Summer League Preview: Lakers vs Clippers

Following their second summer league game, we’re beginning to see the overall skill set of our Lakers roster. Those we thought had the best shot at making the team (looking at you, CDR) haven’t played up to expectations while others who we didn’t think had much of a chance (looking at you, Lazar Hayward) are making a name for themselves. Let’s take a look at who has the inside track to a possible Lakers roster spot when the season starts.

1. (tie) Michael Snaer, Marcus Landry – Right now, it’s very hard to distinguish between these two. Both players have a solid 3-point stroke, with both shooting 33% so far during summer league (Snaer: 2-6, Landry: 5-15). Their differences lie in Landry’s ability to drive and score while Snaer has better play-making abilities. Right now, it’s a toss-up at best, with both likely to get training camp invites short of injury at this point.

Jul 14, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Travis Hyman eyes the basket before scoring on a dunk over Portland Trailblazers guard Dexter Strickland during an NBA Summer League game at the Thomas and Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chris Douglas-Roberts – The leader coming into the Summer League games, it’s been well-publicized how disappointing CDR has been. He’s just 2-11 from the field, 0-6 from behind the arc, and has 12 total points in the two games combined. He’s not attacking the basket like he’s much more akin to doing. Instead, he’s looked completely disinterested and only on the rare occasion will he show his fantastic ability to get to the rim. He has one more regular season game and at least one playoff game to turn things around, but it’s looking more and more bleak.

3. Elias Harris – Coming in, Harris was a bit of an afterthought. He was an athletic hybrid forward, but there wasn’t much of a need for him on the Lakers. However, Harris has played himself into contention with his break-neck play style. He attacks the rim with tenacity and while he needs to work on finishing at the rim, he’s shown he can rebound and could be an energy guy off the bench.

While these aren’t the only Lakers to look good this summer, these are the most likely to get a spot on the roster. Lester Hudson is a perfect example of someone who is playing well, but there’s just no room for him with a slew of guards already on the Lakers. Lazar Hayward will have to show more consistency of zero points in game one, then 13 points in game 2.

For the Clippers tonight, the likes of Reggie Bullock, Samardo Samuels, and DaJuan Summers are going to battle the Lakers. This Clippers squad lost to the D-League Selects Sunday and beat the Atlanta Hawks Friday. The game will tip-off at 8 PM Eastern tonight.