3 Lakers Summer League players who earned a bigger role in the rotation

By Jason Reed | Jul 17, 2022

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Cole Swider #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after hitting a 3-pointer and getting a foul call against the Charlotte Hornets during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images ) /

2. Jay Huff

Jay Huff did briefly appear in one game for the Los Angeles Lakers last season but he spent most of the year with the G League South Bay Lakers. Huff currently does not have a two-way contract with the team (like Swider does) so the team would either have to give him a contract or convert Swider’s to a full-time contract to give Huff the two-way deal.

While he has earned a bigger role in the rotation, that might be the direction the team goes if it is unable to open any more roster spots this summer. Los Angeles did bring in both Thomas Bryant and Damian Jones this offseason to be the starting and backup center.

Lakers fans were excited to see Jones return to the purple and gold but in reality, Huff might be the more impactful player for the Lake Show next season. Jones will get his chance to cement himself in the rotation but it would not be surprising if Huff quickly becomes the backup five in LA.

Huff did miss some games but he scored 10 or more points in three of the four games (scoring nine in the lone omission) while also being a great rim-protecting and rebounding presence with his seven-one frame.

Better yet, Huff can space the floor as well. While he is by no means a knockdown three-point shooter, he proved in Summer League action that he can make threes. Just having that presence makes him more valuable as a rotation player.

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