Jan 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard
C.J. McCollum(3) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Tarik Black (28) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
8. Tarik Black
Picking up Tarik Black was probably the smartest thing the Lakers front office has done in quite some time. A huge upgrade from Robert Sacre, Black has shown a great motor, posting the highest offensive rebound percentage on the team. Black’s stats of 7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds won’t turn heads, but his effort and impact on the game goes to an advanced statistical level. Black’s average win shares per 48 minutes of 1.68 is the highest on the team (1.00 is the league average). Black’s 66.7% field goal percentage is by far the best on the team, and would place him at third in the league if he qualified (Players must be on pace for 300 field goals per ESPN). Black also leads the team in Player Efficiency Rating, of 19.8.
Black’s 6’11”, 257 pound frame makes him a much more physical presence than Ed Davis and Carlos Boozer. Black is not very athletic, only recording three total blocks since joining the Lakers, but makes up for it with his constant energy. His best game came against Orlando, putting up 14 points on 4-4 from the field and 6-7 from the line, and 9 rebounds.
Had Black played the whole season, he would probably crack the top five on this list. Black suffered a sprained ankle in Monday’s game against the Suns, and did not play the next two games. Black is listed doubtful for Sunday’s game against his former team.
Next: 7. Jeremy Lin