Los Angeles Lakers: Jemerrio Jones shining, drawing comparisons to Tony Allen

Jemerrio Jones broke the Los Angeles Lakers rebounding record for any Laker in their first NBA career start and helped propel the team to a 113-109 victory against the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles Lakers’ rookie small forward Jemerrio Jones impressed in his first career start, logging five points, 16 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal in 38 minutes in an impressive 113-109 win against the playoff-bound Utah Jazz.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Jones’ 16 rebounds is the most for any Lakers player in his first career start. In their last game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Jones pulled 10 rebounds in 25 minutes of action. These are remarkable feats considering Jones’ 6’5″ stature and are indicative of his relentless hustle.

Staples Center was abuzz with 4:41 left in the 4th quarter when Jones went up and blocked Donovan Mitchell’s layup.

“He reminds me of Tony Allen,” said Lakers’ center JaVale McGee, who logged an impressive line himself with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on 10-for-16 from the field in 26 minutes.

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Jones made it a point to thank coach Luke Walton at the end of each of the last five games for the opportunity to get on the court and showcase his abilities. Jones only learned of his start when he arrived at Staples Center last night.

"“It was my time I guess and everything happens for a reason. I’m not scoring a lot of points so I have to do the other things. I’ve been rebounding but this is on the biggest stage.”"

The Lakers signed Jemerrio Jones on March 31 on a two-year contract with a team option in for the 2019-20 season. Jones was the Lakers’ final addition this season and was essentially given six games to audition for a roster spot next season. Jones’ recent output should put him in consideration to return next season.

Jones took over Scott Machado’s roster spot after Machado’s 10-day contract expired. Machado similarly took over fan favorite Andre Ingram’s roster spot after Ingram’s 10-day contract expired. All three were called up from the Lakers’ G League affiliate team, the South Bay Lakers.

Follow Rovee Vanderbilt Pruna on Twitter at @RoveeVanderbilt and email him at roveevanderbilt@gmail.com.