The Los Angeles Lakers' season has been a failure on most levels. Now that the team is all but eliminated from playoff contention, the organization has focused on further developing its young players. Usually, this would mean Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma getting extended time. However, Ingram and Ball are out for the season, and Kuzma is dealing with injuries of his own. This means that rookie Moe Wagner will get an excellent chance to prove he can play in the league.
Wagner has been solid in the minutes he has played so far. The center had the best NBA game of his young career against the Celtics, scoring 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting in 34 minutes.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton noticed the production and has promised to continue giving the youngster more minutes. Walton told ClutchPoints writer Ryan Ward that there will plenty more opportunities:
Luke Walton on Moe Wagner: "One thing about him, the way he communicates, the way he competes so far he's been pretty good this year when we've given him opportunities, and he'll continue to get those opportunities, but you've got to be consistent in this league." #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 11, 2019
Wagner was the 25th pick of last year's draft. He played three seasons for the Michigan Wolverines and impressed with his ability to stretch the floor and initiate the offense out of the post.
Before the last few games, he had little opportunity to show the Lakers his ability. Now that the injury bug has struck and the playoffs are not a realistic goal, Wagner will get a chance to carve himself out a role.
The Lakers' starting center, JaVale McGee, will be a free agent next season. Wagner is a stretch five in a league where sharpshooting big men have never been more prevalent. If he plays his cards right, Wagner could be in the starting lineup when the Lakers begin the 2020-21 season.
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