Los Angeles Lakers: Ryan Kelly’s Return

By Chris Walton | Oct 19, 2014

Dec 29, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Ryan Kelly (4) drives against Philadelphia 76ers small forward Evan Turner (12) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Another day passes and yet another string of reports of a Los Angeles Lakers player recovering from early injury. With a total of six of the team’s 19-man roster being sidelined for most of this preseason, the Lakers are struggling on both ends of the court.

The season begins in approximately 10 days, and it seems that this will be ample time to get back Jordan Clarkson, Xavier Henry, Jeremy Lin, Steve Nash, and Ryan Kelly. The lone player that will miss the most significant time is Nick Young, who is expected to be out until early December.

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But as mentioned, Ryan Kelly will have a chance to come back in Sunday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz.

Last season, Ryan Kelly was certainly a surprise to the Lakers fanbase and front office. Selected as the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft, his impact was one of the biggest of many rookies in his draft class.

The former Duke Blue Devil was always an intriguing prospect.With the rare combination of size (6’11″) and 3-point range (42.2 percent at Duke), Kelly was ideal piece for Mike D’Antoni’s high-octane offense. As a stretch frontcourt player, Kelly posted encouraging stats as an NBA rookie (eight points and 3.7 rebounds per game).

In the 59 games that Kelly appeared in, he shot 43.7 percent from the field. He also started in 25 games last year.

After a summer of strength training and working to play more in the low post, Kelly was anticipated to be one the Lakers offensive contributors in his second season. A bad hamstring presented a roadblock and has caused Kelly to miss all of training camp and the team’s first four preseason games.

Friday was the first full contact scrimmage that Kelly participated in this year. Right now is the best time for a return in terms of his skill set.

The Lakers have struggled to generate points at the 3-point line this preseason. In their four games, they have attempted 28 3-pointers, in comparison to their average of 24.5 last season.

Kelly was responsible for nearly four attempts per game (3.8). Despite Byron Scott’s throwback style of basketball, Kelly’s role should not change. With his ability to spread the floor, the Lakers have a chance to generate the proper spacing that aids their offensive flow.

We may also see Kelly play all frontcourt positions, including small forward. His intangibles make him capable of being effective from each spot. With Kobe Bryant looking to penetrate the paint more, and Jeremy Lin taking the same role, Kelly will help both players’ game.

It seems as if the Lakers are crowded in the frontcourt, but Kelly will likely find his way to contributing minutes. As mentioned earlier, the Lakers need shooting at every spot they can get it.

Despite not being the biggest NBA athlete, what Ryan Kelly proved last year was the ability to adapt to NBA speed and find different ways to affect the game. Some believe that he is strictly a product of Mike D’Antoni’s free flowing offense, but Kelly was not exactly the focal point on a nightly basis.

Another benefit to his late return is the time that he has spent off of other team’s scouting reports. Kelly can easily become the Lakers’ go-to shooter off the bench until Swaggy P returns.

Even if Kelly does not see the court immediately, his restored health helps the Lakers’ chemistry. Having a player from last year’s team provides them with familiarity. Teammates know his abilities, and they could work off of each other to be successful.

Hopefully Kelly can provide some of the things that were heard throughout the summer regarding his offseason improvement. For now though, the Lakers shall relish in the wake of players getting back to 100 percent.

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