Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Goudelock Must See Playing Time Behind Kobe Bryant

It’s no secret the Los Angeles Lakers are struggling to get consistent offensive production from their bench. In fact, this season the Lakers bench is dead last in scoring.

Enter Andrew Goudelock.

The rookie guard from the College of Charleston led the NCAA in three-point shooting percentage and was fourth in scoring his senior year. Despite being drafted 46th overall, there is reason to believe the kid can score.

So it comes as no surprise that he has been productive in the brief opportunities he’s been given.

In the Lakers' win over the Clippers he was absolutely crucial coming off the bench to give the team the offensive boost it needed. While it seemed as though initially he was only going to play shooting guard, he got the bulk of his minutes playing alongside Kobe Bryant as well.

However, eventually Steve Blake will return and the point guard spot will once again be crowded. And while Blake is an important part of the rotation, Goudelock has proved he deserves to get some time on the court as well.

Should Goudelock continue to shoot well from beyond the arc (he was 3-of-5 from three against Milwaukee) as well as make the proper plays within the offense, he’ll quickly solidify himself as Kobe’s backup.

With Jason Kapono failing to impress thus far, Goudelock not only has been more productive on the offensive end, but he also provides help on defense with quicker guards and in transition.

The Lakers sorely need players to help them spread the floor with solid shooting. Without players capable of making defenses stay honest, teams will continue to send double teams to Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, making the offense increasingly challenging.

But perhaps even more importantly, if Goudelock manages to establish himself as a large contributor off the bench, head coach Mike Brown might feel more comfortable resting Kobe for longer stretches.

Bryant has played more minutes than any player this season. While he has certainly played at an efficient rate, imagine how great he could be if was able to rest for just a few more minutes. Bringing his average from 38 minutes a game down to around 33 or 34 would truly allow for Bryant to have a little extra at the end of the game for when it really matters.

Come playoff time, the Lakers are going to need all the help they can get. And given the great competition in the West just to make the playoffs, the Lakers are going to have to dig deep and play as a team. However, their second unit hasn’t been productive enough to make them a dominant team.

With three potential All-Stars in Bryant, Gasol and Bynum, the team should be at the top of the conference. Giving a consistent scorer like Goudelock minutes off the bench may be one of the first steps to help it get there.