Los Angeles Lakers rookies currently have undefined roles

How will the Los Angeles Lakers rookies fit into the lineup this season?

With the addition of small forward LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team has entered into a win-now mindset. James’ signing has led to additional signings to round out the roster. However, James’ addition puts the Lakers in an interesting position with their incoming rookies.

With a roster filled with established talent and talented young players from recent drafts, how do the Lakers treat their new rookies? Is it more important for these rookies to contribute immediately or rather hone their skills in and develop, possibly with playing time in the G League?

The Lakers 2018 rookie class is headlined by 25th overall pick Moritz Wagner. Joining him with the Lakers are fellow rookies Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Isaac Bonga. These players prove to be promising pieces for the Lakers moving forward. If the Lakers recent success in past drafts has informed us of anything, it’s that solid players still emerge late in the draft.

This year’s rookies have just begun to showcase their skills with the Vegas Summer League underway. The Lakers have played two games so far, both resulting in wins. In those games, these rookies look like they may be able to contribute this season.

In two games, Mo Wagner is averaging 12 points, 11 boards and 1.5 assists. He’s shot a poor 32 percent from the field so far and 25 percent from deep in Vegas. Though, he has shown he can contribute in other ways even when he can’t find a way to score.

Despite going 4-for-15 from the field against the Bulls, Mo crashed the glass hard to record 14 boards. He is also providing energy and effort defensively, which was considered a weakness for him.

For Mykhailiuk or “Svi” as many call him, he is averaging 16 points, two assists and 5.5 boards through two games. He’s impressed may with his touch from distance, proving he can add immediate value.

He’s shot 52 percent from the field while also connecting on 43 percent of his shots from deep. If he can continue his hot shooting, he may earn time in the rotation this year.

Only Summer League, but Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk both looked good in first half vs. Kings. #Analysis
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 3, 2018

The talent these rookies have is undeniable. Though, their role for this upcoming season is hard to predict. The roster is already full of veterans and already established players. Carving out playing time for Mo and Svi is definitely not the biggest concern for coach Luke Walton.

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Players like JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are already slotted ahead of these rookies. Unlike this year’s rookies, the aforementioned players have proven themselves. In the case of Stephenson and McGee, they have playoff experience, something that’s valuable for the Lakers to end their playoff drought this coming year.

With all this talent creating few opportunities for minutes, it is important that the Lakers focus on developing their rookies with playing time in the G League. There will certainly be stretches of games where Mo and Svi receive DNP – Coach’s Decision.

In order to not be stale, they need to spend time playing with the South Bay Lakers. This will certainly help them develop, and they may find meaningful NBA minutes along the way as well.

Because of the addition of James, the Lakers are no longer looking to grant playing time to new rookies over veterans. The team is in a win-now mindset. However, the organization must continue to refine its player development program. Improving our rookie talent while also outfitting a contending team is the recipe for a championship caliber organization.

Next: 5 Lakers To Watch During Summer League Play

Mo Wagner and Svi may not be able to shine bright this season. Though, after a year in the G-League and some NBA minutes intermittently, their time will come sooner rather than later.