Lakers Draft Prospects: Skal Labissiere Breakdown

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Nov 30, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyler Ulis (3) and forward Skal Labissiere (1) sit on the bench during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Mental Make-Up

There’s no question that the biggest concern regarding Labissiere as he makes the jump to the NBA is his lack of strength and his slight frame. However, something that’s been being discussed as of late is how he’s handled his lessening role in the Kentucky rotation. He’s not lashed out by any means or said anything out of turn. However, as John Calipari has tried to put his team in the best position to win by starting a frontcourt of Alex Poythress and Marcus Lee, Labissiere coming off of the bench has largely been ineffective.

Since being taken out of the starting lineup and, in turn, coming off of the bench for the Wildcats, Labissiere’s struggles have seemingly only increased. The big man’s high point total over the five-game stretch has been just nine points. Even worse, his combined numbers over those five games total just 19 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.

While that’s obviously partially due to the logistics of him not seeing the floor as much as he was early in the season, it does at least raise an eyebrow that his confidence might be severely shaken right now. With how ineffective he’s been against top-level competition this season that he simply can’t use his size to outmatch, it’s mildly understandable how that would be the case. Even still, that could be a potential concern moving forward and is something for the Lakers and other teams to keep an eye on going into the draft.

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