struggles with game processing speed on both ends 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-obs...
Lakers Game Observations: Game 12 @ Thunder
Got hit with a measuring stick.
digginbasketball.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I wrote about the aftermath of Nico Harrison's departure. My 2 cents on what’s next and the path towards healing.

digginbasketball.substack.com/p/aftermath-...
Ego is the Enemy: The Aftermath of Nico Harrison’s Departure
Where do the Dallas Mavericks go from here
digginbasketball.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Lakers surprised with their 7–3 start, and the 10-game mark means it’s time for my first deep dive into key storylines so far.

8 points, all backed by the data I’ve been tracking and parsing since the start of the season👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-10-...
November 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I almost never stop my play-by-play notes mid 3rd quarter…that’s how much of a stinker this one was.

Yes, it’s one game but it was bad enough to serve as a reference point. Just like the positive one in Portland.

Full notes with big picture lessons👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-obs...
Lakers Game Observations: Game 10 @ Hawks
Lakers no-show shows they’re not there yet.
digginbasketball.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM
New Lakers–Spurs observations just dispatched to mailboxes.

One of the highlights was Ayton adjusting to Wemby after an early rejection, doing his damage on offensive boxouts.

Full breakdown here 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/kers-obser...
Lakers Game Observations: Game 9 vs Spurs
The Lakers keep finding new ways to win
digginbasketball.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:53 PM
My Laker-Spurs, Luka vs Wemby matchup, preview was just dispatched!

Wemby, full Spurs rotation, how can the Lakers exploit Spurs paint defense and a reason why Luka Dončić might find some extra motivation for this one (hint it's not only Victor)👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-pre...
Lakers Game Preview: Game 9 vs Spurs
First time facing the 7'5" anomaly that is Victor Wembanyama
digginbasketball.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:48 PM
New Lakers–Blazers observations just dispatched to mailboxes.

Wrote about a culture-setting win,Nick Smith Jr., Ayton’s 29/10/3 revenge, finding space behind Blazers press, Bronny’s playmaking. And another Marcus Smart loose-ball dive that inspired Jake LaRavia to do the same👇
November 4, 2025 at 4:39 PM
New Lakers–Heat observations just dispatched to mailboxes.
I wrote how Jake LaRavia keeps proving that running, cutting, and constant motion are skills...intuition, feel and a motor that never stops.
November 3, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Lakers–Grizzlies observations dispatched to mailboxes. Link and quick notes in the first comment.

Among many positives & improving vibes I wrote about this play by Marcus Smart that changed the game and set the bar for the Lakers’ effort after JJ challenged them at halftime👇
November 1, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Lakers-Grizzlies preview dispatched to inboxes.

First game of the NBA Cup. Grizzlies rotation chart, offense/defense rankings & overview, plus other key info for tonight's matchup...all here 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-pre...
Lakers Game Preview: Game 6 @ Grizzlies [Game of the Week]
First game of the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 tips off tonight.
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:36 PM
What I love about writing on my own platform is turning a hard-to-digest game notes into a NBA trend watch.

Early-season lessons from Blazers engulfing teams with ball pressure.Plus how Lakers & Mavs are faring in the NBA’s rising on-ball pressure era👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/ball-press...
Early Season Signals: The Trend of Ball Pressure Continues
Observations from Lakers–Blazers, Mavericks, and other games
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Reposted by Iztok Franko
As always, great game recap from Iztok.

The interjection of Vando and Smart at the end of the half was the injection of grit the Lakers needed, where the team finished on a 10-2 run and indeed had a massive imprint on the outcome.
October 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Impressive Lakers win with a lot of heroes. Full deep-dive here👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-obs...
Lakers Game Observations: Game 2 vs Timberwolves
Lakers get their revenge, beat the Timberwolves with both individual and team brilliance
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Listening to Steve Nash and @zachlowenba.bsky.social
talk about Deandre Ayton on the latest Lowe Post made the timing for this perfect.
My latest deep-dive on one of NBA’s biggest enigmas. And how it could actually work out for the Lakers.
Free read 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lebron-inj...
With LeBron Sidelined, It’s Deandre Ayton’s Turn to Do More
Building a case for why it might actually work — with one almost unbelievable stat to back it up.
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:16 PM
My preseason notebook: a few thoughts on the Lakers rotation, the gaps that remain, AD’s struggles, and signs of Cooper Flagg’s promising off-the-bounce game 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/preseason-...
Preseason Notebook
Lakers rotation, Reaves, Ayton, Vando, and more… plus notes on AD, Cooper Flagg, and the Mavs.
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Without LeBron, the Lakers’ season might start with some easier decisions, more Luka ball, more Ayton touches, and a Reaves prove-it stretch.

I wrote about past blueprint(s) & reason for short-term optimism. But also the long-term questions looming👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lebron-jam...
What LeBron James’ Injury Means for the Lakers
A recipe for survival built on encouraging lineup data, lessons from Luka’s past when carrying an extended workload, and how James’ absence will reshape the Lakers’ rotations.
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Early Lakers preseason notes, first look at Ayton, Vanderbilt, LaRavia and more… plus a free bonus for ALL readers. The full NBA Trends series is unlocked for everyone👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-pre...
First Preseason Impressions and a Thank You Bonus for All Subscribers
Lakers lost again in preseason but there were positives, and tonight we finally see AD and Cooper Flagg together.
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:04 PM
JJ Redick wants more on-ball pressure...and he’s right. The Lakers ranked bottom 3 in several ball-pressure metrics last season.

I did a deep dive into three wild cards who could change their perimeter defense next season 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/lakers-per...
Can the Lakers Build a More Aggressive Perimeter Defense? Three Arguments For, One Against
Why the Lakers’ new defensive identity depends on three wild cards.
digginbasketball.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Fresh Luka. Invested LeBron. “Championship shape.” Kyrie’s timeline controversy. Lively’s growth spurt excitement (and concern). Could AD’s goggles impact his shooting?

More from Lakers & Mavs Media Day 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/media-day-...
Media Day Highlights: Luka, LeBron, the Lakers, and eyebrow-raising news from Dallas
Plenty from the Lakers’ Media Day, refreshed Luka, and a few surprises in Dallas.
digginbasketball.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Key takeaways from Lakers 2025-26 season-opening press conference

▪️ What optionality means for roster, long and short term
▪️ Luka’s (new) routine
▪️ Redick’s extension + coaching insights
▪️ Notes on LeBron, Reaves, Ayton, LaRavia, Smart & more here👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/pelinka-re...
Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick 2025-26 Season Opening Press Conference: Key Takeaways
From Luka’s routine to Redick’s extension, optionality, and sharing the ball
digginbasketball.substack.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM
“If healthy”...the phrase that follows Anthony Davis everywhere. The Mavs traded for AD knowing it was a gamble.

I dug into 30+ years of data to see if AD can beat history. And found a sliver of optimism 👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/anthony-da...
Anthony Davis at 32: Can He Still Be a Top-10 Player?
Based on 30+ years of data and historical comps, the odds are against AD — though his unique profile and a few key comparisons leave room for optimism.
digginbasketball.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 12:13 PM
A couple weeks ago a follower challenged me to quantify my take that P.J. Washington is a better all-around player than Rui Hachimura. With the latest Andrew Wiggins-to-Lakers rumors, I added him to the comparison for extra fun.
🚨New deep-dive here👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/hachimura-...
Rui Hachimura, P.J. Washington, Andrew Wiggins: Deep Dives
Who’s the best among past, present, and potential future Luka running mates—their strengths, weaknesses, and fit
digginbasketball.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Slovenia lost a competitive thriller vs favored Germany in the EuroBasket quarterfinals.

For digginbasketball I wrote about The Game. The Tournament. The Lessons. And what they mean for Luka, the Lakers, and the 2025-26 NBA season ahead.
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/eurobasket...
EuroBasket Chronicles: End of the Road for Luka and Slovenia
Lessons from Slovenia’s run, and what might translate to the Lakers and the NBA
digginbasketball.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Luka Dončić went off for 42 vs Italy in a do-or-die game.

A 30-point first half that felt like a throwback to his two NBA Game 7s vs the Clippers & Suns. Slovenia survives, Germany up next.

More here👇
digginbasketball.substack.com/p/eurobasket...
EuroBasket Chronicles: Another Luka Masterpiece on the FIBA Stage
Dončić carried Slovenia past Italy in an elimination game, setting up a clash with the final favorite, Germany
digginbasketball.substack.com
September 8, 2025 at 10:37 AM