The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a 107-100 victory at home against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, and one of the team's unsung heroes was rookie Svi Mykhailiuk.
Mykhailiuk only had six points in the win, but those came on back-to-back 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter, just when the Bulls were trying to make a run.
After the game, Lakers head coach Luke Walton praised the rookie, and said he's trying to give the youngster a consistent role with the team:
Luke Walton on if Svi Mykhailiuk can get a consistent role on this team: “I’m trying to find it.” Thinks Svi can be an “elite shooter” in the #NBA one day. #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) January 16, 2019
Mykhailiuk had a strong showing Los Angeles during Summer League and followed it up with an impressive stint with Ukraine during the 2018 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. The Lakers raved about Svi's potential, as they believed he could be a reliable shooter for the team.
Mykhailiuk was part of the Lakers' regular rotation earlier in the season, but he struggled to shoot the ball. He lost his minutes to both Josh Hart and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and is often seen playing garbage minutes.
However, Los Angeles been hit by injuries in recent weeks, particularly to LeBron James and Rajon Rondo, who haven't played with the team since their Christmas Day win against the Golden State Warriors. This has allowed Mykhailiuk to see more minutes, and it seems that the coaching staff is still optimistic that the youngster can regain his shooting touch.
Mykhailiuk would also like to be able to contribute better, and being able to shoot the ball on a consistent basis is the rookie's focus right now:
Svi Mykhailiuk on finding rhythm: “I would just say work hard and always take all the shots in practice that you would take in a game. So just practice all the plays that they are going to run for me and then just do the same thing and hit the same shot in the game.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) January 16, 2019
The Lakers' next three games will be against Western Conference contenders (Thunder, Rockets, Warriors). If Svi Mykhailiuk can do what he does best, it would be a much-needed boost for the Lakers.
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