3 young players Lakers should develop, 2 to give up on

By Jason Reed | Jul 21, 2023

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Cole Swider #20 of the LA Lakers in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 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. The Celtics defeat the Lakers 95-90. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – Lakers D’Moi Hodge /

The Lakers should continue to develop D’Moi Hodge

The Lakers signed D’Moi Hodge as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NBA Draft and it was apparent very early on that the Lake Show could have another diamond in the rough on its hands. Hodge compared positively to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and even said that he modeled his game after the former Laker.

The ceiling of an undrafted player is obviously different from that of someone who was drafted in the first round but there are a lot of reasons to be excited about Hodge. He brings exactly what contending teams are looking for as he can space the floor and plays tough-nosed perimeter defense.

Hodge excelled for the Lakers during Summer League and there is no doubt that he is going to get some playing time during the preseason. The Lakers would be absolutely foolish to let Hodge walk as he is someone who can develop nicely into a legitimate playoff rotation guy.

The ceiling could be even higher for Hodge in year one, though. It seems like a no-brainer that the Lakers will keep him and continue to develop him. But with only two shooting guards on the roster, Hodge could get an NBA roster spot if he continues to impress in camp and in the preseason.

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