Iztok Franko
@iztokfranko.bsky.social
digginbasketball.substack.com | Data 📈📊 & 🏀 | hoops junkie | enthusiastic R learner | windsurfer | follow for Luka Dončić, Lakers, Mavs and NBA analysis
Among other things I also wrote about Jaxson Hayes as the unsung hero...playing a key role at Lakers collectively stopping Zubac.
And as a playmaker in 4-on-3 in the 4th quarter👇
And as a playmaker in 4-on-3 in the 4th quarter👇
November 26, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Among other things I also wrote about Jaxson Hayes as the unsung hero...playing a key role at Lakers collectively stopping Zubac.
And as a playmaker in 4-on-3 in the 4th quarter👇
And as a playmaker in 4-on-3 in the 4th quarter👇
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-...
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
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-...
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-...
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👇
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–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👇
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👇
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.
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
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.
I wrote how Jake LaRavia keeps proving that running, cutting, and constant motion are skills...intuition, feel and a motor that never stops.
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👇
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 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👇
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👇
The look on Luka’s new teammates when he is making horse shots in the middle of the game
March 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
The look on Luka’s new teammates when he is making horse shots in the middle of the game
Yesterday I did a deep-dive titled The Luka Effect: The Inevitable Transformation of the Lakers' Offense...wrote in detail about Lakers playing tons of 4-on-3 basketball.
Here is the updated chart with last night's data
Here is the updated chart with last night's data
March 20, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Yesterday I did a deep-dive titled The Luka Effect: The Inevitable Transformation of the Lakers' Offense...wrote in detail about Lakers playing tons of 4-on-3 basketball.
Here is the updated chart with last night's data
Here is the updated chart with last night's data
With no Jokić, no Murray the Nuggets started with wing heavy, switch D vs Luka with Braun, Gordon, Watson, MPJ to make it harder for him to score.
Luka scoring on drives in ISOs vs most early + making his step-back 3 forced Malone to send doubles & traps after just 4 minutes.
Luka scoring on drives in ISOs vs most early + making his step-back 3 forced Malone to send doubles & traps after just 4 minutes.
March 20, 2025 at 1:39 PM
With no Jokić, no Murray the Nuggets started with wing heavy, switch D vs Luka with Braun, Gordon, Watson, MPJ to make it harder for him to score.
Luka scoring on drives in ISOs vs most early + making his step-back 3 forced Malone to send doubles & traps after just 4 minutes.
Luka scoring on drives in ISOs vs most early + making his step-back 3 forced Malone to send doubles & traps after just 4 minutes.
Luka talked about JJ Redick today...how his mind and how he sees basketball is amazing.
He specifically mentioned these two ATO plays and the lob they got out of their Horns Chin Rip Away action. Although I would say that his deliveries had something to do with it ;)
He specifically mentioned these two ATO plays and the lob they got out of their Horns Chin Rip Away action. Although I would say that his deliveries had something to do with it ;)
March 18, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Luka talked about JJ Redick today...how his mind and how he sees basketball is amazing.
He specifically mentioned these two ATO plays and the lob they got out of their Horns Chin Rip Away action. Although I would say that his deliveries had something to do with it ;)
He specifically mentioned these two ATO plays and the lob they got out of their Horns Chin Rip Away action. Although I would say that his deliveries had something to do with it ;)
So these 5 plays happened in last couple of games. Only 1, the first was called a foul...
March 12, 2025 at 9:09 AM
So these 5 plays happened in last couple of games. Only 1, the first was called a foul...
So, the Mavs won a game they probably should’ve lost. The Lakers lost a game they definitely should’ve won.
But at least I finally got the @deanolytics.bsky.social
book I’ve been waiting for since October...
But at least I finally got the @deanolytics.bsky.social
book I’ve been waiting for since October...
March 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
So, the Mavs won a game they probably should’ve lost. The Lakers lost a game they definitely should’ve won.
But at least I finally got the @deanolytics.bsky.social
book I’ve been waiting for since October...
But at least I finally got the @deanolytics.bsky.social
book I’ve been waiting for since October...
Nets will be without top scorer, top usage player Cam Thomas.
They lost 7 in a row. Nets are also the worst offense in the NBA since Jan 1st (DFS - DLo swap).
DLo, Cam Johnson are two remaining scoring/advantage creating options on offense.
They lost 7 in a row. Nets are also the worst offense in the NBA since Jan 1st (DFS - DLo swap).
DLo, Cam Johnson are two remaining scoring/advantage creating options on offense.
March 10, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Nets will be without top scorer, top usage player Cam Thomas.
They lost 7 in a row. Nets are also the worst offense in the NBA since Jan 1st (DFS - DLo swap).
DLo, Cam Johnson are two remaining scoring/advantage creating options on offense.
They lost 7 in a row. Nets are also the worst offense in the NBA since Jan 1st (DFS - DLo swap).
DLo, Cam Johnson are two remaining scoring/advantage creating options on offense.
Lakers-Nets tonight
I assume Luka (questionable) plays. No LeBron, Rui, Hayes, DFS. So down 3 starters, 1 key sub, and most of size. So, extended minutes for Vando, Knecth, Goodwin, Jamison and I guess Milton.
Lakers will have to play much smaller, but Nets not a big team.
I assume Luka (questionable) plays. No LeBron, Rui, Hayes, DFS. So down 3 starters, 1 key sub, and most of size. So, extended minutes for Vando, Knecth, Goodwin, Jamison and I guess Milton.
Lakers will have to play much smaller, but Nets not a big team.
March 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Lakers-Nets tonight
I assume Luka (questionable) plays. No LeBron, Rui, Hayes, DFS. So down 3 starters, 1 key sub, and most of size. So, extended minutes for Vando, Knecth, Goodwin, Jamison and I guess Milton.
Lakers will have to play much smaller, but Nets not a big team.
I assume Luka (questionable) plays. No LeBron, Rui, Hayes, DFS. So down 3 starters, 1 key sub, and most of size. So, extended minutes for Vando, Knecth, Goodwin, Jamison and I guess Milton.
Lakers will have to play much smaller, but Nets not a big team.
How any NBA executive could watch this game—or any of last year’s playoffs—and still believe a big man is more valuable than an elite ball-handler and playmaker defies all logic.
Best self-shot creators last 3 seasons. Luka, Brunson, LeBron, Reaves all played last night👇
Best self-shot creators last 3 seasons. Luka, Brunson, LeBron, Reaves all played last night👇
March 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
How any NBA executive could watch this game—or any of last year’s playoffs—and still believe a big man is more valuable than an elite ball-handler and playmaker defies all logic.
Best self-shot creators last 3 seasons. Luka, Brunson, LeBron, Reaves all played last night👇
Best self-shot creators last 3 seasons. Luka, Brunson, LeBron, Reaves all played last night👇
Kyrie was so awesome in Dallas because he was able to excel and thrive next to a high-usage/high-load player...pairing him with an injured Anthony Davis (who is at his best in a similar setup) in the middle of the season was incredibly bold bet.
March 4, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Kyrie was so awesome in Dallas because he was able to excel and thrive next to a high-usage/high-load player...pairing him with an injured Anthony Davis (who is at his best in a similar setup) in the middle of the season was incredibly bold bet.
Shared updated offensive and defensive ranking trends 📈in my Western Conference playoff race article today. What stands out?
February 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Shared updated offensive and defensive ranking trends 📈in my Western Conference playoff race article today. What stands out?
Amid everything going on, Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks keep fighting. I wrote about last night, the force and pride they played with, and the change I’ve been waiting to see.
Plus, a couple of thoughts on Luka's second game as a Laker. No paywall, free for all, link in the first comment👇
Plus, a couple of thoughts on Luka's second game as a Laker. No paywall, free for all, link in the first comment👇
February 13, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Amid everything going on, Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks keep fighting. I wrote about last night, the force and pride they played with, and the change I’ve been waiting to see.
Plus, a couple of thoughts on Luka's second game as a Laker. No paywall, free for all, link in the first comment👇
Plus, a couple of thoughts on Luka's second game as a Laker. No paywall, free for all, link in the first comment👇
Yesterday's J Kidd pregame talk made two things clear: 1-Kidd and Harrison were fully aligned on the Dončić trade. 2-Mavs are all-in on the two big strategy.
So, I went in detail on the Anthony Davis as PF. History, Lakers, Cavs, even Celtics comps. And Lively-AD long term fit👇
So, I went in detail on the Anthony Davis as PF. History, Lakers, Cavs, even Celtics comps. And Lively-AD long term fit👇
February 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Yesterday's J Kidd pregame talk made two things clear: 1-Kidd and Harrison were fully aligned on the Dončić trade. 2-Mavs are all-in on the two big strategy.
So, I went in detail on the Anthony Davis as PF. History, Lakers, Cavs, even Celtics comps. And Lively-AD long term fit👇
So, I went in detail on the Anthony Davis as PF. History, Lakers, Cavs, even Celtics comps. And Lively-AD long term fit👇
I wrote about this today on Substack, and last night's loss made it clear. Mavs need someone to take the load off Kyrie as a ballhandler. Hard to imagine Kyrie surviving a full playoff run getting beat up by Westbrook, Mann, Dort, and Jaylen Brown like Luka was last year...
February 5, 2025 at 2:53 PM
I wrote about this today on Substack, and last night's loss made it clear. Mavs need someone to take the load off Kyrie as a ballhandler. Hard to imagine Kyrie surviving a full playoff run getting beat up by Westbrook, Mann, Dort, and Jaylen Brown like Luka was last year...
What a loooooooong day yesterday... but amid all the chaos, turning a TV broadcast and two and a half hours of live coverage into a podcast-style trade analysis was actually fun.
February 3, 2025 at 9:03 AM
What a loooooooong day yesterday... but amid all the chaos, turning a TV broadcast and two and a half hours of live coverage into a podcast-style trade analysis was actually fun.
So Nico watched the first 2 games of the Finals and figured out Luka was THE problem...
February 2, 2025 at 5:07 PM
So Nico watched the first 2 games of the Finals and figured out Luka was THE problem...
NBA life moves fast...
February 2, 2025 at 3:09 PM
NBA life moves fast...
'We need to SLOW down'...was the key message at halftime.
Here's what happens right out of the half, early in 3rd quarter. You can find full video on the article link in the thread.
Here's what happens right out of the half, early in 3rd quarter. You can find full video on the article link in the thread.
February 1, 2025 at 1:20 PM
'We need to SLOW down'...was the key message at halftime.
Here's what happens right out of the half, early in 3rd quarter. You can find full video on the article link in the thread.
Here's what happens right out of the half, early in 3rd quarter. You can find full video on the article link in the thread.
A thread 🧵from my digginbasketball deep-dive into Mavericks turnover problems, growing pains with more freedom & democratised offense.
Last night Mavs started great, built 10 pts lead then committed 8 turnovers. Here's halftime coaching report saying they should slow down 👇
Last night Mavs started great, built 10 pts lead then committed 8 turnovers. Here's halftime coaching report saying they should slow down 👇
February 1, 2025 at 1:17 PM
A thread 🧵from my digginbasketball deep-dive into Mavericks turnover problems, growing pains with more freedom & democratised offense.
Last night Mavs started great, built 10 pts lead then committed 8 turnovers. Here's halftime coaching report saying they should slow down 👇
Last night Mavs started great, built 10 pts lead then committed 8 turnovers. Here's halftime coaching report saying they should slow down 👇
Another example of Kyrie's leadership and unselfishness...passes up an open 3 for an open shot for Jaden Hardy who has been struggling until this point missing previous two.
Hardy missed, but seen the confidence teammates shown in him...makes his next 2.
Hardy missed, but seen the confidence teammates shown in him...makes his next 2.
January 30, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Another example of Kyrie's leadership and unselfishness...passes up an open 3 for an open shot for Jaden Hardy who has been struggling until this point missing previous two.
Hardy missed, but seen the confidence teammates shown in him...makes his next 2.
Hardy missed, but seen the confidence teammates shown in him...makes his next 2.