Lakers: One Hardship Waiver Prospect, Brandon Paul
By Mike Garcia
A few days ago, the Lakers filed for the Hardship Waiver, which allows the team to extend their roster to 16 players total. Assuming the league grants the roster extension, the Lakers can look for a free agent, or even delve into the NBDL for a prospect.
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One prospect has stood out, and his name is Brandon Paul.
The LA Defenders have a strong roster already. Jamaal Franklin of San Diego State fame was a recent addition to the roster. Vander Blue has been racking up multiple triple doubles. Jabari Brown has been on a scoring rampage.
But it’s Brandon Paul that shows some NBA potential.
Draftexpress.com has him listed at 6.2.75″ without shoes but with a wingspan over 6’10”. Yet, he plays bigger than his size.
He isn’t simply a spot up shooter, but attacks the basket regularly and finishes strong at the hoop.
Outside of the statistics, Brandon Paul shows good quickness off-the-dribble, solid pick-and-roll play, athletic finishes at the rim, timely passing, and a very streaky three-point shot that has gained consistency as the season continued. His crossover at the beginning of the drive creates separation from the defender. Other defenders don’t bother to contest when he’s already at the rim.
Defensively, he has the wingspan of a small forward and good athleticism to defend multiple positions. The effort wanes a bit, but he clearly has the athletic tools to be a solid defender.
The Lakers have a solid two combo-guard front with Jeremy Lin and Jordan Clarkson sharing time together (at times) on the floor. The playmakers need athletic finishers. Wesley Johnson has looked disengaged at times on the floor. Nick Young has been out with injury. The Lakers are in a good position to bring in an athletic finisher at the shooting guard slot to spell Wayne Ellington.
Sometimes a team needs to give a chance to a late bloomer. Gerald Green once played for the Lakers Summer Pro League team. Hassan Whiteside worked out for the Lakers. Brandon Paul may be the guy the Lakers can’t afford to miss out on.