Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who already appear expendable in 2017-18

Tyler Ennis

Realistically, only so much could have been expected from Tyler Ennis this season. However, he seemed like solid security as the Lakers’ No. 3 point guard. As we’ve seen through three games, his role is minimal at best.

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Obviously Lonzo Ball is the main man at point guard, and will be given plenty of minutes this season as long as he’s healthy. Behind him, Jordan Clarkson has already asserted himself as the top scoring option off the bench and would get first crack in the instance Ball was unavailable.

Now based on what we’ve seen so far, I’d venture a guess that Josh Hart is actually sitting in that No. 3 role. Although most consider him a shooting guard, he has the physical tools to be the on-ball guard if called upon. He’s played more minutes than Ennis up to this point, and has been more effective.

Even before Alex Caruso was deactivated following the return of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, he had looked more impressive than Ennis as well. And with his ability to play either guard spot, the Summer League star could easily replace him in the lineup.

Ennis would be a nice throw-in on a trade, either as added value or to make the financials work. He’s no homerun talent capable of making an instant impact elsewhere, but a point guard-needy team could use his quickness and scoring abilities off the bench.