When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers this year, all eyes are always on LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. While Troy Brown Jr, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV are not yet household names, they are names you should be looking out for. Here are three Lakers to watch.
After missing multiple preseason games along with the first two regular season games, Troy Brown Jr. future with the Lakers seemed questionable.
As the season has progressed, Brown has become an integral part of the Lakers second unit. He is currently averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and is tied for 11th in NBA for assists with 0.9 per game. In 22 games, he has started 16 games, but as of late, head coach Darvin Ham has given Brown a bigger role coming off the bench. He is averaging 24.5 minutes per which is the most playing time he has seen since his sophomore season.
After a breakout rookie season, Austin Reaves came into his sophomore season looking to prove himself once again.
The undrafted guard has already outperformed himself during his rookie campaign. Currently Reaves is averaging 10.9 points, 3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Last year he averaged 23.2 minutes per game. This year, he is averaging 29.1 minutes.
During Friday night’s battle against the Philadelphia 76ers, Reaves put on one of the best performances of his career scoring 25 points. Even though the Lakers lost, head coach Darvin Ham praised his team for doing everything they could.
Lonnie Walker IV has been one of the most surprising members of the Lakers this year. During his four previous seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Walker was known as a good player, but at times a bit inconsistent.
During his 22 games with the Lakers, he has been able to turn the inconsistent narrative around. Currently, Walker is averaging 16 points, 2.3 rebounds and 30.8 minutes per game.
Walker is the only member of this trio that has been a consistent member of the starting rotation.
As of late many have been critical about why Brown Jr. and Reaves have not joined Walker in the starting rotation. Coach Ham has been very open about his teams construction, stating “Provide that balance, one-two punch. I think every good team has to have a one-two punch. You have your guys who initiate the game with, and you have your guys that you come off with that sustains you hopefully.”
Regardless of which lineup the Lakers go with, Brown Jr. Reaves and Walker are the Lakers should keep watching.
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