Los Angeles Lakers: Three things to watch for against San Antonio Spurs
By Jason Reed
3. We want Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk!
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk has already become a bit of a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers, similar to the way Boban Marjanovic is a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Clippers. Mykhailiuk hasn’t even played an NBA regular season minute, hopefully changing that trend against the Spurs.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
With two men suspended, the path for Mykhailiuk to get decent playing time is there. With Brandon Ingram out, it is going to force Lance Stephenson to pick up some slack and potentially Michael Beasley if Kyle Kuzma starts and LeBron plays the three.
With Rajon Rondo out, it is going to force the Lakers to make a decision; play Josh Hart as a backup point guard and shooting guard, or give minutes to Isaac Bonga.
I think the team will choose the former, opting to give more minutes to Hart. That is when the domino effect comes into play.
Stephenson will then have to serve as the backup shooting guard, leaving an opening for backup small forward for none other than Mykhailiuk. Heck, even if Stephenson plays at small forward, there is still going to be a gap to fill at the two. Enter Mykhailiuk.
Either way, there are minutes to be played and there is no better option than Mykhailiuk. Not only is he a fan favorite, but he could also serve as a nice jolt at the three-point line for a team that has been pretty bad from downtown this season.
Next. Brawl could have a negative lockerroom impact. dark
Mykhailiuk may have no regular season NBA experience but he is a sharpshooter and at the very least can come off the bench and knock down three or four big shots.