What if I told you the Lakers had a young, athletic (42 inch vertical) guard who can play some defense, and score the ball? Well, that’s what the Lakers have in Josh Selby. With a need from some defenders — they could possibly be the worst in the league this season — and some youth, Selby may be the perfect man for the Lakers.
The Lakers are in for an interesting, and quite possibly rough, season ahead. With the amnesty of Metta World Peace and Kobe possibly missing some time due to his torn Achilles, the Lakers are going to need some depth. Enter Josh Selby. Although Selby is only 6’2, he is a shooting guard, and the Lakers could use one, especially if Nick Young ends up getting playing time at the small forward.
Oct 17, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Josh Selby (2) shoots a three point shot against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Some of you may remember Josh Selby from last season. He was Co-MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League with none other than Damian Lillard. He averaged 27.4 minutes, 24.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals in five games. Summer League doesn’t mean a whole lot, but it shows that Selby has the potential to be able to play in the Association.
For someone who is only 21, Selby has bounced around a lot. He has been on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Maine Red Claws (D-League), the Reno Bighorns (D-League), and the Canton Charge (D-League). In his D-League career, Selby has averaged 17 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, while shooting 33 percent from three and 41.8 percent from the field.
Josh Selby will have to be very impressive to make the team, but it is possible considering the lack of depth the Lakers have. He has the potential to be an NBA player, he just hasn’t had a legitimate shot at it yet — he’s played in 38 games and averaged 7.8 minutes a game for his career. It will be interesting to see how Selby does with his opportunity this summer.