Jan 27, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre (50) dribbles on the baseline as he is guarded by Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) during first quarter action at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Sacre
Let’s not lie to ourselves, center Robert Sacre is, at best, the 12th man on the bench. Which is why it makes perfect sense for him to be getting big minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers during this unique time in Lakers history. With Jordan Hill out with a hip injury for a little awhile, now is the time for Sacre to take this team and drive it further downward in the loss column.
Sacre works hard and he genuinely does his best whenever he is on the court. Unfortunately for him, that does not mean much against some of the best athletes in the world.
Since taking over the starting spot in the Lakers lineup on January 23, Sacre has averaged 6.5 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting. His hard work is evident in the 7.3 rebounds a game that he has grabbed in that span of time, so he at least provides some hope that his hard work will eventually lead to stronger production. However, the safe bet would be that he does not improve enough to become A.C. Green, or even Sean Rooks.
Moving forward, the Lakers should give Sacre the ball more in situations where he can try to score. If he continues to shoot at the same clip for the rest of the season, you have a nearly guaranteed top-five pick. If he somehow improves, you have a cheap, tradable piece next season and he is taking shots away from more competent shooters.
Next: The Wounded Gunslinger