Los Angeles Lakers: Three Players That Could Break Out

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a bounce-back year after missing the playoffs last season. They have reloaded their roster and coaching staff, and now have their sights on improving enough to challenge for a playoff berth.

The development of players under the new coaching staff will be key. There are enough younger guys on this roster to make improvements that can have a noticeable impact on the playoff chase, and there are new players who can thrive under their new circumstances.

Of the three players I am going to recommend as possible break out candidates (break out in terms of taking their game to the next level), all are getting increased opportunity or are primed to grow as they are early in their career. By being mentioned, it is not implied that any of these guys will become stars, but rather that they will come into their own and make a true impact on the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

Jeremy Lin

Certainly not the boldest of declarations, and I suppose that one could argue that he has already “broken out,” but Lin has to be on everybody’s radar when looking at a player who could see their production rise this season, and I think we will see him elevate his game another notch.

With Steve Nash penciled in as the starter (for now), some fans may think the arrow is pointing downward on Lin. However, I believe that coming into the season slow will benefit the point guard, who has been the victim of Linsanity for far too long. With the expectations in check for him, he could definitely exceed what he has done already in his NBA career.

By the end of the season, I expect Lin to be the unquestioned starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, and slot in as one of the top three scoring options for the team. If he reaches his defensive potential, we could be talking about a tremendous improvement for a player that has been called everything from an All-Star contender to an overrated, overhyped, and overpaid bench player. Jeremy Lin is a prime candidate to break out (Linsanity 2?) for the Lakers.

Ryan Kelly

Apr 16, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) shoots the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

This one is a little more of a dice roll, but Kelly can make an impact this season just in the form of pure opportunity.

Admittedly, I am not a fan of Kelly on defense, but on offense it is a different story. As a power forward with range, he provides a different look for the team than any other big man on the roster, and that could work the former Blue Devil into the rotation.

He showed flashes under coach Mike D’Antoni, and though Byron Scott‘s approach will clearly differ, there are skills that can be used in any offense that Kelly possess. As the team moves to a more set up, half-court style of offense, Kelly could slot in as a compliment to the plethora of big guys that will try to pound the rock in down low. His versatility could allow him to see the court a good amount (if the defense is there), and his offensive skill set could push him to break out.

Jordan Hill

This is another one that I have been on every time I have had the chance to talk about it. Jordan Hill is going to put up big numbers if he A) stays healthy and B) comes into the season in shape.

As the starter going into the year, Hill is primed to elevate his game to the next tier of NBA centers. He will not reach the elite tier, or even the All-Star level, but he will make a big enough impact to be considered a solid, starting caliber center, something that was in doubt when he was given the gaudy money he will be receiving from the Los Angeles Lakers this upcoming season.

If he can hit the ground running with the starting center job for the Lakers, expect Hill to put up a double-double while he’s grabbing the minutes, making an improved defensive impact and grabbing a ton of offensive boards. As the starter all season long, Hill could challenge for most improved player honors.

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