Warriors steal a potential hidden gem from the Los Angeles Lakers
By Jason Reed
If there is one thing that the Los Angeles Lakers have been exceptional at in recent years it is finding and developing players. Whether they be late first-round picks, second-round picks or even undrafted free agents, the Lakers have been able to make the most out of unlikely names.
That is why we have to take every two-way player and G League standout in Los Angeles seriously. Not every player is going to pan out, but knowing the Lakers’ history with these players, we have to pay attention to who the team is bringing in and developing.
We also have to pay attention to the players that get poached by other NBA franchises. In this instance, the Golden State Warriors may have stolen a potential hidden gem from the Lakers, as guard Mac McClung will be playing with the defending champs in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Mac McClung making the Warriors roster would be heartbreaking for the Lakers.
In order to properly “steal” McClung from the Lakers, the Warriors would have to give him a spot on the active roster with the team. While Golden State has a pretty full roster, there is room for McClung and the Warriors need some cheaper options with their massive luxury tax.
This is not the first time that McClung has left the Lakers. He signed with the Chicago Bulls last season with a hardship 10-day contract and even played a single game with their G League affiliate.
For the most part, though, McClung spent his season with the South Bay Lakers and put together a very promising season that could absolutely translate to the NBA level.
McClung made the G-League Rookie First Team and probably should have made one of the All-NBA G League teams. The 23-year-old averaged 21.6 points, 7.6 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 46.7% from the field, 37.7% from three and 88.5% from the free-throw line.
The guy can shoot and while he might not be the most impactful defensive player, he is someone who hustles on that end of the court and can make a positive difference. A team like the Warriors could absolutely maximize McClung’s style of play, as they have before.
McClung could absolutely blossom into a true NBA rotation player and it is a shame that it might not happen in Los Angeles. For the sake of the Lakers, it might be best if McClung does not have a great Summer League so he comes back to LA.