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Los Angeles Lakers: What to expect from Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk this year

By Lamarr Fields

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers selected sharpshooter Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk out of the University of Kansas with the 47th pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was a huge bright spot for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2018 NBA Summer League. Mykhailiuk averaged 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 49 percent shooting from the field.

When Mykhailiuk was drafted, he insisted he was much more than a shooter and in the Summer League he proved to be right. He showed some athleticism and his game looked well rounded.

With the Lakers, it will be hard for Mykhailiuk to get minutes with all the veteran additions at the wing position. The Lakers re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, signed Lance Stephenson and have Josh Hart, who was another player that showed out in Summer League.

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If given a chance to play, Mykhailiuk can bring the Lakers some much-needed shooting. The Lakers need shooting badly. At Kansas, Mykhailiuk shot 44 percent from three, which was substantial enough to lead the Big-12.

He could add an extra dynamic of floor spacing so that Lebron James and Lonzo Ball can do what they do best — run an offense.

Mykhailiuk also showed some ability to be a playmaker on offense with his ability to drive and kick the basketball. This bodes well, too, because the Lakers are going to need multiple playmakers on the court at any given time to make a deep run into the postseason.

Mykhailiuk is also a capable defender who competes hard. He does not have the length to offer much versatility but he plays hard on the defensive end, which is something the Lakers will need to improve on the mediocre defensive showing from last year.

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I think Mykhailiuk could be an excellent asset if given a chance to play. He would bring much-needed shooting to a Lakers team that has next to no three-point shooting. With his willingness to defend, Mykhailiuk’s chances of getting playing time bode well because the first step to beating the Golden State Warriors is a great defense.

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