Yes it is only preseason, but is it only coincidence that the first two Lakers wins of the preseason against NBA competition coincide with the first two preseason appearances by Marcelo Huertas?
Huertas had eight assists in 19 minutes during the Lakers' 104-102 exhibition win over the Trail Blazers on Monday night. The 32-year-old Brazilian who signed a free-agent contract with the team in September, has 14 assists in 31 minutes over two games with Los Angeles.
Marcelo Huertas Vying For D'Angelo Russell's Starting Spot
The Lakers were leading the Warriors 85-70 with 2:16 left in the third quarter when the game was called because of poor conditions on the court. Huertas had six assists in 12 minutes during that game.
"Marcelo Huertas will make the Lakers' final roster because he's their only pure point guard," the Times reported. "He has never played an NBA regular-season game, declining millions of euros in salary to sign a $525,000 non-guaranteed contract with the Lakers, but he has already made a slew of smooth passes."
Byron Scott Now Willing To Compare D'Angelo Russell To Magic Johnson
His ability to find the open player has endeared him to his teammates.
"Especially shooters," coach Byron Scott said Monday. "They love to play with guys that pass. He's obviously strictly a throwback-type point guard where he's thinking about setting up his teammates before he ever thinks about scoring."
If Huertas has shown an early Achilles heel, it has been his shooting, the Times added. After hitting both his shots against Golden State over the weekend, Huertas was just 3-of-9, scoring eight points, against Portland.
But Huertas also has just two turnovers in those 31 minutes.
When asked whether Russell, who had 12 points and zero assists in 17 minutes vs. the Trail Blazers, had entrenched himself as the opening night starter next week against the Timberwolves, Scott was non-committal.
"Still trying to figure it out," the coach said.
With all the offseason activity the Lakers were involved in, how much of a surprise would it be if Huertas turned out to be the biggest acquisition?
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