Feb 25, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts to dunking the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The Shoo-ins
Much like the process of making the USA Basketball Men’s National Team, some players are guaranteed a spot based on reputation alone. In this case, the Lakers projected starting line up is safe: D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Bryant, Julius Randle and Roy Hibbert.
Second Ballot
It’s safe to assume the Lakers wouldn’t trade or waive any of the players they either drafted in June or signed in free agency a month later. Larry Nance Jr., Brandon Bass and Lou Williams all qualify, and their addition to the projected roster brings the total of guarantees to eight.
Easy Picks
Looking at the Lakers roster, an area where the team could still improve is the small forward position, and the man formerly known as Ron Artest fits that criteria despite his age (35).
World Peace temporarily solves the problem of having an inexperienced rookie back up Bryant. Anthony Brown, the No. 34 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, deserves a spot, but the Lakers need some security at that position. World Peace would also provide Randle with a much needed mentor who can instill some toughness.
Additionally, Huertas proved his worth overseas with FC Barcelona and is a true point guard who draws warranted comparisons to Minnesota Timberwolves playmaker Ricky Rubio.
| Season | Age | Club | League | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2P% | FTA | FT% | ORB | TRB | AST | STL | TOV | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-13 | 29 | Barcelona Regal | Liga ACB | 34 | 740 | 12.0 | .433 | 4.9 | .410 | .449 | 3.0 | .871 | 0.6 | 3.8 | 6.1 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 15.0 |
| 2013-14 | 30 | FC Barcelona | Liga ACB | 33 | 715 | 11.2 | .486 | 4.3 | .360 | .566 | 1.7 | .971 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 7.2 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 14.1 |
| 2014-15 | 31 | FC Barcelona | Liga ACB | 34 | 741 | 10.3 | .479 | 4.4 | .333 | .585 | 1.5 | .871 | 0.9 | 3.6 | 7.5 | 1.1 | 3.3 | 12.7 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/11/2015.
Huertas will share the same type of relationship with Russell that Steve Nash and Clarkson developed as last season progressed. Huertas’ impact on Russell’s overall game will be more meaningful than anything Bryant could offer.
Russell and Huertas are not supreme athletes, but they can be wizards with the ball. They have the confidence to squeeze tight passes into gaps where others would not. The Huertas signing was a great move by the Lakers front office and will certainly help more than “Huer-tas.”
Next: The Tough Decisions