Age: 21

NBA Experience: 1 Year

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Contract Status: Free Agent

2011-12 Averages: 2.4 ppg, 1.1 apg, 8.9 mpg, 42% FG, 66% FT, 44% 3PT

We didn’t see much of Darius Morris during his first lap around the NBA. The L.A. native arrived as a second round pick out of Michigan and many felt he needed another year of seasoning in the NCAA. But that ship has sailed. Morris is now a paid professional learning the point guard position on a team void of any high quality point guards.

While his PT was limited as Morris played in just 19 games bouncing to and from the D-League one thing we do know is that he isn’t at all shy about his shot. In his first and only preseason action Morris put on a show jacking up shots, getting out in transition and attacking the rim. For a team needing all those qualities you’d think Morris would find more run for the Lake Show.

Of course like all rookie point guards consistency and steady decision making are something that comes and goes. So for the most part Morris was buried on Mike Brown’s bench seeing limited action in inconsequential games.

For whatever reason Morris chose to sign a one year deal that allowed the Lakers to make him a qualifying offer. That means there’s not even a team option. To say the least his future in purple and gold is up in the air. On the plus side he’s got great size for a combo guard, is an asset in transition and can help take up the slack in defending perimeter players. The problem is if Ramon Sessions comes back and Andrew Goudelock is retained then Morris will be back in the same battle for minutes and a role. But that’s the life of a second round pick. Everyday is just another chance to prove your worth.

Feb 06, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Andrew Goudelock (0) shoots over the defense of Philadelphia 76ers guard Louis Williams (23) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Lakers 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Age: 23

NBA Experience: 1Year

Contract Status: Team option for 2012-13

2011-12 Averages: 4.3 ppg, 10.5 mpg, 39% FG, 91% FT, 37% 3PT

If Mike Brown could have committed to a more consistent rotation then Andrew Goudelock might have got some love for being a draft steal. The second round pick out of College of Charleston played with a level of confidence that had Kobe Bryant calling G-Lock the “Mini Mamba”.

Goudelock arrived in L.A. with the reputation of being a shooter but he also showed the ability to hit a smooth Tony Parker-esque runner.

But it wasn’t just Goudelock’s scoring mentality that impressed he also looked more comfortable than expected playing point guard. Now let’s not kid ourselves. Goudelock will never be a starting lead guard in the NBA but his ball handling and decision making proved steady enough to earn more burn than what he got.

At one point in the season Goudelock was actually L.A.’s best scoring threat off the bench putting together a string of double-digit efforts. Like all rookies he struggled with consistency. He also found himself as the forgotten man after being pushed completely out of the rotation once Ramon Sessions arrived.

The Lakers hold a team option for Goudelock’s contract which you would expect to be exercised. Goudelock showed enough promise that he should get a shot at competing for more minutes next season especially now that the future of the Lakers’ point guard position is so up in the air.  He’s not going to be a starter but if his ability to run the offense improves enough then Goudelock could eat up some of Steve Blake’s minutes.