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Los Angeles Lakers May Have Found A Gem In Tarik Black

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By @pjacobosports

Tarik Black Los Angeles Lakers

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The Los Angeles Lakers may have found a diamond in the rough in Tarik Black. He was signed by the Houston Rockets after he impressed during Summer League. He averaged 10 PPG and six RPG in 20 MPG. Houston waived Black to accommodate Josh Smith. The Rockets hesitated cutting him, but ultimately Smith was an excellent opportunity to add an experienced veteran.

Black played well for Houston, even started 12 games for them while Dwight Howard was on the sidelines. The Lakers were awarded Black off waivers because they had a worse record than the Charlotte Hornets. The Lakers loved his athleticism and his communication on defense. Defense is something the Lakers are sorely lacking.

Coach Byron Scott decided to give Black a run against the Orlando Magic after he noticed his starters being lackadaisical on defense. Energy is one of Black’s specialties. He did not disappoint. He put up 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked a shot in 17 minutes of play.

Black played 20 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers and continued his impressive play. He only scored six points and pulled down six rebounds, but his lively play on the court was on display again. Coach Scott decided to sacrifice Robert Sacre’s minutes and hand them to the energetic Black.

He’s quickly turning himself into a fan favorite in Los Angeles. The Kansas product is proving if given the time, he can be effective. He put up a double-double (23 points and 12 rebounds) in his debut for the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

He reminds me of when Jordan Hill first arrived with the Lakers via trade, coincidentally also from Houston. His intensity on the court is what earned him playing time for the purple and gold. His activity on both ends of the floor earned him two contracts with the Lakers. If Black continues his strong play, he may end up finding a place on the Lakers’ rotation next season.

The Lakers are going nowhere this year. They are left scouring the waiver wire to find gems that can be useful to their rebuilding project. Thus far the Lakers have found Ed Davis, Jordan Clarkson and now Black.

Black will keep Hill, Davis, Sacre and Carlos Boozer on their toes for the rest of the year. If their play is not to coach Scott’s expectations, then a suitable replacement is waiting in Black. He’s a hungry and determined athlete who has so far earned every minute of playing time in his short career.

It’s only been three games that he has suited up for the Lakers, but his field goal percentage is off the charts. He’s made 80 percent of his attempts in limited time. In the past two games, he has not missed a shot. He’s collected eight offensive rebounds and has blocked a shot for the Lakers.

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak did right by claiming Black off waivers. The Memphis-born 6-foot-9 center is making less than the minimum this season and has a non-guaranteed deal next year. The Lakers may have stumbled upon a player who will certainly outplay his contract.

Pablo Jacobo is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @pjacobosports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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