Jodie Meeks: “I want to stay a Laker next year”
By Jacob Rude
Apr 2, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jodie Meeks (20) scores a layup against Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
While being the most valuable player on a lottery team is nothing to brag about, Jodie Meeks has been just that this season. One of the few players not to be bitten to harshly bitten by the injury bug, Meeks has played in 70 of the team’s 75 games and is leads the team in points, steals, and his shooting a very respectable 39.8% from downtown.
But like nearly every other Laker, his future in Los Angeles is uncertain. With his contract expiring in June and a pay rise imminent, Meeks may be playing his last few games in purple and gold. However, if he has anything to say about it, he’ll be back next year.
Jodie Meeks said he wants to stay a Laker next year but it's a business & they have to see what happens w/ the draft and other free agents
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 3, 2014
Meeks has been the Lakers best player this year and had arguably the best individual game when he dropped 42 points on the Thunder in March. Interestingly, Meeks has only scored in single digits 10 times this season, with one of those being the game he turned his ankle, playing just under 90 seconds in that game.
His overall improvement in nearly every facet of the game will give him quite the pay raise from $1.5 million he made this year. Still, if the price is right, would you like to see Meeks back next year?