LA Lakers: Which Young Player Has Best Chance to Crack Rotation?

Well, the Almighty LA Lakers lost in the 2012 Western Conference semifinals, and it's time to look ahead to next season.

The Lakers aren't the same team they were a few years ago, and even All-Star Kobe Bryant is beginning to get up there in years. With coach Mike Brown looking to stretch the rotation a bit, expect to see a lot more of second-year guard Andrew Goudelock.

One might not be surprised that, as Kobe's reliever, Goudelock averaged only 10 minutes per game during his rookie season in LA. He often didn't even get off the bench.

During the games he did receive playing time, however, the 23-year-old took advantage of it. In a five-game stretch—Jan. 25 to Feb. 3—when Goudelock averaged over 20 minutes per game, he also averaged 11.8 PPG.

Goudelock played four years at the College of Charleston prior to entering the NBA. While a senior, he averaged 23.7 points and 4.2 assists per game. Given a chance to get some solid minutes, he can achieve the same numbers in purple and gold.

At only 6'2", Goudelock stands in the smaller pool of pros. However, he plays aggressively and will be a huge key in LA stepping up its attack on the perimeter.

Kobe may not be going anywhere for the next couple years, but I expect the Lakers to integrate Goudelock into the regular rotation in 2012-2013.