Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Kyle Kuzma #0 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk off the court after the team's 115-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Kyle Kuzma #0 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk off the court after the team’s 115-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Lakers finished NBA Summer League at the top, winning the Las Vegas title. What are five takeaways from the Lakers’ time in the desert?

The NBA Summer League is not about winning games – it’s about evaluating talent. NBA teams like the Los Angeles Lakers use that time to check in on second- and third-year players, get a first look at their rookies and try out potential roster additions.

In fact, many NBA teams don’t wish to advance deep into the elimination round of Las Vegas Summer League. With the games at a neutral site, there are decreasing returns for keeping star players on the court for so many games in one week.

That didn’t stop the Lakers from riding the wave of success all the way to a Summer League title. While the team that ends up on top isn’t guaranteed future success, the hype for fans right now was a welcome boon to a Lakers team bereft of exciting moments the past few seasons.

With Summer League MVP Lonzo Ball dominating headlines and breaking records, the Lakers were the talk of the summer. But the team was made up of more than just one point guard, as other draft picks and free agents made an impact in Vegas and were able to win the title game without him.

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking home a Summer League championship trophy. What other takeaways will the organization bring home from Las Vegas?

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