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Las Vegas, NV - JULY 10: Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on July 10, 2022 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Las Vegas, NV - JULY 10: Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on July 10, 2022 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Hot Takes on Lakers' Shareef O'Neal, Scotty Pippen Jr. vs. Hornets

Joseph ZuckerJul 11, 2022

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their second straight game to open the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, falling 89-86 in overtime to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

Once again, many eyes were on the exploits of Shareef O'Neal and Scotty Pippen Jr.

O'Neal looked a bit like his dad when he finished off a fast break that was started by a Pippen steal. He finished with four points, seven rebounds and one steal in 15:05.

O'Neal had the best individual highlight, but Pippen was the stronger performer. The two-time first-team All-SEC guard flashed his two-way ability, posting 10 points, seven assists and three steals.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has done well to fill out the roster with limited resources, but a big piece remains on the board.

Much like how Austin Reaves emerged as a regular contributor in his rookie season, Pippen still might have the opportunity to carve out a place in Los Angeles' backcourt. He's certainly making a great impression in Las Vegas.

It will be a battle for L.A. in the Lakers' next summer league contest. They play the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET at Thomas & Mack Center.