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Los Angeles Lakers catching a break vs Cleveland Cavaliers

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Brandon Paul #18 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on July 10, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Brandon Paul #18 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on July 10, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are catching a major break against the Cleveland Cavaliers as Brandon Paul will not be playing after landing a guaranteed contract.

The Los Angeles Lakers had an impressive come from behind victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. That game was a play-in game for the Las Vegas Summer League Playoffs. With that victory, the Lakers advanced to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.

The Cavaliers have been one of the best teams in the Las Vegas Summer League. They earned the No. 2 spot in the playoffs, going 3-0 into the playoffs. A big part of their success has been the play of shooting guard, Brandon Paul.

Paul has been playing very well for the Cavaliers. He is averaging a team-high 14.3 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting. He has also chipped in 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.

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The 26-year old Paul carried over his success from the Orlando Summer League to Las Vegas. In Orlando, Paul played with the Dallas Mavericks and played just as well. In Orlando, Paul averaged 16.5 points on 47.2 percent shooting and 44.4 percent from deep. He also pulled down 5.5 rebounds, handed out 3.0 assists and recorded 1.3 steals per game.

Not surprisingly, the Mavericks also won the Orlando Summer League. But, Paul did not play in the Championship Game as he was on his way to Las Vegas. If the Cavaliers are going to win the Las Vegas Summer League, they will have to also do it without Paul.

Paul will not be playing tonight, or for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League. It is not because of injury, but because Paul has accomplished his goal of landing an NBA contract.

It was announced Thursday that Paul had agreed to a guaranteed contract with the San Antonio Spurs, ending his time at Summer League. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first reported the news about Paul’s guaranteed deal.

Paul played his college basketball at Illinois and spent last season playing in Turkey for Anadolu Efes. He spent two seasons with the Canton Charge in the NBA G-League in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Paul was with the Philadelphia 76ers in training camp last season as well before he went overseas to Turkey.

Paul lands in an excellent spot with the Spurs. There isn’t a better organization for grooming talent in the NBA. He will have to wait his turn for an opportunity, but Paul could quickly move up the depth chart depending on other moves the Spurs make.

Next: 3 Lakers To Watch For Against Cavaliers

To make room for Paul, the Spurs renounced the rights to restricted free agent, Jonathan Simmons. The Spurs are hoping to bring Simmons back, but he is garnering interest from multiple teams. The Spurs could also be without Manu Ginobili, who is considering retirement. If both players are not retained, Paul could find himself with a chance at playing time right away in San Antonio.

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