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 Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

The Lakers can give up on Bryce Hamilton

Bryce Hamilton first spent time with the Miami Heat in the 2022 Summer League and was ultimately unable to stick around there. After failing to land a spot on one team that is known for developing players, Hamilton went to another team with that reputation in the Lakers.

Hamilton spent all of last season with the South Bay Lakers and he was fine. The six-four guard shot 38.5% from three and was serviceable. Nothing really jumped off the film but he was good enough to stick around in South Bay.

Unfortunately, being good enough to just stick around is not enough for an undrafted player that is trying to make his mark in the league. After giving him one last hoorah in Summer League this year, there really isn’t anything that the Lakers need to see from Hamilton.

Is he someone that might stay in South Bay and just log minutes? Sure. But there is no need for any long-term plans for a guard who is behind so many other options. Heck, LJ Figueroa is a better shooter and has more potential than Hamilton. He will get any chances before Hamilton does.

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