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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Matt Thomas #19 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 115-106. 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) /

Undrafted Matt Thomas Draws Attention

The Los Angeles Lakers had a very strong 2017 NBA Draft class. Ball headlined it, but Kuzma, Hart, and second round pick Thomas Bryant all had their moments in Las Vegas. With that many drafted rookies and multiple returning players, the Lakers weren’t a Summer League team with much opportunities for undrafted players.

The undrafted player that garnered the most attention was South Carolina’s, P.J. Dozier. But, an ankle injury derailed him. The undrafted free agent that stood out was Iowa State’s, Matt Thomas.

Thomas played four years with the Cyclones and was their sharpshooter his final two seasons. That sharp shooting was on full display in Las Vegas. Thomas made an incredible 60.7 percent of his three-point attempts and 62.2 percent overall. He made 14-of-16 from deep in the final three games; there are players that don’t shoot that well from the free throw line.

Thomas three-point shooting ability is his calling card. When you can shoot that well, people are going to take notice. He should have no problem landing a spot on a G-League team. His three-point prowess is probably something the Lakers would like to keep in their pipeline.

Another impressive showing from Thomas was that he was not phased with playing out of position. With the injuries the Lakers shuffled, their lineups changed a lot. Thomas ended up as their starting small forward despite being 6-feet-4 inches tall. He competed defensively despite daily size disadvantages and lit it up from deep. This was an excellent showing for the undrafted rookie.

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