NBA Trade Grades: Lakers Get Tyler Ennis From Houston

Dec 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Tyler Ennis (6) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Pierre Jackson (55) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Tyler Ennis (6) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Pierre Jackson (55) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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October 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball against the defense of Houston Rockets guard Tyler Ennis (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball against the defense of Houston Rockets guard Tyler Ennis (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers represent yet another fresh start for Tyler Ennis, who goes to his fourth NBA club in less than three seasons.

Ennis, 22, was a first-round pick by the Phoenix Suns in 2014, was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2015, was shipped to the Rockets last September and went to the Lakers on Thursday.

He’s not at Ish Smith levels of frequent-flier miles yet, but he’s getting there quickly.

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In 31 games with the Rockets, Ennis averaged just 6.3 minutes per game and put up 1.9 points and 1.1 assists on a .391/.375/.667 slash line (that last number being 2-for-3 at the foul line).

He has started eight games in his career–all while he was with Milwaukee, but will likely get an opportunity for some run with the Lakers backing up D’Angelo Russell.

With Magic Johnson now running the front office in L.A. and the franchise wanting desperately to hang onto its top-three protected pick in this June’s draft, it makes sense to go young.

So it would make sense for Ennis to slot in behind Russell ahead of 35-year-old Jose Calderon on the depth chart.

Giving Ennis 20-22 minutes per game to show what he can do over the final 24 games of the season provides coach Luke Walton and new general manager Rob Pelinka an opportunity to at least see what they have in Ennis, who will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end after the fourth-year option on his rookie deal was declined last October by the Rockets.

Grade: C