Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Players who will be X-Factors
By Robert Marvi
5. Avery Bradley
He was one of the last players the Lakers signed via free agency in early July, but he will undoubtedly be one of the most important ones.
Bradley can give the Lakers two qualities that are lacking elsewhere in their backcourt: the ability to create his own shot, and a small guard who can get in the grille of opposing guards and pressure their ball-handling.
As LeBron James continues to age and pile up mileage, part of his “load management” strategy needs to be having one or two other players alongside him that can attack in the open court and create offense either for themselves or teammates.
Bradley seems to fit the bill. He’s an undersized ball-handling 2 guard who can push the ball in transition and call his own number offensively, therefore taking some of that load off James.
Bradley’s ability to hound opposing guards will also be key for new head coach Frank Vogel. At least in theory, it will give the Lakers the ability to play some pressure defense and make opposing teams work to bring the ball upcourt and initiate their set offense, which will result in them having less time on the shot clock to work with.
Bradley has been hampered by injuries lately, but before that he was consistently scoring in the teens. He recently claimed that he has been working hard to get in better shape.
Avery Bradley battled injuries after his strong year in 16 he’s now in shape and shed the 40 extra pounds he had w Clipps...he has a lot to prove at 28 he said..I will post later Laker fans will love his attitude...btw off camera he said Boogie is in shape been texting him a lot
— Chris Geeter McGee (@geeter3) July 12, 2019
If Bradley regains the form he showed just a couple short years ago in Boston, it will go a long way in helping the Lakers field a well-balanced backcourt rotation.
In case you’ve forgotten how good Bradley was, here’s a reminder: