Los Angeles Lakers Need Xavier Henry To Get Healthy

By Brendan Patel on October 19, 2014

The Los Angeles Lakers lack significant depth behind star shooting guard Kobe Bryant, especially with the recent injury to Nick Young. Bryant has a lot of mileage and will need to make sure that his minutes are managed so that he can last a whole season. The team has brought in Wayne Ellington to possibly play key minutes at the position, but he has yet to prove himself during the preseason. This means that the Lakers need Xavier Henry to come back healthy so that he can be the spark plug off the bench and play starters’ minutes when necessary.

Henry struggled with multiple injuries last season and had trouble staying on the court. He had the offseason to recover, but still has lingering issues that have yet to go away. He is seeking further treatment for his knee and hopes to return soon.

Henry is a talented player who has proven that he can score and play adequate defense. He is an exciting player to watch and is capable of making momentum-changing plays. The team lacks players with athleticism and explosiveness — both of which Henry provides. He is an excellent change of pace to the veteran Bryant and would give opposing teams a different threat to watch out for.

The fact that the Lakers have already had to deal with so many injuries is alarming. They already have limited depth as it is, so they need the team to be as healthy as possible to have any chance at a successful season. Henry was good last year when he was able to stay on the court, and could be part of a good bench this season. This year, he needs to be able to stay on the court to help improve the firepower of the second unit.