Los Angeles Lakers center Devontae Cacok had a big game in the California Classic, helping the purple and gold to their first win of the summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been a force on the Summer League scene in recent years. With so many lottery picks on the roster, they have dominated the summer circuit the last two years, making it to the finals of the Las Vegas Summer League consecutive years. However, the California Classic has not been as positive.
In the inaugural California Classic, the Lakers went 0-3. In the second installment this year, it looked like it would be more of the same.
In Game 1 against the Miami Heat, the Lakers were beaten handily, losing 106-79. Their California Classic record had run to 0-4, but they put an end to that losing streak tonight.
In Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers finally got into the win column. Los Angeles defeated Golden State 100-90 in what would be considered an upset; the Warriors were decent sized favorites at sportsbooks that offered Summer League action.
A big reason for the victory was undrafted free agent, Devontae Cacok. The former UNC-Wilmington standout came off the bench and provided excellent production right away.
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Cacok struggled a bit in the opener, shooting 3-of-9 from the field, scoring a total of eight points in 20 minutes. He added six rebounds, one assist and one block, but finished the game with a plus/minus ratio of -14. Game 2 saw a big turnaround.
In 19 minutes, Cacok dominated. He scored 16 points, going 8-of-12 from the field. He did a lot more than just score in the game, as he also stuffed the stat sheet with 12 rebounds, two assists, five steals and two blocks. After registering a negative plus/minus ratio against the Heat, Cacok finished the game against the Warriors with a plus/minus ratio of +25 to lead the team.
In four seasons with the Seahawks, Cacok was one of the best rebounders in the nation and he has carried that over thus far into his professional career. If Cacok could expand his offensive game beyond, he could stick in the NBA.
Last season we saw Johnathan Williams catch the eye of the organization with his performance in Summer League. With the current state of the NBA roster, there is a good chance that some players from Summer League are given a chance to make the NBA roster.
Cacok could be that person this season given the energy he brings to the court and the dirty work he does while out there.