Ranking 24 worst Lakers starters of the Kobe Bryant era
By Tyler Watts
2. Ryan Kelly
The Lakers used a second-round pick on Kelly in 2013 after the 6’11 forward spent four years at Duke. The stretch four had a unique skill set that LA was hoping to translate to the NBA. It did not take long for him to crack the rotation. The Lakers were decimated by injuries in the 2013-14 season, which opened up minutes for Kelly.
The 6’11 forward played in 59 games and made 22 starts as he averaged 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 22.2 minutes per game. It was unquestionably the best season of his NBA career, despite the Lakers winning just 27 games. Kelly played more the following year but shot 33.7 percent from the field as his stats declined across the board.
His minutes dropped in year three before departing in free agency in the 2016 offseason. Kelly put up 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game over his three seasons with the Lakers. He inexplicably made 59 starts.
Kelly played just 16 more NBA games before heading overseas. The 32-year-old could still return to the league, but his best days are behind him. Ryan Kelly struggled in the NBA and will forever be one of the worst starters of the Kobe Bryant era.