South Bay Lakers Guard Shaquille Harrison Named NBA G League Defensive Player Of The Year
Shaquille Harrison, South Bay Lakers
(Photo by Sam Hodde/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers have done an excellent job of utilizing their G League counterpart, the South Bay Lakers, to develop talent. Whether it’s two-way players, draft picks or undrafted players looking to find a spot in the NBA, there has been a lot of talented players to suit up for South Bay and one of the better ones this year has been Shaquille Harrison.

An undrafted guard out of Tulsa back in 2017, Harrison has spent the past seven seasons bouncing back and forth between the NBA and G League. Harrison had a three-game early this season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but has spent all year with the South Bay Lakers, appearing in all 34 games.

And Harrison made a major impact, namely on the defensive side of the ball. Harrison led the G League in steals and for his efforts, was named the Kia NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year, via NBA PR:

This is the second time in three seasons that Harrison has won this award, proving he isn’t just a flash in the pan. He did a little bit of everything in his second season with the South Bay Lakers, averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists to go along with the G League best 2.9 steals per game.

Of course the ultimate goal for Harrison is to find himself a regular spot in the NBA, which he has been working towards. Earlier in his career Harrison had carved out a role with the Chicago Bulls, appearing in 116 games in 2019 and 2020. But since then he hasn’t quite been able to stick.

But his defensive abilities should at least give teams a reason to give him a long look as he has been excellent with the South Bay Lakers over the past two years and is well deserving of this award.

Darvin Ham to talk to young Lakers after ending against Wizards

A couple of players who have made plenty of appearances alongside Harrison with the South Bay Lakers were on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of their contest against the Washington Wizards. But the likes of Maxwell Lewis and Colin Castleton allowed Washington to go on a late run, forcing head coach Darvin Ham to re-insert the starters to seal the victory.

While Ham was happy the Lakers got the win to cap their road trip, he noted that he will sit a couple of the young Lakers down and speak with them after the contest. Ham noted that young players are trying to establish themselves and should always give 100% regardless of when they get put in the game, adding that they should all have the mindset of everything being earned.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: LeBron James Knew ‘What I Was Getting Myself Into,’ Lending To Message Of Patience With Young Core

While the thought of LeBron James potentially signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency began to gain steam…

Lakers News And Rumors Recap: Will Kobe Remain A Laker After This Season?

This morning, it was confirmed by Los Angeles Times writer Mike Bresnahan…

Nuggets President Josh Kroenke Attempted To Recruit LeBron James In Free Agency By Sending Him Throwback Jersey

As LeBron James was looking to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to another berth in the NBA Finals, there was plenty of speculation over his forthcoming free agency. Many…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Explains Benefits Of Five-Out Offense

The Los Angeles Lakers are expecting big things out of new head coach JJ Redick, who comes in with no previous coaching experience…