5 Reactions From The Lakers Weekend Performance

1. Xavier Henry has immense potential

Oct 6, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Xavier Henry (7) drives the lane during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

When the Lakers started bringing in the likes of Wesley Johnson and Xavier Henry, one would hope of a similar reclamation project to that of Earl Clark last year. Johnson failed to impress (so far), but Henry grabbed his moment by the horns and didn’t let it fly by. He lit up the Warriors for 29 points Saturday, but most impressively, he did it in an assortment of ways. He attacked the rim and finished, he got to the line, he hit threes, and he even made it rain from beyond half court. His 11 free throw attempts is most encouraging as he’s smart enough to know how to get to that line.

One night later, Henry proved it wasn’t a fluke as he added 15 more points. Despite waiting until the fourth quarter for most of his scoring, he did have 9 more free throw attempts and attempted just one three, another encouraging sign. After such a successful night, he didn’t settle for jumpers, but provided another feisty performance in attacking the paint and finishing with contact. With the Lakers short on small forwards, Henry has a great opportunity in front of him. He showed what he COULD become, but now he has to prove that is what he’ll become.