Avery Bradley may not have been one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest free-agent signings this summer, but he possesses skill sets that the team’s backcourt sorely needs.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis in tow, not to mention a spry JaVale McGee, an emerging Kyle Kuzma and a possibly resurgent Dwight Howard on the roster, the strength of the Los Angeles Lakers this season will be their frontcourt.
But the modern NBA is largely centered around backcourt play, and the Lakers will need contributions from their guards on both ends of the floor.
Avery Bradley, a 6-foot-2 guard the Purple and Gold signed to a two-year, $9.77 million contract in July, is a complementary player who can be something of a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
Looking at the rest of the Lakers’ backcourt, they have high-level playmaking in Rajon Rondo and strong 3-point shooting, championship experience and stout defense from Danny Green.
But they don’t really have one player at either guard spot who can be counted on to produce both offensively and defensively.
Bradley is a player who can fill that need.
It was just a few years ago when, as a member of the Boston Celtics, Bradley was consistently scoring in the teens while being a solid 3-point shooter and providing his team with strong, harassing on-the-ball defense.
His production has dipped the last couple seasons, but he’s reportedly healthy and in shape now, and his teammates and coaches raved about him during training camp.
Why should Bradley start over other options such as Rondo, Quinn Cook or Alex Caruso? Here are five reasons why.