Going into the 2016-17 NBA season, there were a lot of questions surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and what type of season they would have this year coming off three of the worst seasons in franchise history and the retirement of perhaps the best player to ever wear purple and gold, Kobe Bryant.
The Lakers got off to a good start to the season, which was a surprise to many as their young nucleus of players were playing at a very high level combined with a group of veterans that knew their roles and were fitting in perfectly.
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They looked as if they may be poised to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but then injuries happened, and the Lakers slowed down a bit, as they have lost eight straight games.
While the Lakers were dealing with all the injuries, there has been one player that they have relied on heavily to score the basketball, especially in the fourth quarter and that’s Lou Williams.
The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year is not only leading the team in scoring at 19.2 points per game, but he is also leading the NBA is scoring off the bench.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak recently had very high praise of Williams, saying that he has been the team’s most valuable player this season, via Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report:
“I wasn’t sure how Lou would fit into a motion offense, where there’s so much passing and movement,” he continued. “I think you can say that our most valuable player has been Lou Williams.”
The 19.2 points per game is a career-high for Williams, who is in his 12th year as a pro. He is also shooting 45.3 percent from the field, which is his highest mark since the 2009-10 season and his 38.9 three-point percentage is also a career-high.
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)