End-of-Season Grades for Each Los Angeles Lakers Player
For a team that seemed destined for yet another draft lottery pick, the Los Angeles Lakers have recently turned an unexpected corner by winning again.
The Purple and Gold have been victorious in their last four games. It has diminished the lottery odds for their top-three-protected draft pick—potentially robbing them of the spoils that come with a losing season.
But there’s more to the future than tanking.
First year head coach Luke Walton addressed the renewed effort after Friday’s win against the Sacramento Kings, per Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles:
"This is what we try to do. It's not easy, too, because late in the season, normally, you check out if you're not in the playoff race. So, I'm really proud of our guys—the way they've continued to work."
It has been a year of twists and turns—the arrival of rookies, disappointing free agent acquisitions, mid-season trades and a front office shakeup. Jim Buss is out as the head of basketball operations and Mitch Kupchak is no longer the general manager. In are Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka as their replacements.
The Lakers’ road back to prominence is still long and difficult to predict. But evaluation is the name of the game at the moment—hence the annual doling out of season-ending player grades.
End of the Bench
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Metta World Peace
Kudos to Metta World Peace for completing another NBA season. The 37-year-old has only appeared in 23 games and for scant minutes at that. But now at the tail end of a memorable career, the former Ron Artest is being allowed out on the floor again. And for brief moments, you catch a glimpse of a dude that was once one of the league’s feared warriors.
Grade: Incomplete
David Nwaba
David Nwaba is living the dream. The undrafted Cal Poly guard was called up from the D-Fenders NBA D-League team and is now signed for the remainder of the season with an option for 2017-18. He’s a hard-nosed worker who plays both ends of the court, from defensive stops to tomahawk jams. Nwaba is ending the season by doing double-duty with both the Lakers and the D-Fenders (the latter for their playoff run).
Grade: Incomplete
Tyler Ennis
Tyler Ennis has bounced around the league as a backup point guard since being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2014. The 22-year-old plays a solid, low-mistake style and has been getting some burn since arriving in February as part of the Lou Williams-to-Houston trade. Ennis had a career-high 20 points Sunday against the Minnesota Timerbvolves, and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. His recent minutes uptick is all about future evaluation.
Grade: Incomplete
Corey Brewer
It’s hard to see where Corey Brewer fits in the Lakers’ future. The veteran wing was a key piece in the Williams trade and has been getting a long look at the end of the season as L.A. coaches evaluate the pieces of their curious puzzle. But while Brewer still has some speed in transition and is a passable defender, he doesn’t stretch the floor and is probably on the down side of his career.
Grade: Incomplete
Thomas Robinson
Thomas Robinson battled his way onto the roster after a training camp invite. The fact that the former fifth overall draft pick hasn’t had a huge impact in the league has much to do with constant trades and transactions—six teams in five years. He’s still a raw, athletic 6’10” bruiser with an instinct for rebounds and limited offensive skills. But the power forward might further develop with another minimum contract.
Grade: C+
C Timofey Mozgov
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The depth charge sound you hear is Timofey Mozgov’s plummeting value. After signing an offseason bonanza worth $64 million over four years, the hulking Russian delivered pedestrian stats and was shut down after 54 games.
To be fair, Mozgov is reposing on the pine so younger players can develop during the end stages of another losing season.
Plus, the veteran center had the thankless task of shoring up a nearly non-existent defense in the paint. He is who he is—a moving wall who actually has a decent shooting stroke and the ability to lumber up and down the floor at a faster pace than some might suspect.
But he was a curious choice for Walton’s free-flow offense. That might not have been the case for a playoff caliber team that could afford the luxury of a high-priced, short-minutes giant for strategic matchups.
Mozgov was a pricy gamble for the previous regime. It didn’t pay off and the team is left with a role player who doesn’t advance its youth-driven, open-court agenda.
Grade: D+
SF Luol Deng
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It’s hard to look at Luol Deng’s season as anything other than a disappointment. He averaged career-worsts in points (7.6) and assists (1.3) and nearly in rebounds too (5.3) over the course of 56 games (including 49 starts). And then he was put on the shelf next to Mozgov.
The veteran small forward was gifted with a four-year, $72 million contract last summer and you certainly can’t blame him for taking the payday.
Deng would likely have been more effective with a better team, surrounded by other capable defenders and some stretch snipers as well. But he looked a step slow and had a season-long shooting slump to boot.
Per Mark Medina of the Orange County Register, Deng is both philosophical and positive about the way his 13th NBA season went:
"Next year is a year I have to challenge myself to let everyone know what I can do. Hopefully the situation next year will be better. I’m very blessed to play this game and it’s an amazing opportunity. It’s up to me on how I handle it."
What does the future hold for the two-time All-Star in L.A.? If the new front office can pull off any kind of trade, it probably will. But it’s more likely that Deng will remain with the Lakers for another year or two until his deal is less onerous.
Grade: C
C Tarik Black
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Tarik Black’s role has fluctuated throughout the season. He was a key member of an active bench squad, had a number of games in which he didn’t play at all, and even started 16 games.
Listed generously at 6’9”, Black has played mostly as an undersized center. But while mobile, active and aggressive, the third-year undrafted big doesn’t have much of an offensive game outside the paint. In other words, he’s something of an anachronism—a small ball 5 who can’t remotely stretch the floor.
On the other hand, Black sets a great pick, dives quickly to the hoop and finishes with either a slam or an effective layup. He has also improved considerably on his free-throw form and accuracy, converting 74.8 percent of his attempts this season compared to 42.2 percent as a sophomore.
Black can be effective defensively with his energy and physicality but tends to be foul prone and can also find himself out of position and unable to adjust fast enough.
Walton has experimented with his rotation throughout the season, a fact that became even more pronounced as a losing season became primarily about development and evaluation. That flux has been obvious among big ben, with Mozgov, Zubac, Robinson, Black, Larry Nance Jr. and even starting power forward Julius Randle manning the middle for meaningful minutes.
If Black can continue to add to his toolbox, he’ll have a better chance to cement his own minutes and his role. But without those added skills, his time could be absorbed by other players.
Grade: C+
SF/SG Nick Young
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Nick Young presents an interesting riddle for the Lakers.
It was a forgone conclusion that the shot-happy wing’s time in L.A. was over a year ago, after a disastrous run under coach Byron Scott. But lo and behold, Swaggy P not only survived but actually thrived under Walton.
Credit Young’s late-career turnaround as a willing defender, as well as a new penchant for catch-and-shoot treys rather than his customary anything-goes forays while trying to create for himself. He started all 60 games he played in this season before joining Deng and Mozgov as sideline spectators.
So what comes next? Young has a $5.6 million dollar player option. But according to the Los Angeles Times’ Tania Ganguli, he has not yet decided whether to test the waters elsewhere, adding that he'd love to stay and "see young guys grow."
Young shot 40.4 percent from downtown this season and earned a trip to the Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend. But while his willingness to take more in-rhythm shots is a good thing, he can also fall too in love with the long-ball, forgoing open lanes to the basket. This is why he doesn't deserve anything higher than a B, as those missed opportunities can mean a lot to a young team developing talent for the future.
It’s also valid to point out that he seems to pour it on during contract years, just as he did three seasons ago under coach Mike D’Antoni.
In a nutshell, this is a player who surprised a lot of doubters this year. But nonetheless, he’s not the most consistent baller in the league, as evidenced by the fact that his points-per-game average was highest in February (15.7) and then dropped each month all the way down to 10.5 in March before being shut down for the year.
Much will depend on the draft and the Lakers’ pursuit of more meaningful names in free agency this summer. It wouldn’t be crazy to give Young a modest bump on a new two-year contract. But L.A. shouldn't match any mad-money offers.
Grade: B
C Ivica Zubac
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Other than a high ankle sprain that closed out his rookie chapter, Ivica Zubac has been a textbook example of how to properly develop young talent.
The 7'1" Croatian center was a second-round pick in last year’s draft. It became obvious during summer league action that the kid could play. He has nice instincts, soft hands and the ability to reject shots at the rim with authority.
Walton brought the prospect along slowly, including seasoning with the team’s D-League affiliate. Zubac averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and one block over the course of 14 games with the Los Angeles D-Fenders. He eventually wound up starting 11 out of 38 games for the Lakers. Zubac’s rookie campaign may have started slow (part of the reason we can't give in and offer him an 'A' this season) but it ended with a surge.
In a league that continues to lessen its emphasis on traditional centers, Zubac presents an interesting challenge: How good can he eventually become and how should he mould his game?
During a Lakers Voices interview with Mike Trudell, Zubac spoke of goals for the future. He has topped the team’s workout board for the season, dropping from 282 to 258 pounds with the intention of running faster and jumping higher. He wants to improve his low-post defense and continues to evolve his mid-range shooting touch. Zubac has also developed a sky hook during practice and hopes to break it out during a game next season.
He also spoke in the interview about modeling his game after Marc Gasol. This is a prospect who is doing all the right things. And he has the attention of the coaching staff as well as mentors like Nance and World Peace.
All that said, Zubac can't earn a grade higher than a 'B' here because, while promising, he did play in just 38 games at 16 minutes per night. There’s no substitution for consistent playing time, and hopefully he'll get the chance next season.
After all, battling the best bigs in the NBA on a nightly basis will do wonders for the 20-year-old.
Grade: B
PF Larry Nance Jr.
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Nance Jr. is ending his second NBA season as the Lakers’ starting center—this due to Mozgov and Zubac both being inactive. It has been an intriguing switch for the 6’9” power forward.
Nance’s cache has been energy, high-flying dunks and a continuing ability to broaden his scope. Part of that has entailed a gradually improving mid-to-outside jumper and a growing confidence to let it fly. But shifting over to the 5 may have opened up another door.
Nance has averaged 10.4 points and 9.6 boards in five starts at center. He has also upped his steals with 2.0 per game. The combination of mobility, good court vision, excellent rebounding instincts and sneaky hands could help solidify a future role as a Swiss Army Knife for Walton.
This isn’t an entirely new development. Scott tried playing Nance alongside Julius Randle on occasion last season. That pairing has been more common this year. But it’s the first extended tryout for two players together in the starting lineup.
This comes at the end of a season in which Randle had already spent time sliding over to the 5 in small-ball rotations. Nance, however, may be better suited to the situation with his understanding of defensive rotations as well as the best foot movement of any of L.A.’s bigs.
Nance has battled health issues—Crohn’s Disease, a torn right ACL in college and a left knee strain this season. He needs to be less reliant on athleticism and become a more consistent scorer outside the paint. But there isn’t a guy on the squad who will give more effort.
Grade: B
G Jordan Clarkson
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How much upside is left for Jordan Clarkson? The 24-year-old has played both guard positions for the Lakers over the course of three seasons and has been a starter and key bench player in equal amounts. After so much early promise, the 2015 NBA All-Rookie First Team honoree may have plateaued.
Clarkson had a Cinderella story in his first year—a second-round pick with a chip on his shoulder who outperformed all expectations. But he has zig-zagged between running the point and shooting guard for both Scott and Walton, and it’s still not clear where he’s best suited. Walton recently switched Clarkson back to ball-handling duties with D’Angelo Russell moving over to off-guard.
In truth, both players seem most comfortable when being able to freelance as scorers. Per the Orange County Register’s Medina, Walton wants Clarkson to be able to contribute more, even on an off-night when the ball isn’t going into the bucket.
“He’s too good of an athlete. He’s one guy who loves to compete, but you can’t get locked in and focus on the fact you can’t make any shots,” Walton said. “That’ll come eventually. Get into someone on defense, make some steals, make some passes, take a charge, do something.”
But while Clarkson has often acknowledged the desire to be a more complete player, and to dedicate himself to defense, there hasn’t been a consistent improvement. He still over-dribbles, gambles unnecessarily and gets killed on picks way too often.
With Williams traded away and Young shut down, the field was wide open for a strong finish to Clarkson’s season. He’s been back in the starting lineup for nearly a month with the ball in his hands. But the results are still mixed.
Grade: B
SF Brandon Ingram
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If grades were based on potential, Brandon Ingram would be at the top of the class. He’s got a higher ceiling than any other Laker and will probably wind up as an All-Star. But for now, the rookie is a work in progress.
Selected second overall nearly a year ago, Ingram is super long, incredibly skinny and tasked with filing away a ton of information. Walton has played the 19-year-old at his natural small-forward position, at shooting guard and at the point. There are even moments when he’s slid over to the 4, depending on matchups.
As relayed by Joey Ramirez of Lakers.com in a practice report, the coach envisions a player who can do just about anything:
"We don’t want him to be just a scorer or just a playmaker," Walton said. "We wanted him to be one of those guys who, literally by being on the court, winds up with blocks, steals, rebounds, points and assists. Just being all over the floor. That’s our mission for what he’s going to be."
It’s all part of a steep and ambitious learning curve designed to tutor the kid in the complete NBA game. There have been missteps along the way, plus some streaky shooting—he’s 29.7 percent from beyond the arc (it was even worse earlier in the season).
He can be silky smooth while advancing the ball, manipulating the opposition and either dishing off, taking the shot or loping in for a dunk. He also has an innate sense for defending and great timing for rebounds and blocks. And he can also get tangled up with his own outrageously long puppy limbs.
Ingram may not have become the instant superstar some had hoped for. But there’s been a method to his development and that’s an absolute top priority for the Lakers.
Grade: B+
PF Julius Randle
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Randle continues to evolve his game in L.A., the most recent development being a greater willingness to stretch the floor.
Technically, the 2014 No. 7 draft pick is in his third year, but he sat out all but 14 minutes of his rookie season with a broken leg. In what is essentially his second season, his tantalizing ability to run the floor, facilitate for others and snag rebounds make him a valuable commodity. His improving jumper only adds to the cache.
Kentucky’s John Calipari was on hand Friday night as his former one-and-done star poured out 25 points in a win against the Sacramento Kings. Randle missed his only two three-point attempts but scored efficiently overall on 10-of-14 shooting.
“What I see is a guy who is more comfortable with what he’s able to do. He plays to his strengths,” Calipari said, per the Orange County Register. “I just want him to shoot some threes and pick-and-pops. I want to see more of that only because I know he can do it.”
Now only if Randle could become a feared defender as well.
To be fair, the 22-year-old has shown progress. He has cut down on silly reach-in fouls and is better at sliding his feet than he once was. But he’s also a guy who doesn’t really have the natural instincts to anticipate where his man is going, or to easily adjust on help defense.
That said, he’s working on an area that has never been his forte. It’s also worth noting that fluctuating rotations and the ongoing development of teammates are part of the Lakers' defensive woes.
Fortunately, there’s a lot more good than bad when it comes to Randle, whether it’s romping with the ball coast-to-coast, playmaking on the fly or carrying the weight of scoring when needed. Once he puts it all together, he’ll be an incredible load for opposing teams to handle.
Grade: B+
G D’Angelo Russell
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Russell may be topping the list here, but it sure isn’t by a lot. The second overall pick in the draft two years ago has been brilliant as often as he's been perplexing.
The promise and potential are still there. The question is: When will we consistently see the real Russell and what does that look like?
Russell recently shifted over to shooting guard after running the point with Young at the 2 for most of the season. The move doesn’t seem to have hindered his ability to facilitate. Indeed, he had a well-balanced game in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, with 28 points, six boards and five dimes.
The role reversal with Clarkson as the primary ball-handler seems to have resulted in a better comfort level for Russell. He’s attacking in the paint, darting out behind the arc and connecting on some wide-open looks.
After a breakout 40 points against Cleveland recently, the combo guard described his situation in diplomatic terms, per Lakers.com: “Whatever position they have me at on the court, I’m a basketball player, not a point guard or a shooting guard. I just try to make the best of it.”
Bonus points for a buzzer-beating game-winner Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite the recent good nights, Russell can still be incredibly streaky. A few misses can undermine his confidence and snowball quickly into a bad night. But his overall trajectory is climbing, even if it sometimes resembles a stock chart’s peaks and valleys.
Russell isn’t yet the star that many expected coming out of Ohio State. But he has made strides compared to a rookie season in which he was yanked back and forth by Scott and was rarely allowed into the game during crunch time.
Grade: B+
Stats are courtesy of ESPN and Basketball-Reference, and are current as of the end of games on April 9, 2017.
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