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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) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to watch during Summer League
Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images /

No. 1: Moritz Wagner

The No. 1 player to keep an eye on in the summer league is the Lakers first round pick, Moritz Wagner. The Lakers selected Wagner with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He will have a lot of eyes on him in the summer league.

The only big man that the Lakers have added this offseason thus far is JaVale McGee. Wagner has a path to minutes available, but he has some developing to do. The summer league will provide him with the first opportunity to showcase that he has improved in certain areas.

Everyone knows that Wagner can score the basketball. He shoots with confidence from beyond the 3-point line and can score in the post as well. Wagner is a solid passer and playmaker, as he is the total package offensively. Defensively is where he needs to show improvement.

Wagner is slow footed, which causes some problems defensive. He doesn’t move well on the perimeter and is foul prone. Wagner won’t provide much rim protection, which could be a problem if he is the last line of defense. His rebounding is also a question mark. He improved in that area as a junior, by as a sophomore, he grabbed only 4.2 per game.

If Wagner can show improvement on the defensive end of the court, he could see minutes right away. His offensive game is impressive and is a solid replacement for Brook Lopez as a stretch-5. However, his rim protecting is nowhere near Lopez’s level, which could be an issue for Los Angeles.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft First Round Grades

The summer league will be important for Wagner. As a first-round pick, he will be expected to contribute right away. Offensive he should be able to do that. Defensively, at least right now, he leaves a lot to be desired.

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