Juan Toscano Anderson I wore a lot of hats for the Warriors Last season, he was active as a main player even off the bench from the starting lineup.
from Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers With free agency this offseason, he’s looking forward to carving out a new identity.
At Monday’s Lakers Media Day, Toscano-Anderson was asked if he thinks Los Angeles offers more opportunities to showcase his skill set. his answer said a lot Not just about the Warriors culture he left behind, but about former teammate Klay Thompson.
“I’d like to take that question lightly because I don’t think Golden State has hindered me,” Toscano-Anderson began. “The difference is [Los Angeles] Golden State is that there are a lot of new faces here. More or less, most of the entire roster is new, so we’re all trying to figure it out and figure out where they fit in.
“The thing about Golden State is that Klay Thompson will be there 10 years.
Toscano-Anderson averaged 13.6 minutes per game with the Warriors last season after averaging 20.9 minutes in the reduced COVID season in 2020-21. Still, he appeared in 89% of his games in the Warriors’ 82 regular season games last season, compared to 73% the previous season.
Given Toscano-Anderson’s position on the wing for the 2021-22 season, Thompson’s return to the court on January 9 after an injury victory leaves one less hole for the reserves to fill.
But Toscano-Anderson understands the magnitude of Thompson’s impact on the court and the vital role the Warriors’ overall core plays.
“There are longevity players out there. There’s a culture there and I think that’s what makes the difference,” said Toscano-Anderson. “So no matter how well I played or not, when Klay Thompson came back we all knew what the deal was going to be. And that’s what it is.
Ultimately, both players contributed to the team’s fourth NBA championship in eight seasons.
“That’s the way the game is played,” continued Toscano-Anderson. “Sometimes you get into situations where things like that happen.
Toscano-Anderson averaged 4.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season while shooting 48.9% from the field and 32.2% from behind the 3-point line.
Now he’s trying to make an impact on the Lakers as one of several fresh faces, but this time Alongside stars like LeBron JamesRussell Westbrook, Anthony Davis.
“But like I said, moving forward here. New faces, new opportunities, uncharted parts from everyone trying to find a niche in this team,” Toscano-Anderson said. “We’re all starting from scratch, so I think that’s my advantage.”
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And while he’s no longer with the Warriors, it’s clear that Toscano-Anderson has the utmost respect for his old teammate Thompson.
“We all have the same opportunities as opposed to me competing against a guy who has been there for 10 years and is a three-time champion,” continued Toscano-Anderson. “I mean, I’m not going to win that fight. And it wasn’t a fight. Clay is Clay, he deserves the place.”
“So I don’t think we got in the way there. But looking at the composition of the roster this year, I think the Lakers have a little more chance.”
As Toscano Anderson Sees make your own name In the City of Angels, the former Golden State fan favorite can be sure Dub Nation will be rooting for him until the regular season begins.
