As a result of all the injuries the Los Angeles Lakers have had to deal with this season, the storied franchise was forced to look to the D-League for help. The Lakers have been reluctant in the past to bring in D-Leaguers to shoulder the load, but this season was different with the team bringing up not one but two players.
Fortunately, the two players brought up have been able to contribute immediate and might have secured a future in the NBA. Kendall Marshall is without a doubt the better of the two players thus far, but Manny Harris has also played well.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Harris and Marshall have not been told if they’ll be retained by the team:
Lakers guards Kendall Marshall and Manny Harris still have not heard if they are sticking with the team.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) January 24, 2014
Before taking on the Orlando Magic on Friday, Marshall was averaging 9.8 points and 9.3 assists per game in 15 games with the Lakers so far this season. Although these are impressive numbers, Marshall has stepped it up considerably after becoming the starter following Kobe Bryant’s knee injury.
In 11 games as the starting point guard, Marshall is averaging 11.5 points and 11.7 assists per game. Not much was expected from the former lottery pick after being signed by the Lakers, but he’s far exceeded expectations and will have a future either with the Lakers or another team next season.
As for Harris, the future might not be as bright for the former D-Leaguer as he’s struggled with his shot shooting only 29 percent from the floor in four games. Harris has a lot of potential, but might not be able to make the cut if unable to prove his worth before his 10-day contract expires on Jan. 26.
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