The Los Angeles Lakers completed their preseason schedule with many situations to learn from. While the roster continues adjusting to the schemes and sets of head coach Luke Walton, they also competed in order to earn their spot both in the rotation, and for some, on the roster.
The latter can be said of forward Thomas Robinson, who had to fight and grind each possession of the preseason to stand out. While competing for the final roster spot, Robinson continued cheering on the progression of his teammates, while giving it his all on the court.
Robinson’s hard work seemed to have paid off, after the breaking news regarding Yi Jianlian being granted his release from the organization.
From that point, it seemed as though Robinson and Metta World Peace were competing for one roster spot, until another surprise proved to be the final decision. The Lakers waived second-year guard Anthony Brown, cementing a spot for World Peace and Robinson on the roster.
Robinson stated his pleasure in making the roster, but also stated it was a part of his mission, via the Lakers Twitter account:
Thomas Robinson calls making the roster "one goal completed."
"On to the next one now."
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 24, 2016
During the preseason, Robinson was averaging 3.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 7.5 minutes per game. His ferociousness on both ends of the floor earned him respect amongst the roster, while his athletic abilities led to him contesting continual shots on the defensive end.
Walton, who originally stated he had two difficult cuts to make, spoke more about what led to Robinson securing his roster spot:
Luke Walton on Thomas Robinson: "He earned his spot by bringing it every day."
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 24, 2016
Robinson once said that the roster cuts were out of his hands, but his continual effort earned him his spot into this respected organization.
Now residing under the 26th head coach in Lakers franchise history, Robinson has an opportunity to grow and develop with a franchise that believes in him and his abilities.
