Los Angeles Lakers: The Future Of Xavier Henry

Injuries have proven to be the biggest roadblocks in the career of many NBA prospects both old and young. In youthful players, it robs them of the chance at development and learning curve. You can’t mention the word “injury” without thinking of the Los Angeles Lakers. Both this season and last year, they experienced it at every possible spot on their roster. As mentioned, the wrath of injury may spell the end of tenure with the Lakers for one of the team’s bright spots in Xavier Henry.

It seems like yesterday that the Los Angeles Lakers front office found a gem with the signing of Xavier Henry. The former Kansas Jayhawk entered the NBA in high regard, swiped by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 12th selection in the 2010 NBA Draft. After unsuccessful stints there and with the New Orleans Hornets, his career was at a crossroads, and soon seemed to be the start of yet another young journeyman. The Lakers provided Henry with the chance he needed, and in his first season, he didn’t disappoint.

With the opportunity of playing time and confidence from former Lakers Head Coach Mike D’Antoni, the shine was inevitable for Henry. He proved that despite being far from a finished product, he can produce in the NBA. To the tune of a career-high of 10 points in 21.1 minutes per game, he finally had momentum flowing in his favor, but a wrist and knee injury ended his season prematurely, and lingered into this year. Henry was unable to attend training camp, placing him deep on the depth chart.

As the season has been playing out, the Lakers are still looking to fill out their roster. With Henry fighting to gain his timing and confidence, the team may have other plans. Los Angeles is scheduled to work out Quincy Miller and Jordan Hamilton. Both players are suited to play anywhere from shooting guard to small forward, similar to Xavier Henry.

What does this mean for Henry? There is a possibility that he may be the first name to leave the roster, since the Lakers are already full with the league maximum of 15 players. Despite being on a fully guaranteed deal, the team is looking for players to immediately contribute and solidify their future. Henry’s injuries may have robbed him of a chance to completely mirror last season’s surprising performance.

The Lakers are still standing pat with Henry, even sending him down to the Los Angeles Defenders, the team’s Developmental League affiliate. The time spent there proved to be useful, as he scored a game-high of 33 points and showed flashes of his abilities. The move may pay dividends as Henry continues to get in NBA-shape and recover from injury.

All in all, the Lakers may not be looking to cut ties with Henry just yet. After injuries to both Kobe Bryant and Nick Young in the last two years, there is plenty of value in a guy like him. The issue is a matter of Henry continuing to come along from nearly six months of consistent basketball. It’d be in their best interest to trust that he will recover, considering that he is under a one-year deal. The 23-year-old can use the team’s trust, as security aids in confidence in a league where younger players need it.

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