Lakers’ First Half MVP

Jodie Meeks, SG – 14.4 PPG, 1.7 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 40.3% 3-point shooting, 13.8 PER

January 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jodie Meeks (20) moves the ball against the defense of Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Jodie was best know for his inability to finish on fast breaks. This season he has completely turned that around. He is a much more reliable all-around player. He isn’t just a spot up shooter, he can take people off the dribble and in the transition game. His 40.3%  shooting on threes is the high mark of his career. Unlike Gasol and Young, Meeks has brought it on the defensive end of the court as well. Although often shorter than those he’s guarding, Meeks is a tenacious defender with quick hands. Meeks may have played his way into the Lakers’ long term plans this season.

Jordan Hill, PF – 8.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 54.1% FG shooting, 18.56 PER

Feb 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill (27) shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Lakers defeated the Sixers 112-98. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Hill is posting his career high in minutes per game this season. That should be a good thing right? Did you realize that Hill is only playing 19.5 minutes per game this season? In 12 games this season when he has played at least 26 minutes, Hill is averaging 15.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 1.1 BPG with 62.7% shooting. It seems like the entire time Mike D’Antoni has been coach, fans have been clamoring for Hill to get more playing time. Although he probably would come in 4th out of these candidates, Hill deserves recognition and certainly some more playing time.