The Los Angeles Lakers entered this year’s NBA summer league with a promising roster that includes No. 24 overall draft pick Cameron Carr, second-year forwards Adou Thiero and Arthur Kaluma and defensive dynamo guard Chris Mañon. By defeating the Chicago Bulls 105-82 on Thursday, they went undefeated in their four non-playoff games and had the best point differential at 17.5 points.
As a result, the Lakers are moving on to the semifinal round of the summer league postseason. Their semifinal matchup will take place on Saturday, July 18, versus the Golden State Warriors at 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time, and it can be seen on Prime Video.
While Carr’s 3-point shooting has been streaky, he has looked like he is ready to soon get some playing time in the NBA with the Lakers. Thiero is gradually looking like less of a bull in a china shop when he drives to the basket, and he seems increasingly willing to pass the ball while driving when he doesn’t have a good shot opportunity.
Kaluma is looking like a diamond in the rough, especially offensively, and many fans feel he deserves a two-way contract. Mañon has been a pest on the defensive end, and he has also had some very productive offensive games.
The Lakers haven’t won the summer league title since 2017. That year, their roster included Kyle Kumza, Alex Caruso, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac, all of whom have gone on to have productive pro careers.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers’ summer league semifinal playoff matchup is set
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
