TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Scotty Pippen Jr. #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores looks on during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Quarterfinal game of the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 11, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 77-71. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
No one on the Lakers Summer League roster should play big regular-season minutes this season, but these three guys could earn a place on the roster.
Superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis will determine whether or not the Lakers can be legitimate NBA title contenders this season. That doesn’t mean there’s not drama elsewhere on the roster. The battle to make the back-end of LA’s squad will likely be won or lost in Summer League.
The Lakers have 13 guaranteed contracts at the moment which means there are only really two potential roster spots up for grabs. There’s also no certainty that Los Angeles will elect to carry 15 players. They might opt to stay at 14 to lower their luxury tax bill.
It’s still worthwhile for the Lakers to find young, cheap talent to augment their highly-paid stars. These three Summer League players have a fighting chance to give the main roster a boost in the regular season.
Who could stick around from the Lakers Summer League roster?
3. Scotty Pippen, Jr.
Pippen lacks the size that made his famous father such a nightmare match-up for opponents, but he does have a lot of craft to his game. There’s a reason he managed to be a first-team All-SEC player at Vanderbilt despite any outstanding physical gifts.
His feel will only get him so far as a pro though. If Pippen Jr. wants to make the roster he’ll need to prove that he can shoot the ball at a high level from the perimeter. The Lakers need bench guys who can provide space for their big-name stars. If Pippen Jr. shoots the ball well from 3 in Summer League he could find his two-way contract converted to a conventional deal.