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Meyers Leonard Gets NBA Comeback Chance with LAL

January 16, 2023
byTJ568 views

Meyers Leonard is the last name you expect to hear when the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for reinforcements for their big men. However, the controversial big man is getting another shot at playing in the league after the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly gave him a tryout over the weekend.

According to Shams Charania, the former Miami Heat big man was invited to a tryout to provide defensive cover down low for the roster. The reactions to Charania’s tweet range from disgust to delight at how badly the Lakers need defensive help. 

OKBET Meyers Leonard

The Lakers are close to the bottom of the Western Conference, which is unacceptable for long-time Laker fans. They already missed two playoffs with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and not making the third one might spell the end of this duo in Lakers jerseys.

OKBET players who are also Lakers fans are bewildered why they targeted such a controversial big man. However, the stats tell a story that justifies the decision.

The most apparent source of the problem is their interior defense. They allowed the fourth-most 2PT FG% in the league. Lottery teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons are allowing more 2PT FGs than them.

They also need help with getting offensive rebounds. They’re 22nd in the league at 9.5 ORPG, which is terrible for a team 26th in three-point shooting percentage.

Meyers Leonard already cut a controversial figure when the Miami Heat released him in 2021. The former Portland Trail Blazer was cut from the team after saying an anti-semitic word during a live stream.

Leonard averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 48% FG and 39% 3PT.

Cousins Also Handed Lakers Tryout

Aside from Leonard, the Lakers also gave DeMarcus Cousins a shot to play for a spot.

The fifth pick of the 2010 Draft was supposed to join the Lakers’ 2019/20 championship team before he tore his ACL and got waived in February 2020. He has played for four teams since then, failing to force himself into the team’s rotation each time.

This tryout is the second shot Boogie needs to play for the Purple and Gold. While Thomas Bryant has been an excellent pickup for the Lakers, he’s not comfortable playing defensively down low. The former Kentucky Wildcat will hope he beats Leonard into the vacant interior defender position for a talented but struggling Lakers team.

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