Los Angeles Lakers Regular Season Grades: Forwards and Centers

JaVale McGee: D+

Defensive Real Plus-Minus: 0.21 (7th)

Field-Goal Percentage Differential: -3.4 (5th)

Defensive Rating: 109.9 (11th)

Offensive Rating: 105.5 (5th)

On/Off Offensive Differential: 0.6 (5th)

Traditional Stats: 12 PPG, 8 RPG, 1 APG, .624 FG%

McGee started the season playing hard on the less glamorous side of the ball, however, his effort early on didn’t translate into great defensive numbers.

In November he had a 106.2 defensive rating, which was 11th on the Lakers. As the season continued, JaVale’s determination on D waned so his defensive statistics grew worse. In January McGee had 108.1 defensive rating. In February his DEFRTG was 123.3, and during April he finished the year with a 122.7 DEFRTG.

McGee’s offensive statistics were a pleasant surprise. He finished the season with a good offensive rating and a respectable On/Off offensive differential. His good advanced statistics on the fun side of the court were due mainly to his excellent field goal percentage, which was 8th in the NBA (minimum 15 minutes per game).

McGee is a very talented player, but he’s never tried particularly hard, which is one of the biggest reasons he’s been on six different teams during his career. He’s also never been described as mentally tough, instead, he’s been “Shaqtin’ the Fool’s” biggest star.

He gets a D+ grade because in January after LeBron got injured and in February when the Lakers organization turned into a circus, the Purple and Gold needed JaVale McGee, the two time NBA Champion to step up and lead. He didn’t help to guide the Lakers though.

Instead in January, he had a -11.9 net rating, good for 2nd to last on the team and in February he had a -6.5 net rating which was 10th on the Lakers.