"Got dropped like a diss track from Kendrick Lamar": Mark Jackson hilariously trolls Reed Sheppard during Rockets vs Lakers
Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard had a hilarious roast coming his way in his debut game. Former NBA star Mark Jackson was calling the Summer League game between the LA Lakers and the Rockets and decided to throw in a 'They Not Like Us' reference. Sheppard went down during one of the plays, and Jackson was quick to ring in Kendrick Lamar's latest diss track.
With 7:34 to go in the first quarter and both teams tied at six points, Sheppard tried to defend Lakers' Tommy Kuhse but ended up dropping on the floor. That's when Jackson pulled up quite the line:
“Sheppard fell. Got dropped like a diss track from Kendrick Lamar."
Apart from the fun on the sidelines, Sheppard did more damage on the floor, as he led the Rockets to a 99-80 win. The guard propped up 23 points, four rebounds and five assists. He also added a steal and three blocks to his tally, showcasing his defensive skillsets. He found support from Cam Whitmore (20 points) and Nate Williams (19 points).
For the Lakers, Daniel Knecht led with a game-high 25 points, coupled with six rebounds and four assists. Bronny James had another quiet outing with eight points and five rebounds.
While it was the Lakers who had the early lead, Reed Sheppard and Whitmore changed the outcome once they hit their groove. Sheppard looked fluent and had no hesitation in pulling up for 3s as and when the opportunity presented itself.
Rockets Summer League coach heaps high praise on Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard's solid performance on his debut in the team's 2K25 Summer League schedule saw rich praise coming his way from coach Garrett Jackson. According to Sports Illustrated, Jackson praised his ability to read the game.
"He looked really confident and comfortable getting us into our sets," coach Garrett Jackson said. "He is a smart player. He is a great shooter. I thought he displayed that tonight. It looks like he was just playing and wasn't thinking — making the right reads."
Sheppard shot 9-17 from the field and 4-6 from downtown. He showed his offensive game in the third quarter as the Rockets outscored the LA Lakers 26-16, with 12 points coming from the rookie.
Up next, the Rockets play the Washington Wizards as the No. 3 Draft pick will go up against No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr as the Summer League gets underway.