NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Ronnie Price Pleasantly Surprises Since Taking Over Starting Duties

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Dennis Wierzbicki - USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Wierzbicki – USA TODAY Sports

Ronnie Price was no sure thing to make the Los Angeles Lakers roster but had a successful preseason and benefited from the injuries to the team. These injuries depleted the team’s depth at point guard, and Price has been called upon since the get go to provide meaningful minutes. Recently, a switch was made to bring Jeremy Lin off of the bench in hopes of jump starting his game, and Price was awarded with the starting position. He may not be an elite point guard, but his toughness and work ethic have been a pleasant surprise for the team.

Price is one of the few players on the team capable of providing effective perimeter defense. He has shown great hands and anticipation in creating turnovers, and is not afraid to guard anyone. He can match up with quicker, more athletic guards while also holding his own against bigger, stronger perimeter players. He is averaging almost a steal and a half a game, and also does plenty of the dirty work on that end of the court.

Offensively he may not be a great shooter, but does plenty of other things well. He is a good ball-handler who can get into the paint and create opportunities. He attacks the rim hard and is unafraid of contact. He has also shown an ability to set up his teammates and averages almost four assists a game.

The Lakers did not expect much from Price this season, but he has earned his minutes and gives the team the toughness that they have not had in recent years. He does not back down from anyone, and plays extremely hard when on the court. He may not be the star point guard that they want, but he has certainly been one of the better players on the roster so far this season.

 

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