Lakers' Injury Woes: Rookie Chris Mañon's Preseason Absence
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite some key players returning, are still facing a challenging preseason. With Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart set to make their debuts, the team is eager to see them in action. However, the clock is ticking, and with only a few preseason games left, other injured players like Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero might miss out on valuable exhibition game time. This adds to the list of absentees, including LeBron James, who will also sit out the beginning of the regular season.
One notable absence is rookie Chris Mañon, who has been ruled out of the preseason due to an ankle sprain. According to Khobi Price, Mañon's injury is a Grade 2 sprain, and it's highly unlikely he'll feature in the remaining preseason games. This news is a blow to the Lakers, who signed Mañon to a two-way contract after an impressive Summer League performance with the Golden State Warriors.
Mañon's defensive prowess, honed during his collegiate career, caught the Lakers' eye. In the California Classic, he showcased his skills with an impressive stat line, including eight points, three rebounds, and multiple steals and blocks. His overall Summer League averages were solid, with 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a notable 1.6 steals per game.
But here's where it gets controversial... Mañon's shooting needs work, with a career 3-point percentage of just 30.4%. However, his ability to defend multiple positions and make impactful plays is a valuable asset. Considering his rookie status, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach to ensure his ankle issue doesn't become a long-term concern. Once fully recovered, Mañon will likely spend time in the G League to regain match fitness before potentially joining the Lakers' rotation.
And this is the part most people miss... The Lakers have high hopes for Mañon, and his defensive skills could be a game-changer. With a bit of fine-tuning on his shooting, he has the potential to make a significant impact. It's a delicate balance between giving him time to heal and develop, and the team's need for his unique skill set.
On a brighter note, Deandre Ayton has been a standout during the preseason. He's embracing his new role as the Lakers' starting center and taking pride in being the anchor of the team's defense. Ayton's determination to change the narrative and protect the rim is a welcome addition to the team's defensive strategy.
So, what do you think? Is the Lakers' cautious approach to Mañon's injury the right move? Or should they push for his inclusion, despite the risks? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Remember, it's all about finding that balance between player development and team success.
