MVP
Colin Lopez – I gave my first half MVP to Pau, but since then he’s missed a lot of games. Jodie Meeks had the best season and also played more games than anyone besides Wesley Johnson. Meeks will finish the season with 17 more games played than Pau and brought it on the defensive end much more consistently. This career year for Jodie couldn’t have come at a better time for him with his contract set to expire.
Blair Hicks – There can be no MVP of a team that loses nearly 60 games. If you have to pull my arm, I’ll go with Kendall Marshall. Outside of Jeremy Lin, Marshall had probably the best season of any mid year D-League call up ever. Jodie Meeks put up solid numbers all season, but I think they are inflated by style of play and large chunks of garbage time throughout the season. Marshall for a time, dictated winning and losing with his play-making and somewhat took the sting out of a disastrous year of injuries for Lakers point guards.
Apr 14, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) reacts during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Lakers won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Booth – I’m going to cheat a little here and answer the 1st 3 all at once: NICK YOUNG. His first year with the Lakers, he was tops in scoring for most of the year and provided a big spark off the bench. He engaged the fans, was active in social media, and really made a conscious effort to make the most out of his time in LA and win over the city. He even went so far as to say he would consider taking a pay cut to remain with the Lakers next season. He was definitely given the green light to shoot, some nights by the coaching staff, some nights by his team-mates, some nights by himself. Fans, including myself, enjoyed his aggressiveness and care-free attitude when it came to putting up numbers, reminding some of us of a young Kobe Bryant. Young also scored a season-high 41 points in a (regrettable?) win towards the end of the season vs. Utah, which was just short of his previous career-high with the Washington Wizards. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Nick Young in the purple & gold.
Valerie Morales – Jordan Hill. He is the Lakers toughest player. He consistently provided the Lakers with presence in the post giving the three point shooters open looks. He is not the most athletic around the rim as far as jumping out the building but he is tough and physical and despite being disregarded by Mike D’Antoni he understood this year was about career building.
Harry Burden – Only one man this year was able to provide buckets, laughs and pride all in one, joyful little package, Nick Young. His spirit, energy and enthusiasm provided a worthy distraction from the nightly disasters on court and although we may not see him return next year, the enigma will always hold a small spot in my heart.
Jacob Rude – It’s hard to single out the best player on this team, not because they finished with such a poor record, but because there was no one person that shined brighter than the rest. I consider my vote a nod for consistency as I select Jodie Meeks. Meeks played nearly the most games of the season, was the most consistent Laker, and took pride in wearing the purple and gold.