Expanding Roles, Quarter of the Season

Dec 17, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jodie Meeks (20) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies power forward Ed Davis (32) at FedExForum. Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-92 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Jodie Meeks took over initiating duties against the Grizzlies.  His ball-handling drills from last summer paid off massive dividends.  Ball-handling isn’t the easiest skill to learn in just one summer, but now he’s more aggressive attacking the basket off-the-dribble, taking a pull-up jumper off-the-dribble, and just comfortable enough to handle backcourt duties under light defensive pressure.  He doesn’t get the same looks behind the arc under Kobe Bryant as a point guard, but the timing is getting better.  His defensive energy is a constant, and more importantly, his skill level is rounding off nicely.  He isn’t just seen as a pure 3-point shooter.  Defenders will eventually space him on forays to the basket.