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NBA Rookie Rankings 2/9/14: Lakers’ Ryan Kelly Joins The Rookie of the Year Race

By Nathan Giese

Feb 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) shoots in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) shoots in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Ryan Kelly, Los Angeles Lakers

Jan 24, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Ryan Kelly (4) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-105. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Ryan Kelly (4) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-105. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Nobody expected Ryan Kelly to suit up for the Lakers this season. Then again, Lakers fans were also hoping for a winning team. But due to several injuries and a need for bodies L.A. called up Ryan Kelly and he’s been terrific for them since his call-up for D-League.

Kelly has averaged more than 12 points per game on 45 percent shooting from the field in his last 10 games. He’s scored in double figures eight times already, including a career-high 26 points on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He did so when the Lakers technically had only four players to finish the game.

Ryan Kelly is stepping up for the Lakers when they desperately need some kind of silver lining to this lost season. Expect the unexpected, as they always say.