Los Angeles Lakers Summer League
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The Los Angeles Lakers disappointed in summer league, as they went 1-4. They had all the talent in the world with players like D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle. Despite not winning games like most people thought, there were a few bright spots on the Lakers roster.
5. Tarik Black
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5. Tarik Black
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Tarik Black had a nice quiet summer in Las Vegas. He showed constant energy and nose for the ball on rebounds. Black averaged 9.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in the five games. Black closed his summer league beautifully with 16 points and 10 rebounds in their loss to Utah on Friday night.
4. Jabari Brown
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4. Jabari Brown
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Jabari Brown missed the first two summer league games with eye laceration. He came in for the final three games and he was sharp. Brown showed the scoring ability he showed as a rookie (11.9 ppg) with the Lakers. In the three games Brown averaged 17.7 points. What made the summer league a success was his improving defense and energy.
3. D'Angelo Russell
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3. D'Angelo Russell
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D'Angelo Russell hasn't been the great player most thought he would be so far. But he ended the summer league with a bang, as he finished with 21 points on 10-20 from the field. Russell connected on about seven midrange jumpers, displaying his full arsenal. In the summer league, Russell finished averaging 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. Lakers fans shouldn't panic, as he will be a special player.
2. Jordan Clarkson
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2. Jordan Clarkson
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At times it looked like Jordan Clarkson didn't belong in the summer league and I say this in a good way. Clarkson ended his rookie year in a remarkable way last season. In 28 games after the All-Star break, Clarkson averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. In the summer league, Clarkson averaged 16.8 points and 3.6 rebounds. The Lakers have a terrific backcourt in Clarkson and Russell.
1. Julius Randle
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1. Julius Randle
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Julius Randle was supposed to look rusty after coming back from a broken leg injury he suffered in his NBA debut last season. That wasn't the case as Randle looked explosive and displayed a terrific handle all summer. In four summer league games he averaged 11.5 points and 4 rebounds. Lakers fans have real reason to get excited with Randle, as he looks like a stronger Lamar Odom.
George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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