In the last week of preseason action, the Los Angeles Lakers did their best to go out with a bang. Despite their ongoing war with injuries, the guys in Purple and Gold were constantly in the news.
From highlight plays to Rookie Power Rankings, the Lakers did not disappoint. Here are some of the best Lakers moments of the week.
D’Angelo Russell and Marcelo Huertas Grace CBS: Rookie Power Ranking
Coming into the season, it was expected that D’Angelo Russell would pan out and become a stud, but little was known about Brazillian baller Marcelo Huertas.
Three games into his NBA tenure, Huertas has already impressed fans and scouts alike, ranking eighth in CBS: Rookie Power Ranking. This places him above likes of lottery picks Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Kaminsky.
With sophomore sensation Jordan Clarkson in mind, the Lakers are proving that you don’t need to be picked in the first round to become an impact player in the NBA. It’s early, but it looks like the Lakers have found another diamond in the rough in the form of Marcelo Huertas.
Ryan Kelly Dunk Fest
After being deemed Public Enemy Number Two, with Robert Sacre of course being Number One, in regards to who should be cut, Ryan Kelly decided that enough was enough. This past week, Kelly completely changed his fortunes, capping off his great week with a pair of impressive poster dunks.
Averaging 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds on nearly 50% shooting in just 16 minutes of play, he quickly went from a player on the roster bubble, to a player who could actually work his way into Byron Scott‘s confusing rotation.
Though Kelly still has a ways to go, his improvement this past week is an encouraging sign.
Larry Nance Jr. Continues to Impress
After his highlight dunk against the Golden State Warriors last weekend, rookie forward Larry Nance Jr. has quickly become a fan favorite. Having already locked up a roster spot, Nance Jr. did not play excessively this week but that did not stop him from bolstering his popularity with the fans.
At the end of yesterday’s practice, the Lakers shared this video of Nance Jr. flushing home a windmill slam with ease. If he wasn’t already on the radar for early Dunk Contest favorite, consider this his informal notice.
Who knows? Shannon Brown was a great in game dunker who failed to impress at the Dunk Contest, so the same could end up happening to Nance Jr. but, man can he fly.
What were some of your favorite moments from this past week? Let us know in the comments below!
Next: What Role Will the Lakers Give D'Angelo Russell This Season?
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