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Los Angeles Lakers: JaVale McGee is exceeding expectations so far

By Charlie Fischer

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the second quarter of their game at Moda Center on October 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the second quarter of their game at Moda Center on October 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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The Former Shaqtin-A-Fool MVP got a second chance with the Golden State Warriors the last two seasons and is now thriving with the new look Los Angeles  Lakers.

Everybody probably remembers JaVale McGee for his early career ” Shaqtin-A-Fool” moments with the Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks.  But spending the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the champion Golden State Warriors seems to have helped McGee turn his career around.

Although a stress fracture in 2014  contributed to him falling off the NBA radar, Golden State was able to give him a second chance, and McGee took advantage of it. The playing time was generally sporadic, only averaging about 9.5 minutes per game during his stint with the back-to-back champions, McGee had moments where he was able to shine and successfully contribute for coach Steve Kerr.

JaVale McGee brings an insane amount of athleticism for a seven-foot center, which he uses well for big blocks and crazy alley-oops from teammates. Considering his father was a former NBA player, and his mom a gold medalist in 1984, it should come as no surprise the things that JaVale can do on the hardwood.

When McGee signed with the Lakers on July 10th,  expectations were not very high, and at best he could be a solid back up center who you could occasionally plug into the starting lineup. Well now JaVale is far exceeding those expectations, and at times dominating for the Lakers on the defensive end.

At the time of McGee’s signing, it was fair to expect him to play the same role he has been playing the last eight years of his career. The previous time JaVale averaged more than 10 points per game was the 2011-2012 season while a member of the  Raptors. Which you could contribute to playing with LeBron James, and playing 25 minutes per games, but needless to say McGee averaging 17 per game is still impressive.

Where McGee is shining bright though is on the defensive end, his impact has been much more substantial than any statistic can tell you. Currently second in the NBA with 3.0 blocks per game, he has brought a ridiculous amount of energy, while altering dozens of shots in the process. While cleaning up the boards better than he has since his Raptor days, grabbing seven per game for the Lakers.

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There is a solid chance that JaVale has somewhat of a drop off as the season progress in production, and possibly even minutes. At the off-chance though that the 31-year-old center can maintain this over the course of a whole season, then he would one hundred percent be in the discussion for Most Improved Player of the Year.

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