Aloha,
As the summer league progresses it’s becoming clear that the Lakers scouting department is right up there with the Heat and the Spurs as best in the NBA. After a shaky start it’s becoming clear that the scouting group have hit a few more homers this summer.
The Lakers had JHS as a lottery pick and it’s becoming clear why they were so excited when he fell to them. After a poor first half agains the Heat he has improved every quarter since. He is only 19 but plays older. He has demonstrated a great handle with the ability to get into the paint, almost at will. At 6’ 6” he has been effective defensively and has proven to be very switchable. And he finally got his long ball going. I’m not sure how much time he will get at first but he looks every bit a lottery pick so far.
Colin Castleton has been another player improving by the day. It’s funny he has the same agent as Austin. And like Austin his agent hid him. Didn’t work him out much. I wonder if he had a promise from the a lakers. Regardless he is just so fundamentally sound. Plays within himself. He brings the ball up and is a tremendous passer. I was a little worried about his rebounding in the 1st couple of games but he had 14 today. And it hasn’t all been his fault. This is a small team and he needs some help blocking out. He will have it with the big club. While he isn’t a 3 point shooter he is crafty inside the paint with great footwork to free himself for floaters and little jumpers. He had an efficient 21. But everything he does is efficient. One wonders if the Lakers are waiting on that 2nd center to see how he plays. Remember Austin started as a two way. Honestly for a team that wants to win now, I would take him over Bol Bol. Colin is just fundamentally sound and ready to go.
If you showed someone who had no idea where players were drafted a tape of this game and asked them who was the number 2 pick and who was 40 between the Hornets Miller and the Lakers Lewis, I’m sure they would all pick Lewis. After playing a little passive the first couple of games he is asserting himself in Vegas. He hits the 3. defends very well and can jump out of the gym. He had a couple of amazing dunk attempts that he was fouled on or he would have made Sports a center. The Lakers had him in the early 20’s in the draft. As he fell that when they traded up to grab him. He may spend time in the G league but boy is he a find.
It’s not just these 3 guys, Abut Max is in his 2nd year and at 20 already looks rotation ready. And many of the other guys are showing a lot of potential as well. I know Jesse Buss was frustrated by the way the Lakers used to give away draft picks. Even sold 1st rounders. Now that he has power in the organization he is demonstrating why he was right to believe in development and how it can impact the team long term.
Hi, Michael. I haven’t been able to watch these past two games, but judging from what I read in your post it seems like things are looking good. Thanks for the breakdown.
Improved for sure. Oh, on a side note, have you all seen Wemby’s legs? Toothpicks. Kinda worry about him.
I worry about him too. The physicality of the game is going to take a toll on him. This same goes for Shet Holmegreen of OKC. They both look spindly and frail. They kind of remind me of Shawn Bradley and Manut Bol types.
What I love about these kids is how much better they have become individually and collectively over the last two games. Says a lot about the players we chose and the coaches who are getting them ready to play. Lakers scouting department shines.
I’ve always enjoyed Summer League and used to attend alot back when they were played at The Pyramid in Long Beach.
When I watch these games I don’t pay too much attention to the individual stats. So many dudes trying to showcase themselves to get a contract makes it dissimilar to an actual NBA game. Instead, I just look at guys to see if they have that spark to be an NBA player. How they look when things don’t go their way, how they interact with coaches & teammates, basic footwork, do they know where they’re supposed to be on the court, are they making good decisions with the ball….that kinda stuff. All our featured guys seem to have that spark.
Obviously Max is excelling as he should as a 2nd year player going against alotta guys who won’t even make the league but his growth has made me more comfortable with him being Reaves’ primary backup. Castleton has potential but he’s gonna foul out of an NBA game in about 10 minutes at this stage. The other guys are doing well too but I don’t see anybody being ready to make a meaningful contribution this upcoming season…not sure if they’ll be able to get on the court ahead of the proven vets on this roster. Again…it’s a numbers issue. This season will be about growth & development for them. Castleton might see some time if we don’t land another center.
Nice write up Michael. I’ve watched the last 2 SL games and have come away thinking the following:
-Max Christie is ready for a larger role
-Alex Castleton will likely get his two-way upgraded to a rookie minimum deal (I think it’s just over a mil for that this season)
-Alex Fudge will be upgraded to the vacated two-way spot Alex will ascend from
-The Lakers will maybe not carry the full 15. They can still have 3 two ways, just the availability is just reduced slightly
Thanks Jamie, the longer the Lakers go without that 2nd center the more I believe the are evaluating Castleton for that role. He needs to cut down on his fouling though. Seems to be his biggest flaw at this point.