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Los Angeles Lakers: Four players with something to prove in Las Vegas Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball sits down after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball sits down after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Four players with something to prove in Las Vegas Summer League
GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 01: PJ Dozier #15 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots against Przemek Karnowski #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

P.J. Dozier

Dozier left South Carolina after his sophomore season. He was a big reason for the Gamecocks making an improbable run to the Final Four in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. He was hoping to ride that momentum into the NBA Draft, but he was not selected.

Dozier has a lot to like. His length and athleticism are definitely pluses. He has the ability to play point guard, where he could be a matchup nightmare as he stands 6-feet-7 inches tall. That is elite size for a point guard, as he sees the court well and is a capable playmaker.

Where Dozier performs best is on defense. He has a 6-feet-11 inch wingspan, giving him the ability to defend three positions well. That kind of versatility is something the Lakers could desperately need. They struggle defensively and that, right now, is Dozier’s strength.

Where Dozier struggles is on offense. He can score from multiple areas on the court, but it is not efficient. He shot only 39.8 percent from the field his two seasons at South Carolina. It was an unsightly 27.7 percent from deep that really dragged him down, as he attempted 2.7 three-pointers per game.

If Dozier is going to get an invite to Lakers camp and have a chance to make the team, he will have to show an improvement in his jump shot. The Lakers already have a defensive-minded player that can’t shoot in David Nwaba. If Dozier can improve like he did in his sophomore season from his freshman season, he has a solid chance of making the Lakers roster.

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