usatsi_22199468_168396005_lowres© Provided by All Lakers on FanNation
To achieve major postseason success, every NBA team needs quality role players that can be trusted. It’s the difference between the great teams and the ones that fall short come playoff time.
While basketball is a star-driven sport, oftentimes it is the players around the stars that can play the biggest roles. For the Los Angeles Lakers, forward Cam Reddish is one of the more relied-upon role players.
He has been a little inconsistent this season but is still a valuable member of the team. His ability on the defensive end of the floor has allowed him to thrive this season, and the Lakers have embraced it.
Star big man Anthony Davis appreciates what he brings to the table each game. He spoke about how Reddish impacted everything on the floor in the win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
“You know, Cam coming back, putting that pressure on. Tonight, Simons, and you know, Brogdon, he’s able to guard at a very high level,” Anthony Davis said. “And then offensively, attacking the basket, shooting the ball. So we definitely miss his presence when he’s out.”
Per Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times
In 34 games with the Lakers this season, Reddish is only averaging 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. However, he is averaging 1.2 steals per game and has hounded opponents with his aggressive approach.
If he can keep up his play, he will be given consistent minutes on the floor. He brings intensity to the table, and that is something that head coach Darvin Ham loves from his players.
Reddish hasn’t lived up to the hype that followed him out of college, but he may be finding his way a little with the Lakers. Playing alongside Davis and LeBron James, he has felt more comfortable, and it has shown out on the court.