Lakers: Keepers from 2016-17 Season

Corey Brewer

Via ESPN:

"Early this season, Brewer, who was traded to the Lakers in late February, took a pass on the baseline, drove, spun, shook two defenders with a 360 and missed a point-blank shot at the rim. “Coach, I did my thing,” he told D’Antoni, “but then I got to the rim and just ran out of talent.” “Ran out of talent,” D’Antoni repeats. “Best line in the history of basketball.”"

Talent. That is not what L.A. needs from Brewer. They just ask for his defense.

It is not a case that when every player over 30 was shut down he was the only one to receive constant playing time.

Brewer was a breath of fresh air for Coach Walton. He arrived as a casualty of the trade deadline but the staff decided that it was worth taking a look at the veteran because of the defensive ability he is known for.

The 6’9″ forward met the expectations showing his usual commitment and representing an example to the young and less defense-oriented players.

Brewer still has one year at $7.6 million remaining on his contract and it would not be so bad to keep him instead of seeing him traded away. As I pointed out in a previous post, he needs to work on his 3-point shot to be a better fit in Walton’s system, but he will certainly prove a good influence for the young team.