With his rookie season officially in the books, forward Ryan Kelly reflected on his first year in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although Kelly’s future with the team remains up in the air, the former Duke standout believes the organization wants him back according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Ryan Kelly: "I think they certainly want me back but everybody knows it's a business."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 17, 2014
It was unclear which direction the Lakers would go heading into the 2013 NBA Draft, but most believed the team would go after a backcourt player. Peyton Siva was a name that was mentioned as a potential candidate to fall to the Lakers with the 48th pick. Instead, the team decided to roll the dice on a sharpshooting forward with a foot injury.
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Kelly’s draft stock dropped considerably due to the foot injury that he was dealing with, but the Lakers were willing to roll the dice on the former Blue Devil.
Fortunately for Kelly, the Lakers selecting him gave the forward the opportunity to shine with a considerable amount of a playing time and Kelly acknowledged that fact via Winters:
Ryan Kelly: "In hindsight, there couldn't have been a better situation" (being able to be picked by the Lakers)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 17, 2014
Although a lot changes are potentially on the horizon for the Lakers, Kelly may have proven his worth in his first season in the league. Even if the Lakers choose not to retain the forward, Kelly will almost certainly draw interest around the league after an impressive rookie season in Los Angeles.
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Ryan Kelly, “It’s Been Awesome” Playing His Rookie Year At Staples Center