Lakers News: Mike D’Antoni Excited To See Ryan Kelly’s Improvement

092013-NBA-Lakers-Ryan-Kelly-DG-PI_2013092022480350_660_320Ryan Kelly has earned a spot in the Lakers’ rotation, and the rookie is beginning the gain the trust of the coaching staff.

The former Duke Blue Devil did not see a lot of playing time in the early stages of his Lakers career, but with all the injuries to the roster his number has been called multiple times. Kelly played a career-high 17 minutes in the Lakers’ Christmas Day game against the Heat and managed to score two points and grabbed a rebound.

However, what is most impressive about Kelly does not show up on the box score. For a rookie, Kelly has a great understanding of the game and plays efficiently on both ends of the court. Coach Mike D’Antoni spoke to the Los Angeles Times and talked about his impressive first-year player.

“He knows how to play, defensively and offensively,” said Coach Mike D’Antoni after practice on Thursday. “Defensively he’s the first one to get to the right spot. I think that going forward, he can keep earning more time. I’m pretty excited about him.”

Kelly still has a lot to learn and as what every rookie, he needs to be more consistent with his play. Nevertheless, the 48th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft has a bright future with the Lakers if he continues his rate of improvement.

———————————————————–
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Pokes Fun At Nick Young, Talks About The Test Of Achilles

You May Also Like

Judgement Day: Who Is The “Next Kobe Bryant”

As sports fans, we are always searching for that “next guy” who…

PHOTOS: Nike Kobe 9 Elite ‘Christmas’

[new_royalslider id=”345″] The Nike Kobe 9 Elite ‘Christmas’ Edition arrives in high…

JJ Redick Addresses Claims He ‘Skipped The Line’ To Become Lakers Head Coach

Once the Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham, it seemed their sights were set on bringing…

Lakers News: Lonzo Ball Won’t Return Until Pain Subsides, Which May Not Be Until After All-Star Game

As the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA as a whole inch closer All-Star Weekend, the possibility that Lonzo Ball will be…