Tier Three
Avery Bradley:
26 Minutes,10.5 Points, 2 Rebounds, 3 Assists,1 Steal, 39.5% 3-point, 44% – FG
Avery Bradley’s ample concern will be staying on the floor. Bradley hasn’t enjoyed a regular season of playing more than 65 games in four years, with only two seasons like such in his entire career. Hoping he can stay healthy, the Lakers can expect Bradley to put up modest numbers that won’t signify the impact he’ll have on the court.
Pelinka acquired Avery Bradley for his perimeter defense and his acceptable 3-point shooting ability. Avery might be the starting point guard to begin the season, but if he isn’t he’ll be given good minutes anyhow by the defensive-minded Frank Vogel. Expect Bradley to average 26 minutes per game, with his three-point shooting, perimeter defense, and adequate scoring contribution at the forefront of his projected stat-line.
Rajon Rondo:
22 Minutes, 6 Points, 4 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 0.5 Steals, 36% 3-point
Rondo will likely have games where he plays 40 minutes in, and others where he may not play at all. If that’s the case, don’t be surprised. Come playoff time, Rondo’s minutes will increase significantly on a team that lacks true point guard talent. He’ll get an average of 22 minutes per-game but consistent playing time will be tough for Vogel to promise Rondo.
That being said, Rajon Rondo is the most talented point guard on the roster, therefore, he should get some nice run off the bench during the regular season. He’ll only trail LeBron in the assists per game category for the Lakers and contribute to the teams rebounding like he’s been accustomed to doing throughout his entire career.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope:
15 Minutes, 5.5 Points, 2.5 Rebounds, 0.75 Steals
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a nice player to have come off your bench, but he’ll have to compete with Danny Green and Avery Bradley for minutes at the shooting guard position this season. Green and Bradley seem to be ahead of Pope in Vogel’s potential rotation, as they should be.
That being said, Pope could wind up drawing solid minutes if the Lakers can’t find the right small forward to back-up LeBron James, aka Andre Iguodala. Expect Pope to average 15 minutes per game and be a streaky shooter. He’ll play good perimeter defense, but that’s the only certainty he’ll provide for the Lakers.
Quinn Cook:
20 Minutes, 9.5 Points , 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 43% 3-point
Cook is a shooter and arguably the team’s best. He’s a good bet to shoot over 40% from deep and that percentage could be closer to 45% than it will 40%. Cook could end up a starter for the Lakers, but whether he does or does not, he should be expected to play roughly 20 minutes per-game. He’ll be a threat to score in double-figures every night he steps onto the floor, but presents a liability on defense.