Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to watch during Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: 2018 NBA draft picks Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk pose for a photo during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: 2018 NBA draft picks Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk pose for a photo during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to watch during Summer League
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

No. 2: Malik Pope

The Lakers did well on the undrafted free agent market following the 2018 NBA Draft. One of the players that they added was California native, and San Diego State star, Malik Pope.

Pope had a good career with the Aztecs. He averaged 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.7 steals per game in his senior season. What makes him intriguing to teams in the NBA is his budding offensive talent and shot blocking.

Given the current landscape of the NBA, a floor stretching, rim-protecting big man is valuable. Pope could become that. He showed he can step out beyond the 3-point line, as he knocked down 38.2 percent in his collegiate career. Pope also blocked 0.9 shots per game despite playing only 21.9 minutes per game.

If Pope can continue working on his jump shot, he could carve out a role for himself on an NBA team. Could that team be the Lakers? Right now the frontcourt is in flux depending on what happens with Julius Randle. If he is not re-signed, the Lakers will need to find big man replacements. Pope could be an option if he performs well in the summer league.

Home/Lakers News