Ananth Pandian

Joined: Nov 21, 2012

Based out of sunny Portland, Oregon, Ananth writes about the NBA and sneakers on the internet. Follow him on Twitter: @Ananth_Pandian

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 08: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against George Hill #3 of the Sacramento Kings during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Jordan Clarkson wants to win Sixth Man but knows Lakers have to improve first

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 29: Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard’s Portland connection continues to grow through his basketball camp

Jan 24, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) walks onto the court during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Blazers rookie Caleb Swanigan’s incredible journey will continue in Portland

Dec 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Chicago 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Cavaliers need a backup plan if they fail to acquire Paul George or Jimmy Butler

Dec 20, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are really missing Matthew Dellavedova

May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown talked big and made progress against LeBron James

Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard D'Angelo Russell (1) in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Drafting Lonzo Ball to play with D’Angelo Russell will be a smart move by Lakers

May 9, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) and Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) battle for a loose ball during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

With Kawhi Leonard’s status in doubt, Spurs will need LaMarcus Aldridge to be elite in Game 6

Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Blazers 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Meyers Leonard and the battle for confidence

Apr 24, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (0) talk during a break in the action against the Golden State Warriors in the second half of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Blazers have optimism for future with Big 3 of Nurkic, Lillard and McCollum

Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors show they are a ‘championship team’ with a four-game sweep of the Blazers

Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors continue to be too much for Damian Lillard and the Blazers

Mar 23, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) and guard Damian Lillard (0) have some words with referee Dan Crawford (43) during the second half of the game against the New York Knicks at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 110-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

With Nurkic’s status uncertain, Blazers will need Noah Vonleh against Warriors

Jan 24, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) and head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Thibodeau still preaching discipline at the end of a disappointing Timberwolves’ season

Mar 21, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jason Terry (3) and Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd speak during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. The Bucks won the game 93-90.Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Coach on the floor: Jason Terry’s veteran leadership provides boost to Bucks’ playoff chase

Mar 20, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors dominate Thunder to sweep season series: 3 takeaways