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Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers: 5 players to watch

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Brandon Ingram (L) #14 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers react on the bench as the final seconds tick off the clock in their 108-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Brandon Ingram (L) #14 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers react on the bench as the final seconds tick off the clock in their 108-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers: 5 players to watch
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Matt Thomas #19 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the Semifinals of the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Matt Thomas

Coming into summer league, there weren’t many Lakers fans who knew who Matt Thomas was. Now, they are fully aware of who the former Iowa State sharpshooter is.

Thomas has been a revelation for the Lakers as summer League has worn on. He did not get much run in the early going, but he has found his way onto the court because of some injuries. With Brandon Ingram shut down and Josh Hart and P.J. Dozier injured, someone needed to step up. Thomas had his number called and he has responded in a big way.

Thomas has shown off his outstanding three-point shooting. He has knocked down 52.2 percent of his shots from deep. He is 9-for-11 in his last two games, helping the Lakers knock off the Brooklyn Nets and Mavericks.

Thomas is playing a bit out of position at small forward with Vander Blue and Ball in the backcourt. It has not slowed him down, as he is making opponents pay when they do not rotate over to him in the corners and on the wing.

Thomas’ three-point shooting is his calling card. One more solid showing should land him an invite to Lakers training camp with a chance at a contract. Against the Blazers bigger lineup, it will be interesting to see if Thomas can get his shot off against bigger, longer players.

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