Los Angeles Lakers: 4 bold but possible predictions for 2018-19

3. MUD will lead the league in bench points 

If you don’t know what MUD is, you need to step up your Lakers social media game before the season begins. MUD is the nickname given to the bench mob of Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson.

It came via an Instagram comment by none other than Lebron on Stephenson’s Instagram post. It stands for misunderstood, underappreciated, and determined. While cheesy, it is very fitting, sort-of.

Lance Stephenson is misunderstood for a reason. No one understands Lance. I don’t even know if Lance understands Lance. This is where I show a video of Lance blowing in Lebron’s ear to try and get in his head. Which, technically speaking, I guess he did. He literally blew his breath into Lebron’s head.

MUD is a dangerous bench when you look at it closely. Four veterans, two of which have won in the NBA Finals, who have experience and IQ about the game. With exception to McGee, they can all create their own shot, handle the ball, find open players, and most importantly won’t stunt the growth of the youth. McGee brings rim protection and a great lob passing option.

No matter who you throw in as the fifth player with this squad, it’s dangerous. They are a perfect size to run with any type of lineup thrown at them and they are highly entertaining. The Lakers have done a decent job over the last couple of years of breeding high scoring benches. I don’t see that changing this year. If the Lakers want to be considered one of the best in the west, having the best bench in the league will help make that a reality.